very earnest for Strafford's coming up to the Parliament for which he laid his commands upon him and told him that as he was King of England he was able to secure him from any danger and that the Parliament should not touch one hair of his head The Earl thank'd His Majesty but replyed that if there should fall out a difference between His Majesty and his Parliament concerning him that it would be a great disturbance to His Majestie 's affairs and that he had rather suffer himself than that the King's affairs should in any measure suffer by reason of his particular The King remained unalterable in his resolution concerning Strafford's coming up to the Parliament saying that he could not want his advice in the great transactions which were like to be in this Parliament and in obedience to his Commands the Earl came up to London The King in His speech to both Houses had told them that he was resolved to put himself freely upon the love and affections of His English Subjects He told them the wants of his own Army The Calamities of the Northern Countries where both Armies lay and freely leaves it to them where to begin promiseth Redress of Greivances and desires that all suspition of one another may be layd aside Some exception being taken that in his Speech he called the Scots Rebels He after explains and Justifies in his speech to the Lords The first week was spent in naming general Committees and establishing them and receiving a great many Petitions both from particular persons and some from multitudes and brought by troups of horsemen from several Counties craving redress of Grievances and of Exorbitances both in Church and State Many were inlarged out of Prison to make their complaints Prynne Burton Bastwick and others Many smart speeches were made in the House of Commons touching grievances which Mr. Pym divided into three heads 1. Against Privilege of Parliament 2. Prejudice of Religion 3. Liberty of the Subject Under the first head were reckoned 1. Restraining the Members of Parliament from speaking 2. Forbidding the Speaker to put a question 3. Imprisoning divers Members for matters done in Parliament 4. By Proceedings against them therefore in Inferiour Courts 5. Injoyning their good behaviour and continuance in prison even unto death 6. Abrupt dissolutions of Parliament Under the second head of Religion were mentioned 1. The suspension of Laws against them of the popish Religion Laws and Oaths will not restrain them the Pope dispenceth with all 2. Their places of trust and honour in the Common wealth 3. Their free Resort to London and to the Court to communicate their Councils and designs 4. As they have a College in Rome for the Pope's authority in England so they have a Nuntio here to execute it Under Innovations of Religion were brought in 1. Maintenance of Popish Tenets in Books Sermons and Disputes 2. Practice of Popish Ceremonies countenanced and enjoyed as Altars Images Crucifixes Bowings 3. Discouragement of Protestants by rigid Prosecution of the scrupulous for things indifferent no vice made so great as Inconformity 4. Incroachment of Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction 1. In fining and imprisoning without Law 2. Challenging their Jurisdiction to be appropriate to their order Jure Divino 3. Contriving and publishing new Orders of Visitation in force as of Canons the boldness of Bishops and all their subordinate Officers and Officiales Under the third head the Grievances 1. By Tunnage and Poundage unduly taken 2. Composition for Knighthood 3. The unparalell'd greivance of Shipmoney 4. Enlargment of the Forests beyond the due bounds 5. Selling of Nusances by compounding for them 6. The Commission for building 7. The Commission for Depopulations 8. Vnlawful military charges by warrant of the King Letters of the Council and Orders of the Lieutenants of the Counties and their Deputies 9. Extrajudicial Declarations of Judges without hearing Council or Arguments 10. Monopolies countenanced by the Council Table and Justices of the Peace required to assist them 11. The Star Chamber Court 12. The King's Edicts and Proclamations lately used for maintaining Monopolies 13. The ambitions and corrupt Clergy preaching divine authority and absolute power in Kings to doe what they will 14. The Intermission of Parliaments The Lord Digby mentioned the late Benevolence and the New canon Oath which he called a Covenant against the King for Bishops and the Scots Covenant is against the King and Bishops Many other Speeches were made by several Members all of them to the same Effect touching grievances The King made the Lord Cottington Constable of the Tower of London and placed there a Garrison of 400 men to keep the City from Tumults But the House of Commons and others without much unsatisfied thereat the King took off the Garrison and Commission of Constable and left the command of it to a Lieutenant as before Upon the extraordinary confluence of Popish Recusants to London the King sent a Message to the Parliament that by Proclamation they should be removed to their places of abode and disarmed The House of Commons ordered that all Projectors and unlawful Monopolists be disabled to sit in the House and many members thereupon withdrew themselves and new Elections were made in their Rooms Complaint was made to the Lords House of breach of their Privilege by search of the Pockets Cabinets and Studies of the Earl of Warwick and the Lord Brooke upon the dissolving of the last Parliament Sir William Beecher one of the Clerks of the Council who did it upon command of the Secretaries of State was committed to the Fleet. The House of Commons sent up a Message to the Lords by Mr. Pym The impeachment of the Earl of Strafford of high treason upon which the Earl was committed to the black Rod and Sir George Ratcliffe his confederate was sent for out of Ireland by a Serjeant at Armes The two Armies lay a heavy burden on the Counties where they quartered to ease which the Parliament borrowed 100000 l. of the City of London Upon suit of the Lords to the King the Bishop of Lincoln was released out of the Tower The Earl of Strafford moved that he might be bayled by divers Lords who offered to be Sureties for him which was denied but a Council and a Sollicitor were assigned to him In the house there fell out a Debate touching the writs of Habeas corpus upon which Selden and the rest of his fellow prisoners demanded to be bayled and the Judges of the King's Bench did not bayle them as by Law they ought but required of them Sureties for their good behaviours This was so far aggravated by some that they moved the Prisoners might have Reparation out of the Estates of those Judges who then sate in the King's Bench when they were remanded to prison which Judges they named to be Hyde Jones and Whitelocke as for Judge Crooke who was one of that Court they excused him as differing
mightily increased the Scots Successes animated other Subjects to their illegal Pretences and impious Actions and in this time of the King's absence in Scotland the Irish Flames of Rebellion brake forth having been thus kindled The last year the Parliament at Dublin sent a Committee hither with a Remonstrance to the King of their Grievances and Pressures under the Government of the Earl of Strafford whom they had accused of high Treason The King gave them most favourable Answers and Redresses and parted with much of his own to give contentment to his Irish Subjects Mr. Wainsford Deputy there to the Earl of Strafford Lieutenant being dead the King by Commission constituted the Lord Ditton and Sir William Parsons in the Government there but finding Ditton not well liked he made Sir William Parsons and Sir John Borlace generally approved to be the Lords Justices there These applyed themselves to give all satisfaction to the people they abated the Subsidies given in Strafford's time from 40000 l. to 12000 l. Passed an Act of Limitation much desired to settle all Estates for sixty years precedent and another for relinquishing the King's Right found for him by Inquisition to four Counties in Connaght and other Territories He declared the Earl of Leicester Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and the Papists there were permitted a private enjoyment of their Religion and a general good Agreement was had between the English and Irish In this Security the Irish Army was disbanded after which and in the King's absence in Scotland about October 23. there brake forth so horrid black and flagitious a Rebellion in Ireland as cannot be parallell'd in the Stories of any other Nation This was fomented and contrived by their Popish Priests and Lawyers some of their Maxims in Law were That any one being slain in Rebellion though found by Record gave the King no Forfeiture That though many thousands were in Arms and exercising the violences of War yet if they professed not to rise against the King it was no Rebellion That if one were Outlawed for Treason his Heir might reverse the Outlawry and be restored These and the like Tenets they published in their Parliaments and endeavoured a Suspension of Poyning's Act and the Act for annexing that Kingdom to the Crown of England and assumed a power of Judicature in Criminal and Capital Causes to be in their Parliament They took advantage of the Scots Sucesses of their Favourers in England and our Distractions here of the disbanding the Army there and the Death of the Earl of Strafford They raise Forces give out that the Queen was in the head of them and the King was coming with an Army to them and the Scots had made a League with them that they were authorised by the King's Commission and asserted his Cause against the Puritans of England To their Country-men they scatter Advertisements out of England of a Statute there lately made That all Irish shall come to the Protestant Worship on pain of loss of Goods for the first Offence of Lands for the second and of Life for the third Offence They give them hope to recover their Liberties and ancient Customs to shake off the English Yoke to have a King of their own Nation and to possess Goods and Estates of the English These Motives they published in Print That the King and Queen were curbed by the Puritans and their Prerogatives abolished which these as loyal Subjects take to heart and that the Catholick Religion is suppressed in England and the Catholicks there persecuted with all rigour even to death and that the Puritans in Ireland have threatned to doe the same there That in Ireland the Catholicks are made uncapable of any Office to the decay of them in their Estates Education and Learning That the Government of their Country is in the hand of Strangers who come thither poor and mean yet soon rise to wealth and honour by oppressing the Natives That there have been threatnings to send Forces to compel the Consciences of the Irish and to cut their Throats and that the Catholicks are not allowed to have any Arms or Ammunition but the Protestants and Puritans may Vpon all which they saw no way but to attempt to seize upon Arms where they could get them to save their Lives maintain the King and Queen their Religion and Country Upon these pretences and manifest untruths they ground their taking up of Arms. The first suspicion whereof was by Sir William Cole who about Octob. 11. wrote to the Lords Justices of great resort to Sir Phelim Oneale and to the Lord Macquierre and they were exceeding busie about dispatches About October 21. He wrote another Letter to them of what some Irish had revealed to him of a design to seize the Castle of Dublin to murther the Lords Justices and Councel and all the Protestants there and throughout the Kingdom But this Letter came not to their hands When many of the Conspirators were come to Dublin and met there at a Tavern one Owen O Conelly an Irish-man but a true Protestant came to Sir William Parsons about Nine a Clock at Night with a broken relation of a great Conspiracy to seize the Castle the next morning and that Mac Mahon who was one of them had told him so much Parsons seeing Conelly distempered with drink gave the less credit to his relation but wished him to return to Mac Mahon to get out of him what he could further of the Plot and to return to him again that Night Yet he did not so slight the Information but that secretly he ordered strong Guards in several places and assembled the Councel where they expected the return of Conelly who coming to them was seized on by the Guards who had carried him to Prison and so prevented the discovery of the Plot had not a Servant of Sir VVilliam Parsons accidentally come by and rescued Conelly and brought him somewhat recovered of his drinking unto the Lords Justices and Councel who confessed that a few days before upon Letters from Mac Mahon he went to meet him at Connaght but he being gone to Dublin Conelly followed him thither and they two went to the lodging of the Lord Macquierre that by the way Mac Mahon told O Conelly that this Night there would be a great number of Irish Noblemen Papists in Dublin who with himself would take the Castle by Morning then force the City by the Ordnance and destroy all the Protestants and so divers others were ordered in all parts of the Kingdom to seize and destroy all the English at an Hour designed viz. to Morrow by Ten a Clock and that no posting nor speed could prevent it That Conelly moved Mac Mahon to discover it rather to the State to prevent the mischief But he answered He could not help it yet that they owned their allegiance to the King and pay it to him but what they did was against the tyrannical Government over them and
time upon the besiegers but were beaten back with loss they were in great want of Salt in the City but the besiegers drew off to a greater distance from the City the better to resist their Sallies and to receive Prince Rupert who was come to Craven The Portugeses had a great Victory against the Spaniards The Lords consented to the Ordinance for secluding the Members of both Houses who had deserted the Parliament The Portugal Ambassadour desired to be heard before some Ships appointed for that purpose did go to the River Amazons within his Masters dominions which was referred to a Committee The Archbishop came again to his Tryal Prince Maurice sent a party to burn Barnstable but the Town rose against them shut them out and killed about 20 of them hereof they gave notice to the Lord General who sent the Lord Roberts with a strong party to secure them The Lord Grey routed a party of the Enemy near Stamford killed 6 of them took 40 horse and as many Gentlemen and divers inferiour Officers and pursued Colonel Hastings and his forces The besiegers of Greenland-house had almost beaten the house about the Ears of the Garrison A Committee was appointed to consider of the manner of reception of the Dutch Ambassadour and of other Ambassadours Upon Prince Rupert's coming towards York the besiegers drew off from the City to be the better prepared to receive the Prince Divers Letters were intercepted going from Oxford to the Queen wherein the King acquaints her with the Parliaments purpose to present him Propositions for Peace which if She likes he thinks will be the best way for settlement as things now stand In those and other Letters there are relations of the late fight at Cropedy-bridg and of other incounters much different from the relations thereof made by the Commanders upon the place Colonel Warren taken prisoner by the Parliaments Forces in the North and now prisoner in Hull was sent for up to the Parliament in whose service he had formerly been and they committed him to the Tower Colonel Monke is said to have done good service for the Parliament against the Irish Rebels till he received a Command from the King upon which he deserted his Regiment in Ireland and served in person against the Parliament whose forces took him prisoner with Colonel Warren and he was now likewise committed to the Tower Prince Rupert having relieved the Countess of Derby who had couragiously defended Lathom-house besieged 18 weeks by Colonel Ashton Moore and Rigby and they being all drawn off The Prince marched towards York with 20000 horse and foot upon notice whereof the three Generals for the Parliament Leven Manchester and Fairfax raised their Siege from before York and drew into a large plain about 8 miles from the City called Marston Moore The Prince fetching a compass about with his Army got into York and there the Earl of Newcastle with 6 or 7000 men joyning with him they both marched unto Marston Moore and possessed themselves of the best places of Advantage for ground and wind The Right Wing of the Parliament was commanded by Sir Thomas Fairfax and consisted of all his horse and three Regiments of the Scots horse the Left Wing was commanded by the Earl of Manchester and Colonel Cromwel One body of their foot was commanded by the Lord Fairfax and consisted of his foot and two brigades of the Scots foot for a reserve and the main body of the rest of the foot was commanded by General Leven The Right Wing of the Prince's Army was commanded by the Earl of Newcastle the left Wing by the Prince himself and the main body commanded by General Goring Sir Charles Lucas and Major General Porter thus were both sides drawn up into Batalia July the 3d. In this posture both Armies faced each other and about seven a Clock in the morning the fight began between them The Prince with his Left Wing fell on the Parliament's Right Wing routed them and pursued them a great way the like did General Goring Lucas and Porter upon the Parliaments main body The three Generals giving all for lost hasted out of the Field and many of their Soldiers fled and threw down their Arms the King's Forces especially Prince Rupert too eagerly following the chace the victory now almost atchieved by them was again snatched out of their hands For Colonel Cromwel with the brave Regiment of his Countrymen and Sir Thomas Fairfax having rallyed some of his horse fell upon the Prince's Right Wing where the Earl of Newcastle was and routed them and the rest of their Companions rallying they fell altogether upon the divided bodies of Rupert and Goring and totally dispersed them and obtained a compleat Victory after three hours sight From this Battel and the pursuit some reckon were buryed 7000 Englishmen all agree that above 3000 of the Prince's men were slain in the Battel besides those in the chace and 3000 prisoners taken many of their chief Officers 25 pieces of Ordnance 47 Colours 10000 Arms two Waggons of Carabins and Pistols 130 barrels of Powder and all their bag and baggage For this great Victory the Parliament ordered a day to be kept of publick thanksgiving and a Letter of thanks to be written to the three Generals who with their Armies kept a day of thanksgiving for the great success that God had given them Colonel Cromwel was much cryed up for his service in this Battel and received a slight hurt with a Pistol shot in the neck which some imagined to be by accident and want of care by some of his own men Sir Thomas Fairfax likewise performed very gallant service in this Action and both the Commanders and the Souldiers on both parts acquitted themselves like couragious Englishmen it pleased God upon this appeal to decide it for the Parliament Prince Rupert escaped narrowly by the goodness of his horse and got into York the Papers of the Earl of Newcastle were taken and among them the Commission of the Earl of Newcastle to be General and to make Knights and they were presented to the Parliament The Parliament ordered 30000 l. for Ireland A party from Oxford and Wallingford came to relieve Greenland-house whereupon the Parliament Forces then but a few before it drew off to Henly and the King's Forces brought their fellows little relief onely carryed away 29 women and some plunder and so returned and then the besiegers sate down again before it Oswestry being besieged by the King's forces under Colonel Marrowe Sir Tho. Middleton relieved it and took 200 Common Souldiers 7 Carriages 100 Horse the Lord Newport's eldest Son and divers Officers and Arms and the Lord Newport's Estate was ordered to be sold An Ordinance passed for the new Excise Sir William Waller mounted his foot the better to pursue the King's Forces and the adjacent Counties furnished him with horses Sir Ralph Hopton with about 500 men attempted Marleborough on the Fair day but
appointed for the two Ministers to attend the Commoners Sir Peter Killegrew was sent with the Letters to the King and was to bring back a List of the King's Commissioners for the Treaty and of their Attendants An Ordinance read and referred to a Committee of the whole House for laying the Assessment for the Armies upon the several Counties They appointed a day to consider of the business of Dunnington Castle and the Earl of Manchester The Lord Savile Earl of Sussex the Lord Piercy and the Lord Andover were consined at Oxford The business of Dunnington Castle and of the Earl of Manchester was taken into consideration and a weeks time given for the Earl to be heard therein if he please An affront done to the Commissioners of Excise in Lancashire was referred to examination and the House resolved to be severe in upholding the power of the Commissioners The Sergeant at Arms was sent to apprehend one as a Delinquent for serving of a Sub poena upon a Member of the House of Commons Goring with his forces coming before Christ-church were beaten back by Major Lower and many of them killed The Commons proceeded in the business of the new Model of the Army and nominated Sir Tho. Fairfax to command in chief and Colonel Middleton Holborn Fortescue and Barkley tobe four of the Colonels Then they appointed a Committee to consider what honour should be conferred on the Earl of Essex for his fidelity and good services to the publick the like for Sir William Belfour and to settle the payment of their Arrears to such as should not be employed in the new establishment The Commons proceeded upon the Ordinance for the new Assesment Colonel Lambert was ordered to speed down into the North to take care of the forces there he being Commissary General of the Lord Fairfax his Army when Sir Thomas Fairfax should come up Colonel Holborn took in the King's Garrison at Sydenham-house and therein about 100 Prisoners and the High Sheriff of Somersetshire and ten Commissioners of Array and after that he fell upon the Lord Hopton's forces going to joyn with Greenvile took some hundreds of them and drove the rest to Bristol The King made Prince Maurice General of Worcester Hereford and Shropshire and some of his forces began to fortifie Cambden-house Letters from Secretary Nicholas intercepted gave no hopes of Peace upon the intended Treaty Sir Peter Killegrew returned from Oxford with the King's Answer concerning the Treaty and the names of the King's Commissioners with a Safe Conduct and Propositions from the King to be treated on The Safe Conduct was inclosed in a Letter from P. Rupert to the Earl of Essex and was to this effect CHARLES REX Charles by the Grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland Defender of the Faith c. To our Generals Lieutenants General Commanders in Chief Generals of Towns Colonels Lieutenants Colonels Captains Officers and Souldiers belonging to any of our Armies or Garrisons and to all other our Ministers and loving Subjects to whom these presents shall come Greeting Our Pleasure and Command is that every of you permit and suffer that Algernon Earl of Northumberland Philip Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery William Earl of Salisbury Bazil Earl of Denbigh Thomas Lord Viscount Wenman Denzil Hollis William Pierpoint Sir Henry Vane Junior Oliver St. John Bulstrode Whitelocke John Crew Edmond Prideaux for the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament of England at Westminster and John Earl of Loudoun Lord Chancellour of Scotland Archibald Marquess of Argile John Lord Maitland John Lord Balmerino Sir Archibald Johnston Sir Charles Erskin George Dundas Sir Jo. Smith Mr. Hugh Kenedy and Mr. Robert Berkley for the Estates of the Parliament of Scotland together with Mr. Alexander Henderson and their Retinue mentioned in a List annexed together with the Retinue of the Scottish Commissioners not exceeding in all the number of 108 persons together with their Horses Coaches and all other Accommodations for their Journey may repair to Uxbridge from London stay there and return at their pleasure and that they and any of them be permitted freely and as often as they shall please to go themselves or send any of their Retinue to and from Uxbridge and London without any let hinderance interruption or molestation whatsoever and to these our Commands we require your due obedience as you tender our service and will answer the contrary at your utmost perils Given under our Signet at our Court at Oxford the 21. day of January 1644. By His Majestie 's Command Edw. Nicholas The King's Propositions were Signed likewise Edw. Nicholas The Names of the King's Commissioners appointed for the Treaty for whom Prince Rupert desired a Safe Conduct from the Parliament were these The Duke of Richmond Marquess Hertford Earl of Southampton Earl of Kingston Earl of Chichester Lord Seymour Lord Hatton Lord Capel Lord Culpepper Sir Orlando Bridgman Sir Edward Nicholas Secretary Sir Edward Hyde Sir Richard Lane Sir Thomas Gardiner Mr. John Ashburnham Mr. Geoffrey Palmer with Dr. Stewart Dr. Laney Dr. Shelden and their Attendants in all to the number of 108. They were to meet with the Parliaments Commissioners on Wednesday the 29. of January at Vxbridge upon the Treaty for Peace The States Ambassadours were satisfied with the Answer of the Parliament to their Papers and said they would acquaint the States therewith expressing their good affections to the Parliament The Commons in a grand Committee further debated the Ordinance for new Modelling the Army and inserted therein the names of Sir Thomas Fairfax and of Major General Skippon They proceeded upon the Directory for Church Government and voted that several Congregations be under one Classis and that the Church be governed by Congregational Classical Synodical Assemblies and that there shall be one at least in every particular Congregation to labour in the word and doctrine Both Houses referred the Papers of the Treaty to the Committee of both Kingdoms to consider what is fit to be done and ordered that the Ministers in their several Congregations on the next Wednesday the day of the publick Fast and of the beginning of the Treaty should pray to God for his blessing upon it Both Houses ordered that the Lord Macquire should come to his Trial in the King 's Bench. A difference was between the two Houses touching the Safe Conduct for the King's Commissioners the Committee of both Kingdoms having altered some of their Titles given them by the King since the Great Seal was carried away from the Parliament as the Earl of Chichester they called Lord Dunsmore Lord Culpepper Sir John Culpepper Lord Hatton Sir Christopher Hatton and the new made Knights they called Mr. Hyde Mr. Lane and Mr. Bridgeman The Lords gave their Reasons why the new Titles should be given in the Safe Conduct the Commons gave Reasons against it as contrary to one of their Propositions and at length the Titles were agreed to be
and other Officers Letters to the Committee in the Army to keep the Army together and to assist for Sir Tho. Fairfax his Recruits Orders for providing the Train Waggons Artillery Arms Powder and a Magazine for Sir Tho Fairfax and for Draught-horses and Carriages out of several Counties for him A thousand pounds ordered for General Brown The mutinous Horse returned to duty were allowed a Fortnights pay but none for the time they were in mutiny and were now sent upon Service Several Committee-men added in divers Counties and Orders for money and clothes for the Scots Army in Ireland 15. Ordinances past for 1. per Cent. for supply of Plymouth and for money upon the Custom of Currans for Gloucester and for recruiting the Kentish Regiment at Plymouth The Lords at a Conference gave Reasons why they left some Officers out of the List of Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army but they waved the nominating of others they sent to the Commons an Ordinance for Marshall Law differing from the former and to continue two Months Waller and Cromwell beat up Goring's quarters who sled to Exeter 17. Captain Smith of Colonel Martins Regiment for a slight offence murdred an honest Buckinghamshire man the Commons sent to inform the Lord General thereof and ordered Smith to be sent for and punished Letters from the Committee of Nantwich informed that Prince Rupert Maurice and Langdale were all joyned in one great body and that without a speedy relief Sir Will. Brereton's Forces would be in great danger The House Ordered a Letter to be forthwith sent by the Committee of both Kingdomes for a party of the Scots horse and Dragoons to advance towards Sir Will. Brereton and ordered Supplies for his Forces And they referred it to the Members serving for Yorkshire and Lancashire to consider of some means for the supply of the Forces in those Counties At a free Conference the Commons offered their reasons to the Lords why they could not consent to the leaving out of the list those Officers whom the Lords had left out because they were such as Sir Tho. Fairfax nominated and the Commons approved and a delay in passing this list would be dangerous to Sir Will. Brereton ' s Forces to the association and to the whole Kingdome The Lords acquainted the Commons with a Paper from the French Resident desiring the transportation of Gunpowder from Holland to France without interruption of the Parliaments Navy The Commons Ordered for Answer that there being Amity between the Crown of England and the Crown of France there needed no particular Licence for the same Colonel Sir James Long High Sheriff of Wilts for the King returning from the Convoy of Prince Charles to Bristol was set upon by a party of Sir William Waller's at the Devizes and 40 of his men killed the Colonel 8 Captains 7 Cornets and most of the other Officers with 300 Souldiers taken Prisoners about 340 Horse and store of Arms taken and but 30 of the whole Regiment escaped Oxford was much streightned for Provisions Browne did them no small prejudice from Abington some of the Souldiers and Townsmen grew very mutinous and the Antiparliament there were about to question the Lord Digby for an Incendiary but they were dissolved 18. 1000 l. Ordered for Abington Colonel Stephenson a Member of the House was taken Prisoner at Royden-house in Wilts Ordered that Sir James Long taken at the Devizes be exchanged for him An Order for supply of the Town of Henly upon Thames with Match 1000 Bandeliers c. and Whitelocke was appointed Governour of that Town and of the Fort of Phillis Court which he rather accepted being his own house and he had there in Garrison about 300 foot and a Troup of horse The works of the Fort were strong and regular and the Thames brought round the Fort in a large Graft all the horse and foot were quartered within the works the great Guns about it were good and the Souldiers stout men and well armed and good Officers The Officers and Souldiers of Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army had a fortnights pay allowed them The Lords concurred with the Commons in passing the list of the Officers of Sir T. Fairfax's Army without any alteration which was so well taken by the Commons that they appointed a Committee to prepare a Message to be sent to the Lords from them to assure their Lordships of the real affection and endeavours of the House of Commons to support their Lordships in their honour and privileges The List of the Officers was this Sir Thomas Fairfax Commander in chief Major General Skippon Colonels of Horse Middleton Sidney Graves Sheffield Vermuden Whaley Sir M. Livesey Fleetwood Rosseter Sir Robert Pye Colonels of Foot Craford Berkley Aldridge Holborne Fortescue Inglesby Mountague Pickering Welden and Rainsborough A Petition of the East India Company for transporting some things agreed unto The Governour of Hurst Castle took two of the King's Ships bound for France forced by weather into the Isle of Wight in them they had 300 barrels of Herrings 11 pieces of Cloath 10 pieces of Ordnance 40 Prisoners and a pack of hounds News came that the Swedes in Germany gave a great defeat to the Emperours Forces 8000 of them slain the two Generals the whole Army routed many Prisoners taken all their Colours Ordnance Carriage and Ammunition Letters from Holland mentioned some difference rising there between the Prince of Orange and the States 19. The care of the education of the King's Children was committed to the Earl of Northumberland and his Countess and they took into Consideration the great losses of this noble Earl for his affection to the publick Care was also taken for an allowance for the Earl of Mulgrave and the Lord Sheffield in lieu of their losses Mr. Ford was voted to be one of the Assembly in the room of Mr. Bolles deceased Orders for expediting Sir Thomas Fairfax into the field and for money for the Lord Generals old Foot Souldiers and for monies for Sir William Brereton's Forces and for supplies for Ireland The Lord Savile left the Oxford party and came to London he was staid by the Guards and this day examined by a Committee of the Lords of the grounds of his coming in and was committed to the custody of the black Rod. Colonel Holborne routed a party of Goring's horse near Crookehorne and took about 500 of them About 400 of Banbury horse faced Northampton and endeavoured to take a Parliament Captain out of his house near Northampton but he with his Servants and about 16 firelocks kept the house and repelled the enemy and a party of horse drawing forth of Northampton the Banbury Horse fled away with some loss Letters from Colonel Cromwel informed that since his coming to his Regiment their Carriage had been obedient respective and valiant a good testimony whereof they gave in the late defeat of Long 's Regiment that they were sorry
of maimed men carried off and in the Town about 100 only slain and many wounded When the Besiegers went away they left behind them 1000 Arms. A hundred and fifty a Week died of the Plague in Bristol 20. the business of the Church Order for payment of the Arrears of the Earl of Essex and an Ordinance past for settling 10000 l. per an on him in consideration of his great Services and losses Order for 3000 l. a Month for the Forces under Col. Welden and Col. Graves who relieved Taunton And a Letter of Thanks ordered to Sir John Meldrum and 500 l. more to be bestowed on him and for Pay for his Forces and the constant payment of 200 l. per an to Owen O Conelli that discovered the Rebellion in Ireland The business of Trade and the Admiralty referred to the Committee of the Navy A Consultation by a Committee with the Common Council of London about the reducing of Oxford Sir Tho. Fairfax advanced from Newbury to Blewbury and thence to Witney thence to Newnham 3 miles from Oxford Cromwell and Brown called back to joyn with him He took three Carts loaden with Canary Wines 40 Horse and their Riders of the Oxford Forces and pursued those that escaped to the walls of Oxford The King went towards Shropshire Sir William Brereton drew off from Chester to prevent the King 's surprizing of his Forces The King's Party took Hawkesley House in Staffordshire and carried the Garrison being 80 Prisoners to Worcester 21. A Petition from Lynne upon which an Order for repairing the Works there and care taken for money for Provision for Cambridge and for the Works there and 100 l per Mens for the Committee of the Eastern Association for their Clerks and extraordinary charges Order for raising the Arrears of the Scots money from those Counties The exchange of Colonel Fielding approved A Petition against the Monopoly of Merchant Adventurers referred to a Committee 22. Order for a Committee of the House to joyn with a Committee of the City to consult about the designe of reducing Oxford and for money for it Order for money for Windsor Garrison Ordinance for the Government of Newcastle sent up to the Lords Sir William Brereton raised his siege of Chester and drew into Lancashire to joyn with the Scots Forces and the King's Forces relieved Chester Captain Stone fell upon the rere of the King's Army at Woolverhampton killed 16 and took 26 horse and their Riders Next day Captain Stone fell upon their quarters at Newport took 60 horse and killed a Captain and 20 others next day he killed 3 took 4 Prisoners and some horses Sir Thomas Fairfax blocked up Oxford and at several times took of them about 100 Prisoners and Arms. 23. An impeachment for breach of privilege uncivil'y and violently using a Member of the House was ordered to be brought in Money provided for charges of the siege of Oxford A fortnights pay ordered for M. Vrrey and his Officers Order for auditing the Accounts of the Officers under Sir William Waller now left out of the Establishment The Lords adjourned two days in the Week and sent to the Commons that they intended to doe so and it was moved in the House of Commons that they might doe the like but carryed in the Negative not to adjourne two days in the Week and the like for one day 24. Upon a Petition of the maimed Soldiers and Widdows of those slain who were very impetuous for more maintenance the House added 501. a Week to the 2001. a Week formerly given to them The House sent earnest Letters to the Scots Army and Messages to the Scots Commissioners to hasten the advance of the Scots Southwards to joyn with other Forces to pursue the King's Army A Messenger discovered to have counterfeited a Letter from the Lord Inchequin of a great Victory in Ireland and that it rain'd bloud at Dublin upon Examination he confest he did it in hopes to get a gratuity from the Parliament and was committed for it A Collection for the Town of Taunton where so many of their houses were burnt and so much of their goods spoiled 26. Ordinances for raising monies sent to the Lords Collonel Barker Governour of Coventry desired that by reason of his sickness and old age he might surrender that charge and the Committee of Coventry Petitioned that Captain Willoughby might succeed him which the Commons agreed and sent to the Lords for their consent Charges for Convoyes of monies ordered to be paid and pay for the Forces in Derbyshire Sir John Morley and divers Aldermen of Newcastle disfranchised and new Majestrates there appointed Letters from the Forces before Oxford informed that Sir Thomas Fairfax came to Marston about a mile from Oxford where Cromwel and Browne met him that their foot were quartered near their horse guards and perdues within twice Musket shot of the Works That the King's Forces drowned the Meadows as much as they could and fired the Suburbs burnt a Corn Mill and a Garrison at Woolvercot and intended to have burnt the Towns round about but that Sir Thomas Fairfax's Forces possessed them that as he was viewing the Works a Cannon bullet from the Garrison came very near him but did no hurt and then he came within twice pistol shot of the Works but they were sparing of their Powder that the Soldiers were intrenching of their head quarters and making a bridge over the water That they intercepted some Letters and took Philpot the Herold and some Doctours that were fearful of a siege that the Lord Cottington Earl of Dorset and all the Lords and Gallants in Oxford bear Arms that they quenched the fire and took the Deputy Governour and all the Arms and Ammunition at Woolvercot Captain Flemming going beyond his Commission and by the unruliness of his horse who carried him among the Enemy was mortally wounded by a shot in the belly The Sickness continued very hot in Bristol 27. Order for Lord General Cromwel to goe with a party to the Isle of Ely and to endeavour to prevent the King's coming into that association Ordinances for money for Ely and for the siege of Oxford Order for Colonel Paine to have two Regiments and pay for them in the North. An Ordinance past to inable the Committee of Oxon Berks and Bucks to take voluntary Contributions for the additional Forces for reducing of Oxford An Ordinance past for raising monies out of Delinquents Estates The Scots Army retreated again Northwards suspecting the advance of the King's Forces that way Letters from Edenborough informed that M. G. Vrrey routed Montrosse's Forces who retreated to Aberdeen and that 2000 were slain on both parts 28. The Monthly Fast In the Evening the House sate and had Letters from Mr. Dormer That Colonel Massey with about 800 horse and 600 foot took Evesham after an hours storming with the loss but of five Souldiers and two Officers and about
Governour and Garrison the which was voted by the Commons and Letters sent to the Officers of the English and Scottish Armies to assure the same to those of Carlisle who had held out very long and courageously for the King Another order for the E. of Northumberland to have the care of the King's Children and 3000 l. per annum allowed him for them The Letters taken in the King's Cabinet at Naseby read in the House and some of them referred to a Committee to be decyphered Mr. Brown a Gun-founder and his Son committed upon matters in some of the Letters 24. The Letters taken in the King's Cabinet were more of them read in the House and in some of them was mention of His Majestie 's intention to make a Peace with the Irish Rebels and to have 40000 of them over into England to prosecute the War here In other Letters to the Queen the King complains That he could not prevail with his Mungrel Parliament at Oxford to vote that the Parliament at Westminster were not a lawfull Parliament that he will not make a Peace with the Rebels the Parliament without her approbation nor goe one jot from the Paper she sent him That upon the Treaty at Uxbridge he did not positively own the Parliament it being otherwise to be construed though they were so simple as not to find it out and that it was recorded in the notes of the King's Council that he did not acknowledge them a Parliament Ordinance sent to the Lords for putting the County of Surrey into a posture of Defence and for pay for the forces there 100 l. given to the Messenger that brought up the Colours from Naseby fight Ordinance sent to the Lords for money for Portsmouth Garrison Order for the business of the Church to be taken into Debate every Wednesday and Friday An Ordinance past for re-imbursing money for Pembrokeshire Sir T. F. prosecuted the King's forces towards Hereford and left Colonel Needham Governour of Leicester Colonel Morgan blocked up Sandal Castle and M. G. Poynes went to Pomfret to order the battery there Colonel Rosseter came back from pursuing the King's forces charged and routed a party of the Newarkers rescued 20 Constables and Tithingmen taken by them and took 50 horse and many prisoners of them 25. The Monthly Fast kept divers Officers Prisoners committed to London-house 26. An Ordinance sent to the Lords about taking the Accounts of the Kingdom and orders for disposal of the Prisoners some to serve the Parliament in Ireland and others as the Parliament shall direct Letters written to Sir T. F. to prosecute his intentions against the Enemy and the Ordinance continued to impower him to press Souldiers for three months longer and another for Recruits for his Army Another Ordinance past impowering the Committees in the several Counties where any Souldiers were pressed and afterwards did desert the service to proceed against them according to Marshal Law Another for money for the late Officers of the Earl of Essex and of Sir William Waller Massey advanced to Lyme in order to relieve Taunton the King was at Hereford and Sir T. F. at Gloucester The Scots Army ordered to march from Nottingham to Worcester Colonel Hunt went from Shrewsbury before Cause Castle which surrendred to him The King's Garrison there marching away with their Colours and Swords and left in the Castle 500 Arms and store of Ammunition M. G. Brown took a Troup of Colonel Royden's horse and a foot Company of Oxford The Commons ordered all the Ensigns and Cornets taken at Naseby or formerly and which hereafter be taken from the Enemy should be brought into the Herald's Office and be there Registred and Mr. Riley to be intrusted therewith 27. The Grand Committee sate for the Church business and after that in the House an Ordinance read to consirm and establish the Directory for worship An Ordinance past for a Collection to provide money and necessaries for those Prisoners who were willing to serve against the Rebels in Ireland to transport them thither Letters from Plymouth informed that Greenvile was raising more forces in Cornwal and that divers Souldiers come away from the King's Garrisons to the Parliaments That three Dunkirk Ships came to Dartmouth with the King's Commission to inhabit there and were received but not well used and two of the Dunkirk Ships were taken by the Parliaments 28. Sir T. F. by order of Parliament advanced toward the relief of Taunton and sent to Massey that by a Day he would joyn with him Letters from General Leuen desired pay for the Scots Army the Houses thereupon sent a Committee to acquaint the Lord Mayor and Common Council of the City therewith and to desire the speedy raising of 30000 l. for this service and wrote answer to General Leuen that they would take care forthwith for their satisfaction The Commons ordered the Prisoners to be removed from the Military Ground where there wanted shelter for them and 300 l. for their supplies 30. Letters from M. G. Skippon informed of his being in a hopefull way of recovery and thereupon the Commons ordered 200 l. to be sent to him as a testimony of their favour and 200 l. more for payment of his Doctours Chirurgeons Apothecaries and other expences Order for 1000 l. for those Gentlemen some of whom were now Members of Parliament who suffered in 1 2 Car. for their affections to the publick and the Committee for them and for the necessities of the present Members was revived and satisfaction of damage voted to be out of the Estates of Delinquents The Letters taken at Naseby referred to a Committee to be perused and observations to be made upon them and to communicate some of them to the Common Council of London An Ordinance sent to the Lords touching Gunpowder and the Office of the Ordnance Letters to the association for Recruits and Arrears to be sent to Sir T. Fairfax's Army Ordinance past for 1500 l. for the Regiment of Colonel John Fiennes M. G. Poynes took the Church at Pomfret Sir T. F. took about 100 Arms from Lieutenant Colonel Not at Highworth who was there slain and divers Officers Colonel Hutchinson took 60 Horse and 48 Prisoners Officers and Arms. Major Saddler took from M. Duet near the Devizes 16 Prisoners Colonel Venables took Sir Th. Powel High Sheriff of Chester 40 Prisoners and 100 Horse July 1645. 1. An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for 400 l. to be paid to Sir William Waller's Life-guard Tuesdays and Thursdays set a part for considering how to raise Monies for Sir T. F. his Army and several Orders passed for that purpose Order of both Houses for the Departure of the Duke of Lorrain's Agent and of the King of Portugal's Agent and for a Letter to be sent to the King of Portugal of the miscarriage of his Agent here Order that the Committee of both Kingdoms should give directions from time to time
he had more Forces because of the Kings coming to Oxford 13. Debate touching the Propositions for Peace An Ordinance pass'd concerning such Delinquents as come in to the Parliament from the Kings Quarters to declare to a Committee where they lodge c. Major Blundel with a Party from Abbington fell into the Quarters of a Party of the Kings Life-guard near Walling-ford took eighty Horse and Prisoners 14. The Lords concurred in several Ordinances touching Westminster Colledge sor freeing Noble mens Parks from Taxations and for supplys for Forces A Message from the Assembly of Divines to approve the Translation of the Psalms by Mr. Rowse for which they had thanks Ordinances for reimbursing the Commissioners of ExciseMoneys advanced by them for the Forces of M. G. Pointz and for those before Chester A Regiment of the Kings Horse under the Lord Ashton were routed by the Stafford Horse the Lord Ashton wounded and taken Prisoner with many others an hundred Horse taken and divers Killed Youghall was distressed for want of Victuals and in danger of being taken by the Rebels 15. Upon Sir John Heles Petition the House accepted of six thousand pound for his Delinquency The Commons desired the Lords to pass the Ordinance for sale of Delinquents Estates and past orders for Moneys for the Army and for the Forces of M. G. Pointz and others Confirmation of the taking of Wiverton by the Parliaments Forces 17. Upon the Petition of the Officers late under the Earl of Denbigh it was reserred to a Committee to consider of their Arrears and a way to pay them The Election of Mr. Tanfield Vashell for Reading voted to be void for Miscarriages and denying the Poll and a new Election to be there Letters from Wales informed that the Glamorgan-shire Forces joyning with a Party of M. G. Langherns have in several Incounters defeated two thousand of the Kings Forces and beat off G. Stradling from any Recruits And that the Governor of Cardiffe defeated another Party of the Kings under Mr. Herbert and that generally the VVelsh declared for the Parliament Mr. Buchy Manfield ordered to command the Forces in Glamorgan-shire and Mr. Prichard to be Governor of Cardiffe and Mr. Phil. Jones Governor of Swansey Letters from the North informed that M. G. Pointz and Col. Rossiter were before Belvoir Castle that many from Newarke came in to them that the Scots Army areupon their March to besiege Newarke About sixty of the Kings Forces coming to Ledbury in Hereford-shire to take up Quarters fifteen of Mr. Hoptons men who had taken up two great Plunderers in those parts rencountring the Kings Forces Charged them through Killed two of them and took four Prisoners and in their retreat from thence to Glocester they fell upon another Party of the Kings who were driving two hundred Cattle to their Garrison which these fifteen Troopers rescued and restored to the Country Men having routed their Convoy 18. Debate touching Propositions for Peace Order for the Next Summers Fleet as the last and for the Committee of the Navy to name the Officers and Ships c. to the House all to be prepared by January Dr. Walker referred to the Committee of the Admiralty to give an account of his transactions in Flanders Pr. Charles sent a Letter to Sir T. F. for a Pass for Hopton and Culpepper to go to the King to perswade him to comply with the Parliament Sir T. F. sent a very respectful answer to the Prince and advised him to disband his Army as the best way for him his Posterity and Friends which if he would do that Sir T. F. himself would safely Convoy him to the Parliament Goring sent Col. Ellyot and Col. Scroop to Sir T. F. to desire a Treaty he answered that if he would treat in reference to Military Affairs as Surrender of Garrisons exchange of Prisoners or the like he would consent to it otherwise he must reser him to the Parliament 19. A Petition from divers of the Common-councel of London that the Government of the Church may be speedily setled and observed and that greater power might be given to the Ministers and Elders than was established by the Parliament according to the Warrant of the Word of God and about suspension from the Sacrament and about the Suppression of Schisms and Heresies This Petition was thought to be contrived by some Presbyterians and the House aster a long debate upon this Petition appointed some of their Members to withdraw and to pen the Answer to the Petition according to the Sence of the House which was done and agreed unto to this Effect That the House had already taken much pains in debating of Church Government and they conceived the City and Common-Councel was informed falsely of the proceedings of the House else they would not have precipitated the Judgment of the Parliament in this business however they take it as a good intention of the petitioners promoting this business Another Petition was from divers Ministers of London to the same effect The House referred it to the Committee of Examinations to find out the design of this days Petitions concerning Church-Government and who were the advancers thereof and they sent two of their Members to the Petitioners to tell them they need not attend any longer for an answer to their Petition but to go home and look to the Charges of their several Congregations A Letter from Sir T. F. of thanks for his Jewel and giving account of his Army with a Proposition to send seven or eight thousand Eastward if the House think sit The Anti-Parliament at Oxford declared The Commissioners of the Judges under the great Seal at Westminster and their Lawyers plead there to be High-Treason and that great Seal to be void 20. The like Petitions were presented to the Lords as had been to the House of Commons by some Ministers and some of the Common-Councel concerning Church-Government and Alderman Gibs made a long Speech to them the Lords promised to take the Petitions into Consideration Debate about propositions for Peace Order about the Garrison of Bristol Reference to a Committee to consider of a way to recompence the County of Glocester for the great Charges they have been at for a long time Beeston Castle was surrendred upon Articles to Sir William Breretons Forces Inchequin relieved Younghall in Ireland as was certified by Letters 21. Debate touching Religion A Habeas Corpus ordered for a Servant of a Member of the House of Commons apprehended by a Warrant of the Lords Major General Skippon made Governor of Bristol Debate between the two Houses touching a Lord who had broken the Priviledges of the House of Commons A Committee of both Houses named to examine the Letters of the Lord Digby The Kings Forces Plundring about Vxbridge caused the Guards at London to be doubled Letters from the Governor of Reading informed the Kings design to send Parties as a flying Army to Plunder in
midnight about the City Petition and some perhaps were a little awed by the multitudes of Citizens attending at the door of the House They agreed upon a Declaration against all such Persons as take upon them to Preach or expound the Scriptures except they be Ordained And this gave much offence to those of the Independent Judgment January 1646. January 1. Orders for payment of Moneys formerly ordered to the Earl of Stamford and for eight hundred pound to the Commissioners that are to go into the North for their accommodations and their instructions Debate upon the Ordinance against Blasphemies and Heresies Vote for Sir Peter Killegrew to be sent with the Preamble and vote in answer to his Majesties last Letters 2. A Letter from General Leven complying with the Parliaments desires in their Letters to him and order given to have the Jewel ready for him Letters informed an endeavour of the King to escape from New-castle without the Scots privity and a more strict Guard upon him Orders for stay of Sir Peter Killegrew's Journey and for a thousand pound for Mr. Pury out of the Earl of Worcesters Estate and a thousand pound for Mr. Hodges in repair of their losses and for a thousand pound for Sir Robert Pye Jun. out of Sir Edmond Pye's Composition Order for allowances to the Officers of the Court of Wards 4. Upon a Letter from Sir Thomas Fairfax Orders for two thousand pound for Sir Hardress Waller of his Arrears and for two thousand pound for Col. Sidney Order to continue the two Speakers Commissioners of the Great Seal for ten days longer An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for the Government of Chester Instructions and powers agreed for the Lieuetenant of Ireland and a Sword to be born before him and Counsellors of State named for Ireland and they to have five hundred pound per An. apiece till their Estates shall be recovered An Ordinance appointed to settle the same Church-Government in Ireland as in England Vote to name Commissioners of both Houses to receive the King from the Scots and to bring him to Holmeby and the Committee of both Kingdoms to draw instructions for the Commissioners and Letters to be written to General Leven and to the Scots Commissioners at New castle to acquaint them with these Votes and that the Commissioners should speedily come for the King Letters sent from Major General Laugherne and the Committee of Haverford West informed That Mr. Hudson the Kings Guide having escaped out of Prison was by the King imployed upon another design to carry Letters to be delivered to Major General Laugherne to invite him to betray his Trust and to revolt to the King That the Major General sent up the Letters and other Papers to the Parliament and Hudson and Price one of his Agents and the examining them was referred to a Committee The Commons agreed that Mr. Godolphin Governor of Sâ—ylly upon his surrender of that Island and all Forts c. and taking the Covenant and Negative Oath should enjoy his Estate and be free from Arrests for any acts of War 6. Both Houses agreed the Instructions for the Commissioners that go to the Scots Army and to the Declaration in answer to the Kings last Letter and about disposing of his Person and to the Letters to General Leven and to the Scots Commissioners at Newcastle touching this business and Sir Peter Killegrew was to post with them to Newcastle The Earl of Pembroke the Earl of Denbigh the Lord Mountague named by the Lords and by the Commons Sir William Armine Sir Jo. Hollond Sir Walter Earle Sir John Cooke Mr. John Crew and Major General Browne Commissioners to receive the Kings Person and with such Guards as they shall think fit to bring him to Holmeby House Ordinance for Sir Anthony-Ashley-Cooper Sheriff of Wilts to live out of the County Order for Winchester Castle to be dis-garrisoned and delivered to Sir William Waller the owner A Committee named to consider of several debts owing by the Earl of Corke who is gone beyond Sea without perfecting his Composition Letters informed that the Money for the Scots was safe come to Yorke The Parliament Forces after great Storms at Sea Landed in Ireland and had course entertainment there 7. Mr. Sandys reported what places and profits Members of the House had that an Account thereof may be given Order for two thousand five hundred pound for the Commissioners that are to receive the Kings Person and their instructions debated Sir William Ermyn upon his own desire excused and Sir James Harrington Commissioner in his stead and Mr. Marshall and Mr. Carill appointed to go along with them Articles presented to the House against one Harris referred to the Justices of Peace Endeavours were in Countries to get hands to Petitions to second that of London 8. Debate upon the Ordinance against such as Preach or expound the Scriptures not being ordained Upon Petition of the Countess of Peterburgh Order that she should have her Husbands Arrears out of such Delinquents Estates as she should discover 9. Orders for ten thousand pound for the Lord Say for the loss of his place in the Court of Wards Sir Rowland Wandesford to have five thousand pound Sir Ben. Rudyeard six thousand pound and Mr. Bacon to have three hundred pound Reference to the Committee of the Navy about adding four Frigots to the next Summers Fleet. The Commons agreed with the Lords to have Goring House for the Ambassador of France Orders for Petitions to be read in rank as they were presented and for ten thousand Pound for the reduced Officers and a thousand pound to Colonel Waite for Arrears and to Summon Col. King to attend the Committee The Commissioners to name Attendants for the King 11. Major General Skippon sent up intercepted Letters from Hudson the Kings Guide to his Majesty bewailing his unhappiness in failing of success with Major General Laugherne and being again apprehended Order for a Letter to the Governor of Hull to send up Dr. Hudson in safe Custody by Land to the Parliament and reserred the Letters to a Committee Upon a Letter from Sir Tho. Fairfax Order for four thousand pound for the standing Officers of the County of York Approbation of the Convoy sent by Sir T. Fairfax with the Money to the Scots Order for four thousand five hundred pound for Sir Samuel Luke for his Arrears out of Goldsmiths Hall The Town of Cirencester elected Sir Th. Fairfax and Col. Rich for their Burgesses Debate upon the instructions of the Lord L'Isle Lieutenant of Ireland The Scots refused to surrender Belfast to the Parliaments Forces Ireland in great want of Supplys Commissioners came from the Parliament of Scotland to Newcastle to perswade the King to Sign the Propositions 12. Order for Sir Oliver Fleming Master of the Ceremonies to go to the French Ambassador to know whether he hath any thing from his Master the King of France to the Parliament that he may be dispatched
Committee who are to go into the several Counties for disbanding the supernumerary Forces take care to disband Troop after Troop and Company after Company till they be all disbanded and the General desired to give his Orders therein Letters of a design of Col. Kempson's Col. Ayres Col. Herberts and Col. Cookes Officers of their Regiments consulting about eighty of them together to surprize Glocester and other Forts thereabouts upon assurance that Col. Laugherne and the discontented Londoners would joyn with them This was referred to the Committee at Derby House 25. Order for the Committee of the Revenue to retrench the Kings Servants and upon the Governors Letter a thousand pound ordered for Repairs of Carisbrooke Castle The Commons named Mr. Goodwyn Mr. Ashurst Mr. Stapleton and Col. Birch their Commissioners to go into Scotland An Ordinance passed both Houses for Pardons to be passed under the Great Seal for some Prisoners in New-gate Another for the sale of Worcester House to the Earl of Salisbury another for making Major General Mitton Vice-Admiral of North Wales 26. The Monthly Fast-day Letters from Ireland of the Lord Inchequin's success in Limericke but the extream want of his Soldiers of Food and Rayment compelled his return That there were differences amongst the chief of the Rebels the Lord Taffe was chosen their General 27. Upon Letters from the Committee of Kent the House voted tryal of more of the Rioters of Canterbury by a Commission of Oyer and Terminer The charge against the Lord Willoughby of Parham pass'd the House and ordered to be sent up to the Lords wherein his Friends did him what service they could to pacifie his adversaries but they were sharply bent against him Debate of the charge against the eleven Members The charge against Sir Jo. Maynard passed and ordered to be sent up to the Lords and ordered that Mr. Hollis Sir William Lewis Mr. Nichols Sir Jo. Clotworthy Sir William Waller Col Massey and Col. Long be disabled to sit as Members of the House The Lords named the Earl of Denbigh and the Earl of Stamford Commissioners to go into Scotland 28. The Ordinance for setling the Presbyterian Government and for removing obstructions therein sent up to the Lords Part of the Instructions assented to for the Commissioners that are to go into Scotland Upon information that divers discontented persons met in the West and under pretence of apprehending High-way-men themselves committed many Robberies Order for the General to suppress all such Money ordered for the Commissioners who are to go into Scotland Reference to a Committee to consider of removing Prisoners out of the Tower to other Prisons for security of the Magazine and of the Lieutenants Fees 29. Voted that the rest of the eleven Members should be impeached of High Treason as Sir Jo. Maynard was except Sir William Lewis who was to be impeached of High Crimes only The House considered of recommending a Successor to Mr. Glyn to be Recorder of London And upon consideration of the good Service done by Mr. Steel in the business of Captain Burley and other affairs they recommended him to the City to be their Recorder Voted to impeach the rest of the seven Lords as the Lord Willoughby was impeached The Lords named the Earl of Nottingham in the place of the Earl of Denbigh to be one of the Commissioners to go into Scotland and had sent up to them the instructions for the Commissioners Sir William Constable's Regiment marched into Glocester and Col. Morgan's Forces marched from thence 31. An Ordinance pass'd the Commons for dividing the Parish of Roram in Kent The Charges carried up against the Lords and desired that they may be proceeded against according to the Laws and Customs of Parliament Reference to the Committee of Foreign Affairs to examine an Information touching the raising some Forces here for the Spanish Ambassador without leave of the Parliament Order for payment of Arrears of some of the Scots Officers Debate of the Ordinance for suppressing of Stage-plays The Lords Concurrence was desired to recommend Mr. Steel to be recorder of London A Petition of the Officers sent out of Ireland to have their Liberty The Ordinance passed both Houses for dividing and setling the several Counties into distinct Classical Presbyteries and Congregational Elderships The Disbanding went on in the North. Rumors of preparations for War from Scotland February 1647. February 1. Orders for providing Money for the next Summers Fleet and about the Customs An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for two thousand pound per Mens for Ireland Order to prosecute the late Riotous Persons and that Mr. Jermy and Mr. Steel be of Councel with the State against them and Mr. Becke to be the Sollicitor An Ordinance for repair of Churches assented to Letters from Ireland That Col. Jones for want of Corn and Cloaths for his Soldiers was inforced to leave the Field 2. The Examination and punishment of the late Authors of the Force against the Parliament referred to the Judges An Ordinance appointed that the Probate of Wills shall be as heretofore by the Civil Law proceedings Order to dissolve the Kings Houshold and the Committee of Revenue to pay them off and the General to appoint attendants upon the King not exceeding thirty Sir Henry Mildmay had the thanks of the House for his good Service in Hamp-shire at the tryal of Captain Burley c. The House of Peers ordered the seven Impeached Lords to give security for their appearances and to answer the charges against them by a day 3. Votes for Legacies Administrations Marriages Divorces Suits for Tythes c. to be by the same Law as formerly Referred to a Committee to consider of some speedy course to prevent the sale or pawning of the Crown Jewels An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for conveying the Earl of Newcastle's Mannor of Flawborough in Nottingham to a Member of the House in satisfaction of his losses by the Earl Upon Letters of General Leven Order for a thousand pound for Mr. Robert Fenwicke for his losses and good affections Both Houses pass'd an Ordinance to make Mr. Strong Minister of St. Dunstans 4. Debate upon the Confession of Faith The General was feasted in the City by the Lord Major with many of his Officers 5. Referred to Col. Hammond to remove such attendants about the King as the Collonel cannot confide in and to appoint eight such persons to attend his Majesty as he shall think fit and can confide in till the General hath setled the Family according to former Order Debate about the Declaration touching non Addresses to the King Sir Jo. Maynard one of the eleven Members appealed from the Judgment of the Lords by a Paper spread abroad saying their Lordships were no competent Judges of him The Lords advised with two Judges Assistants as to matter of Law and ordered Sir Jo. Maynard to be remanded to the Tower Fined five hundred pound
Forlorns of both Parties incountred and the Parliaments Horse were forced to a disorderly retreat the Enemy pursued with their whole Body upon the reserve of the Parliaments who received their Charge and after a hot dispute routed them Captain Taylor singly incountring Sir John Owen after he had broken his sword upon his head closed with him dismounted him and took him Prisoner and his party immediatly sled There were killed of them thirty and Sir John Owen with divers others of Quality and sixty private Souldiers taken Prisoners four of the Parliaments Souldiers were Slain and divers Wounded and many Horses Killed on each side Order for two hundred pounds for Captain Taylor and gratuities for divers others and for disposing of the Prisoners Letters of an Agreement betwixt the General and the Kentish-men and that the five revolted Ships are willing to submit upon an Act of Indempnity which the General hath promised them That Sir Thomas Feyton was taken Prisoner at S. Edmonds Bury the Lord Goring Sir Charles Lucas and the Lord Capell coming to them increased in numbers in Essex whereupon the Lord General Fairfax advanced to Gravesend intending to pass over his Men there into Essex 12. Order upon Letters from the Governor of New-Castle for fifteen hundred Pounds for that garrison and that no free Quarter should be taken but only of such as refuse to pay their Assessements and Letters thereof to be written to the Commitees Order for those Gentlemen who formerly attended the Duke of York to attend the Duke of Gloucester and four more added to them and two thousand five hundred Pounds per annum for maintenance of his Family Letters from Colonel Sir Hardresse Waller of his disarming some in Exeter Major General Lambert advanced to Langdale who retreated expecting Assistance from Scotland A Souldier of Hemsley Castle was offered a hundred Pounds in hand and five hundred Pounds more and to be knighted if he would betray the Castle to the Kings Forces but he discovored the Plot and the Agents were apprehended Pontefract Castle was besieged by eight hundred Horse and Foot but at a distance the Kings party there being two hundred and fifty Horse and four hundred Foot The Committee of Lancashire ordered four Regiments of Foot and two of Horse to joyn with Major General Lambert laid an Assessement of three thousand Pounds to advance them and kept a day of Fast to pray to God for his blessing upon them 13. The House approved of the Articles of Canterbury and what the General had done in reducing of Kent A day of thanksgiving appointed for the good success in Kent and a Narrative thereof to be read in Churches Orders touching compositions of Delinquents A Report made of a Design to surprise Nottingham Castle but the Governor Captain Poutton surprised and took Prisoners the Complotters Letters from the Head quarters that Ireton Rich and Hewson's Regiments had reduced Canterbury wherein were three thousand Armes good Horse and twenty four Colours and the other Castles The General sent by Letter an offer of Imdempnity to some revolted Ships at Deale but a Boson told the Trumpeter that brought the Letter that they did not owe the Parliament so much service as to write answer to any that came from them and so the Ships set Sail and went away That the General put over his Forces with much trouble at Gravesend into Essex where Colonel Whaley and Sir Thomas Honywood with two thousand Horse and Foot of the Country joyned with him who kept many from going to the King's Party Among others fourscore Horse out of London most or all Gentlemen intending to be as a Guard to the Prince of Wales when he came in their March met with some of Whaley's Horse many of them killed and taken the rest dispersed among them were four Brothers three of whom were killed or mortally Wounded and the Country-men took many Prisoners That Goring marcheth about four thousand whereof six hundred Horse and about two thousand five hundred are well armed that he touched at Lee's and took horses guns and Arms of the Earl of Warwick's and marched from thence toward Colchester That many of Essex came in to the General who wrote to Suffolk to pull up Bridges and cut down Trees in the way to hinder the March of the Enemy Whitelock reported to the House the appointment of the Judges for the next summer Circuit 14. Order for the tryal of Sir John Owen and the rest of the chief Actors in his business An Ordinance past for forty two thousand pounds for arrears of disbanded Officers and Soldiers Order renewed that such as shall take up Arms without the authority of Parliament shall dye without mercy A Letter ordered to the States of Holland for apprehending three revolted Ships gone for Holland and an order for payment of part of their arrears to others of the revolted Ships that were come in again upon the Act of Indemnity A Committee appointed to draw up a Declaration touching the business of Kent 15. Ordered That the Committee of Goldsmiths Hall do Print all their Receipts for Compositions and how the Moneys have been disbursed that the aspersion upon the Parliament may be cleared of their receiving many millions by compositions for which they could give no account And that the Order should be printed that none shall pay their fifth and twentieth part but Delinquents An additional Ordinance committed for putting Papists and Delinquents out of the Lines of Communication An ordinance transmitted to the Lords for putting the County of Radnor into a posture of defence A Committee appointed to take order for twenty persons of the Kings party to be apprehended and sent down to the General to be kept in like harsh usage as Sir Willian Masham and others sent down by the Parliament are kept in by the Lord Goring until they be exchanged Orders concerning Saltpeter 16. Ordinance past for putting Papists and Delinquents out of the Lines of Communication and twenty Miles from London and four days time given them to depart the Town and that Delinquents who have not presented their compositions and sequestred Ministers shall be taken to be within this Ordinance An affront to Sr. Henry Mildmay by a Foot-man of the D. referred to a Committee to be examined Letters from Colchester That the great ones had a purpose to escape had shipped their Goods but were prevented by the Parliaments Horse and Dragoons who took in Marsey Island and Fort by which they intended to escape and by land their body cannot stir That many of the Townsmen came away to the General whose Soldiers are inraged against those of Colchester for the loss of their Commanders That the General hath five hundred Prisoners most of them taken from the gates of the City that Sir William Masham and the rest of the Committee are detained Prisoners by Goring That the Enemy buryed sixty of their slain men in one Church-yard
Mariners of the shipping belonging to the River of Thames and a third Petition from the Master Warden and Fellows of Trinity House all for the personal Treaty with the King were presented to the House and a Committee appointed to draw up an answer to them Order for a Months pay for the Lancashire Forces and for the thanks of the House to Colonel Ashton their Commander Upon Information of an Insurrection in Sussex referred to the Committee of Derby house to take course for the subduing of them Upon Letters from the General ordered that the Committee of the Army take care speedily to send down to the Army provisions and other necessaries which they want An Ordinance to impower the Committee of Essex to raise money for payment of the Forces in their County now raised Order for security of their arrears to those Officers and Souldiers who came off from the Army for the service of Ireland Order for six hundred Pounds for victualling the Fort and Castle of Chester and that the late Actors in a design there be tryed by Martial Law Letters from Colchester leaguer that the Enemy is debarred from all manner of provisions that a party of the Suffolk Forces from Cattaway bridge took ten Troopers of the Enemy plundering and afterwards went to Sir Harbottle Grimstons house which they found miserably ruined and all the goods taken away and torn 30. Upon a report from the Committee for the business of the personal Treaty the Lords agreed to these Votes 1. That the Vote of Jan. 3. 1647. forbidding any addresses to be made to or received from his Majesty should be made null 2. That the three propositions sent into Scotland and to be presented to his Majesty before a personal Treaty be had should not be insisted upon and that his Majesty be removed to some of his Houses within ten miles of London to which the Lords desired the Commons concurrence The Lords recommended to the Commons the Petition of the Lady Capell that she may have her eldest Son again who is one of those sent down to the General to be used in the same manner as the Committee are under restraint by the Lord Goring The House ordered a Letter to be sent to the General with the Lady Capell's petition inclosed and that the General be desired to do therein as may stand with the Justice and honour of the Parliament M r Dowsett upon a Message from the Lords was ordered to attend that House in the business of M r Rolfe who was committed Order for the Committees of Sussex and of Worcestershire to raise Forces for suppressing Insurrections and preserving the Peace of those Counties The Ordinance passed for payment of the Forces of Essex and another for ten thousand pounds for Bristol Debate upon the Ordinance touching Religion Letters from Colchester leaguer that the Enemy plaid with their great Guns but did no hurt by reason of the deepness of the Trenches then they fell to annoy the besiegers with small shot out of M r Grimsion's House but the General 's great Cannon shooting through and through the House cutting off the Legs and Arms of many of them they fled into the Town and set that and other Houses with it on fire That the Enemy sallyed out on the other side towards Suffolk which the Parliaments Horse discovering they lined the hedges with Dragoons and went on with a party of Horse as if they had incant to charge and then faced about as running away from the Enemy who pursued them to the place where the Dragoons were who did so gall them with shot that they retreated leaving some slain and others desperately wounded That the next morning they sallyed out again with three troops of Horse five hundred Foot and a Drake but the Parliaments Foot coming up too late to them they brought away some Cattle and killed M r Sandford though their friend the owner of them The Barbarous Common Souldier will know no distinction between Friends and Foes eithers goods come alike to their rapine and upon an hasty word they no more regard the bloud of a Friend than of an Enemy and so it was with M r Sandford A Captain taken prisoner near Harwich Captain Brown came from the North to the General with Intelligence that the Enemy had quitted the Isle of Axholme July 1648. 1. Debate upon the report That the three Bills sent into Scotland should not be insisted upon c. ordered to be resumed to morrow and all the Members to attend Vote to approve what the Lord Grey of Groby and Captain Temple had done in raising a considerable Body of Forces in Leicestershire and commanding them Order for Committees to go down into the several Counties to take care for raising monies for the Forces before Colchester and in Essex Letters from Colchester Leaguer that those in the Town are so block't up that they cannot get provisions that the Works are near finished and that the besiegers perdu's lye so near the Enemy that they can hear them discourse drink healths c. The General sent to offer an exchange of the Lord Capell's Son for Sir William Masham and two affidavits that by the Earl of Norwich's and the Officers directions their Souldiers had chewed bullets and cast in Sand delivered to them out of their stores which being contrary to the Law of Armes the General required that the same might be forborn for the future Concerning the Lord Capell's Son the Lord Goring returned answer that he conceived it inhumane and that if all the Committee had been offered to him he would have disdained the Motion and that he joyed to see any of his if no other way yet by their sufferings to pay the Duty they owe to the King and known Laws To that concerning bullets all the three Generals denyed any such command or practice but for rough cast slugs they were the best they could send on the sudden 3. A long Debate whether the three Bills viz. 1. For setling the Presbyterian Government for three years 2. For recalling Declarations and Proclamations against the Parliament 3. For setling the Militia in the Parliament shall be sent as propositions to which his Majesty is to give his approbation by subscribing his hand before a Treaty and to give assurance to passe them into Acts so soon as he shall come to London and sit in Parliament It was carried by Vote in the affirmative Upon Information that the King's Party were listing of men in London and some of them who were apprehended for it were rescued the House for the better guarding and securing themselves and the City orderd five thousand Pounds for raising a new Regiment of Horse to be under the Command of Major General Skippon and declared it an acceptable service in such as would send in Horse or Arms for that purpose An Ordinance past for raising fourteen thousand pounds out of the Estates of Delinquents in Kent and
the Citizens and 30 of them and of the Inhabitants were Slain by the fall of Timber and Houses on fire upon them Some small Skirmishes were between little parties of the Highlanders and the Parliaments Forces 31 Voted by the Parliament that any Natives of the Commonwealth may transport Wheat when the Price shall not exceed six and thirty Shillings the quarter paying Four-pence the Quarter Custome And Rye when it exceeds not Four and twenty shillings the Quarter paying three pence the Quarter Custom And Barly or Mault when the Price of it exceeds not twenty shillings the Quarter paying two pence the Quarter Custom And Pease not being above four aâ—d twenty shillings the Quarter paying three pence the quarter Custom And Beans not being above four and twenty shillings the Quarter paying three pence the Quarter Custom The Corn to be transported in Vessels of this Commonwealth Butter to be transported when it is not above six pence the pound A Bill to be brought in for this purpose November 1654. 1. Nov. The Officers of the Army met at St. James's to keep a day of praying together The Resident of the Duke of Guelders had Audience of the Protector declaring the late decease of his Master and the acknowledgment he made upon his death bed of the Favours and Protection he had receiv'd from the Protector desiring the continunuance of his Favour and Protection to his Son 2 The Lord Lorn the Marquls of Argiles Son continued in Rebellion against his Father Collonel Hammonds Funeral solemnized at Dublin with much State 3 The Parliament sat upon the Articles of Government and voted the forfeiture of Lands for Treason and Delinquency 4 Petitions of the Lord Craven Sir John Stowell and others referred to several Committees 6 Debate about the Bill for Ejecting Ignorant and Scandalous Ministers and School-Masters and Voted That in the mean time the Ordinance for Ejecting them passed by the Protector and his Councel shall not be suspended Order for Accounts to be brought in of the value of all Customs and Receipts in several Offices Petition of the Doctors of the Civil Law in behalfe of themselves and their profession was referred to a Committee A Committee of Ten persons appointed to confer with His Highness about stating the Point of Liberty of Conscience 7 Order to examine and punish the Authors and publishers of a Scandalous and Treasonable pamphlet entituled Collonel Shapcots speech in Parliament and the Sergeant at Arms to seize the Copies 8 The Protector and his Councel considered of the Nomination of new Sheriffes in the several Counties 9 Long debate by Councel at the Committee for the Lord Cravens and Sir John Stowells Petitions 10 Debate in Parliament upon the Articles of Government That the Supream Legislative power shall be in one Person and the People assembled in Parliament being the first Article And upon the 24 Article That if the Protector consent not to Bills presented to him within twenty days that they shall pass as Laws without his consent This Letter came from Seldon to Whitlock My Lord I am a most humble Suitor to your Lordship that you would be pleased that I might have your presence for a little time to morrow or next day Thus much wearies the most weak hand and body of Novemb. 10. 1654. White Fryers Your Lordships most humble Servant J. Selden Whitlock went to him and was advised with about settling his Estate and altering his Will and to be one of his Executors But his weakness so encreased that his intentions were prevented He dyed the last of this Month. He lived at the Countess of Kents house in the White-Fryers His mind was as great as his learning He was as hospitable and generous as any man and as good Company to those whom he liked The Primate of Ireland preached his funeral Sermon in the Temple Church and gave him a great and due Eulogie 11 The Parliament agreed upon the first and 24th Articles of Government with little alteration 13 A Petition of the Purchasers of the Lord Cravens Estate referred to the former Committe likewise a Petition of Sir John Stowell The King of Swedens Marriage was solemnized at Stockholm the 14th of October last 14 Prince William of Nassaw received by the Province of Over-Issell to be Governour there during the minority of the Prince of Orange 15 The House proceeded in the debate of the Articles of Government They considered of an Assesment for the preventing of free Quarter The Lord Lorn sent parties into his Fathers Countrey to steal Cows 16 The Parliament voted His Highness to be Lord Protector c. during his life They debated about the business of the Militia by Sea and Land 17 A List published of the several Sheriffs for England and Wales agreed on by the Protector and his Councel Much debate at the Committee concerning the Lord Cravens and Sir John Stowels business A Fire in Amsterdam quenched by casting Sand upon it Some few of Middletons party in Scotland roaming up and down were routed by the Parliaments Forces The Funeral of the Protectors Mother Solemnized at Westminster Abby 20 The Parliament sat Forenoon and after-noon upon the Government and agreed fully upon the first Article and the 24th 21 Vote for an Assesment of 60000l a month for three months to be laid on England Petition concerning Sir Peter Vanlores Estate referred to a Committee Some small Skirmishes were in the Highlands 22 A Committee appointed to consider of the Accounts of the Kingdom and who have any publick moneys in their hands The King of Scots was at Colen and the Queen of Bohemia went to Flanders to visit the Queen of Sweden 23 The House in the Forenoon upon the Government and in the Afternoon upon the Assessment 24 Five Hundred Irish were landed in some Isles of Scotland to joyne with Middleton and Seaford 160 horse more were to joyn with them and to force the Clans to rise with them The Parliament voted That no Law should be altered or repealed nor new Laws made nor any Tax imposed but by assent of Parliament 25 The Parliament voted That a new Parliament should be summoned to meet upon the third Monday of October 1656. They called for a Report from the Committee for Regulating the Chancery Seven English Ships and divers Forreign Ships cast away by a storm near Dover 27 The Parliament passed several Votes touching Qualifications of persons to be chosen to serve in Parliament and for the Electors Vote that a new Parliament shall be every third year and not to sit above six Months but by Act of Parliament with the Protectors Consent and that to be but for three Months longer That the Protector may Summon Parliaments within the three years if he see Cause to sit for three Moneths and the Summons to be by Writ according to Law The Chancellor or Commissioners of the Seal to issue Writs
which was furthered by Whitelocke's advice to the Protector 20. The Commissioners of the Treasury made several reports to the Protector and Council of Arrears of money due to the state and upon advice with them his Highness and the Council made several orders for the Collecting and bringing in of those Arrears December 1657. 1. News of the King of Sweden's proceedings in the Isle of Funen 3. The distaste between the Protector and Bradshaw was perceived to increase 6. Order for the prosecution of some persons who had committed very great wasts and spoils in Forests 7. The Protector was perswaded to take to heart and to further the relief of the poor persecuted Protestants in the Vallies of Piedmont and to send an Agent to the Duke of Savoy to negotiate for favour to them as other Princes had done 11. Writs of Summons under the great Seal were sent to divers persons to sit as Members in the other House of Parliament The Form of the Writs was the same with those which were sent to summon the Peers in Parliament They were in all sixty among whom were divers Noblemen Knights and Gentlemen of ancient Families and good Estates and some Colonels and Officers of the Army Their Names were as followeth The Lord Richard Cromwell the Protectors eldest Son The Lord Henry Cromwell his other Son Lord Deputy of Ireland Nathaniel Fiennes John Lisle Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal Henry Lawrence Lord President of his Highness Privy Council The Lord Charles Fleetwood Robert Earl of Warwick Edmund Earl of Mulgrave Edward Earl of Manchester William Viscount Say and Seal Lord John Cleypole Master of the Horse Philip Viscount Lisle eldest Son to the Earl of Leicester Charles Viscount Howard Philip Lord Wharton Thomas Lord Fauconbridge Lord John Desborough Lord Edward Mountague Generals at Sea George Lord Eure. The Lord Whitelocke Sir Gilbert Pickering Colonel William Sydenham Sir Charles Wolseley Baronet Major General Philip Skippon Lord Strickland Colonel Philip Jones Sir William Strickland Francis Rous Esq John Fiennes Esq Sir Francis Russel Baronet Sir Thomas Honnywood Knight Sir Arthur Hasilrigge Baronet Sir John Hobart Sir Richard Onslow Knight Sir Gilbert Gerard. Sir William Roberts Knight John Glyn Oliver St. John Lords chief Justices William Pierpoint Esq John Jones Esq John Crew Esq Alexander Popham Esq Sir Christopher Pack Sir Robert Tichborn Edward Whalley Esq Sir John Barksted Knight Lieutenant of the Tower of London Sir George Fleetwood Sir Thomas Pride Richard Ingolsby Esq Sir John Hewson James Berry Esq William Goffe Esq Thomas Cooper Esq Edmund Thomas Esq George Monk Commander in chief of his Highness Forces in Scotland David Earl of Cassils in Scotland Sir William Lockart Sir Archibald Johnston of Warriston William Steele Lord Chancellour of Ireland The Lord Broghil Brother to the Earl of Corke in Ireland Sir Matthew Tomlinson 16. Colonel Sir John Reynolds who commanded the English Forces that joyned with the King of France was in a Pink coming over with Colonel White and others from Mardike for England and upon Goodwin Sands the Pink was cast away and all their men in her were drowned Among them was one William de Vaux a young man a good Scholar and very ingenious and being in a great storm in a former Voyage he vainly said That if ever he went to Sea again he would be contented that God should let him be drowned And now being again at Sea the Judgment imprecated by him did fall upon him and he was now drowned 24. The Commissioners of the Treasury prepared the business of the Contract with Commissioners for the Excise and new Impost 25. Some Congregations being met to observe this day according to former solemnity and the Protector being moved that Souldiers might be sent to suppress them he was advised against it as that which was contrary to the Liberty of Conscience so much owned and pleaded for by the Protector and his friends but it being contrary to Ordinances of Parliament which were also opposed in the passing of them that these days should be so solemnized the Protector gave way to it and those Meetings were suppressed by the Souldiers January 1657. 1. Whitelocke having lent Mr. Rushworth some Manuscripts he attended Whitelocke to shew him his Historical Collections as his Highness had ordered 3. A Meeting of the Gentlemen of the County of Bucks at Merchant-Taylors Hall where they had a great Feast 9. The Lord Willoughby petition'd the Protector for his Highness Order to go into the Country to dispatch some necessary business in relation to his Estate and promising to return to Prison which Petition the Protector granted 12. The Protector resolved to have a Collection for the poor persecuted Protestants of Piedmont 20. The Parliament met according to their Adjournment and the Members of the other House summoned by Writ met and sate in the Lords House as the Lords used to do formerly The Protector came thither and the Speaker with the House of Commons being sent for by the Black Rod came to the Lords House where the Protector made a solemn Speech to them but was short by reason of his Indisposition of health and after him the Lord Commissioner Fiennes spake to them more at large My Lords and Gentlemen of both the most honourable Houses of Parliament AMongst the manifold and various Dispensations of God's Providence of late years this is one and it is a signal and remarkable Providence that we see this day in this place a Chief Magistrate and two Houses of Parliament Jacob speaking to his Son Joseph said I had not thought to have seen thy face and lo God hath shewed me thy seed also Meaning his two Sons Ephraim and Manasseh And may not many amongst us well say some years since We had not thought to have seen a Chief Magistrate again amongst us and lo God hath shewn us a Chief Magistrate in his two Houses of Parliament Now may the good God make them like Ephraim and Manasseh that the three Nations may be blest in them saying God make thee like these two Houses of Parliament which two like Leah and Rachel did build the House of Israel May you do worthily in Ephrata and be famous in Bethlehem May it be your great business to procure the peace the safety and the prosperity of these three Nations and these things too not for themselves only but in order yet to greater and higher ends the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ amongst us and the Glory of God in the good of all men but especially of the Churches of God amongst men which as they are God's most precious Jewels and his chiefest care so must they also hold the choicest place in the eyes and in the hearts of all those that act under him and are cloathed with his power and authority In order to the great and glorious end you may please in the first place to reflect upon the Posture that
go towards the Swedish Army but the King's Fleet in the Downs saluting him by the way and his own Ship discharging a Vollay at his landing at Bolloigne and by other means he was discovered and denying himself upon examination he was secured by a Guard and the King of France took this Passage ill from him and he was a great while kept in the nature of a Prisoner The Scots Commissioners returned home to Edenburgh the same night the 19th of November that a great part of the Castle Wall fell down with the Cannons mounted which some of the Covenanters supposed to be done by way of treachery to them and opposed the reedifying of it by the King's Command not permitting Materials to be brought to repair it Whereat the King was highly offended and concluded upon force to bring them to obedience for which end he chose a select number of His Council into the Cabbinet of the Scottish Affairs Some gave out that this was done by the Archbishop Laud's advice and to keep out Pembroke Salisbury Holland and others late Commissioners in the Pacification whom the Arch-bishop is said to call the hunting Lords but Hamilton was kept in at last their number was brought to three onely the Archbishop Strafford Lieutenant of Ireland and Hamilton This Junto met the 5th of December where the King discoursed of the present Evils and necessity of suddain preventing the growth of them before it should be beyond remedy which he declared in his Judgment ought to be by the assistance and consent of a Parliament in England Strafford acknowledged it the best means and highly approved and magnified the King's Resolution herein the Archbishop was said to agree therein and Strafford had the honour of the Peoples good opinion for promoting this Resolution A Parliament was likewise to be called in Ireland and Strafford to go thither and return back again to the Parliament here which was appointed to meet the 13th of April following In the mean time and it was a strange time for such a Business so near the sitting of a Parliament the King tells his Lords That it will be long ere the Parliament meet and Subsidies granted by them will be long in levying In the Interim his Affairs will suffer without some speedy course for Supplies Hereupon the Lords told him they would engage their own Credits Strafford begins and subscribes for Twenty thousand pounds Richmond the like Hamilton excuseth himself for poverty most of the rest subscribed and some few refused The Judges and Officers of Courts of Justice Ecclesiastical and Temporal were assessed by the Councel according to the Quality and Profit of their Places The Queen employed Sir Kenelm Digby and Mr. Walter Mountague to labour the Papists for a liberal Contribution to the King which they gained and thereupon some styled the Forces raised The Popish Army The News of a Parliament to be called raised the Expectations of many for good and did set divers on labouring to get themselves to be chosen Parliament-men and the Courtiers to get their Friends chosen The beginning of January died the Lord Coventry who had been Keeper of the great Seal above fifteen years He raised a great Fortune and Barony for his Posterity was of no transcendent Parts or Fame but as some gave out He died in a seasonable time The Scot's Covenanters sent new Commissioners to the King The Earl of Dunferling the Lord Loudon Sir William Douglass and Mr. Berkeley the two last not mentioned in the Commission The Lords only authorized to plead Integrity and demonstrate their Fidelity but not impowred to propose any Particulars towards a Mediation to the King's satisfaction They had great Resort to them and many secret Councels held with them by the discontented English chiefly by those who favoured Presbytery and were no friends to Bishops or had suffer'd in the late Censures in the Star-chamber Exchequer High Commission and other Judicatories Those also who inclined to a Republick had much Correspendence with them and they courted all fomented every Discontent and made large and religious Promises of future happy times The Earls of Essex Bedford Holland the Lord Say Hampden Pym and divers other Lords and Gentlemen of great interest and quality were deep in with them The Covenanters in this time imprison divers Lords and others affected to the King's Service They procure from the Hollanders divers Officers Scots and others with liberty to keep their Commands there and great store of Arms and Ammunition upon trust but those Officers in the Hollanders Pay who came over to serve the King were there cashiered the King would say of them both That they were lost by favours and won by punishment The Covenanters proclaim their Discontents and implore Aid from the French King by a Letter under the hands of many of their Principal Actors which they the less doubted upon confidence of Cardinal Richlieu and Con the Pope's Nuntio The Original Letter hapned to be brought to our King and it being found to be the character of the Lord Loudon he was though a Commissioner from the Covenanters committed to the Tower It was said they were encouraged to take Arms from Cardinal Richlieu by his Chaplain Chamberlain a Scot whom he sent to them and by Letters which Hepburn a Page to his Eminence brought to divers here and in Scotland They seized upon Edenburgh Sterlin and Dunbarton Castles They are reported likewise to offer the Isles of Orkney and Shetland to the King of Denmark and to desire Assistance from him and from the Swedes Hollanders and Poland That the Jesuits had their Hands and Wits in promoting these Troubles is set forth in a long Letter to the Archbishop Laud from a Noble-man of Bohemia one Andreas ab Habernfield which Mr. Pryn hath published in Print upon trust as he useth to do as well as others Mr. Bagshaw was Reader of the Middle-Temple in the Lent Vacation this year He was a hard Student and much inclin'd to the Nonconformist's way and to publish some of his Learning in favour of them He chose for his Statute to read upon 25 Edw. 3. ch 7. In his speech in the Hall he said He had intended to meddle with Prohibitions but not with Tacitus to follow truth too neer the heels for fear of his teeth nor too far off lest he lose it and so neither to offend nor be offended In his first Case he made one Point Whether it be a good Act of Parliament which is made without assent of the Lords spiritual The Reader argued Affirmatively 1. That they do not sit in Parliament as Bishops but by reason of the Baronies annexed to their Bishopricks which was done 5 W. 1. and all of them have Baronies except the Bishop of Man and he is not called to Parliament 2. He cited some Parliaments to be held without any Bishops Kelwayes Reports 7 Hen. 8. fol. 184. That the presence of Bishops in
of them their duty to the Parliament their desires of Peace and ingaged themselves not to act any thing against the Parliament The Officers of the Forces in Council with the Lord Lieutenant debated the consequence of this place the strength of its situation the plenty of the Countrey the nearness to London and the disaffection of the University to the Parliaments Cause That the King by his coming to Shrewsbury and looking this way and because of the conveniency of the place might probably make this a principal Quarter for his Forces and fortify the City which would prove a great prejudice to the Parliament To prevent which it was propounded to the Lord Lieutenant to take a course that the Scholars might not supply His Majesty if he came thither or rather to fortifie the City and place a good Garrison here under a Governour whom his Lordship might trust with so important a place as this was And Whitelocke was named to be a fit person to be the Governour and one whom both the City and the University and the Countrey thereabouts did well know and would be pleased with and the Scholars the more because they knew him to be a Scholar and a Member of this University But the Lord Say shewed no forwardness to fortify and make this City a Garrison This being spoken of abroad divers of the Neighbours offered to bring in 1000 men at any time within a days warning to be under Whitelocke's command in the Garrison and the Towns-men were very forward to ingage so Whitelocke might be Governour but the Lord Say declined it pretending favour to the University and Countrey and the improbability in his opinion that the King would settle there though that which follows in this Story will shew what a great errour was committed in not fortifying this place for the Parliament as it might easily have been done at this time and surely the Lord Lieutenant though a person of great parts wisedom and integrity yet did much fail in this particular Some of the Company moved his Lordship to seise upon or to secure the Plate in the several Colleges that it might not be made use of by the King if he should come thither but he did not think fit to doe it onely he and his Deputy Lieutenants went to the several Colleges and took an Ingagement and Promise from the respective Heads That their Plate should be forth coming and should not be made use of by the King against the Parliament Many with his Lordship were unsatisfied with this his favour to the University and foretold the ill consequences of it which afterwards happened to the prejudice of the Parliament But his Lordship had the sole power in himself and thus carried all this business for which he had no thanks from either party Sir John Biron marched away from Oxford with 500 Horse to Worcester and took in the Town for the King About the beginning of November the two Princes Palatine Rupert and Maurice arrived in England and were put into Command in the Army of the King their Uncle who had now gotten together a potent Army to whom he made a Speech declaring his intentions to preserve the Protestant Religion Laws and Liberties of his Subjects and Priviledges of Parliament Sept. 9. 1642. The Earl of Essex in much state accompanied by many of both Houses of Parliament sets out from London to St. Albans from thence to Northampton where his Forces met him and they were together above 15000 men The Parliaments Petition which he carried with him was refused to be received by the King who now had furnished himself with store of money by melting in his new Mint in Wales the Plate which was brought in to him in great quantities and from thence he marcheth towards London The Parliament having notice thereof order the Trained Bands to be in readiness and fortify the passages about the City with Posts Chains and Courts of Guard and it was wonderfull to see how the Women and Children and vast numbers of people would come to work about digging and carrying of earth to make their new fortifications The Parliament vote those that will not contribute to their Charges to be secured and disarmed Mr. Fountaine the Lawyer was for his refusal committed but afterwards as will appear in the progress of this Story he and many others refused and again assisted on both sides as they saw the Wind to blow The Parliament appoint a Committee for the Sequestration of the Lands of Bishops and of Deans and Chapters and of the King's Revenues to be employed for defence of the Common-wealth Colonel Nathaniel Fines with some Forces raised by the Lord Say and Colonel Sandys marched to Worcester to remove Sir John Biron from thence and expected General Essex to second them but in stead of him came Prince Rupert and slew and routed all the Parliament Party Sandys was taken Prisoner and shortly after died of his Wounds Essex coming on with his Army after he had Garrison'd Northampton Coventry and Warwick Rupert and Biron thought fit to quit Worcester to him and Essex sent from thence the Earl of Stamford with a Party to Hereford to hinder the Forces of South Wales from joyning with the King Stamford marches from Hereford to Gloucester and called away from thence leaves Massey Governour there Colonel Tho. Essex is sent to Garrison Bristol and left Governour of Worcester Some Forces are sent to Kiddermister and Beaudley to joyn with the Lord Wharton's Regiment and Sir Henry Chomley's and at Coventry and Warwick lay the Lord Peterburgh Sir William Constable and Colonel Brown with their Regiments to oppose the King's march to London and at Yarmouth they seised a Ship with 140 Cavaliers and 300 Barrels of Powder sent from Holland to the King In Yorkshire the King's Party grew strong under the Earl of Cumberland Sir Francis Worsley Sir Marmaduke Langdale Sir Thomas Glemham Mr. Nevill and others who forced Hotham to retreat to Hull In Cornwal under Sir Ralph Hopton their General Sir Nich. Slamning Sir Bevill Greenville and others they possessed Launceston for the King and with a considerable Body opposed the Parliamentarians In Wales the Earl of Worcester raised a great number of Welch and marched to the King The King having gained a days March of Essex toward London Essex finding his errour of so long a stay at Worcester hastens after the King The Parliament and their Party were not a little troubled at the King's March towards the City and the suspicion of a great Party hereabouts that would joyn with him and had invited him this way they used all means to stop his March and to hasten General Essex after him They sent down their Members Deputy Lieutenants into several Counties towards the Army to gather together such Forces as were raised and to send them to their General and to raise such further as they could Oct. 24. Intelligence was brought from Vxbridge Road that
1100 Prisoners and 3000 Arms. These Prisoners were led in much triumph to Oxford where the King and Lords looked on them and too many smiled at their misery being tied together with cords almost naked beaten and driven along like Dogs Among them was a proper handsome man of a very white Skin where it could be seen for the blood of his wounds he not being able to goe was set naked upon the bare back of an Horse his wounds gaping and his Body smeared with blood yet he sate upright upon the Horse with an undaunted countenance and when near the King a brawling woman cried out to him Ah you traiterly Rogue you are well enough served he with a scornfull look towards her answered you base Whore and instantly dropped off dead from his Horse And the beginning of such cruelty by English men towards their Countreymen was afterwards too too much followed Prince Rupert summons Gloucester which Massey resolves to hold out and the better to strengthen himself deserts Sudeley and other Out-Garrisons The Welsh Army under the Earl of Worcester and the Lord Herbert his Son having beaten Colonel Burroughs his Regiment sit down before Gloucester which they summoned but Massey returned a scornfull Answer Colonel Fines came to him with 200 Horse and Dragoons and not long after Sir William Waller with his Forces The Welsh were routed and the Earl after sive weeks siege without any memorable Action departed The Scots pass over the Tyne with a compleat Army into England to assist the Parliament Their General was Lesley who had been an old Commander in the service of the Swedes where he had great and deserved Reputation He was a person of great worth and honour not so good a Clerk as a Souldier The Pope sent into Ireland to encourage the Rebels there bestows upon them his fatherly Benediction and plenary Absolution The Germans received several defeats from the Swedes in Germany and from the French and this year died the famous Polititian Cardinal Richlieu and not long after him his Master Lewys the XIII King of France died in the midst of his Catalonian Conquests leaving his Son Lewys the XIV under the tuition and government of his Mother the Queen Dowager and of Cardinal Mazarin Richlieu's Successour Anno 1643. Car. 19 The Nineteenth year of King Charles 1643. begins with a Treaty of Peace between Him and the Parliament who had named for their Commissioners two Lords the Earl of Northumberland and the Lord Say and four Commons Mr. Pierpoint Sir William Ermyn Sir John Holland and Mr. Whitelocke The King excepted against the Lord Say as before is mentioned therefore he did not goe but the other 5 Commissioners The Earl of Northumberland carried with him his own Plate and Housholdstuff and Accommodations even to Wine and Provisions which were brought from London to them to Oxford where they lived in as much Height and Nobleness as the Earl of Northumberland used to doe and that is scarce exceeded by any Subject Anno 1643 The King used them with great favour and civility and his General Ruthen and divers of his Lords and Officers came frequently to their Table and they had very friendly discourses and treatments together The King himself did them the honour sometimes to accept of part of their Wine and Provisions which the Earl sent to him when they had any thing extraordinary The Commissioners finding Whitelocke's Pen usefull in the service did put him upon drawing of all their Papers to the King which were transcribed afterwards by their Secretaries Their Instructions were very strict and tied them up to treat with none but the King himself whom they often attended at his Lodgings in Christ-Church and had access at all times when they desired it and were allowed by His Majesty a very free debate with him He had commonly waiting on him when he treated with them Prince Rupert and the Lord Keeper Littleton the Earl of Southampton the Lord Chief Justice Banks and several Lords of his Council who never debated any Matters with them but gave their Opinions to the King in those things which he demanded of them and sometimes would put the King in mind of some particular things but otherwise they did not speak at all In this Treaty the King manifested his great Parts and Abilities strength of Reason and quickness of Apprehension with much patience in hearing what was objected against him wherein he allowed all freedom and would himself sum up the Arguments and give a most clear Judgment upon them His unhappiness was that he had a better Opinion of others Judgments than of his own though they were weaker than his own and of this the Parliament Commissioners had experience to their great trouble They were often waiting on the King and debating some points of the Treaty with him untill Midnight before they could come to a conclusion Upon one of the most material points they pressed His Majesty with their Reasons and best Arguments they could use to grant what they desired The King said he was fully satisfied and promised to give them his Answer in writing according to their desire but because it was then past Midnight and too late to put it into writing he would have it drawn up the next Morning when he commanded them to wait on him again and then he would give them his Answer in writing as it was now agreed upon They went to their lodgings full of Joyfull hopes to receive this Answer the next morning and which being given would have much conduced to a happy issue and success of this Treaty and they had the King's word for it and they waited on him the next morning at the hour appointed But instead of that Answear which they expected and were promised the King gave them a Paper quite contrary to what was concluded the Night before and very much tending to the breach of the Treaty They did humbly expostulate this with His Majesty and pressed him upon his Royal word and the ill Consequences which they feared would follow upon this his new Paper But the King told them he had altered his mind and that this Paper which he now gave them was his Answer which he was now resolved to make upon their last Debate And they could obtain no other from him which occasioned much sadness and trouble to them Some of his own Friends of whom the Commissioners enquired touching this passage informed them that after they were gone from the King and that his Council were also gone away some of his Bed Chamber and they went higher hearing from him what Answer he had promised and doubting that it would tend to such an Issue of the Treaty as they did not wish they being rather for the continuance of the War They never left pressing and perswading of the King till they prevailed with him to change his former Resolutions and to give order for his Answer to be drawn as it was
Harvey with their Parties and many Voluntiers joyned with General Essex in his advance for the relief of Gloucester At Plymouth Mr. Alexander Carew a Member of Parliament and Governour of the Island there had a design to betray the Town and Island to the King But his own Souldiers discovering it seized upon their Governour to send him up to the Parliament and the Women were so enraged against him for his perfidiousness that it was difficult to rescue him from their execution The House by Vote disabled him from being a Member and the like they did for Sir John Harrison Sir Henry Anderson and Mr. Constantine of whom they were informed that he designed to betray Poole into the King's hands And these and divers other Members of the House being disabled and the new Great Seal finished they ordered that new Writs should be issued forth to the several places for which they served to choose new Members in their room Sir Edward Bainton another Member who deserted the Parliament and went to the Isle of Wight where he spake opprobrious words against them was put in Prison The Town of Lyn in Norfolk declaring for the King the Earl of Manchester with three thousand Horse and fifteen hundred Foot draws to them and blocks up the Passages to them by Land The Earl of Warwick did the like by Sea General Essex made the slower marches towards Gloucester being forced to keep his Army together in a continual posture of Defence for he was daily skirmished with by the Lord Wilmot who attended all his Removes with a Body of two thousand and five hundred Horse His Majesty understanding that Essex advanced apace towards the relief of Gloucester sent to him a Trumpet with some Propositions to be treated on But Essex too much acquainted with such small designs to hinder his march returned a speedy Answer That he had no Commission to treat but to relieve Gloucester which he was resolved to do or to lose his life there And his Souldiers hearing of a Trumpeter come with Propositions to treat they cried out for a long time together with loud acclamations No Propositions no Propositions And so the Trumpeter was dismissed The Ordinances for the Covenant and for the Excise were at a Conference delivered to the Lords as having past the House of Commons the Covenant was read to the Lords with the Explanation upon it and the Fifth Article touching the Pacification omitted and Ireland added The Ordinance for the Excise with some Amendments of the former was read to the Lords and their Concurrence to both desired which was given by them the next Morning Sir John Hotham and his Son were examined in the House touching their Treasons and committed to the Tower Sir William Brereton took Eccleshall Castle and defeated a Party of the Lord Capel's Forces under Colonel Hastings Two of the City Regiments were ordered to march out and joyn with Sir William Waller The Major General of his Army was Colonel Potley an old Souldier under the King of Sweden Gustavus Adolphus He was of such repute with that Crown that when he took his leave of them to come for England the Chancellor Oxenstierne by command of the Senators when they all sate in Council sent for this Colonel to come in to them and told him That he having been an ancient Servant to that Crown and who had done gallant Service for them they held him in the Rank of their Children and therefore by command of the Senate he put about the Colonel's Neck a rich Gold Chain with a Medal of the late King his Master to wear in Memory of him He told him that the Senate had ordered Two thousand Dollars to defray his Expences and Four thousand Dollars to bear his Charges to his own Country and to keep him still a Servant to that Crown and that he might eat of their Bread as long as he lived they had given him a Pension of Two thousand Dollars per annum during his Life Essex proceeded in his march to Gloucester and when the Enemy fell upon any of his Companies as they often did Essex relieved them fought with his Enemies and made his way through them The King understanding his near approach to Gloucester and finding his own Souldiers not forward to fight Essex as the King intended He upon Sunday and Monday the third and fourth of September drew off his Carriages and removed the Siege and on Tuesday morning Septemb 5. 1643. went over Severn with all his Army the way to Bristoll Essex came to Gloucester Septemb. 6. and sent four Regiments who entred the Town and himself the next day finding the Siege totally raised he sent Three thousand horse to attend the King's march and keep his Forces in a body that they might not plunder the Country er else to fight them Upon the coming of the Earl of Newcastle towards Beverly the Lord Fairfax finding the Town not tenable and the Inhabitants ill affected to the Parliament he drew off all the Carriages and Souldiers from thence to Hull and Newcastle entred and possessed Beverly The Mayors of Barnstable and of Bidiford in the West betrayed these Towns to the Lord Digby's Forces The Lords sentenced Judge Berkley to pay Twenty thousand pounds Fine and to be disabled from bearing any Office in the Commonwealth for his Judgment in the business of Ship-money The Lord Maitsland Mr. Henderson and another Scots Commissioner with Mr. Hatcher and Mr. Nye arrived in London and their Letters of Credence from the States of Scotland were read to the Lords and Commons with the readiness of the Scots to assist the Parliament This Business was referred to a Committee of both Houses to Treat with the Scots Commissioners upon their Propositions and at two Meetings all was agreed The Lords assented to the Covenant with the Alterations made by the Commons and the Scots Commissioners assented to them likewise The King sent his Proclamation to Scotland forbidding them to Treat any further with the Parliament of England or to give them any Assistance Newcastle's Forces from Beverly quartered about three miles distance round on the Lands-side of Hull upon whom Sir Thomas Fairfax made a sally out of Hull killed many and took fifty Prisoners The Town of Portsmouth petitioned that Sir William Waller might be their Governour and it was left to the General Essex to give him a Commission accordingly The Speaker acquainted the House with Letters he received from France That an Army of Twenty thousand was ready at S. Malloes to be shipped for Bristoll to assist the King The News of the King 's raising the Siege of Glocester occasioned various Discourses of that Action all men both Friends and Enemies agreed that Essex herein performed a very gallant Souldier-like Action And most men were of opinion that when the King went to Gloucester if he had marched up to London he had done his work For at that time the Parliament had
Parishes and the Ministers to exhort them to it The General with the Lord Gray Sir Philip Stapleton and others came to London and the Army removed to Windsor and thereabouts Sir William Waller's Forces quartering at Colnebrook Stanes and thereabouts The House of Commons with their Speaker went to Essex-house to congratulate the General his safe Return to them and his happy Success and Valour in the late Business at Newbury And caused their acknowledgment thereof and of their Protection by him under God to be entred in the Journal Book of the Parliament The Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London waited in their Scarlet Gowns upon the General and highly complemented him as the Protector and Defender of their lives and Fortunes and of their Wives and Children and the Trained Bands sent out as he passed by loud acclamations of his praise In humane probability the King's Army was the more likely to have prevailed their Horse more and better than the Parliaments and their Foot were as good their advantages greater and their courages higher and their confidence too much God was pleased to raise the Courage of the Parliaments forces and to give them the success and indeed all success in war as well as in other matters is the free gift of the Lord of Hosts Essex and his Souldiers acknowledged much gallantry and courage in those of the King's party and the King's party acknowledged the like of Essex and his Souldiers all were Englishmen and pitty it was that such courage should be spent in the bloud of each other A passage or two I shall here remember of extraordinary mettle and boldness of Spirit One is of Sir Philip Stapleton though he would not acknowledg it that he being with other Parliament Commanders in the head of a body of horse facing another body of the King's horse before whom stood their Commanders and the cheif of them was Prince Rupert This Parliament Officer desiring to cope singly with the Prince he rode from before his Company up to the body of horse before whom the Prince with divers other Commanders were and had his pistol in his hand ready cockt and fitted Coming up to them alone he looked one and another of them in the face and when he came to Prince Rupert whom he knew he fired his Pistol in the Prince's face but his armour defended him from any hurt and having done this he turned his horse about and came gently off again without any hurt though many Pistols were fired at him Another passage was of Sir Philip Stapleton's Groom a Yorkshire man and stout if not two rash by this story he was attending on his Master in a charge where the Groom's mare was killed under him but he came off on foot back again to his own Company To some of whom he complained that he had forgotten to take off his Saddle and Bridle from his Mare and to bring them away with him and said that they were a new Saddle and Bridle and that the Cavaliers should not get so much by him but he would go again and fetch them His Master and Friends perswaded him not to adventure in so rash an Act the Mare lying dead close to the Enemy who would mall him if he came so near them and his Master promised to give him another new Saddle and Bridle But all this would not perswade the Groom to leave his Saddle and Bridle to the Cavaliers but he went again to fetch them and stayed to pull off the Saddle and Bridle whilst hundreds of bullets flew about his ears and brought them back with him and had no hurt at all The Lord Grey of Groby Sir Philip Stapleton and divers other Members of the House and divers Officers of the Army received the thanks of the House for their good service done in the late Gloucester journey and fight at Newbery and this to be entred in the Parliament journals for an honour to them and their posterity Amongst the Colours taken at Newbery one Cornet was the figure of the Parliament House with two Traitors heads standing on the top of it and by them this word ut extra sic infra but the Parliament nevertheless exposed them to publick view and censure The Commons ordered a Declaration upon a Bull from the Pope intercepted which was to encourage the Roman Catholicks in Ireland to the rigorous prosecution of the War Some discontents had been between the Earl of Essex and Sir William Waller which upon a Conference with a Committee of both Houses and a Letter from Waller to Essex were made up again and the General of a good nature declared himself to be fully satisfied The Commons borrowed 30000 l. of the Merchant Adventurers to supply the Navy and took up other large sums for supply of the Armies They past a Declaration against the Cessation of Arms then in treaty between the King and the Irish Rebels but the same was brought to a conclusion and many of the Irish came in to the King's service here This gave occasion for many Invectives and Pasquils That the Queen's Army of French and Walloon Papists and the King's Army of English Papists together with the Irish Rebels were to settle the Protestant Religion and the Liberties of England The Charge against Arch-bishop Laud was referred to a Committee to be drawn up and presented to the Commons and the Committee to manage the Evidence at the tryal against the Arch-bishop The Earl of Ormond concluded the Cessation of Arms with the Irish Rebels and divers of them under Colonel Ernely came over hither to serve the King The Earl of Craford for the King sought to gain the Town of Poole by treachery and dealt with Captain Sydenham one of the Garrison who promised to doe his work and received of him 40 l. and a promise of a great reward and preferment At an hour appointed Craford comes to the Town with 500 horse and some foot Sydenham and the Governor whom he acquainted with it let in Craford and half his men into the Town and then letting fall a chain shut out the rest few escaped of those who entred the town but were killed or taken prisoners A Letter from Dr. Featly to Oxford was intercepted wherein he held correspondence with them and fished for preferment from them and the Dr. being a Member of the Assembly of the Divines was for his Infidelity discharged of his attendance on the Assembly and of his two Parsonages Sir Nicholas Crispe upon a quarrel and affront offered to him in his own quarters by Sir James Ennyon who challenged him also to fight he killed Ennyon but was acquitted for it by the King's Council of War Mr. Walter Mountagu was apprehended at Rochester coming up towards London in a disguise and Letters of Consequence taken about him They ordered Copes and Surplices to be taken away out of all Churches Monsieur de Cressey came over Embassadour from the French King
to the Parliament and was received with all due respect by a Committee of Lords and Commons at Gravesend and conducted to the Parliament The Commons provided money for the advance of the Scots Army from the City of London The French Embassadour demanded the inlargement of Mr. Walter Mountagu as one imployed hither by the King of France but it was denyed The Cavaliers plundered and burnt part of Wokingham and quarter near Reading upon design to fortify it and summon the Country for that end The Parliament made some Orders for several Regiments to march out and for money which was wanting for Essex his Army and for Sir William Waller's forces who also desired more power than his present Commission from Essex allowed him The Earl of Manchester having setled Lyn marched with his Army into Lincolnshire where he joyned with the Lord Willoughby of Paerham Sir Thomas Faeirfax and Colonel Cromwel's forces and all together made up a very considerable Army Upon his desire the Parliament gave him power to levy monies out of the Sequestred Estates in the associated Counties towards payment of his Army They also sequestred the Estates of such Members of both Houses as had deserted the Parliament or were in actual war against them By Letters intercepted it appeared that by authority from the Pope a new Popish Hierarchy by Bishops c. was to be set up in all Counties in England with Letters sent to Rome about the same matter A Minister was voted out of his living for that he constantly pray'd for the Irish Rebels by the name of His Majestie 's Catholick Subjects Another for Preaching that the King was above the Law and all those to be Rebels and Traitors that obey not his verbal commands in all things though never so opposite to Law and Justice and many others ejusdem fairnae for scandal in their lives and doctrine Upon Letters from Colonel Massey of a designe of the enemy to take up their Winter quarters near Gloucester the more to distress it they order supplyes to be sent him Dr. Vsher Primate of Armagh now at Oxford was voted out of the Assembly The Earl of Manchester with the Lord Willoughby and Cromwel's forces gave a defeat to the Lord of Newcastle's forces at Hornecastle in Lincolnshire killed 500 of them took 1500 horse and 800 Prisoners and 35 Colours The King's forces took Daertmouth which occasioned the Parliament to send forces to the Isle of Wight The French Embassador complained that his person was stopped and his Coach searched as he went out of Town towards Oxford the Captain of the Guard being examined justified it upon notice he had of letters conveyed by the Embassador to the Enemy and it was passed over with a fair excuse to the Embassador Massey defeated a party of the King's forces coming to fortify Tewkesbury for their winter quarters killed about 300 took many prisoners with 500 Armes Colonel Bridges Governour of Warwick with a party from thence defeated a Regiment of Horse under the Lord Mollineux for the King killed divers took 100 horse and many prisoners The Commons passed sundry Ordinances for raising monies out of delinquent's Estates and Newcastle coals to satisfie those who had lent moneys for advance of the Scots Army into England And for apprehending all for spies who shall come from Oxford or any of the King's forces to any of the Parliament quarters without licence from either House or from the General A Proclamation was published in London for all Officers and Soldiers forthwith to repair to their Colours Colonel Vrrey who revolted from the Parliament and Sir Lewis Dives with a great party of horse entred Bedford took Sir John Norris and others prisoners there and routed 300 of their horse and sufficiently plunder'd the Town and other parts of that County The Lord Fairfax beat from about Hull part of the King's forces took from them 9 pieces of Cannon of which one was a Demyculverin one of those which they called the Queen's Gods and 100 Arms. Baron Trevor was sentenced in the house of Lords for his extrajudicial opinion in the case of Shipmoney to pay 6000 l. fine and be imprisoned during pleasure Colonel Cromwel routed 7 troops of the King's horse in Lincolnshire under Colonel Hastings The King sets forth a Proclamation for prohibiting the monthly fast to be kept the Parliament declare against that Proclamation and against another for adjourning part of Michaelmas Term to Oxford and held it at Westminster The Estates of Scotland declare against the Cessation of Armes made with the Irish Rebels and the Adventurers Petition against it Letters of Marque are granted by the Parliament against all such as have taken Armes against the Parliament or assisted the Irish Rebels A Collection was ordered for the maimed and sick Souldiers The Earl of Manchester took in Lincoln upon Surrender and therein 2500 Armes 30 Colours 3 peices of Cannon The Parliaments Commissioners being returned from Scotland Sir Henry Vane Jun. one of them made report of all that affair to the House General Essex marched forth to his Army to Windsor and from thence to St. Albans whither a gallant Regiment of the City under the Command of Colonel Rowland Wilson came to him and a commanded party was sent out of that and other Regiments to Newport Pannel to dispossess the King's forces there This Gentleman Colonel Wilson was the only Son of his wealthy Father heir to a large estate of 2000 l. per an in Land and Partner with his Father in a great personal Estate employed in Merchandize yet in conscience he held himself obliged to undertake this Journey as perswaded that the honour and service of God and the flourishing of the Gospel of Christ and the true Protestant Religion might in some measure be promoted by this service and that his example in the City of undergoing it might be a means the more to perswade others not to decline it Upon these grounds the chearfully marched forth with a gallant Regiment of the City which as I remember was called the Orange Regiment and went from the Army with the commanded party sent for the reducing of Newport Pannell This was the condition of this Gentleman and of many other persons of like quality and fortune in those times who had such affection for their Religion and the Rights and Liberties of their Countrey that pro aris focis they were willing to undergo any hardships or dangers and thought no service too much or too great for their Countrey but what requital if they had done it for a requital their Countrey gave them you will find afterwards in the Story When the Parliament Forces came before Grafton House and Newport Pannell after the loss of a few men and no long attendance the King's Forces thought it most wisedom for them to retire which they did and quitted the House and Town hasting away to Oxford 〈◊〉 and Essex thought fit to fortifie
the Town for a Winter quarter Twyford and Okingham were plundered by the King's Forces and then the poor inhabitants could not prevail with the insolent Souldiers but that they burned many of their Houses affirming they had orders for it from the King 's chief Commanders At Aulton Sir William Waller surprized 100 of the King's Forces under Colonel Bennet Some of the Irish landed at Bristol to serve the King under the command of Sir Charles Vavasour Colonel Henry Bulstrode being above sixty years of age yet underwent the hardships and hazards of war in this cause and was a discreet and stout Governour of Aylesbury in his own Countrey After him succeeded Colonel Alderidge whom the Lord Byron sought by promises of reward and preferment to corrupt to betray the Town to the King's Forces but Alderidge preserved his fidelity and prevented the design The Commissioners to goe into Scotland were named the Earl of Rutland Sir Henry Vane Junior Mr. Hatcher Sir William Armyn and Mr. Darley The Prisoners having great liberty and many private consultations by the favour of the Gaolers the House made an order against it upon pein of an Escape in the Gaoler that should permit it They also took care for the relief of sick and maimed Souldiers and of the Widows and Orphans of those who were slain in the Parliaments service Mr. Chute and Mr. Hern were assigned to be of Counsell with the Archbishop in his Trial to be shortly had in the Lords House The Earl of Warwick was made Governour in chief of all the English Plantations in America and a Committee to assist him The Lord Willoughby of Parham took in Bulling-brooke Castle in Lincolnshire The King's Forces at Reading sent a Party to beat up the Parliaments Quarters at Henly who thought themselves too secure and their Guards were not placed about Midnight the King's forces came up a narrow Lane in the Town towards the Cross where four or five Pieces of Ordance were planted but none there with them save one half drunken Gunner He seeing the King's forces advancing towards him cried out Tom and Jack and other names as if there had been many about him and when he discerned the King's Souldiers to come near him he made a shift to fire a Gun that stood just against them which in that narrow Lane did so great execution both upon Men and Horse that in a great terrour they faced about brought off their dead carrying their bodies back to Reading but left many Horses and much blood in the Lane and in the way to Reading The House appointed a Committee of some Members and others to look into the Accounts of the Kingdom for publick satisfaction therein Some bickerings were between the forces under Major General Skippon and Colonel Harvey and the King's forces in Northamptonshire wherein as is usual fortune was variable Many inveighed sharply against a Warrant of Prince Rupert's commanding provisions and labourers to be sent to him Vpon your utmost perils as the total plundering and burning of your Houses with what other mischief the licenced and hungry Souldiers can inflict upon you An Ordinance passed for associating Hampshire Sussex Surrey and Kent and Sir William Waller to be their Major General Mr. Pierpoint asked leave of the House of Commons to go beyond Seas but they were so desirous of his assistance being a Gentleman of great wisedom and integrity that they gave him a friendly denial The Speaker Lenthall was made Master of the Rolls Nov. 8. and Mr. Selden Keeper of the Records in the Tower Sir William Waller sate down before Basing-house The Commissioners for the Great Seal were agreed upon the Earls of Rutland and Bullingbrooke for the Lords House and Mr. St. John Sergeant Wilde Mr. Browne and Mr. Prideaux for the Commons and the same authority given to them as the Lord Keeper had and all Acts passed under the Great Seal at Oxford made void The Irish forces which came over with Vavasour refused to fight against their fellow Protestants the Parliament but joyned with General Essex his Army The Archbishop was brought to his Trial in the Lords House Nov. the 13. where he made a short Speech and desired that his Counsel might be heard who were Mr. Chute and Mr. Herne and Mr. Hale who having spoken to the points in Law the Lords adjourned Upon the news of the Cessation of Arms in Ireland many of the Earl of Newcastle's Army laid down their Arms and offered composition to the Parliament The Houses agreed that Committees should onely sit three times in the Week and the Houses to sit onely the other three Days Several of the English Regiments were sent for out of Ireland to assist the King here and since the Cessation the Irish Rebels committed many cruel murthers there The Earl of Holland returned from Oxford and examined here said that after he heard of the Cessation in Ireland his Conscience would not give him leave to stay any longer with them at Oxford The young Earl of Caernarvon came from Oxford into the Parliament and was by them committed to the care of his Grandfather the Earl of Pembroke A Paper was communicated to both Houses which was sent from the Prince Harecourt to the Earl of Northumberland by way of general Proposals for an accommodation between the King and Parliament and that in the name of the French King whose Embassadour he was Buisie Mr. Pryn prosecuted Colonel Nathaniel Fiennes for the surrender of Bristol but it was referred to the Council of War The King's Forces besieging Plymouth took one of their Out-works Sir William Waller drew off his Forces from Basing-house not willing to put them upon a Winter siege Sir William Brereton and Sir Thomas Middleton took in Holt Castle and other places in Shropshire for the Parliament Colonel Rigby with the Lancashire Forces routed a party of the King 's beyond them in number near Thurland Castle killed many and took 400 Prisoners and Arms and their Commander in chief which was the more discoursed of because Rigby was a Lawyer The Garrison of Poole made several attempts upon the King's forces in Dorsetshire killed and took divers of them and 1500 of their Horse and lost not one of the Garrison Divers of the Militia of London made Propositions to the House of Commons touching the Recruits of the Armies c. the Houses ordered them to search for any Officers of the Armies who had deserted their Colours and lay skulking in London to apprehend them and send them to the General to be punished by Martial Law Some small bickerings past between Sir William Willer's forces and the King 's near Farnham The King sent to his subjects in Scotland to forbid their taking of the Covenant or joyning with the Parliament of England but the States of Scotland returned in answer to the King the Reasons of their undertaking those lawfull actions and humbly advise the King to take the Covenant
himself The Scots generally took it except Hamilton and some three other Lords and the Estates ordered it to be taken by all men on pein of confiscation whereof they gave notice by their Letters to the Parliament of England The Houses in answer to the Prince de Harecourt declared their good acceptance of the affection of the King and Queen regent of France in their offer of a mediation of a Peace and that as soon as the Prince should make it appear that the Propositions were by authority from the King and Queen regent of France the Parliament will give such an answer as may stand with the interest of both Kingdoms and with the Solemn League and Covenant A Party from the Garrison of Poole under Captain Laye went by Water to Warham seven miles from them whereof the enemy having an alarm laid Ambuscadoes in the Hedges in the way from the landing place to the Town but Laye commanded his men it being in the Night to keep their Matches close so that the enemy could not see where to shoot at them But the Party of Poole entred Warham in two places and came into the midst of the Town where their Garrison was drawn up together who after one good volley of shot threw down their Arms and fled away Those of Poole took about 200 Prisoners much arms cloth and provisions and so returned The King's Officers having caused divers of the Parliament to be hanged for Spies as one poor man by Prince Rupert's order upon the great Elm near the Bell in Henly and many others Now the Council of War at Essex-house condemned two for Spies who brought a Proclamation and Letters from Oxford to London which were taken about them and they were both hang'd The Judges and Officers were commanded by the Parliament not to adjourn the Term by colour of any Writs or Proclamations from Oxford without order of the Parliament The Commons pressed the Lords for dispatch of the business of the Great Seal and the Earl of Rutland named for one of the Commissioners desired to be excused as not understanding the Law nor the Oath to be taken by them The Castle of Flint was besieged by Sir William Brereton and Sir Thomas Middleton the Governour of it for the King held it out till all provisions even to Horses failing him he then rendred it upon honourable terms Then the Parliament forces took in Mostynhouse belonging to Colonel Mostyn the Governour of Flint and in Mostyn they took 4 pieces of Ordnance and some Arms. This Colonel Mostyn was a Gentleman of good parts and mettle of a very ancient family large possessions and great interest in that Countrey so that in twelve hours he raised 1500 men for the King and was well beloved there living very nobly Ships were sent to relieve Plymouth and secure Milford Haven and to watch the coming over of any of the Irish Rebels The Earl of Rutland was excused from being one of the Commissioners of the Great Seal and the Earl of Kent named in his place Some of Sir Ralph Hopton's forces drove a party of Sir William Waller's Horse into Farnham but Waller drew his party into the Castle they being inferiour in number to Sir Ralph Hopton's party The Great Seal was carried up by the Speaker of the House of Commons the whole House attending him and delivered to the Speaker of the Lords House who in the presence of both Houses delivered it to the Commissioners and they all took their Oaths and then carried it to Mr. Brown's House the Clerk of the Parliament where it was put into a Chest with three different Locks not to be opened but when three of the Commissioners were present The Earl of Warwick was voted Lord High Admiral of England and an Ordinance passed that all who would set forth Private Men of War should have all Ships and Goods they could take which were employed against the Parliament or for supply of the Irish Rebels Sir Peter Osborn Governour of Jersey delivered it up to Sir John Pennington for the King A Regiment of the Irish Forces landed about Mostyn in Flintshire for the King's service Colonel Hastings marching to relieve Fulbury Castle held for the King was by the way set upon by the Moore-landers who routed his Troups killed 100 of them took about 150 Horse 100 Arms and many Prisoners The Commons thought not fit to treat further with Monsieur de Harecourt untill he shewed that he was Embassadour extraordinary from France and that he would direct his Papers to one of the Speakers The Estates of Scotland by Letters informed the Parliament of England of a French Agent who had been with them to propound their desisting from giving any assistance to the Parliament of England but the Scots justified to him their proceedings The Scots declared the Lords Hamilton Morton Roxborough and Lonmerick to be publick enemies and seised their Estates because they came not in to take the Covenant The King's Forces took Arundel Castle and fortified there Divers Forces from Ireland landed in Wales and the Lord Byron went to joyn with them Sir Walter Earle was made Lieutenant of the Ordnance in the place of Mr. Pym deceased The Garrison at Plymouth gave a brush to the King's forces besieging them Sir William Waller set upon the Lord Craford's forces in Aulton routed them and took about a thousand Prisoners Arms and rich Booties Colonel Morley beat back the Lord Hopton's forces advancing to take Lewys in Sussex Mr. Walter Long was by the House appointed Register of the Chancery Dr. Burges by motion from the Militia of London is made Lecturer at Pauls with 400 l. per annum salary out of Deans and Chapters lands A Letter of thanks was sent to Sir William Waller from the House for his good service at Aulton Mr. Lenthall Speaker was sworn Master of the Rolls before the Lords and he and the Commissioners of the Great Seal took the Oaths of Supremacy and Allegeance in the Lords house they also took the Oath for observation of the Act for the Triennial Parliament The Rebels in Ireland proposed to the Council there 1. To have confirmed to them the free exercise of their Religion 2. That all Laws there against Papists may be repealed 3. That all Lands there belonging to Religion Houses may be restored 4. That their Popish Bishops and Hierarchy may be confirmed 5. That the English Protestants may pay tithes to the Popish Priests These things were after the cessation of Arms in Ireland Colonel Norton in Hampshire routed four Troups of Colonel Bennet's Horse and took about 200 of them The Earls of Northumberland Pembroke Salisbury and divers Members of the House of Commons were indicted of High Treason at Salisbury for assisting the Parliament before Judge Heath Banks Forster and Glanvile but they could not perswade the Jury to find the Bill The Commons ordered a Committee to draw up an Impeachment of
Treason against the four Judges and to consider of a way to vindicate the Lords and Members of the Commons so indicted Several more forces about 1500 landed from Ireland in Wales and Sir William Brereton wrote to the Parliament that some of them were of the Rebels and the Lord Byron is joined with them The like power was given to Sir William Brereton and Sir Thomas Middleton for sequestrations and levying of moneys in Wales as was given to the Earl of Manchester in the associate Counties Five hundred of the Prisoners taken by Sir William Waller at Alton took the Covenant and served under him The Parliament wrote to General Essex to advance with his Army to joyn with Waller Essex answered that he held it not convenient for their Service and a little discontent began to kindle betwixt him and the House of Commons and the Committee of Safety The Commons ordered that none should elect or be elected Common Council men or Officers in London but such as had taken the Covenant The Commissioners of the Great Seal sate in the Queens Court Decemb. 22. and sealed above 500 Writs so desirous were people to have the course of Justice to proceed Colonel Brown is made Major General of the City Forces appointed to go to Sir William Waller Essex sent 600 Horse to Waller and removed his Army from St. Albans to Windsor to be the more in readiness to assist Waller and divers Kentish Forces came in to him and he sate down before Arundel Castle Duke Hamilton proscribed in Scotland gets to Oxford and there is committed close Prisoner an unhappy or unsteady man and by this you see the uncertainty of Greatness and of Princes favours Sir John Meldrum and Sir William Savile took in the Fort at Barton and after that Gainsborough for the Parliament about 600 Prisoners some of them Officers of Quality store of Arms and Ammunition The Parliament sate on Christmas day 1643. The Earls of Bedford and of Clare came from Oxford back again to the Parliament A Letter was intercepted from Oxford to Sir Peter Killegrew which brought him into suspicion Colonel Hutchinson Governour of Nottingham Castle acquainted the Parliament with an offer of the Earl of New Castle to pay him 10000 l. and to make him a Lord and Governour of that Castle to him and his heirs if he would deliver it to him for the King which Hutchinson refused The Scots Army of about 12000 advanced near to Berwick and publish a Declaration as they march of the justness of their undertakings in assistance of the Parliament Major General Skippon took Grafton House and in it Sir John Digby with 20 Officers of note and Horse and 200 Foot Arms and Money Some differences fell out at Coventry between the Earl of Denbigh and Colonel Purefoy a Member of the House of Commons they were both sent for to London and reconciled Many of the Protestants in Ireland refuse to submit to the cessation and joyn with the Scots Forces The King of Denmark providing to send assistance to the King of England and sending for men to the King of Poland to infest the Swedes the Letters being intercepted the Swedes enter Denmark and take sundry places there Colonel Fiennes was sentenced by the Council of War to be beheaded for the surrender of Bristol The King issued a Proclamation for adjourning the Parliament to Oxford and all the Members who had deserted the Parliament or been disabled met at Oxford General Essex came to London from St. Albans and was not well pleased with some Members and proceedings of the House of Commons Jan. 1643. The Earl of Bedford lately come from Oxford to the General to St. Albans was sent to London and committed to the Black Rod. Prince Maurice his Forces before Plimouth received a blow from the Garrison and the Princes men falling sick of the Camp Disease whereof many died he raised the siege Colonel Boswell with 800 Horse from Coventry took by storm Sir Thomas Holt's House 80 Prisoners store of Goods Money and Plate General Essex sent a new Commission with further powers to Sir William Waller which pleased the House of Commons A Plot was confest of setting on work a Petition from the City to the King for peace and to invite his Majesty to London and the Plotters were committed to Prison Mr. Riley a Clerk belonging to the Records in the Tower was committed for intelligence with Oxford The King sent Proclamations to the several Sheriffs to adjourn the Parliament to Oxford and to summon the Members of that County to appear at Oxford 22. of this month whereupon the Commons order their House to be called the same day Another Proclamation from the King was to adjourn the next Term and all the Courts of Justice from London which the Proclamation calls the Rebellious City to Oxford but the Parliament forbad it Arundel Castle was surrendred to Sir William Waller to mercy there were taken in it Sir William Ford High Sheriff Sir Edward Bishop Colonel Banfield and divers Gentlemen of Sussex 50 Reformades 1200 Prisoners with their Arms Money and with Pillage The Parliament imparted to the City at a Common Hall the late discovered Plot to make a difference between the Parliament and City to divert the Scots advancing hither and to raise a general Combustion under the pretence of Peace Sir Bazil Brooke and Mr. Riley were chief agents in this Plot. The Lord Byron took in Beeston Castle in Cheshire for the King The Parliament ordered the Commissioners of the Great Seal to issue forth a Proclamation for holding the next Term at Westminster and all Judges and Officers to attend here under pein of sequestration and forfeiture of their Offices The Lords sent to the Commons to hasten the impeachment against the Queen A new Ordinance of Excise passed The Lord Goring's Letter to the Queen was intercepted by which he gives her an account of Supplies of Money and Arms coming from France to our King that Monsieur Harecourt was to treat with the Parliament as the King should direct him and that all but two or three Jewels of the Crown were now pawned for money Upon this Letter and other Informations the Commons impeached the Lord Goring of High Treason and ordered the Letters of the French Ministers of State to be brought to the Committee of Safety A Party of Horse under Colonel Ashton in Lancashire marching to joyn with Sir William Brereton were by the way surprized and routed by the Lord Byron Brereton upon this alarm fell upon the Rear of the Lord Byron's Forces and killed and took many of them Major Brookban was shot to death for deserting his Colours and revolting to the King The Parliament wrote to Monsieur de Harecourt at Oxford to acquaint him with their grounds of stopping the Pacquet from France and with the Lord Goring's Letter from thence One Lord and Sir H. Mildmay and Sir William
Strickland were sent to Gravesend to entertain and conduct the Dutch Embassadour to the Parliament The City invited both Houses of Parliament to Dinner in Merchant Taylor 's Hall on such a day as the Parliament would appoint and the rather at this time the General Essex and the Earl of Manchester being in Town that the City might express their thankfulness to the Parliament for their unwearied labours and care for the defence and peace of the City and whole Kingdom The Houses returned thanks to the City and ingaged to live and die with them in this Cause and this was the rather contrived now that the Plot to raise differences between the Parliament and City and to bring in the King might appear to be the more frivolous The Parliament ordered publick thanks to be given at this Meeting at a Sermon and the Sunday after in all Parishes for the discovery and prevention of the Plot of Sir Bazil Brook A Ship laden with Arms and Ammunition sent from Bristol to relieve the King's Forces at Chester was by the Mariners compelling their Master brought in to Leverpool to the Parliament The Archbishop Laud was brought to the House of Peers and the impeachment against him read and he required to answer who said he was an old man and weak and could not answer without Counsel and desired a further time to answer which was granted Both Houses dined with the City at Merchant-Taylor's Hall in the morning they met at Sermon in Christ Church from thence they went on foot to the Hall the Trained Bands making a Lane in the Streets as they passed by First went the Lord Mayor and Aldermen in their Scarlet Gowns and the Common Council then the Lord General Lord Admiral Earl of Manchester and other Lords attended with divers Colonels and military Officers After the Lords came the Members of the House of Commons and the Commissioners of Scotland then the Assembly of Divines and as they went through Cheapside on a Scaffold many Popish Pictures Crucifixes and Superstitious Relicks were burnt before them The Lord Howard of Escrick petitioned for reparation of his losses by the Cavaliers out of Delinquents Estates The 22. of January being the day appointed for the Anti-Parliament to meet at Oxford the Parliament at Westminster called the House and there appeared 280 of their Members besides 100 more in the service of the Parliament in the several Counties and now they expelled by vote 40 Members who had deserted the Parliament The Anti-Parliament met at Oxford but have not taken upon them the name and power of Parliament The first day of Hillary Term the Commissioners of the Seal and the Judges sate in the several Courts at Westminster Hall The Ordinance passed That if any should deliver Proclamation or other thing to any persons from Oxford or sealed with any other Great Seal than that attending the Parliament that they should be proceeded against as Spies according to Marshal Law Monsieur de Harecourt sent a Letter to both the Speakers but not intituling them Speakers of the Parliament but only Messieurs Grey de Werke and Lenthall upon which the Parliament refused to accept the Letters Colonel Mitton routed a Party of the King's Horse convoying Arms and Ammunition to the Besiegers of Nantwich Mitton fell upon them unexpectedly killed many took Sir Nicholas Byron Governour of Chester Sir Richard Willis one hundred inferiour Officers and Troopers one hundred and fifty Horse and Arms and all the Ammunition and Powder which they brought from Shrewsbury The Lord Lovelace wrote to Sir Henry Vane Junior to perswade a Treaty of Peace and to raise divisions among the Parliaments party The House authorised Sir Henry Mr. St. John and Mr. Brown to keep a Correspondence with the Lord Lovelace to sift what they could out of him and his Lordship was too weak for these Gentlemen Three hundred Native Irish Rebels landed at Weymouth under the Lord Inchiquin to serve his Majesty Divers Papists Servants about the King's Children were removed Ogle for the King wrote to Mr. Thomas Goodwyn and Mr. Nye of the Independent Judgment to make great promises to them if they would oppose the Presbyterian Government intended by the Scots to be imposed on England and much to that purpose These two being persons of great Judgment and Parts acquainted their Friends herewith and were authorised to continue a Correspondence with Ogle who gained no ground upon them No more could Ogle upon the Governour of Ailesbury nor upon Mr. Davenish the one was sollicited to betray Ailesbury and the other Windsor with mountainous promises from Ogle on the King's part but all were refused The Scots Army now entred England were eighteen hundred foot and thirty five hundred of horse and Dragoons The Recorder and Citizens of London presented a Petition to the Commons for dispatch of the business of the Accounts of the Kingdom and for recruiting and reforming the Armies This gave a stroke of jealousie and discontent to Essex and his friends and the more because the House so well entertained it The Commons ordered Worcester-house to be furnished for the Scots Commissioners who desired some Members of both Houses might be appointed as a joynt Councel with them A Trumpet came from Oxford with Letters to the General and a Parchment-Roll signed by the Prince the Duke of York Duke of Cumberland Prince Rupert about fourty Lords and one hundred Knights and Gentlemen sometime Members of the House of Commons and now met by the King's Proclamation at the Assembly at Oxford to debate of the State and Peace of the Kingdom and to prevent effusion of more blood And therefore they desire the General to treat with his Friends and those by whom he is imployed not naming the Parliament to appoint a time and place to treat of Propositions of Peace The General acquainted the Parliament herewith who would not own nor receive the Letters having no Directions to them but left it to the General to return an Answer An Ordinance past to recruit the Lord General 's Army to 7500 Foot and 3000 Horse and Dragoons and they to have constant pay only eleven Officers to have but half pay The Forces of Sir Thomas Fairfax and Sir William Brereton joyning together marched to relieve Nantwich The King's Forces before the Town drew out to fight them and gallant Actions were performed on both sides the event of the Battel was long doubtful till unexpectedly the King's Forces gave ground and were pursued by the Parliaments till they were totally routed and dispersed There were taken Prisoners Major General Gibson Earnley Sir Richard Fleetwood Sir Francis Boteler an Irish Rebel Colonel Monk who afterwards served the Parliament and this was his first turn Colonel Gibs Harmon Sir Ralph Downes fourteen Captains twenty Lieutenants twenty six Ensigns two Cornets two Quarter-masters forty Drums forty one Serjeants sixty three Corporals and
King's Children The Commons voted to Impeach Mr. Webster and Mr. Sands and two other English Merchants in Holland for being chief Actors in pawning the Crown-Jewels and sending over Arms and Ammunition against the Parliament The Clergy and others being summoned to Leicester to take the Covenant and very many of them coming in Colonel Hastings with four hundred of the King's Horse roamed about the Country and took about a hundred Prisoners of those that were going to take the Covenant and drove the rest home again Upon this about two hundred Horse were sent from Leicester who unexpectedly fell into the Quarters of Hastings rescued all the Prisoners dispersed his Troops took fifty of them Prisoners and a hundred and forty Horse and Arms. Fifteen thousand of the Scots past the River Tyne and blockt up Newcastle on the South-side as the other part of their Army did on the North-side The Lord Willoughby before Newark beat the King's Forces from their Outworks and gained their Bridges and came within Pistol-shot of the Town Colonel Wayte beat up the King's Quarters near Burley-house Colonel Norton did the like to some of the Lord Hopton's Forces and killed and took about eighty of them The Scots possest themselves of Sunderland and Durham Sir William Constable took Stamford-Bridge and three pieces of Ordnance Powder Shot Arms for several Troops of Horse and Provisions Colonel Lambert at Leeds surprised eleven Colours of the King 's and Sir William Constable besieged Scarborough Sir Hugh Cholmley revolted to the King burnt many houses in Whitbee March 12. The Archbishop came to his Tryal in the Lord's house the Evidence against him was managed by Serjeant Wild and Mr. Maynard The Archbishop in his Defence alledged for his constancy in Religion that he had converted two and twenty from Popery to be Protestants Divers Western Gentlemen came into Plymouth and submitted themselves to the Parliament The Divines of the Netherlands in Answer to a Letter from the Assembly of Divines here express their content in the proceedings of the Parliament and Assembly touching the Covenant and desire to joyn with the two Kingdoms therein The Dutch Ambassadour sent a Message to the House of Commons directed in the usual manner To the Speaker of the House of Commons And in the Afternoon they had a private Conference with the Speaker and some Members The Earl of Carlisle deserted the King's Party and came in to the Parliament Colonel Thomas Pyne took the Lord Arundel's House by assault fifty Prisoners and two pieces of Ordnance Mar. 15. The Commons referred to the Council of both Kingdoms to consider of and propound to both Houses the most probable speedy and effectual means for procuring and establishing a firm peace wherein the Lords concurred Sir Richard Greenvile was proclaimed Traytor by the General and the Proclamation nailed on the Gallows The Parliament Ships chased the Earl of Marleborough but he though two to one did not think fit to fight with them The Anti-Parliament at Oxford passed sundry Votes That the Parliament Members at Westminster were guilty of Treason Which Votes the Parliament caused to be published with a Declaration upon them A List was agreed of seven Colonels of Foot-Regiments under the Lord General in his Army The Propositions from the Ambassadours of the States Were to mediate a Peace between the King and Parliament For which end they had been with the King and now they made application to the Parliament who thought they did not fully acknowledge them as the Parliament and thereupon the business past over with Complements on both parts Colonel Purefoy beat up the Quarters of two Troups of the Earl of Northampton's Regiment took divers Officers and others Prisoners and 80 Horse The Rents of the Universitie of Oxford were secured by the Parliament Consideration was had of Regulating Sir William Waller's Army The Scots possest Sunderland by which means Coals were had for London which before was in great want of them Newark Garrison sallied out and surprised 200 of the Besiegers The Ordinance past for Regulating the Lord General 's Army and reducing them to seven thousand and five hundred Foot and three thousand Horse and thereby his Officers were discontented and himself not well pleased Letters were intercepted from the Catholick Council of the Rebels in Ireland to Cardinal Mazarini To put the Queen Regent of France in mind of her promise to assist the Irish with seven thousand men An Order past for Trade to Sunderland and Blith in the North. A difference of Opinion was between the two Houses the Lords would have a new Committee named to consider of Propositions of Peace the Commons would have that Business referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms In the debate of this matter some of the House of Commons seemed averse to any Propositions at all for Peace Amongst others one spake to this effect Mr. Speaker It would be no wonder to see an unanimous Concurrence of the whole House in furthering Propositions for a good Peace The Calamities of our Distractions have brought us to it and who is there amongst us that hath not in some measure felt the stroaks of them I am sure Sir I have smarted by them We may say here but I hope never with the like Application what Tacitus said of the Romans Omnia discordiis civilibus fessa The Land is weary of our Discords being thereby polluted with our blood God hath given you great Successes in many places against our Enemies and sometimes he is pleased to give our Enemies Successes against us in all of them whether of the one or the other Party the poor English are still Sufferers Whose Goods I pray Sir are plundered whose Houses are burnt whose Limbs are cut or shot off whose persons are thrown into loathsom Dungeons whose Blood stains the Walls of our Towns and defiles our Land Is it not all English and is it not then time for us who are all English-men to be weary of these Discords and to use our utmost Endeavours to put an end to them I know Sir you are all here of the same Opinion with me in this Point and that it was an unhappy mistake of those who told us in the beginning of our Warfare That it would be onely to shew our selves in the Field with a few Forces and then all would be presently ded We have found it otherwise let us now again seek to recover these Blessings of Peace whereof we are told that Nihil tam populare quam pax That nothing is than Peace more gracious to be heard of more pleasing to be desired and more profitable to be enioyed I am sorry we have so much and so sad Experience as well as other Arguments to convince us of this truth You think best to refer it to the Committee of both Kingdoms and you cannot find more able and faithfull men to trust in this Business the Lords think fit that
another Committee be named to whom this may be referred VVhilst we differ upon the Committee we lose the Business and do not pursue Peace I am perswaded Sir you can hardly name any Committee either within or without these Walls but would be ready to take pains to effect this good work Unless it were those who have said That if this War be well managed it may last twenty years But those were not English-men and although we have Irish French Dutch and Walloons as well as other Papists ingaged for the settlement of the Protestant Religion and Laws of England Yet I am perswaded that his Majesty and you mutually indeavouring as it is both your Interests none can hinder it It is true that these Foreigners help to open the Veins wider but a Peace will rid us of them and stop the Issue of Blood but if it bleed on still we must faint and perhaps become a prey to Foreigners Sir I humbly move that we may endeavour without more loss of time to satisfie the Lords with reasons that it is fittest to have this matter referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms Yet if their Lordships shall not be satisfied herein let us consent to name another Committee rather than to suffer so desirable a business to be protracted Let us consent to any thing that is just reasonable and honourable rather than in the least to neglect to seck Peace and to ensue it The Commons appointed a Committee to draw up Reasons to satisfie the Lords that it was fittest to refer this Matter to the Committee of both Kingdoms The Lord Howard of Escricke had an allowance out of Sequestrations in satisfaction of his Losses and the first Precedent herein was of a Lord. Captain Weere going with a Party from Lyme was surprised by the King's Forces and most of his men taken Prisoners and carried to Collington and divers killed Captain Thomas Pyne having Intelligence thereof went out the same Night with a Party of the Garrison of Lyme to Collington where he found them in Jollity for their Success and falling upon them he took the Colonel several inferiour Officers about sixty Souldiers and many Horse and Arms and rescued all their Prisoners Prince Rupert with a great body of Horse came unexpectedly upon the Parliaments Forces before Newark so that they had no time to prepare to receive him yet Colonel Rossiter Major Lilburn Captain Bethell and Hunt gallantly charged and routed the Right Wing led by the Prince Other of the Parliaments Forces did not play their parts so well but five hundred of them deserted the great Fort before they were assaulted secured their Arms and went away to Lincoln By which means the Prince became Master of that Fort and of the Island and there intrenched himself and cut of Provisions from the Besiegers which made them render upon Articles which were not observed The Parliament lost there three thousand Arms and nine pieces of Ordnance and the Enemy rejoyced much in this action The occasion of this defeat was the want of a good Agreement amongst the Officers before the Town who took upon them more power than belonged to them several of them striving to be chief in command and all thereby were the more careless and unprepared to resist the Enemy The Ordinance passed for compleating and maintaining the Lord General 's Army to consist of seven Regiments of Foot each of 1000 Souldiers divided into eight Companies and the General 's Regiment to be of 1500 Souldiers and divided into twelve Companies and to have six Regiments of Horse each to consist of 550 Troupers and divided into six Troups Instead of nine great Ships not so usefull in the Navy it was ordered to fit up twelve Merchant Ships The Commons ordered the Lord Mayor and Militia of London to provide a Store of Corn for the City An Ordinance passed for contribution of one Meal a Week for the Auxiliary Forces Colonel Harvey was sent forth with his Regiment of Horse to Sir William Waller Captain Swanley took a Bristol Ship laden with Arms and Ammunition for the King The Scots took a great Fort over against Tinmouth which commands all Ships coming in or going out of New Castle and five pieces of Ordnance Arms Powder and some Prisoners and lost but nine men Colonel Cromwell Governour of the Isle of Ely had the like power for levying money there for his Forces as the Earl of Manchester had in the associated Counties General Forth and Sir Ralph Hopton having drawn together the strength of the King's Forces in those parts marched towards Sir William Waller who with Sir William Belfore Sir Arthur Haslerig and others had got together about 10000 Men. Both Armies lay within a mile of each other about four miles from Winchester and two or three days faced each other and had some light Skirmishes between the Horse and William Waller's Men took about thirty of the enemy and slew one Captain and an Irish Rebel March 29. Both Armies fell on upon each other the King's Forces having the advantage in the number both Parties fought very gallantly and stoutly the London Forces and Kentish Men with Waller and Sir Arthur Haslerig and Belfore did very brave service and after a sharp Fight the Parliament Forces totally routed and dispersed the King's Army The first of the King 's that are said to run away were two Regiments of Irish the other Foot Regiments fought stoutly on both sides and came up to push of Pike the London Regiments drave the Enemy from the Hedges which they had lined with Musquetiers and gained the passage to a Wood which stood the Parliament Forces in great stead and shortly after put the Enemy to a Rout which was so total that scarce ten of them were left together Their General Forth and Sir Ralph Hopton fled to Bafing House their Ordnance Arms Bag and Baggage left to the Parliament about 500 of them slain besides those in the pursuit closely followed by Sir Arthur Haslerig The Lord John Brother to the Duke of Lenox was slain and many Officers of the King's Party of the Parliaments Party about 100 Men slain Colonel Dalbier wounded and Colonel Thompson's leg shot off The News hereof as it was joyfull to the Parliament so it took off much of their rejoycing at Oxford for the relieving of Newark and raising of the siege there Anno 1644. April 1644. The Parliament ordered a day of publick thanksgiving for the good success which it pleased God to give to their Forces hear Winchester Ships were ordered to lie to hinder the landing of the Irish Captain Swanley secured Milford Haven Haverford West and all Pembrokeshire for the Parliament The Irish Rebels enter'd into a Catholick Covenant and sent their Agents to the King to have a free Catholick Parliament and they had countenance at Oxford The Commons took course for making of Gunpowder The Scots and New-Castle's Army often faced each other and had some
small Rencounters A Party of Sir John Gell's men near Derby fell upon a quarter of the Enemy killed twenty two routed the rest drove divers Men and Horse into the River Dove where they were drowned took 140 Horse and 80 Prisoners Colonel Bellasis attempted the Quarters of Colonel Lambert who beat back Colonel Bellasis and pursued him six miles took 150 Horse 60 Foot Colonel Bagshaw and 80 Captains and Officers Sir Edward Hartop and Major Bingley were questioned for letting the Enemy pass to the Relief of Newark when they had a considerable force to oppose him and it was referred to a Council of War It was agreed to send 66000 l. to the Brittish Forces in Ulster The Prince Elector wrote to the Parliament of the great want he and his Mother were in for want of the stipend they formerly had bemoans the courses which his brother took in fighting against the Parliament and rejoyceth to hear of the Covenant The King's Forces at Reading levelled the works and marched to Marlborough An Ordinance passed for observation of the Lord's day The Isle of Wight sent store of provisions and 300 men to Waller Upon advice from the Committee of both Kingdoms the Parliament resolv'd to draw together all their Forces at a general Rendezvous and to put the Enemy to it by a day and took order for Victuals and Necessaries for their Armies and that this their resolution should be published on the day of Thanksgiving Newcastle imposed an Oath of Adherence upon the inhabitants of York to oppose the Scots but many resused to take it The Lord Fairfax his Regiment took 160 Horse and 80 Foot at Axholm The Commons and Lords answered the Dutch Ambassadour That when they should make it appear that they hadCommission to address themselves to the Parliament they should receive a fit Answer At a Common Council the Earl of Warwick Sir Henry Vane Junior and the Earl of Pembroke spake to the Citizens acquainted them with the Resolution of the Parliament to put the business of the war to a speedy issue and to a day and to desire their assistance Sir William Waller spake to them to the same effect Mr. Hollis and Mr. Glyn to the same purpose and the Citizens were very forward in the business A Party of Sir William Waller's Forces took Christ Church and Sir John Willis the Governour with divers Commissioners of Array 120 Horse 200 Foot and about 400 Arms. The London Brigade with Colonel Whitehead took in by composition Walton House belonging to the Bishop of Winchester Colonel Langhern and Captain Swanley with the help of a squadron of ships sent to them took in the fort of Prickspil divers Officers 18 great Ordnance 6 Carriages 300 Souldiers with their Arms and two Bristol ships with Arms and Powder This so terrified Haverford West that their Centuries the next night seeing a herd of Cattel cried out that the Round-heads Black-coats were come and Sir Henry Vaughan and his company hasted away leaving behind them Powder ten pieces of Ordnance and store of Provisions Then they took Tinby a strong Fort with the Governour 300 Souldiers and Arms 8 pieces of Cannon and store of plunder and secured all Pembrokeshire and most part of South Wales for the Parliament Prince Griffith so called made a proposition for 15000 l. to reduce all NorthWales to the Parliament Col. King took in Crowland for the Parliament 80 Horse and Arms. The Lords agreed to refer the drawing up of propositions for Peace to the Committee of both Kingdoms to doe it by a day An Oxford Spie was executed The Lord Conwey and the Earl of Kingston came into the Parliament The King again sets up his Standard at Marlborough but seeing few come in to it he declared at the Standard that the two Houses were preparing Propositions for Peace and he would reward those that came in to him as there should be further occasion to use them and so the Standard was taken down The King's Forces surprized Wareham as was suspected by the treachery of the Captain of the Watch who let them in for which they being Masters of the place killed the Captain and many others and committed divers rapes and cruelties The Archbishop coming again to trial the Article was urged against him and several witnesses produced That he assumed the title of the Pope that in Letters from the Vniversity of Oxford he was styled Optimus Maximus Sanctitas Vestra Your Sacred Holiness Aeternum Reverendissime Cancellarie Maximus Pontifex It was referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms to send Agents to the Swedes and to Zealand to declare the Parliaments affection to them who had expressed their good liking of the proceedings of the Parliament The Lord Fairfax and Sir Thomas Fairfax his Son joyning together drew up their Forces to Selby where a Garrison of the King 's was and in it Colonel Bellasis the Governour of York that night they beat in a party of the Enemies Horse and took divers Prisoners Early the next morning they beset the Town in three Divisions and after a hot fight wherein both parties performed brave service Fairfax routed them and entred the Town where they took 4 Colonels 4 Majors 20 Captains 130 inferiour Officers 1600 common Souldiers 4 brass Pieces of Ordnance Powder Match 2000 Arms 500 Horse besides Colours and a Pinnace and Ships in the River and 500 more Prisoners at Hemcough near Selby For this the Parliament ordered a day of publick Thanksgiving The Candlesticks Crucifixes and Plate in Pauls Church was ordered to be sold and a motion debated for borrowing 100000 l. of the States of the Netherlands The Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London proposed that they would raise 20000 men and how they might be paid but the Commons doubting it might retard their present designs it was for that time laid aside A party of Sir William Waller's Horse beat up the Enemies Quarters at Sunning near Reading took 2 Lieutenant Colonels 3 Captains divers other Officers 21 Souldiers with Arms and 40 Horse A Proclamation was published from Oxford commanding the Inhabitants of Oxfordshire Bucks and Berks c. to bring in all their provision for Men and Horse to Oxford within 5 days that they may not assist the Enemies now marching on pain of fire and sword The Commons appointed a Declaration to be drawn and published thereupon These three Counties Oxon Bucks and Berks entred into an association and a Committee was appointed of Members of the Mouse and other Gentlemen of those Counties then in London to manage the affairs of those Counties to compound with Delinquents and to raise supplies for the Forces there The Earl of Newcastle troubled at the news of Selby and his Army wasting upon the approach of the Scots towards them they left Durham to the Scots and General Lesley pursued them The Commons did right to Mr. Cambell upon a complaint of Horses taken
from him and to the inhabitants of Surrey for satisfaction of their charges for supply of Sir William Waller A thousand Countrey men came in to Colonel Massey who represented the condition of his Garrison to the Parliament who ordered supplies for him and the Earl of Manchester was ordered with 4000 Horse and 5000 Foot to attend the motion of Prince Rupert The Lord Fairfax his Forces joyned with the Scots and care was taken to supply the Earl of Manchester Sir William Waller sent out a party which fell upon a Convoy of the Enemies for supply of Basing House and took of them divers Officers 40 Souldiers 1000 Sheep and fat cattle and money Sir John Gell routed 2 Troups of Colonel Goring's Regiment of Horse and dispersed the rest The Earl of Warwick took 8 ships bound for Bristol York was close besieged by the Scots and the Lord Fairfax his Forces The Dutch Embassadour and the Parliament courted each other but nothing came to effect between them The King's Forces whereof many were Irish burnt Bemister Cerne and Shaftsbury in Dorsetshire The Commons ordered that no private business should be heard in the House before the Armies were upon their march The Propositions for Peace were brought into the House and Read and Debated and the Debate adjourned The Marquess Huntley in Scotland made some commotion on behalf of the King but the Earl of Argile quieted him The Anti-Parliament at Oxford had written Letters to the Estates of Scotland dehorting them from giving any assistance to those at Westminster who were in arms against the King and these Letters set forth the unlawfulness and injustice of such undertakings and actions The Estates of Scotland sent up this Letter to the Parliament with a Copy of their answer to it which was to this effect That their expedition into England was not intended till all other means were first assayed and disappointed they deny not the Parliaments invitation of them and they declare that their pitty to see England bleed and their sense of the danger of their own Religion and Laws were the chief cause of their taking up Armes That they held not the invitation of the Parliament any ways invalid because they at Oxford are wanting or others are gone beyond the Seas having either wilfully deserted the Parliament or been expelled for Delinquency or why those that stay in Parliament are not a sufficient number without those at Oxford they do not apprehend with much of the like matter which was well accepted by the Parliament May 1644. An Ordinance for the supply of the Earl of Manchester's forces stuck with the Lords An Ordinance was published to prevent the adjournment of the Term or any the Courts of Justice from Westminster and all Judges and Officers were commanded to attend their places here Some 30 firelocks of the Garrison of Northampton being surprized by the Enemy and carried Prisoners to Banbury the Northampton forces marched forth entered Banbury fetched off all their Prisoners and took about 30 of them Sir Thomas Fairfax and Major General Lesley closely pursued the Earl of Newcastle's horse Southward The Archbishop of Canterbury came again to his tryal the evidence against him was mannaged by Mr. Nicholas Captain Swanley took in the town of Caernarvon with 400 Prisoners Arms Ammunition and much Pillage Plymouth sallyed out upon the besiegers took 40 Prisoners Horse Arms Ammunition The Speaker and some Members of the House were sent to the Dutch Ambassadours to complement and take leave of them The Commons sent to acquaint the City that they were preparing Propositions for Peace and desired to know from them what concerned their particular for which the City returned their humble thanks Particular Letters were ordered to be written from the Houses to the Scots General and to the Lord Fairfax and his son in acknowledgment of their good services The Lord General wrote to the Houses to appoint a Committee to reside with the Army and to supply the Army Mr. Rolles a Member of the House had satisfaction voted to be given him for his losses in opposing the King's taking of Tunnage and Poundage when it was not granted by Parliament At the taking of Caermarthen by Captain Swanly many Irish Rebels were thrown into the Sea The Earl of Manchester took the City of Lincoln by storm and in it Sir Francis Fane the Governor three Colonels many inferiour Officers 800 Common Souldiers 1000 Armes 8 pieces of Ordnance all their Armes Ammunition and pillage given to the Souldiers and 80 of them were slain A new Ordinance passed for abolishing all Popish Reliques fixed to Tombes or other places and all Organs Images c. The Earl of Holland desired licence to accompany the Lord General in the present expedition which the Lords granted but the Commons denyed which upon my knowledge distasted the General Sir Philip Stapleton and Hollis were two of the most secret Counsellors and Friends the General had they often advised with him about his affairs for his good and the advantage of the Parliament but he was not well fixed Newcastle's horse coming to relieve Lincolne were beaten back by Manchester's The siege of York was continued and the Scots and the Lord Fairfax's forces drawn very near to the wals The Lord Say Mr. of the Wards and the Officers of that Court sate Mr. Charles Fleetwood was made Receiver General and Mr. Miles Corbet Clerk of the Wards Captain Fox with one Troop of Horse went to Bewdely the enemies Garrison and in the night under pretence of being one of the Princes Troops passed the Guards to the main Guard where he killed the Sentinels seized the Guard and took Sir Thomas Littleton and divers persons of Quality prisoners The Londoners presented a Petition to the Lords desiring their free and mutual concurrence with the Commons in the great affairs now in agitation which was not well taken by the Lords A party of the King's horse came to Henly requiring the inhabitants to carry in all their Provisions for men and horse to Oxford else the Town should be burnt and faln upon by the Souldiers but Captain Buller being quartered not far from thence and hearing of it came unexpectedly and fell upon the enemy and rescued the Town Colonel Massey with his own forces and some of the Regiments of the Lord Stamford Colonel Devereux and Colonel Purefoy took Westbury by assault divers Officers and 60 Souldiers the same night he marched to little Deane and meeting with a party of the Enemy under Captain Congrave and Wigmore he slew them and 7 or 8 more and took divers prisoners Then he stormed Newnam a strong fort who shot at his Trumpet sent to summon them and that so inraged Massey's men that they entered the Town and slew about 40 took divers Officers and 130 common Souldiers and store of Arms. A new Ordinance for settling the Committee of both Kingdomes was sent up to the Lords who denyed to
better securing those Counties for the Parliament The City freely agreed hereunto and resolved to send out another Brigade of horse and foot under Major General Brown to joyn with the Forces of these three Counties The Earl of Warwick relieved Lyme with Provisions and Ammunition which they greatly wanted and with some of his Seamen helped to keep the Line Prince Maurice stormed the Town but Captain Ceely the Governour and his Garrison with the Seamen made such a Defence that sixty of the Prince's men were slain two Captains and many of his Souldiers taken prisoners and but eight men lost of the Garrison in this storm The chief Commanders before Lyme were Prince Maurice the Lord Pawlet and Sir John Borlace with about 2500 horse and foot in all The next day but one they began again to storm the Town and came on with as much bravery and resolution as could be performed by English men against English-men and they were as gallantly received by the Garrison and 400 of the Prince's men were slain on the place and not above seven of the Garrison All this was certified to the Parliament by Letters from the Earl of Warwick to whom a Letter of thanks was sent from both Houses for his great Service in relieving this Town and they ordered 1000 l. per an to the Town out of the Lord Pawlet's Estate and full satisfaction to the Inhabitants for their losses and the Lord General was desired to send a party to relieve them It was much wondred at that this Town could so long hold out being of little strength more than by the courage of their men and situate low under a Hill which was of great advantage to the Besiegers and they were sometimes brought unto such streights that their Water was noisom with the bloud of those slain and they much wanted provision of Victuals and Ammunition which the Earl of Warwick supplyed He also certified the Parliament that he had taken two Pinnaces at Sea one bound for Bristoll valued at 18000 l. A Troup of the Earl of Dallensie's Regiment marched to the Walls of York killed thirty and took thirty four Prisoners sxity Horse and forty Oxen and Cows from the Garrison General Lesley and the Earl of Manchester intrenched on each side of York very near to the City and the Scots took and fortified a Windmill near the Town though the Garrison made 200 great shot at them The Parliament ordered the Lord General to pursue the King and Sir William Waller to march into the West which was contrary to the General 's liking and it was thought strange that the Committee of both Kingdoms would at that distance take upon them to give particular Orders for the Services and course of their Armies March and not rather to leave it to the chief Commanders that were upon the place and who upon every motion of the Enemy might see cause to alter their Counsels This increased the jealousies and peeks between the General and Waller both gallant men but the General thought himself undervalued and Waller was high enough Nor did there want Pick-thanks to blow these coals of jealousie and this proved unhappy to the Parliament Affairs as will appear afterwards Mr. Hungerford a Member of the House of Commons was committed for going to the Anti-Parliament at Oxford Colonel Massey took in Tewksbury and in it Lieutenant Colonel Mynne and many Prisoners Powder and Ammunition and slew several inferiour Officers A Battery was made at the Windmill-hill at York five pieces of Ordnance planted which shot into the Town and did much hurt the Lord Eglinton with four thousand Scots entred some of the Gates and made a passage into the Mannor-house A strong party sallying out of the City were beaten back with loss General Leuen with his Regiment took a Fort from the Enemy and in it 120 prisoners the Garrison burnt up much of the Suburbs The Archbishop came again to his Tryal and the Matters against him were Touching his Ceremonial and Popish Consecrating of Churches and concerning the Book of allowing Recreation on Sundays The Earl of Manchester having made a Mine forced the great Fort at York where all the Defenders were slain and taken and but ten or twelve Scots lost The Earl of Newcastle sent to General Leuen to know the Cause of his drawing thither Leuen answers That he wondred Newcastle should be ignorant thereof that his intent was to bring that City to the obedience of the King and Parliament and therefore for avoiding further effusion of blood he summoned him once more to render the Town The Earl of Newcastle Sir Thomas Widderington and other chief Commanders with a strong party sallyed out of the Town endeavouring to escape but were driven back into the City from whence they shooting at a Tent where Leuen was took off part of the Tent but did no other hurt Sudley Castle in Glocestershire was yielded to Sir William Waller at mercy and taken in it nine Captains twenty two inferiour Officers and all the common Souldiers of whom a hundred and fifty took the Covenant and listed themselves for the Parliament they took here likewise 4000 l. worth of Cloth The same day Colonel Purefoy with the Warwick Forces took Compton-house and in it 5500 l. in money and five or six Pots of money more found in a Pond all their Arms four hundred Sheep about a hundred head of Cattel and great store of Plunder The King's Forces as they hasted to Worcester broke down the Bridges after them to hinder the pursuit of them and many of them crouding to get over Pursow Bridge the Planks left for their passage brake and about sixty of them were drowned The Commons again desired the Lords Concurrence to the Ordinance for secluding the Members who had deserted the Parliament and assisted their Enemies but the Lords were not yet satisfied therein A Party continued before Greenland-house An Ordinance passed for the relief of the maimed and sick Souldiers and for the Wives and Children of those who were slain in the Service of the Parliament The King sent from Bewdely a party of three thousand Horse to relieve Dudley Castle besieged by the Earl of Denbeigh who coming suddenly upon the Earl he sent out a Forlorn commanded by Colonel Mitton who charged the Enemy so home and was so far engaged that the Earl's friends advised him to draw off as fast as he could to save himself and the rest of his Company the Forlorn being given over for lost and the King's Forces far in number exceeding the Forces of the Earl But the Earl would not so leave his Friends ingaged but in person led on his Party and charged the Enemy so hotly that they retreated in disorder and the Earl rescued and brought off his Forlorn and the Enemy lost about a hundred of their men besides many Officers and common Souldiers taken Prisoners by the Earl and lost but
seventeen of his own men Lyme being relieved and the Siege raised the Earl of Warwick went on shore and much wondred that the Works of the Town being so slight and the Enemy so strong that yet the Town should hold out so long and against so many fierce Assaults and yet in the whole Siege the Town lost not above a hundred and twenty men but the Enemy lost two thousand Letters of Thanks were ordered to be written from the Parliament to the Town and two thousand pounds gratuity to be given them and Cloths for the Souldiers General Essex sent a Party to have relieved Lyme but Prince Maurice was gone with all his remaining Forces and the Siege raised before they came The Party sent by the Lord General to relieve Lyme marched from thence to Weymouth which was rendred to them upon terms and all their Ordnance Arms and Ammunition left behind them Prince Rupert took in Leverpoole a Garrison of the Parliaments in Lancashire but they first shipped all their Arms Ammunition and portable Goods and most of the Officers and Souldiers went on Ship-board whilst a few made good the Fort which they rendred to the Prince upon quarter yet were all put to the Sword The Lord General came to Dorchester where divers Western Gentlemen came in to him and among them the Lord Becham Son to the Marquess of Hertford The Queen was brought to Bed of a Daughter at Exeter The Parliament now ordered that the General should continue in the Western Service and Sir William Waller to attend the motions of the King's Army and that the Earl of Denbigh Sir William Brereton Colonel Massey Colonel Mitton and Colonel Rigby and their Forces should joyn with Sir William Waller The Earl of Newcastle desired a Treaty which was admitted and he demanded to march away with Bag and Baggage and Arms and Drums beating and Colourâ—s flying and that all within the Town should have liberty of Conscience the Prebends to enjoy their Places to have Common Prayer Organs Copes Surplices Hoods Crosses c. These things were denied by the Parliaments Generals but they offered the Earl of Newcastle that he and all the Commanders should go forth on horseback with their Swords and the common Souldiers to march out with Staves in their hands and a Months Pay and all else to be left behind them The Enemy desired four or five days time to consider hereof which was granted Taunton Dean was rendred to the Lord General and some other Places in the West where he was The Archbishop was again brought to his Tryal and the Matters insisted on against him were His introducing of Popery and Arminianism The Lords sent to the Commons that they could not consent to the Ordinance for secluding the Members of both Houses who had deserted the Parliament because they had already voted the Readmission of the Earl of Holland And the Commons referred it to a Committee to consider of some Expedient as to the Case of the Earl of Holland A Committee of Lawyers was appointed for sequestring and selling the Chambers in the Inns of Court belonging to malignant Lawyers The General by his Letters from Dorchester informs the Parliament that the Country thereabouts generally declared themselves for the Parliament and had furnished his Army with plenty of provisions The Lord Canoule a Scot Master of the Horse to the King came in and submitted himself to the Lord General The King left his Foot at Worcester and from thence went with two thousand Horse to Evesham where he took the Mayor and divers Aldermen of the Town and carried them with him prisoners to Oxford and brake down the Bridges after them as they passed to hinder Sir William Waller's pursuit of them they likewise burnt down many houses in the Suburbs of Worcester the better to secure the City and the like they did at Oxford and also at Abington The Siege continued before Basing-house but those that were before Greenland-house thought not fit upon the King 's coming back to Oxford to continue any Siege to Greenland-house till they might have the Forces of Major General Brown to joyn with them An Ordinance passed to impower the Committee of Oxon Berks and Bucks to raise Forces and Money to pay them and they to be under Brown's Command Troubles were in the Virginia Plantation The Archbishop was again brought to his Tryall and the same points of Popery and Arminianism urged against him and as a proof thereof the Remonstrance of the House of Commons in Parliament in the year 1628. Sir Richard Onsley's Regiment came to assist Colonel Norton lying before Basing-house to whom and to Colonel Morley the Commons sent a Letter of thanks At Weymouth the Lord General took a hundred pieces of Ordnance two thousand Musquets a thousand Swords Arms Pistols Powder and about sixty of great and small Vessels The General sent parties to Dartmouth VVareham and other places The Lord Viscount L'Isle had allowed him 1000 l. upon account of the Irish Service Plymouth Garrison sent out parties who beat up the Enemies quarters and at one time took forty and at another time a hundred and fifty horse and prisoners A Ship with Letters to the Parliament from Scotland and two other Ships loaden with Coals for London put in at Harwich and there cast Anchor and the Mariners went on shore leaving none aboard the Ships to guard them In the mean time came into the harbour a Pinnace of the King 's carrying the Parliament Colours and finding these Ships without any Guard boarded them and carried them clear away Westward The King marched from Oxford towards Bedford and several parties of his Army did very much spoil as they marched in Bucks Bedford and Hertfordshires they plundred Leighton and at Dunstable when the people were at Church they shot at the Minister in the Pulpit and committed many outrages there and in many other places Major General Brown marched out with his Forces to Barnet and from thence to St. Albans where the Forces of the Associated Counties are to meet him and the Commons took care for the supply of all of them Sir Thomas Fairfax and Major General Lesley were sent from the Leaguer before York with six thousand Horse and Dragoons and five thousand Foot to relieve Lancashire and to attend the motions of Prince Rupert Colonel Charles Fairfax sent to assist the Scots party at Sunderland beat back the Earl of Montross Musgrave and the rest into Newcastle and the Earl of Calender with a reserve of ten thousand Scots entred England to assist the Parliament The Commons took order touching the Prerogative Court and appointed Sir Nathaniel Brent to be the Judge of that Court. Letters of thanks were sent to the Lord General for his good Service and upon a Petition of the Western Gentlemen that he might continue in the Service there it was so ordered and an Ordinance appointed for the impowering a Committee of the
was in York Upon the defeat at Marston divers persons of Quality in discontent at that action and at passages of Prince Rupert distastfull to them quitted their charges under the King and went beyond Sea there landed of them at Hamborough the Earl of Newcastle and his two Sons General King the Lord Falconbridge the Lord Widderington the Earl of Carnwarth the Bishop of London-derry Sir Ed. Widderington Colonel Carnaby Colonel Basset Colonel Mazen Sir William Vavasour Sir Francis Mackworth and Sir Charles Cavendish and about 80 other A party from Northampton came to Banbury beat the Enemy into the Castle and took some Prisoners A party of the Irish Rebels took in Woodhouse in Devonshire near Warmestre where after the Parliament Forces had yielded up the House upon Quarter yet the Irish inhumanely abused both the Men Women and Children and afterwards hanged 14 honest wealthy men Clothiers who were fled thither for shelter Eighteen of the King 's best Ships and ten Merchantmen with some Frigots were ordered to be fitted for the Winter guard at Sea Mr. Constantine was sent up Prisoner from Poole and committed to the King 's Bench. The Widow of Captain Turpine who was executed in cold blood at Exeter petition'd for satisfaction from Sergeant Glanvill who gave judgment against him and from Meredeth and Seymour Justices of the Peace which was voted by the Parliament and a Letter Written to the General that if any of their Estates came within his power he should cause this to be done accordingly Captain Hammond sent out by Colonel Massey with a party of Horse to relieve the Countrey whom the Garrison of Berkley Castle had miserably plundered went to the Castle beat in the Enemy drove the Park rescued and restored to the Countreymen all their Cattel and killed and took divers Officers and Souldiers of the Garrison Prisoners By Letters from the Lord General the House was informed that he with his whole Army marched from Tiverton Eastward whereof Prince Maurice having notice marched after him with 4000 Horse and Foot that part of the Lord Paulet's Regiment took up their Quarters at Cheriton where part of the Lord General 's Horse fell in upon them took 60 of their Horse routed the whole Regiment killed divers of their Officers and Souldiers took store of Arms Bag and Baggage In his Letter was inclosed a Petition from the Town of Barnstable newly made a Garrison by the General that their Major might be their Governour and Colonel with power to levy money all which was granted That he intended to goe for the relief of Plymouth The King was at Evil in Somersetshire with about 5000 Horse and Foot After the business of Cherington the Lord Paulet went to Exeter where the Souldiers at his entring into the Town asking money of him he Caned some of them whereupon they pulled him off from his Horse and beat him and his life had been in danger if not rescued Waller sent a party of Horse and Dragoons into the West under Lieutenant General Middleton The Commons took great care to provide money and other necessaries for supply of their Armies in the North and of the English and Scots Forces in Ireland The Ordinance passed for the Court Martial in London for the trial of the Irish Rebels and others of greatest distast with the Parliament The Lords put the Commons in mind of the propositions for Peace and desired that the Scots Commissioners might be conferred with about them and the business hastened and the Commons appointed a day for it The Dutch Ambassadours desired respit of the sale of some ships taken for prize which was granted The Commons had debate about the sale of the Estates of some Papists in Arms and notorious Delinquents and of Bishops Deans and Chapters The Archibishop came again to his Trial and the Evidence being over he desired a day for his Counsel to plead to the matter in Law which was granted and that afterwards he himself might give his general Answer to the whole Charge The Earl of Manchester took in Tickhill Castle near Doncaster upon terms that the Officers Soldiers and Gentry there might go quietly to their own homes all the Arms Ammunition and Provisions were left to the Earl and were considerable A party of the King's Horse fell upon some Troops of the Earl of Denbigh at Evesham but the Earl's men took 120 of the Enemies Horse prisoners slew many in the place and lost but two or three men A party of the King's Garrison at Donnington Castle came from thence to Newbury on the Lord's day with design to seize upon some of the chief men of the Town but a party of Sir William Waller's men rescued them and beat the Enemy back to the Castle and took about 20 of them prisoners Aug. 1644. The Lord Henry Piercy's Regiment marching with the King Westward quartered at Collyton and a party of them came in the Evening and faced Lyme which Garrison to requite their visit sent out a party of about 120 Horse that night under Captain Pyne Herle and Bragge who beat up their Quarters took about 120 of their Horse 55 Prisoners divers Officers 100 Arms and good pillage After which a like party marched from Lyme to Chard the King being newly gone with his main Body out of the Town there they took eleven brave Horses with rich Saddles supposed to be the king's own Saddle horses and divers Prisoners General Essex marched into Cornwal the Enemy removing before him most of the Garrisons near Plymouth and on the borders of Devon and Cornwal were quitted by the Enemy Mount Stamford with four pieces of Ordnance was regained Plimpton with eight pieces of Ordnance Salt Ash and a great Fort with some great Guns and many Arms Launceston and other small Garrisons yielded to the General At Newbridge was a hot encounter betwixt a party of the General 's and Sir Richard Greenvile disputing the passe into Cornwal but the General took the Bridge with the losse of about 40 of his men slain and of the Enemy about 200 killed and taken The General from thence went to Greenvile's House where the Garrison desired a parley but the General 's Souldiers had not patience to treat but stormed it all within had quarter except the Irish Rebels There was taken in the house two pieces of Canon 150 Prisoners many Arms great pillage for the Souldiers Money and Plate to the value of 3000 l. and great quantities of provisions At Launceston the Shire-town the Countrey came in many of them to the General and he had 2500 of the Plymouth Forces that joyned with him The King came to Exeter and there joyned with some Forces of P. Maurice and of Hopton The Propositions for Peace were taken into Debate by the House and divers of them voted the proceedings in them were the more slow because of the Scots concurrence to be required in every one of them Sir Philip Stapleton
and Mr. Herbert came from the General to the Parliament and made report to the Commons of the General 's progress in the West as before mentioned and that the General came to Bedman in Cornwal they desire the House to take care for supplies for the General 's Army and that Forces might be sent to be in the Rear of the King's Army Sir Peter Osborn and Sir Thomas Fanshaw for deserting the Parliament whereof they were Members were discharged of their Offices which were conferred upon others A party of the Lord Robert's Brigade was sent to pursue Greenvile and his Army which was about 3000 strong and fell upon him at Lestithiel in Cornwal killed divers of Greenvile's men and took many Prisoners The General took in Foy a Haven and place of importance with several ships there and in all 17 pieces of Ordnance and summoned the Countrey to come in to his assistance By Letters from the Lord Inchequin Lord Brohale and Burchet from Ireland they certify the Parliament That they had thrust the Rebels out of most part of the Port-towns in Munster that many considerable places there have declared for the Parliament and that those Lords have 12000 men in Arms for the Parliaments service they desire some supplies and send over a Declaration of the Protestants there against the cessation The City of London petitioned that obstructions in Justice might be removed that Delinquents might be proceeded against speedily and that the City debts might be paid out of Delinquents Estates General Hastings for the King sent out a party to relieve Wink field Manor besieged by the Earl of Denbigh and Sir John Gell who marched out with 500 Horse sent them lately by Sir William Waller fell upon the Enemy killed many of them and took 150 Prisoners The Earl of Calender with some of the Scots forces took in Hartlepoole in the Bishoprick of Durham and Stockton places of importance for the Parliament and another party of the Scots under Sir John Meldrum besieged Leverpoole in Lancashire The French Ambassadour sent a Letter to the Speaker wherein he acknowledged that the Parliament at Westminster was the Parliament of England and informed that he had a Message to them from the King his Master this was referred to the Committee concerning the Dutch Ambassadours The Commons gave 150 l. gratuity to the Governour of Lyme and some provision of money formerly ordered for Glocester was transferred to Plymouth which was ill taken by Colonel Massey Several Ordinances past for giving power to Committees in several Counties and the Irish Remonstrance was permitted to be printed Commissary Copley was inlarged upon bail A Committee of the Lawyers of the House were ordered to consider of the plea of the Archbishop upon the Act of Oblivion and to report their opinions to the House Captain Moulton did some service for the Parliament in Pembrokeshire The Earl of Antrim landed in the North of Scotland with 2500 Irish and the Marquess of Argile went to resist them with a considerable Army General Leven advanced toward Newcastle to joyn with the Earl of Calender in besieging that City Colonel Massey having drawn out his Forces against Berkley Castle Colonel Myn with about 700 of the King's Forces entred Glocestershire and began to spoil the Countrey and to streighten Glocester Massey wheeled about and fought with them slew Colonel Myn and about 100 of his men and Lieutenant Colonel Mercy and took one Colonel four Majors divers inferiour Officers and about 300 common Souldiers Of his part Colonel Hartley was shot in the Arm some others wounded but not above three men slain Orders were made concerning relief to be sent to Ireland and for supplies of the Earl of Manchester's Army and the Forces of Sir William Waller Colonel Middleton sent up to the Parliament from Sarum many Copes Surplices Tippets Hoods Plate and the Picture of the Virgin Mary taken in the Minster there other Relicks being divided amongst the Souldiers Colonel Doddington with a party of the King's Forces came to Dorchester and was repulsed by Major Sydenham The Commons ordered 250 l. out of the Lord Capel's Woods to the Window of Colonel Meldrum slain in their service and 50 l. to another like Widow They gave power to Waller for exchange of Prisoners except such as had been Parliament men and some others A party of about 1600 from Oxford came to surprize Sir William Waller's Forces at Abington but were repulsed and Sir Richard Grimes and some others of them slain and about 40 taken Prisoners The three Generals and the Committeeresiding with them had a meeting and consultation how to dispose of their forces for the service of the Parliament and agreed upon several considerable things and concluded That if any of the three Armies should be in any distress upon notice thereof all the others should come in to their assistance The Parliament in Scotland voted the Earl of Montross and other Lords taking part against them to be traitours and confiscated their Estates The King being joyned with the Lord Hopton and Prince Maurice followed General Essex into Cornwal and drove away all the Cattel and took away all the Provisions to streighten the Parliaments Army The Parliament ordered Lieutenant General Middleton with the 3000 Horse now with him to march with all speed to the assistance of the Lord General and 4000 Horse more to be sent speedily after him but it was too late Upon the motion of the Assembly of Divines a day was appointed for publick humiliation to implore the assistance of God for the prosperous undertaking of the Lord General Divers of the County of Lincoln were desirous that Colonel King might be restored to his Commands in that Countrey Colonel Hastings coming to plunder some Carriers at Belgrave was beaten back with losse by a party from Leicester The Earl of Calender took Gate-side and blockt up Newcastle on that side beating back a party of the Garrison that sallied out upon him and General Leven marched towards him Sir Thomas Middleton and Sir William Brereton took about 320 Horse of Prince Rupert's Regiment 60 Prisoners many Arms and much Pillage Colonel Ashton took 200 of the Earl of Derby's Horse near Preston Letters came from the Lord General from Lestithiel in Cornwal and in them a Letter inclosed from the King to the Lord General dated Aug. 6. with another Letter from Prince Maurice and the Earl of Brainford the King's General dated Aug. 9. and another Letter from the Lord Hopton and most of the King 's chief Officers to the Lord General The King's Letter was with more than ordinary mildness inviting the General to join with him in that which is both their aims to make the Kingdom happy and to ingage the King to him in the highest degree and if any shall oppose them to make them happy against their wills and promiseth great rewards to him and his Army The Letters from the others were
blood and infamy may rest on the Heads of them that lay obstructions in his way averring that if money cannot be had he will march without it That he received a Letter from Lieutenant General Middleton who is advanced as far as he can to relieve the Lord General but he hears there is a very great party of the King's Army drawn out to meet him and yet keep the Lord General at a Bay That he desires nothing more under God than to be able to march and no fault shall be found in him By Letters from Plymouth the House were certified touching the making of Provisions for the Lord General 's Army and that many Prisoners had taken the Covenant and freely undertook to serve the Parliament against the Irish Rebels That at Lestithiel the duty hath been so constant and various the Enemy so near and vigilant that we cannot Muster we have sick men sent hither who if not timely sent do die soon after they come here fresh Diet being their onely cure The Chirurgeons of the Army are ill stored with Provisions some not having to the value of 10s The Enemy increaseth daily upon our quarters the loss of Foy-harbour is to our infinite disadvantage no ships being able to ride out of the command of their Guns The Lord Admiral made a gallant attempt to have regained the Harbour but extremity of weather would not suffer him to land one man Major Skippon's Glove and Sleeve was shot through and his Buff in two places and he had no harm Additional Forces being come to Sir William Waller he advanced with them Westward to joyn with Middleton and Massey to make up a Body to relieve the Lord General and 4000 Foot and 3000 Horse from the Earl of Manchester were upon their march to assist the General but all of them had lost too much time Letters from the General informed that the King with all his power drew out upon him that he sent out several parties that Skirmished with them at length a great party of the Horse being ingaged they slew many of the Enemy and forced their passage through the King's Army and through the numerousness of the Enemy could hardly retreat so that the Foot being left to stand upon their own guard in a place of advantage there was a Parley enter'd into by which it was agreed that Major Skippon who fought like a Lion with the Foot should march away with the loss of some Ordnance and Ammunition and have a safe conduct for 6000 Foot to Dorchester By this and several other Letters we may observe how the Parliament Officers sought to lessen this defeat received by them and to conceal the full truth thereof from the Parliament which is usual with some to lessen their defeats and to inlarge their Victories On the King's part it was said that General Essex with most of his chief Commanders deserted their whole Army and saved themselves by flight by Sea That their Horse pretending to Skirmish got beyond the King's Army and so escaped by this way and left the Foot to shift for themselves That the Foot were totally dispersed and disarmed and submitted to the King's mercy who gave them their lives and took all their Ordnance Arms and Ammunition and thus gave a total defeat to the Parliament's main Army By this we may see the great difference in relations of Martial performances always according to the particular interest of the Relatours and it is certain that in a Fight the next man can hardly make a certain relation of the Actions of him that was next in place to him For in such a hurry and smoak as is in a Fight and when a man scarce takes notice of any thing but what relates to his own immediate safety it is hard to give any clear account of particular passages but the general will make way for it self by the consequence and issue Therefore for better satisfaction I shall give an impartial Relation of that Action in Cornwal neither favouring nor censuring the one side or the other as it ought to be the temper of all faithfull Historians The King marched after Essex who was gone Westward and by the overruling counsel of the Lord Roberts was perswaded into the narrow noose of Cornwal The King came to Liskerd eight miles from Lestithiel where Essex was and was there encompassed by the King and Prince Maurice at Boconnock Sir Richard Greenvile at Bodmyn and Sir Jacob Ashley at Hule The King's party were desirous to fight but upon consultation it was held more advisable to strave the Parliament forces to which end Goring with a party of Horse and Sir Tho. Basset with 1500 Foot were sent Westward to stop all Provisions that way and to streighten Essex by keeping his Horse and Foot close together Essex drew his Cannon and Baggage towards Foy but in those bad ways his Carriages stuck and they were much hindered by it Sir Will. Belfore with 2300 horse brake through the King's Quarters and got to Saltash and from thence to Plymouth The King pursues his advantage against Essex his foot with great wisedom and gallantry and they made a stout resistance but being overpowred by the King's forces which lay round about them and then the Country rising in great numbers upon them and killing divers of their men in their Quarters Essex quits his own Forces and with divers of his chief Officers makes by Sea for Plymouth leaving Skippon with the Foot and a few horse behind him Some came by designe to the Parliament forces intimating that the King was willing to admit of a Treaty with them and it was great wisdome and gallantry in the King rather to defeat them with their own Consents than to hazard the doubtful tryal of a Battle for it Skippon calls together his field Officers to a Council of War and being more a Soldier than an Oratour spake plainly to them to this purpose Gentlemen You see our General and many of our chief Officers have thought fit to leave us and our horse are got away we are left alone upon our defence that which I propound to you is this that we having the same courage as our horse had and the same God to assist us may make the same tryal of our fortunes and endeavour to make our way through our enemies as they have done and account it better to dye with honour and faithfulness than to live dishonourable Few of the Council of War did concur with him but were generally for a treaty with the King alledging the advantages the horse had to break through the enemy which the foot had not and that the General was then with them and added courage to his men Whereas the foot were now more dismayed by his going away and having few or no horse to assist them and other arguments were alledged to accept of a treaty and accordingly Commissioners on both parts were appointed For the King were Prince
brought to the Parliament declaring his Affections for Peace and concluding that God had given him a late Victory and therefore he desires them to consider of his long rejected Message from Evesham which was for peace but not till this time brought to the Parliament The Parliament appointed a day to take this into consideration and ordered all Officers and Souldiers to repair to their Colours on pain to be proceeded against by the Commissioners for Martial Law Mr. Hoyle was put into Sir Peter Osborn's Office and Mr. Salway into Sir Thomas Fanshaw's place in the Exchequer and several Judges went into the Counties which were quiet to keep Assizes and to execute the Commissions of Oyer and Terminer Colonel Cromwell was sent with two thousand horse to meet Prince Rupert coming to relieve Bandury but Colonel Massey had before prevented the Prince's coming The Irish Rebels that landed in Scotland were beaten into the Mountains by the Earl of Argyle and L. Gourdon Upon debate of the King's Letter it was held not to be a sufficient acknowledgment of the Parliament and therefore laid by Yet the House went on to compleat the Propositions for Peace and a day was appointed for the bringing in the Names of such Delinquents as should be excepted from pardon Divers Ministers of London presented a Petition to the Parliament for dispatch of the Directory of Worship and settling of pure Discipline and Government according to the word of God and complained of the Schisms in the Church The Petitioners had thanks from the House and the Committee of Lords and Commons appointed to confer with the Assembly to endeavour to reconcile some Differences among them and to find out a way how tender Consciences may be born withall so far as may stand with the peace of the Kingdom and the word of God The Assembly named 23 Ministers to give Ordination who were passed The Commons considered of the Propositions for peace the L. Macquire and Macmahon who escaped out of the Tower were again apprehended by the Lieutenant of the Tower and Sir John Clotworthy and upon a Report from a Committee of Lawyers it was ordered That they should be tried by a Commission of Oyer and Terminer and not by Martial Law The French Agent lay at the same house where Macquire and Macmahon were taken and had a chief hand in their escape and opposed the Officers searching in that house for papers c. because he lodged there But a Committee of both Houses were appointed to search there and did so notwithstanding the Agent 's pretences A Committee of Lawyers was appointed to meet daily about the Tryal of the Archbishop till the same should be dispatcht The Parliament ordered all the Forces of the Earl of Manchester and of Sir William Waller to joyn together and advance into the West The Ordinance passed for the Militia in Worcestershire About eighty of the Leicester horse in convoy of some Carriers were set upon by 120 of Colonel Hastings his men but the 80 routed and dispersed the 120 killed 8 and took 60 of them prisoners and store of Arms. By Letters from Sir Thomas Middleton it was certified That he having taken Mountgomery Castle was forced to retreat upon the coming of the King's Forces thither who again besieged the Castle with five thousand men and Middleton being joyned with Brereton Sir John Meldrum and Sir William Fairfax in all about three thousand they marched to relieve the Castle and were fought with by the Enemy who came up gallantly a good while to push of Pike and worsted the Parliament Horse Which so encouraged the King's Forces that they shouted and cryed The Day is ours the Day is ours at which the Parliament Forces were so enraged that they came on again with a fresh Charge and wholly routed and put them to flight took prisoners Major General Broughton Colonel Sir Thomas Tilsley Lieutenant Colonel Bludwell Major Williams nine Captains many inferiour Officers and fifteen hundred common Souldiers Of the King's part were slain about three hundred and about five hundred wounded Of the Parliament part were slain Sir William Fairfax with eleven wounds and Major Fitz Symons and about forty common Souldiers and about sixty wounded the Lord Byron who commanded the King's Forces hardly escaped by the goodness of his horse Upon Letters from my Lord Roberts both Houses took care for Supplies for Plymouth and their other Western Garrisons The King came to Exeter and gave order to remove all superfluous persons forth of the Town and for the Country to bring in thither all their provisions About forty prisoners of quality were brought from Plymouth to London and committed to Lambeth-house After the Siege was raised before Plymouth and the King gone to Exeter yet the Cornish-men continued near the Town to stop provisions coming to them by Land but were driven away again Many of the prisoners taken at Mountgomery being willing to take the Covenant and to serve against the Rebels in Ireland the Parliament to avoid the inconvenience of many prisoners consented thereunto and gave order for their transportation The Commons came near to a conclusion of their Debate touching the Propositions for peace Orders were sent to the Earl of Manchester and Sir William Waller to advance together with all expedition to prevent the King's return back to Oxford and took care for Supplies for them and for the Lord General The Parliament sent thanks to Sir Thomas Middleton Sir William Brereton and Sir John Meldrum for their good service at Mountgomery and which was more acceptable took order for Supplies for them the Lord Cherbury and Sir John Price came in to the Parliament Massey fell upon a party of the King 's between Bristoll and Monmouth took their Commander in chief and ten others and a hundred and sixty common Souldiers two hundred Arms and two pieces of Ordnance The King's Forces besieged Barnstable which rendred to them upon conditions which they afterwards broke pillaged the Parliament's Souldiers plundred the Town executed the Major and imprisoned many of the Inhabitants Colonel Ludlow took eighty of the King's Commissioners of Array in Somersetshire and Captain Savile took twenty of Prince Rupert's men prisoners Sir Thomas Fairfax recovered of his Wound and Sir H. Cholmly offered to surrender Scarborough Castle to the Parliament but now upon the news of the King's Victory in the West he revictuals it again and is again wholly for the King whereupon the Lord Fairfax sent Sir William Constable with a strong party to besiege the Castle Colonel Ware revolted from the Lord General in the West to the King and another Colonel quitted his Post and the Matters of that nature were referred to a Committee to be examined A Day was set apart by the Commons for receiving private Petitions At Basing-house the Besiegers took an Outwork a Captain and twenty eight Souldiers who defended it At Banbury they made a Breach and some of the
Parliaments Souldiers endeavouring to enter were beaten back by the Garrison Colonel Smith of Bucks escaped out of prison and was retaken Letters from the Lord General informed That the King was drawn from Exeter near Shaftsbury where Sir William Waller was That they would endeavour to prevent his coming to Bristoll or back again to Oxford and they desire that the Earl of Manchester may hasten to joyn with them The King took up a great number of horses in the Country as he passed to the high distaste and prejudice of the Inhabitants and his Majesty by this means mounted all his Foot and made them Dragoons Many Gentlemen of Wales came in to the Parliament and rendred themselves to Sir Thomas Middleton Sir William Brereton took more of the King's Forces near Chester Captain Swanley's Forces encreased in South-Wales many of the Country coming in to him Colonel Leigh presented a Petition to the Commons subscribed by four thousand Staffordshire men praying That the Differences between the Earl of Denbigh their General and some of the Country might be reconciled and the Earl sent down again amongst them Upon delivery whereof the Colonel made a long Harangue to the Commons and all was referred to a Committee Colonel Butler suspected of miscarriage in the West was sent up by the General to be examined The Order passed the Commons House thereupon for a select Committee to go along with the Army and to advise with the Council of War upon all Occurrences Colonel Kerle who revolted from the Parliament upon the loss of Bristoll went out with a party near to Monmouth to fetch provisions and being full of Jollity and security Colonel Massey fell upon them in the midst of their mirth and surprised them Kerle doubting that he should not have quarter because he had revolted from the Parliament to make some recompence he undertook to bring Massey into Monmouth and himself to march in the front which was concluded accordingly When they came to the Guards they thinking them to be their own men let down the Draw-bridge and received them into the Town who demanded it for the Parliament at which the Garrison was so amazed that many of them fled away and left their Arms the rest called for quarter and so the Town and Castle being of great consequence was reduced to the Parliament with the loss of not above six men on both parties The new Sheriffs of London were presented at the Exchequer by a Speech of Mr. Glyn the Recorder October 1644. The Commons entred upon consideration of electing new Members in the room of those who were dead or expelled by Vote The Library belonging to the See of Canterbury was given to Sion College The Ordinance for Ordination of Ministers passed both Houses The Popish party in Scotland submitted themselves and the Lord Argyle pursued the Irish Rebels into the Highlands whereupon the Earl of Calender returned again to the Leagure before Newcastle The Garrison there made many Sallies upon the Besiegers and were beaten back with loss The Conmissioners of Array in Cumberland and Westmorland met to feast and consult about raising more forces for the King and the Country-people rose up against them took forty of them prisoners and sent them to General Lesley One Greenvile a kinsman of Sir Richard Greenvile was perswaded into a Plot to betray Plymouth to Sir Richard but the Plot was discovered and Mr. Greenvile executed But the King honoured Sir Richard with Title of Baron of Lestithiel Waller sent out a party of two hundred horse to Evill under Major Clutterbocke who met a party of the King's forces and took divers of them prisoners and presently after meeting another party of about three hundred of the King's horse drawn up into a body whose Commander came out from the head of his Troops singly this caused Major Clutterbocke to do the like and they two skirmished before their parties The King's forces seeing their Commander likely to have the worst came in hastily to his rescue and slew Clutterbocke before his men came in and they upon the loss of their Major were so discouraged that they wheeled about and retreated from their Enemy The Commons set apart a day for redress of private Grievances and gave much satisfaction to divers thereof Colonel Rosseter gave a blow to the King's forces about Newark Mr. Prynne Mr. Bradshaw and Mr. Newdigate were appointed to be of Council for the State against Macquire and Macmahon the Irish Rebels at their Tryal appointed to be before Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer The Commons voted in the Case of the Arch-bishop that his Council should be heard in point of Law whether in the Charge against him there be contained any Treason But that they ought not to speak to any exceptions therein for matter or form Colonel Bliere laid down his Commission and had leave to go beyond Sea and part of his Arrears paid The Militia of London desired the passing of an Ordinance for the sending forth five Regiments of the City for a reserve of the Armies and for supplies for them which passed both Houses the same day A Declaration was agreed upon to be sent to the King of France to excuse the business of the search for Macquire and Macmahon in the house where the French Agent lay Essex Manchester and Waller all took the field to encounter the King's forces in their march to Oxford and all Officers and Souldiers in London were commanded forthwith to repair to their Colours Colonel Jepson's Garrison at Portsmouth was compleated to one thousand foot and an hundred horse Chester was blocked up by Brereton A party of Colonel Hastings his men came to Loughborough on the Lord's-day rode into the Church in Sermon-time and would have taken away the Preacher out of the Pulpit but the women rescued him and proved then more valiant than their husbands or Hastings his men An Ordinance was appointed to be brought in for augmentation of the Means of Ministers where their Maintenance was very small and that to be out of Deans and Chapters Lands A party of the King's forces surprized and took in Crowland Colonel Hurrey who revolted from the Parliament when Colonel Hampden was slain and served the King had now obtained his Majestie 's Pass to go beyond Sea and came to Sir William Waller to desire the like Pass from him who refused to do it but sent him up to the Committee of both Kingdoms The Counties of Norfolk and of Cambridge petitioned for their security in the Earl of Manchester's absence and some assistance for the pay of his Army The Commons ordred that no Carter coming to London should be pressed for a Souldier The Commons appointed to take in consideration the Propositions for Peace every day till they should perfect them Mr. Hoyle a Member of the House of Commons was by general approbation chosen Lord Mayor of York and took his place there A party of the King 's
from Skipton fell upon Colonel Maleverer's quarters at Rippon and took about twenty of his horse The Court Marshal condemned three men one Captain Syppins for endeavouring to betray Gernsey one Francis Pits who was imployed by Sir Richard Leveson to betray Russell-hall in Staffordshire and William James a Foot-souldier for running away from his Colours The Tryal of Macquire and Macmahon was altered and ordered to be in the King's Bench and Mr. Rolles with the others before named appointed to be Council against them Sir Edward Hungerford and Sir Nevill Poole were sent down into Wiltshire for the service of that County Sir Henry Mildmay got an Order for his Salary as Master of the Jewel-house to the King Colonel Hammond who killed Major Grey at Gloucester for giving him the Lye was referred to be tryed by the Council of War in the Lord General 's Army Some of the King's Plate was ordered to be sold or pawned for 3000 l. for Abington and Reading forces and that the Plate amongst the Regalia which had Crucifixes or superstitious Pictures should be disposed of for the Publick Service A Letter of Thanks ordred to Colonel Ceely Governour of Lyme All Governours of Forts and Garrisons were prohibited coming to London unless sent by the General or sent for by the Parliament or Committee of both Kingdoms Sir Thomas Middleton took in Redcastle in Wales with the Lord Powys three Captains divers inferiour Officers forty horse two hundred Arms and store of pillage Upon the Case of Colonel Warren it was ordered That no Officer who formerly received Pay from the State and was afterwards taken by the Parliaments Forces in Arms against them should be exchanged for other Prisoners Prince Rupert removed Sir Francis Hawley from being Governour of Bristoll and turned out the Governour of Berkley Castle and put an Irish Rebel in his place The Commons were very busie in providing Monies and other Supplies for their Forces in England and Ireland The Archbishop was brought to the Lord's house and his Council heard to the matter of Law The Swedish General Tortoison beat Gallas the Emperour's General took all his Cannon and Baggage killed many of his Foot and routed all the rest and pursued his Horse to Willingborough A great fire in Oxford burnt up near a fourth part of the City from one end of it to the other The City Brigade marched forth under the command of Sir James Harrington The Lord Herbert Son to the Earl of Worcester with fifteen hundred men came against a Garrison of the Parliaments between Gloucester and Monmouth and Colonel Massey coming to relieve them routed the Lord Herbert's forces killed fifty and took sixty prisoners and good prize A Letter of Thanks was written to Massey for all his good-Services Upon Major General Skippon's desire the Captain was reprieved who endeavoured to have betrayed Gernsey Doctor Bastwick's Wife had an Allowance ordered for her and her Husband's maintenance Colonel Harley Sir Robert Harley's Son was made Governour of Monmouth Relief was ordered to the well-affected Inhabitants of Jersey An Ordinance passed for the preservation of Hyde-Park and the Timber and Pales from spoil A party from Plymouth took in Saltashe Those before Basing-house sent for more supplies of men The Lords at a Conference gave their Reasons why they thought not fit to agree to the Ordinance for selling the King's Plate but the Commons adhered to their former Vote and ordered 3000 l. out of the Earl of Thanet's Fine for supply of the Forces of Berks and Oxon. The Commons agreed upon all the Propositions for Peace to be sent to the King and took the City Propositions in debate to be sent with the other The Forces of Sir Tho. Fairfax and Colonel Rosseter blocked up Crowland Colonel Birch had an allowance for his reparation of losses from the Parliament Sir Alexander Denton was ordered to be exchanged for Sir John Norcot a Member of Parliament and Judge Mallet was exchanged Many Orders were made touching foreign Ships staid here and to do right in those cases The Commons debated the sending forth of new Writs to choose new Members in the places of those who were dead or expelled the House Duncannon a considerable Fort in Ireland yielded to the Parliament and most of the Officers and Souldiers there took the Covenant Many Orders for Money and Supplies for the Forces and for all the Forces of the Parliament to joyn together to hinder the King's march to Oxford An Order for encouragement of the Officers and Workmen in the Mint Sir William Waller and the Earl of Manchester joyned together and both of them wrote That the King marched as if he intended to fight and they desired some Supplies which were sent to them The Parliament appointed a Day of Humiliation and Prayer to God for a blessing upon their Forces now likely to engage in battel A price was set upon Coals and a Woodmonger ordered to be Indicted for ingrossing of Coals and the Admiral ordered to compel some Coal-ships at Harwich to come into the River Thames Sir John Holland had leave to stay in Holland for six Months Three thousand of the King's Forces besieged Taunton and the Governour Colonel Blake sent out a party who fell upon the Besiegers killed and took many of them whereof some Commanders Sir Hugh Cholmley set out some Vessels which took some Coal-ships coming for London and the Parliament ordered some Ships of War to lie on that Coast Some ships coming in the Parliament gave order for the present payment of the Mariners The propositions for peace were agreed upon by the Commons A party of the King 's coming to Beachly upon Severn to fortifie there Colonel Massey fell upon them slew seventy of them on the place took about a hundred and seventy prisoners two pieces of Cannon and two hundred Arms with the loss of but ten men Colonel Charles Fleetwood took two Troups of the King's horse near Belvoir Castle Doctor Bastwick was exchanged for Colonel Huddleston Jeffreys the Queens Dwarf in a Duel on horse-back in France killed Mr. Crofts Colonel Temple was sent into Sussex to raise Forces for the Parliament in case the King should bend that way The King's Army marched to Andover where some skirmishes were betwixt them and Sir William Waller's Forces and about twenty killed on both sides Colonel Kerne had the thanks of the House for his good Service and was sent down to his Charge in the Isle of Wight By Letters from the Lord Wareston and Mr. Crew Commissioners in the Parliaments Army was certified That all the three Armies were joyned near to Basing and that the King's Forces were at Whit-church within five miles of them That the General had sent to Reading and other places to pull up their Bridges to prevent the King's march to Oxford And that the Council of War had resolved to give battel to the Enemy The Parliament took care for provisions to be sent to
were not equal or from an expectation of Prince Rupert's advance with 3000 horse and Dragoons and the return of the Earl of Northampton from Banbury with 1000. The King's strength is reported to have been 8000 foot and 500 horse which albeit a gallant Army yet upon the Parliaments Forces drawing into Battalia they durst not take the Field but to counterpoise the Parliaments numbers the King fell to Stratagems to fortifie the Town especially the Avenues and having raised his Batteries and lined the hedges stood upon his guard and with some great pieces where he saw the biggest bodies and most advantage liberally sent them some Bullets which killed 2 or 3 horse but hurt not their Riders For many hours some parties of horse skirmisht 'twixt both the Armies in which play the Parliament had the best of whose part but one man fell of theirs four or five of which one was knighted It being impossible to engage the King's Forces without much hazard that night the greatest part of the Parliaments Forces marched unto Chevely the horse commanded by Waller and Balfour the foot by Skippon whilst the other encamped before the Eastside of the Town and ordered by Manchester at one same time having agreed to storm the Garrison on both sides That night and the next the Parliamentarians quartered in the open fields but neither the coldness of the weather nor want of usual provision any whit disanimated the Souldiers the expectation of fight swallowing up all other extremities howbeit most of them had three days provision prepared by command in their Snapsacks By Daybreak upon Sunday the horse and foot commanded by Waller and Skippon were upon their march in four hours surrounded Dunnington Castle and made their approach towards the West of Newbury By the way they intercepted two or three Carts of Provision and took about 100 horse and foot of the King 's as they straggled and the King's Forces from the Castle fell upon the Parliaments Rear and took 10 or 12 prisoners Upon this march they received the Report that Newcastle was taken by storm and the Ulster Rebels defeated which much incouraged the Parlaiments Forces It was One a Clock ere the Train and Rear came up and near Three ere they could be put into Battalia with extraordinary shouts and other symptoms of courage and joy the Western body advanced and by the Forlorn-hope of horse quickly began the fight which with as much eagerness was seconded by the foot who cryed They would now be revenged for the business of Cornwall For three hours the fight was maintained with as much resolution and bravery on both parts as hath been since these Wars the Cannon and small shot on both sides firing with as quick a motion as was possible Among the foot the General 's Regiment especially did eminently well and among all of the whole Army there was not one man or party horse or foot seen either to desert their duty or to dishearten their fellows After a long and hot dispute the Parliamentarians beat the King's Forces first from their Work and then from their Ordnance nine in number in which atchievement they lost a few men and among them Captain Gawler The Day was of so much discontent to his Majesty that an hour after midnight he marched out of the Town with an attendant Troop only towards Winchester and sent up his Cannon Carriages and Baggage to the Castle where at day-break the Parliamentarians saw them placed and Colonel Cromwell followed the body of the Enemy two hours before day The E. of Cleveland was taken prisoner by a Lieutenant of Colonel Barkley's General Goring hardly escaped his Brother was shot dead as he charged most of his Troop were cut off Major Trevillian and divers others of quality and 200 common Souldiers of the King's part slain and 300 taken prisoners Letters came of the taking of the Town and Castle of Newcastle surrendred to General Leven Oct. 29. the Governour and the rest submitting for their lives In that little compass of the Castle were 500 men besides women and children Three Scots Lords taken there Craford Rea and Maxwell were sent into Scotland to be there tryed The Town though taken by Onslaght was not much ransackt most of them redeeming their goods from plunder upon reasonable satisfaction in moneys A Day of publick Thanksgiving was appointed for these successes at Newbury and at Newcastle Some differences among the Committee of Sussex were referred to a Committee of the House and another Committee appointed to consider of settling the Garrison of Windsor and reducing it to a less number and half pay Alderman Atkins was sworn Lord Mayor of London in the Exchequer according to custom Letters from Sir William Waller and Sir Arthur Haslerigge further confirmed the Parliaments success at Newbury and that they had taken 1000 Arms there that if they had had but one hour more of day-light in probability they had totally routed and dispersed the King's whole Army Which was in so great distraction after the fight that they retreated three several ways at once in great confusion That the King as they were informed with a small party wheeled about by Marlborough and so to Oxford Since the fight they took many prisoners stragglers and the King 's own Coach and General Forth 's Coach with his Lady many Sumpter-horses and other good Prizes An Ordinance was committed for the Attainder of the Archbishop and they that managed the Evidence against him at his Tryal were appointed to bring in the state of all the Evidence to the House Letters from Captain Hacker informed that a party of the King 's coming to relieve Crowland were set upon by the Parliaments Forces 600 horse and 400 hundred prisoners taken of Newark and Belvoir Forces and the Town much discouraged thereby A hundred horse of the Queen's Regiment were taken by the Garrison of Weymouth wherein the Country people assisted the Parliaments Forces Sir Authony Ashley Cooper with 1500 horse and foot from several Garrisons took the field to encounter Sir Lewis Dives Sir William Vvedale was readmitted to sit as a Member of the House Novemb. 1644. The Lord Paget petitioned expressing much sorrow for his deserting the Parliament and adhering to the Enemy whose Counsel and Designs he now seeth to tend to the destruction of the Kingdom humbly submitting himself to the Favour of the Parliament Letters from Newcastle desire the Parliament to consider of the new framing and settling the Government of that Town and that fit and able men may be chosen for that purpose which was referred to a Committee of both Houses General Leven sent 5000 horse and foot of the Scots Army to the Lord Fairfax in Yorkshire to suppress the stragling Enemy there An Ordinance was sent down to Newcastle for the Tryal of Sir John Marley the late Mayor there by a Council of War A Commander in Surrey sent to some Members of Parliament there to
comprehend the Lord General with the rest and without naming of him which for shame and ingratitude they could not think fit to be done Some of them confest that this was their design and it was apparent in it self and the reason of their doing this was to make way for others and because they were jealous that the Lord General was too much a favourer of peace a good fault in a General of an Army and that he would be too strong a supporter of Monarchy and of Nobility and other old Constitutions which they had a mind to alter such is the ingratitude of people and the incertainty of their Favour no confidence can be placed therein for this gallant mans sake who was a most faithful Servant to the publick and performed so many brave services for them to the utmost hazards of his own life honour and fortune and for all this had no other recompence but an unhandsome affront by a side Wind and cunning contrivance of his Enemies to remove him from his Commands so gallantly and succesfully executed by him A safe Conduct was assented to for the Duke of Richmond and the Earl of Southampton and the Committee of both Kingdoms ordered to get the Concurrence of the Scots Commissioners and to send it with expedition to the King Major Duett with a party of Colonel Ludlow's Regiment fell upon a party of the King's horse near Salisbury took Colonel Cooke Lieutenant Colonel Hooker divers inferiour Officers 40 Souldiers 160 Horse and Arms and killed about 20 of them Sir John Hotham's Son Captain Hotham was tryed before the Court Marshal for betraying a Regiment of Horse of the Parliaments to the Enemy and for treachery and betraying his trust in divers particulars proved against him by his own words letters and actions and many witnesses produced to make good the Charge The States Ambassadors were received with great State and Honour by both Houses who thanked them for their offer of a Mediation of peace and desired the Continuance of Amity and Friendship with the High and Mighty Lords the States but in regard propositions for peace were now on foot between His Majesty and His Parliament and the Scots Commissioners nothing otherwise could be now done therein The Ambassadors replyed in French that they would return what they had received to their Lords and they desired a further answer to their propositions touching Free Trade When they were gon out of the House the Speaker desired that some of the Members who understood the French Tongue better than he might interpret to the House the essect of the Ambassadors Speech in French which usually was done by Mr. Hollis and he being now absent Whitelocke was called up to doe it and thereupon the House named a Committee to consider of their Propositions for a Free Trade to the Ports of the Enemy An Ordinance past for satisfaction to Waggoners who lost their Carriages in the late Fights The Earl of Northampton with 3000 horse much infested part of Bucks and Oxfordshire order was taken for money to pay the forces of those Counties to resist him Somerset-house was ordered to be prepared for the King's Commissioners and voted that no Member of either house should visit or speak with or send or receive any Message to or from those that should come from Oxford unless they had leave for it Liberty was given to any Members that would to go visit Sir John Hotham before his death The Self-denying Ordinance was read and a day of publick Fast Ordered Crowland was surrendred to the Parliaments Forces on Conditions the Officers to march away with Swords and Pistols the foot to leave behind them their Arms Ordnance and Ammunition The Petition of divers Londoners was read commending the Vote for the Self-denying Ordinance and they again had the thanks of the House Colonel Massey fell upon a party of the King 's at Sodbury near Bristol took 120 Horse 100 Arms 50 Prisoners and 12 Officers Captain Hotham made his defence before the Court Marshal and justified Treaties with the Enemy as a Commander for the service of the Parliament other charges he denyed and excepted against some Witnesses The Commons Ordered that none but Members of the House should come to the Church where they kept the Fast The Lords reprieved Sir John Hotham for a few days till he had better setled his Estate Both Houses kept the Fast in Lincolns-Inn Chapel and none were to be present there but the Members onely and some said that the Preachers desired it might be so that they might speak the more freely to them especially upon the point of the Self-denying Ordinance Both Houses agreed to receive the Lords that were come from the King in the Painted Chamber by a Committee of 14 Lords and 28 Commoners and they desired from the Lords a list of their retinue to the end no affront might be offered to them Here of they had not cause to complain as the Parliaments Commissioners had at Oxford for these Lords and all their attendance were civily treated by all sort of persons and this Order for the list was the rather made to discover such as came to Town with the Lords under pretence of being of their retinue when they were not but came to do ill offices to the Parliament Sir Symonds D'ewes had an order to present a Minister to a Living in his gift Order was taken for raising of monies for the English and Scots Armies in the North for certain Months Mr. Roger L'Estrange was apprehended for a designe to betray Lynne in Norfolke to the King and for that end had a Treaty with Captain Lemmon Lieutenant Governour there who shewed a Complyance with L'Estrange but acquainted Colonel Walton the Governour with all the passages whereupon L'Estrange was seized upon and with him was found a Commission from the King Authorizing him for this service and engaging That if the Town were gained That L'Estrange should be Governour of it and have great preferment and what Rewards he should promise for effecting it not exceeding 80001. should be paid and divers other fair promises made and this was noted to be when the Treaty for peace was on foot The like design was for betraying St. Nicholas Island by Plymouth but prevented by the Lord Roberts the Governour the like was for the betraying Stafford prevented by Sir William Brereton the like design was for betraying of Reading discovered by the apprehending of a Spy who having lighted Matches put to his fingers confessed all and Alderman Harryson and his Complotters were seized upon The Self-denying Ordinance passed the House of Commons without excepting any Member The Committee of Lords and Commons received the King's Answer to the Propositions for peace wherein the Parliament and the Commissioners of Scotland were acknowledged and the King desired That in regard of the great Alteration in Government both of Church and State imported in the Propositions That the
same and Reasons for any Alteration or Explanation of them may be debated and weighed He therefore proposeth that the Parliament would appoint such number of persons as they should think fit to treat with the like number of persons to be appointed by his Majesty upon the said Propositions and such other things as shall be proposed by his Majesty for preservation and defence of the Protestant Religion with due regard to tender Consciences the Rights of the Crown the Liberty and Propriety of the Subject and the Privilege of Parliament and upon the whole matter to conclude an happy and blessed Peace Taunton Castle was relieved by Colonel Hepburne and Major Van Russe and divers of the Besiegers taken prisoners The Protestant Forces and Subjects in Munster petitioned the King's Commissioners against a further Cessation of Arms there which was to be treated on by those Commissioners with the Rebels The two Houses and the Scots Commissioners agreed upon an Answer to the King's Message sent by the Duke of Lenox and the Earl of Southampton That they did consent to a Treaty as was proposed but in regard there were many things which will take up some time for preparation thereunto both for the time and manner how to treat they have sent back his Majestie 's Messengers and will return a speedy answer by Messengers of their own They held this way the fitter to be taken because those two Lords and their Company were labouring and plotting whilst they were here against the Interest of the Parliament which was intimated to them by a Petition from the Common Council of the City An Agent of the Queen of Swedland addressed himself to the Houses by Letters from the Queen acquainting them that he had Matters of great Importance to communicate to them from the Queen his Mistres and acknowledged the Parliament and desired Audience The Self-denying Ordinance was again brought to the House to be preferred and a Clause offered to be added That it should not extend to any L. Lieutenants Deputy Lieutenants Justices of Peace or Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer who were Members of either of the Houses of Parliaments Upon this Debate many spake against the Ordinance and among the rest one to this effect Mr. Speaker I am one of that number of your Servants who have no Office or Imployment but such as you are now about to except out of this Ordinance nor have ambition for any and therefore may the more freely and indifferently yet with all submission humbly offer my reasons against it as that which I apprehend may prove prejudicial to your Service It hath been objected that your House and the House of Lords is thin and empty and you the less esteemed having so few Members here many of them being imployed in Offices that they cannot attend the Houses but that by this Ordinance they will be at leisure and liberty to attend the Service of the Parliament here and the Houses be much fuller than now they are I confess Sir this is fit to be remedied but I apprehend you have a fitter way than by this Ordinance to doe it ' that is by issuing out new Writs for electing new Members in the places of those who are dead or expelled and this will satisfie the Objection and engage divers of interest and quality the more immediately in your Service Whereas this Ordinance will discontent many and the Houses will be but little the fuller by the passing of it Another Objection is that if this Ordinance do not pass the Treaty for Peace will not so well proceed but the particular Interests of Members of Parliament may retard the same but will be all taken away by this Ordinance I am to seek how this can be materially objected when I suppose whether this Ordinance pass or not yet you intend Members of Parliament only to be your Commissioners for that Treaty and in case some of then be Officers they will the better understand your businesses on which the Treaty will be grounded Another Objection is that unless this Ordinance pass the great work intended of new modelling your Armies will not so well be carried on for that by putting all out there will remain no exception I should rather have argued that by putting out all Members out of their Imployment the exception and discontent would be the more general and by leaving them still in their Imployments there would be the less competition and sollicitation for new Officers in their rooms Another Objection or Argument is that the Members of Parliament who are Officers being of equal power in Parliament will not be so obedient to your Commands as others who have smaller interests and would not so much dispute one with another Surely Sir those whose interest is the same with yours have the more reason to obey your Commands than others and have more to hazard by disobedience than others can have and in your Commands all your Members are involved and it were strange if they should be backward to obey their own Orders Nor will the Contests be so frequent and high between them and other Officers as it will be between those who will be of a more equal condition But Mr. Speaker as you consider the inconveniences if this Ordinance do not pass so you will be pleased to consider the Inconveniences if it do pass You will lay aside as brave men and who have served you with as much courage wisdom faithfulness and success as ever men served their Country Our noble General the Earls of Denbigh Warwick Manchester the Lords Roberts Willoughby and other Lords in your Armies besides those in civil Offices not excepted and of your own Members the Lord Grey Lord Fairfax Sir William Waller Lieutenant General Cromwel Mr. Hollis Sir Philip Stapleton Sir William Brereton Sir John Meyrick and many others must be laid aside if you pass this Ordinance And I am to seek and I doubt so will they be to whom you shall refer the new modelling of your Armies where to find Officers that shall excel if equal these If your Judgments are that for the Publick Service it will be expedient to remove any of them from their Commands let the same if you please be plainly made known to them from you Let them have what they deserve your thanks for their former good Services and they will not be offended that you having no more work for them do lay them aside with honour But to do a business of this nature às hath been well said by a side Wind is in my humble opinion not so becoming your Honour and Wisdom as Plainness and Gravity which are Ornaments to your Actions I shall conclude with the Example of the Grecians and Romans amongst whom Sir you know that the greatest Offices both of War and Peace were conferred upon their Senatours and their Reasons were because they having greater Interests than others were the more capable to doe them the greatest service
Ordinance The Commons voted to hear no private business for ten days Mr. Roger Lestrange was tryed for a Spy before the Court-Marshal coming from the King's quarters without Drum Trumpet or Pass to betray Lynne Garrison Sir Thomas Middleton and Colonel Mitton took in a Garrison of the King 's near Mountgomery and in it Colonel Ballard the Governour Llayd the high Sheriff divers Officers two Foot Colours sixty common Souldiers with store of Arms and Pillage The Assembly of Divines presented to the House some further Additions to the Directory for Worship Much time was spent to settle the payment of the Northern Armies and to enable the Scots to march Southwards The Commons concluded their Debate upon the Directory for Worship A Letter was agreed to be written to the Parliament of Scotland from both Houses here to express the great ingagement of this Kingdom to them for their brotherly assistance The Lords upon the Petition of Sir John Hotham and his Son thought fit to pardon the Father and desired the Concurrence of the Commons therein but upon the Question it was carried in the Negative not to be taken by them into consideration The Court-Marshal gave judgment upon Mr. Lestrange The Commons passed an Ordinance for continuing the Court-Marshal for three Months longer and another for disfranchizing some Aldermen of York The Commons ordered the Commissioners of the Great Seal to issue out the Sheriffs Patents to the Messengers of the Seal The Lords debated the Self-denying Ordinance They concurred with the Commons to refer the business of the Treaty upon the Propositions for Peace to the Committee of both Kingdoms Major General Brown marched out with a Party towards Oxford and was near taking the Fort Royall there but his Design was discovered and prevented yet he brought away forty men and horse with him Several Orders were made for Money for the Scots and other Armies and for supply of the Forces in Ireland Divers of Bucks petitioned against the Outrages of the Parliaments Forces in that County Colonel Bulstrode was made Governour of Henley and Phillis Court but he was shortly after called away to his Regiment and Colonel Charles Doyley made Governour there But he and the Souldiers falling out they had like to have killed him and he would stay there no longer and Colonel Piuter Temple succeeded him Sir John Hotham was going to his Execution and much company expecting it on Tower-hill when a Messenger came with a Reprieve from the Lords But the Commons sent to the Lieutenant of the Tower to know the reason of deferring the Execution when they did not consent to any Reprieve for him The Lord Fairfax his forces took in Pomfret Town and close blocked up the Castle and other Castles thereabouts Colonel Bright fell upon a party of the King 's under Sir William Cobbes took divers Officers and Souldiers and good Horses from them A party of the Newark forces in the night time surprized some of the Parliaments forces and took near two Troups of them The Leicester forces drove the forces of Hastings out of Ashby-Town into the Tower and took divers Prisoners and Arms. Prince Maurice laid down his Commission for the West and the Lord Hopton was made General there and laboured to get a new Army January 1644. The Directory for Worship was finished by the Commons and sent up to the Lords by Mr. Rouse Upon the Debate touching the Reprieve of Sir Jo. Hotham by the Lords the Commons voted that no Officer made by Ordinance of both Houses should stay the execution of Justice by any order of either House without the concurrence of both Houses They likewise ordered that the Lieutenant of the Tower do proceed to the Execution of Sir John Hotham according to the Sentence of the Court Marshal Captain Hotham his Son sent a Petition to the Lords and another to the Commons praying his Pardon but it was denied and the same day his Head was cut off Mr. L'Estrange petitioned the Lords that his Case might be heard before the Parliament which was consented to by both Houses Letters were ordered to be written by the Speaker to Sussex Surrey and Hampshire for raising of Dragoons formerly undertaken One hundred and fifty horse from Oxford possessed themselves of Beselsley Mr. Speaker's House near Abington intending to fortifie it but Major General Brown sent out a party under Colonel Boswel to whom upon his summons they rendered the House on conditions to march away onely one who had formerly broke Prison at Abington was denied that favour Sergeant Wilde Mr. Brown and Mr. Nicholas offered Reasons and Arguments to the Lords that the Matters proved against the Archbishop were Treason An Answer was ordered to be given to the Papers of the Scots Commissioners to be sent by them to the Parliament of Scotland A Committee of both Houses was named to receive from the Sweedish Agent some matters which he said he had further to impart to them from the Queen Sir John Hotham in the Morning before his Execution procured a motion in the House of Commons for his Pardon which took up a Debate and Sir John being brought to the Scaffold on Tower-hill expected the good news of his Pardon and the time was protracted till two a Clock in the Afternoon but the Commons would not grant his desire He spake shortly to the people and Mr. Peters prayed with him and spake to the people in his Name and told them that Sir John ' s Father said to him when he was going forth to be a Souldier Son when the Crown of England lies at stake you will have fighting enough He was somewhat fearfull of death and his head was cut off The Committee of both Kingdoms reported their opinion to the Lords That the place for the Treaty of Peace should be Uxbridge and the Commissioners to be four Lords and eight Commoners and four Scots Commissioners to which the Lords agreed and sent to the Commons for their concurrence Both Houses agreed to send Commissioners to the Parliament and Assembly in Scotland The Queen of Sweden's Letter to the Parliament was read and contained a Narrative of the King of Denmark's hard usage of the Crown of Sweden and the great affection that Queen bears to England The Directory of Worship was fully agreed upon by both Houses and ordered to be printed and two of the Assembly to take care thereof and that a course shall be taken for publishing and settling of it to be generally used The Commons ordered that the Assembly of Divines should write a Congratulatory Letter to the Assembly in Scotland and to acquaint them what they had done and that the Parliament here had agreed in those Matters The Lords agreed to the Ordinance for Attainder of the Archbishop of High Treason and to be hanged drawn and quarter'd for it The Commons agreed that the place for the Treaty should be Vxbridge the Commissioners for
the Parliament to be sixteen and as many for the King The Propositions touching Religion the Militia and Ireland to be first treated on and twenty Days allotted for them that his Majestie 's Propositions be received by the Parliaments Commissioners at Vxbridge and transmitted to the Parliament The Commons proceeded to the Directory for the Government of the Church and voted upon a long Debate That to have a Presbytery in the Church is according to the word of God The Commons sent to the Lords for their concurrence to a Warrant for the Execution of the Archbishop according to the Ordinance for his Attainder to which the Lords agreed and a Warrant issued to the Lieutenant of the Tower to deliver the Prisoner to the Sheriffs of London to see Execution done accordingly The Parliaments forces that relieved Taunton in their Retreat fell upon the Enemies Quarters and took many horse and divers prisoners Colonel Ludlow's Regiment thinking themselves secure in their Quarters at Salisbury about 200 of them were surprised the Colonel and the rest brake through and got to Southampton and took Colonel Fielding and some others Prisoners The Scots forces got the Town of Carlisle and the King's forces in the Castle sent to Treat The Lord Fairfax possessed Pomfret Town and close blocked up the Castle and Scarborough Skipton and Sandal Castles were blocked up by the Parliaments forces Ordinances passed for payment of 6000 l. lent by the Commissioners of Excise and 10000 l. lent by Mr. Estwick The Lords at a Conference gave Reasons to the Commons against passing the Self-denying Ordinance wherein they affirmed the honour of Peerage to be so much concerned and the Commons ordered a Committee to draw up Reasons in Answer to those delivered by the Lords The Lords acquainted the Commons with a Petition from the Archbishop and a Pardon granted to him by the King under the Great Seal two years since but it was denied by both Houses being granted before conviction and if it had been after yet in this case of Treason against the Kingdom they said it could not be available His Petition was That in case he must die that he might be Beheaded not Hanged and that three of his Chaplains Dr. Heyward Dr. Martin and Dr. Stern might be with him before and at his death for his Souls Comfort The Commons denied both onely allowed Dr. Stern with Mr. Marshal and Mr. Palmer to be with him The Sheriffs of London attended in person to know the manner of the execution of the Archbishop for which they were referred to the warrant of both Houses that he should be hanged drawn and quartered Divers of the Lord General 's Officers of Foot petitioned the Commons and very modestly for the better discipline of the Army for which the House gave them thanks but this was looked upon by some as an ill precedent for Officers of the Army to petition the Parliament and it proved so afterwards The Commons being informed that a party of about 5000 horse and foot of the King 's were near Peterfield and had taken Christ-church and were drawing towards Surrey to disturb that association they sent some of their Members to the Lord General and to the Earl of Manchester to give an account why their forces lay quartered on their Friends near London and did not remove nearer to the Enemy according to former directions At this time the Earl of Manchester was under a kind of accusation and the Lord General in discontent Sir William Waller not much otherwise the forces not carefully ordered and the Parliaments business but in an unsettled condition so that it was high time for some other course to be taken by them The Commons appointed an Ordinance to be brought in for the ease of free quarter The Lords sent another Petition from the Arch-bishop to the Commons that he might not be hanged but beheaded and the Lords gave their reasons why they had assented to it and after some debate the Commons agreed to it also Order was made for provision for some of the Assembly of Divines who had lost their means by the Enemy Colonel Holborn with the forces under him that relieved Taunton took about 200 of the King's horse near Bridgewater Provisions were ordered to be sent by Mr. Davies for Ireland The Commons agreed with the Lords in an Ordinance for the Lady Wilmot who professed much affection to the Parliament and agreed for pardon of some condemned Prisoners in Newgate The Commons offered their reasons to the Lords for passing the Self-denying Ordinance and shewing the breach of privilege in sending to the Commons their Lordships reasons without the Ordinance The Commons gave order to the Commissioners of the Great Seal to issue out the Patents for new Sheriffs The Commons debated the model of the new Militia and it was propounded that the Army should be 21000 horse and foot Jan. 10. The Archbishop was brought to the Scaffold on Tower Hill and made a Speech to the people as he called it his last Sermon in which he endeavoured to excuse the Matters charged against him and professed himself of the Religion of the Church of England as it stands established by Law then he prayed to God to bless the Parliament to direct them that they may not fall under any misgovernment He concluded thus I forgive all the world all and every one bitter enemies or others whatsoever they have been which have any ways prosecuted me in this case and I humble desire to be forgiven first of God then of man whether I have offended them or they think I have Lord forgive them and now I desire you to joyn with me in Prayer Then he made a short Prayer audibly kneeling at the Rail after that putting off his Cloaths Coat and Doublet he kneeled to the Block and upon a sign given the Executioner took off his Head at one blow The Lord General and Earl of Manchester returned answer to the Parliament concerning the removal of the Army nearer to the Enemy The Commons desired the Lords to use expedition in passing the Self-denying Ordinance for that the Kingdom suffered much for want of passing it They permitted a Certificate to be made of the Judgment in the King's Bench against the Duke D'Espernon They debated about the new Model of the Army The Lords delivered to the Commons further Reasons against the passing of the Self-denying Ordinance but the Commons ordered that their whole House should go up with a Message to the House of Peers for the speedy passing of it and they acquainted the Lords with their Order to exclude all private business for eight days longer Captain Swanley took a Ship and in her the Commissioners sent from Ireland to treat with the King about a further Cessation with the King's Commission under the Great Seal and instructions about concluding a Peace with the Rebels of Ireland The whole House of Commons went
into them were to settle the Militia of both Kingdoms This Answer of the King's Commissioners to the great Point of the Militia gave much dissatisfaction to the Parliaments Commissioners And the Earl of Northumberland Mr. Pierpoint Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke with others of them advising in private about it endeavoured by particular applications to their friends of the King's Commissioners to get a better Answer and more complying with the Parliament from them But it could not be obtained and they hinted to them that they were bound up by their Instructions from the King that they could go no further Yet they promised to send to Oxford to see if they could prevail there for a further concession from his Majesty in this particular But nothing came of it They sent the Papers on both parts in every dispatch to the Parliament and when these of the Militia were read the House of Commons seemed much troubled at them some were pleased who were no great Wishers of Peace and others doubted thereupon of any good success in the present Treaty 7. The Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London sent a Letter to the Speaker intimating the scarcity of Flesh-meats by the destruction of Cattel in the time of these Wars and the good by encouraging the Fishing and submitted the whole not as to the keeping of Lent but to prevent Dearth to the judgment of the houses Who ordered an Ordinance to be brought in for this business After a Debate from Morning till the Evening upon the alterations made by the Lords in the Ordinance of the new Model the Commons voted That Sir Thomas Fairfax should nominate all the Commanders in his Army to be taken out of any the other Armies and to receive the approbation of both Houses The Scots Commissioners at Vxbridge were much unsatisfied that no Answer was given touching the settlement of the Militia in Scotland and took it as an high neglect of that Kingdom They and the Parliaments Commissioners gave in some Papers to the King's Commissioners touching the Propositions for Ireland A Letter was past to be sent to the Parliament of Scotland concerning the Scots present advance Southwards 8. The Commons state from Eight a Clock in the Morning till Eight a Clock at Night upon the Alterations made by the Lords in the Ordinance for the new Model And agreed to most of them and ordered Reasons to be drawn up to satisfie the Lords in those wherein they differed They voted that all Officers in the new Army that shall be approved by both houses shall take the Covenant within twenty days and the Souldiers in a time to be set for it The rest of the Papers upon the Propositions for Ireland were delivered in to the King's Commissioners for the Treaty 9. The Lords-day one of the Ministers with the Commissioners preached very seasonably for the Occasion in the Morning and another in the Afternoon Some Visits past between some of the Commissioners on both parts and indeavours to perswade one another to nearer terms of agreement but to little effect 10. Some Debate touching the Point of Excommunication The Lords concurred with the Commons in a Letter to the Parliament of Scotland for the March of their Army Southwards and the place of their Rendezvous was referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms for the more secrecy thereof They also agreed in Approbation of the Opinion of Judge Bacon in over-ruling the Plea of Macquire in the point of Peerage who was this day at his Tryal in the King's Bench and excepted against twenty three of the twenty four returned of the Jury The Commons past the Bill for taking away Episcopacy in Ireland as in England and sent it up to the Lords for their Concurrence They nominated several High Sheriffs 11. Orders for Money and Supplies for the Navy The Reasons of the Commons for their differing from some Alterations made by the Lords in the Ordinance of the new Model where delivered to the Lords A Petition of Merchants trading into France whose Goods were seized there and Letters of Marque granted against all that adhered to the Parliament was referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms and to draw up a Letter to be sent to the King of France for redress therein Propositions touching Navigation sent from the Lords The Commons had information of a great Design in Bucks to dissolve the Treaty at Vxbridge to be effected by a Petition framed for them and great endeavours to get hands to it in Bucks The Petition was directed to the Commissioners of both sides at Vxbridge and 5000 Inhabitants were designed to come with it The Commons had a Copy of the Petition the Effect whereof was That Religion might be established as in the purest times of Queen Elizabeth c. Sir John Lawrence was informed to be the active Promoter of this Petition and was therefore sent for in Custody to the Parliament The Directory for Worship was much approved by the Assembly in Scotland General Leven went towards Carlisle to assist in the Siege there Macquire upon his Tryal in the King's Bench was found Guilty and had Judgment of High Treason pronounced against him to be hanged drawn and quartered He desired to be beheaded and to have his Execution respited till he might speak with Sir Bazill Brooke and Mr. Walter Mountague The Judge said he would acquaint the Parliament therewith and observe their directions The King's Commissioners at Vxbridge gave in their Answer to the Proposition concerning Ireland and therein justified the King in making a cessation with the Rebels there and that he is in honour bound to maintain it And they would by no means yield to that part of the Proposition To prosecute the War against the Irish Rebels The Commissioners entred upon a second Debate concerning Religion the King's Doctors highly insisted for Episcopacy 12. Orders for new Sheriffs and for Monies for the Army and the Lords were desired to expedite the Ordinance for the Model News came that Goring's Horse and a party of Foot from Portland by a sudden assault took the Works at Weymouth and the Town was in great danger to be lost if not suddenly relieved Orders were thereupon sent to Sir William Waller to march immediately for relief of Weymouth The House was in a Grand Committee to consider of the business of the Navy and of the Customs An Ordinance past for raising of Monies for the Scots Army to march Southwards 13. Letters from Sir William Waller intimated Disobedience in some of the Souldiers to march into the West and desired further power The House referred it to the Committee of both Kingdoms to give such power accordingly Such was the inconstancy of the Souldiers and the incertainty of the Affairs of the Parliament and of War Those who had been so well paid by the Parliament now dispute their Commands occasioned by the unsettledness of the Parliaments business
turned their Musquets against their fellows This so discouraged Argyle's men that they gave back and retreated which Montross perceiving fell on with great resolution upon them routed the whole body of Argyle's men killed divers and took many of them Prisioners A party of about 150 of the King 's from Skipton beat up Colonel Brandling's quarters at Heightley surprized the Guards came into the Town and took near a hundred prisoners 60 horse and other booty As they returned Colonel Lambert's men fell upon them rescued their friends and the booty took Captain Hugh's who commanded the King's party killed his Lieutenant and about 15 of his men and took about 20 of them prisoners pursuing the rest to Skipton Samon one of Lambert's Captains and about eight of his Souldiers were killed Sir John Meldrum got the Power of the Harbour at Scarborough and appointed to storm the Town 18. Orders about the Navy and new Commissioners of the Customs A Letter from Prince Rupert to the Lord General for release of some persons imprisoned contrary to Articles was referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms to have right done Sir Thomas Fairfax came privately to Town and a Committee was appointed to consider of raising Moneys and Recruits for his speedy taking of the Field About 700 of the mutinous Troops being come near London care was taken to prevent Surrey Kent and the adjacent Counties from any inconveniences by them Tobias Basely formerly a Porter condemned by the Council of War for a Spy and betraying Carriers was hanged in Smithfield Prince Griffith petitioned that since he was in custody he was poysoned and had but a few days to live Whereupon two Doctors were approved by the House to visit him 19. Four Members of the Commons House were sent by them for Sir Thomas Fairfax to bring him to the House where a Chair was set for him but he modestly refused to sit down The Speaker told him somewhat of Agamemnon and of the old Romans which I have forgotten then he informed him of the trust the Kingdom reposed in him in the Command of the Army and the good opinion they had of him for his valour and fidelity giving him thanks in the name of the House for the many and great services he had done for the publick and in the defence of Religion Laws and Liberty and incouraged him to go on as he had begun The Ordinance for Tunnage and Poundage sent up to the Lords and another touching the Excise Weymouth held out and received some relief by Sea from Poole Sir William Waller was upon his march to them The House received Letters from their Commissioners at Vxbridge with several Papers concerning the Militia and the Reply made by the King's Commissioners who took advantage the last point of time to deliver in their Reply when it might be conceived no Answer could be made to it by the Parliaments Commissioners But they being impowred by their additional Instructions to reassume the business of the Militia when they pleased the Parliament voted that their Commissioners shall have power to treat with the King's Commissioners about passing a Bill for settling the Militia in the power of the Parliament until such time as the three Kingdoms shall be reduced to peace and so declared by Parliament and three years after or else for seven years from the time of the granting the Militia and after that his Majesty to take the advice of both Houses of Parliament for the settling thereof And the Commissioners of both Kingdoms delivered in a Paper accordingly The Earl of Southampton and some others of the King's Commissioners went from Vxbridge to Oxford to the King about the business of the Treaty to receive some further directions from his Majesty therein The Doctors reported Griffith to be in no danger 20. The Ordinance for Tunnage and Poundage with the Clause for Currants passed both Houses Orders for setting forth the Fleet. Letters from Holland to the Parliament advise that Brown Bushel was at Sea with a small Fleet intended for Piracy Information of a Design to cause the Souldiers to mutiny was referred to be examined An Ordinance passed for raising of 21000 l. for the Scots Army to be repaid out of Sequestrations The Committee at Goldsmiths-hall had 30000 l. ready to be sent to the Scots Army upon their advance Southwards The King's Forces intending to keep a Guard near Harrington Brown sent out a party of Horse from Abington who suddenly fell upon them surprized the whole Guard being about nineteen and brought them prisoners to Abington After that he sent out another party who intercepted and brought away 27 horse-loads of Corn Cheese and other Provisions going towards Oxford Major Purefoy fell upon the Enemy near Oxford tooâ— a Lieutenant and other Officers 12 Troupers and Arms. The Lord Macquire was executed at Tyburn he refused to make any Confession but died desperately 21. The Parliament sent an Express to their Commissioners atVxbridge with their Vote to propound a Limitation of the Militia for three years after the three Kingdoms are declared by the King and Parliament to be settled in peace or to have it settled in the Parliament for seven years after the time the King is willing to settle it To this effect they delivered in a Paper to the King's Commissioners and endeavoured to perswade their Compliance and were full of hopes that they would have consented to it Several Ordinances passed for 20000 l. supplied by the Commissioners of Excise and an Ordinance for all Souldiers to repair to their Colours within 48 hours and an Ordinance was sent up to the Lords for the new Commissioners of the Customs Orders for the Commissioners of the Navy and for the Prince Elector 22. The Commissioners at Vxbridge sent a Letter to the Parliament with all the Papers containing the three Treaties of the three last days about Ireland wherein the Kings Commissioners did not think fit to yield to any of the Propositions but again justified the Cessation with his Majestie 's Catholick Subjects there The Parliaments Commissioners in their Reply laid home the innocent blood shed by the Irish Rebels Letters from Sir John Meldrum informed that Feb. 18. about ten a Clock the Town of Scarborough was stormed in four places by the English and Scotish Souldiers who gained the Town and Church with the loss of eleven men in the Church they took 80 Souldiers and the Governour of Hemsley Castle Cholmley perceiving the Town like to be lost fled into the Castle and was pursued and one of the Works taken but the White Tower in the Castle commanding it they beat out Meldrum's men with stones Cholmley laboured to escape by Sea in a little Pinnace he had there which he called his Running Horse but Meldrum got Boats between him and the Pinnace and forced him back again into the Caâ—tie Sir Hugh Cholmley had five Dunkirk Vessels lying in
Stocks in Trade and absent themselves and Orders for seizing suspicious persons and Arms and an Ordinance for raising Souldiers Gunners and Chirurgeons for Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army With an Exception to press none in the Universities Inns of Court and Chancery trained Bands c. or Esquires or their Sons or Officers Sea-men c. 26. The publick Monthly fast solemnly kept 27. A Messenger from Melcombe Regis informed that the Town held out still and expected Sir William Waller's approach to them that a party of 80 of their Horse sallied out and routed near 300 of the Enemy and took 60 horse and another time 30. The House ordered Colonel Cromwel to march with all speed into the West to joyn with Waller The Government of Shrewsbury was referred to the Committee of that County and 4000 l. to be provided for them to raise Forces and 20 l. given to their Messenger A party under Sir Maronaduke Langdale marching Northwards fell upon a party of the Parliaments in Northamptonshire whom they routed killed some and took divers of them prisoners and the rest shifted for their lives and by flight saved themselves The same party of the King 's fell upon some Dragoons of the Parliaments in Leicestershire and routed them 28. Several Officers of the new Army approved by the Commons A party of Col. Massey's men under his Brother fell upon Sir John Winter in the Forest of Dean routed him and made him swim the River of Wye in which 60 of Winter's men were drowned 70 slain besides Col. Gamme and Lieutenant Colonel Winter 120 taken prisoners 140 Horse taken several Officers and 300 Arms. The Commons ordered a Letter of thanks to Massey and Supplies March 1644. 1. The Commons proceeded in the List of the Officers of the Army They sent to the City to call a Common Hall the 4th of March That the Commissioners for the Treaty at Uxbridge might then acquaint the City with the proceedings at that Treaty and the aversness of the King's party to the peace They have already set forth a Declaration at Oxford for the vindication of themselves in that business An Ordinance for Provisions for the Parliaments Forces before Pomfret another for the Essex Forces Letters from Colonel Sydenham and Captain Batten informed that Goring had spent much time with 5000 horse and foot before Melcombe but had made no honourable attempt only the night before endeavoured to cast up a Work before Melcombe betwixt it and the Seas but Sydenham sent out a party who beat them from their Work killed two and took divers prisoners and all their Tools without any loss 3. The Commons past the List of Officers for the new Army Mr. Pryn was ordered to Print the Proceedings of the Archbishop's Tryal Orders for a Committee to hasten the Declaration of the Proceedings of the Treaty at Vxbridge in which much labour was put upon Mr. Pierpoint and Whitelocke Mr. Sherrington Talbot and Mr. Dowdeswell Commissioners of Array in Wigorn were taken and sent up The Chapel Fort at Weymouth was taken by the Parliaments Forces from the King 's Letters from Sir William Brereton informed that four Regiments of Irish Rebels were lately landed in Wales for the King's Service Sir Marmaduke Langdale's party were met with by Colonel Rosseter near Melton where they had a sharp Encounter and loss on both sides Of Langdal's party were slain Colonel Tuke Major Kertlington Captain Markham and about 100 others of Rosseter's about 50 but no Officer he lost one Colours and took two Langdale got Provisions into Newark and was recruited to 3000 and Rosseter followed him with 2000. 4. The French Agent sent a Letter to the Parliament of the desires of his Master and the Queen Regent That the Parliament would continue the Treaty with the King The House ordered a Committee to draw up a fair and respective Answer to the Letter but not to consent to any thing of renewing the Treaty The Speaker was authorized to give Passes to Delinquents to come into the Parliament and to compound at Goldsmiths-hall for their Delinquency The Parliaments Forces in Melcombe Febr. 25. having regained Chapel Fort of great prejudice to the King's Forces they resolved by a Council of War to fall again upon the Fort and upon the Town of Melcombe at once in several places The same Evening that they resolved to do it one of Melcombe Souldiers who had been taken prisoner escaped and gave notice to the Governour of this Design who got his men in readiness The King's men that night assaulted the Line about Melcombe in five or six places and the Chapel with great resolution but were in every place repulsed and lost about 150 of their men In which Service Captain Batten and his Seamen did very bravely the Enemy retreated back to Weymouth the Melcombe Souldiers stood still upon their guards expecting the return of the Enemy but they came not again But the next morning they all drew out of Weymouth in hast as in a Pannick fear and marched away both horse and foot to Dorchester leaving behind the Ordnance they had before taken from the Parliament in Weymouth and two pieces more with some Arms and took nothing with them but some Plunder and the Parliament Forces poslessed all the Forts and lost but ten men At the same time a Ship of the Kings of 12 Guns came into Captain Batten Great numbers of Clubmen in Worcestershire and Dorsetshire got into a posture of defence and refused to serve the King according to his Proclamation The Parliaments Commissioners for the Treaty at Vxbridge came to the Common-hall in London and acquainted the City with the proceedings of that Treaty and of the aversness on the King's side to come to a closure of peace so that now it was of necessity for their own defence to furnish out the Army under Sir Thomas Fairfax for which end they desired from the City the Loan of 80000 l. to be repaid with Interest Upon Information that the mutinous horse inclined to obedience the Parliament past an Order that if they submitted by a day they should be pardoned and continued in Service otherwise to be proceeded against as Traytors 5. Orders touching Money from the Customs and Excise The House approved of the Train of Artillery and their Officers under General Fairfax and passed all the Colonels except two And an Ordinance for 2000 l. for the Officers Souldiers and Seamen of Weymouth and Melcombe for their gallant Service Order for a Day of Thanksgiving for the Successes which God gave the Parliament since the breach of the Treaty ordered to be kept in Christ church London and the Lord Mayor and his Brethren desired to be there also Sir William Waller with Colonel Cromwel's Horse and Colonel Fiennes Regiment about 5000 Horse and Dragoons marched into the West Provisions grew scarce in Oxford Brown surprized a herd of Cattel going thither and brought them to Abington Craford
the King's Forces at Thrup near Farrington killed one Neast a Lieutenant of Horse who formerly kept a Dicing-house and three or four more and brought away 19 good Horse Major Sheffield fell upon the Enemies quarters on the edge of Northamptonshire took Sir Tho. Read Lieutenant Denton and divers Horse and Prisoners and intercepted with Read two Letters of importance 8. Orders concerning the Army and drawing together Forces for Sir Tho. Fairfax and for supplies and some High Sheriffs named A Committee of both Houses named to consider of selecting Officers to supply the Commands of Members of both Houses Morton Bishop of Durham a Reverend man was brought before the Commons for Christening of a Child in the old way and signing it with the sign of the Cross contrary to the Directory and because he refused to deliver up the Seal of the County Palatine of Durham he was committed to the Tower Serjeant Major Hudderston under Greenevile came to London with 30 Horse and submitted to the Parliament offering to take the Covenant Three of Waller's Troups were surprised in their quarters by Goring's Forces and about 50 of them taken the rest escaped Letters from Scotland informed that Lieutenant General Bayly and Major General Vrrey took 800 horse-load of provisions going to Montross the men horse bag and baggage and dividing themselves pursued Montross into the High-lands 9. Colonel Rainsborough's Regiment appointed for Colonel Grey Referred to the Committee to consider of the profits of Places lately enjoyed by Members of Parliament and what of them may be spared for ease of the publick charge Letters from Massey informed that the discontented Herefordshire men having laid down their Arms upon Articles with the Princes afterwards and contrary to those Articles the Princes caused three worthy Gentlemen to be executed who were conceived chief in that Rising That there the Princes levy men and money by violence and he saith that if 1000 horse may be sent to him he doubts not but most of the discontented party will come in to him many being already come this was in a special manner referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms The Master of the Ceremonies ordered to acquaint the States Ambassadours that to morrow if they pleased they might have audience of both Houses and Coaches were to be provided for their Reception The Earl of Warwick laid down his Commission of Lord Admiral in compliance with the Ordinance for discharging the Members of both houses from all employments Military and Civil but with a protestation of continuing his faithfulness and endeavours to serve the publick as long as he lived and some believed that the Precedents of the Earls of Essex Manchester and Denbigh were inducements to him to doe the like He did gallant service in the time of his Command for the Parliament and deserves an honourable mention 10. Care taken for employment of old Officers left out of the new Army and of the condition of the West and of settling the Excise and for the Forces of Poole and Dorsetshire 11. Orders for the Army for the Regiment of Kent under Colonel Welden to go to Sir Thomas Fairfax and for Officers to repair to their Charges by a day or to be cashiered and Sir Tho. Fairfax to choose new ones this proclaimed by beat of Drum and sound of Trumpet The States Ambassadours had Audience in both Houses with solemnity and they spake of the affection of their Masters to this Kingdom and their deslres to have mediated peace and composed the distractions thereof but that it took no effect and the distractions were now wider than when they came first hither Therefore there being nothing more for them to doe their Masters had sent for them home and they had taken their leave of the king and were now come to do the same of the Parliament Sir William Brereton began to Mine at Hawarden Castle and took in Goozanna House and in it a Captain and 27 prisoners and some Officers and from thence blocked up Chester on the Welch side gained Manley House killed divers and took a Captain and many prisoners 12. Care taken touching the Customs and for the Officers Oaths and for the Affairs of the Admiralty Letters from Sir Tho. Fairfax gave an account of the state of his Army and the chearfulness of his Souldiers and his want of pay for them This was very early for them to want pay and the House were very sensible of the inconveniences which might thereupon ensue and therefore specially referred it to the Committee of the Army to take order therein Pay ordered for the British Forces in Ireland and an Ordinance to be brought in for satisfaction of their Arrears out of the Rebels-Estates next after satisfaction to the Adventures Care for pay for Brereton's Forces by borrowing upon the Excise 14. Ordinance committed for associating the Northern Counties Ordinances past for reimbursing the Moneys raised for Brown and for Langherine another considered for pay of the Lincolnshire forces Order that the Scots Brigade lately come from Sir William Brereton be sent to by the Scots Commissioners to return to his assistance again the Enemy drawing towards him and the Committee of both Kingdoms to take care thereof and for provisions and money for him the House took order Langdale relieved Sir Jo. Winter's House besieged by Massey and was hurt in the Arm Massey brought off his men with little loss Care for Imployment of the Officers of the Earl of Manchester and of Sir William Waller not imployed in the new Army Order for Goods concealed from the Excise to be forfeited About 300 discontented persons got together into a body in Kent and took Sir Percival Hart's House but Colonel Blunt being sent against them with 500 foot and two Troups of horse dispersed them and took divers of the chief of them and regained the House 15. Debate touching persons not to be admitted to the Sacrament Both Houses agreed upon a Committee of six Lords viz. Essex Warwick Northumberland Pembroke Say North and 12 Commoners viz. Sir William Earle Sir Philip Stapleton Sir Jo. Evelyn jun. Sir Christop Wray Mr. Rolle Greene Hollis Selden Rouse Eden Lisle and Whitelocke to manage the Admiralty business An Insurrection in Westmerland and a design to have surprized a Magazine of the Parliaments there was suppressed The Plague increased in Newcastle and the Inhabitants were discontented at the Imposition upon Coals Some of Pomfret Garrison sallied out but were beaten back with the loss of Colonel Tindall Lieutenant Colonel Middleton and other Officers and many Souldiers Carlisle was upon Treaty to render A Dunkirk Ship loaden with Arms and Ammunition for the King taken by the Besiegers of Scarborough A party from Abington under Captain Blundell met with some of Dennington forces took a Colonel and a Major and divers others and slew a Captain and others of them Brown himself between Shottover and Oxford took divers Carriages and about
for the Recruits to be sent to Sir T. F. The Ordinance past for putting Surrey into a posture of Defence and for pay for Farnham Garrison and another for 20000 l. towards reducing Oxford The Antiparliament sate again at Oxford and were about a Declaration to encourage their party and taking care for Money and Recruits for the King Colonel Baxter Governour of Reading went out with a party and faced Wallingford near their Works 2 Debate about Church affairs One Lusher had been apprehended for a Romish Priest the Spanish Ambassadour owned Lusher as his Servant and in favour of the Ambassadour both Houses discharged Lusher and ordered him to depart the Kingdom in ten daies Both Houses ordered the continuance of the Commissioners of the Great Seal and of the Master of the Rolls for six Months longer notwithstanding the Self-denying Ordinance Mr. Gourden a Member of the House of Commons presented to them a Letter from the Lord Savile with a Paper inclosed in it and desired that they might be read and after some Debate they were read The Letter was expressing his affections to the Parliament to whom he had come from the King and submitted himself and taken the Oath enjoyned in observance whereof and of his duty to the Parliament under whose protection he was he held himself obliged to discover to them what he knew concerning two of their Members who had done contrary to their trust and to the prejudice of the Parliament in the matters contained in the inclosed Paper That Paper set forth That Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke being persons well affected to the King and to his Cause were nevertheless two of the Parliaments Commissioners lately sent to Oxford to His Majesty with Propositions from the Parliament for Peace That they being at Oxford did contrary to their trust and to the prejudice of the Parliament treat and advise with the King and some great Lords about him namely the Earl of Lindsey the Earl of Southampton and others about the King's Answer to those Propositions and did give a Paper in writing what they advised the King's answer should be That their advice in the said Paper was followed by the King and some of the very words thereof were made use of in the King's Answer and that both before and after that time they held intelligence and correspondence with the King and his party at Oxford Much other Matter was in the Paper to the like effect and upon the reading of it divers of the House were very high and moved that Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke might make a present Answer to this Paper or Charge as some called it Mr. Hollis presently in his place made his Answer to the matter of the Paper and therein unadvisedly and suddenly confessed more than he needed to have done but denied any intelligence or correspondence by him with any of the King's party Mr. Whitelocke was not in Town this Morning and knew nothing of this business but after Mr. Hollis had spoken Mr. John L'Isle stood up and acquainted the House that Mr. Whitelocke being then absent if they pleased he would undertake to give him notice to attend the House the next Day which was ordered But some were not satisfied therewith and they fiercely moved That this being a charge of High Treason against two of their Members in whom the offence was greater than in others that they would proceed with equal justice and that both Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke might be committed to the Tower Mr. Hollis who was present to be sent thither and a Warrant to apprehend Mr. Whitelocke and to carry him thither also Upon this Sir William Lewys stood up and with as much vigour on the other side said He could not but wonder at the justice of those who would commit a man to the Tower before he was heard and the other after he had fully answered that which they called a Charge That he could not admit it to be a Charge but a Scandalous and Libellous Paper against two worthy Members of the House who they all knew had served the Parliament faithfully and to the utmost hazard of their Lives and Fortunes And because they had done so and were so capable of doing further and more service to the Parliament therefore one of their enemies was come hither to cast a bone among them and to raise differences amongst the Members of Parliament a likely way when their other designs failed them to doe mischief to the Parliament He desired them to consider the person of him whom they called the Accuser who was indeed an Accuser of the Brethren that it was the Lord Savile now cloathed with a new Title from the King of Earl of Sussex and perhaps this present service was to be part of that by which he was yet to merit his new Title That still he was the same man who was first of the Parliament party then revolted from them to the King and now was revolted from the King to the Parliament again and that a Paper brought in from this person should be looked upon as a Charge against two worthy Members of their House or be in the least a ground to commit them to the Tower he could not sufficiently wonder at the reason or justice of such a motion as that was He rather thought it more reasonable and just and accordingly moved that this Libel this Paper might be thrown out of the House and the contriver of it the Lord Savile be under more streight custody and examined who set him on to promote this business and that Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke might not be put to the trouble of any further attendance about it This smart motion of Sir William Lewys so contrary to the former being spoken by him with great ingenuity and mettle and seconded by Sir Philip Stapleton and others of that party so wrought upon the House that the motion for commitment to the Tower was laid aside and Mr. L'Isle ordered to give notice to Mr. Whitelocke that the House required his attendance there the next day Carlisle was surrendred to the Parliament and Sir Thomas Glenham the Governour and the Garrison Souldiers had a Convoy by the Articles of surrender to Newark 3. At a Conference the Letters of the surrender of Carlisle were imparted to the Lords and agreed to send a Committee to the Common Council of London to acquaint them with some of the King's Letters taken at Naseby A Committee appointed to consider of the Northern Garrisons upon the borders of Scotland The King was at Ragland Castle to gather Recruits Sir T. F. was at Marlborough the Garrison of Taunton had often Skirmishes with Goring's Forces and at one time took 120 of their horse the besiegers drew off most of their horse to their Out-guards Between 4000 and 5000 Clubmen being up in Dorsetshire and Wilts carried themselves very tumultuously and forced the Parliaments quarters at Sturmister divers slain and wounded
unless the King would grant those Propositions it would be in vain to treat of any peace There was also much discourse about the acknowledging you to be a Parliament the Earl of Lindsey said That the King had acknowledged you a Parliament by the words Lords and Commons of Parliament We answered That this was the same style his Majesty gave to the Assembly at Oxford and we could not be satisfied with that acknowledgment Then the Earl of Lindsey demanded of us how we would be acknowledged We told him thus The Lords and Commons assembled in the Parliament of England at Westminster After this we returned to our Lodgings and acquainted our fellow Commissioners with the persons that were at the Earl of Lindsey ' s Chamber when we were there and with the matter of our discourse with them In all our discourses Mr. Hollis and my self did justifie your Propositions and vindicate your Proceedings Mr. Speaker It is no small trouble to my thoughts to have my Name questioned in this House but I am comforted in my own integrity and innocency and in my Accuser but chiefly in my Judges to whom I most humbly and most willingly submit my self After Whitelocke had spoken there was much debate in the House whether this Paper of the Lord Savile were an Accusation or Charge against them Many Gentlemen argued That it was against the Privilege of the House to take it for an Accusation being from the Lord Savile who was an Enemy come from the King's Quarters and one in contempt to both Houses of Parliament for refusing to name the person from whom he received the Letter concerning Mr. Hollis and therefore committed a close prisoner That he had not discovered this to the Parliament in five or six Months together that he had been in their quarters but after he had been complained of by Mr. Hollis about a Letter and Mr. Whitelocke was in the Chair of the Committee appointed to examine the business of that Letter Then the Lord Savile brought in a new Accusation both against Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke the Chairman to take off his testimony for Mr. Hollis Others went upon this ground That this business might be committed to see if the Lord Savile would avow his Letter and Paper and by what testimony he could make it good and that Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke might have reparation and be cleared from this aspersion But these were not their Friends and moved this out of a design to bring the business before a Committee to be examined more than out of respect to them After a long debate it was at last referred to a Committee to be examined in the general and power given to the Committee to examine any Member of the House and a Message sent to the Lords to desire that the L. Savile might be examined at this Committee Those who were of a contrary party to the Earl of Essex set their interest upon it to ruine Mr. Hollis whom they found to be a great Pillar of that Party and with him to ruine Mr. Whitelocke they being both involved in this business but they had not the same envy against Mr. Whitelocke as they had against Mr. Hollis nor could they well sever them But now having got it referred to a Committee they resolved there to put it home and were full of expectation to destroy them both which was their intention 5. A Letter from the Portugal Agent and his carriage to the Parliament referred to a Committee and how the Parliament might be vindicated therein Order that the Militia of London should put in execution the Ordinance for searching for Papists and Delinquents Proposals from the Governour of Windsor for supply of that Garrison presented to the House from the Common Council of London and referred to the Committee of the Army Sir Thomas Fairfax and Colonel Massey marched from Blandford towards Taunton their Scouts and Goring's had some Encounters but Goring understanding that Sir Tho. Fairfax was advancing towards him drew off all his horse and foot from before Taunton and went towards Exeter The Lords sent a Message to the House of Commons in answer of theirs yesterday That the Lord Savile if he pleased might be examined from time to time at the Committee to whom the business of his Letter was referred 7. Divers of Westminster in the name of the City petitioned the House for Maintenance for the Lecturers in Westminster Abbey out of the Revenues belonging to the Dean and Chapter there Thereupon an Ordinance was read and committed for regulating the College of Westminster and the Petitioners called in and acquainted with the care of the House in their business and had the thanks of the House Letters from Scout-master General Watson informed that the Enemy was wholly drawn off from before Taunton An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for making Mr. Jackson Lecturer at Gloucester and a 100 l. per annum to be settled on him and the House ordered Col. Morgan to be Governour there An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for One percent for the Captives in Argiers The King's Forces from Bolton Castle surprized Raby Castle belonging to Sir Henry Vane but were again close blocked up by Forces raised by Sir George Vane The Scots Army were on their march towards Worcester as far as Birmicham The Marquess of Argyle was in pursuit of Montross over the Hills and the Parliament of Scotland being now sate the Parliament of England appointed the Earl of Rutland the Lord Wharton Sir Henry Vane senior Sir William Ermine Mr. Hatcher and Mr. Goodwyn to be their Commissioners in Scotland The King with about 4000 horse and foot was at Hereford to raise 5000 l. Assessment and some Recruits The Committee of Salop took in Cause Castle Hawarden Castle and Lynsell House belonging to Sir Richard Lucy and sate down with their Forces before High Arcall the Lord Newport's House In the Afternoon Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke attended the Committee touching my Lord Savile's Accusation where Mr. Samuel Brown had the Chair and was no friend to them in this business but pressed matters against them more than a Chair-man was to do The Lord Savile was brought into the Committee and his Letter and Paper read to him which he owned as his and his hand to them and that he would justifie them to be true upon his Soul and his Life Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke averred the contrary but with less passion and with less indiscretion than the Lord Savile who being put to it by the Committee could not make any proof of one Particular mentioned in his Papers more than they themselves acknowledged which was the same in effect that they had said before in their Narratives in the House Every particular Clause in his Papers were severally read and he heard to them and they to make their Answers but they both did it with this reservation That what they did in this was out of their willingness
to give any satisfaction they could to the Committee or to any particular Gentleman but they hoped that they should not be examined upon this as a charge against them which was not allowed to be so by the House Which after some debate seemed to be admitted and that in general they should be heard in this business by the Committee which they themselves freely offered The Lord Savile insisted upon a Letter from Mr. Hollis to the Duke of Richmond in a correspondence with his Grace but that did not touch Whitelocke nor did he prove by the Letter a Correspondence by Mr. Hollis but by some circumstances raised jealousies of it in some of their minds who were not Friends Nor could his Lordship prove any thing of his Information That they distinguished the parties among them in the Parliament into the Presbyterian and the Independent parties the Earl of Essex and the Scots as the Heads of the Presbyterians and the other party being the Independent party to be averse to peace but the Earl of Essex and his party of which Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke were to be the friends to peace Which words were denied by them The Committee adjourned to the next day and nothing was further done at this meeting 8. An Ordinance for regulating the University of Cambridge read the first and second time Order for Money for the Lord Fairfax his Forces and for the other Northern Forces of that Association An Ordinance sent to the Lords for levying 12000 l. in the Eastern Association Upon Letters from General Leven care was taken for Money for his Army Order for 2000 pair of Shoes and 2000 pair of Stockings for Sir Thomas Fairfax his Foot-souldiers A Souldier of Sir Thomas Fairfax was hanged for running away from his Colours and a Dragooner hanged for robbing a Countryman upon the High-way some few of his men staying behind at a Fair were surprized by the King's Forces from the Devizes Agents came from the Clubmen in Dorsetshire to Sir Thomas Fairfax desiring his Pass for their Commissioners to go to the King and others to the Parliament with their Proposals for a new Treaty of Peace and for a Cessation of Arms in the mean time and for the Towns and Garrisons of Dorset-shire and Wiltshire in the mean time to be put in their hands To this Sir Thomas Fairfax gave an Answer in writing That he could not allow of their Demands nor be an Instrument to convey them to the Parliament because by the Cessation of Arms and the Garrisons to be put into their hands the Parliament should be disabled to carry on the War in their own defence until a firm Peace might be settled which he and his Army desired as much as any and was the end of this War That he would undertake that the Army under his command should not injure the Country whereof they already had some experience and thus he dismissed the Clubmen's Agents The Governour of Lyme had an Encounter with some of them and killed about 50 of them led by one of Goring's Officers Colonel Fleetwood with a Party of 200 Horse and Dragoons was sent to follow the Rere of Goring whose Forces hasted away and they took only about 10 Prisoners Sir Charles Lucas with a party from Barkley Castle fell upon the quarters of some of the Parliaments Forces who received them and routed the whole party killed 16 wounded many took 38 Prisoners In the Afternoon Hollis and Whitelocke attended the Committee for the Lord Savile's business which was very full And many were there to promote the design of ruining them and to preserve them there were Mr. Recorder Glyn Sir Philip Stapleton Sir William Lewys and many other noble Gentlemen constantly attending upon this Great Committee The Lord Savile was again brought in to the Committee and as before he justified the Paper and that in the King's Answer to the Propositions there were divers expressions and words the same with those in the Paper which Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke did give to the Earl of Lindsey at Oxford Being again shewed his Paper and demanded by the Committee to say in particular what were the same words he intended he desired to see the King's Answer which was delivered to him and he comparing their Paper and the King's Answer together observed several expressions and words in their Paper to be the same with expressions and words in the King's Paper and did particularly set forth which they were Mr. Recorder asked If it were proved that Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke did give in a Paper at Oxford which had in it those words and expressions which the Lord Savile noted to be in the King's Answer That he had not heard any such thing proved and then he thought the Observations of the Lord Savile upon the King's Answer to be to little purpose Others disired to know how the Lord Savile being in those secret Councils at Oxford should become so well affected as he pretended himself to be to the Parliament He answered That he was Impeached at Oxford for something that he spoke at those Meetings with Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke and that they met more than once at the Earl of Lindsey's Chamber To which they made no answer Then the Lord Savile desired that Mr. Hollis would produce a Letter which he brought to him from the Duke of Richmond from Oxford by which he believed much of this business would appear But it was returned upon the Lord Savile that even then when he came into the Parliament he confessed he was imployed to bring Letters and a correspondence from the Parliaments Enemies to this place Mr. Hollis said little to this Letter and I suppose and partly know that such a Letter was delivered to him by the Lord Savile from the Duke of Richmond Mr. Gourdon at this Committee acknowledgeth that the Letter and Paper was brought to him by the Lady Temple who was the Messenger and Agent of the Lord Savile and that the Lord Say was acquainted with it before the Letter was delivered and that Sir Nathaniel Barnadiston and Sir Henry Vane jun. were likewise acquainted with it and wished him to offer the Letter That he said the House would be in a grand Committee and then he could not offer the Letter They replyed that they would call the Speaker to the Chair purposely to receive the Letter That none but these knew Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke to be the persons charged with having Intelligence with the King's Party but only he told others in the general That he had an Impeachment to deliver against two Members of the House but did not name them to any others 9. Order for a Letter of Thanks to Coventry for sending plenty of Provisions to Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army Much time was spent about Ordinances for raising Money for the Scots Army 10. The Sheriffs and divers of the Militia of London and of the adjacent Counties
desired for the Scots Foot intending to besiege Newark Orders for Col. Welden to be Governour of Plymouth for giving Sir John Banks his Books to Mr. Maynard and the Books to Mr. Vaughan of Lincolns-Inn to Mr. Recorder Glyn. Letters read that were taken in the Lord Digby's Coach some of them ordered to be published As that of the King to the Marquess of Ormond touching the Irish Rebels and one touching the Earl of Thomond upon which his Estate here was ordered to be sequestred Letters informed the taking of Tiverton Castle 23. The House received Letters from Sir T. F. of the motions of his Army in the West That the Enemy designed with 2000 horse to break through his Quarters towards Oxford That they taking the darkness of the Night passed by his Guards fell into the Quarters of his Dragoons and took 50 prisoners That he marched after the Enemy with his whole Army lay in the field all night to prevent their going by him and quartered part of his Army along the River Ex near to Exeter to prevent the Enemies return and with the rest marched to Tiverton where M. G. Massey was sent before The Governour of Tiverton resolving to hold out Sir T. F. resolved to storm it and after the morning Sermon on the Lord's-day one of his Canoneers with a great shot brake the Chain of the Draw-bridge whereby it fell down and the Parliament Souldiers immediately entred and got over the works with little opposition The Enemy fled into the Castle and Church and had quarter for their lives Col. Sir Gilbert Talbot and about 200 more were taken prisoners and they found there 4 pieces of Ordnance and 40 Barrels of Powder 34 Officers 168 common Souldiers a Spy and a Minister Order for Recruits for the Army Order that the Earl of Devon being beyond Seas should return by a day Order to sequester the Estates of such as refused to pay Taxes in Sussex 24. An Ordinance for disfranchising of some of Bristoll and settling the Government there and the Militia Ordinance touching Ordination of Ministers and others touching Monies The Jewel provided for Sir Thomas Fairfax appointed to be presented to him by a Member of the House A Messenger from Sir Tho. Fairfax related that he was before Exeter and a numberof Clubmen of Devonshire under Colonel Popham assisted him 25. New High-Sheriffs named and Writs for new Elections granted The Commissioners sent to the Scots Army about their delivering up the places Garrisoned by them had the thanks of the House for their good Service L. G. Points Besieged Newark where the King was and Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice Consideration of Differences between the Committee of Derby and Sir Jo. Gell. 27. Both Houses agreed in making the Speaker Master of the Rolls Order for all Commanders of Forces to be under Sr. Tho. Fairfax Col. Dalbier named to Command the Forces for Besieging Dunnington Castle Letters informed the taking of Carmarthen by Major General Langherne whereby the whole County was reduced and so was Monmouth-Shire by taking of Monmouth Town and Castle by Col. Morgan in which they had seven pieces of Ordnance and store of Ammunition Order for thanks to God for this success and a Letter of thanks to Col. Morgan Sir Trevor Williams was made Governor of Monmouth The House gave 1500 l. to Mr. Green Chair-man of the Committee of the Navy and 500 l. per Annum for the future for his Service at that Committee a reward which few others obtained 28. Mr. Browne made a Speech in the Kings Bench and then swore Mr. Justice Rolles to be one of the Judges Serjeant Pheasant was sworn of a Judge of the Common Pleas and Serjcant Atkins a Baron of the Exchequer Mr. Soliciter and Serjeant Wild made Speeches to them Goring went out of Exeter with 1000 Horse before Cromwel came up thither upon which Sir Tho. Fairfax drew off part of his Forces after him 30. The Lords sent their Concurrence to the Commons in several Ordinances for the Government of Bristoll for the Isle of Wight and for Westminster Colledge The Commons Ordered new Elections for Knights in Bucks and for other places Upon a Letter from Sir William Vavasor Prisoner to the Parliament he had a Pass to go beyond Sea ingaging never to return to take up Arms against the Parliament and they ordered that if any who have Passes to go beyond Sea shall return and take up Arms against the Parliament they shall have neither Pardon nor Quarter Goring went to the farther part of Devon-shire and Sr. Tho. Fairfax returned towards Exeter where Goring had burnt most part of three Parishes to make the rest more tenable The Garrison of Chester made divers resolute Sallies upon the Besiegers and were beaten back and the Forces of M. G. Pointz slew many of them in the Streets Sir Will. Byron the Lord Byrons Brother got together four hundred Horse about Holt Castle upon notice whereof Col. Jones drew out a Party of Horse from before the Leaguer fell upon the Enemy in the Field who worsted the Forlorn-Hope of Jones but he rallied them and after a sharp dispute routed them took Sir William Byron and others of Quality Prisoners divers Troopers slew forty and took forty Horse Sir William Wain-waring was slain by the Parliament Forces in Chester Street News was brought of a great difference between Col. Gerrard and the Lord Bellasis Governor of Newark about the Lord Digby and the King had much ado to reconcile it 31. An Ordinance past for putting in Execution the Seal for Lancaster Doctor Oldesworth Was Bayled upon good Security to speak or act nothing prejudicial to the Parliament Order for the Covenant to be tendred to all that come in to compound for their Delinquency and such as refuse it to be secured The Gentlemen of Bucks withdrew to consider about the business of the Countrey and Mr. Fountain carried himself very high Letters from Col. Rossiter informed that Prince Rupert Prince Maurice G. Gâ—â—â—ard the Lord Hawley Sir Richard Willis and about four hundred other Gentlemen of Quality the meanest whereof was a Captain had laid down their Commissions deserted the King and betook them to Wotton-House fourteen Miles from Newarke where they stood upon their Guard They subscribed a Declaration that if they may obtain from the Parliament a Pass to go beyond Sea they will all engage upon their Honour and Oath never to return to take up Arms against the Parliament and sent to Col. Rossiter to acquaint him herewith the Messenger informed that the Prince had sent to Mr. G. Pointz to the same purpose and offers of Surrendring of Welbeck House to him The House referred this matter to the Committee of both Kingdoms to report their opinions what was sit to be done in it News came that Sir Tho. Fairfax set his Posts for Besieging Excester that Cromwell was come up to him and a Party
those parts referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms Orders for preserving the three Counties by Forces to be sent thither against this design of the Kings Forces 24. The House gave answer to the Scots Papers touching Payment of their Army and Propositions for Peace in an effectual way the Chancellor of Scotland being to carry those Answers with him to the Parliament of Scotland now Sitting Debate touching Church-matters Orders touching relief of Widows who lost their Husbands in the War An Ordinance passed for further Relief of maimed Soldiers and for regulating misimployments of Hospitals An Ordinance passed for disabling Heath Crawley Forrester Weston and Mallet from being Judges as though they were dead Letters from C. G. Pointz certified the taking of Belvoir Stable and outworks by Storm with the loss of forty men by reason whereof and of the provoking Answer of Sir Jervas Lucas to the Summons calling the Parliament Forces Rebels they gave no Quarter to eighty of the Kings men in those outworks 25. Debate about propositions for Peace and care taken for provision for maimed Soldiers Widows and Orphans of Soldiers and for payment of the debts of the Kingdom Orders for supplys for the Garrison of Plymouth An Ordinance passed for a new Excise upon several Commodities not before excised the Money to go to the Payment of Artificers to whom the Parliament was indebted Divers of Worcester-shire under Mr. Dingley their Leader declared for the Parliament and complained of the Insolencies and Injuries by the Garrison of Worcester A Coppy of a Warrant from Col. Bard the Governor to the Constables for Contribution was sent up wherein was this expression Know that unless you bring in to me at a Day and House in Worcester the Monthly contribution for six Months you are to expect an Unsanctified Troop of Horse among you from whom if you hide your selves they shall fire your Houses without mercy hang up your bodies where ever they find them and Scare your Ghosts c. A Party of Foot under Captain Moor and an hundred and fifty Glocester Horse routed a party of two hundred of the Kings Horse at Lech-lade killed Mr. Duet a French-man two Captains and twenty others took thirty Prisoners Horse and Arms. 27. Debate about Propositions for Peace They concurred with the Lords for appointing a day of Humiliation for the Eastern Association and in a Declaration and Letters to be sent to Scotland and referring to the Committee of the Admiralty a Letter from the Governour of Flanders and appointing Doctor Walker to be Advocate of the Admiralty The Lord Byron Governor of Chester came to a treaty with Sir William Brereton but stood upon very high terms An Embassador from the Emperor of Russia came to London 28. The Lords debated the Ordinance for setling Bristol The Commons debated the business of the Church and passed a further Declaration for Suing out of Liveries and compounding for Wardships Reference to a Committee to consider of a Recompence to the Lord Roberts for his good Service and order for two thousand pound to be paid to him in part of his Arrears The Kings Forces plundred cruelly about Bedfordshire and fired part of the Town of Woburne 29. Debate of the Propositions of Peace Orders for four pound a week for divers Members of the House whose Estates were in the Kings Power Debate about the Excise Most of the Gentry in Newarke left the Town unwilling to indure a Siege Sir John Holland came into the House after Dinner with Mr. Recorder and others of that Gang. December 1645. Car. 21 1. Debate about the Propositions for Peace and therein voted that Sir T. F. be made a Baron and five thousand pound a year setled on him and his Father to be made an Earl That Lord General Cromwel be made a Baron and to have two thousand five hundred pounds per Annum That the Earls of Northumberland Essex Warwick and Pembroke be made Dukes and the Earls of Salisbury and Manchester to be made Marquesses That the Lord Roberts Lord Say Lord Willowby of Parham Lord Wharton and Lord Howard be made Earls That Mr. Hollis be made a Viscount That Sir William Waller be made a Baron and to have two thousand five hundred pounds per An. Sir Arthur Hazelrigge to be a Baron and to have two thousand pound per An. Sir Henry Vane Senior to be a Baron Sir Philip Stapleton to be a Baron and to have two thousand pound per an Sir William Brereton to have one thousand five hundred pound per An. Major General Skippon to have a thousand pound per An. A Committee named to consider of matter of Priviledge of the Members and to examine any complaints of Bribery c. against any Members c. The Anti-Parliament at Oxford voted against the Directory and for the Common Prayer Intercepted Letters of the King to Pr. Rupert expressed little forwardness to Peace 2. Proceedings about Propositions of Peace Letters from G. Leven dated two miles from Newarke desiring Money and Cloaths for his Army whereof present care was taken by the House and both Houses agreed that G. Leven should Command in Chief all the Forces both English and Scotch at the Siege of Newarke Ordinances passed for the settlement of the Government of Bristol The Scots took a Fort of the Enemy at Muschampe Bridge and so blocked up Newarke on the North and Lievetenant General Pointz Col. Rossiter and others on the South side of it Col. Ireton and Col. Whaley with two Regiments of Horse sent by Sir T. F. into Bucks to stop the Incursions of the Kings Forces 3. Debate about the Church-business Part of the Propositions for Peace sent up to the Lords for their concurrence New High-Sherriffs named The return of Mr. Sandford to be Burgess for Cockermouth in Cumberland voted to be void because the Precept and Indentures were not returned 4. Debate about the Propositions touching the Militia of London Order for one hundred pounds for Doctor Twisse Prolocutor of the Assembly of Divines Ordinance passed for Money for Munster in Ireland and another for the Assembly to meet daily and proceed upon the Catechisme A Petition of the Hartford shire men touching Tythes laid aside 5. Debate about the Church-business Orders for new Elections A Petition and Declaration of the County of Brecknock was read of their resolutions to comply with and wholly to submit to the Commands of the Parliament A Committee appointed to draw an answer to it of granting their desires accepting their submission and commending their Resolutions A Committee of both Houses named to reside in the Scots Army before Newarke Ordinance passed for renewing the Power of Martial Law in Kent A Pass for Sir H. Bruce to go beyond Sea and order for a new High-Sheriff of Suffolk and for three hundred pound to Mr. Hancock in part of his Arrears Order for paying the disbursments of the Commissioners that went to
been shed and as they will answer it at the dreadful day of Judgment not to delay an answer and consent to so blessed a work This Letter being the same in effect with the former the same answer was agreed should be made to both Captain Pickring returned from Worcester where he had been negotiating the business with Prince Rupert and his Company who had desired Passes to go beyond Sea which was not well carried on their part Pickering had fifty pound more added for his Charges and Fisher Willis Honey-wood and Boulton Colonels who came with him from Worcester had liberty to go beyond Sea or stay in England and orders were made for security to all who should come in from the King Several Orders for Recruits Money and Supplys for Garrisons 18. Proceedings touching the propositions for Peace An Act read against Pluralities of Benefices A day appointed to consider of the Priviledges of Members and of the Powers exercised by Country Committees A Party of fifteen hundred from Oxford and the Kings Garrisons thereabouts marched out with a design to relieve Chester but Col. Bridges and others of the Parliament Forces about Warwick broke down Avon-Bridge and other Bridges where they were to pass and lined hedges with Musquetiers so that the Kings Party retreated and were disappointed of another design against Colonel Lidcot 19. Debate touching propositions for Peace Order for the Speaker to write to M. G. Langherne to send up Sir Walter Lloyd a Prisoner to the Parliament The Lords sent a Petition of the Earl of Hollands wherein he desired forbearance of a Rent payable by him to the Crown but upon the Question it was laid aside to the great discontent of this Earl and the House were Censured to be too forward to provoke particular persons in small matters and too backward to oblige them 20. Debate about the Government of Ireland The Scots Commissioners desired there might be a Treaty upon the propositions for Peace which was not thought fit by the Parliament who found great interruption in their affairs by the mixt Counsels of both Kingdoms A Scout taken in the Leager before Newarke discovered a new design of the King to relieve Chester Letters from Col. Morgan informed that he with Col. Birches Forces in all two thousand sent a party in the night disguised who by Stratagem entred Hereford Town surprised the Centinells and being seconded by a sudden and fiery assault Morgan became Master of the Town in a short time without opposition saving a little at the main Guard in the body of the Town There was little loss on either side they took in the Town eleven pieces of Ordnance forty Lords Knights and Gentlemen of worth most of them Papists whom they sent Prisoners to Glocester They took many Officers and the Soldiers and much Riches and Prize in the Town was secured 22. Proceedings upon the propositions for Peace and a Vote That the Kings Answer shall be desired to them without any Treaty and that the same be signified by a Letter to the Parliament of Scotland with the reasons why the Parliament of England cannot consent to the desire of Scotland to have a Treaty for Peace with his Majesty Letters from Col. Birch informed the particulars of the taking of Hereford That he hired six men and put them in the form of Labourers and a Constable with them with a Warrant to bring these men to work in the Town that in the night he lodged these men within three quarters Musquet-shot of the Town and an hundred and fifty Fire-locks near them and himself with the Foot and Col. Morgan with the Horse came up in the night after them and cut off all intelligence from coming to the Town so that they were never discovered That one night they came too short but the next night with careful Spyes and Scouts they carried on the business and in the morning upon letting down the Draw-Bridge the six Countrymen and the Constable went with their Pickaxes and Spades to the Bridge That the Guard beginning to examine them they killed three of the Guard and kept the rest in play till the Fire-locks came up to them and then made it good till the Body came up who entred the Town with small loss and became Masters of it Col. Morgans Secretary who brought the first news to the House had thirty pound given to him and Col. Birch's Messenger had twenty Order that thanks be given to God for this success the next Lords-day That Col. Birch be Governor of Hereford and his Regiment recruited to a thousand two hundred and for setling a Godly Ministry there and in Glocester and for sending Cloaths to the Soldiers of Glocester M. G. Langherne took in Embleden-Castle in Wales and had hot Service before Abernsteck Castle in Cardigan-shire with loss on both sides The Commissioners of Parliament the Earl of Rutland the Lord Willoughby Sir William Ermin Sir Edward Ascugh Sir Christopher Wraye appointed to reside in the Scots Army before Newarke took their Journey 23. Proceedings upon the propositions for Peace A Petition of the Brewers touching the Excise referred to a Committee Oders for Money and for supplys for the Army and for Garrisons and for the imploying Horse at Wickham and other Forces The Parliament Forces quitted a Fort at Pouldram to the Kings Forces in the West and the same night Col. Okey with some of his Dragoons fell upon the Enemies Quarters near Chimley took a Captain a Cornet nineteen Horse and twelve Troopers and Sir Hardress Waller took at the L. Chichester's a Captain a Lievetenant a Cornet six Soldiers and two hundred Foot and allarm'd them to the Walls of Exeter In another place they took some Horse and Commodities going to Exeter to cloath the Soldiers Captain Bell one of Greenvils Captains came in with thirty Horse to Sir T. Fairfax 24. Orders for Money for the Forces before Chester and for the Forces in Hereford On Ordinance for a Tax in England for the Brittish Forces in Ireland At the Committee of Priviledges the Election for Bucks was hotly debated and the lye given by Mr. Fountain one of the House to Mr. Vivers a witness in the Case yet the Committee thought not fit to report it to the House upon which the Petitioners Council craved leave to desist because their Witnesses were so discouraged which the Committee took as an affront and voted to report that to the House A Party from Faxington surprized some Countrymen as they were choosing a new Burgess for Calne in Wiltshire 25. This Christmass day the House sat about an Ordinance to make the Members of both Houses liable to Arrests Reference of the Accounts of the Treasurers at War to the Committee of Accompts Orders for the Arrears of the Assesment for Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army and that the Committee of the Army should see all free Quarters and Billetings of Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army to be satisfied and Officers made
was brought from the King to the Parliaments last Letters to him about Peace wherein the King tells them of violating the known Laws to draw an exorbitant Power to themselves over their fellow Subjects and that they give a false character of his Majesties Actions This Message was quick and laid the matter home to the Parliament they referred it to the Committee of both Kingdoms to draw up an Answer to it to clear the Parliament from the aspersions cast upon them by this Message News came of great distractions among them at Oxford and unrulyness of the Soldiers and scarcity of Provisions Coll. Hastings with the Ashby Horse surprised a Convoy of the Parliaments going to Belvoir with a Mortar-piece and Granadoes and a Party from Oxford surprised two Troops of the Parliaments Horse and divers Gentlemen who were choosing a new Parliament man in Wiltshire and that Sir John Gâ—ll surprised an hundred and forty of the Kings Horse at Titbury and many Prisoners A Party of the Kings got over the Ice and designed to surprize Monmouth but were beaten back with loss M. G. Langherne besieged Ragland 20. Proceedings upon the propositions for Peace Letters to the Speaker informed that the Kings Forces quitted Sir Francis Drakes house that their thoughts and discourses are how to save themselves that some would carry the Prince beyond Sea others say they will cut the throats of those who shall attempt it That Sir T. F's Forces daily take Prisoners and most Horse that since the business at Bovey they have taken two hundred Horse that the last day they took eighty Horse two Colours and thirty Prisoners near Barn-Stable That Sir Hardress Waller with his Brigade took many near Oke-hampton that L. G. Porter came in to them and Baronet Seymour who said he would disinherit his Sons if they did not come in and serve the Parliament that many of them makemeans to be received unto mercy That the Lord Newport desired a Pass to come out of Dartmouth to go to the Prince but was denyed it A Scout certified that the Kings Forces quitted Tavestock and fled into Cornwall 21. The Lord Viscount L'isle voted to be Governor of Ireland Sir William Brereton continued in his Command before Chester for forty days longer Order for Supplys for Derby Garrison Proceedings in the Church-business Ordinance past for regulating the University of Cambridge Sir William Brereton sent another Summons to the Mayor of Chester and the Lord Byron Governor to which they returned no Answer in five days upon which Sir William Brereton sent another Letter to them requiring an Answer the same day which they did and offered to come to a Treaty if the King did not relieve them within twelve days and desired a Pass to send to him but it was denyed M. G. Brown took Col. Lour and some Officers and Prisoners of Wallingford Garrison fifty of their Horse Riders and Arms and rescued thirty Horse which they had taken of the Parliaments Captain Batten coming to block up Dartmouth by Sea lighted upon a Ship of the Kings bound for France with divers Gentlemen of quality in it money and rich Jewels 22. Proceedings upon the propositions for Peace Order for Money for Glocester Garrison and for continuing the Excise till March. Orders for High Sheriffs approved News came of the taking of Dartmouth by Sir Tho. Fairfax and the House ordered a day of thanksgiving for it and for the taking of Hereford and other good successes Order for a thousand pound to buy horses and furniture for Sir T. Fairfax as an earnest of the affection of the House towards him 23. Mr. Peters came from the Army to the House and made them a Narration of the storming and taking of Dartmouth and of the valour unity and affection of the Army and presented several Letters Papers and Crucifixes and other Popish things taken in the Town the Letters were referred to a Committee The Letters from Sir Tho. Fairfax informed that he with those about him agreed to Storm Dartmouth January 18. That Col. Hammond entred the West Gate where four Guns were planted and two upon the Mill-pool upon his Flanck the Enemy firing his great Guns but once Hammonds men that had the Forlorn hope did very gallantly as they all did and went freely on and beat off the Enemy and possessed one Fort after another and beat off the main-Guard where were taken four Lieutenant Colonels and so possessed the Town from the West Gate to little Dartmouth That in the interim Lieutenant Col. Pride attempted the North part of the Town called Hardness where beating off the Enemy he entred it and took about eighty Prisoners in it and by it possessed all the North part of the Town unto the Draw-Bridge where Col. Hammonds men and his did meet That Col. Fortescue with his men attempted Tunstall Church which was manned with above an hundred men and had in it ten Guns that his men after some dispute entred the place and possessed it so that now the Enemy was beaten out of all except the great Fort and the Castle unto which the Governor with the Earl of Newport and as many as escaped them did flye That the Governor coming back from the Castle to see in what posture the Town was a Musquet-shot was made at the Boat in which he was pierced the Boat and through both the Thighs of one that was next to him and about three inches into his own Thigh upon which he returned to the Castle That Sir Tho. Fairfaxes Dragoons with two Companys of Firelocks and some Seamen were ordered to allarm the great Fort wherein was Sir Henry Carey with his Regiment twelve Guns and store of Ammunition a strong Fort with four Bulwarks but the enemy came willingly to terms and Sir Tho. Fairfax agreed that Sir Henry Carey should march away with the rest leaving the Arms Ordnance and Ammunition and Provisions in the Fort and ingaging never to take up Arms against the Parliament which was done by them That the next Morning the Governor yielded the Castle himself and all Officers and Soldiers upon Quarter and sent Col. Seymour and Mr. Denham for Hostages with whom came out the Earl of Newport In the List of Prisoners was Sir Hugh Pollard the Governor about fifty Officers many Country Gentlemen Ministers and inferior Officers and all the Common Soldiers being between eight hundred and a thousand were set at liberty to repair to their dwellings about an hundred and twenty Ordnance mounted and two men of War in the Harbour taken The House referred it to a Committee to consider how five thousand pound formerly Voted might be setled upon Sir Tho. Fairfax and his Heirs and ordered a Letter of thanks to be written to him They also referred it to a Committee to consider how L. G. Cromwell might be put into Possession of two thousand five hundred pounds formerly voted for him and they ordered five hundred pound for the
present buying of Horses and Furniture for him as an earnest of the affections of the House to him Order for Pay for the Army 24. Information from the Commissioners in the Scots Army of their Warrant to bring in Provisions for the Scots and of some complaints against that Army The House approved of those Warrants of the Commissioners and took care for payment of the Country for the Provisions brought in by them Mr. Hunt the Serjeant at Arms being dead the House gave that place to Serjeant Birkhead for Life Debate at a Conference touching Martial Law in London and about the Letters from Newarke A Petition of the Merchants of New-Castle and Sunderland referred to the Committee of the Navy 26. Upon Letters from M. G. Brown Order for one thousand eight hundred pound of Sir John Borlace his Composition to be paid for the Garrison of Abbingdon and for other Money for them They continued M. G. Brown Governor of Abbingdon for three Months longer and dispensed with his attendance in the House as a Member Order for Money for the Garrison of Henley Several Ordinances touching the arrears of the Officers late under the Lord Fairfax and for digging of Salt-Peter Another Letter came from his Majesty about a Personal Treaty wherein he smartly answers the Letters of the Parliament last sent to him in all the particulars and concludes with his earnest desires of Peace and saith it is clear to him that there is no way but a Treaty or Conquest for a final ending of such distractions as afflict this Kingdom The latter he hopes none will have the impudence or impiety to wish for and for the former if his Personal assistance be not necessary let any reasonable man judge and earnestly presseth for an Answer The King sent a Warrant under his hand to the Heads of Houses in Oxford for the reading of Divine Service established by Law daily Morning and Evening and to fast on Fridays 27. Letters from Stafford informed that Captain Stone 's Troop of an hundred beat up the Lord Molineux's Quarters near Stafford routed three hundred of the Enemy took three Captains and other Officers about an hundred Horse and many Prisoners some slain and divers wounded Order for five hundred pound for Captain Stone for his Troop and fifty pound given to his Lieutenant Proceedings upon the propositions for Peace and seven Bills to be prepared to be forthwith sent to the King to which if he shall assent then they are willing he should come to London and treat about the other matters The Bills were 1. For setling Presbyterian Government and extirpating Episcopacy 2. For prosecuting the War against the Irish Rebels 3. For the Militia to remain in the power of the Parliament 4. For payment of the Debts of the Kingdom 5. For bringing Delinquents to punishment 6. That no Honours be given but to such as have testified their affections to the Publick 7. Concerning the Priviledges of London Sir Tho. Fairfax returned from Dartmouth to the blocking up of Exeter 28. The day of the Monthly Fast in the Evening the House met and heard a Report from the Committee of Plundred Ministers of the Blasphemies of one Paul Best who denied the Trinity of the God-head and the Deity of Christ and the Holy Ghost the House ordered him to be kept close Prisoner and an Ordinance to be brought in to punish him with Death 29. Consent to amendment of some mistakes in an Ordinance The House voted that some of the Members of the Committee of both Kingdoms had done their Duties in making known some intelligence from Paris and ordered them thanks for it The Lord Montague Col. White and Mr. Robert Goodwin ordered to go Commissioners into Scotland Orders for supply of the Army A Petition for Mr. Saltmarsh to be a Lecturer in Kent opposed by divers of the County countenanced by Col. Blunt and divers others of the Parliaments Friends The Parliament of Scotland executed divers of Montrosses Party The Siege of Newarke continued streight A Treaty was had about the surrender of Chester but nothing concluded Sir William Brereton drew out a Party to incounter the Irish of whose landing in Anglesey he had Intelligence Mr. Ed. Vaughan with a small party in Merioneth-shire fell upon a hundred of the Kings Forces who were Fortifying at Dolgethly took their Captaine eighteen Prisoners and divers Horse and Arms. 30. Reference to the Committee of both Kingdoms to prevent the Incursions from Oxford into Wilts and Hant shire Orders for allowance to Preaching Ministers and for Mr. Edward Clerke High Sheriff of Oxford shire to make his Residence at Reading Proceedings upon the Propositions for Peace Mr. Tilshead met the Party from Oxford in Wilts whereof he was High-Sheriff and took thirty of their Horse and many Prisoners Letters informed the taking of Pouldram Castle by Col. Hammond That they surrendred upon conditions that Greenvile was apprehended and carried prisoner to Oxford and that Hopton was made General of the West that many intercepted Letters were sent up to the Parliament That many Devonshire Gentlemen declared for the Parliament and Sir Tho. Fairfax gave a Commission to Mr. Vowell to be a Col. 31. Debate of a Report from the Committee of Goldsmiths Hall touching Compositions of Delinquents Another Letter came from the King wherein he presseth his coming to London for a personal Treaty offers the Militia to be setled in the hands of the Parliament for seven years and that the Parliament shall nominate Officers of State Judges c. that Religion shall be setled as in the days of Queen Elizabeth having regard still to tender Consciences And for Ireland and the other Propositions to grant what was offered at the Treaty of Uxbridge and disclames the Earl of Glamorgan's Commission by which he treated with the Irish as false and no Act of his Majestys This Letter was referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms to be communicated to the Scots Commissioners and the Commons desired a conference with the Lords concerning the present sending of the seven Bills to his Majesty Vote that the Committee of both Kingdoms receive from the Lord L'isle his propositions touching Ireland Both Houses agreed upon the Ordinance touching Covent-Garden Order for the Countess of Winchester to go to her Husband where he is Prisoner Sir William Brereton intercepted a Letter from the Lord Byron to Oxford that if they had not relief by the last of January then of necessity they must surrender Chester February 1645. February 2. Debate about the Kings Letter A Conference at which the seven Bills were presented to the Lords for their Concurrence to be forthwith sent to the King Ordinance passed for Money for the Guards and other services in London Martial Law given to the Garrisons of Aylisbury and Newport Paganell Order that there should be no new motion in the House after twelve a Clock Letters informed that Sir Tho. Fairfax drawing towards Exeter the
upon Muschampe Bridge but were beaten back and some slain and wounded on both Parties Bridges were made over the River 12. Orders for Judges to be appointed to go Circuits and for Money for Soldiers Widows for Waggoners and for the Train of Artillery Ordinance sent up to the Lords for regulating the University of Cambridge This was kept a day of thanksgiving for Dartmouth and a day of thanksgiving appointed for the gaining of Chester 13. Upon a Petition of Sir Tho. Liddell a Prisoner he was admitted to compound Referred to a Committee to consider what Garrisons in the North are fit to be slighted and what to be maintained Orders for Money for Abbington 14. Order that Mr. Murray should be proceeded against by Martial Law as a Spy Debate about setling the Militia of London put off to another day In the afternoon at a conference the Lords gave their Reason why they could not assent to the Ordinance for Martial Law in London and after debate thereof by the Commons they appointed a Committe to draw reasons for their different Opinions A Party of the Kings of a hundred and twenty under Col. Cromwell came into Dorset-shire to relieve Corfe Castle and marched through Col. Cookes Quarters undiscovered and came to Wareham and told the Sentinels there that they were a Troop of Sir T. Fairfax's Horse and rode into the Town to the Governors House who seeing them shut his door and with his Son fired upon them and made good his lodging three hours together till the Enemy fired the house to which the Magazine was near and then they were forced to yield upon Quarter They carried the Governor and two Committee-men Prisoners into Corfe Castle and the Parliaments Forces before it quitted some of their Guards though they were four times as many as those within some of the Enemy returning to Wareham to provide for their new gained Garrison Col. Cooke beat them out of the Town took their Commander in chief with divers Prisoners Col. Butler Governor of Wareham being Prisoner in Corfe Castle contrived his escape with Col. Lawrence who being of the Enemies Party there resolved to come in to the Parliament and both of them got out together 16. The Committee of Plundred Ministers ordered to draw up an Ordinance for punishing Paul Best for his Blasphemies Order upon the ingagement of M. G. Langherne to remit the offences of the Earl of Carbury Order for Money and for a Collection for the poor of Chester A day appointed to consider of the Petition of the Assembly for setling the Presbyterian Government and for Ordination of Ministers The Ordinance passed for regulating the University of Cambridge Progress in the business of Ireland and for setting out the Lord L'isle Lord Deputy there this Summer and allowed him twelve hundred pounds per Month for Pay Intercepted Letters by Col. Mitton mentioned the Duke of York's coming into Ireland and other matters of great Intelligence 17. Debate of the relief of Abbingdon and order for Money for it Order for regulating the Committee and Officers at Haberdashers Hall Ammunition ordered for the Garrison of Reading and for Henley and the like for Aylesbury The French Agents desire of a Pass to go into Scotland and to touch at Oxford by the way referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms The Prince sent out Warrants to raise the Trained Bands in Cornwall A Party of the Kings under the Lord Ashley raised the Siege before Match-field house and news came of the revolt of part of South-Wales from the Parliament occasioned by Col. Kerne that they had taken Swansey and besieged Cardiffe A Party from Oxford marched Westward and were followed by a Party of Col. Whaleys Brigade Holt Castle Ruthen Castle and Hawarden Castle Besieged by the Parliament Forces A Disturbance between some of the Soldiers in Lancashire and the Committee was appeased 18. Progress in the business of the Church Orders to the Committee of both Kingdoms to take care for part of Col. Whaly's Horse to follow the advance of the Kings Forces and for other Parties of the several Counties where any Party of the Kings shall march to attend them Debate about a new Election referred touching Lyn and that of Bucks This day of publick thanks-giving came new Letters of a Victory obtained by Sir Tho. Fairfax near Torrington That the Forlorn of Col. Butlers Troop being twelve took twelve of the Lord Gorings Life-guard and twenty four Horse who being examined by Sir Tho. Fairfax it appeared that the Enemy was ignorant of Sir Tho. Fairfax's motion That the Lord Hopton was in Torrington and a Party of the Enemy at Burrington the General sent a Party of Horse to meet with them under Captain Berry who Charged and put them to a rout shot Lieutenant Col. Dundash a Renegado of the Earl of Cleaveland's Brigade and took several Prisoners left Dundash by the way being mortally wounded That another Party of the Parliaments Horse towards the East met with the Enemy taking some Prisoners and Horse and shot M. Bret that by this time a Bridge was made that the Parliaments Army might with conveniency march over the River but the day being far spent it was thought fit to march with the whole Army That three Regiments of Horse and three of Foot marched towards the Enemy that night and next morning Sir Tho. Fairfax came up to them and near Torrington had a general Rendezvous of Horse and Foot drew them up in Battalia and marched towards the Enemy That the Parliaments Forlorn of Horse charged the Kings and put them to retreat but they came on again with a strong Body and put the Parliaments Forlorn to a stand whose reserves and some foot being come up they forced the Enemies body again pursued and alarm'd them at squire Rolls his House within a mile of Torrington where they began to fortify but perceiving the Parliaments Foot coming up they quitted the House and drew their Forces to Torrington whither Sir Tho. Fairfax's forlorn followed them The Enemy drew their Foot out of the Town into the Closes the Parliaments forlorn of Foot lined the hedges and so faced each other about two hours within half Musquet shot there was continual skirmishes between the Forlorns and reserves on both sides and some Prisoners taken and by this time it began to be night Sir Tho. Fairfax called his Council of War whether to ingage before day or not but they deferred the resolution and the General Lieutenant General and the Colonel rode to the Forlorn to see in what Posture they were and heard the Tattooe beat in the Town which assured them that the Enemy was there and not fled away as was reported But to be certain six Dragoons were commanded to creep under a Bridge near the Barricadoes and to give fire to see whether they would answer by which it might be known whether they stood to defend the Town they received the Charge and answered it with a sharp
with his Army through deep wayes to Launceston that Col. Butler was sent with a thousand Horse and four hundred Dragoons to beat up the enemies Quarters that he forced the Pass at Tamerton Bridge beat the Enemy from place to place put them to flight took about three hundred Horse and eighty Prisoners and had taken more but they escaped by the Soldiers greediness of prey and taking of Horses That within two miles of Launceston Sir Tho. Fairfax's men met with several of the enemies Scouts by whom he understood that Col. Basset with Horse and Foot was resolved to keep Launceston whereupon Sir Tho. Fairfaix sent a Forlorn Hope of Horse and Foot to force entrance into the Town the Enemy shut the Gates made some opposition but at last quitted the Town disorderly about two of them were killed and some Prisoners taken Night coming on the rest escaped in the dark the Arms and Magazine in the Town was seized on The Countrey and this Town expressed much joy at the coming of the Parliaments Army thither although the Kings Forces told them That the Parliaments Army would give no Quarter to any Cornish man or Woman Which caused a terror upon them but the Parliaments Soldiers notwithstanding their entring was opposed they did not plunder any one house nor do any prejudice to the Town Some Sallyes were made out of Banbury but they were beaten back 3. Progress in the business of the Church Order for the Serjeant at Arms to apprehend Sir Jo. Aubery and bring him as a Delinquent to the House The Commons desired the Lords to pass the Ordinance for Sale of Delinquents Estates News came that a strong Party from Oxford fell upon Abbington cut off some of the Centinels entred at the Abby gate passed three of their Guards came near as far as the Market-place and possessed themselves of three pieces of Ordnance That Major Blundell having then together but eight Horse came up and charged the enemy retreated and came on again which incouraged the Foot at the main Guard and the allarm being given through the whole Town the Soldiers betook themselves to their Arms and leaving their cloaths ran forth to encounter the enemy in their Shirts and fought with such resolution that they regained the Ordnance put the Enemy to flight many of them killed and some Prisoners taken and nine only of the Parliaments men killed and Major Blundell wounded Order for supplys for Abbington and for the Blocking up of Oxford and Major General Browne to command them 4. By consent of the Scots Commissioners leaving it to the House of Commons they appointed a Committee to consider of the desire of Mr. Sabrand and M. Manterent desiring a Pass to go into Scotland and to take Oxford in the way and to consider of all Ambassadors Agents and Residents here from Forraign Princes Referred to a Committe to examine the uncivil carriage of some pretending to be Messengers to a Committee in entring into the House of the Lady Wray Order for Col. Ven to convoy the pressed men to Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army Ashby-de-la-zouch was surrendred to the Parliament upon the conditions agreed upon five pieces of Ordnance were taken in it Arms and Provisions and the Garrison to be slighted 5. The Ordinance for setling Presbyterian Government sent up to the Lords Order for the Committee of the Admiralty to send Ships to guard the Western Coast according to the desire of Sir T. F. Vote to slight Corfe Castle and Warcham 6. Several Votes touching the relief of Ireland Upon information that several Troops of horse were raised by some Scots Officers in Ireland ordered that no Horse or Foot should be raised or brought in thither nor Moneys levied there without warrant of the Parliament Order for auditing the Accounts of Major General Browne and that he should have ten pound per diem allowed him and some Honour conferred upon him Letters informed that Sir Tho. Fairfax marched to Bodman in Cornwall which was quitted by the Kings Forces that L. G. Cromwell with a thousand Horse and five hundred Dragoons went to secure the pass at Ware-bridge That six of the Parliaments Troopers seized and brought to Bodman a waine load of the Kings Ammunition going to Foy. That a Party of the Parliaments sent out another way overtook forty two Musquetiers with their Matches lighted and Musquets loaded and four Troopers riding up to them made them all lay down their Arms and brought them back Prisoners to the head quarters That Sir J. Greenvile's Lieutenant Col. and divers others were taken Prisoners 7. Order for Money for Major General Masseys Forces The Lords sent to the Commons concerning an assesment on some Western Counties for M. General Massey's Forces which the Commons voted a Breach of Priviledge the power of Moneys resting wholly in the Commons Order that the Speaker do give a Pass to Mr. Montruell to go to Oxford and so to Scotland he giving security not to return to England Sir Thomas Fairfax gave twenty shillings a piece to the four Troopers that took the forty two Musquetiers Letters informed that the Prince with the Lord Capell Lord Culpepper and Sir Ed. Hyde put to Sea with three Ships from Pendennis Castle with much Company for France and that one of the Ships with the Horses and Provisions were cast away 9. Order for the Serjeant at Arms to apprehend and bring to the Bar Sir Ed. Herbert the Kings Attorney lately come to London Ordinance sent up to the Lords for an Assesment for the Garrison of Henley Another for Money for Plymouth Garrison Order that the Ministers of the West to repair to their Charges Letters informed that Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army was Quartered about Bodman and Lestithiel some time having been spent to secure the Passes and make all sure behind them That Mount Edgecombe was surrendred to Sir Tho. Fairfax and the Regiment in it disbanded That many of the Princes Servants came in to the Parliament and desired Sir Tho. Fairfax to make their Peace That there came in to him likewise the High-Sheriff the Lord Mohun and thirty other Gentle-men of Quality and submitted to the Parliament The Cornish men neer St Columbe presented a Petition to Sir Tho. Fairfax offering themselves lives and fortunes to serve the Parliament acknowledging the General the instrument of their deliverance from Bondage The Countrey people assisted Sir Tho. Fairfax in blocking up the Passes to hinder the Kings Forces from escaping Sir Thomas Fairfax sent a Summons to the Lord Hopton to lay down Arms to prevent effusion of Blood and courted his Lordship and offered him and all his Forces very honourable conditions to go beyond Sea or to their own homes as they pleased and to have his pass or protection and desired their speedy answer thereunto The Townsmen of Padstow took an Irish Vessel in their Harbour and two others going with Plundered goods and in them were several Packets of letters from
the Marquess of Ormond the Earl of Glamorgan the Lord Digby and others of great concernment and mentioning preparations for Irish Rebels hither which so inraged the Countrey people that they put to the Sword thirty Irish taken by them in that Vessel at Padstow 10. Difference of Opinion between the Houses about the Earl of Derby the Lord Pawlet Sir John Byron and Sir Jo. Strangways whom the Lords thought fit not to except from Pardon Col. Rainsborough sent to command the Forces before Banbury had power of Martial Law given him Letters informed that Sir William Brereton entred Litchfield with the loss of three men slain and some wounded that he killed six of the enemy and beat the rest into the Close being a thousand horse and soot A Sally out of Newarke with four hundred horse and a thousand foot upon the Scots Guards the Bridge being down none of the rest of the Army could come to assist them and the Newarkers were double the number to the Scots in that place but after a little time some got over to them and the Newarkers retreated having killed one Captain two Lieutenants and eight Soldiers and about twenty wounded and few of their own party left behind them 11. The accounts of the Committee of Excise brought in and a Vote passed to continue the Excise in such hands as both houses shall think fit and order for advancing of eighty four thousand pound upon the Excise for the Army Divers other orders about the Excise and one for two thousand pound for Abbington Garrison Letters informed that the Army advanced from Bodman towards Truro but by reason of bad weather put into Quarters that a party of 800 Horse and Dragoons was sent under Col. Rich to fall upon the enemies Quarters which they did near St. Columbe being the Princes Regiment consisting of about eight hundred they of the Van Charged Rich's men but were quickly put to the rout and pursued three or four miles Rich's men took about an hundred Prisoners most of them Reformado's whereof M. G. Perâ— was one twenty nine of the Princes Guard and a hundred Horse this so allarm'd the Enemy that they left their head Quarter for a Mile and drew all their Horse to a rendezvous upon a down at eleven a clock at night where they stood in the rain till the next morning A Trumpet came with an Answer from the Lord Hopton to Sir Tho. Fairfax's Summons implying a willingness to end the business of the West without more blood-shed but desires to know whether the King and Parliament be not near to a conclusion of a Peace that he being intrusted may be careful of the Kings Honour and a Treaty is entertained and in the mean time Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army advanced The Letters taken in the Trish Ship mentioned the Commitment of the Earl of Glamorgan to be to colour that business and that a Peace was concluded with the Irish Rebells and that ten thousand of them were ready to come into England to assist the King 12. The day of thanksgiving for the late successes in the West Letters from Abbington certified that they had several allarms from Oxford and the last Lords day at six in the Morning a great party of Horse and Foot came near to Abbington Town who took the Allarm and were in a posture to receive them That the Cannon played upon them half an hour from the Town and did good execution that the Oxford Party notwithstanding their words that they would gain the Town or leave their bones there yet they ran away and the Horse could not be perswaded to stay but taking up about ten of their Fellows dead bodies they all retreated to Oxford That the Soldiers wanted no Courage but Money and are put to watch almost every night 13. The Assembly of Divines desired by some of their brethren sent to the House That Mr. Patrick Young might be incouraged in the Printing of the Greek Testament much expected and desired by the Learned especially beyond Seas and an Ordinance was read for Printing and Publishing the Old Testament of the Sepâ—uagint Translation wherein Mr. Young had formerly taken pains and had in his hand as Library-keeper of St Jame's an Original Tecta Bible of that Translation Orders for Money for Soldiers Wives and Widows and to the train of Artillery The Petitions of London Westminster and Middlesex touching the setling of the Militia and the differences thereupon referred to a Committee to be composed A Party from Oxford plundring Basing-stoke and the pressed men going to Sir Thomas Fairfax mutinied at Farnham their Conductor Col. Ven being very imperious and not pleasing to them but it was soon appeased Foy was delivered up to Sir T. Fairfax and thirteen pieces of Ordnance in it 14. An Ordinance past both Houses for setling and regulating the Heralds Office to effect which Whitelocke laboured and was one of the Committee for that end but opposed by many inclining to leveling Order for a Pass for the Earl of Northampton and twenty Officers with him to go beyond Sea provided they take the Negative Oath Votes that the Great Seal should be in the hands of Commissioners Members of both Houses and in the present Commissioners for six Months longer Both Houses agreed to the Ordinance for setling Presbyterian Government Letters informed that Sir Tho. Fairfax and the Lord Hopton agreed upon these Articles That the Lord Hoptons Army should presently be disbanded and his Horse Arms and Ammunition Artillery Bag and Baggage delivered up to Sir Tho. Fairfax Officers to have their Horses and Troopers twenty shillings a man Strangers to have Passages to go beyond Sea and English to go to their homes A hundred and twenty Musqueteers Armed came out of Pendennis Castle and yielded themselves to Sir T. F. That the Lord Hopton surrendred to Sir Tho. Fairfax near three thousand horse 16. Votes touching the Affairs of Ireland and the Commission to be granted to the Lord L'isle appointed Governor there Care for Money for Major General Massies Forces Reference to a Committee to consider what places of benefit are held by any Members of the House and to report it Conference about the propositions for Peace Harwarden Castle was surrendred to Major General Mitton and he besieged Holt Castle A Party from Hereford and Monmouth surprised sixty Horse in the Stables of Gotherick Castle burnt the Stables and Besieged the Castle A Party from Worcester came within a Mile of Evesham plundered and took away some Country men Prisoners but were pursued by a Party from Evesham the Prisoners and Plunder rescued and eighteen of their Horse taken 17. The House being informed that the Prince was in Silley and in some streights for want of Provisions they agreed that a Letter should be written to him in a loving and tender way from both Houses of Parliament to invite him to come in to the Parliament and to reside in such place and have such
for these Mercies Fifty pound given to Mr. Row the Commissioners Secretary before Newarke A Committee appointed to draw Reasons to satisfie the Lords for demanding the Kings Person as was formerly voted 11. Letters advised of the Kings advancing Northwards with the Scots Army and that a house was preparing for his Majesty in Newcastle this caused the resuming of the debate for demanding the Kings Person but voted to be disposed of and to reside near his Parliament not to go to Warwick Castle The Lords concurrence desired to Votes That his Majesty be desired to give command for the Delivery up of all Forts in England Ireland and Wales into the hands of the Parliament and to dissolve the Commissions for Peace with the Irish Rebels and to leave the prosecution of that War to the Parliaments care Letters from Col. Whaley of the surrender of Banbury Castle upon Articles and left there ten pieces of Ordnance five hundred Arms nine Colours Arms Ammunition Malt Beef Wheat Bisket twenty Cows and sixty Sheep An hundred pound ordered to Col. Whaley to buy him two horses and five hundred pounds to the Engineer twenty pounds to the Messenger Letters of the Particulars of the surrender of Newarke that there went out with the Lord Bellasis the Governor the Lord Deincourt the Lord Lexington twelve Knights and many Gentlemen of one thousand five hundred foot all went to their several homes that the Articles were exactly performed and they left in the Town fourteen Pieces of Ordnance three thousand Arms store of Ammunition and Provisions and the Town very strong but the sickness was violent in it Letters of oppressions by some of the Scots Forces in the North upon whom the Countrey rose and some of both partys were killed A day appointed to consider thereof and of sending Forces into the North to protect the well affected and to hinder resort of malignants to the King and how to dispose of the Scots and other Forces and of Carlisle and other Forts which the Scots supplyed being in their hands 12. The day of thansgiving observed Letters of the Scots Army being on their march Northward the King in the van of them and that the Scots Commissioners desired a Meeting with the English Commissioners to give an account of their sudden departure and reasons for their not delivering up Mr. Ashburuham according to the Order of Parliament Letters that Sir Tho. Fairfax had made his approaches near the works at Oxford and finished the Bridge at Marston that Oxford Garrison made a Sally out but were beaten back one of their men killed and one of the Parliaments wounded that the approaches were so near that the Officers and Soldiers of either Parties parlied one with another and those of the Garrisonseemed troubled at the Kings goingto the Scots Army The General was a person of as meek and humble carriage as ever I saw in great imployment and but of few words in discourse or Council yet when his Judgment and Reason were satisfied he was unalterable except it were by Letter whereof as was fit he was the only Judge But I have observed him at Councils of War that he hath said little but hath ordered things expresly contrary to the judgement of all his Council and in action in the Field I have seen him so highly transported that scarce any one durst speak a word to him and he would seem more like a man distracted and furious than of his ordinary mildness and so far different temper The General sent a Summons to the Governor to surrender Oxford for the use of the Parliament expressing his unwillingness to do any thing of damage to that famous University and offering to them honourable terms Sir Thomas Glemham the Governor desired a safe conduct for Sir Jo. Mounson and Mr. Philip Warwick to come to the General to speak with him from Sir Thomas Glemham first which was assented to and the same day a Summons was sent to Wallingford Bostol and Radcot 13. An Ordinance sent to the Lords enabling the Lord L'isle Lieutenant of Ireland to beat up Drums to raise six thousand Foot and eight hundred and fifty Horse for Ireland another for Money for the Forces there A Letter for Sir Thomas Fairfax to spare a hundred Horse for recruits for Col. Jephson and referred to consider how an able Ministry might be setled in Ireland and that a thousand pound given by a Gentleman for the service of Ireland should be imployed for maintainance for Ministers there Reasons given by the Commons to the Lords why they adhered to their Votes for demanding the Kings Person That in England the disposal of him belonged to the Parliament of England and that the Scots Army were in Pay of the Parliament of England that the King ought to be near his Parliament and it was consonant to the Covenant The Scots Commissioners here presented papers to the House touching stay of their Packets of Letters the last Week Another Letter agreed on to be sent to the Prince further inciting him to come in to the Parliaments Quarters with offers of due respects beseeming a Prince Letters that M. G. Mitton fell upon the Lord Byron at Carmarthen beat them out of the Town into the Castle Letters of Dudley Castle being surrendred to Sir William Brereton upon Articles which were sent up to the Parliament and approved by them 14. A Letter of thanks to the Commissioners at Newarke for their care in that business and in demolishing the works of the Town Debate of the Scots Commissioners Papers touching the seizing of their Pacquet at the Court of Guard and the Speaker was ordered to deliver to them a paper inclosed in their pacquet which was in characters and no subscription to it nor Superscription Debate touching the Scots Commissioners Papers about the propositions for Peace and what inteterest Scotland had in the affairs of England in relation unto Peace and some Votes passed thereupon The Scots Commissioners failed to meet with the English Commissioners in the North about the delivering up Mr. Ashburnham Sir Jo. Mounson and Mr. Warwick who came from the Governor of Oxford to Sir Tho. Fairfax desired only liberty for the Governor to send to the King to know his pleasure touching the surrender of Oxford which the General denyed next day a Trumpet was sent to the General to desire longer time Wallingford also desired leave to send to the King but it was denyed News came that Prince Rupert made a Sally out of Oxford but was beaten back and himself wounded in the shoulder 15. Debate about the Scots Papers concerning the propositions for Peace Order for the Arrears of M. Mathews The General Muster put off The high Sheriff of Devon impow'red to bring forth his Regiment out of his County Allowance ordered to the Marquess of Winton 16. Some of the Common Council came to the House and desired the general Muster might not be wholly put off
present all Causes in Chancery Order that the Judges in Serjeants Inne the Benchers of the Innes of Court and Principles of the Innes of Chancery shall permit no Lawyers that have born Arms against the Parliament to be in any of those Societies Referred to a Committee to examine the entry of Mr. White into a Lodge belonging to Sir Tho. Walsingham Order for six thousand pound to be paid to the Committee of Berks for Abbington Garrison and that the Committee of the three Counties do consider what Forces of that Garrison and in those Counties are fit to be disbanded Upon Petition of the Stationer and Printer of the Lord Louden's Speeches they are discharged The Grand Committee sate in the afternoon about Bishops Lands 24. Progress about Bishops Lands Complaints from the North of their burthens Vote that the Chancery shall not proceed in any Cause determinable at Law High Sheriffs nominated Ordinance pass'd for the two Speakers to be Commissioners of the Seal 26. Progress about the Sale of Bishops Lands The Lords desired the concurrence of the Commons for the quartering of Sir Tho. Fairfax his Army more Northerly Orders for supplys of Forces Both Houses voted Captain Swanley to be Admiral of the Irish Seas Order to audite the Arrears of Col. Fleet-wood Debate about the Scots Papers touching the disposal of the Kings Person and it was referred back to the Committee Indictment in Bucks for not reading the Common Prayer complained of Ordered that an Ordinance be brought in to take away the Statute that injoyns it and to disable Malignant Ministers from Preaching Progress about the Assessments for the Army A Petition and Leters from the North informed that the Scots Army Quartering in those parts tax them seven times more than their Revenue rob beat and kill the Inhabitants who are more slaves to them than any are in Turkey That the Plague was begun amongst them 27. Orders for Compositions and for the Committee of Goldsmiths Hall to put in Execution the Ordinances for Sequestrations Order for a Collection for the poor The City of Chester chose Mr. Recorder Glyn to be an Alderman of that City instead of the Earl of Derby Sir Tho. Wharton Sir Robert King Sir John Clot-worthy Sir Robert Meredeth and M. Salwey appointed Commissioners for Ireland 28. The Monthly Fast kept Care for the ten thousand pound for Widows and Wives of Soldiers and others Three Ministers sent to Preach in Wales Mr. Sympson formerly silenced from Preaching because he differed in Judgment from the Assembly in some points was restored to his liberty 29. Progress in the grand Committee upon the sale of Bishops Lands The Lord Monson a Member of the House of Commons desired to wave his Priviledge and to have a Sute against him proceed the House appointed an Ordinance to be brought in to take away the Priviledge as to Title and Debts the Person only to be priviledged and not his lands or Goods Both Houses agreed to the Ordinance to make void all Titles and Honours granted under the Great Seal after it was carried away from the Parliament Letters from Major General Pointz and others informed that the Scots laid intolerable assesses upon the Country and kept Centinels and Guards as if they had enemies near them and examined all Passengers The House ordered that Sir Tho. Fairfax should give command to Major General Pointz and Col. Rossiter to keep Guards and examine all passing that way Northward 30. The grand Committee sate about the Ordinance for sale of Bishops Lands Order for drawing off all the great Guns from the Works for the ease of London and Westminster and a Regiment of twelve hundred to be compleated for the Guards An Ordinance committed for sale of the Estates of the Earl of Worcester c. An Ordinance read to constitute the two Speakers fully Commissioners of the Seal 31. Progress upon the Bishops Ordinance A Letter of the Scots Commissioners complaining of the necessities of their Army and of some scandalous Papers Printed of the sufferings of the Northern parts by their Army referred to the Committee Complaints Letters informed that Lieutenant General Lesley gave a Protection to one Metcalfe in the North a great Papist to free him from Assessments Team Horses free quarter c. Order that the Scots Commissioners be acquainted with it The Ordinance past and the great Seal was delivered to the two Speakers as Commissioners of it in the presence of both Houses November 1646. November 2. The third Ordinance for sale of Bishops Lands ordered to be sent up to the Lords A Committee appointed to consider what allowances are fit to be to the Bishops The Commissioners of the Great Seal began the business of the Seal and one Judge and a Master of the Chancery sate by turns to hear the Causes there Denbigh Castle was surrendred upon Articles to Major General Mitton Letters informed That Sir James Lesley had demanded the Fee Farm Rents in the North for the King and forbids the payment of them to any other That on the Fast day they were at play at the Court. That Marquess Huntley and the Gourdons refuse to submit That the Earl of Antrim is strengthned from Ireland and by Montrosses men That the French Ambassador was constantly with the King 3. Votes for due observation of the Articles of Oxford and touching Compositions and for keeping other Articles inviolably The Lords desired a Committee might be appointed to consider of the disposal of the Great Seal after the time that the two Speakers expired The grand Committee ordered to sit in the afternoon touching the Assessments Men and Supplys hastned for Ireland 4. Order for fifteen hundred pound Arrears to be paid to Col. Pure-foy An Ordinance touching the approbation of Gifted men to Preach laid aside Debate upon an Ordinance for repairing Churches and Chappels ruinated in the War and another for payment of Church duties 5. The Gun-powder-Treason day kept Information touching Passes granted by the King to Ship-Masters The papers of the Lord Chancellor of Scotlands Speeches c. touching the disposal of the Kings Person said to be printed first at Edingburgh and afterwards reprinted at London notwithstanding the Prohibition of the Parliament to the contrary 6. Progress upon the whole days debate touching the sale of Bishops Lands The Rebels were in a great body within eight miles of Dublin 7. A Committee named to inquire out the Printers of the Lord Lowdens Papers Order for five thousand pound for the Treasurers for advancing Plate c. A Message to the Lords to name a Committee to be of both Houses to consider of the disposal of the great Seal Debate upon the Ordinance for sale of Delinquents Estates Letters of sad complaints from the Northerne parts of the sufferings by the Scots Army referred to a Committee and power given to them to hear complaints of the like Nature from the Countrey 9. A Committee named of both Houses to consider of the
the several Committees to advance the coming in of the Excise The Assembly presented to the House the last part of the Confession of Faith 4. Petitions of the suffering Gentry of Durham and of Richmond-shire by the insupportable burdens of the Scots Army upon them ordered to be considered Debate upon the Ordinance for the Assesment for Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army and a Proviso to exempt the Northerne Counties from the Tax laid aside and another to exempt Colledge Rents the Ordinance sent up to the Lords Order to state the Accompts of Major General Massey now a Member of the House 5. Order to send down the hundred thousand pound to York for the Scots Army and for Sir Tho. Fairfax to send a Convoy with it An Ordinance sent to the Lords for redemption of the Captives of Algiers Great endeavours were to get hands to a Petition of the City of the former strain and to settle the Presbytery and suppress Sectaries c. contrived by some to raise Divisions 7. Debate about the latter part of the Confession of Faith and five hundred Copys of it ordered to be Printed for the Members of both Houses and that the Assembly do bring in their Marginal Notes to prove every part of it by Scripture and their Answer to the Queries touching the point of jus Divinum A Committee of both Houses appointed to consider of the business of the Petition now in Agitation in the City which may tend much to indanger the Peace of the Parliament and City and to find out some expedient to preserve the Peace Order for the Committee of both Kingdome to conclude the Treaty with the Scots Commissioners about the marching of their Army out of England Order for a new Election Order to send for the Bishop of Worcester Sir William Russel and the Mayor in Custody Order for a thousand pound for Phisitians and Chyrurgions to look to the maimed Soldiers Order to free the Libraries and other things in Oxford useful for Learning from Sequestration Letters from Ireland informed that the Lord Digby told the Nuntio there that he had done ill service to the King and the Nuntio told him thrice he lyed Four thousand pound allotted for Ireland 8. A full Agreement with the Scots Commissioners that when an hundred thousand pound comes to Topcliffe the Scots shall give Hostages to quit all their quarters possessions and Garrisons on the South of Tyne within ten days and then the Hostages to be re-delivered and upon delivery of the other hundred thousand pound on the North of Newcastle the Scots to deliver Hostages to march out of England Berwick Carlisle and the Garrisons in Scotland to be slighted within ten days For the second two hundred thousand pound the Scots are to have the publick Faith and nine hundred pound was allowed to the Tellers of the two hundred thousand pound and sixteen hundred pound for the charge of the carriages of it Vote That all who shall raise Forces against the Parliament or either House hereafter shall dye without Mercy and have their Estates confiscated And in all these Votes the Lords concurred Supplys for the Northern Forces Orders touching Compositions of Delinquents Upon suspition of a Plot to surprize York Major General Pointz drew in his Forces into the City General Leven and Sir James Lumsden Governor of New-castle published a Proclamation that all who had born Arms against either Kingdom should depart the Town and all quarters of the Scots Army within twenty four hours 9. The Fast day After Sermons the House Pass'd the Ordinance for the better observation of the Lords day 10. Debate touching Compositions Petition of Col. Whaley that the Earl of Newcastle unjustly possessed an Estate of three hundred pound per An. of the Colonel's Father and prayed that he might have that Estate upon Sale in lieu of so much of his Arrears which being proved the House ordered accordingly Order that Delinquents Tenants for Life might compound for one years value Letters of the French Ambassador stopped ordered to be re-delivered to him For Col. Purefoy to have fifteen hundred pound of his Arrears and for Sir Walter Earle to have seven hundred and fifty pound Order for new Elections The City Petition formerly mentioned was presented to the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common-Council the Petitioners had thanks were desired to return home in Peace and the Petition referred to a Committee of the Aldermen and Common-Council 11. Upon debate in the Grand Committee a sub-Committee was appointed to bring in an Ordinance to take away all Coercive power of Committees and another to take away all Arbitrary Power from both or either of the Houses of Parliament or any of their Committees in any matter between Party and Party Upon Recommendation of Sir Thomas Fairfax the House voted Major General Skippon to be Governor of New-castle and Tinmouth and to keep still the Command of Bristol by a Deputy and to command in Chief the Convoy of the two hundred thousand pound Upon extraordinary confluence of Delinquents and Papists to London An Ordinance pass'd both Houses to put them out of London and twenty Miles distant for two Months Upon a Petition of reduced Officers an Ordinance was appointed to be brought in for sale of Delinquents and Papists Estates to pay the Petitioners in such manner as the sale is to be of Bishops Lands Debate about the Answer to the Queries touching jus Divinum and about Mr. Dells Sermon 14. Desires of the Scots Commissioners touching the Payment of the last two hundred thousand pound debated but not granted Letters from Newcastle informed of the continuance of Delinquents in great numbers thereabouts of a Dunkirk ship come to Tinmouth and a Book there Printed in answer to the Assembly of Divines and for Episcopacy That some of the Malignants there were apprehended by the Major That two thousand men were to be shipped from Holland French and English for England under the Duke of Lorraine to be General and Prince Rupert to be Lieutenant General to assist the King That this is procured by the French Ambassador now with his Majesty and that he hindred the surrender of Dublin to the Parliaments Commissioners 15. Sir David Watkins reported upon the Exchange that Sir Jo. Evelyn a Member of the house said that since the Citizens of London intended to come to the Parliament with their Petition in a tumultuous and unlawful manner that he thought fit Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army should be sent for to quell those Mechanick Spirits This testified by Mr. Pennoyer and thereupon Sir David Watkins was sent for to answer this Scandal Referred to the Committee of the North to name six Knights and six Esquires for the House to choose of them three Knights and three Esquires to be Hostages for payment of the Money to the Scots and care taken for sending down the Money Vote for Mr. Bence to be a Commissioner of the Navy Ordinance
sent up to the Lords for payment of five hundred pound to Mr. Phips out of the Marquess of Wintons Estate for which Sir John Danvers was ingaged A Scotch Minister Preached boldly before the King at New-castle and after his Sermon called for the fifty second Psalm which begins Why dost thou Tyrant boast thy self thy wicked works to praise His Majesty thereupon stood up and called for the fifty sixth Psalm which begins Have Mercy Lord on me I pray for men would me devour The People waved the Ministers Psalm and sung that which the King called for 16. An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for disposing four thousand five hundred and fifty pounds Arrears of the Joynture of the Countess of Essex by reason of her delinquency Sir David Watkins called into the House denyed the words which Mr. Pennoyer justified to be spoken by him of Sir John Evelin and said he heard them from one Mr. Drake who was ordered to be sent for The two Speakers continued Commissioners for the great Seal twenty days longer Order for the Committee of Elections to sit and for reports every Monday from the Committee of Priviledges The Lords concurrence desired to the Treaty for the two hundred thousand pound and a hundred thousand pound of it sent away 17. Order for three thousand pound for the poor Widows c. Hostages agreed to the Scots for the two hundred thousaud pound Sir William Selby Mr. Dela Vale Sir Edward Loftus Sir Tho. Trollop Sir H. Mildmay and Sir William Browton Mr. Drake called in about speaking the words touching Sir Jo. Evelyn named one Dr. Aldwyn who said he heard it from a Member of the House referred to a Committee 18. To the Scots Paper desiring aid of this Kingdom against the Rebels in Scotland the House answered that that was no obstruction of their March or delivery up of the Garrisons which being done then the House would consider of that particular To that of charging the Countrey upon their March out of England was answered That they should take no money nor goods of the English Subjects but pay and discharge all their quarters and the form of their Receipts for the two hundred thousand pound was agreed upon The Committee of both houses ordered to meet about disposing the great Seal Sir Thomas Fairfax went towards Northampton to give order for the Convoy of the Scots Money and fifty thousand pound was carried thither for his Army 19. Order for two thousand pound for Sir Peter Killegrew for his Interest in Pendennis Castle and for a thousand pound for the burying of the Earl of Worcester and the Lord Dockra to be according to the Directory The Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common-Council and many Citizens of London presented the Petition formerly mentioned first to the Lords who gave them thanks then to the Commons who after much debate gave them thanks for all their good Services and appointed a day to consider of the Petition and also the Petition of the Gentry of Durbam Another considerable party of the City were about a different Petition 31. Orders touching the payment of the second two hundred thousand pound to the Scots and that they should not take free quarter These to be Communicated to the Scots Commissioners The Earl of Stamford for the Lords and Mr. Ashhurst and Mr. Goodwin for the Commons named Commissioners to go into Scotland to satisfie the Parliament there of all proceedings and to prevent misunderstandings between the two Kingdoms and a Committee appointed to draw instructions for them Upon a Petition of many of Durham that the Scots Army may be removed and twenty five thousand six hundred sixty six pound paid due to them since 1641 and that they may send Knights and Burgesses to the Parliament the House gave this answer that they were sensible of the Countreys sufferings and had taken course to remove the Armies and concerning their electing Knights and Burgesses for the Parliament it was referred to a Committee Col. Hoskins voted to be Governor of Lynne Both Houses agreed to an Ordinance for maintaining of the water-guards And the Lords sent an Ordinance to the Commons that none be permitted to Preach or use publick Exercise but such as had taken Degrees in the Universities and another Ordinance against such as shall disturb the Ministers in their publick Exercises 22. The House agreed that Sir Rich. Lloyd Governor of Holt should have liberty to go beyond Sea and carry three hundred pound with him and his Wise to enjoy his Land being three hundred pound per An. and they voted that Holt Flint Harding Rotheland and Ruthen Castles should be slighted Sir William Listers Lady ordered to have six hundred and ten pound of her Husbands Arrears and two thousand pound to Col Carter and five hundred pound to Major General Skippon for his extraordinary charges in convoying the two hundred thousand pound The Lords sent their Vote to the Commons That the King should come to New-Market upon the Scots Army marching away Upon debate of the City Petition the House Voted first to insist upon the breach of Priviledge in the way of this Petition and then to consider of the particulars of the Petition and for that purpose referred it to a Committee The Earl of Northumberland acquainted the Lords that some persons had a Plot to steal away the Duke of York and to carry him beyond Sea and that by advice from his Majesty two that were in the Plot were apprehended and the rest escaped Mr. Hudson the Kings Guide to the Scots was taken again by Major General Pointz and his Examination sent up to the Parliament Some Proposals from the Lord L'isle Lieutenant of Ireland for supplyes and Moneys to carry on the War there and that he would go over thither in person 23. Letters from Ireland informed That proposals were received by the Marquess of Ormond from the Rebels That the Roman Catholick Religion may be free and publick as in Paris That the Garrisons may be in their hands All Counsellors Officers and Soldiers to take an Oath to fight against the Parliamenteers and never to make Peace with them The Scots Hostages given in A Letter directed to General Leven that no free quarter be taken by his Soldiers in their march for Scotland Order for Mr. Allen to provide a Jewel as a gift of the House for General Leven Order for five hundred pound for Mrs. Chichester and four pound per mensem for the Lady Denny Widows The Duke of York confessed that the King his Father sent to him to get away Great use was made of a Press at London to Print the Lord Chancellor of Scotlands Speeches the London Petition and other things at New-castle 24. The Commons dissented from the Vote of the Lords for the Kings coming to New-Market and voted his coming to Holmesby-House in Northampton shire and to be those with such Attendants as both Houses shall think sit
Some of the Kings antient Servants and some others were approved of by the House to go down with the Commissioners to attend his Majesty and power given to the Commissioners to name inferiour Servants Orders for Money for the Commissioners charges for repairing Holmby House for Coaches Horses c. for the King For two thousand pound for Major General Brown in part of his Arrears and referred to a Committee that he be considered as other Major Generals Debate about an Information of a Protection from the King to a Member of the House A Colonel charged the Earl of Northumberland and of Pembroke to have sent Money to the King but upon examination he said he heard it from some of their Servants they denyed it and the Colonel being but a single witness and speaking but by hearsay the Lords acquitted the Earls and left them to their Remedy against the Colonel for the Scandal Mr. Murrey sent for in again upon information that he was Plotting the Kings escape from Newcastle in a Dutch Ship lying there for that purpose 13. A report of the Committee approved for making Sir John Bramston Sir Thomas Beddingfield and Mr. Chute Commissioners of the Great Seal and an Ordinance appointed to be brought in for that purpose An Ordinance committed for regulating the University of Oxford and agreed that no Members of either House shall be Visitors and that the right of the Earl of Denbigh as Chancellor of the University be preserved and that the City of Oxford do choose a Recorder An Ordinance to put Doctor Temple into a Parsonage 14. Compositions of Delinquents pass'd Ordinance sent up to the Lords for the new Commissioners of the Great Seal 15. Debate in a Grand Committee touching the Dissenters from the Presbyterian Government A Minister presented Articles to the Council of War against a Trooper for Preaching and expounding the Scripture and uttering erroneous Opinions The Council adjudged that none of the Articles were against the Law or Articles of War but that only the Trooper called the Parson a Minister of Anti-Christ for which Reproach they ordered the Trooper to make an acknowledgment which he did and was one night imprisoned Great noise was about this in London and about another Troopers Preaching at Buckingham upon which a Tumult was raised by the Cavaliers and suppressed 16. Order for levying the Arrears for the Army Debate about inlarging the Instructions for the Commissioners who were to receive the Kings Person they being gone out of Town An Ordinance sent from the Lords to the Commons for constituting the Commissioners of the Seal the Commons desired the Lords to pass that which they formerly sent up to them Ordinance for the accounts of the Soldiery and an order for fifteen hundred pound for Sir William Fairfax's Lady of her Husbands Arrears 18. Votes for Mr. Hollis Mr. Selden Sir Jo. Elliots Children Mr. Strodes Kindred Mr. Valentine Sir Peter Hammond's children Sir Miles Hobert Mr. Walter Long and Mr. John Hamdens children shall have five thousand pound to each for the sufferings of them or their parents 3 Car. for opposing the illegalities of that time and a thousand pound to Mr. Varsall upon the same account and all sentences formerly against them to be taken off and a Committee to consider how these allowances may be raised and to consider of the Petition of Alderman Chambers Order for two thousand pound for the Soldiers in Portsmouth and Hurst Castle and for viewing the Fortisications there and for six months pay for the Army The General made strict Orders for his Officers and Soldiers to pay their Quarters and that the Countrey may not be burdened and misdemeanors prevented and this by advice of his Council of War Captain Batten kept in the Dutch Ship at Newcastle Sir Tho. Tiddesly and Col. Price being apprehended about endeavouring the Kings escape got away Letters informed that the Scots Commissioners at New-castle could not prevail with the King to take the Covenant and sign the Propositions and that a Scotch Lord told him if he did not they must give him up to the Parliament of England and it would fall heavy upon him and his Posterity That his Majesty is not pleased to come to Holmby house not liking the place Letters informed that the Parliament of Scotland had voted That if his Majesty should have thoughts of coming thither at this time he not having subscribed to the Covenant nor satisfied the Lawful Defires of his Subjects in both Nations they have just cause to fear the consequences of it may be very dangerous both to his Majesty and to these Kingdoms which they desire may be timely prevented and they express their Arguments that if they should receive his Majesty it would be contrary to their Engagements with England and the Treaties 19. Order for ten thousand pound for the Earl of Northumberland out of Compositions in regard of his losses in the North. Orders about the Sale of Bishops Lands Lieutenant Col. Harrisons Accounts referred to a Committee and three hundred pound ordered to Mrs Serle a widow out of Doctor Ducks Estate Order for Money formerly given to Licutenant General Cromwell to be out of the Estates of Papists in Arms. Power given to the Committee of Complaints to imprison 20. Orders for bringing in and maintaining the credit of the Excise Order for the due observation of the Articles of surrender of Portland Sir Peter Killegrew returned with Letters from the King to both houses That he had received their Votes for his coming to Holmby and understood that Commissioners were coming for him and that he shall give them his resolution when they come the like Letters were to the Scots Commissioners Another Letter was from General Leven That according to the Parliaments desires he would take care of his Majesty that he depart not away and will be ready to do all good Offices A third Letter to the Parliament was from the Commissioners of Estates that they had received the Votes and sent them to the Parliament of Scotland Orders to communicate these Letters to the Scots Commissioners and for a hundred pound for Sir Peter Killegrew for his Journey Letters from the Parliaments Agent in Denmarke and an offer from thence of a Treaty for Correspondence betwixt the Kingdoms referred to a Committee Orders for a hundred pound for Mr. Jenkins formerly imployed to Denmark and for a hundred pound to Sir Henry Vane Sen. disbursed by him for the State and for two hundred pound to Mr. Smith for Provisions for Ireland and for the Arrears of the Porter of Portland Castle 21. The Lords differing about the new Commissioners for the Great Seal An Ordinance pass'd to continue the two Speakers Commissioners of the Seal till ten days after the next Term and they were ordered to consider of persons to ride the next Circuit A Committee named to draw instructions for the Judges that shall ride the next Circuits and to
Order about Soldiers Widows and Officers 27. A report from the Commissioners who treated with the General and his Officers about part of the Army going into Ireland and the result of the Officers and about the Petition intended from the Army Order to desire the General to use means to stop the progress of the Petition and thanks were given to the Commissioners and the House declared the good esteem they had of the Army 29. The Lords desired the concurrence of the Commons to an answer to the last Message from the King That they cannot consent to his desire in sending any of his Chaplains named in his Letter because they are disaffected to the present Government of the Church and have not taken the Covenant but for others of his Chaplains who have taken the Covenant if his Majesty please they will send them to him They desired the Commons concurrence also to the Ordinances for putting down Countrey Committees for prohibiting the killing of some flesh meats for eight weeks and for power to the Northern Committee Letters to Col. Harley and Col. Rossiter Members of the House from some of their Soldiers informed that the Petition of the Army was carried on and was subscribed by many and those who refused it threatned to be cashiered and that the subscriptions were to be sent to Lieutenant General Hammond Col. Hammond Col. Ireton Col. Rich. Order that a Letter be written from the Speaker to the General to hinder the progress of this Petition and a Declaration to require a desisting in it By this we may take notice how soon the Officers and Soldiers of an Army though never so successful and well disciplined will through want of Action fall into disorder and designs of trouble The Parliament took great care to prevent this and others were as busie to foment it Hammond Ireton Skippon and others were ordered to reside in the Army and some of their Quarters to be removed Car. 23 Vote that three Regiments of Horse under M. G. Pointz C. Bethel and C. Copley be continued and all the Foot of the Northern Association except those in Garrisons to be disbanded and all the Foot in England and Wales except those in Garrisons or such as are to be sent for Ireland shall be disbanded At a second meeting of the Officers of the Army at Saffron Walden by the desire of Sir William Waller and the rest of the Parliaments Commissioners this question was propounded to every Officer distinctly Whether upon the Votes and Resolutions of the House of Commons now read do you find cause to alter or recede from the third quaere concerning assurance of pay and subsistence It was resolved in the Negative by all except Col. Harley Col. Fortescue and Capt. Young The same question being proposed concerning the fourth Article To have satisfaction in payment of Arrears and Indemnity Resolved in the Negative by all except Captain Young The like question being proposed concerning the first quaere To know what particular Regiments Troops or Companies of this Army are to be continued in this Kingdom it pass'd likewise in the Negative All referring to the Votes yesterday Several other Officers that came in to the meeting agreed with the other Captain Young receded from what he concurred in yesterday and resolved upon the main question That he will engage with as many of his Soldiers as he can get and several other Officers did the like 30. Divers Compositions passed Letters from St. Malloe in France advising that a Pyrate about Jersey had made Prize of a vessel of the Parliaments going for Ireland with Cloath and Apparel for six thousand Soldiers Order for a Letter to the Parliaments Agent in France to desire the King to seize the Pyrate and restore the Ship The Lords desired the concurrence of the Commons to some desires of the Dutch Ambassador and for a Pass for him to go to the King and to an Ordinance for setling the Militia of London A Committee named to treat with the City of London about the loan of two hundred thousand pound upon the Assessment of sixty thousand pound per mensem that they might provide Money for sending the Forces into Ireland and to pay off those that were to be disbanded and to pay the Army here Both Houses passed a Declaration against the Petion in the Army as set on foot by some evil Spirits purposely to raise a Distemper and mutiny in the Army Pardons what is past and forbids further proceeding by any of them in that Petition The Parliament of Scotland named their Commissioners to joyn with the Commissioners of the Parliament of England to perswade the King to pass the Propositions for Peace Harleigh Castle the last in Wales surrendred to Col. Mitton whose Soldiers put a Guard upon Col. Jones for their pay 31. Very long Prayers and Sermons this Monthly Fast day as usual April 1647. April 1. Orders for the Letter to the Agent in France and for Ships to keep in Pyrates Voted That the Civil Government in Ireland shall be distinct from the Military and be by two Lords Justices as formerly That the Military Government shall be by a Commander in Chief and be to be directed by Commissioners on the Place Sir William Waller was named to be Commander in chief there but it came not to the Vote Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax informed that he had Communicated the Letter and Votes of the House to the Officers of his Army touching the Petition on Foot among them That they expressed a deep sence of their unhappiness in being misunderstood in their clear intention which were no other than by way of Petition to represent to him those inconveniencies which would necessarily befall most of the Army after disbanding desiring that as much as he should think fit might submissively be made known to the House of Commons and assuring him that they would wholly acquiesce in whatsoever he should think fit to offer and the House to grant That he had sent up Hammond Lilburne and some other Officers to give the House a full account of this business and that he doubts not of the Armys Obedience Hammond Pride and the other Officers sent up by the General were called into the House and Pride was charged to have read the Petition at the head of a Regiment where was threats to those that should not subscribe it which Pride denyed and they were all required to return to their charges and to suppress the Petition 2. Debate of the Ordinance for the Militia of London Vote That the Commander in Chief of the Forces in Ireland should be stiled Field-Martial and his pay be six pound a day and Major General Skippon to be Field Martial there and that Golonel Massey should be Lieutenant General of the Horse under him A Committee of both Houses named to go into the City for borrowing two hundred thousand pound for the service of England and Ireland 3. The House
for their Pay as for the rest of his Army That he was sent down to Command them by the General not of his own seeking or for private Interest and desired their complyance then they gave him a loud acclamation and had Orders to go to their several Quarters The News of the Parliaments being restored by the Army and the City of London agreeing with the Army hindered the intended proceedings of the Estates of Scotland Great resort was from London to the King at Oatlands 17. Upon the question it was carried in the Negative by three Votes That the Declaration should not pass that the proceedings in the House from July 26. to Aug. 6. were forced and that sitting not to be a free Parliament A Petition and Congratulation was presented to the General of many thousands Young men and Apprentices of London for his great services to the Kingdom and City which they acknowledg with thankfulness and as they refused to comply with those who lately acted against the Army so they resolved to live and dye with his Excellency and the Army in settling His Majesties Rrights the Parliaments Priviledges and the Peace and Freedom of the Nation To this the General gave a respectful and grateful answer The Councel of War Sat close about a Declaration of their proceedings in behalf of the Parliament the Kingdom and themselves 18. Order for a day of Thanksgiving for the great success in Ireland and for one thousand pounds for Collonel Jones one thousand pounds to Collonel Fenwicke and other gratuities to other Officers in this service and for Supplies for Ireland Upon a Letter from Mr. Nicholls one of the Eleven Members now under restraint in the Army Order to the General to discharge him or send him up to the Parliament for his Tryal A Complaint by Letters from the Scots Commissioners for breach of the Union in staying Mr. Chieseley their Secretary at Newcastle the Copy hereof sent to the General and that he give Order for Mr. Chieseley's release 19. Letters from the General to both Houses with the Remonstrance of the Army touching their late proceedings and chiefly driving at The purging of the Parliament by expunging such Members as did Act and Vote in the time that the Speakers and the rest were forced from the House The House of Lords approved of this Remonstrance and Voted a Letter of thanks to the General and to signifie to him that they would take care for the Punishment of those Delinquent Ministers and others by whose practises Ministers put into Livings by the Parliament had been disquieted and outed in which the Commons Concurred but did nothing upon the great Remonstrance The Examination of Collonel Ennis who sought to go beyond Sea under another name referred to a Committee Order for eight thousand pounds for Plymouth Garrison and to Treat with the General about the lessening of the Charge there 20. Order for a Collection for the poor English Irish here and for one hundred pounds for the poor visited people in St. Martins Parish and for a general Contribution for the visited City of Chester and an Ordinance for twenty thousand pounds for Ireland Mr. Strickland had leave to come to England Upon another debate the Ordinance passed For declaring all Votes Orders and Ordinances passed in one or both Houses since the force on both Houses July 26 until Aug. 6. 1647. to be null and void 21. Upon a Letter from Sir Thomas Fairfax Order for thirty pounds a week for Sick and Wounded Souldiers four shillings eight pence a week for each of them and an Ordinance passed for Judges and Justices to put it in execution Order for a months Pay for the Army to be borrowed of the City Upon a report touching the late Tumults Order That the Lord Mayor and Aldermen do call a Common Councel by Tuesday next and that the Clerk who attended the Committee of the Militia and of the Safety do deliver over the Books Papers and Warrants in his hands or be committed to the Sergeant Mr. Hollis Sir Philip Stapleton Sir William Waller Sir William Lewys Sir Jo. Clotworthy and Mr. Long being in a Vessel going towards Callis were pursued by a Frigot of the Parliament and taken within six Miles of Callis and by their desire brought back to Captain Batten who dismist them to their Voyage again and chid those that apprehended them The High Sheriff entertained the Judges and Lawyers very nobly at Shrewsbury The Ordinance pass'd both Houses for relief of Ministers put into Livings by the Parliament Another for a Collection for the poor visited Persons in Chester and an additional Ordinance concerning the sale of Bishops Lands A false Allarm of Scots Forces being upon the Borders Letters from Ireland informed That the Lord Inchequin had taken divers Castles from the Rebels in the County of Limricke That he defeated a Troop of the Rebels near Balling garry slew twenty three of them and took the rest That he beat the Rebells from a Pass near Limricke and killed about an hundred of them and took two hundred horses and two hundred Cows and took in New castle within a mile of Limricke some of his Forces got over the River Shannon and got eight thousand head of Cattle and five thousand Sheep and struck such a terror into the Rebels that they burnt the Earl of Thomond's Castle Bonratty which they had Garrisoned and fled away That they took in Grace-Castle and put all the Rebels there to the Sword and took eight hundred head of Cattle and Garrons They stormed and burnt the Abbey of Adare where four Fryars were burned and three taken they took Fox's Castle and put all in it to death 24. A Letter from the General touching Mr. Anthony Nicholls one of the eleven Members sent up Prisoner with the Grounds of his detainment by the Army and a further accusation of High Treason against him Ordered that he be continued in safe Custody but he escaped from Denham one of the Serjeants Deputys in whose Custody he was Denham being examined concerning the escape confessed That he took Mr. Nicoll's word as a Gentle-man to be a true Prisoner but he brake his word and escaped The House committed Denham and ordered all the Ports to be stopped for the apprehending of Mr. Nicolls and revoked the Pass formerly granted to Mr. Nicolls Upon a report by Mr. Corbet touching the Force upon the Parliament and Commitment of some of the Offenders the House approved of their Commitment and ordered an impeachment of high Treason to be brought in against Col. Chapman and Lieutenant Collonel Baines and of high misdemeanor against Col. Vaughan A Petition from the Brewers to take off the Excise of Beer and Ale They were told if they paid not the Excise by a day they should be distrained to pay The Common-Council excused themselves that they could not advance a Months pay by way of loan for the Army The
and that he would be ready to use his endeavour in what might conduce to the good of the Town Letters informed of some armed Forces that marched through Lancashire and Westmerland towards the borders of Scotland 8. Debate upon private Petitions Orders to provide for Reformadoes and Soldiers Widows Six of the Impeached Lords Petitioned for further time for their answers and it was granted them till the twelfth of April next Order of both Houses for Mr. Marshall to return from Scotland An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for the sale of some Lands of the Earl of Newcastle to Col. Whaley Order for Money for poor Widows of Soldiers and a reward given to the Auditors of the Soldiers Accounts Letters from Holland certified that the Lord Willoughby of Parham was come thither 9. The House debated and confirmed the ingagement of their Members who were forced by the tumults from Westminster and the subscription by them Aug. 4 1647. testifying a zeal to the Publick and a resolution to vindicate the honour and freedom of Parliament Divers Inhabitants of Bucks presented a Petition and remonstrance to the House acknowledging with thanks their unwearied Labours for the Publick the great successes God had given them and the continuance of their care and faithfulness They resolve to adhere unto and stand by the Parliament to their utmost ability against all opposers They desire them to proceed to a speedy setling of the Civil Government as may most conduce to the freedom and happiness of the Nation to promote Religion according to the Word of God to incourage able Ministers and to cast out such as are Scandalous and to be tender of the Consciences of those whose Conversation is as becometh the Gospel to relieve Ireland and to secure themselves from violence The Petitioners had the thanks of the House for their constant good affections and the Speaker told them that the House had ordered their Petition to be Printed as a pattern for other Counties and would consider of the particulars of their Petition in convenient time Order touching Augmentations for Ministers Sir John Strangeways upon his Petition was admitted to his Composition and the Money which should be raised thereby was ordered for the Navy 10. Order for an Ordinance for electing a Lord Major Aldermen and Common Councelmen of York as had been formerly for London Debate upon the confession of Faith 11. Debate about the draining of the Fennes in Lincoln-shire c. and about matters presented by the Committee of Accounts which were referred to a Committee Upon Information that the Troop which marched through Lancashire towards the borders of Scotland was Captain Wogans Troop and he with them who had slighted several Orders of the General 's and now hoped to find invitation to Scotland The General sent Orders to Col. Lambert and to the Sheriffs of the Northern Counties to stop Col. Wogans March and to deal with him and his Party as Disturbers of the publick Peace 13. Upon reading the Impeachment and hearing of Proofs against Sir John Gayer late Lord Major of London the House pass'd the Articles against him the like against Alderman Bunce Alderman Adams Alderman Langham and ordered them to be sent up to the Lords and their Lordships be acquainted that the House is ready to make good their Charge against the Aldermen The House approved of the Ingagements of Col. Welden for supplyes for the Garrison of Plymouth and ordered them to be paid accordingly Order to desire the Parliament of Scotland to give direction to seize and apprehend Captain Wogans Forces or any such that shall march into Scotland being discontented Persons who endeavour to forment new differences Reference to the Committee for Irish Affairs to examine and state the business concerning accounts for Provlsions for London-derry between Mr. Goring and Mr. Thornton Merchants Mr. Dell who was Chaplain to the General took his leave of the Army and retired to his private home Letters from Scotland informed That the Divines there have presented to the Parliament their resolution against adhering to on joyning with the King and his Party That a Letter from the King to the Commissioners of the Kirk was voted by them of a dangerous consequence that some of the Kirk are joyned to the Committee of danger who have in consideration these particulars 1. The danger of Religion in both Kingdoms 2. The carrying on of the Covenant 3. The state of the King 4. Monarchical Government 5. The danger Scotland is in 6. The Vnion of the two Kingdoms That the English Horse which are come into Scotland are not received the English Commissioners declaring to the Parliament there that these Horse come not by any authority of the Parliament of England They lye at their own charge and pay Quarter 14. Divers Compositions passed An Explanatory Ordinance for sale of Bishops Lands sent up to the Lords Reference of a Petition touching matter of Priviledge upon a Bond from a peer who doth not now sit in the House of Lords Sir Hardress Waller published a Declaration or Representation to the Counties of Devonshire and Cornwall where he commanded the Forces Expressing the Honour and Justice of the Parliament and their General in their proceedings and in the distribution of the Forces in those Counties and touching the Assessments and freeing the Countreys from the burden of free Quarter perswading them to complyance with the Orders of Parliament and to pay the Assessments and promiseth his utmost endeavour in his Station to preserve and further the Peace and good of those Counties 15. A Message from the Lords to the Commons That their Lordsnips had agreed to the Ordinance for the maintenance of the Army under Sir Thomas Fairfax Also that they had agreed to the Ordinance for committing the custody of the great Seal of England into the hands of Commissioners of both Houses viz. The Earl of Kent Sir Thomas Widdrington Knight and Bulstrode Whitelocke Esquire for one year only their Lordships desired that the Lord Grey of Werke might be added to the said Commissioners and that one Lord and one Commoner might be of the Quorum And in regard the Commissioners of the House of Commons were in the Circuits and shall not return till the beginning of the next Term whereby much dammage would accrue to the Subject by not having Commissions and Writs Sealed before the Term as usually it was desired that the Earl of Kent and the Lord Grey might have power to sign Commissions and Writs till the tenth of April next to which the Commons after some debate assented The Ordinance of both Houses of Parliament for the custody of the great Seal was of this Tenor Die Mercurii 15 Martii 1647. An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament for Committing the Great Seal of England into the Hands and Custody of Commissioners The Lords and Commons in Parliament Assembled do Order and Ordain
and be it Ordained That the Great Seal of England shall be committed to the custody and keeping of Henry Earl of Kent William Lord Grey of Werke Sir Thomas Widdrington Knight and Bulstrode Whitelocke Esquire who are hereby Ordained Commissioners for that purpose for and during the time of one whole year from the Passing of this Ordinance Which said Persons are hereby constituted and appointed to be Commissioners for the Custody of the said Great Seal of England during the time aforesaid and they or any two of them whereof one Member of the Lords House also one Member of the House of Commons shall have and are hereby authorized to have the Custody and Keeping Ordering and Disposing thereof as also all such and the like Powers and Authorities as any Lord Chancellor or Lord Keeper or Commissioners of the Great Seal of England for the time being hath Lawfully had and used or ought to have had or used John Brown Cler. Parliamentorum Henry Elsinge Cler. Parliam Dom. Com. Orders upon private Petitions of Grievances Letters from Ireland That the Lord Inchequin relieved some Garrisons of the English in Tipperary entred Carricke and Fortified a Pass to make good his Retreat blew open the Gate of Cullen by a Petard entred the Town took two Castles by Assault and put three hundred Soldiers to the Sword and some Women notwithstanding order to the contrary and then took in another strong Castle upon Mercy That Owen Roe Oneal is dead and the Supreme Councel fled from Kilkenny That the Parliaments Ships took three of the Rebells Ships loaden with Ammunition and Captain Ball took an Irish Man of War 16. Orders for taking off several Sequestrations in performance of Articles of War Ten thousand pound accepted for the Composition of Sir Jo. Strangeway and his Son and ordered for the Navy The Lord Fairfax Father to the General having a bruise on his Foot where a Corn was growing it festred and turn'd to a Gangrene which brought a Feaver upon him whereof he died at York March 13. and was much lamented Order that Sir Thomas Fairfax his Son should be Keeper of Pontefract Castle Custos Rotulorum of York-shire and chief Ranger c. in the place of his Father Order for Papists to be admitted to Compositions in performance of the Articles of Oxford 17. Long debate upon the Confession of Faith allmost all the day Several Ordinances pass'd for placing Ministers in vacant Benefices 18. The House sate not but according to their Order the Grand Committee sate about the business of the Fennes in Lincoln-shire 20. a Petition of London Merchants complaining of Pyrats and decay of Trade was referred to a Committee of Trade which was revived with power to consider of removing Obstructions in Trade and to receive all Petitions concerning the advance of Trade And referred to the Committee of the Admiralty to provide a sufficient guard for the Merchants Ships Letters of the Proceedings of the Commissioners in Scotland and of their Letters to the Major of Berwicke giving him notice of a design to surprize that Town and the Major's Answer Order for a Letter of thanks to the Major and to desire him to preserve the Town from Garrisoning according to the Treaty and order to the General to prevent any inconvenience by such meetings of the Cavaliers and Papists Letters from York of another Troop Landed from Ireland at Chester which marched towards Scotland That the Lord Fairfax the General 's Father was honourably buried Letters from Scotland of Divisions in their Parliament Some for raising an Army against the Sectaries in England others for the King and a third Party for no War The Clergy were for an Oath to be generally taken That Presbyterial Government be maintained that the King be not restored till he sign the Covenant to endeavour the extirpation of all Sectaries especially Erastianisme that the Ecclesiastical power is not subject to the Civil that the Kings Negative Vote in England be taken away Captain Wogan had Money sent to him in Scotland to pay his Quarters but by whom will not be discovered there are four hundred Foot and a Troop of Horse of the English in a Body 21. Letters that Col. Poyer held out in Pembroke Castle against the orders of Parliament and the Forces sent thither by the General that in the Morning he is sober and penitent and in the afternoon drunk and full of Plots that he put four or five of his Companions in the best Apparel he could get and by Sunrising put them out at the Sally-port and received them in again at the Gate himself with great Ceremony giving out in the Town that they were Commanders sent out of France to him from the Prince of Wales and more were to follow That when he hears news that pleaseth him then he puts forth bloody Colours and declares for the King and Common-Prayer when he hears other news then he is for the Oath and Covenant and puts forth blew and white Colours That one day he fired all his Guns on the Parliaments Forces without any occasion that afterwards he was very quiet yet the next day he vowed that not one of the Parliaments Forces should go away alive and calls the General King Thomas That the Parliaments Forces lye close and make no Shot at him but none of his men dare peep out of Town Upon Summons sent to him his answer was that if they might have their Arrears Disbursements and Indemnity they would give up the Castle The House ordered the General to send sufficient Forces to reduce Col. Poyer and Pembroke Castle an Ordinance to remove him from being Major of Pembroke and to constitute another Order for a Months Pay for the Forces in the Isle of Wight and for an allowance for four Gentlemen attending his Majesty Debate about Compositions upon surrenders of Garrisons A Plot was discovered by the General to surprize the Tower this night 22. Orders upon many private Petitions Ordinance past touching the Collecting of the Rents of Westminster Colledge The Commons agreed with the Lords in the Doctrinal part of the Confession of Faith but altered the Title from the Confession of Faith to be Articles of Faith agreed upon by both Houses 23. Debate touching Oxford Articles and about clipped and false Money Ordinance about reimbursing the Committee of Surrey for Money laid out by them for the Soldiery Order for a Writ for a new Election 24. Debate about setling of a good Ministry in some vacant places and Ordinances for some particular Parishes Order for two thousand pound for repairing the Library at Cambridge to be raised out of Deans and Chapters Revenues and an Order for incouragement of the Heads of Colledges there The General sent strict Orders for the disbanding of Major General Laugherne's Forces according to the Orders of Parliament and for the reducing of Col. Poyer 25. The Ordinance passed both Houses for setling the business of the Navy
in Essex to Joyn with him they quartered at Bowe and Colonel Whaley with a party of the Parliaments Horse at Mile-end some Skirmishes were between their Scouts The Houses passed an Act of Indempnity for all of them except Goring and some few others if they forthwith lay down Armes and the Act was sent down to them Letters from Scotland of great distractions among them and difficulties to raise their Army which the Clergy opposed and Mr. Galaspe preached to be against the Covenant Letters from New-castle of the preparations in Scotland if their differences hinder not for an Armies coming into England that Berwick and Carlisle are supplyed with Armes and other things from thence that the Scots in Ireland are expected and money sent to fetch them that Langdale's Forces were about eight thousand and no relief from the Parliament of England to their Party 6. About twenty of the Kings party came with Corn and Frocks over their Clothes pretending to supply Pontefract Castle and having Armes under their Frocks they seised upon the main guard part of whom they had corrupted and another Party of the Kings lying in Ambuscadoe near hand entred and surprised the Castle The House referred it to the Committee of Derby house to consider of the speedy sending some of the Forces in Wales to the Northern parts Upon information from the Militia of London that the Spanish Ambassador here by reason of some Victories lately obtained in Spain had appointed Bonefires to be made which would occasion great confluence of Malignants and tumults the House sent to desire the Ambassador to forbear the same in these tumultuous times till the Peace of the Kingdom should be better setled Order for the Garrison of Leverpoole to be taken into pay The Lords concurred in the discharge of the seven impeached Lords the eleven Members and the three Aldermen in London An Ordinance committed for the sequestring the Estate of Powell Langhorne and Poyer and proceeding against them as Delinquents The General sent Colonel Rich to raise the siege at Dover Letters from Wales that Overton's Regiment and part of Sir W. Constable's Regiment commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Reade Stormed the Suburbs of Tenby took twenty Horse and killed some that about a Week after that the Town and Castle were surrendred upon mercy to the Parliament That the Townsmen seeing nothing but ruine brought the desperate Officers and Country Gentlemen to a complyance although they had sufficient provision three hundred Souldiers thirty five Guns mounted and twelve Barrels of Powder That Pembroke Town and Castle was besieged by Lieutenant General Cromwell that Poyer had in the Castle three hundred Horse and many Foot That the Lion a Ship of the Parliaments riding in Milford Haven sent to Cromwell two Drakes two Demy Culverins and two whole Culverins that when two of them were planted and shot off against the Castle at the same time the Parliaments Souldiers Stormed a Village under the South gate of the Town of great advantage to the Besiegers Which Poyer perceiving pulled in his red Flag That the Horse in the Town made desperate Sallies but were beaten back with loss on both sides they desired to come out but it would not be granted but upon Mercy that they had no grass for their Horses but pulled off the thatch from the Houses for them they gave no quarter to the Parliaments Dragoons nor the Dragoons to them 7. The assembly of Divines presented to the House a congratulatory Letter from the Assembly here to the Assembly in Scotland to strenghen the Amity and Vnion of both Kingdoms which the House approved Order to forbid the making of Reading a Garrison or any other Town in Barkshire without leave from the Parliament A Passe from both Houses to Prince Philip to return with twelve Horses beyond Seas Upon a Petition of the Inhabitants of Westminster M r. Glyn who served for them was readmitted a Member of the House Order for securing New-port Paganel Intelligence that the Malignants were up in Lincolnshire under Colonel D r. Hudson and Colonel Stiles Letters that Co. Rich had relieved Dover-Castle and that Sir Richard Hardresse who besieged it with two thousand men and had taken the block Houses Ordnance and Ammunition fled upon the approach of Colonel Rich and Sir Miles Livesy who were possest of the Town block-Houses and all their quarters and Ordnance and Colonel Rich in pursuit of Sir Richard Hardress Letters from Essex that the Parliaments Commissioners having published the Indempnity at Bowe Sir William Hickes and divers other Gentle-men submitted and the Lord Goring retreated but Sir Charles Lucas perswaded them not to lay down Armes but to continue in a Body and that they had seised upon Sir William Hickes and other Gentlemen and plundered some to the discontent of the Inhabitants The General sent some additional Forces to Colonel Whaley by direction of the House and that he should presently fall on the Essex men And the Members of Norfolk and Suffolk had Instructions from the Committee of Derby House for preservation of the Peace of those Counties Letters from Jersy of cruel oppressions and tyranny by Cartwright the Governor there and solliciting for relief 8. Letters from Colonel Waite that he had fallen upon those who made an insurrection at Stamford had killed their Commander D r. Hudson and others and taken many of them Prisoners but discharged the Country-men The House approved what he had done and Ordered him thanks for it and that the General should send him a Commission of Marshal Law to try the Prisoners Referred to a Committee to take order for transporting beyond Sea some of the Prisoners taken in Kent and Essex except such as had formerly served the Parliament and revolted from them and those to be tryed by Marshal Law Referred to the Master and Wardens of the Water-men to sind out and disfranchise such Water-men as had joyned with the Rebels in Kent and Essex and the like for the London Apprentices Order for the Militia to put in execution the Ordinance for putting Papists and Delinquents out of the Lines Letters from the Navy that the Ships at Portsmouth submitted to the Earl of Warwick and resolved to be for the Parliament 9. Intelligence that the Lord Capell was very active in Hertfordshire to raise a Body for the King referred to the Committee of Derby House to take speedy order to suppress them A Petition from the County of Sussex answered with Courtesy 10. Letters from North-Wales that Colonel Garter and Lieutenant Colonel Twisselden with the assistance of thirty Horse and seventy Foot from Chester intending to joyn with Colonel Mason and Colonel Mitton who were in Caernarvon Castle marched towards them but Sir Jo. Owen to prevent their joyning drew off from his siege of Caernarvon with an hundred and fifty Horse and an hundred and twenty Foot and met Colonel Carter upon his March The
Parliament being in great danger by reason of the Malignant party flocking up to London upon some design at the breach of the Treaty and most of them armed with Daggers and Pistols in their Pockets A Committee appointed to confer with the Common Council of London concerning the Security of the Parliament and Kingdom and to report with speed 5. The Streets were full of Bonefires this being the Gunpowder Treason day 6. The Commons concurred with the Lords that the number of the persons to be excepted from pardon should be seven and Voted three of those seven to be the Lord Digby the Earl of Newcastle and Sir Marmaduke Langdale Letters from the Gentlemen of the four Northern Counties that upon Conference with Lieutenant General Cromwel it was held necessary to have twelve hundred Foot in Berwick and six hundred Foot in Carlisle and two Regiments of Horse six hundred in a Regiment to suppress any insurrection and the Moss-troupers They desire in regard of the great sufferings of those Counties that these Forces may be maintained at the general charge of the Kingdom these being frontier Garrisons and those Counties will be willing to pay their proportions With these Letters came a Petition Complaining of the want of bread in those Counties that many Gentlemen of quality and their Families had no other drink but Water of imprisoning their persons dispeopling their Towns destroying their Corn and Goods killing their Neighbors and Country-men driving away their Cattle compelling all betwixt the Age of sixty and sixteen to bear Arms against the Parliament Of bringing in to this Kingdom a foreign Nation and delivering into the Scots hands the two considerable places of Berwick and Carlisle that many of the actors in that horrid design are returned to their homes to plot new Treasons They press for justice against those Delinquents and a Commission of Oyer and Terminer to be sent down for trial of them The House past no Vote upon this letter and Petition Letters from St. Albans of a day appointed for the meeting of the Officers of the Army and that the cry of free-quarter was so great in the ears of the Souldiers that it was to be feared it would occasion some distemper among them By this Petition and by these Letters you may take notice of the miserable effects of Civil War and of the condition of even the victors to be continued full of fears and dangers to themselves A Complaint came against the ill management of the Siege before Pontefract by Sir Henry Cholmely and Lieutenant General Cromwel was come thither 7. Orders touching the winter guard of Ships Vote That Sir Richard Greenvile Judge Jenkins Sir Francis Doddington Sir John Winter should be the rest of the seven Persons excepted from Pardon Letters that Major General Lambert with three Regiments of Horse was still in Scotland and that the well affected there could not act securely without them that they quarter upon the contrary Party Letters from the Hague that the Prince was there sick of the small Pox and that his Seamen were much discontented that the Lord Willoughby and Sir William Batten had left him 8. Upon Letters from Colonel Welden Governor of Plymouth Orders for pay for that Garrison The consideration of the Garrisons of Berwick and Carlisle referred to the Committee of Derby-House and orders for Money for disbanding supernumerary Forces Vote that no more than seven Persons should be excepted from Pardon An Ordinance past both Houses for pay of their Guards Several Lords and Commons came from the Treaty the Earl of Northumberland M r Pierrepoint and M r Holles staid behind divers also of the Kings people came away His Majesty made a further condescention touching the Church but did stick at the word Bishop yet was content he should be in the condition only of a Primer Presbyter and was not willing Bishops lands should be sold Letters from Ireland of the desperate condition of that Kingdom and the distress of Dublin by the Lord Ormonds joyning with the Rebels Letters from St. Albans that the general Council of the Army met and the Officers expressed a great sence of the odium cast upon the Army as they suspect by design to hinder their pay that they might be forced to take free-quarter 9. Upon jealousie of a design to surprise the Tower order that the Committee of the Tower do advise with the Lord Mayor concerning the security thereof and have power to remove and appoint what Guards they please there Order for an Ordinance to authorize the several Committees in the Counties to receive security of all the Delinquents in the respective Counties who have not compounded not to go above five Miles from their dwellings not to act any thing prejudicial to the Parliament and such as shall refuse this to be secured by the Committees The Commissioners returned from the Isle of Wight made report to the House of all their transactions in the Treaty and of the Kings last Concessions touching the Church That he doth not intend to make any more new Bishops during three years nor that after the three years the power of Ordination should be practised in the old manner but with consent that Bishops shall not receive any into Holy Orders without the consent of a limited number of Presbyters to be chosen in such manner as shall be agreed by his Majesty and the two Houses That his Majesty purposed after the agreement and within the three years to have a consultation with the Assembly of Divines twenty being added of his Majesties nomination for the settlement of the Church Government That his Majesty will not insist upon any provision for continuance of the Book of Common Prayer in his Majesties Chappel for himself and his Houshold but declares that he intends to use some other set form of Divine Service That he consents to Acts to be passed for a further course and more strict to prevent the saying and hearing of Mass in the Court or elsewhere That in what he hath not consented he is not really satisfied in conscience and hopes his two Houses will not put further pressures of so tender a nature upon him The Commissioners had the thanks of the House for their good service in the Treaty and a day set to debate upon his Majesties final answer Orders for relief of the maimed Souldiers and for disbanding of Supernumerary Forces 10. Ordinance for repaying mony advanced for the Treaty Order for mony for payment of the Horse-guards of the Parliament Vote that the Lords Goring Capel Loughborough the Earl of Holland Major General Laugherne and Sir John Owen shall be banished out of the Kingdom 11. Vote that his Majesties answer to the discipline of the Church and as to the continuing of Bishops is unsatisfactory The like concerning his laying aside the Common Frayer for himself and his own family The like concerning his mentioning to
of the Army two Regiments of Foot and several Troops of Horse were quartered in London and the Treasuries secured in Haberdashers-Hall Weavers-Hall and Goldsmiths-Hall whereof the General by his Letter acquainted the Lord Mayor and City before hand And gave his reasons for the doing of it because they had not paid their arrears of the Assessment nor furnished the Money which he desired of them and that they had by order of Parliament quartered in several Counties on those who did not pay the Assessment till they paid the same That yet if they would advance for the Army forty thousand pound in part of their arrears the Souldiers should not be further troublesome to them A party of Souldiers going by mistake to the Excise House to seize the Money there the General recalled them and wrote a Letter to the Commissioners of Excise to excuse it 9. A Committee of the Common Council made some proposals to the General and Council of the Army touching their security for forty thousand pounds which the General demanded of them which they promised to advance and humbly desired that the Army might this night withdraw out of the City To this the General answered that if within fourteen days the City would pay in all their arrears of the Assessment that then the Army should withdraw but that in the mean time their quartering in the City would facilitate the work The Foot were quartered in private Houses the Horse in Inns and two more Regiments marched into the City and took up their quarters there this day 11. The Houses sate not but to the General and general Council of the Army was â—resented a new Representative or an agreement of the people propounded as a Rule for future government to be published to the view of all that any might offer what they thought fit against it or of alteration or addition to any part of it Much of the same matter was contained therein as in their late Remonstrance this was more large giving rules for future Elections of Representatives of the people they to have the supream authority and this Parliament to be dissolved in April next and then a new Representative to sit Divers Rules for the Election of them Officers and Malignants to be incapable of electing or being elected and generally of the power and equal distribution of the Members of this Representative to be in all three hundred Persons c. The frame of this agreement of the people was thought to be for the most part made by Commissary General Ireton a man full of invention and industry who had a little knowledg of the Law which led him into the more errours Little business in the Chancery The Lord Grey of Groby came to the Lord Grey one of the Commissioners and wished them not to sit to morrow because it would be a busy day It seems he was acquainted with the private Councils of the Army They advised together about this matter and resolved to meet to morrow at Westminster and to do as they should see cause as to the hearing of Motions or other business of the Chancery 12. Both Houses sate the Commons ordered two Troops of Horse in Northamptonshire to be continued for a Month longer under Major Butler and Captain Strike Petitions from Bristol and Exon complaining of the neglect of guarding those Coasts that ten Merchants Ships had been taken by the Irish the last week the Petitions referred to the Committee of the Navy A Letter from the Lord Admiral of the grounds of his coming from Goree to the Downes to avoid the danger of being frozen up and because he wanted Victual referred to the Committee of the Navy Vpon debate of the last proposals and desires of the Army Voted That the Vote for revoking the Order of disabling the eleven Members and re-admitting them into the House when a charge of so high a nature lay against them was un-Parliamentary and of dangerous consequence and was now made Null They Voted likewise that the Vote of this House concurring with the Lords to take off the former Vote which forbid any more addresses to the King was highly dishonourable to the proceedings of Parliament and apparently destructive to the good of the Kingdom Major General Brown Sir Jo. Clotworthy Sir William Waller Colonel Massey and Colonel Copley were apprehended by the Army and sent Prisoners to S t James's House M r Pelham M r Vaughan and some other of the Members that were Prisoners had liberty given upon their Paroles The City sent in Beds for the Souldiers whereupon the General ordered them to be removed from private Houses and Quartered in empty Houses Letters from Ireland that the Marquess of Ormond was piecing up the differences among the Rebels and that their main design was against Dublin 13. Voted that the Votes of non-Addresses to the King shall stand and that the Votes for revocation of them and that for a personal Treaty with the King in the Isle of Wight were highly dishonourable to the proceedings of Parliament and apparently dectructive to the good of the Kingdom Letters with the Catalogue of twenty Commanders who were for the Parliament lately come in to the Lord Ormond Several Members did forbear going to the House not being satisfied whether they might with a safe conscience be in the House or not having such a force upon them and lest they should countenance that force On the other side they considered whether it were fit for such as had no force upon them and were not forbidden to be in the House to be absent and wholly to omit their duty or rather to continue therein whereby they might help to keep up the Parliament lest it should be dissolved which the Souldiers wished and thereby the whole power be given up into the hands of the Army Sir Thomas Widdrington did forbear going to the House this day 14. Referred to the Committee of the Army to confer with the General and Officers of the Army how the last six Months Assessment may be raised and payed to the Souldiers Order for two hundred pound for Colonel Ewers now Governor of Hurst Castle Order to repeal the former Ordinance for setling the Militia it being made upon design to destroy the present Army and that a new Ordinance be brought in for the Militia Debate of a Letter to be sent to the General to desire that a charge may be brought in against such of their Members not admitted to sit against whom they have any matter and that the rest against whom they have no matter may have the freedom to sit in the House Letters from Hurst Castle that his Majesty was in health and had good accommodations that he desired of the Governour to have two of his own Chaplains to pray and preach with him and to have liberty to write to the Queen and to the Prince 15. Debate touching provisions for the Navy and orders for pay
near to Dublin and took away much Cattle From Coventry That a Souldier of C. Prides Regiment was sentenced to be tyed neck and heels together and to be set where the whole Regiment should march by him and to be cashiered for stealing a Hen and putting it under his Coat in his March which Justice pleased the Country 12 A Letter from the Officers of the General his Regiment of Foot to their fellow Souldiers exhorting them to Prayer and Vnity and full of pertinent and wholsom Scripture Expressions and good Councel 13 From Chefler that the Bishop General Macmoghun a vicious wicked wretch is in the head of the Northern Irish From Newcastle That in the Marches of Scotland they have listed every fourth man That some of their Forces are marched to Sea Towns to attend the arrival of their King That they are much started at the News of the English Armies marching Northwards That they will not believe Cromwel to be come to London That the Kirkmen bid the People not to fear as the Malignants even so shall all Sectaries Perish The Solemn Fast kept the Parliament Councel of State G. Fairfax L. G. Cromwel and the Judges being all together 14 From Edenburgh That Dalgely of Montrosses Party being sentenced to be beheaded and brought to the Scaffold ran and kissed the Scaffold and without any Speech or Ceremony layed down his Head on the Block and was presently beheaded That they recruite their Army That they put it to the Vote in Parliament Whether they should make any more addresses to the King and it was carryed to send another Letter to him To desire his speedy coming thither and they will endeavour to set him on his Throne and will passe by those things contrary tohis Agreement found in the Letters about Montross if he will now come in and comply with them and they forbid divers great Men to come into Scotland From Beaumaris That Sir Thomas Armstrong the Lord Moore M. G. Oneal M. G. Barry with divers Officers and 250 Horse came into Dublin From C. Reynolds That few strong Places in Ireland remain unreduced That some of their Ministers Preach Damnation to the Parliaments Army and to all that Assist them That the Army and Garrisons there subscribed the Ingagement unanimously so have the Magistrates and generally the Inhabitants though not required to do it That the Enemy taking Toome Veneables was sent to reduce them which he did and in the mean time the Enemy got into the Woods between his Party and Sir Charles Coots that they could not joyn That in their absence many Scotch Ministers were sent to debauch the People in those parts of Ireland That the Enemy are about 5000 Foot besides Horse yet dare not fight with a much smaller Party of the Parliaments Forces who are almost naked and full of sickness for want of Cloaths That they secured some Scotch Ministers 15 Letters of a very solemn keeping of the Fast day at Shrewsbury and of the Militia settled in Herefordshire Of a great perplexity in Scotland by the Kings delaying his coming thither and of Montrosses Brother designing to sail with his Brothers Frigot to Norway the Captain and divers others being on Shore the rest of the Mariners brought the Ship to Leith and in it divers Papers of consequence with Subscriptions of Ministers and Lords to the Declaration of Montross 17 Letters That the Levyes go on in Scotland and that the People cry out upon the Taxes and they shall be undone if the English Army come into Scotland before theirs be ready That the Ministers do preach against what their Commissioners have done That the Parliament Army about York is full of Courage and desirous of Service That in Holland Van Trump commanded out all the Men of War to wait on the Prince into Scotland The Parliament had a long debate and passed several Votes about ordering of Monies for the Armies in England and Ireland 18 Several Orders about Monies for the Navy and for Supplies for them and for the Forces in England and Ireland Letters from several Garrisons to the Officers of the Army at the Head Quarters in answer to theirs about the Fast and which were full of Courage and Piety 19. Letters that the Vlsters about 6000 in a body 〈◊〉 dmuch spoyl in Sir Charles Cootes Quarters That the Clergy about Chester kept a Fast Day rather to pray against than for the Parliament and Army Of Recruits ready for Ireland That 900 in one Parish near Leverpool willingly took the Ingagement That divers Gentlemen about Exon were secured by the Militia there That the Ministers there refused to publish the Fast Day but the People generally kept it and shut up their Ships That the Ld. G. his Regiment and the Train were at Nottingham in their March North-wards 20 Letters to the Officers of the Army at the Head Quarters from some of their fellow Officers and Souldiers and it was strange to see in many of those Letters the wonderful zeal and affection of the Officers and Souldiers to the Parliaments Service and with what a Spirit of Prayer and Piety not usual in Camps they were carried on and incouraged one another Letters that Mr. Ayscam the Parliaments Agent to the King of Spain at his first arrival at Madri took up his lodging in an Inn there the first night that the next day a more convenient house was provided for him by his Steward That in the mean time Mr. Ayscam and his Interpreter being at dinner in the Inn with one Footman attending them six English Men three of them habited as Merchants the other three as Souldiers knocked at the door and being admitted because they were English Men Mr. Ascam rose from the Table to salute them As he saluted them the formost laid hold on his hair and stabbed him into the Head whereupon the Interpreter endeavoured to escape but was stabbed in the belly and they both fell down dead immediately The Murderers fled for refuge to the Venetian Ambassadors house but he denyed them entrance and then they took Sanctuary in the next Church Mr. Ayscams Papers and Goods were secured by the Spanish Secretary of State and a Guard allowed to Mr. Ascams Secretary till his return for England Two Troopers sentenced by a Court Marshal for Raunters and Cashiered the Army 21 Letters that 5000 of the Irish were fallen into the County of Derry to hinder the joyning of Sir Charles Coot and Veneables Of an Hue and Cry sent from the Lords Commissioners of the great Seal after Captain Dowglas and that in search of him another notorious Delinquent was found who leaped out of a Window eight foot high yet was apprehended and sent to Prison That since the Forces went from Dublin to Trecoghan the Tories fell into those Parts and drove away many Cows from about Dublin That a Party of 80 of the Parliaments Horse being sent after the Tories to rescue the Prey and dispersed
That C. Pines Militia Regiment of 1200 had a Rendezvous and shewed great forwardness 7 Letters that C. Fenwick with the great Guns played against Hume Castle and that the Governour sent this Letter to him I William of the Wastle Am now in my Castle And awe the Dogs in the Town Shand garre me gang down Letters of a party pursuing the Earl of Castle-haven in Ireland And that Corn is extream dear there That liberty being given to the Dutch to carry Provisions Custom-free to the Parliaments Army in Scotland many Dutch Ships are preparing to supply the Army 8 Letters of an Ostender refusing to come in to one of the Parliaments Frigots she sunk the Ostender 10 Letters that the Mortar-Pieces had done great Execution against Hume-Castle and spoiled many rich Goods there and the great Guns had made Breaches whereupon C. Fenwick resolved upon a Storm and the Officers cast lots who should lead on to it But the Governour beat a parley Fenwick refused to treat unless they would presently surrender upon Quarter for Life which they did and Fenwick appointed some Officers to look to the equal sharing of the Goods among his Souldiers only the Governours Lady had liberty to carry out some of her Goods and Bedding for her accommodation That the Army began their March with eight Regiments of Foot and nine of Horse towards Sterling That there are great Divisions among the Scots 11 Vote that â—he Councel of State should be altered for the year ensuing twenty one of the old Members to continue in still and twenty new Members to be chosen in This was done by way of balletting The old Members which continued were Cromwel Bradshaw Rolles St. John Skippen Sir Arthur Haselrigg Sir Gilbert Pickering Sir Henry Vane Junior Sir William Masham Sir William Armyn Sir Henry Mildmay Sir James Harrington Whitelock Lisse Lord Grey C. Purefoy Scot Challoner Walton Bond Gourden The Names of the new Members were Sir T. Widdrington Prideaux Major General Harrison Strickland Lieutenant Ceneral Fleetwood Sir John Trevor Sir William Brereton Sir John Bouchier Love Allen Salwey Lister Thomson Cary Fielder Darley Say Cawley Goodwyn Lemman 12 Letters of a Court Marshal at Plymouth they began with Prayer and condemned three Souldiers to dye for running away from their Colours 13 Letters of a Ship taken at Poole by the Pyrates pretending Commission from the King 14 Letters that the Scots in a Village called Geddard rose and armed themselves and set upon Captain Dawson as he returned from pursuing some Moss-Troopers killed his Guide and Trumpet and took him and eight of his Party and after they had given them Quarter killed them all in cold Blood That the Lord Deputy had scattered the Rebells and was returned to Dublin 15 Letters that the General marched with his Army three dayes Westward but by reason of the extream Snow and Storms they were forced to return back to Edenburgh That the Enemy were sufficiently allarmed by this March and fled to Sterling but none appeared against the English 17 Letters that the General had been ill in Scotland and some miscarriages in some of the Souldiers in their late March which were punished And the General set out a Proclamation That none should buy any Goods of Souldiers without their Officers hand to attest it That General Ruthen was dead And the Cavaliers of the deepest dye hold colour best in Scotland That the Presbyterians see how they are deceived and preach against them as much as they dare That Tantallon Castle was besieged by C. Monk and the Town was burnt by the Governour 18 Letters that Sir Hardress Waller and Cromwell had relieved the English Garrisons in Kerry and taken four from the Irish and made their Army fly and killed as many of them as they found That in the mean time the Irish got together in a Body from several places imagining the English could not draw forth another Party of any strength to oppose them But by reason of Divisions among themselves the Irish could not have a Conjunction and Body together above 3 or 4000. That the English drew all the strength they could against them but could not attack them General Blake had the thanks of the House for his great and faithful Service Instructions and Credentials passed for the Ambassadors to be sent to the United Provinces 19 Letters that the Irish being abroad in several Parties Collonel Reynolds with one Party and Collonel Hewson with another were out to attend the motions of the Enemy That four Parliament Troopers were taken by the Scots near Carlisle three of them were killed and the fourth saved his Life by swearing he was a Scot. That the Scots would laugh in the Faces of the English and take the next opportunity to cut their throats 20 Letters of disturbance of the execution of the Militia about Cambridgeshire by some of the Commissioners being Malignants 21 Letters of Recruits in Cornwall readily coming to be under Sir Hardress Waller in Ireland That the settling of the Militia and subscribing the Ingagement goes on readily in those parts That the Scilly Pyrates took a rich Londoner and several Merchant-men have been taken on the Western Coast by the Jersey Pyrates 22 Letters that the Ministers about Northampton did generally refuse to take the Ingagement 24 Letters that a Hoy of Hamborough coming with Cheese for Leith and brought by stress of weather into the North of Scotland was there seized on and examined and shewed Coquets for Haver de gras in France whereupon he was dismist and a Scots Man imbarqued with him for Haver de gras The Hamburgher having thus got free brought his Cheese and the Scots Man to Leith Mr. Fry a Member of Parliament being accused by C. Downes another Member in Parliament for a Book written by Mr. Fry and Mr. Fry having Printed another Book with all this matter in it The House Voted this to be a Breach of the Priviledge of Parliament They Voted other matters in the Book to be Erroneous Prophane and highly Scandalous That the Book be burnt and Mr. Fry disabled to sit in Parliament as a Member thereof Several Persons executed for robbing the Charter-house Hospital 25 Letters that the Lord Deputy had settled the Customs at Waterford and those parts and incouraged the Natives to plow and sow their Land and restrained the killing of Lambs That the Plague was broken out at Waterford whereupon the Lord Deputy removed to Kilkenny to be nearer to the Enemy That two Troops fell upon the Tories killed about 50 of them and took some Prisoners That the Souldiers were in great want of Victuals and Cloaths Proposals were agreed by the Lord Deputy and his Commission granted to C. Lawrence for raising a Regiment of 1200 in England and to transport them to Waterford The Parliament approved of them and referred it to the Lord Deputy and the Commissioners in Ireland to see them executed Referred
Parliament and given signal Testimony of their good Affections thereunto shall be disabled and be uncapable to be Elected or to give any Vote in the Election of any Members to serve in the next Parliament or in the three succeeding Triennial Parliaments XV. That all such who have advised assisted or abetted the Rebellion of Ireland shall be disabled and uncapable for ever to be Elected or to give any Vote in the Election of any Member to serve in Parliament as also all such who do or shall profess the Roman Catholick Religion XVI That all Votes and Elections given or made contrary or not according to these Qualifications shall be null and void And if any person who is hereby made uncapable shall give his Vote for Election of Members to serve in Parliament such person shall lose and forfeit one full years value of his real estate and one full third part of his personal estate one moity thereof to the Lord Protector and the other moity to him or them who shall sue for the same XVII That the persons who shall be Elected to serve in Parliament shall be such and no other then such as are persons of known Integrity fearing God and of good conversation and being of the age of One and twenty years XVIII That all and every person and persons seized or possessed to his own use of any Estate real or personal to the value of Two hundred pounds and not within the aforesaid Exceptions shall be capable to Elect Members to serve in Parliament for Counties XIX That the Chancellor Keeper or Commissioners of the Great Seal shall be sworn before they enter into their Offices truly and faithfully to issue forth and send abroad Writs of Summons to Parliaments at the times and in the manner before exprest And in case of neglect or failer to issue and send abroad Writs accordingly he or they shall for every such offence be guilty of High Treason and suffer the pains and penalties thereof XX. That in case Writs be not issued out as is before exprest but that there be a neglect therein fifteen days after the time wherein the same ought to be issued out by the Chancellor Keeper or Commissioners of the Great Seal that then the Parliament shall as often as such failer shall happen assemble and be held at Westminster in the usual place at the times prefixt in manner and by the means hereafter expressed That is to say That the Sheriffs of the several and respective Counties Sherievedoms Cities Boroughs and places aforesaid within England Wales Scotland and Ireland the Chancellor Masters and Scholars of the Vniversity of Oxford and Cambridge and the Mayor and Bayliffs of the Borough of Berwick upon Tweed and other the places aforesaid respectively shall at the several Courts and places to be appointed as aforesaid within Thirty days after the said Fifteen days cause such Members to be chosen for their said several and respective Counties Sherievedoms Vniversities Cities Boroughs and places aforesaid by such persons and in such manner as if several and respective Writs of Summons to Parliament under the Great Seal had issued and been awarded according to the Tenor abovesaid That if the Sheriff or other persons authorized shall neglect his or their duty herein That all and every such Sheriff and person authorized as aforesaid so neglecting his or their duty shall for every such offence be guilty of High Treason and shall suffer the pains and penalties thereof XXI That the Clerk called The Clerk of the Common-wealth in Chancery for the time being and all others who shall afterwards execute that Office to whom the Returns shall be made shall for the next Parliament and the two succeeding Triennial Parliaments the next day after such Return certifie the Names of the several persons so returned and of the places for which he and they were chosen respectively unto the Council who shall peruse the said Returns and examine whether the persons so Elected and Returned be such as is agreeable to the Qualifications and not disabled to be Elected And that every person and persons being so duly Elected and being approved of by the major part of the Council to be persons not disabled but qualified as aforesaid shall be esteemed a Member of Parliament and be admitted to sit in Parliament and not otherwise XXII That the persons chosen and assembled in manner aforesaid or any Sixty of them shall be and be deemed the Parliament of England Scotland and Ireland and the Supream Legislative Power to be and reside in the Lord Protector and such Parliament in manner herein exprest XXIII That the Lord Protector with the advice of the major part of the Council shall at any other time than is before exprest when the necessities of the State shall require it summon Parliaments in manner before exprest which shall not be Adjourned Prorogued or Dissolved without their own consent during the first three Months of their Sitting And in case of future War with any Foreign State a Parliament shall be forthwith Summoned for their Advice concerning the same XXIV That all Bills agreed unto by the Parliament shall be presented to the Lord Protector for his consent and in case he shall not give his consent thereto within twenty days after they shall be presented to him or give satisfaction to the Parliament within the time limited That then upon Declaration of the Parliament That the Lord Protector hath not consented nor given Satisfaction such Bills shall pass into and become Laws although he shall not give his consent thereunto provided such Bills contain nothing in them contrary to the matters contained in these Presents XXV That Philip Lord Viscount Lisle Charles Fleet-wood Esquire John Lambert Esquire Sir Gilbert Pickering Baronet Sir Charles Wolseley Baronet Sir Anthony Ashley-Cooper Bar. Edward Montague Esq John Desborough Esq Walter Strickland Esq Henry Lawrence Esq William Sydenham Esq Philip Jones Esq Richard Major Esq Francis Rous Philip Skipton Esqs or any Seven of them shall be a Council for the purposes exprest in this Writing and upon the Death or other removal of any of them the Parliament shall nominate Six persons of Ability Integrity and fearing God for every one that is dead or removed out of which the major part of the Council shall Elect two and present them to the Lord Protector of which he shall Elect one And in case the Parliament shall not nominate within Twenty days after notice given unto them thereof the major part of the Council shall nominate Three as aforesaid to the Lord Protector who out of them shall supply the vacancy And until this choice be made the remaining part of the Council shall execute as fully in all things as if their number were full and in case of corruption or other miscarriage in any of the Council in their Trust the Parliament shall appoint Seven of their numbers and the Council Six who together with the Lord Chancellor Lord Keeper or
touching Recusants and about making of Salt and in the case of Mr. Hanson a Merchant of London 9. Applications in the behalf of the Civilians to be the Judges of the Admiralty and for Probate of Wills 10. Applications about the Church of the Walloons in Norwich 12. Applications about Visitors of the University of Oxford The Bill for setling the Company of Merchant Adventures 13. A Bill for a Market in Lincoln's-Inn Fields and the Bill for mitigating the Forrest Lawes and preservation of the Timber in the Forrest of Dean 14. An Account prepared for the House of the whole years disbursements for the Land and Sea Forces and Government 15. Applications touching the Earl of Bedfords Buildings in Covent Garden 19. The great business of the Setlement of the Nation 20. A Charter granted for the Town of Marleborough in the County of Wilts 26. A Bill for prices of Wines 27. An Act of Indemnity 31. A Bill to buy in Impropriations to maintain Ministers April 1657. Anno 1657 2. Application in a business in Parliament by the Lord fitz-Fitz-William 3. A Bill for the maintenance of Ministers in Bristol 4. The Parliament had been long about the Setlement of the Nation and had framed a Writing which they stiled The Humble Petition and Advice of the Parliament of England Scotland and Ireland to his Highness The first business of it was for the Protector to have the title of King This Petition and Advice was presented to his Highness by the House and he desired that a Committee might be appointed to conferr with him about it which was named and Whitelock being one of the Committee was made Chair-man When the Committee attended his Highness Whitclock spake to him upon the point of the Title of King giving reasons why he should accept of that title The Protector urged his reasons against it and Whitelock replyed The whole debate in Print 5. This day Whitelock reported to the House the passages when their Committee attended his Highness 6. Referred to a Committee to consider what was fit further to offer to the Protector in the great business this was the former Committee They attended his Highness and he appointed the next day for them to come again to him 9. A Plot discover'd by the vigilancy of Thurlo of an intended Insurrection by Major-General Harrison and many of the fifth Monarchy-Men 11. Whitelock reported to the House the Committee's waiting upon the Protector but that the new discover'd Plot hindred their proceedings at that time 12. Applications by the Officers in behalf of the Army in Ireland 13. Applications in behalf of the Company of Vintners The Committee offer'd their reasons to the Protector in the great business 14. Whitelock acquainted the House with the passages yesterday betwixt his Highness and the Committee about the title of King 16. Whitelock moved the House for their Committee to meet again with his Highness which was ordered they attended but the Protector being busy in Examining the new Plot they were put off to another day 20 Upon Whitelockes motion the Committee were ordered again to attend his Highness The Protector was satisfied in his private Judgment that it was fit for him to take upon him the title of King and matters were prepared in order thereunto but afterwards by sollicitation of the Common wealth's Men and fearing a mutiny and defection of a great part of the Army in case he should assume that Title and Office his mind changed and many of the Officers of the Army gave out high threatnings against him in case he should do it he therefore thought best to attend some better season and opportunity in this business and refused it at this time with great seeming Earnestness 21. Whitelock acquainted the House that his Highness had some things to offer to the Committee in a paper and desired them to meet him this afternoon whereupon the House adjourned till to morrow and the Committee met his Highness 22. Whitelock reported to the House the Committees attendance upon his Highness yesterday who offer'd to them a paper of particulars touching several things in the humble Petition and Advice and that the Committee are preparing a Report of the whole business thereupon the House adjourned till to Morrow 23. All the Members in Westminster being sent for into the House Whitelock made the report of the whole proceedings of the Committee with his Highness touching the title of King with the Protectors answers and Papers given in by him to the Committee which Whitelock read and afterwards the Clerk read them again and the debate of this great business was adjourned 27. The House were busy in debating the last report made by Whitelock in the business of the title of King 28. They proceeded in the same debate 29. They came to some resolutions in in that debate which were not all pleasing to his Highness May 1657. 1. The Committee of Parliament where Whitelock had the Chair according to the order of the House attended the Protector and acquainted him that the House had now perfected their answer to the papers formerly deliver'd by his Highness to the Committee who now attended him with the Parliaments answer His Highness told the Committee that he would take the particulars of this answer into consideration and as soon as might be he would return his answer Whitelock declined the first delivery of the Petition and advice to the Parliament not liking several things in it but Sr. Christopher Packe to gain honour presented it first to the House and then the Lord Broghil Glyn Whitelock and others put it forward 2. The Protector often advised about this and other great businesses with the Lord Broghil Pierepoint Whitelock Sr. Charles Wolseley and Thurlo and would be shut up 3 or 4 hours together in private discourse and none were admited to come into him he would sometimes be very chearful with them and laying aside his greatness he would be exceeding familiar with them and by way of diversion would make verses with them and every one must try his fancy he commonly called for Tobacco Pipes and a Candle and would now and then take Tobacco himself then he would fall again to his serious and great business and advise with them in those affairs and this he did often with them and their Counsel was accepted and followed by him in most of his greatest affairs 3 The Sieur Phillipi Passerini being sent by the Queen of Sweden to the Protector with Letters Credential and to inform his Highness of some Secret affairs he by the Queens Instructions addressed himself first to Whitelock with Letters to him from the Queen desiring Whitelock to bring her Secretary this Gentle-man to the presence of his Highness and to promote his business Whitelock acquainted the Protector therewith and read to him the Queens letters to Whitelock which were in French The Protector desired Whitelock to read them again to him in
against Supply without redress of Grievances this Parliament by Commission was dissolved The King followed his design of the War and to put the Fleet to Sea and made a League with the Vnited Provinces against the Emperor and King of Spain Then issues a Proclamation to Recall Recusants Children from Beyond Sea and against Popish Priests and to command all English in the Service of the Emperor King of Spain and Archdutchess to return to England The King sends out his Letters to the Lord-Lieutenants of Counties touching a general Loan of Money to him and Warrants are issued forth to disarm Recusants The Fleet being ready with ten Regiments the Lord Wimbleton was made Commander in chief great muttering was that this design was not known to the Council but to the Duke onely and that he went not in Person The English and Dutch Ships designed to block up Dunkirk were dispersed by storm and 22 Dunkirk Men of War with Land-Forces gave an Alarum to England and Ireland The Fleet came together again and neglected or preposterously attempted a great Booty of Spanish Ships in Cadiz Bay then the Army landed and took a Fort but the English finding store of Spanish Wines abused themselves and hazarded the ruine of all They were again Shipt and the General put to Sea to wait for the Plate Fleet but the ill condition of his men by a general Contagion enforced his return home without any honourable performance which caused great clamor but where the fault lay hath not yet been determined nor any punisht for it The General was accused by some of his Colonels and Seamen and examined before the Council he laid the blame on some who did not fight the Spanish Ships as he ordered them they denied that they had Orders to fight This fending and proving little salved the Honour of the Nation All Trade with Spain is prohibited upon Confiscation all the Trained Bands are Exercised The Plague still raged in London so that in one week there dyed 5000 persons it was also spread in many places in the Countrey In some Families both Master and Mistriss Children and Servants were all swept away For fear of Infection many persons who were to pay money did first put it into a Tub of Water and then it was taken forth by the Party that was to receive it When the Plague was somewhat assuaged and there dyed in London but 2500 in a week it fell to Judge Whitlock's turn to go to Westminster-Hall to adjourn Michaelmas Term from thence to Reading and accordingly he went from his house in Buckinghamshire to Horton near Colebrooke and the next morning early to High-Park Corner where he and his Retinue dined on the ground with such meat and drink as they brought in the Coach with them and afterwards he drove fast through the Streets which were empty of People and overgrown with Grass to Westminster-Hall where the Officers were ready and the Judge and his company went strait to the Kings-Bench adjourned the Court returned to his Coach and drave away presently out of Town Sir Edward Coke and other Gentlemen who had appeared the last Parliament against the Duke were made Sheriffs and so could not be chosen Parliament-men Coke excepted against several parts of the Sheriffs Oath and by advice of all the Judges one of his Objections was allowed to wit the Clause To destroy Lollards which by Order of the King and Council was left out of the Oath and so continues The carriage of the Bishop of Lincoln towards the Duke at the Parliament at Oxford was remembred and he was sequestred from the King's Presence and from the Council and from the Custody of the Seal which was given to Sir Thomas Coventry and he was sworn a Privy Councellor and Lord Keeper The King finding the discontents of his Subjects increased thought fit to call another Parliament and first Commands are given to the Bishops to proceed against the Papists by Excommunication and a Proclamation confines them The King determines to leave Mountague to the Parliament to the great regret of Bishop Laud. The Coronation of the King is appointed on Christmas-day and Commissioners made to receive and determine Claims concerning Services to be then done Knights of the Bath are to be made and a Proclamation issues for all that had 40 l. per annum to come in and receive the Order of Knighthood A Day of Thanksgiving was kept for the ceasing of the Plague In London and the Out-Parishes this year dyed 54265 persons whereof of the Plague 35417. The King's Coronation was performed with the usual Ceremonies and Solemnities by Bishop Laud onely the King's Robe was White Sattin because as some say Purple could not be then had The Bishop of Lincoln having received no Writ of Summons to this Parliament desired the King that he might make his Proxy and besought him to mitigate the Duke's causeless anger towards him The Parliament being met the Lord Keeper made a Speech to them Of the Benefit and Constitution of Parliaments and the King's love of them and his striving whether he should be major or melior a greater King or a better man and that the causes of calling them were to make good Laws and to execute Justice Then the King approved of the Speaker who made an Harangue suitable to the Times Extolling the King and praising Monarchy Parliaments Bishops Lords Commons Laws Judges and all that were in place and inveighing against Popery and the King of Spain And concluded with the usual Prayer That his Majesty would allow the Priviledge of Parliament Freedom of Debate and Access to his Royal Person The Commons began to fall upon the Publick Grievances the Miscarriage of the late Voyage to Cadiz the mis-imployment of the Kings Revenue Evil Councels Favouring of Papists The Loans Taxes and many other which they referred to Committees They likewise Exhibited Articles against Mountague The Privy Councel required the Bishop of Durham to Apprehend such of his Majesties Subjects as should be present at Mass and to Commit them to Prison and the Kings Attourney sent Letters to the Judges to direct their strict proceedings against Recusants in their Circuits The Commons questioned the Seising of the Ship The Peter of New Haven by Sir James Bag upon which our Merchants Ships and Goods were seised in France The Duke said he would justifie it by the Kings Order The Council of War for the business of the Pallatinate were called into the House of Commons but made no clear Answer The King by Message and the Lords press the Commons for Supplies They proceed as to the Grievances by the method of Evils and Remedies and Resolved 1. That the Diminution of the Kingdom in strength and honour is an Evil which we suffer under 2. The Increase and countenancing of Papists 3. The not Guarding of the Narrow Seas 4. Pluralities of Offices in one hand 5. Sales of Honours and
advice of his Privy Council and Council Learned the King requires Shipmoney The Writ for it was at first but to Maritime Towns and Counties but that not sufficing other Writs were Issued out to all Counties to levy Ship-money Yet great care was taken to favour the Clergy all the rest of the People except Courtiers and Officers generally murmur at this taxe although it was politickly layd with all equality yet the great objection against it was because it was imposed without assent of Parliament and that therefore it was unlawfull The old Chancellor Oxenstierne of Sweden the great director of their affairs both at home and abroad particularly in Germany during the Queen's minority sent his eldest Son Grave John Oxenstierne Ambassadour to our King with Credentials from the Queen of Sweden But Grave John the Ambassadour and the Authority from whence he came were so unworthily slighted in our Court who were not willing to give any assistance to the Prince Elector against the Emperor that in great distast Grave John who was high enough in his own thoughts and for the honour of his Mistress the Queen went away in discontent from England and neither he nor his Father nor family were friends to our King after this affront put upon them The Parliament of Ireland gave some Subsidies to the King and the 39 Articles of our Church were there by that Parliament Established Mr. Attorney Noy having set on foot the tax of Ship money leaveth it and the world He died of the distemper of the Stone The Scots began to murmer against their last Parliament the Lord Balmerino was questioned about a Letter written by King James to Pope Clement to complement him It was suggested that this Lord's Father being Secretary to the King did draw the Letter and shufling it among other papers did by that means get it to be signed by the King Yet was this Lord afterwards not onely pardoned but honoured and preferred The discontented party in Scotland had Intelligence of the discontents in England and the Cardinal Richeliew sent his Agents to foment the discontents in both Kingdomes who met with matter and persons very apt to be kindled The Lord Treasurer Weston dyed not much lamented of the people who generally esteemed him to be a covert Papist and an Agent for Rome and though himself might be dispenced with yet most of his family made open profession of the Popish Religion and continue in the same profession Sir Edward Coke dyed this year also who was of greater reputation with the people but of less at Court whose Illegal actions he earnestly opposed in Parliament being usually chosen a Member of the House of Commons after he was put out of his publick offices He was a man of great Learning and Industry and had the value of a just and Impartial Magistrate The Imperialists and Swedes fought a bloudy Battaile at Nortington where the Swedes were overthrown 12000 of them slain and 6000 taken prisoners but hereupon insued a peace between them The Emperor being wisely the more Inclined to it after his being victorious in the Warre Spotteswood Archbishop of St. Andrews was made Chancellor of Scotland and though he was a wise and learned man and of good reputation and life yet it gave offence to many that he being a Clergy man should be Invested with that dignity which they affirmed not to have been done before since the Reformation At Abington complaint was made to the Mayor and to the Recorder of divers in the Town who were Nonconformists to the orders and ceremonies of the Church in divine Service as that some did not stand up at the Creed nor bow to the Altar nor at the name of Jesus nor receive the Sacrament kneeling at the High Altar and the like For which some that were related to the Ecclesiastical Court complained to them being Justices of the Peace for the Town and desir'd they would punish these Offenders the Recorder answered them that these offences were more properly punishable by the Ecclesiastical Judges in their Courts than by Justices of Peace and therefore he advised them to inform the Chancellor of the Diocesse or other Officers of that Jurisdiction concerning those Matters that proceedings might be had therein according to their Law but he thought it not fit for him to interpose in those matters the Complainers seemed much unsatisfied herewith but the Mayor being somewhat inclin'd to the opinions of the Non-conformists was not easily to be perswaded to punish them and Anno 1634 the Recorder himself was much for liberty of Conscience and favourable in that point so that allthough the other party urged much to have the Non-conformists punisht yet they put it off and would not doe it for which the Recorder was afterwards required to attend the Council Table to Answer some complaints made against him from Abington That he did comply with and countenance the Non-conformists there and refused to punish those who did not bow at the name of Jesus and to the Altar and refused to receive the Sacrament kneeling at the high Altar and the like offenders and that he was disaffected to the Church and the Ceremonies thereof enjoyn'd by Authority But the Recorder alledged in his own vindication why he did not punish those against whom the complaints were made That he knew no Common Law nor Statute in force for the punishment of them especially by Justices of the Peace and that the Complainers did not prefer any inditement against them and that the matters whereof the pretended offenders were accused were meerly as the accusers acknowledged Spiritual Matters proper for the Spiritual Judges as they were called And that he might have been censured to incroach upon the Jurisdiction and Rights of the Church if he should have taken Cognizance of them upon which the Council were satisfied and dismist him from further Attendance Anno 1635. Car. 11 By the help of the tax of Shipmoney a Navy was prepared of 40 good Ships of War and set out this Summer under the Earl of Lindsey Admiral and the Earl of Essex his Vice Admiral who had 20 Saile more for securing of the narrow Seas and of the trade of England The King resolves to prosecute his design with a Navy Royal to be set out yearly and therefore it was at Court concluded to lay the Charge of Shipmoney generally upon all Counties The Lord Keeper Coventry was ordered to direct the Judges to promote that business in their Circuits this Summer and to perswade the people to a ready obeying the writs and payments of Shipmoney for the next year In pursuance hereof his Lordship in his charge to the Judges in the Star Chamber at the end of Midsummer Term after sundry other particulars concluded as to this great business to this effect You my Lords the Judges are commanded in your charges at the Assizes and at all places opportunâ—ly to acquaint the people with
both for War and Peace the place for Intelligence and Supplies and betake himself to the Countrey where these things were not to be had and by his leaving the Town bring great disadvantages upon himself and his Affairs this was thought not to have been done advisedly But the fears of those with him and his own fears for them occasioned by the Tumults and his hopes that by his absence the heat of the House of Commons might in some measure be cooled were alledged in excuse of this Action The next day the five Members were triumphantly brought from London to Westminster by Water by a great number of Citizens and Sea-men in Boats and Barges with Guns and Flaggs braving as they passed by Whitehall and making large Protestations at Westminster of their adherance to the Parliament At Hampton-Court the King gave the like answer to the Buckinghamshire Petition as he had done before to that of London The Parliament were informed that the Lord Digby and Colonel Lunsford were gathering some Troups of Horse at Kingstone and appeared in Arms there whereupon they order the Sheriffs and Justices of Peace in all Counties to suppress all unlawfull Assemblies with the Trained Bands and to secure the Magazines Colonel Lunsford is apprehended and sent to the Tower and the Lord Digby escaped beyond Sea The Court removing to Royston the Attorney General Herbert is summoned to appear at the Lords Barr to answer concerning the Articles against the five Members but the King by his Letter to the Lord Keeper Littleton took all the matter upon himself and excused his Attorney and concludes that finding cause to desist wholly from proceeding against the persons accused he had commanded his Attorney to proceed no further therein Jan. 20. The King by Message to the Parliament adviseth them to digest into one body all the grievances of the Kingdome and to send them to him promising his favourable assent to those means which should be found most effectual for redress wherein he would not onely equal but exceed the most indulgent Princes The Scots having a fair plantation in Ireland offered to transport thither 2500 Souldiers upon certain Articles which the Parliament accepted and at length the King assented to them Then the Scots Commissioners mediated for a Reconciliation of the differences between the King and Parliament for which the House of Commons returned thanks to them The House of Commons moved the Lords to joyn with them in petitioning the King for the Militia and the Command of the Tower but the Lords not consenting the Commons themselves importune the King to put those Powers into the hands of the Parliament as the onely available means to remove their Fears and Jealousies The King not willing to part with those Powers gave this answer that he thought the Militia to be lawfully subject to no command but his own and therefore would not let it out of his hands that he hath preferred to the Lieutenancy of the Tower a person of known Fortune and unquestionable Reputation and that he would prefer none but such to the Command of his Forts and Castles yet would not intrust the power of conferring those Places and Dignities from himself being derived to him from his Ancestours by the fundamental Laws of the Kingdom The Commons petitioned again for these Powers and were again denied them by the King Divers Petitions accompanied with great numbers of People and more Subscriptions from Suffolk London and one from the City Dames were presented to the Parliament against the Votes of Popish Lords and of Bishops to which answers were given by the Commons that they had endeavoured and still would endeavour with the Lords that redress might be had therein Soon after this the Lords passed the Bill for disabling persons in holy Orders to have any Place or Vote in Parliament or to have any Temporal Jurisdiction The Commons again petition the King for the Militia and to clear the five Members but they perceived by his answer that he was resolved not to part with the Militia out of himself nor otherwise to clear the five Members but inclusively within a general Pardon The King sent for all his Houshold Servants to attend him particularly for the Earls of Essex and Holland but they excused themselves with the necessity of performing their Duties in Parliament upon which Essex was put out of his Place of Chamberlain and the other of the King's Bed-Chamber and became the more provoked The Lord Digby sent Letters from Middleborough to the Queen and to Secretary Nicholas to advise the King to betake himself to some place of Security where he and others might safely resort to him and he doubted not but that he should do him acceptable Service but these Letters being intercepted The Parliament sent to the King that he would desire the Queen not to correspond with Digby nor any others whom his great Council had proclaimed Traytors The Parliament took notice of a Rumour that they intended to accuse the Queen of High Treason which they deny and call a publick Scandal upon them to which the Queen gave a mild answer yet carefull to prevent any danger she obtains leave of the King who also acquaints the Parliament that his Daughter was to go into Holland to her betrothed Husband the young Prince of Orange and that her Mother the Queen desired to goe with her Daughter Accordingly the Queen went with her Daughter into Holland and carried with her all her own and the King's Jewels not leaving behind the Jewels of the Crown that with them and the assistance of the Prince of Orange a sufficient Party might be raised for the King At a Conference with the Lords Pym affirmed that many of the chief Commanders now in the Head of the Rebels and great Papists had been licensed to pass thither by the King after the Lord Lieutenant had put a stop at the Ports against their coming thither The King much distasted at this as intimating his conniving at the Rebellion required the Declaration of the House of Commons for his Vindication but could not obtain it The Parliament were busie in Debates touching the ordering of the Militia for the several Counties in which some declared their Opinions that the Power of the Militia was solely in the King and ought to be left to him and that the Parliament never did nor ought to meddle with the same Others were of Opinion that the King had not this power in him but that it was solely in the Parliament and that if the King refused to order the same according to the advice of the Parliament that then they by the Law might doe it without him and this was moved to be now done by the Parliament the King having denyed their former Petitions for settling of the Militia as they desired Upon this Debate one spake to this effect Mr. Speaker I have often heard
Age of 80 years dyed at his House at Waterstoke in Oxfordshire lamented by his Neighbours and Relations The King being returned from Dover to Greenwich sent his Answer to the Parliaments Petition concerning the Militia of the inconvenience and breach of his Right to have it settled as they desired And he sent for his two Sons to come from Hampton-Court to him to Greenwich Feb. 26. The House of Commons passed the Bill for the Adventures for Ireland That every one that would bring in and adventure money for the reducing of Ireland should have so many Acres of the Irish Rebels Lands proportionable to the money which they brought in and very good Bargains whereupon very great sums of money were brought in for that service The Parliament again and most earnestly press and importune the King to settle the Militia according to an Ordinance passed by them for that purpose the King excepts against it and shews his reasons why it was not fit for him to confirm it and then he goes to Theobalds Thither the Petition of the Parliament followed him yet more earnestly pressing him to confirm their settlement of the Militia in which Petition they plainly tell the King that the business of the settling of the Militia will endure no more delay and that if his Majesty shall still refuse to agree with his two Houses of Parliament in that business and shall not be pleased upon their humble advice to doe what they desire therein that then for the safety of his Majesty and of themselves and of the whole Kingdom and to preserve the peace thereof and to prevent future fears and jealousies they shall be constrained of themselves without his Majesty to settle that necessary business of the Militia The King much surprized at this home Petition yet sends his Answer and Reasons why he could not assent unto it but the Parliament Voted his Anfwers to the business of the Militia to be unsatisfactory and that the Kingdom be forthwith put into a posture of Defence They appoint a Committee to draw a Declaration upon the causes of their Fears and Jealousies and to consider what was fit further to be done and this was March 2. the next day after the King 's last Answer given to their Petition concerning the Militia Then Advertisements are given out of dangers from Neighbour Princes upon which the Earl of Northumberland Lord Admiral is commanded to fit all the Navy Royal for the Sea and private Owners of Ships are perswaded to doe the like Beacons are new made Sea-marks set up and great posting up and down with Pacquets all symptoms of the ensuing War The King being removed to Royston March 9. 1641. thither the Earls of Pembroke and Holland who had been before very intimate with the King and obliged to him were sent with the Parliaments Declaration mentioning the King's Misgovernments and his Actions By attempting to incense the late Northern Army against the Parliament Jermin's Treasons and transportation by the King's Warrant The Petition delivered to Captain Legg with the King 's own hand and signed C. R. The business of the Lord Kimbolton and the five Members The suspicious designing of a Guard about the King's Person The Vnderhand promoting of the Irish Rebellion The ordering of Sir John Penington to land the Lord Digby from thence to alienate the King from his Parliament and to procure foreign assistance to the King appearing more credible by his removal with the Prince and the many Advertisements from Rome Venice Paris and other parts of aid to be given to the King in reference to some design against Religion and the Parliament They desire the King to put away his wicked Counsellors and to put his trust in the Parliament which if he would doe they would Sacrifice their Lives Fortunes and utmost Endeavours to the supportation of his Sovereignty The Lords would have moved the King to have come nearer to the Parliament and to have granted the Militia for a time but it was refused Then he told them in short that their Fears and Doubts and Jealousies were such as he would take time to satisfy the whole world of but that his own were not trivial occasioned by so many Scandalous Pamphlets Seditious Sermons sundry Publick Tumults hitherto uninquired into and unpunished Sometime after he published a Declaration for further Answer to this effect That he had no evil Counsellors about him but leaves such to their Censure where they should find them That he desired the Judgment of Heaven might be manifested upon those who had any design against the Protestant Profession that the Scottish Troubles were silenced by the Act of Oblivion That the charging him with any inclining to the Irish Rebellion was a high and causless Injury That he never intended to exasperate the late Army or to use them against the Parliament That he signed Captain Leg's Petition to satisfy the Army and Sir Jacob Ashley of his Opinion That Digby and Jermin never were at Whiteh all nor had any warrant from him after the restraint That he had given sufficient Answer about Kimbolton and the five Members That the care of his own Safety caused him to raise a Guard at Whitehall and to receive the tender of the Gentlemen of the Inns of Court of their Service and that he looked upon their foreign Advertisements as wild and irrational The King removes Northward in the mean time the Parliament voted the Ordinance for the Defence of the Kingdom no whit prejudicial to the Oath of Allegeance but to be obeyed as the Fundamental Laws and the King's Commands for Lieutenancy over the respective Counties to be illegal and void In these Votes they received great incouragement and confirmation from the opinions of several of the Members of the House of Commons as Pym Hampden Hollis Stapleton and of Lawyers St. John Corbet L'Isle and divers others and chiefly from the confident opinion of the Lord Keeper Littleton concurring with them Others who went along with them were not yet clear of this Opinion From Huntington the King sends them a Message Mar. 15. That he means to make his residence at York and desires them to hasten their Succours for Ireland and not upon any pretence of an Ordinance to which his assent is not given as by Law it ought to doe against Law which he was to keep and his Subjects to obey Upon this Message from the King the Parliament were the more exasperated by a report from the Lords who were sent to him unto Royston that at the reading of that part of their Message concerning Mr. Jermin the King said that it is false and when they read that of Captain Legg the King said that 's a lye In answer to the King's Message from Huntington the Parliament note that the King's absence so far from his Parliament was obstructive to the relief of Ireland and therefore all those Counsellors that
persons in authority to put the Ordinance of the Militia in execution which the King declares to be no legal power in the Houses and commands that none do obey it and summons the Gentry of the County to York to whom he relates these illegal proceedings of the Parliament and tells them his purpose to have a guard onely to secure his person in which he desires their assistance And the rather because the Members that came with the last Message to the King returned to York and before them all these proceedings were had Sir Thomas Gardiner Recorder of London was impeached for advising the Lord Mayor to pay Ship-money and other illegal things and against Scotland and opposing the Parliament but he got to the King The County of York being Summoned the Committee prevailed with some of them to oppose the raysing of a guard for the King and the Parliament declared against it and that such as do are disturbers of the Peace The Ordinance of the Militia being now past and Lieutenants named for the several Counties they nominated their Deputy Lieutenants to the Parliament for their approbation The Lord Paget being named in the Ordinance and approved to be Lieutenant of Bucks he named Hampden Goodwyn Grenville Tyrrell Winwood and Whitelocke to be his deputy Lieutenants who were approved by the Parliament The Lord Paget not long after this began to boggle and was unfixed in his resolutions and upon the King 's publishing of his Commission of Array and Declaration against the Ordinance of Parliament for the Militia his Lordships heart failing him and being unsatisfied in his Judgment he revolted from the Parliament and went to the King Whereupon the Lord Wharton was nominated and approved by both Houses of Parliament to be in his roome Lieutenant for the County of Bucks Mr. Palmer Mr. Hyde and Mr. Bridgeman and divers other eminent Lawyers and Gentlemen had given their opinions positively against it and left the House upon the passing of it On the other part the Lord Littleton was most confident for the legality of it and divers other Lawyers and Gentlemen of the short robe were cleerly for it and that the Lords and Commons in case of the King's minority sickness or absence had done the same in other times As when H. 3. dyed and his Son E. 1. was in the holy Land and came not home in almost two years after his Father's death yet in the mean time the Lords and Commons appointed Lieutenants in the several Counties and made several Ordinances which are of force at this day So are the Ordinances made by them in the minority of H. 6. and upon the difference between him and the Duke of York and the Ordinances in the minority of E. 6. and in other times That the King was now absent and having called his Parliament at Westminster was himself gone as far from them as York and had before he came thither and since appeared with Warlike forces about him to the terror of the Parliament That the business of Ireland and other threatning dangers gave too much cause of Fears and Jealousies to the Parliament and to stand upon their guard and for defence of themselves and the Kingdome Without which the King would so grow upon them and his evil Counsellors so prevaile that they would undoubtedly bring their designs to pass of a speedy introducing of Popery and Tyranny whereas if they saw the Parliament in a good posture of defence and that the people generally would adhere to them as no doubt but they would that then the King would be brought to a good accommodation and agreement with his Parliament without a blow to be struck between them Whereby they should preserve the just Rights and Liberties of the Subject the privilege of Parliament and themselves and their friends and the Protestant Religion from Ruine which without this appearance onely of arms or power to arme if there should be occasion would unavoidably be brought to pass These arguments together with the solemn protestations of the most powerful and active Members That they had not the least purpose or intention of any War with the King but to arme themselves for their necessary defence prevailed with most men to keep their station and at present to accept those Commissions of Deputy Lieutenancy Maynard Glyn Grimstone St. John Selden and divers other Gentlemen of great parts and interest accepted of the like Commissions and continued in their service in the Parliament The King resolves that Easter Term be adjourned from London to York the Parliament Vote it to be illegal and Order that the Lord Keeper Littleton issue no Writs or Proclamation for that purpose They publish a large Declaration much to the same effect as the former were mentioning that the Rebellion in Ireland was countenanced by evil Council about the King the proclaiming them Traitors deferred from October to January after and then but 40 Copies ordered to be Printed nor any of them to be published without the King's Order whereas the proceedings against the Scots and proclaiming them Traitors was very sharp and speedy To this the King gives an answer in effect the same with what he had said before to these particulars after which he writes to his Council in Scotland to acquaint them with the State of his affairs in England to which he receives a dutiful and affectionate answer with a Petition from divers of the Nobility and people there full of zeal and loyalty to his service The Parliament hearing of this took course to turn the Ballance and within eight days after the Scots Council declare their earnest desires both to King and Parliament to joyn in a perfect union and humbly desire the King to hearken to his greatest his best and most unparallel'd Council They disswade the King from a personal Journey into Ireland and pray that a Mediation may be at home ere the breach be wider And in fine they come to a large manifestation of their true and hearty affection to the Parliament of England protesting to do nothing contrary to them in their Privileges A multitude of people at Edenburgh hearing of the King's Letter to his Council there and of the Answer to it and Petition before mentioned they petition the Council there not to meddle by any verball or reall engagement for the King against the Parliament of England These Passages in Scotland gave much advantage to the Parliaments Affairs in England who protest their Fidelity to the King and court the Scots with very kind expressions The Earl of Bristol moved for an accommodation and a select Committee to be appointed to consider of some way to effect the same But the Parliament voted that which was done at York for a Guard for the King to be a preparation for War against the Parliament a breach of the trust reposed in him by his People contrary to his Oath and tending to the dissolution of his Government
provide Contribution for him for this he and his Troop were sent for up to the Parliament Four Chirurgeons of the Army were referred to be tryed by a Council of War for being absent at the late fight The Archbishop was ordered to attend the House of Commons to hear the Evidence against him repeated and to answer to it the Commons resolving to proceed against him by Bill of Attainder because they perceived the Lords not forward to give Judgment for Treason against him A hundred pound was given to Colonel Berkley newly come to Lond. sore wounded in the late fight The Archbishop was brought to the Bar of the House of Commons where Mr. Samuel Brown one that managed the Evidence before against him did now repeat it and took up three hours time the Archbishop had a weeks time given him to answer there Letters from Colonel Charles Fleetwood informed more particularly of the late defeat given to the Newark Forces near Belvoir By desire from the Scots Commissioners both Houses sent to the Assembly of Divines to bring in the Particulars of what they had finished for the Government of the Church that it may be approved and confirmed by the Parliament and to hasten the dispatch of what further they have in determination concerning the same Letters from Sir William Brereton and Sir John Meldrum certified That fifty of the English Souldiers of the Garrison of Leverpoole came out of the Town and submitted to Sir John Meldrum after which the Irish Souldiers in the Garrison knowing that if the Town were taken they should have no quarter they conspired together seized upon all their Commanders and rendred the Town to Sir John Meldrum submitting to his mercy for their lives Sir John gave them all their lives and sent them over into Ireland there were taken in the Town two Colonels two Lieutenant-Colonels three Majors fourteen Captains besides inferiour Officers and common Souldiers Ordnance Arms and Ammunition in great quantity Many of the Townsmen had shipped their best Goods to be conveyed away but Sir John Meldrum by Long-boats seized on them Letters from Newcastle certified That Tinmouth Castle was surrendred upon conditions and in it 38 pieces of Ordnance and store of Arms and Ammunition and Provisions the Souldiers were to march with their particular Baggage and to be quiet in their own Dwellings submitting to all Ordinances of Parliament The King and Prince Rupert with about 2000 horse and foot marched to Cirencester the Lord Gerrard was expected to come to him with 1500 out of Wales the rest of his Forces were about Woodstock the Parliaments Army marched after them to Abington Upon the day of publick Thanksgiving as the Lord Mayor came home from St. Pauls in Cheapside divers Popish Books Pictures Beads and Crucifixes were burnt where the Cross stood Letters of Direction were sent from the Parliament to their Armies for their motion after the Enemy A Petition of Lincolnshire complained of Grievances and another from Leicestershire desired that the Lord Grey might be sent down to them being their Commander in chief Letters from Captain Hacker inform That at the Defeat of the Newark Forces the number of horse taken were about 800. That Sir John Girlington was drowned and divers others of quality with him besides common Souldiers in their confused flight over a Mill-dam That forty Commanders and Officers and near 400 common Souldiers were taken prisoners and but one man slain of the Parliaments They blocked up Belvoir Castle put a Garrison into Grantham and continued close Siege to Crowland and Newark A party from Leicester faced Ashby and drove away many of their Cattel and two days after 10 or 12 horse from Ashby came to a Gentleman's house where some of the Lord Grey's Commanders were making merry and took them away prisoners Colonel Ludlowe with a party of horse joyned with the Besiegers of Basing The Members for each County were ordered to name three in every County and the Parliament would choose one of the three to be high Sheriff Both Houses agreed in all matters touching the Propositions for peace and referred it to the Committee of both Kingdoms to consider of the manner of sending them to the King An Ordinance passed for the better securing of the Isle of Wight The King and Prince Rupert were at Oxford and had a Rendezvous in Cuddington Moor of about 11000 horse and foot care was taken to prevent their breaking into the associated Counties of Norfolk c. Four Members of the House of Commons viz. Mr. Pierpoint Mr. Hollis Mr. Whitelocke and the L. Wenman were named as a Committee to joyn with two of the House of Lords and a Committee of the Scots Commissioners to carry the Propositions for Peace to his Majesty and the Committee of both Kingdoms were ordered to send to the King for a safe Conduct for them The King's Souldiers begging as if they had been wounded in the Parliaments Service were prohibited and order taken for allowance to all the wounded Souldiers of the Parliament The Defaults in the duty of the Officers and Souldiers of Colonel Fiennes his Regiment and other Officers before Banbury referred to be examined by a Committee The Assembly of Divines as soon as the House of Commons were sate and before they were full came to the House and presented them with the Assemblie's Advice and Opinion for the Presbyterian Government to be settled and an expression was in their Advice That the Presbyterian Government was jure divino Glyn and Whitelocke were then in the House and few others but those who concurred in judgment with the Assembly and had notice to be there early thinking to pass this business before the House should be full Glyn stood up and spake an hour to the point of jus divinum and the Presbyterian Government in which time the House filled apace and then Whitelocke spake to the same Points inlarging his discourse to a much longer time than ordinary and purposely that the House might be full as it was before he had made an end And then upon the question it was carried to lay aside the point of jus divinum and herein Glyn and Whitelocke had thanks from divers for preventing the surprisal of the House upon this great question An Ordinance passed for the due payment of Tithes The Propositions for Peace being fully agreed unto a Letter was ordered forthwith to be sent to the General of the King's Army for a safe conduct for the Lords and Commons and Scots Commissioners that are to go with them to the King The Commons took order concerning the Trade of Coals from Newcastle and the Government of that Town Colonel Vrrey because of his former inconstancy was denied to be again received into the Parliaments Service but permitted to go beyond-sea The City of London petitioned That care might be taken of the Garrison of Windsor being a place of so
the Militia which was appointed to be debated the next day in the morning 4. The Commissioners being met Sir Edward Hyde in the first place would have had it for granted that the whole power of the Militia by the Law of England is in the King onely This by Mr. Whitelocke was deny'd to be so very clear and he undertook to make it out that our Law doth not positively affirm where that great Power is lodged and doubted not but to satisfy the Commissioners fully in that point Whereupon it was moved that a day might be appointed to hear their Arguments when the Earl of Southampton Interposed saying My Lords We have already spent much time in debates touching the matters of Religion and although I should be very glad to hear both these worthy Gentle-men speak to this point by whom we may receive much satisfaction therein yet I think that it will more conduce to the setling of our business to decline any debate upon this matter and to see how far we can meet one another in the composure of the business upon this Proposition Hollis My Lords I think it is very well moved by that Noble Lord for saving of our time and more for endeavouring to compose any difference that may be upon this Proposition by coming as near as we can to satisfy one another and therefore though I should account the time very well spent to hear these worthy Gentlemen who I believe would very much inlighten our judgments in this matter yet I doubt it may not tend so much to a composure of it as may be by declining the Debate Several others of the Commissioners spake to the same effect with the Earl of Southampton and Mr. Hollis and thereupon it was thought fit to lay aside the debate between Sir Edward Hyde and Mr. Whitelocke and the Commissioners proceeded in the Treaty upon the Particulars of the Propositions of the Militia The Commissioners of both Kingdomes at their return to their Quarters gave Whitelocke thanks for encountring Sir Edward Hyde upon the point of Right of the Militia wherein he was so confident and said the Honour of the Parliament was concerned therein and vindicated by him The Assembly sent to the Commons a further part of the Directory for Government of the Church in a Presbyterial way as to the point of Excommunication and that some of them dissented in that point The Lords agreed to the Ordinance for the new Model of the Army under Sir Thomas Fairfax with some Alterations and Additions that the Officers should be named by both Houses That all the Officers and Souldiers shall take the Covenant and submit to the Church Government agreed on by the Houses and that every Lord Lieutenant be of the Committee of that County for this Ordinance Many Orders about the Scots Army moving Southwards and for supplies for them and for an establishment for the Garrison of Portsmouth Captain Hacker going to fortify Sir Erasmus de la Fountains house near Malton a party of the King 's came upon them but were repulsed and during the fight some of Hacker's men running into the house for powder set two Barrels on fire which blew up part of the house but withall discovered plate and jewels to the value of 600 l. that were hid there by the Enemy Colonel Hastings for the King sent out Warrants for Carriages to fetch Hay to Ashby the Parliaments Forces sent out their Warrants to bring the Hay to Coleorton but Hastings was too quick and had compelled the Country to load the Hay and with a strong guard was bringing of it to his Garrison Captain Temple the High Sheriff of the County having notice thereof with his Troop got between them and Ashby in the van and three Troops of Derby following in the reer after a little engagement Hastings his men fled and were routed and pursued 40 of them taken Prisoners 60 horse Arms and all their Hay 5. Debate about the Ordinance for the new Model and Orders concerning Musters and pay of the Army and about the Navy and for guards of the fishermen A Committee of both Houses to consider of sundry Letters and Papers concerning the County of Leicester Letters from Captain Cranley from Portsmouth informed that the Lord Brabson Sir Henry Tichburne Sir James Hare and the rest of the King's Commissioners for the Irish business lately taken at Sea had Letters and Papers taken about them of great consequence which with the Prisoners were sent up to the Parliament who referred the business to the Committee of both Kingdomes to be examined The point of Peerage in the Tryal of the Lord Macquire was argued in the King's Bench and the opinion of the Court was that he should be tryed there by an Ordinary Jury The King's Commissioiners at Vxbridge kept a solemn Fast and the like was in all the King's Quarters for the good success of the Treaty and in the evening they delivered a Paper to the Parliaments Commissioners that the next day they would give their answer touching the Militia 6. The debate touching excommunication put off Report of the Bill for taking away of Bishops and those of Ireland added to be abolished and several Votes concerning Church Government sent up to the Lords Some new Sheriffs appointed Orders for supplies of Abbington Colonel Gerrard besieged Cardigan Castle kept by Lieutenant Colonel Poole and by stratagem got into the Town and cut down the bridg to prevent Relief coming to the Castle where they wanted Provisions Gerrard sent a summons to the Castle that if they did not surrender by a day they should have no quarter Poole and his men returned Answer that they had divers raw hides which when they wanted provisions they would first eat and when they were spent then they would come out and fight for their lives but would not surrender the Castle In the mean time Poole sent to Major Laughorne for relief who came with a strong party and finding the bridge broken down he by faggots and pieces of wood got his men over the River and sent an arrow into the Castle with a Letter to give them notice of his coming and that they should Salley out upon the Enemy the same time that he fell on All which was performed so successfully that Gerrard's Forces were all routed 200 of them slain upon the place 4 brass pieces of Ordnance 600 Arms and 150 Prisoners taken whereof Major Slaughter divers inferiour Officers and Dr. Taylor The King's Commissioners gave in their Answer about the Militia wherein they agree to settle the Militia for three years and in the hands of twenty persons ten of them to be chosen by the King and the other ten by the Parliament And that it shall be High Treason for any to continue such power in the Militia after three years And for the Militia to be settled in Scotland they gave no Answer at all though the Papers delivered
30 wounded in all That they slew about 10 of the Enemy and took Prisoners Colonel Robert Legge about 50 other Officers and about 500 Common Souldiers with store of Arms and Ammunition The Declaration of the Transactions with the States Ambassadours was published wherein the Parliament set forth the abusive and ill carriage of the States Ambassadours Borelli and Rainsborough both made Knights and Barons by the King and that they shewed themselves rather parties for the King than Mediatours between him and his Parliament They demand justice against those Ambassadors and declare their own condition not to be yet so low but that they can resent if not return both Courtesies and Injuries They acknowledge the Christian and neighbourly Zeal of the States to the peace of this Nation and desire to know wherein they may be useful to them their honoure Neighbours and Predecessours in the like Sufferings 29. Order to Audite the Accounts of the Officers of the train of Artilery of Sir William Waller Cromwel drew off to the Isle of Ely Sir Tho. Fairfax blocked up Bostal-house and made a bridge with two Forts near Kidlington they came towards Leicester A party of Colonel Norton's Forces went towards Langford-house and placed an Ambuscado undiscovered by the Enemy who came forth to fall upon them they retreated to their Ambuscado the Enemy followed them and were all surprised There were taken Colonel Griffith the Governour divers Officers 63 Prisoners and their Arms and 10 killed 30. A Letter from the Committee of Gloucester of the danger of that place and County by the removal of Colonel Massey answer'd by the Commons that they would take care of that City and of the County Prisoners from Guernesey referred to a Committee and to examine that business Ordinance sent up to the Lords to enable the Committee of Plymouth to execute Martial Law there The Kentish Regiment continued and pay for them there Major General Browne came to London to hasten the Provisions for the siege before Oxford 31. The business of the Church debated and Ordinances touching the Excise and for money for the Forces in the West Letters written to the Sub-commissioners of Excise and to the Officers in the several Counties to give incouragement and assistance for the levying the Excise money Order of both Houses for their Committee touching Forts and Castles to be reduced in the Quorum to 2 Lords and 4 Commoners Letters Informed that the King was set down before Leicester June 1645. 2. On consideration of the King 's being at Leicester and the danger to the associated Counties thereby the House Ordered that the Committee of both Kingdomes should consider of such disposal of the Armies under Sir Thomas Fairfax as may be most advantageous for the publick and that the blocking up of Oxford be left to Major General Browne Browne being at the door of the House at that time was sent for in and had the thanks of the House for his good service and was desired to continue his care and constancy therein and to return to his charge Ordinances past for moneys for the West and other Forces Colonel Rainsborough with his Regiment of foot and three Troups of Colonel Sheffield's horse took in Gaunt-house 10 miles from Oxford and therein the Governour with all his Soldiers Arms Ammunition and Provisions The King's Forces having made their batteries stormed Leicester those within made stout resistance but some of them betrayed one of the Gates the women of the Town labour'd in making up the breaches and in great danger The King's Forces having entred the Town had a hot incounter in the Market place and many of them were slain by shot out of the Windows That they gave no quarter but hanged some of the Committee and cut others in pieces Some Letters said that the kennels ran down with bloud That Colonel Gray the Governour and Captain Hacker were wounded and taken Prisoners and very many of the Garrison put to the Sword and the Town miserably plunder'd The King entred the Town on Sunday June I st and sent part of his forces into Derbyshire 3. Order for Colonel Massey to advance into the West and the City and County of Gloucester to be governed by a Committee as the Parliament shall direct Ordinance for money for the siege of Oxford and two Regiments to go out of London to Major General Brown to that siege An Ordinance for money for the Isle of Ely The Papists and others in Northumberland plotted to surprize Sir John Fenwick the High Shiriff and the Militia there but were discovered and suppressed Sir John Meldrum dyed of his wounds received in the siege of Scarborough Castle Both parties in the West had often Skirmishes A party sallyed out of Oxford and took and killed about 80 of the Parliament's Forces the next day a party of the Parliaments took 12 of the Garrison and brought away 50 Cows from under their Walls Letters intercepted by Colonel Massey mention the King 's concluding a peace with the Irish-Rebels 4. Order of both Houses for 200 l. for L. G. Middleton and a pass for him to goe to his charge in the Scots Army 2000 l. of the Arrears due to the Earl of Essex charged on the Excise An Ordinance past for reimbursing money lent by the Commissioners of Excise for reducing Oxford Lieutenant General Cromwel got together 3000 horse in the associated Counties The City of London petitioned that recruits may be had for Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army and a Committee sent thither that the Army or part of it may be ordered to march towards the Enemy in the field and to regaine Leicester and to prevent the surprisal of other places and the Scots pressed to advance Southwards that Cromwel may command the association and care taken of the Navy and that the proceedings of the late Treaty may be published The House called in the Petitioners and gave them thanks for their care and good affections At a Conference the Lords acquainted the Commons with an Information concerning the taking of Leicester which was referred to a Committee to be examined 5. Orders for recruits of the Kentish Regiment and Colonel Fleetwood's Regiment An Ordinance considered for the sale of Delinquents Estates Another sent to the Lords to give power of Martial Law to the Committee of Kent The King continued at Leicester and began to fortify there and then marched forth to meet Sir T. F. who was drawn off from Oxford to advance towards the King 6. Massey wrote for recruits and some Members of the House were appointed to answer his Letters that they were sent to him and that he should never want the incouragement of Parliament and prayed him to go on in the business of the West with his wonted valour and prudence Upon the danger of Newport Paganel the King drawing that way and upon the Petition of the Town Sir Sam. Luke was continued Governour there
more they have need of instruction and where can they have it better than from the lips of the learned and pious Pastors which ought to preserve knowledg But it hath been said that the ruling Elders are to joyn with them let us inquire who they are in some Congregations in Country Villages perhaps they may not be very learned themselves yet the authority to be given them is sufficiently great The word Elders amongst the Hebrews signified the men of greatest power and dignity The Members of their great Sanhedrim were styled Elders so were the Princes of their Tribes The Grecians had the appellation in like esteem 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which we translate Elders was given to their greatest men and from thence is fetched the Name of Presbyters or Priests Presbytery and Presbyterian Government The Phoenicians Tyrians and other particular Nations used the word Elder in the like sense and styled their Generals and Princes by the name of Elders The Romans did the like their Senate and their Senators came all from Senes Elders and from them to this day the French Spaniards and Italians retain the Titles of Seigneur Seigniori Seniori and the like for their greatest men And in England we give the name of Earls to our great Lords from Elder and to the King himself the title of Sir abstracted from Seigneur an Elder In Towns they still keep the title of Aldermen that is Eldermen for the Chief and Rulers of the Corporation And so they may allow the title of Elders to the cheif and select men of every Presbytery Yet if this Power Excommunication and Suspension be allowed them they may well challenge the title of Elders in the highest signification The Power of the Keys is a great power The Romish Church will acknowledge it and the foundation of their Supremacy to be built upon it Whatsoever they bind or loose on earth to be bound or loosed in heaven is a power which may claim the highest title imaginable Although I can never presume that the reverend and pious learned Gentlemen who aym at this power can have the least supposition of any such effect by it yet if any petitioners should sue to you to be made Judges or Justices I believe you would judge their Petition the less modest and them the less fit for such Offices but to this I make no application and I hope none shall make any use of it Power is thought fit to be given to suspend from the Sacrament two sorts of persons the ignorant and the scandalous I am sure that I am a very ignorant person and I fear we are all more ignorant than we ought to be of the truth of Christ and some more than others And the most learned I doubt may be called in the large sense ignorant Even amongst the Pastors and perhaps amongst the Ruling Elders in some places the most learned may in other places be adjudged ignorant The more ignorant people are the more some will blame their Pastors who ought to instruct them and by private conference inform them and rectify their understandings And that is a good part of Spiritual food And to keep an ignorant person from the Ordinances is no way to improve their knowledge Scandalous persons are likewise to be suspended And who shall be said scandalous is to be referred to the judgment of the Pastors and Ruling Elders But where a Commission is extant for them to execute this judicature will be hard to shew Both Pastors and Elders and people are all scandalous in the general sense We are all of us gross sinners and our best performances are but scandalous as to the true and sincere profession of the Gospel of Christ Those who are scandalous sinners ought to be admonished to forsake their evil ways and to amend their lives and where can they receive this admonition and hope for more Conviction of their Consciences than by hearing good Sermons and being admitted to be pertakers of the holy Ordinances but to excommunicate them deprives them wholly of the best means for their cure The best Excommunication is for Pastors Elders and people to Excommunicate sin out of their own hearts and conversations to suspend themselves from all works of iniquity this is a power which put in execution through the assistance of the Spirit of God will prevent all disputes about Excommunication and Suspension from the Sacrament A man may be a good physitian though he never cut off a Member from any of his patients a body may be very sound though no member of it was ever cut off And surely a Church may be a good Church though no member of it hath ever been cut off I have heard here many Complaints of the Jurisdiction formerly exercised by the Prelates who were but a few there will be by the passing of this now desired a great multiplication of Spiritual men in Government Where the temporal Sword the Magistracy is sufficient for punishment of offences there will be little need for this new Diseipline nor will it be so easily granted After a long debate the House referred this matter to a further Consideration by the grand Committee to whom it was formerly referred Votes for new Elections of Members for several Towns and Counties Order for advance of the Forces under Major General Pointz and for Horse and Arms to be sent to the Scots Army before Hereford and notice to them of the party appointed to attend the King's motions A Conference and reasons given to the Lords for passing the Ordinance for sale of Delinquents Estates A Party of about 120 horse came from Walling-ford and Dunnington to gather Contribution near Reading and Col. Baxter with a party of about 30 horse marched after them beat up their Rear but they facing about one of Baxter's men was slain and 20 wounded and taken Then a party of 100 horse who by accident quartered at Reading came forth to relieve Baxter routed the Enemy recovered all the Prisoners took 25 and Captain Barker their Commander 50 Horse and 40 Arms. Montrosse carryed all things in Scotland without opposition and had many Eminent Prisoners and forced divers to fly to Berwick The funeral of the Countess of Dorset in much State 4. An Ordinance for a Collection for the poor of Leicester Another sent to the Lords for supply of the Forces in the Eastern Association Order for the Brigade under Lieutenant General Lesley to march into Scotland for their assistance there Order for 100 horse from Southwark to be sent to Basing-house and the Militia to fine such as refused Goring Greenvile and Mohun marched with 6000 in the West summoned all between 16 and 60 to come in to them and forced such as they met with to serve under them Massey attends them Sir John Seymore brought 1000 men to the Leaguer before Bristol Seven Parliament Ships were in Kings Road. 5. The publick Fast day by reason of the Plague and the ill success
sent out to drive Goring farther into Cornwall and that Plymouth was in good Condition November 1645. Novem. 1. An Ordinance pass'd concerning the Composition for Fines in the Court of Wards for signing of Bâ—â—â—s and passing them under the great Seal An Ordinance for the Government of Bristol sent up to the Lords The House approved of Sir Anthony-Ashly-Cooper to be high-Sheriff of Norfolk and of other Sheriffs Letters from Col. Rossiter with one inclosed from Prince Rupert desiring Passes for him and his Brother and the rest before-mentioned to come to London and from thence to go beyond Sea ingaging their Honours never to return to take up Arms against the Parliament Upon debate thereof and the Report from the Committee of both Kingdoms Who thought this fit to be done Ordered that Colonel Rossiter should grant them Passes accordingly Letters to the Scots Commissioners informed that the Lord Digby and Langdale with eight hundred Horse advancing towards Scotland to joyn with Montross were fallen upon at Carlile Sands by a party of the Scots Forces under Sir John Brown who though less in number after a sharp dispute routed Digby's Party killed an hundred on the place took two hundred of their Horses divers Officers three Colours and many Prisoners dispersed the whole Party and Digby and Langdale fled into the Isle of Man 3. The Form of a Pardon for Delinquents sent up to the Lords Order touching their Compositions Order about a Convoy for a Spanish Don to be transported into Flanders Orders for raising Moneys and for the Lord Buck-hurst to have the fifth part of the Earl of Dorset his Fathers Estate Other Letters taken in the Lord Digby's Cabinet at Sherbourne were read touching persons imployed to get Foraign Forces to assist the King Intelligence that many of the Kings Forces came in to Sir Thomas Fairfax And that since the defeat of the Lord Digby at Carlile-Sands some of his scattered Forces were met with near Dumfrize in Scotland where Sr. John Browne took an hundred more of them Col. Briggs took two hundred of them about Beeston Castle and M. G. Vaâ—â—â—uske took an hundred and eighty more of them in Westmerland Debate in the House touching propositions for Peace Orders to prevent transporting of Irish Rebels to assist the King here and for Money for the Forces before Dunnington Letters from Col. Mitton Col. Jones and Col. Louthaine informed that one thousand seven hundred Horse and seven hundred Foot under Sir William Vaughan designing to relieve Chester the Council of War of the Besiegers ordered to draw forth a Party to meet them before they came near Chester That one thousand four hundred horse under Col. Jones and a thousand Foot under Louthaine all commanded by Mitton yet leaving the Works manned before Chester marched to the Kings Party near Denbigh and after several hot Ingagements routed Vaughans Party took about five hundred Horse and four hundred Foot slew above an hundred and pursued them six miles not above an hundred of them left together That M. G. Langherne had taken in Aberathwait a strong Garrison of the Kings in Cardigan-shire and in it two pieces of Ordnance store of Arms and Ammunition The House gave fifty pounds to the Messenger of this good News and ordered a Letter of thanks to Col. Mitton and the rest for their good Service 5. The day of thanksgiving for 〈◊〉 deliverance from the Gun-powder-Treason was solemnly kept Sir T. F. By reason of the bad weather and want of Provisions drew off his Forces to a farther distance from Exeter but still continued blocking up of the City Letters from M. G. Pointz informed the taking of Shelford Mannor near Newarke and the Earl of Chester-fields house The Garrison within were very resolute refusing Summons and Quarter so that of two hundred the greatest part were slain and the Governor the Earl of Chester-fields Son wounded there were taken four Colours of Horse two of Foot store of Arms and Provisions 6. The grand Committee sate about Propositions for Peace Debate in the House about regulating the University of Cambridge Order for Money for Abbington Garrison Colonel Dalbier marched with the Forces of the three Counties to meet with the Hampshire Forces at Newberry for the Besieging of Dunnington Castle Intelligence came that the King by night got out of Newarke and was come to Oxford Mr. Fountain and Mr. Scot brought Col. Fleet-wood one of the new Knights of Bucks into the House with great Triumph though the Election was but yesterday 7. Order for Sussex to send a Troop of Horse to Abbington and for allowances for Preaching Ministers in Glocester A Petition from Bucks against the Election of their new Knights as not free by reason of the Garrisons in that County and other obstructions and passages referred to a Committee The Lord Cromwell revolted from the King to the Parliament and was by the Lords committed to the black Rod. Letters from Scotland informed that Montross keeps the Monntains and that L. G. Lesley returned from Scotland to New-Castle 8. debate upon a Declaration touching matters of the Church Musgraves Petition Referred An Ordinance debated touching stipends for the Officers and Attendants on the Kings and Princes Housholds The Grand Committee sate in the afternoon about the East-India Company 10. Debate of a Declaration from the Assembly touching Church-Government The Pass agreed upon for Prince Rupert and the rest of the Commanders who desired with him to go beyond Seas Sir John Burlaces Composition agreed and three hundred pound of his Fine assigned for the Garrison of Abbington and the Fine of the Lord Downes also Order for a new Election for Hampshire Order to take off the Fine formerly imposed by the Star Chamber upon L. C. Lilburne and for the Arrears due to him to be audited The Ordinance pass'd for Ordination of Ministers The Lord Wharton and other Commissioners returned from Berwick The Commissioners of Excise were perswaded to advance ten thousand pound for M. G. Browne 11. The grand Committee sat about Propositions for Peace The House voted that L. Col. Bulstrode should be Governor of Aylsbury Bolton Castle the Lord Scroops House in York-shire was surrendred to the Parliament upon Articles and in it store of Ammunition and Provisions 12. The Commissioners who treated with the Scots about surrendring the Garrisons in their Possession in England had the thanks of the House for their good Service The House voted to insist upon this demand and that a Letter be sent to the Parliament of Scotland from both Houses here for this purpose Orders for Money and supplys for the Scots Army intending to sit down before Newarke Order for a new Election in Surrey Letters informed the taking of Worton house upon Articles and that Welberke house was agreed to be slighted upon condition of slighting of Tickhil Castle and Belvoir by the Parliaments Forces Dalbier was at Aldermaston and forbore to sit down before Dennington Castle till
Enemy quitted a Garrison at Sir Peter Bymes house that Col. Hammond being ready to fall on to Storm Pouldram Castle the Enemy made but one shot and instantly cryed for Quarter That the Generals Courtesie and fair usage of those at Dartmouth did win much upon the People made other Garrisons to yield the sooner and divers to come in to the Parliament that all the Cornish men in Dartmouth being a hundred and twenty had their Liberty freely given them and two shillings a man to bear their Charges home and those that would take up Arms for the Parliament had three shillings a man That Greenvile was sent Prisoner to Silley by the Prince for refusing to obey the orders of Hopton the General That Sir Tho. Fairfax sent a Summons and honourable propositions to Sir John Berkly the Governor for the surrendring Exeter to him to the use of the Parliament to avoid the effusion of blood and ruine to the Inhabitants To this the Governor returned an answer full of Resolution and denyal to which Sir Tho. Fairfax made a reply in vindication of the Parliaments Honour and his 3. Upon debate of the Kings last Letter the Commons voted that it was unsatisfactory in the whole and referred it to a Committee to draw up an answer to it and to the former letter and a Declaration concerning this matter to the Kingdom Order for two hundred pound per An. for Doct. Walker Advocate to the Admiralty and that if he went to Sea he should have twenty pound per An. extraordinary Order to audit Arrears of Soldiers to be paid to their Wives and Widows A thousand pound to be paid to the Train of Artillery of the Earl of Essex and Sir William Waller Many came out of Exeter to the Parliaments Army twenty in a company 4. A Ship from France came into Dartmouth supposing it had been still in the Kings hands but finding his mistake he submitted to the Parliaments Forces and threw into the Sea a packet of Letters which he had and the next Flood the Packet came to Shore and was sent by Col. Lambert to Sir Tho. Fairfax and by him to the Parliament In it were read in the House Letters from the Queen to the King against the sending of the Prince into Denmark but rather to send him into France where a match was propounded for him with the Duke of Orleances Daughter Other Letters were from Jermyn Goring and others mentioning great Sums of Money and an Army from France to be ready against the Spring to come over to the King that Montrois and the King would joyn and march into the West Intercepted Letters from Ireland were sent up to the Parliament by Col. Mitton whereby they had good intelligence of the Affairs there Reference to a Committee to consider of Propositions for reducing North-Wales Orders for an Exchange of Mr. Denham for M. Harris and about a new Election News came of the surrender of Belvoir Castle upon Articles and Sir Jervase Lucas the Governor left there one piece of Ordnance store of Arms and Provisions 5. The day of Thanksgiving Letters came to the Speaker from Sir William Brereton That his care of preserving Chester the most considerable City in those parts from ruin invited him to entertain a Treaty which was continued ten days and delayed by the enemy hoping for relief for which there were strong preparation by conjunction of Ashtey Vaughan and the Welsh and Irish Forces and those Irish newly landed That he sent forth a strong party under Col. Mitton who prevented their conjunction and then those in Chester hopeless of Relief came to a Treaty That he was contented to have the more Commissioners that the Soldiers might be the better satisfied with that which was agreed unto by some of their own Officers and the Officers would be the more careful to keep their Soldiers to the observation of it They in Chester desired farther time for the Treaty to be continued but Sir William Brereton refused it and thereupon they came to an agreement on both parts to surrender the City to the Parliament upon Articles in it they had all the Arms Ammunition Ordnance and Provisions the County Palatine Seal Swords and all the records c. 6. The Letters from Sir William Brereton read Orders for setling that Garrison and that Alderman Edward of Chester be Colonel of the Regiment of that City A long Petition from the Common Council of London a day appointed for the Debate of it Two Members of the House sent to Gravesend to examine Mr. Murray one of the Bedchamber to the King taken coming from France Col. Whaly with some Forces of the Adjacent Counties besieged Banbury Castle 7. Proceedings touching the propositions for Peace A Petition from the Common Council of London to the Lords of the same effect with that yesterday to the Commons A Party of about eighty Horse and forty Dragoons were sent from Leicester under Mr. Meers to Ashby who marched with such speed and privacy that they came to Ashby about eleven a Clock that night undiscovered surprised the Sentinels fell in at the Turn-pike broke the Chain and entred the Town They took a hundred Horse rich Prize and Pillage Plundred the Town rescued divers Gountrymen Prisoners there and returned to Leicester without opposition 9. Votes for supplys for the Protestant Forces in Ireland The Office of Lieutenant of the Ordnance for the Tower continued Colonel Needham appointed to be Governor of Leicester Order for a new Election and for Money for Col. Mittons Forces A Petition from the Inhabitants of Westminster and Middlesex That the Militia might not be setled as was desired by the London Petition was referred to the same Committee 10. Progress in the propositions of Peace Order for a new Election of Members M. G. Browne had the thanks of the House Sir William Lower and Captain Dunbar who revolted from the Parliament referred to be tryed by Martial Law A day appointed to consider of easing the people under the sufferings of Committees Letters informed that Sir Tho. Fairfax had made two Bridges over the River at Exeter block'd it up on all sides and planted Guards round the City and was within Musquet shot of their Works that he sent forth a Brigade to attempt the enemy at Barnstable News came of Preparations at Oxford upon some new design and that the Nobility there were assembled and it was propounded to them to assist the King in his War this Summer and that his Majesty declared to live and die for the Priviledges of his Crown his Friends and Church Government 11. Progress in the business of the Church Mr. Murray committed close Prisoner to the Tower and to be more strictly examined A Complaint against some Scots Horse referred to be examined Intercepted Letters and some taken at Dartmouth in characters were deciphered by Sir Walter Earle and he had the thanks of the House for it The Garrison of Newarke sallied out
16. To establish the Declaration of both Kingdoms 30 June 1643. with the qualifications of exception from Pardon both English and Scots and the names of those made incapable of Office and such as have deserted the Parliament 17. To make void the Cessation in Ireland the War there to be left to the Parliament and the same Religion to be setled there as in England 18. The Militia and Tower of London to be in the Government of the City and their Charters to be confirmed 19. All grants and Process under the Great Seal here to be confirmed and all by any other Great Seal to be void and the like for Ireland and all Honours granted since the Cessation there to be void And all these particulars to be pass'd by several Acts of Parliament 14. Order for disposing and paying the Forces under Major General Massey Differences between the Soldiers and Towns-men of Exeter referred to a Committee to be composed and orders for pay of that Garrison Search ordered for Materials for coining in some Trunks The Commissioners set forth with the Propositions Letters informed that Montrill the French Agent came to New-Castle and brought letters from the Queen to the King advising him to make Peace upon any Terms at which the King was very joyfull That Montross desired liberty to go beyond Sea and that great levys of men were made in Scotland and the Garrisons of New-Castle Carlisle and Berwick re-inforced by the Scots who lay heavy upon Northumberland and the Bishoprick of Durham 15. An Ordinance committed for setling three hundred pound per An. on Mrs. Burghill whose Husband was slain in the Parliaments Service and upon their Heirs Upon Information of the Master of the Ceremonies an Order for the reception of the French Ambassador One Grady and Irish Rebels and other Papists apprehended and committed and orders for apprehending all of their condition and a day set for their departure out of London Orders for pay for several Forces The Kings answer to the Letters of both houses for delivery up of the Garrisons in Ireland into the the hands of such as the Parliament should appoint was read and was very General expressing great desires of Peace and that the Propositions for it might be speedily sent to him And that business being once well setled those Garrisons and all the rest of the Forces will be ordered for the publick good 16. Great complaints from Cumberland and Westmorland of the heavy pressures of the Scots Army Ragland Castle held out the Siege some of their Officers as M. Price and others were taken Prisoners by L. G. Morgan Major General Mitton Besieged Denbigh Castle Letters informed that the Rebels in Ireland were come within twenty miles of Dublin 17. Letters from Sir Tho. Fairfax gave an account to the House of the Treaty for surrender of Wallingford Castle and desired the direction of the House upon one Article insisted on by Col. Blagge That they might have no Oaths nor Covenants imposed upon them after the surrender The House ordered the General to continue his Siege of that Castle and would not allow of that Article Order that the Heads of Houses in Cambridge for bear cutting down of Timber in Colledg Lands till they had order from Parliament to do it An Ordinance sent up the Lords for fifty thousand pound for Ireland Monsieur Bellieure the French Ambassador was received in great State and usual Ceremonies in both Houses 18. A day of Thanksgiving appointed for the reducing of Oxford Litchfield was surrendred upon Articles to Sir Will. Brereton with all their Ordnance Arms and Ammunition 20 Montross demanded that his Son and the Gentleman with him might enjoy their liberty and Estates and he to go beyond Sea otherwise he resolved to hold out and not disband Letters informed great resort of Malignants English and Scots to the King The City of Worcester was agreed to be surrendred to the Parliament upon Articles 21. The day of publick thanksgiving for the surrender of Oxford 22. Debate of the French Ambassadors Message which was That he had in command from the Queen Regent and the King of France to interpose and endeavour a good reconciliation of the differences between his Majesty and the Parliament of England but seeing in what forwardness they were and the Propositions sent to his Majesty he had now nothing further to do but to take his leave and desired their Pass to go to the King and to the Estates of Scotland The Answer of the Parliament was That they took in good part and thankfully from the King of France his good affections and intentions to these Kingdoms and willingness to see their troubles over to end the which they had done and would continue to do their utmost But they could not agree that any Foraign State should interpose in the remaining Differences nor in particular the King of France by his extraordinary Ambassador And they agreed that he should have a Pass and be used with all respect and civility Mr. Herle voted to be Moderator of the Assembly Dr. Twist being dead Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax of the surrender of Worcester and thanks ordered to be sent to him and his Messenger had a gratuity Letters from the Northern Committees of the insupportable burden upon them by the Forces there and relief of those Counties A Letter from both Houses inviting the Duke of York to come to London Order for an Ordinance for the Government of North-Wales and for Committees there The Lords pass'd a Declaration for restraining Malignants from coming to the King 23. A Committee appointed to receive complaints against such as have been in Arms against the Parliament with power to imprison Order for re-imbursing Commissioners of Excise Some Forces of the Eastern Association met at St. Albans in a kind of mutiny the House ordered them to return to their several Counties Order for a new Election Goring House ordered for the Speaker The Ordinance for sale of Delinqueuts Estates sent up to the Lords 24. Letters informed the surrender of Wallingford with a Copy of the Articles Several Ordinances pass'd for Compositions by Delinquents Order for the slighting of all the Garrisons in Worcester-shire except Worcester City and all the Horse there to be disbanded except eighty to attend upon the High Sheriff An Ordinance appointed to be drawn for obedience to be yielded to Committees so long as they should be continued and no affronts to be offered to them or to any publique Officer Order for a Collection for the poor in the places in Devon-shire visited with the plague Order for all the Horse in Bucks to be reduced to eighty only 25. The House did not sit The Commissioners arrived with the propositions at New-Castle and the King seemed well pleased 27. The Houses sate not many Letters came from the Northern Counties of the Miseries and devouring Charge indured by them from the Scots Army and
Ammunition and Ships to be ready there for them The General quartered his Army in several Counties to avoid oppressing of the Country The French had a great defeat by the Spaniard at Arbitello in Italy 5. Several Ordinances past both Houses sor placing good Ministers in divers Benefices now void An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for setling two hundred pounds per An. upon Mr. Hugh Peters Letters from the Commissioners at New-castle informed That though their importunities had been frequent and earnest yet they could not obtain his Majesties consent to the propositions for Peace nor answer any ways satisfactory That his Majesty had given them a Paper other than which they could not procure containing offers to come to London which they thought not fit to send but were hasting away to give an account of their proceedings Great complaints of Major General Massey's Forces killing men robbing others and forcing the Country men where they quartered to give them Money and then they would go to other places and do the like there referred to the Committee of the West to send those Forces into Ireland or to disband them Care for Money for Scotch Officers and for the Arrears of Sir John Gell and his Son and Ordinances pass'd for compositions 7. Ordinances past for dismantling divers Garrisons and sending the Forces into Ireland Votes of the House That a Charge laid upon Sir Richard Onslowe a Member of the House by Mr. Withers was not sufficiently proved that it was false and scandalous and injurious to Sir Richard Onslow That Mr Withers should pay five hundred pounds to him for Dammages and his Book to be burnt Order for raising seventeen thousand pounds for Ireland The Lord Fairfax remitted his Arrears as Col. of two Regiments and the House gave him thanks for it and ordered the payment of his Arrears as General in the North. 8. The Houses were adjourned and no intelligence communicated 10. Letters informed that the King refused to sign the Propositions though the Commissioners of both Kingdoms on their knees begged of him to do it And that Montrosses Forces are disbanded in Scotland The Commissioners came to Town from Newcastle 11. A day set to call the House and to consider of the Kings denyal to sign the propositions Letters informed the sad condition of the Protestants in Ireland and the Rebells prevailing there that the Marquess of Ormond had concluded a Peace with them Order that all Forces which were not of Sir Thomas Fairfax's Army or of Garrisons not to be slighted should list themselves for Ireland or be disbanded A Committee named to consider of providing Money and supplys for Ireland and for ending the troubles there Ordinance for Money for the West Mr. Murrey ordered to be bailed Order to refer divers Letters taken in a Colliers Ship bound for France to a Committee to be perused and such as the French Ministers of State should claim to be delivered unto them In the presence of both Houses the great Seal and other Seals brought from Oxford were broken by a Smith The Earl of Salisbury was sworn one of the Commissioners of the great Seal Sir Tho. Fairfax came in person before Ragland Castle which he summoned to surrender but the Marquess refused 12. The Commissioners that went with the propositions to New-castle made a report of the Transactions between the King and them and of all material passages in that business and had the thanks of the House and a Committee appointed to give the thanks of the House to the Scots Commissioners Orders for new Elections A Letter from Monsieur Montrill the French Agent here about staying the Ambassadors Packet of Letters and claiming the Priviledge of an Ambassador The House Ordered the Examinations in this business to be sent to their Agent in France and the Ambassadors Letters to be returned him A Paper from the Scots Commissioners That they desire to depart and will deliver up such Towns and Castles as they have they desire to have consideration for their Losses Hazards Charges and Dammage part in present Money and security for the rest and his Majesty not having consented to the propofitions That a way may be thought upon by joynt advice for the security of both Kingdoms 13. Both Houses agreed for the Silver of the broken Seals to be bestowed upon the Speakers and for the Earl of Cleaveland to have a months longer time of liberty and for restoring the Letters and Portmantua to the French Ambassador A free Conference about the transactions of the Commissioners at New-castle and the Scots desired to further the propositions 14. Orders for the slighting of several Garrisons and their Forces to be imployed for Ireland or disbanded The Forces in Bristol and Exeter to be reduced Order for Money for the Forces in North-Wales Vote for a hundred thousand pound to be provided for advance of the Scots Army into Scotland That the House did very well and thankfully approve their offer to deliver up our Garrisons and to depart and that their Arrears should be audited and paid according to the Treaty The Houses now saw the advantage of keeping up their Army as that which the more inclined the Scots to come to this Offer 15. The Houses sate not 17. Letters from the Leaguer before Ragland certifie that the Marquess of Worcester wrote with much respect to Sir Tho. Fairfax That he honoured his Family and was more willing to agree to his proposals than if they came from any other That he was intimately acquainted with Sir Thomas Fairfax his Grand-Father and other Complements and concluded to agree to a Treaty In which all propositions were consented to but concerning the Person of the Marquess whom they would only admit to Mercy of the Parliament and that the Marquess thought hard and being eighty four years of Age was thought the more capable of favour and pity Most of the Nobility of Scotland at New-castle went from thence to the convention of Estates appointed to be at Edingburg Letters informed that the Marquess of Ormond had concluded a Peace with the Irish Rebels upon which the Provinces of Munster and Vlster were to be reduced to the obedience of the King and Supreme Council and then twenty thousand men to be sent out of Ireland into Scotland to assist the King there and Forces from France and Denmarke to joyn with them and the Lord Digby was to be at the head of them That he was one of the Commissioners with the Marquess of Ormond and Earl of Glamorgan for making this Peace 18. Ordinances past for Compositions Sir Jo. Stowell brought to the Bar refused to kneel and behaved himself with very much obstinacy The House committed him to Newgate and ordered that he should be indicted of High Treason Several Ministers sent down to Oxford to preach there An Account from the Scots Commissioners of the Arrears of their Army besides losses amounting to about a
Now there began to be an understanding between some here and the Scots for their delivery up of the Kings Person to the Parliament Both Houses agreed to appoint a Committee to ask some questions of the Duke of York touching the Kings Letter to him for his escape and to refer to the Committee of both Kingdoms a Letter newly come from the King to both Houses much to the same effect with his former desiring to come to London or to some of his Houses thereabouts with Honour and safety and that the Letter be communicated to the Scots Commissioners The Scots Commissioners had sent to the Lords to acquaint them with their speedy going away from hence to Scotland and desired to know what further service the Houses had to command them to the Parliament of Scotland Both Houses agreed that the Committee of both Kingdoms should return the thanks of the House to the Scots Commissioners for all their pains and good service taking notice of this their last respect to the two houses Orders for five hundred pound for Col. Blake for disbanding some Forces and for Sir Ben. Ayliffe and Sir William Wingfield Prisoners to be bayled 25. Though Christ-mas day the Houses â—ate ordered a Collection for the poor The Commons concurred with that part of the Vote of the Lords That the Kings coming to Holmeby shall be with respect to the safety and preservation of his Majesties Person and in preservation and defence of the true Religion The question was put whether words according to the Covenant should be passed and it pass'd in the affirmative 26. The Commons agreed with the Lords That after his Majesty was come to Holmeby house and attended by such as both houses shall appoint and that the Scots are gone out of this Kingdom the Houses will do nothing but what shall be for the preservation of the Peace and Vnion of both Kingdoms This with the rest ordered to be sent to the Lords Many Citizens attended impatiently for an answer to their Petition 28. Both Houses conferred the Searchers place of Sandwich and Dover upon Col. Mainwaring of London and other competitors were referred to a Committee to find out something for them An Ordinance pass'd at Sir Henry Vanes request to enable him to make a surrender of his place of Treasurer of the Navy Both Houses agreed that there should be no further Treaty with the King and the Commons voted That the King coming to Holmeby House and the Scots Army gone out of the Kingdom the two Houses will then joyn with the Scots in using all possible means to perswade the King to pass the Propositions and if he refuse that then the Houses will do nothing that may break the Vnion and Affection of the two Kingdoms but to preserve the same Upon this and the other Votes a Declaration was pass'd and sent up to the Lords and with them the Ordinances for Sale of Bishops Lands and for taking away the Court of Wards to be sent to the King as additional Propositions A Conference of both Houses about Compositions of Delinquents and that Lawyers and others who had taken Oaths to attend at the Terms might not be made Sheriffs who take an Oath to attend the County Affronts offered to the Parliaments Commissioners and to their Officers and Soldiers in Ireland Great wants of the Protestant Forces there so that a Soldier had but six pence and a six penny-loaf of Bread in a week to live upon 29. The Lords agreed to the Ordinances and declaration yesterday sent up to them but the Houses did not agree to a Clause added by the Lords for giving one hundred thousand pound per An. to the King in lieu of Wardships Mr. Mynnes after proofs heard and examinations was voted a Delinquent and four thousand pound due to him in the hands of Sir Humfrey Forster was ordered two thousand pound thereof to Sir John Merrick in part of his Arrears and the other two thousand pound to Whitelocke for his Arrears and Charges Order that Mr. Minnes do bring in his Deeds evidences c. for Sir Humphrey Forster and that he be indempnified for his paying the Money according to the order of the Parliament Orders for the payment of Hull Garrison for Sir Jo. Hippesley's disbursements for the State to be audited and paid To some Queries propounded by the Parliament of Scotland to the Assembly of their Kirk the Assembly gave this Answer The Quere supposeth the Kings coming into this Kingdom which we humbly conceive should not be put into the question and therefore desire your Lordships to go about all means for the present preventing of it as a matter of most dangerous consequence to Religion this Kirk and Kingdom and to the King himself and his Posterity But if the question be stated If the King be excluded from Government in England for not granting the Propositions concerning Religion and the Covenant and for not giving a satisfactory answer to the remnant Propositions whether in that case it be lawfull to assist him for the recovery of the Government or if it be not lawful being put to it we cannot but answer in regard of the ingagement of this Kingdom by Covenant and Treaty Negative The Parliament of Scotland pass'd these Votes 1. That Scotland shall be Governed as it hath been for the five last years all means being used that the King may take the Covenant and pass the Propositions 2. That the taking the Scots Covenant and passing some of the Propositions doth not give warrant to assist him against England 3. That upon bare taking the Covenant we may not receive him 4. That the Clause in the Covenant for defence of the Kings Person is to be understood in defence and safety of the Kingdom 5. That the King shall not execute any power in Scotland till he hath granted the propositions concerning Religion and the Covenant and given a satisfactory answer to both Kingdoms in the rest of the Propositions presented to him by both Kingdoms at Newcastle 6. That if his Majestie refuse to pass the Propositions he shall be disposed of according to the Covenant and Treaties 7. That the Vnion be firmly kept between the Kingdoms according to the Covenant and Treaties 30. The Fast day divers new Members took the Covenant and voted that all such Members who have not taken it shall take it the next Fast day or be suspended the House 31. Instructions for the Commissioners who are to take possession of the Garrisons upon the departure of the Scots and for the Hostages agreed upon and a Letter to General Leven that the Scots may lay no Assesments nor take any free Quarter upon their March after the first hundred thousand pound shall be paid Order for the Ammunition in Berwick and Carlisle to be brought to New-castle Debate about the City Petition and Crowds of Citizens attending to know what was done in it In the afternoon they sate again and till
informed that the Parliaments Commissioners were come to Newcastle and that the King had appointed them a time for Audience February 1646. February 1. Divers new Members took the Covenant and ordered that those who have not yet taken it shall by a day take it or be suspended The Preamble and Ordinance pass'd both Houses for a day of Humiliation that God would stop the growth of Heresie and Blasphemy The Lords sent to have Mr. Barrill added to the Privy Councellors of Ireland but it was not assented to by the Commons Upon a Petition of the Inhabitants of Westminster referred to a Committee to consider of a maintainance of two hundred pound per An. for Mr. Marshall their Minister Letters from the North informed that the Scots were upon their March That the Commissioners attended his Majesty about his going to Holmeby That the Scots Parliament carried it but by two Votes for the Kings not coming to Scotland That the King asked the Scots Commissioners why he might not go into Scotland when he came to their Army for protection They answered him because he refused to sign the Convenant and Propositions therefore they were to deliver him to the Commissioners of the Parliament of England who were come to attend him to Holmeby House The King desired the English Commissioners to sent to the Parliament that he might have two Chaplains who had not taken the Covenant to go with him to Holmeby which they excused as that which would not be for his Majesties service and much other discourse he had with them and some reported he used the expressions that he was bought and sold The Dutch Ship went away from Newcastle Harbour Complements pass'd between the English and Scots and Proclamation was made by General Leven that all his Soldiers should pay off their quarters at their departure 2. Debate about a Declaration of the Lords that the Compositions at Goldsmiths Hall were not by Ordinance and the Sequestrators of the Counties not bound to obey them A Committee appointed to draw reasons to satisfie the Lords herein Many Complaints and Cavils were made against the Officers and Soldiers of the Army as such who held Erroneous and Schismatical Opinions contrary to the true Doctrine and that they took upon them to Preach and expound Scripture not being learned or ordained and some of the Kings Party were not wanting to soment these things and to raise an odium upon the Army in the peoples minds And those who so lately were in their highest esteem and respect as freers of their Countrey from Servitude and Oppression are now by the same people looked upon as Sectaries and Oppressors themselves Thus we may see the inconstancy of the giddy Multitude and the uncertainty of Worldly Affairs when their turns are served their minds change their best friends when they relieve them are counted their enemies when they are relieved the best course is to provide for such a condition as will always afford comfort and will never change not to trust in men but in God alone Referred to a Committee to consider a Petition of two Committee men who were sued at Law for what they did as Committee men The Scots marched out of Newcastle and the English entered it and Tinmouth The King would not hear Mr. Marshall nor Mr. Carryll Preach because he had not submitted to the Directory of Worship Proclamation by General Leven that if any in Newcastle had any Debt owing to him by the Scots he should come to the General and receive it A Party of Ormonds Forces marched into the Rebels Quarters fifty miles and took from them three or four thousand Cows and in their March back being careless Oneal's men fell on them rescued the Cows and spoyled three of Ormond's Troops Captain Pen took four Vessels from the Rebels 3. Conference about the Lords Declaration concerning Compositions That Lords were joyned in that Committee that this difference between the two Houses and at this time would be of evil Consequence Letters informed that the Mayor of Newcastle delivered the Keys of the Town to Major General Skippon who took possession of it The Parliaments Commissioners received the King into their Charge lodged in the same House and intended to watch by turnes Carlisle and Berwicke were upon slighting 4. Instructions for the Commissioners going to the Parliament of Scotland and a Letter agreed to be sent from both houses here to the Parliament in Ireland desiring that Belfast in Ireland may be surrendred to their Forces there An Ordinance read for selling certain Delinquents Estates for satisfaction of a debt due to Mr. Pennoyer and Mr. Hill for Provisions sent by them into Ireland A Bill of Exchange from the Commissioners in the North complyed with Order for the next Summers Fleet. Incivility of Officers to a Committee for their Accounts Lords added to the Committee at Goldsmiths Hall 5. Grand Committee about the Ordinance against such as Preach not being Ordained 5. Several Sheriffs appointed and Judges for Circuits agreed upon The Plate of the Chappel at White-Hall ordered to be sold Order for three thousand pound to defray the charges of the Kings Journey to Holmeby Letters to the Commissioners attending him That none be placed about the King but Persons well affected c. 8. Debate by the Lords about the City Petition and they voted that those who should refuse to take the Covenant should bear no Office Civil or Military Lords concurrence for Sheriffs and for Judges to ride the Circuits The King removed from New-castle to Durham and at his going out a Proclamation was made that none who had served against the Parliament should come near his Majesty The Commissioners were attended by nine hundred Horse One being admitted to kiss the Kings hand delivered to him a Letter in Characters The last hundred thousand pound paid to the Scots Care by Major General Skippon that any Scots who were left behind sick in New-castle should not be disturbed The Kings Letter in Characters referred to Mr. Wakerly to open the meaning of it and thanks ordered to their Commissioners and additional instructions and power ordered to be given to them Four shillings per Chaldron upon New-castle Coals continued for maintenance of that Garrison Order for a Declaration touching the Excise and continuing of it and referred to a Committee to prevent the Insolencies and exorbitancies of the Sub-Commissioners The Ordinance pass'd for establishing the Committee of Goldsmiths Hall of Members of both Houses and others The Lords recalled their former Declaration against the Committee of Goldsmiths Hall 9. Vote of the Lords that Sir Jo. Brampston shall sit in their House as an assistant Petition of some Apprentices that they may have a play-day once in a Month. Debate upon the Ordinance for regulating Oxford Complaints to the General of Suits against Soldiers and Countrey-men for horses taken from the enemy in the War The King came to Rippon 10. Debate of the Oxford Ordinance Visitors named
and sent to the Lords Order of both Houses for the Library of the Arch Bishop to be given to the University of Cambridge Orders about the next Summers Fleet. Ordinances touching the Clerks places of the privy Signet and the Water-Bayliffs place and for four thousand pound for Col. Barton out of Delinquents Estates for his Arrears The Lords proceeded upon the City Petition and named a Committee to consider of punishing Hereticks and Schismaticks 11. Order for two thousand pound for the Executors of Sir Jo. Meldrum for his Arrears Ordinance committed for safe custody of Prisoners and yet that they may be liable to Suits Orders touching Compositions 12. The grand Committee sate about Religion and the Ordinance against Preachers not being Ordained 13. Grand Committee sate upon the same business A Committee appointed to moderate the Fees of the Registers in Chancery Receipts of the Scots for the two hundred thousand pound ordered to be entred in the House-Journal and in the Exchequer and the Lords desired to enter them in the Journal of their House Order for indemnity of the Treasurers Vote for an addition to a Committee The King came to Nottingham 15. Order for the Members to give in notes under their hands of the several Garrisons and the charge of them in the respective Counties Order to confirm the Articles of Truro A Committee to examine a complaint against the Lord Mohun that he had killed divers men in cold blood and therefore should not be admitted to his Composition Orders concerning new Elections and for Priviledge for Col. Rigby's Servants and for three hundred pound to Mrs. Herle for her late Husbands Arrears and for two thousand pound to Col. Cely Governor of Lime a Member of the House for his Arrears An Ordinance from the Lords to prohibit the killing of Beef Veal and Lamb for eight weeks Another to take away all Country Committees both Committed by the Commons The Lords concurred in the Ordinances for removing the Library from Lambeth to Cambridge and in that for Sir Jo. Meldrum's Executor A great tumult in Smithfield the Excise-house pulled down the Lord Mayor published a Proclamation that whosoever could bring in the chief actors in it should have five pound and many were committed to Prison about it Success of some of the Parliaments Forces in Ireland care for men and provisions thither Sir Thomas Fairfax went and met the King who stopped his Horse Sir Thomas Fairfax allighted and kissed the Kings hand and afterward mounted and discoursed with the King as they passed towards Nottingham The King said to one of the Commissioners That the General was a man of honour and kept his word with him Divers of the Kings Officers were apprehended upon suspition and imprisoned by the Commissioners The Scots passed Berwick into Scotland most of them were to be disbanded General Leven executed one for Murder who was one of his Soldiers and the Countrey were well pleased with it 16. The Sheriffs of London came to the House and informed them of the tumult in Smithfield about the Excise-house and the Commitment of many for it The House gave them thanks and ordered that the Malefactors be proceeded against at the Sessions The Declaration of the grounds of laying and continuing the Excise committed New Members admitted The Lords pass'd the Confession of Faith as the Assembly gave it in A Petition to the Lords from Suffolke of the same effect with the London Petition with an addition that the Armies may be disbanded The Lords gave them thanks for their good affections for the Petition and the particulars of it they would speedily take into consideration 17. Debate of disbanding Forces and dismantling Garrisons the several Members gave an account of all their Counties and sate till eight at night then resolved that the Army should first be taken into debate Ordinance for nine thousand pound for the works of London sent to the Lords 18. Order that a Body of five thousand horse and a thousand Dragoons be continued for the service of the Kingdom and at the charge of the Kingdom Letters from the Commissioners with the King at Holmeby desired that they might be discharged from that great charge Ordinances for Compositions Ordinance for six thousand pound for Nottingham House The People flocked to see the King as he passed by 19. The House sate from Morning to nine at night and voted that no more Foot should be maintained than what was sufficient to man the Garrisons 20. Orders for Members to go into the Countrey Letters from the Earl of Ormond to Mr Salleway and others with propositions for surrender of Dublyn and other Forts in Ireland Lords concurrence to divers Ordinances A Letter from the King from Holmeby to both Houses Desired That in regard he was not satisfied with the Presbyterian Government that Doctor Sheldon and divers others of his Chaplains or any two of them might be permitted to come to him by whom he might receive satisfaction The House voted to send to the King to sign the Propositions The Declaration concerning the Excize past the House and care taken for ease of the poor in the payment of Excize Benson a Delinquent apprehended by the City Martial and committed close Prisoner 22. Upon the report of all the transactions between the Parliaments Commissioners and the Marquess of Ormond the House approved what the Commissioners had done and gave them thanks Orders for ten thousand pound for the Forces which shall go to possess Dublin and three thousand pound to the Marquess of Ormond and referred to the Committee of the Irish Affairs to manage the whole business of the Marquess of Ormond and they to give an Account of the Money Forces and Supplys for Ireland A Letter assented to That the House agreed to Ormonds propositions and to acquaint him that the Sequestration of his Estate should be taken off Letters to the Lord Inchequin and others to assist in this business The Earl of Pembroke had leave to come from Holmeby to London Both Houses voted Mr. Bradshaw to be Chief Justice of Chester and to refer it to the Commissioners of the Seal to consider of fit persons to be Judges in Wales The Declaration pass'd concerning the Excise with Instructions to the Officers The Lords made an Order against the spoylers of the Kings Game 23. Leave to divers Members to go into the Countrey and for Mr. Crew to come from Holmeby to London And a vote pass'd that the Commissioners who stay with the King shall have the same Authority as when they were all together Votes for dismantling of Garrisons The King desied to come to or near London Letters informed that the Scots were all gone out of England and their whole Army disbanded except five thousand Foot and fifteen Troops of Horse 24. The Monthly Fast day some new Members took the Covenant 25. The French Ambassador desired Audience and a day was set for it The Sequestrations of Sir Henry
sate not 5. The Houses sate not Letters from some in the Army informed that they were discontented at a Petition on foot in Essex against the Army That they might not be heard to Petition but Petitions against them were not suppressed That the Horse talked of drawing to a rendezvous to compose something for their vindication That the General was very industrious to keep them from disorders Letters from Scotland informed of good success by Major General Middleton against the Gourdons and that he had taken in the chief Fort of the Marquess Huntley 6. Orders for placing Ministers in Livings Letters from the Judges in the Norfolk Circuit of convicting one for Blasphemy Order for the Members of the House who serve for Essex and for Suffolk and for Norfolke to write into the Countrey for suppressing the Petition now on Foot there against the Army and to let the Inhabitants understand that the Parliament are upon a way so to dispose of the Army as may be best advantageous to the whole Kingdom The difference about the new Election at Newcastle referred to a Committee The Committee of both Houses propounded to the Common Council for the loan of two hundred thousand pound this security viz. the remainder of the Bishops Lands the Excise Delinquents Estates and the Ordinance for sixty thousand pound a Month or any other security in the power of the Parliament to give the Common Council appointed a Committee to consider of their answer to these Proposals Several Forces dispatched for Ireland For Dublyn divers Irish Rebels went out of that City and others were turned out by the Marquess Ormond Mr. Ashurst was careful in sending Forces and Supplys thither The Rebels were raising a great Army for Vlster 7. Reference to the Committee of Ireland to consider of the Exchange of some Scots Lords taken Prisoners in Ireland Scots Papers read about Belfast and calling home all their Forces upon payment of their Arrears Letters from Ireland from the Lord L'Isle Debate upon the Ordinance for sixty thousand pound a Month. A Clause offered to exempt the Universities Hospitals and Schools from the payment of it referred to a Committee Another Clause for abating all Counties the free Quarter in paying the Assessment was agreed unto Power to the Committee of Ireland to secure the Horses and Arms of such as shall not be listed for Ireland and to transport those that are designed thither The Lords desire the Commons concurrence to take off the Sequestration of the Duke of Bucks 8. Vote for Col. Jones to be Governor of Dublyn and to approve several contracts for supplys for Ireland and that Col. Sidney be considered for his good Service An addition of both Houses to the Committee for Ireland Votes to continue the Regiments of Horse of Sir Thomas Fairfax of Lieutenant General Cromwell of Col. Rossiter and Col. Whaley and Col. Needham and that Major General Mitton shall have an hundred Horse and an hundred Dragoons for North-Wales and Major General Laugherne the like for South Wales Letters from the Commissioners at Holmeby informed That notwithstanding all their care to prevent delivering of Papers to his Majestie yet one Col. Bosvill formerly of the Kings Party in the disguise of a Countrey mans habit as the King and the Commissioners were passing over a narrow Bridge put a packet of Letters into the Kings hand the Commissioners apprehended him and he confessed the Letters came from France and sent up his Examinations Order that Col. Bosvile be sent up as a Delinquent and a Letter of thanks to the Commissioners for their care and to desire the continuance of it 9. Order for greater pay for the Officers that go for Ireland than for those that continue here and to have Land in Ireland for that part that is respited upon the publick Faith and a Committee to draw up an Establishment of pay for the Forces there and in England Power to the Committee to grant Commissions to the Officers for Ireland to draw the Forces into Regiments and to take care to transport them Order to proceed a fortnight hence in the business in the Church for fourteen days together and no private business to intervene and the Assembly to examine such as are recommended to Livings Reasons given by the Lords at a Conference for taking away of Country Committees The present Commissioners of the great Seal continued for twenty days longer 10. The House sate not 12. Letters from Holmeby certified That when Bosvile delivered the Letters to the King no man perceived it but a Miller that stood by and he espying it cryed out Nobles and Gentlemen there is a man gave his Majesty Letters That Bosvile offered Gold to the Miller to be silent but he would not take it Bosvile got away and the Miller told some of it that attended the King and they rode after Bosvile and brought him back who being examined confessed he brought the Letters from Paris from the Queen That he was told the Letters contained a desire of the Prince to go into the War with the Duke of Orleans this Summer in point of Honour That the King being desired to make known the Contents of the Letters answered he was not to give an account to any man living That Bosvile was sending up to the Parliament 13. Votes touching Pay for the Forces to go into Ireland The Committee of both Houses sent down again to the Army to make further Propositions to the Forces that are to go for Ireland An Establishment agreed by the Commons for the Forces in both Kingdoms The Impost of five shillings per Chaldron upon Coals taken off and Vote That those who adventured mony for the reducing of Newcastle be repaid by Goldsmiths Hall Letters from the Lord L'Isle Lord Lieutenant of Ireland expressing his readyness to serve the Parliament and willingness to return if they think fit Letters Propositions and a Charge against a person in Ireland referred to the Committee for Ireland Unruliness of some of the Souldiers going for Ireland referred to that Committee A Citizen came and rendered himself Prisoner to the Sergeant at Arms saying He had a dangerous Plot to discover against the Parliament and Westminster which he had imparted to Mr. Marshal and Captain White The Lords concurrence desired to the Votes concerning Ireland and other Votes The Souldiers in North-Wales mutinyed for mony kept some of the Committee-men Prisoners in Wrexham Church and say they will have mony before Disbanding Letters from Ireland informed That the Lord L'Isle was ready to take the Field and to do all the service they should enable to do for the Parliament The Scots prevailed against the Gourdons Letters from Ireland informed That about sixty Men Women and Children that were stripped by the Rebels in Kerry coming from thence into the Protestant Quarters were taken and thrown into a deep rocky Cave and impossible to get out some with broken Arms Legs and other Limbs and most
of the worst of excepted Persons some course may be taken by a general Act of Oblivion or otherwise whereby the seeds of future War or Fears may be taken away In these Declarations and transactions of the Army Col. Ireton was chiefly imployed or took upon him the business of the Pen. And having been bred in the middle Temple and learned some grounds of the Law of England and being of a working and laborious Brain and Fancy he set himself much upon these businesses and was therein encouraged and assisted by Lieutenant General Cromwell his Father in Law and by Col. Lambert who had likewise studied in the Inns of Court and was of a subtle and working brain An Account was given by the Commissioners of the City of their transactions with the Army and was approved by the House A Petition was presented to the General in the name of Bucks men subscribed by a thousand hands extolling the merits and atchievements of the General and Army and expressing their readiness to joyn with them to bring to just Censures any that should endeavor to make them odious to the Parliament or Kingdom Both Houses ordered That the several Orders made by the Committee of Safety for the Listing and drawing together of any Forces of Counties shall be void and also the Order for Col. Dalbier and others to bring in a list of such Gentlemen and Reformadoes as are willing to ingage in the Parliaments Service 17. Orders for securing of Arms and Ammunition and for a Pass for the Lord Lotherdale and other Scots to go the King and for a Months pay for the Army in part of the three months pay for disbanding or ingaging for Ireland Orders for a Letter to the General to require him to retreat with his Army forty miles from London and another to the Commissioners in the Army to acquaint them with the votes for a Months pay Upon Letters from Col. Blunt of the misdemeanors of Sir Robert Pyes Troopers in Kent the examination thereof and the easing of the County of Kent referred to a Committee An Ordinance pass'd for indemnity of the Forces that deserted the Army Order for a Months pay for Col. Rossiters Regiment and for the Forces of Tinmouth and Newcastle A Petition from Hartfordshire subscribed with twelve hundred hands and presented by two hundred Knights and Gentlemen to the General much to the same effect as the former from Essex Bucks c. and that Malignants might not be elected Members of Parliament nor put in any places of trust and that the Parliament and others who had received any of the Parliaments Money might be called to account 18. Orders for issuing Money for Soldiers and for Guards for the Treasurers The Letter from the Common-Council of London to the Army now brought to the House was not approved of 19. A second Letter from the Common-Council to Sir Thomas Fairfax was brought to the House for their approbation and after a long debate the House left the Common-Council to themselves to write what Letter they thought fit to the General and they sent one to the General and his Officers The Commissioners attending the King sent to Sir Thomas Fairfax to know his Answer to the Votes concerning the disposal of the Kings person to Richmond The Lord Mayor with the advice of the Aldermen and Common-Council published a command for all the Trained-Bands and Auxiliaries to appear at their Colours taking notice of their former backwardness for suppressing of tumults and unlawful Assemblies in the City It was strange to see how several Counties and the Citizens of London began to make all their applications to the General and Army omitting the Parliament and all looked upon the Army in the chief place and were affraid of doing any thing contrary to them Mr. Peters went to the King to New-Market and had much discourse with him 21. Letters from Major General Laugherne of an Insurrection in Wales who declared themselves for the King and Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Major General went to suppress them Letters from Major General Pointz for Commission to stop the mutinying of the Soldiers and for Pay for them Sir Peter Killegrew sent with Letters to the Commissiones attending the King and to the King with the Votes for his removing to Richmond Votes Passed upon the representation of the Army 1. That no Person that hath been in actual War against the Parliament or acted in the Commission of Array or voluntarily aided the King or received Pardon from him shall presume to sit in the House 2. That if they do sit they shall incur the displeasure of the House 3. That the Committee for examining such cases be revived 4. That a Declaration be brought in for any who have any charge against any Member of the House to come in 5. That the Committee bring in by a day such charges as are already before them against by any Members 6. That the Report of Elections be brought in by a short day Orders for Pay of the Soldiers Divers Censures pass'd upon the Parliament for their Cow Votes and resolution to comply with a Mutinous Army who had their Pay and Power from them Others approved them as prudent respecting the time and to avoid blood Some wished the first Votes and severe prosecuting the business of disbanding had been declined which occasioned this trouble Cromwell began now to mount still higher and carried his business with great subtilty An Impeachment was against his Enemies in Parliament and business of the Army guided by his Son in Law Ireton and others under Cromwell Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax of his submission to the Votes of Parliament for the Kings going to Richmond and the House ordered the house to be prepared for him The Agitators of the Army sent to the Trinity-House concerning the Navy Ordered that Sir Robert Pye's Troop do not return to the Army without leave of the Parliament Sir Thomas Fairfax published a Proclamation that no Soldier of his Army molest any Countrey men or others or abuse any in their Quarters or Marches 22. Letters from the General and Commissioners in the Army of the receipt of the Parliaments Votes and the Moneths Pay and that shortly there would be a Council of War about them and then would be returned a positive and no doubt a satisfactory answer Order for proceedings against Judge Jenkins and Mr. Sollicitor St. John Sergeant Jermyn Mr. Bradshaw and Mr. Prynne to prosecute him Order for a Months Pay for the Forces of the Northern Association and for Major General Pointz to secure such as disturb his Forces and to quiet his Regiments Order to put out the Justices of Peace as were of the Insurrection in Wales and the Letters of Major General Laugherne to be sent to the G. desiring him to take care for quieting those distempers about which the General sent to them and for supplyes for Laughernes Forces The Ordinance pass'd for
and an Order for the loan of thirty thousand pound for the service of the Navy Reference upon Letters from the General about Provision for maimed Soldiers Order for auditing the Arrears of Major General Brown's Brigade Upon Letters to the Committee at Derby House That one Mr. Wake a Minister pretended to have a gathered Church in Dorset-shire whereof he was Pastor and read to them the Common Prayer and used the Order and Ceremonies in that Book whereof notice being given to the Committee of Dorset they sent and apprehended Mr. Wake but he was rescued by the Multitude and the Officers of the Committee were sorely beaten The Committee of Derby House sent to the General to take care to suppress this Riot and to prevent the like for the future and he sent order for that purpose to Col. Scroop who was Quartered with his Regiment in that Countrey 27. Letters from Mr. Lort that the Foot of Major General Laugherne being without any Commander but an Ensign whom they Governed agreed to assist Col. Poyer against the Parliaments Forces and sent to him into Pembroke Castle for that purpose and seised upon the Parliaments Commissioners who were then disbanding Major Gen. Laughernes Forces whom they much abused That they put the Commissioners and many of themselves into Vessels to bring them to Pembroke Castle which took not effect but many of the Soldiers got into the Castle and Sallying out upon the Parliaments Forces before it tyred out with duty killed wounded and took many of them and and some Pieces of Ordnance Letters that Col. Poyer dispatched a Frigot into France and took a Vessel of the Parliaments Order for the General to send a considerable Party against Poyer which was done Letters from the Commissioners in Scotland that the Parliament there sat close yet some of the Lords had leisure for Duells That the Committee of danger there are most of them for War That many English come thither and that the Horses in Northumberland are stolen or bought and carried thither great fears of the well a ffected and joyes of the Papists and Malignants Order for the House to be called by a day and the Sheriffs to summon the Members in the several Counties to attend The Sheriff of Bucks dispensed with from taking the usual Oath and a reference to a Committee to consider of the Oath Mr Fawke made General Receiver of York A Remonstrance to the House from the Officers in Ireland under the Lord Inchequin asserting their Fidelities and mentioning their Successes through all the difficulties and wants wherewith they have incountred That their Enemies have obstructed their supplies whereof they make great complaint and that the Votes for their supply and indemnity were not performed but jealousies raised against them and their Honours questioned That they are involved in so great exigencies that they cannot subsist without speedy supplies but must either make their terms with the publick Enemies or expect Ships to be sent to bring them over into England Letters from Hereford of Major Hoptons Regiment being disbanded who were very affectionate one to another and to the Major and parted with tears 28. Ordinance sent up to the Lords for setling the business of the Admiralty Order for three Judges of the Admiralty and for an Ordinance for it and for a Salary for them Order for five hundred pound to buy Books for Cambridge University Letters from the Lord Inchequin full of discontent for want of supplys referred to a Committee Order for a Member of the House to go into Pembroke shire to settle the Peace of that County and to prepare Instructions for him Order for a Letter to the Committee of Somerset to collect the Assessments there 29. The Monthly Fast day 30. Petition of the Kings Servants who had adhered to the Parliament referred to the Committee of the Revenue for an allowance for them Ordinance sent up to the Lords for ten thousand pound for the General in lieu of a thousand pound per. An. Debate of the business of Ireland An Officer that came from thence made a relation to the House of the Lord Inchequins being suspected to fall off from the Parliament the House ordered Collonel Jephson Mr. Salweys and Mr. Swinfin to go Commissioners to him and referred to the Committee at Derby House to prepare instructions for them Vote that the Forces in Munster should have an Ordinance of Indemnity and security for their Arrears Commissioners appointed for the three other Provinces in Ireland and Money to be sent over with them 31. An Information against a Member of the House for words spoken by him a year before he was ordered to attend to answer it Debate of the business of the Church An Ordinance debated and Committed for punishment of Incest Adultery Fornication and incestuous Marriages Another for the better observation of the Lords day Fast dayes Thanksgiving dayes and other dayes set a part by the Parliament was Committed Letters from Pembroke of a tumultuous rising of the people referred to the General to take speedy and effectual course therein April 1648. April 1. The Ordinance for the Admiralty after a long debate passed and ordered to be sent up to the Lords Additional and private Instructions passed for the Commissioners gone to Munster to the Lord Inchequin whose Officers had taken an Oath of Secrecy and those that refused it were cashiered The House of Peers sate not the General removed his head Quarters to St Edmonds-Bury 3. Letters from Col. Jones of the great necessities of the Soldiers at Dublyn and desiring supplys Order for a thousand pound to be bestowed on Col. Jones as their favour for his great Services and to acquaint him with what Provisions and Supplyes were made for the Forces in Ireland and particularly for those under his Command A Petition of many reduced Officers for their Arrears to have them out of such discoveries as they should make and in respect of their great necessities it was referred to a Committee to make them allowances out of their discoveries Order to prevent the like for the future and the clamors at the door of the House for Arrears and an Ordinance for some Moneys for indigent persons Letters from the Commissioners in Scotland that they had made several Addresses to the Parliament of Scotland concerning Captain Wogan but could obtain no answer from them The House ordered a Letter of thanks to the Commissioners and desired them to proceed in their endeavours about that business A Woman executed at York for crucifying her Mother and Sacrificing a Calf a Cock c. as a burnt Sacrifice and her Husband was hanged for having a hand in that Fact Seven Ipswitch Ships were split upon the Bar of Tinmouth and seven more driven upon the Sands Letters from Edenburgh of a new Army raising there for maintenance of the Covenant and Church-Government The General Assembly in Scotland desired
a competent Force to secure Cattaway Bridge and other Bridges behind them 26. Both Houses agreed upon a Committee to consider of the manner and place of Treaty with his Majesty for settling the Peace of the Kingdom Vote that the Election of M r Mildmay was void and Sir John Clotworthy to be readmitted a Member of the House A note was sent to D r Burges in his Pulpit desiring him to give thanks to God for preserving his Majesty from Poysoning and to pray for the Forces under the Earl of Norwich the Lord Capel and Sir Marmaduke Langdale Order that the Militia of London do send for the Parties whose names were subscribed to this note and that Bishop Wren and M r Capel the Lord Capel's Son be added to those who are to be sent Prisoners to his Excellency and to be exchanged for or used as the Committee of Essex in restraint with the Lord Goring are Northern Letters that Major General Lambert hath retaken Appleby Castle and Greystock Castle and some Arms and Ammunition that the Lancashire Forces one Regiment of good Horse and two Regiments of Foot are joyned with him that they advanced eight thousand Horse and Foot against Langdale who retreated to Carlisle and avoided fighting but sent eight Troops of Horse whereof two were Gentlemen excellently Mounted towards Berwick and their Motions were attended by Colonel George Fenwick and M r Sanderson That the Scots are daily expected by Langdale but many of the contrary Party both Scots and English fly into England and affirm that the Prince is expected in Scotland that great violence is used towards all that will not adhere to the new War Some Ministers executed more imprisoned all to be secured and their goods confiscated who oppose this War that there are great distractions and feuds among them A Petition from the Inhabitants of Colchester and a Letter from the Lord Goring in their behalf was brought to the General that Liberty might be granted to the Bay and Say makers in that Town to have a free trade with London during the Siege The General answered that they should have considered this and divers other inconveniences of War before they had admitted the Forces now in their Town He recites the former subduing of the Parliaments Enemies and the quiet and free trade thereby enjoyed by that Town and all the Kingdom till this new War That the present interruption of their trade is brought upon them not by his default but by those whom the Town hath harboured and the Townsmen and that to grant liberty of trade to persons besieged so much advantage to them and prejudice to the besiegers is such a motion as was never yet granted That their hopefullest way to a free trade will be to attend to a restitution of the Town and County to the condition they were in before these Forces were among them and as in order thereto he offer'd fair conditions in a Letter to the Lord Goring Lord Capell and Sir Charles Lucas though perhaps concealed from the Town though they be rejected by them yet that he shall be ready to make good the same to all that shall timely imbrace them except those three persons themselves That in the mean time there are with him sundry Gentlemen of Quality and Towns-men of good estates and eminent in trade who offer to buy all the Bayes and Sayes in the Town at the usual prices and to pay for them within a fortnight after the Town shall be rendred or quitted to him And that though it be without example to a besieged Town yet he will give leave for their commodities to be brought to a heath near the Town to be bargained or returned back as there shall be occasion A Trumpet came from the Lord Capell to desire the General that an agent of the Bay and Say-makers of the Town might come and treat with his Excellency about their free trade The Lord Capell's Trumpeter and Colonel Paptons Trumpeter and divers Souldiers came from the Enemy to the General according to his Proclamation The Lord Goring to keep up the spirits of his Party when they asked what the Generals Trumpet came so often about to them he answered that it was for a treaty and that the General offered fifty thousand Pounds to the Lord Goring to permit him quietly to draw off with his Army 27. A Petition from the Lord Major Aldermen and Common Council of London to both Houses of Parliament That a personal Treaty may be had between his Majesty and both Houses of Parliament in London or some other convenient place to which Treaty our Brethren of Scotland may be invited that so according to our Allegiance and the Covenant his Majestys Royal person honour and Estate may be preserved the power and priviledge of Parliament maintained the just rights and Liberties of the subject restored Religion and Church Government in purity established all differences composed and a firm and lasting Peace concluded The Lords gave the Petitioners thanks for the continuance of their good affections and inclinations to Peace The House of Commons related to them what they had done and the Committee they had appointed in order to settlement of the Peace of the Kingdom and gave them thanks for their good affections Additional ordinances passed for the Militia's of Westminster and for York Some of the Forces in Colchester were drawn out into the Orchards and Closes under their Works the Parliaments Foot went presently into the Field beat the Enemy into their guards and made those run that kept the Guard took their hour-Glass set their guard House on Fire killed two and brought one Cook of Greenwich away Prisoner The Enemy quitted Sir Harbottle Grimston's House and retreated to the Lord Bannings House The Tower Regiment marched over the new Bridge and intrenched themselves about the Northgate Colonel Whaley with some Horse fired the Enemies wind-mills 28. The monthly fast day Letters from Colchester Leaguer that the Suffolk Forces fell upon the Enemy killed two and took twenty Prisoners whereof eight Kentish men and two London Apprentices who had chewed bullets rowled in sand in their pockets contrary to the Law of Armes that Colonel Needham was â—lain with such a shot That the same day thirty of the Parliaments Horse fell upon two Troops of the Enemy killed two and Wounded many that the Enemy suspecting a battery sallyed out in the night with a hundred Horse in a full cariere thinking to surprise some of the besiegers but failing they advanced in a swift march to the Horse guards came within the Centries and charged pistols That the main guard beat them back to the hedges which they had lined with Musquetiers but little hurt was done on either side Intelligence came that the Enemy from Pontfract had possessed themselves of Axcombe Island near Trent 29. A Petition from the younger Brothers of Trinity House another from the Commanders Masters and
up to be examined Debate upon the Scots Declaration of the grounds of their Armies coming into England The Lords desired the concurrence of the Commons to Indemnify the Duke of Buckingam for his late Ingagement if he came in within fourteen days Scots Letters intercepted by Major General Lambert communicated to the Lords and a Vote passed that all who have invited the Scots Army into England or shall assist them are Traitors and recalled their Commissioners from Scotland they having proclaimed War against England 21. A Vote that all who have served the Parliament and afterwards revolted to the Enemy shall be tried for their lives being Prisoners by a Council of War and that the General do give Commissions to persons in the several Counties for Tryal of such revolted persons by Martial Law Captain Yarrington informed the House of a design of Sir Henry Lingen and other Deliquents to surprise Doily Castle Hereford and other places which the Captain by his indeavours prevented and the House ordered him five hundred pounds out of Lingens Estate and the rest Instructions transmitted to the Lords for Mr. Bence and Mr. Strickland to go to the Lord Admiral and to advise him and be assistant to him upon all occasions 22. Upon a Petition from the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common Council of London concerning the listing of Souldiers under Major General Skippon the House insisted upon their former Ordinances touching this business and approved what was done therein Referred to the Militia of the out-parts and of the several Counties to receive all Complaints touching miscarriages in listing of Souldiers without authority of Parliament Letters from Colchester Leaguer that those in the Town have begun to eat Horse-flesh and have provided store of Pitch and Tar to fire and throw upon the Besiegers and sithes to cut them off in case they attempt a storm 24. Power given to the Lord Admiral to grant indempnity to such revolted Mariners as shall come in An Ordinance past the Commons for forty thousand pounds for the Northern Forces out of the Excise and another for the revenues of the King Queen and Prince in those parts for those Forces and an Order for a train of Artillery for Major General Lamberts Army Captain Clarks action approved in hindring the transporting of some Scots out of Ireland into England and ordered that those Scots who shall refuse to be so transported and shall not desert the Parliaments service shall be equally provided for with the rest of the English Souldiers of that Kingdom Debate upon the large Catechism Letters from the North that upon the advance of the Enemy with their whole body the Parliaments Forces by directions from their Council of War did retreat being fewer in number and expecting additional Forces and being not forward to ingage before they understood the pleasure of the Parliament concerning the Scots Army coming into England That the Enemy followed them but Colonel Harrison gave some check to them and was wounded and Captain Cromwel slain that the Enemy attempted to enter Appleby where the Parliaments Foot were who repulsed them and Colonel Hatfield charged a great body of the Enemy and forced them to retreat that about forty of them were slain and not above three or four of the Parliaments Forces 25. At a Conference the Commons gave reasons to the Lords why the three propositions should be sent to the King to pass before the Treaty 1. Because the disaffected party in and near London where the Treaty is likely to be is such that if the King grant not the Militia before he comes there will be no safety nor likelihood of the Treaty to proceed for many will indeavour to bring in the King without any agreement and to the destruction of the Parliament 2. If the Presbyterian government be not setled all things in the Church will be in great confusion and the Ministers great sufferers and in high distaste with the Parliament 3. If the Declarations be not recalled the Parliament is not in a Capacity to treat having been declared Rebels and Traytors and no Parliament but a pretended one which was never done by any of the Kings Predecessors The Lords answered that they could not imagine nor was it probable that the parts about London who had petitioned for a Treaty would put it on for the disadvantage of the Parliament 2. They did not apprehend any prejudice to the Parliaments party during the Treaty 3. His Majesty had declared he would consent to all together and not to any before all was agreed and that in case there were no agreement they were all in state as before and that these particulars would require Debate To these the Commons replied that his Majesty was not ignorant of the full demand of those particulars having been often presented to him and to the two first he had declared a willingness and was not obliged to pass them as Bills unless all other things were agreed upon and if no agreement he being at liberty a new War was like to insue That there was no doubt but those about London who had petitioned for a Treaty would put it on to the disadvantage of the Parliament being such who have not only Petitioned the re-establishment of his Majesty without conditions but have taken up Arms and were now in Arms to cudgel the Parliament as those of Colchester said into a Treaty That if these three propositions be not past before the Treaty which is supposed will be in or near London nothing will be determined how his Majesty shall be who shall be with him or how the disaffected to the Parliament shall be ordered and things not setled by Law may be received Episcopacy may be set on foot again Ministers put out Ordinances for money be denied and his Majesty and the Parliament be in War again as formerly Intercepted Letters from the Scots referred to a committee to find out the Key of the Characters with power to send for and secure persons concerned Letters from Major General Lambert of his retreat and referred to the Committee of Derby House to command Forces from Gloucester or any other Garrisons to joyn with Lambert in the North. Order for the Ships at Munster to joyn with Captain Clerk to hinder the transport of Scots out of Ireland into England Order for collecting the arrears of the assessments in the City and Counties Power given to the Lord Admiral to dismiss such Ships as he shall find not fit for the Parliaments service Order for addition to the Forces at Southampton Several Ordinances past both Houses for removing obstructions in sale of Bishops Lands and for the Militia in Dorset and Huntington-shires Orders for money for Hurst Castle and for Carisbrook Castle and for two thousand pounds out of the Estates of the Duke of Bucks and Earl of Holland for pay of a Troop of Horse in the Isle of Wight And for five hundred pounds for another Garrison
Aldermen and Common Council of London expressing how much the City was unsatisfyed and jealous of the listing of Horse and Foot under Major General Skippon and praying that no more may be listed unless by him and the Militia of London and that those already listed under him may be disbanded The House ordered a Committee to conferre with the Common Council about this matter and the grounds and reasons of this jealousie to be reported to the House the Lords gave great satisfaction to the Petitioners adding in their answer that they would live and dye with the Petitioners Letters from Lambert with intelligence that some additional Forces were coming to the Scots and desiring more Forces to be hastened to him the House sent the Letters to Lieutenant General Cromwel with orders for him to expedite his march North-wards News that Scarborough Castle was revolted and that the Prince was in the Downs and had not yet landed any men and that one of the Prince his Frigats was taken near Margarts by some of Sir Michael Liveseys Troups with the assistance of a Boat and two Sea-men 31. Votes for pay of arrears to the Northern Officers disbanded upon discovery of concealed money due to the State An Ordinance committed for the better regulating of the Estates of Papists and Delinquents Upon a Petition from the out-parts not to be joyned with the Militia of London the House thanked them for their constant affections and good service and referred them to attend the Committee in this business Referred to the same Committee to consider of the great abuses mentioned in their Petition for joyning of the Militias An Ordinance past the Commons for money for Armes and Ammunition Another for a Troup of Horse to be raised for the Isle of Ely and for seventy pounds a week to be raised in that Island to maintain the Troup The Letters and Commission taken in Captain Greens Frigat reported to the House and ordered to be communicated to the Common Council of London were to this effect Letters from Dublin of a difference between Preston and Owen Roe that they fought and Preston killed five hundred of Roes men and lost a hundred of his own men That the Lord of Ormond was expected at Corke upon whose coming thither was intended a General revolt in that Kingdom that a Combination of the Lord Grandison Sir Jo. Giffard Colonel Willoughby and divers others of quality to surprise Dublin City and Castle was detected and some of the Plotters imprisoned The Prince his Commission to Captain Green was thus Charles Prince of Great Britain Duke of Cornwal and Albany Highest Captain General under his Majesty of all Forces both by Sea and Land within the Kingdom of England Dominion of Wales and Town of Berwick c. He constitutes Green Captain and chief commander of a Ship and gives him power to do or cause to be done to the Rebels all possible damage and hostility in their Shipping Commerce and Navigation and to take and apprehend sink and fire or otherwise to impair and destroy their Ships Vessels men and goods and all things belonging to them or any that assist them c. Given at S. Germain en lay the 6 of June 1648. Letters to Sir Alexander Gibson in Scotland from one in London to this effect That in London they are generally right only Skippon makes some disturbance by Listing of Horse and Foot but that more are Listed for the King and a Petition framing in the City and the Lords have done something in it to incourage the Kings Friends I shall referre you to T. Hamilton for the business in the West for that in the North is ours already And Colonel Matthew Boynton shall be sainted 291. is not yet ready to be dispatched for Colchester which can hold out yet a month I hope you had mine of the unfortunate success of H. the Earl of Holland c. Letters from New-Castle of about four hundred Scots unarmed come for supplies to Duke Hamilton that the cry is very great of the People of Berwick Cumberland and Westmorland being turned out of all by the Scots who with wives and Children take possession the English choose rather to wander than endure such oppressions Letters from Lamberts quarters that about thirty Troups of General Cromwels Horse were joyned with Lambert that they had some bickerings with the Scots Scouts and beat them to their Guards that the English Army is much increased by Nottingham Leicester and Derby Forces August 1648. 1. Order to remove the Governor of Tâ—â—tershal Castle An Ordinance transmitted to the Lords for levying of Forces in the County of Middlesex Report of the Conference with the Common Council that they were very sensible of the high favours in the Houses condescending so low to give them reasons for their Actions in Parliament and gave the House most Humble thanks for the same But withal the House were acquainted with an Act of Declaration of Common Council passed last Night for Listing of Horse by the Militia of London which was referred to the Committee to treat with the Militia about the same Order for printing the intercepted Letters going to Scotland and the Prince his Commission to Captain Green Debate of a Letter to be sent from both Houses to the Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland acquainting them how far the House hath proceeded in setling the Government of the Church and how they have been obstructed therein by the Risings in several parts of the Kingdom and by the marching of an Army of Scots in this Nation the draught of the Letter was committed Order that Major Rolfe should be bayled and Colonel Lilburne released from his imprisonment and for a Conference with the Lords about the same and a Committee named to consider how Colonel Lilburne may have satisfaction for his sufferings The Lords concurred with the Commons to treat with the King in the Isle of Wight and to an Order to send Major General Mitton into North-Wales to suppresse the Insurrections there The danger of Langer-Fort and of Loving-Land referred to the General Letters sent to several Counties about speedy payment of the Assessments of the Army Report of the Lord Riches House in Devon being taken by a Party of the Kings Letters from Colchester Leaguer that those within are very quiet that two demy-Cannons planted against S. Marys Church after a few shot brought down a great part of the steeple and the Ordnance mounted upon it and buried them in the heaps of rubbish 2. Order for a Troup of Horse and a Company of Foot to be added to the Garrison at Dover and for a hundred and twenty men to be added to the Garrison of Lonway Castle Order for Major Wildman who was committed with Lieutenant Colonel Lilburne to be discharged of his imprisonment Ordinance transmitted for an imposition upon Coals Grindstones Salt c. Both Houses agreed on these Votes 1. That a Message be sent to
acquainted the Houses with his Highness's Letter it not being in his power to act further the Parliament having ordered the way in which the Prisoners should be proceeded against not so much for hostility as for breach of the trust they reposed in them to the ingaging the Nation again in War and blood Subscribed Your Highness most humble Servant Fairfax Letters from the North that as yet there was no ingagement with the Scots 21. The Commons concurred with the Votes touching the Treaty and referred it to the Committee of both Houses for peace to prepare thing needful for the Treaty They thought fit again to send to his Majesty to let him know how far they had proceeded as to treat and to have his approbation A Letter from the General that he had received an order from the Lords to deliver the Earl of Holland from Warwick Castle to be confined to his house at Kensington A Letter from the Lord Admiral that upon the Lords Passes for some to go beyond Seas they had gone to the Prince as M r Aleburton the Scots Agent the Lord Andover and others The Commons desired a conference with the Lords about it and that a Letter be sent to the Lord Admiral and to the Lord General to make stay of all such persons notwithstanding their order Upon Petition of thousands of the Suburbs that had joyed with Major General Skippon he was ordered to grant them Commissions and the committee for suppressing of tumults to furnish them with Armes Letters from Salop that Sir Henry Lingen with a party of Horse took sixty of Colonel Harly's men and about two daies after a party of Colonel Harlies and Colonel Hortons men met with Sir Henry Lingens men about Radnor regained all their Horse and Prisoners took Sir Henry Lingen and Colonel Crofts and many other of the Kings commanders Prisoners slew divers of the party and routed the rest Letters from Colchester Leaguer that the approaches were so near that the besiegers and the Enemy laid aside their Muskets and in stead of shooting cast Stones at one another Some petitions inclosed in a Letter from the Lord Norwich and the rest were sent to the General expressing that at the desire of the inhabitants they had thought fit to send them And that they should be constrained for the better accommodation of the Souldiery to turn out the Towns People whereby their Houses and goods would be left liable to spoil and ruine for prevention whereof they had thought fit to treat with his Lordship for the surrender of the Town if he pleased to which purpose they would send six Officers if his Lordship would appoint the like number With this came another Letter offering an exchange of Captain Gray for M r Weston and M r Rowling the General accepted of the exchange but as to the Treaty said he would send answer by a Messenger of his own The General was in some danger by a shot from the Town that one who was exchanged told the Lord Norwich he heard the Parliament Souldiers discoursing sharply against those in Colchester and one of them bid him tell Goring that they would bore a hole through his nose and draw him with a Rope through Cheapside crying Here is the great Bull of Colchester The inclosed Petitions were one to the Earl of Norwich the Lord Capell and Sir Charles Lucas from the inhabitants of Colchester That having received their Commands to depart the Town for better supply of the Souldiers they might Petition the Lord Fairfax for Liberty to pass into the Country to prevent the danger of their lives without his leave They prayed their honours to give way for their Petition to be presented to the Lord Fairfax and till they had his answer that they might not be inforced from their habitations The Petition of the inhabitants of Colchester to the Lord Fairfax was to inform his Lordship that the Commanders in Chief in the Garrison had ordered all the inhabitants to provide with expedition to depart the Town or otherwise by power they should be forced thereto for that whatever became of the Townsmen the Souldiery who maintained the Kings cause must and shall be provided for That being driven to this Exigency they have no other means but to fly to his Christian Charity and clemency and humbly to pray that he would give them leave to pass into the Country for the preservation of their lives Subscribed by the Major and four Aldermen in the name of all the Petitioners To the Letter the General returned this answer He was willing to believe that the pressing necessities of the miserable inhabitants of Colchester had wrung from them the Petition inclosed in their Letter That he should not onely clear himself to all the world from the occasion of their sufferings but so far contribute to their relief as to allow all the inhabitants of the Town the Lords first ingaging not to restrain any who shall be willing to come out to enjoy the Liberty in their Petition desired Provided the Committee of the County of Essex then Prisoners with the Lords in the Town be sent out with the first only he shall not permit the wives and Children of any Towns-men or others who shall abide with the Lords in Armes to have the benefit above-mentioned Concerning the rendition of the Town he offers That all such officers and Souldiers under the degree of a Captain excepting all such who being Members of his Army have since the 10. of May last deserted their Colours they ingaging themselves never hereafter to bear Arms against the Parliament shall have passes without injury offered them to return to their respective homes And all Captains and other superiour Officers with the Lords and Gentlemen to submit to mercy Subscribed Your Lordships Servant Tho. Fairfax An Express came from Lieutenant General Cromwel in the general of his defeating the Scots Army under Duke Hamilton New Instructions for Colonel Hammond 1. That the King be removed to Newport in the Isle of Wight the place of the Treaty 2. That he be in the same condition and freedom there as he was at Hampton Court 3. That no person in the first Exception out of Mercy nor under restraint of the Parliament nor of late actually in Arms against the Parliament be admitted to the King 4. That no person that hath been in Arms against the Parliament or aiding or assisting to them or of whom there is just cause of suspicion be admitted into any Fort or Tower in the Isle of Wight 5. That no person of any forrain Nation be admitted to come into the same without leave from both Houses of Parliament 6. That if the Kingdom of Scotland send any to treat with his Majesty they shall have a Pass from both Houses 7. That his Majesty pass his Royal word not to go out of the Island during the Treaty nor twenty eight daies after
to him A Committee appointed to consider how every County may maintain a proportionable number of the Scots Prisoners and to treat with Merchants about transporting them to forreign service Order for the Lord Grey to dispose of Duke Hamilton into safe custody till the House take further order and to keep in strong custody all the Officers then Prisoners in such places and Castles as he should think fit Letters from Colchester that the Town was surrendered according to Articles all Prisoners at Mercy the Town preserved from plunder paying fourteen thousand pounds That by the resolution of a Council of War Sir Charles Lucas Sir George L'Isle and Sir Marmaduke Gascoigne a Papist were to be shot to death That the two first were executed and the third respited That Sir Charles Lucas urged this was to be without precedent but a Parliament Souldier standing by told him that he had put to death with his own hand some of the Parliaments Souldiers in cold blood at which he was dismaid but took better courage afterwards before he died That Sir George L' Isle kissed his dead friend and then after much expostulation and discourse first with the General his Chaplain then by his own desire with one of the Lord Norwich his Chaplains and some private prayers with him Sir George died both he and Sir Charles Lucas with very much courage 30. The publick Fast-day The House passed an Ordinance for the Discipline of the English in new England 31. Votes for several persons named by the King to have leave to attend his Majesty during the Treaty only M r Dowcet and M r Legge disapproved of Order for Instructions to be prepared for the Commissioners who are to treat and for mony for their charges Order that Colonel Farre Lieutenant Colonel to the Earl of Warwick who ingaged ten thousand men of the Train'd Bands of Essex to joyn with the Enemy should be left to the Lord Fairfax to be executed as Sir Charles Lucas was A Committee appointed to confer with M r Moâ—bot about suppressing of scandalous Pamphlets and to bring in an Ordinance for that purpose Letter from the General of the particulars of the Surrender of Colchester and a Copy of the Articles with the explanations upon them That for some Satisfaction to Military Justice and in part of avenge for the innocent blood they had caused to be spilt and the trouble dammage and mischiefs they had brought upon that Town that County and Kingdom He had with the advice of a Council of War of the chief Officers both of the County Forces and the Army caused two of them who were rendred to mercy Sir Charles Lucas and Sir George L' Isle to be shot to death before any of them had quarter assured them and hopes the Parliament will not find cause in the Military execution of these two persons to think their own honour or justice prejudiced That as for the Lord Goring Lord Capel and the rest of the persons rendred to mercy and now assured of quarter whose names he sent in a List he did render to the Parliaments judgement for publick Justice and mercy to be used as they should see cause he desires that God may have the glory of his multiplied mercies In the List of the Prisoners were the Earl of Norwich Lord Capell Lord Loughborough eleven Knights nine Colonels eight Lieutenant Colonels nine Majors thirty Captains general Officers servants of the Lords and Gentlemen sixty five Lieutenants seventy two Ensigns and Cornets sixty nine Sergeants one hundred eighty three private Souldiers three thousand sixty seven Letters from Southampton that the Grand Jury found the Bill against Major Rolphe Ignoramus A Petition of the Common Council of London for Vnity and Amity between the Parliament the City and the Army approved of and thanks given to the Petitioners A Ship sent from the Prince to Garnsey taken by one of the Parliaments Ships September 1648. 1. An Ordinance for stating the accounts of Souldiers and Widows ordered to be Printed and published A place to be appointed for the Auditours Care for Augmentations for Ministers The five Commissioners for the Treaty named by the Lords were The Earl of Pembroke the Lord Say Earl of Salisbury Earl of Middlesex and the Earl of Northumberland The ten Commissioners of the House of Commons were M r Holles Lord Wenman M r Pierrepoint Sir Henry Vane junior Sir Harbottle Grimstone Mr. Samuel Brown Mr. Crew Mr. Recorder Glyn Sir John Potts and Mr. Bulkeley 2. A Letter agreed to his Majesty to acquaint him with the Commissioners named to attend him in the Treaty and that they should be dispatched to him with all convenient speed Sir Peter Killigrew sent away with this Message An Ordinance transmitted to the Lords for payment of fifty thousand pounds part of the last hundred thousand pounds formerly ordered for the Scots forty thousand pounds of it for the Navy seven thousand pound for Stores and three thousand pound for the pay of the Lancashire Forces A long debate about the Militia One thousand of the Prisoners taken at Colchester sent up to London Mr. Lilly's Astrological Predictions for the years 1648 49 and 50. published 4. Both Houses agreed for those servants of his Majesty who are to attend him during the Treaty And they passed an Ordinance to inable the Commissioners to treat with his Majesty upon the Propositions presented to him at Hampton-Court Those in the late insurrection in Essex c. admitted to a Composition at a fourth Value of their Estates Mr. Rolphe delivered his Remonstrance in the Lords House against the Judges and against his prosecutours and desired reparation the House ordered his discharge Lieutenant Colonel Lilburn desired reparation for the Sentences against him in the Star-chamber Order for the Committee to take care for transporting the Scots Prisoners in the first place to supply Plantations and the rest to send to Venice In a Vessel at Exeter one thousand five hundred pair of Carabins being found Order for Securing them till the matter be examined Both Houses agreed upon a day of publick Humiliation to desire a blessing upon the Treaty with his Majesty Colonel Hammonds Instructions for safe keeping his Majesty in Carisbrook Castle repealed The Colonel taking the Kings own ingagement for his going abroad in the Island Order for the Committee of the revenue to provide horses for the King to ride about the Island Upon Colonel Hammonds desire of an addition of Horse and Foot during the Treaty referred to the General and Committee of the Army and his desire for Shipping to ly about the Island referred to the Committee of the Army to prepare them The Forces of Suffolk and Essex had a rendezvous with the Army and after shaking hands and many Vollies of Shot they bid one another farewel Some Regiments marched towards Tarmouth The Lords that were Prisoners with two men a piece and twelve other
desired 4. To that concerning the Court of Wards a recompence being assured to his Majesty his heirs and successours of one hundred thousand pounds per annum The General explained his former Letter concerning the quarter given to the Lord Goring and Lord Capel that it did not extend to any other but the Military power and that they were notwithstanding liable to Tryal and Judgment by the Civil Power otherwise any who was Treacherous or had revolted might get quarter from a private Souldier and so not be further questionable With divers other reasons given by him to the same purpose Letters from Scotland that M r Parsons sent to them from the King had complaints of the miseries suffered by the late Ingagement that they refer the King to their agreement with Lanerick and their Declaration and beseech him at last to hearken to the advice of his Parliament in consenting to the propositions of both Kingdoms Especially to those concerning the Covenant and Reformation of Religion which they understand to be the Point he sticks most at and they in Honour and interest are most obliged to stick to and without which they tell him his Kingdom cannot be established in righteousness That they have also writ to the Prince dehorting him from that course of opposition he is now in and from attempting any act of hostility against that Kingdom and since all worldly policy and projects have failed that he would apply his endeavours to mediate with his Father to consent to the propositions of both Kingdoms and especially the Covenant Letters from Major General Lambert's quarters that divers of his men were set upon as they past up and down by some of the Scots and many injuries offered to the English that six of his Regiment with Quarter-Master Diamond were set upon by fourteen of the Scots and fought with them about a quarter of an hour left three of the Scots sprawling upon the ground and wounded most of the rest routed them and came off without any hurt only one of the English had a cut of his hand That the Committee of Estates taking notice of these things have indeavoured to prevent the like for the future and to give satisfaction for what is past The Lords consented to the Sergeants that were named and the Commons also the Speaker moved that Whitlock might be suspended from being a Sergeant at present in regard of Swearing the rest which was likely to fall to his share But this was opposed until Whitlock spake and shewed them the necessity that either Sir Thomas Widdrington or he must make the Speech to the rest of the Sergeants and Swear them which they could not do if both of them were to be Sworn and that upon Conference together he was perswaded to take that trouble upon himself and to have his Swearing suspended if they pleased Nevertheless the House in favour to Whitlock would not wholly excuse him but Voted that he should not be Sworn a Sergeant till further order The House passed Mr. Hatton to be Sergeant 24. Order for five hundred pound for Sir Anthony Welden in satisfaction of his losses by the Kentish Rebels against whom he was very active Upon the Generals answer to the Parliaments Letter touching Sir Henry Cholmley the question was whether he should be subject to the commands of the General or the Parliament only and Voted that he should be subject to the General Orders for disbanding Supernumerary Forces in several Counties not of the Army Debate about Ordinances for Dr. Bastwick Mr. Burton and Mr. Pryn to have reparations for the illegal Sentences against them in the Star-Chamber Both Houses agreed upon seven persons to be exempted from pardon viz. The Lord Digby Lord Cottington Sir Robert Heath Sir Francis Doddington Sir George Ratcliffe Sir Richard Greenvile and Sir Charles Dalison Several compositions past Letters from Newcastle that Cromwel Haselrigge and the Committee ordered the slighting of several Northern Garrisons that the Army coming thither was entertained with great Guns and ringing of Bells and feasting That Sir John Chiesely and others were posting up to London to declare that Kingdoms dislike of their late Armies invading England and to desire a fair correspondency Letters of a design to betray Pendennis Castle some of the conspirators were taken and one of them adjudged to death by Sir Hardresse Waller and his Council of War Another who was imployed to corrupt the private Souldiers was not tryed but sent up to the Parliament because he was no Souldier himself but a Country-man many others of them fled 25. The publick Fast-day 26. Voted that the Kings last Message concerning Episcopacy was un-satisfactory And a Committee appointed to draw up the particulars wherein it was un-satisfactory that his Majesty might have the same in writing An Ordinance transmitted to the Lords for payment of Tithes to the Ministry Letters from the Committee of Estates in Scotland desiring a fair correspondency and brotherly Vnion between the two Nations And that Sir John Chiesely was intrusted to deliver by word of mouth other particulars of their desires Order that the Letter be communicated to the Lords and Sir John Chiesely referred to the Committee of Derby-house to impart further particulars to them Order for five thousand Suits of Cloaths for Cromwels Souldiers The Lords concurred that the Kings Paper concerning Episcopacy was not satisfactory 27. Voted that that part of the Kings answer concerning the taking of the Covenant is un-satisfactory Also that concerning the taking away of Arch-bishops Bishops Deans c. Also that concerning the abolishing of Popery in desiring to have it tolerated in the Queens Chappel and for her Family Also that for alienating of Bishops Lands and sale of Dans and Chapters Lands and many others A Committee appointed to draw up the Covenant in such a form as may be proper for his Majesty to take it A Committee ordered to consider of his Majesties Concessions to any part of the Propositions and to draw them up into Bills to be tendred to his Majesty An Ordinance past for repayment of Money advanced by the Merchant Adventurers for the service of the Navy 28. Letters from Colonel Jones in Ireland That the Marquess of Ormond was upon concluding a peace with the Irish Rebels the Lord Inchequin complying and all to joyn against the Parliaments party there the design hatched in England by the fomenters of the second War and the Scots who last invaded England and should then have broken out and given forth to be by Commission from the King He desires the House seriously to consider of it Order that a Message be forthwith sent to his Majesty to desire him to declarè against the Rebellion of Ireland and against this Truce with the Rebels and to require the Marquess of Ormond to forbear joyning with the Rebels against the Protestants The Parliaments Commissioners with the Army agreed with the General
greatness and found by Experience to be a grievance to the subject a hindrance of piety an incroachment upon the power of the Civil Magistrate and so a burthen to the persons purses and consciences of men Whereupon the Parliament finding it to be for the honour of your Majesty and profit of the Subject to take it away desire this Bill for that purpose not inedling with the Apostolical Bishop nor determining what that Bishops is whom the Apostles mention in Scripture but only to put him down by a Law who was set up by a Law Nothing can be more proper for Parliaments than to alter repeal or make Laws as Experience teacheth to be for the good of the Commonwealth but Admitting that Apostolical Bishops were within the purport of this Bill they humbly conceive it doth not follow that therefore in Conscience it must not be passed for they may not grant that no occasion can make that alterable which is found to have sure foundation only in the practice of the Apostles not in a precept For the Sale of Bishops Lands which his Majesty apprehends to be Sacriledge they humbly offer that Bishopricks being dissolved their Lands as of all Corporations naturally by the Laws of the Land revert to the Crown which is their founder and Patron and heretofore held it no Sacriledge to dispose of Bishops Lands to its own and others use by Act of Parliament which was an Ordinary practice in his predecessors Besides that they might say that in all ages and even under the Ceremonial Law imminent and urgent necessity especially by the publick hath dispensed with the otherwise imploying of Consecrated things As to that that his Majesty cannot communicate in a publick form of divine service where it is uncertain what the Minister will offer to God They answer that the Directory is certain as to the matter leaving it to the Minister to inlarge or express in words according to his discretion for the exercise of his gifts and they add that it can be no objection against joyning with a Minister in a Prayer not to know before hand the very words that he will say for then one must not hear any Prayer before Sermon where every several Minister hath a several form and must vary still according to occasion That what his Majesty hath already consented to concerning Bishops leaves it solely in his own power for their return again to their former power after three years and to have the Negative voice in Ordination which they humbly conceive the Scripture holds not forth to have been in that Bishop who is there mentioned in these Writings of the Apostles and consequently that which his Majesty endeavours to preserve not to be the primitive Office of a Bishop That the intention of the Parliament is not to Offer violence to his Majesties Conscience but that he will be pleased to rectify it by being better informed that both he and his People may have cause of rejoycing The Lord Grey of Groby had the thanks of the House for taking Marquess Hamilton Prisoner and dispersing a Brigad of his Horse The House spent almost the whole day in nominating Sheriffs for all the Counties of the Kingdom Many Rumours were of the Armies coming again to the Houses 24. Upon a Letter from the Lord Admiral Order touching the raising of twenty thousand pound for the Mariners that come in from the revolted Ships and for other affairs of the Navy and for providing money for the Summers Fleet. Vote for the Earl of Arundel to be admitted to his Composition for six thousand pound in regard he had suffered losses by the Parliament's Forces and that this six thousand pound should be paid for the use of the Navy 25. Orders touching Sheriffs Orders for Slighting the Garrisons of Ashby de la Zouch and Bulling-brook A Petition of one Maurice complaining of the arbitrary proceedings of the House of Lords concerning an Estate of three thousand pound per annum referred to be examined by a Committee Votes for disbanding Forces The Commissioners of the great Seal went into the Queen's Court and there they did swear Mâ— Prideaux to be the King's Sollicitor 27. Letters from Colonel Hammond with one inclosed from the General to him to require Colonel Hammond to repair to his Excellency to the Head quarters and that Colonel Ewers was appointed to take the charge of his Majesty in the Isle of Wight The Commons Voted Colonel Hammond to stay in the Isle of Wight to attend his Charge there and the General to be acquainted with this vote and Letters to be sent to the Admiral to send some Ships for security of the Isle of Wight and that they obey the Orders of Colonel Hammond Letters from the Head quarters that the Officers spent yesterday wholly in prayer that they consult how to effect what is in their Remonstrance and are resolute to bring Delinquents to punishment and to settle the Kingdom in peace with what necessary Laws are wanting for the benefit and ease of the subject and that a Petition came to the General from the Forces in Wales and in the North to expedite this work A Messenger brought word to Windsor that Colonel Ewers had the Custody of his Majesty and that Colonel Hammond was upon the way to Windsor Upon Information of the wants of Plymouth Garrison orders for raising four thousand pound for them and Colonel Welden to go thither Debate whether the new Sergeants should send a Ring to the King and put off Letters from the Leaguer at Pontefract that the Garrison Souldiers come away from thence and many move for Passes that they made a Sally and were beaten in again that all the Regiments in the North have petitioned the General against the Treaty and for Justice which were recommended and sent by Lieutenant General Cromwell to the Lord General 28. Order for Captain Skinner and the rest of the men in the Crescent Frigat lately taken to be brought to judgment for Pyracy after the Course of the Admiralty Order for Sequestrations of Delinquents in the North for raising money to disband the Supernumeraries there And for satisfaction of the Lancashire Forces Order touching new Sheriffs Order that the Estate of the Lord Lovelace be again sequestred if he refuse to pay five hundred pound to Colonel Temple as part of his arrears The Lord of Ormond knighted divers in Ireland 29. The publick Fast day Letters from Colonel Hammond with a Copy of the Orders from the General Council of the Army and their Letter to Colonel Ewers and others for securing his Majesties person in the Isle of Wight The House Ordered a Letter to the General to acquaint him that these Orders and instructions from him to Colonel Ewers for securing his Majestie 's person in the Isle of Wight were contrary to their resolutions and instructions given to Colonel Hammond and that it was the pleasure of the House that his Excellency recal the
them and That the Prince of Conde came with Force before Paris and stopt provisions 3. The List of the Officers of the Fleet referred to the Committee of the Navy To report who they think fit to go out with this Winter guard and who not Ordered that Captain Moulton be preferred in the Navy answerable to his Merit and the like for Colonel Lidcote The Commons taking notice that the Lords had rejected their Ordinance for Tryal of the King and had Adjourned their House they sent some of their Members to examine the Lords Journal-Book and they reported to the Commons three Votes passed by the Lords 1. To send answer by Messengers of their own 2. That their Lordships did not concur to the Declaration 3. That they had rejected the Ordinance for Tryal of the King Hereupon the Commons Voted That all their Members and others appointed to act in any Ordinance wherein the Lords are joyned with them shall be impowered and injoyned to sit act and execute in the said several Committees of themselves notwithstanding the House of Peers joyn not with them Order that the Ordinance for Tryal of the King and the Declaration from which the Lords dissented and which were intended for both Houses shall now be by the Commons only and that the former Committee do sit presently and report the alteration in the Afternoon during which time the House Adjourned In the Afternoon the Committee made their report and the Ordinance was re-committed and to be reported again to morrow the Lords names to be left out and the three Judges and Sergeant Bradshaw Sergeant Nicholas and Mr. Steel to be Assistants The Speaker acquainted the House with a Letter he had received by the French Ambassador from the Queen but the House would not have it read A Letter was sent from the General to the Committees of several Counties for Levying the Arrears of the Assessment for the Army and that he would take off free-quarter from those who paid their proportions 4. Report of amendments to the Ordinance for Tryal of the King and in respect the Lords had rejected it the Commons turned themselves into a Grand Committee to consider of the power of the Commons in Parliament and the Committee Voted 1. That the people under God are the Original of all just power 2. That the Commons of England assembled in Parliament being chosen by and representing the people have the Supream Authority of this Nation 3. That whatsoever is enacted and declared for Law by the Commons in Parliament hath the force of Law and all the people of this Nation are included thereby although the consent and concurrence of the King and House of Peers be not had thereunto These being reported to the House were upon the question all passed without a negative Voice to any of them An Ordinance intitled for Tryal of Charles Stuart by a Court Martial was assented to and ordered to be Ingrossed and brought in to Morrow Order that the Clerk do not give out any Copy of the Ordinance for Tryial of the King to any Member of the House or to any other 5. Order to require the Lord Mayor of London to suspend the taking of the usual Oaths and to proceed to perfect the elections of Common-Council Men. Upon information that divers Prisoners of War had escaped out of Peter-house through neglect of the Keeper referred to a Committee to examine and report it And to consider of a Prison to be given to the Sergeant at Arms attending the House Order to desire the General to command his Marshal General of the Army to put in execution the Ordinance concerning Scandalous and un-licensed Pamphlets Order for a large Book of Velom to be made and all the Acts Ordinances and Records which lie abroad in Papers and have been neglected be there entred The Committee for Concealed Monies sate in Whitehall and rewards were allowed to the discoverers 6. The Ordinance for Tryal of the King was brought in ingrossed and passed A Letter from the Commissioners of Scotland resident here pressing for unity of Councils and Actions according to the Covenant betwixt the two Kingdoms and that the House would not proceed to Try or Execute the King till the advice of that Nation be had thereunto Debate concerning the proceedings of Law the issuing of Writs and the like in what name they should be the King and the Lords not acting The Common Council agreed upon an Order to be published to morrow in all Churches for speedy payment of nineteen thousand pound of the arrears of the Assessment for the Army to prevent the whole Armies coming into the City and to be quartered upon those who have not paid their Arrears 8. Letters from Ireland that Sir Charles Coot marched with his Forces of Connaght from Sligo seventy miles into the Rebels Country and after a little conflict with the Rebels some of them were killed and his party burned great store of their Corn preyed upon the Country and brought away one thousand of their Cows without loss That at his return he apprehended Sir Robert Stuart and hath sent him into England with a Charge against him that since this he hath possessed himself of Kilmore and fourteen Guns which Sir Robert Stuart endeavoured to block up by Sea and Land and hindered the provisions sent by the Parliament from being brought to their Forces The House referred it to the General and Councel of War to try Sir Robert Stuart and to take care for the Forces of Sir Charles Coot in Ireland whose actions they approved and Ordered a Letter of thanks to him Referred to the General and Council of War to secure Holy Island Order for the Northern Counties to have the Sequestrations of Delinquents there for disbanding their Forces The Commissioners for Tryal of the King sate in the Painted Chamber at Westminster and Ordered that to morrow a Herald should proclaim and invite the people to bring in what matter of fact they had against Charles Stuart King of England and appointed to sit the next day upon his Tryal 9. Widdrington and Whitelock by agreement went into the House this Morning the Tryal of the King being begun some looked very shy upon them others bid them welcome and seemed glad to see them there About ten of the Lords sate and passed several Ordinances which they sent to the Commons who laid them all aside The Lords had debate upon their last Votes about the Tryal of the King And that some thing should be published to satisfy upon what grounds they rejected the Commission for his Tryal but they resolved nothing Sergeant Dendy who attended the Commissioners for Tryal of the King according to their Order rode into Westminster-Hall with the Mace on his shoulder and some Officers attending him bare and six Trumpets on Horse back and Guards of Horse and Foot in the Palace-yard The Trumpets sounded in the middle of the
to endeavour to the last gasp the peace of the Kingdom So Sirs I do wish with all my Soul and I do hope there is some here that will carry it further that they may endeavour the peace of the Kingdom Now Sirs I must shew you both how you are out of the way and will put you in a way first you are out of the way for certainly all the way you ever have had yet as I could find by any thing is in the way of conquest Certainly this is an ill way for Conquest Sirs in my opinion is never just except there be a good just cause either for matter of wrong or just title and then if you go beyond it the first quarrel that you have to it that makes it unjust at the end that was just at first But if it be only matter of Conquest then it is a great robbery as a Pyrate said to Alexander that he was a great robber he was but a petty robber and so Sirs do I think the way that you are in is much out of the way Now Sirs to put you in the way believe it you will never do right nor God will never prosper you until you give him his due the King his due that is my Successours and the People their due I am as much for them as any of you can be You must give God his due by regulating rightly his Church according to his Scripture which is now out of order for to set you in a way particularly now I cannot but only this A National Synod freely called freely debating among themselves must settle this when that every opinion is freely and clearly heard For the King indeed I will not then turning to a Gentleman that touched the Axe he said hurt not the Axe that may hurt me For the King the Laws of the Land will clearly instruct you for that therefore because it concerns my own particular I only give you a touch of it For the People and truely I desire their liberty and freedom as much as any Body whomsoever but I must tell you that their liberty and their freedom consists in having of Government those Laws by which their life and their goods may be most their own It is not for having Share in Government Sirs that is nothing pertaining to them a subject and a Soveraign are clean different things and therefore until they do that I mean that you do put the People in that liberty as I say certainly they will never enjoy themselves Sirs it was for this that now I am come here if I would have given way to an arbitrary way for to have all Laws changed according to the power of the Sword I needed not to have come here and therefore I tell you and I pray God it be not laid to your Charge that I am the Martyr of the People In troth Sirs I shall not hold you much longer for I will only say this to you that in troth I could have desired some little time longer because that I would have put this that I have said in a little more order and a little better digested it than I have done and therefore I hope you will excuse me I have delivered my conscience I pray God that you do take those courses that are best for the good of the Kingdom and your own Salvation Then D r Juxon spake Will your Majesty though it may be very well known your Majesties affections to Religion yet it may be expected that you should say somewhat for the worlds satisfaction K. I thank you very heartily my Lord for that I had almost forgotten it In troth Sirs my conscience in Religion I think is very well known to the world and therefore I declare before you all that I dye a Christian according to the profession of the Church of England as I found it left me by my Fathers and this honest man I think will witness it Then turning to the Officers he said Sirs excuse me for this same I have a good cause and I have a gracious God I will say no more Then turning to Colonel Hacker he said take care that they do not put me to Pain and Sir this and it please you Then a Gentleman coming near the Axe the King said Take heâ—d of the Axe pray take heed of the Axe Then he said to the Executioner I shall say but very short Prayers and then thrust out my hands Two men in disguises and vizors stood upon the Scaffold for Executioners Then the King called to D r Juxon for his Night-cap and having put it on he said to the Executioner does my Hair trouble you he desired it might all be put under the cap which the King did accordingly by the help of the Executioner and the Bishop Then the King turning to D r Juxon said I have a good cause and a gracious God on my side D r Juxon There is but one stage more this stage is turbulent and troublesome it is a short one but you may consider it will soon carry you a very great way it will carry you from Earth to Heaven and there you shall find a great deal of Cordial joy and comfort King I go from a corruptible to an incorruptible Crown where no disturbance can be D r Juxon You are exchanged from a temporal to an eternal Crown a good exchange Then the King took off his cloak and his George which he gave to Dr. Juxon saying Remember some other small ceremonies were past after which the King stooping down laid his Neck upon the block and after a very little pause stretching forth his hands the Executioner at one blow severed his head from his Body Then his Body was put in a Coffin covered with black Velvet and removed to his lodging Chamber in White-hall At this scene were many sighs and weeping Eyes and divers strove to dip their handkerchiefs in his Blood The House sate early and the Dutch Ambassadors having sent them a transcript of their Ambassy in English it took up much time in the reading and was referred to a Committee to draw up the answer to it An Act past to prohibit any to proclaim the Prince of Wales or any other to be King or chief Magistrate of England or Ireland without consent of Parliament on pain of High Treason Some imperfect Copies of the proceedings at the Tryal of the King being printed the House referred it to the High Court to draw up a Narrative of those proceedings to be confirmed by the House The Act forbidding the proclaiming of any King was Ordered to be sent down to all the Sheriffs to be proclaimed in all Counties Duke Hamilton and the Lord Loughborough escaped out of Windsor-Castle 31. Between three and four a clock this morning Letters came from Windsor to Lieutenant General Cromwell of the escape of Duke Hamilton and his man the last Night Warrants were presently issued forth and five hundred pound promised
Painted Chamber and such who had any evidence to give against the Earl of Holland Earl of Cambridge Lord Goring Lord Capell and Sir John Owen or any of them were to repair thither where they might be heard A Committee to examine the Authours and publishers of a Pamphlet and such as have preached printed and published seditiously the proceedings in bringing the King to justice and to prepare an Act to restrain the preaching and printing any thing against the proceedings of the House and of the High Court of Justice Letters from Scotland that the Parliament and priests there are at much variance that they bring all to the stool of repentance that were in the last invasion of England yet they are now as much as ever Enemies to the proceedings of the Parliament and Army in England That they talk big of raising an Army in revenge of the Kings Blood and all will joyn unanimously against the Sectaries of England and ground themselves upon breach of the Covenant Letters from New-Castle that many Ships were loaden with Coals for London and the Coast clear and their Governour Sir Arthur Haselrigge and some Officers of the Garrison were gone for London Letters from Pontefract that upon notice of the Kings execution the Garrison made a stout Salley but were beaten in again In the House the debate was long and smart concerning the Lords House 6. Debate concerning the House of Lords and the question being put whether the House of Commons should take the advice of the House of Lords in the exercise of the Legislative power of the Kingdom it was carried in the Negative by many voices Then they voted That the House of Peers in Parliament is useless and dangerous and ought to be abolished and that an Act be brought in to this purpose A Committee named to draw up an Act for making the Estates both of the late Members of Peers and likewise of the House of Commons liable to the Law for payment of all debts Referred to a Committee to consider of a way to take away all Appeals to the Lords and to discharge all persons committed by them in relation thereunto and how the Peers may be elected Burgesses and Knights to serve in the House of Commons Debate what Government to set up in England and Ireland and whether Kingship should be abolished or not Divers Sheriffs made Scruple of acting in their Office because of the Death of the King Order for instructions to be drawn up therein Order for Sergeant Bradshaw to make a Deputy in Guild-Hall where he is Judge in regard of his imployment in the High Court The accounts allowed of the Charges of the Kings Tryal Letters that the Irish Pyrates take divers vessels at Sea from the English and that the several Parties in Ireland are agreed to carry on the designs of the Prince of Wales It was put upon Whitelock to draw an Act to take away the House of Lords wherein he desired to have been excused in regard he was not in the house when the vote passed and had Declared his opinion against it but he could not get excused 7. Debate whether the Government by Kings should be abolished and upon the Question whether it should be referred to a grand Committee of the whole House it was carried in the Negative Then after a long and quick Debate they passed this vote Resolved upon the Question by the Commons of England in Parliament assembled That it hath been found by experience and this House doth declare That the Office of a King in this Nation and to have the power thereof in any single person is unnecessary burthensome and dangerous to the liberty safety and publick interest of the People of this Nation and therefore ought to be abolished and that an Act be brought in to that purpose A Committee appointed to bring in names of persons not exceeding forty to be a Councel of State Instructions passed for drawing new Commissions for the Judges the new Great Seal being ready The Judges appointed to meet with the Speaker and a Committee of the House about the Judges Commissions The High Court of Justice sate receiving witnesses and preparing the Charges against the five persons to be tryed The Earl of Holland sent up by post that he was dangerously sick at Warwick-Castle The Corps of the late King was removed from St. James's to Windsor to be interred in St. George's Chappel there and monies allowed for it An Act appointed to be brought in to make Sir Thomas Widdrington and Whitelock Commissioners of the new Great Seal with a blank for others to be added 8. Instructions passed for Commissions to the Judges of whom six agreed to hold viz. Rolles Jermyn St. John Pheasant Wilde and Yates provided that by Act of the Commons the fundamental Laws be not abolished The other six Judges viz. Bacon Brown Bedingfield Creswell Trevor and Atkins were not satisfied to hold Order for altering the Judges Oaths formerly in the name of the King now to be in the People A Committee appointed to bring in a list of fit persons to be Justices of peace in every County Instructions passed for rewards to such as shall bring in any of the revolted Ships The Duke of Richmond and others had leave to attend the late Kings funeral at Windsor Widdrington and Whitelock without the Lords who were in Commission with them yet having an Act of the House of Commons for it they went with the old great Seal to the House Mr. Malbon the usual Seal-bearer carried it to the door where Widdrington and Whitclock took the Purse and Seal in it and both of them holding it brought it in solemnly into the house all the Members being silent and laid it down upon the Table in the house Then the House past an Act for the old Seal to be broken and a work-man was brought into the house with his tools who in the Face of the house upon the Floor brake the old Seal in pieces and the house gave to Widdrington and Whitelock the pieces and purse of the old Seal After this the House passed another Act for establishing the new Great Seal to be the Great Seal of England Then they read another Act to constitute Widdrington and Whitelock to be Commissioners of the New Great Seal which occasioned Sir Thomas Widdrington to stand up and excuse himself very earnestly because of his unhealthfulness but that excuse would not be allowed Then he further excused himself by reason of some scruples in conscience which he had concerning the acting in this high place though he did acknowledge the Authority and submit to it and had Acted by vertue of it in signing a Warrant for a Writ to adjourn the Term and bringing in the new Great Seal without the Lords Commissioners Upon a long Debate the House did excuse Widdrington and to manifest their respects for his former services
Officer of the Kings in Cornwall who were carryed to Prison til further Order from the Parliament or Councel of State 16 Divers Surveys returned into Worcester House of Lands of the late King Queen and Prince appointed to be sold 17 The General sent his Orders to several Garrisons to hold Courts Martial for the Punishment of Souldiers offending against the Articles of War provided that if any be sentenced to loose Life or Limb that then they trasmit to the Judge Advocate the Examinations and Proceedings of the Court Marshal that the General 's Pleasure may be known thereupon The Commission also from the General gave authority to examine Witnesses upon Oath against the Offender and for his Defence An Account of Recruits for Ireland and Returns of Subscriptions to the Ingagement from several Regiments and Garrisons 18 Letters that the Mayor and Magistrates of Yarmouth and all the Officers and Souldiers of the Garrison there did willingly take the Ingagement and that there was great Affection and Unity between them That the Commissioners appointed by the Councel of State were settling the Militia in those parts That a Danish Ship of twelve Guns was cast away in sight of the Town who sent out Boats and saved twelve of her Men the rest were drowned and six of her Guns saved From Jersy That the Prince intends to remove back again into France That his Councel is much divided about what Answer to give to the Lord of Libbertons Message From Durham That a written Paper was fixed upon the Market Cross of the Title of King Charles the Second c. and that all that opposed him were guilty of Rebellion which was Treason in the highest nature and therefore the Authors kindly wished all to amend 19 Most part of this week was spent in Parliament upon Debates of a new Act for regulating the Elections of Members for suture Representatives and upon a Bill for managing and ordering of the Sequestrations Granger and others were apprehended for counterfeiting Warrants and receiving great Sums of Money collected for the Service of the Forces in Ireland The Generals at Sea met at Portsmouth to hasten out the Navy to Sea The General and his Officers made several Resolutions touching the purchasing of the late Kings Lands Several other Persons apprehended and Committed to the Marshal General for counterfeiting Debenters and Warrants whereby they received several Sums of Money from Collectors 21 The General and his Officers met and passed several Votes to be presented to the Committee of Parliament touching the Removal of Obstructions in the sale of the late Kings Lands and for the Examination of the Souldiers times of Service and what Arrears are due to them c. 22 Long Debate upon the Act of Sequestrations to which the House added several Provisoes Letters from Weymouth about the Pirates infesting that Coast From Newcastle That the taking of the Ingagement sticks most with the Presbiterians who pretend Conscience to oppose it but the Cavaleers in Policy subscribe it That the Cavaliers report that Lieutenant General Cromwel was sent for out of Ireland because he was forced from thence and could no longer subsist there From Edenburgh That Libberton wrote a Letter only to let them know that he was safely arrived in Jersy but not one word of the Kings Mind That Sir William Flemming came thither from Jersy to see what Posture they were in That many Witches were dayly apprehended and brought to the Fire From Hull That Mr. Strickland the Parliaments Agent in Holland finds there a very fair Comportment as to the Affairs of England From Plymouth That the Cavaliers have frequent and great Meetings That the Souldiers and Officers there did willingly subscribe the Ingagement 23 In a meeting of the Officers of the Army with the Committee for removing Obstructions in the sale of the late Kings Lands several things were agreed upon for the Advantage of the Souldiery in the purchase of those Lands C. Desborough and his Court Marshal at Plymouth sentenced ten Souldiers to death for running away after they had listed themselves and taken Money for the Service of Ireland Letters that a Ship with 30 Horse and 120 Foot bound for Ireland were cast away and all drowned From Kingsale of Cromwels viewing several Forts his taking the Mace from the Mayor of Kingsale and delivering it to C. Stubber the Governour That all things were in good Condition in Munster and that Waterford was upon Treaty of Yielding The Earl of Pembroke dyed his Son who was a Member of the House of Commons before continued to sit in the House now being himself an Earl upon the death of his Father Letters from Jersy that the Prince and the Scots Commissioners were upon agreement That they desired him to go with them into Scotland but he was advised not to adventure it without good Shipping to carry him safe thither That the Prince sent to Dunkirk for some Frigots for Jersy That he gave Commissions to French Runagadoes to take Prizes of all English Merchants and to bring them to Jersy That they took a good Ship of Lime 24 Divers Returns of Subscriptions to the Ingagement from several Regiments and Garrisons There was sent from Scotland and published here the Copy of a Declaration of the general Assembly of Scotland in answer to that of Montross to whom they gave only the Title of James Graham Charging the People of Scotland not to harken to or joyn with him or draw on themselves the wrath of the most High God by breach of the Covenant and gross backsliding nor hearken to any of his Calumnies and Slanders Nor countenance or assist any who shall invade that Kingdom or raise War therein under pretence of Commission from his Majesty or putting him in the Exercise of his Royal Power before Satisfaction had from him to the just and necessary desire of that Kirk and Kingdom concerning Religion and the Covenant 25 The Councel of Officers ordered That Clarendon and Bowrod Parks in Wilts should be Lands set apart for satisfaction of the Contractors Trustees and Officers imployed about the sale of the Kings Lands Order of the Parliament to sit on Saturdayes and Mundayes for the future for the speedy dispatch of Business and that no private business be heard in the House till the first of March next Debate upon the Heads of a Bill for a new Representative and regulating Elections and about the number of the whole to be elected and for some particular Counties Debate about the Act for the better manageing the Estates of Recusants and Delinquents and a Proviso added touching the reserving the chief mansion house of Recusants not having been in Arms from sequestration and for restraining wast in their Timber and reserving the rights of the Lords of the Manners to Coppy hold Estates Another Proviso was added not to take away the Power of the Committee for removing delinquent Ministers and Schoolmasters with
by a Irish Man of War under the Fort of Ostend and by the Governours Order rescued from them he saying That he would not indure such things to be done under his Command From Pendennis Castle that C. Slingsby Prisoner there was by Order of the Councel of State carried from thence to Exeter to be tryed by the Common Law for levying War against the Parliament An Account of Recruits shipped for Ireland 30 From Exeter of the solemn reception of the Judges of Assize by the Magistrates and Military Officers and of the conducting them through the several Counties by the Troops of Horse and of the great respect shewed by the Souldiery to the civil Magistrates From Taunton That the Commissioners had settled the Militia in that County C. Popham a Regiment of Horse and another of Foot C. Pine C. Ceely and C. Gorge Regiments of Foot From Scotland That their Commissioners gone to the King had power to to take up 300000 l. Scotch that is 25000 l. Sterling to gratify the King it he agreed with them That the Kirkmen were generally very zealous for the closing with their King yet some of them averse to it and Praying against it Aprill 1650. April 1. From Newcastle That very many Cavaliers passe into Scotland and some of them come out of Norfolk and Suffolk From Cork That the Lord Lieutenant had taken in all the three Counties of Tipperary Lymerick and Kilkenny except the three Shire Towns and had kept the Enemy from drawing together That the Lord Broghall beat up the Quarters of three Regiments of Inchequins Horse most of them English brought the Officers to Cashel tryed C. Claydon C. Johnson and Lieutenant Collonel Laughern three of them by a Court Marshal for betraying their trust having formerly served the Parliament and they and M. Sims were sentenced to dye that three of them were shot to Death and C. Claudon was pardoned That the Enemy burnt and destroyed the County of Lymerick and drove away the Cattle seven or eight Miles round the City Letters to a great Man That there is no rest to be found in the wisest Constitutions and Laws of Men until they acknowledge the Weakness thereof and fly to the Infallible and alsufficient Wisdom of the Scriptures to rule Mankind in the World The only Magna Charta in this World is the Holy Scriptures which give perfect Rules for the Peoples Liberties and for Rulers Government and Authority and so guide all Judgements that none shall suffer Injury That the People will never fix quietly upon any Form or way till they are brought to the Word of God 2 A Declaration of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen and Common Councel of London returning Thanks to the Parliament for their Gift of the New-Park to the City and of the Houses and 1000 l. for the Poor and that they do declare and resolve through Gods Assistance with the hazard of their Lives and Estates to stand and fall with the Parliament against all wicked Practices and opposite pretended Powers whatsoever The Speaker in Answer to it told them That the House took notice of this their Resolution and of the Seasonableness of it that the house kindly accepted it and gave them thanks for it Several Orders touching the Forces and Payment of Monies into Weavers Hall An Act for adding some of the Judges to be Commissioners in the High Court of Justice An Act for one to make use of a new Invention to prevent the great Consumption of Coal and Wood about Lead Iron Copper Saltworks c. From Dublin That the Lord Broghil and Henry Cromwel fell into the Lord Inchequins Quarters killed 160 and took 120 Prisoners with the Officers and 150 gallant Horse That Collonel Reynolds fell into the Earl of Castlehavens Quarters routed them and drove them to a Bogge From Coventry That Salmon and Wyke Prisoners there Preached every Lords Day at the grate of the Prisons and very many stood in the streets to hear them 3 From Portsmouth That a Ship of London of 16 pieces of Ordinance and her Bills of Lading from the Streights were of 30000 l. was taken by an Irish Man of War near the Isle of Wight and another Vessel in her Company run her self on Shore and thereby lost all but the Lives of the Mariners 4. A Letter sent from the Diggers and Planters of Commons for universal Freedom to make the Earth a common Treasury that every one may injoy Food and Rayment freely by his labour upon the Earth without paying Rents or homage to any fellow Creature of his own kind that every one may be delivered from the Tyranny of the Conquering Power and so rise up out of that Bondage to enjoy the Benefit of his Creation The Letters were to get Money to buy Food for them and Corn to sow the Land which they had digged 5 From Ireland That the Lord Lieutenant was gone near to Lymerick and that C. Hewson was marching with near 3000 men to him That the Spanish Agent had obtained leave of the Lord Lieutenant to send to Spain for Money Ships and Instructions for transporting Irish Officers and Souldiers who were willing to go into the Service of his Master A Messenger brought Intelligence to the Governour of Kinsale that Macke Carke and O Sullipht were raising Forces Westward and that all the Priests were gone to them That Inchequin for 20 Miles burnt and wasted the County of Lymerick and then retreated over the Shannon with more Cows than Horses that thereby Kilmallock could get no Forrage for their Horse and many of them came in to the Lord Lieutenant That C. Hewson came to the Lord Lieutenant with 3500 Horse and Foot that C. Reynolds and C. Ewers Regiments were sent out as a Forlorn hope and discovering the Enemies Body of above 3000 attempted to fight notwithstanding the disproportion but they had no mind to it That the Parliament had there a healthy and gallant Army all new clothed and well armed and Money in their Purses That they have in Ireland 6000 good Horse and 18000 Foot That Ormond came to Clare with six Horse only and sent Propositions to the Lord Lieutenant that most of the Irish had left him That they have Ships to prevent Commerce and Sea Assistance That eight Ships were come in from Wales and England loaden with Oats and 15000 yards of Cloth and 200 pair of Boots From Cork That the Scots and Irish are at great difference and the Irish fly to connaght as their last refuge excepting Spain That the Catholicks hasten the Prince iuto Scotland to divert the Army from Ireland if they can possibly Granger and others according to the Sentence of Parliament lost their Ears at the new Pallace Yard in Westminster and at the Old-Exchange in London for forgeing Warrants from the Committee of the Army and Counterfeiting hands to Bill of Exchange whereby they procured 3000 l. to be paid them out of
the public Treasuries in London and several Counties The high Court of Justice sate 6 From Exeter That the Judges of Assise there had much settled the People Minds asto the present Government in their Charges to the Grand Jury wherein the Lord Chief Justice Rolles and Judge Nicholas were very much commended An Account of Shipping some Troops designed for Ireland From Tossiter That the Officers and People in that Country did generally and chearfully subscribe the Ingagement From Liscard That the Committee were very active in settling the Militia and the Country were ready to come in and be listed 8 From Chester That Kilkenny was surrendred upon Articles unto the Lord Lieutenant That C. Hewson in his return to Dublin with part of his Brigade took Scarlough the great Tory and divers Priests and Fryars accidentally and that the Lord Lieutenant besieged Cartherlow From Scarborough That the Governour having notice of a small Man of War belonging to the Prince he got a Northsea Vessel and sent Captain Lassels with 50 men in her to see if they could meet with the Pyrate who lay near to that Harbour That the Pirate espying this little Vessel at Seacame out to her set upon her her men having Orders to keep close and not be seen till the word given and assoon as the Pyrates were ready to board the Souldiers came forth and fell on them forced their Men being 29 under deck and brought away them and their Ship to Scarborough six of their Men and one Captain being slain and all the men in the Pyrates Ship were Papists and those who had long used this Course of Piracy 9 An Act and Declaration passed for imposing Penalties upon such as purchase any Crown Lands as original Creditors and pay with assigned or false Bills An Additional Act Passed for the furthur ease and relief of poor Prisoners Order that the Lords Commissioners of the great Seal take care that all Indictments Outlawries and other Acts against any Person for adhering to the Parliament remaining upon Record be searched out taken off the File cancelled and burnt as things scandalous and void Order that all Patents for granting any Title of Honour to any Person after the carrying away of the great Seal to Oxford be annulled and made void And that they do not take that title to whom it is granted nor any presume to give it them and that the Lords Commissioners do prepare an Act for that purpose An Act read for laying an Imposition upon Coals towards the building of Ships An Act read against transportation of Gold and Bullion out of this Nation beyond Seas An Additional Act passed for providing Maintenance for Ministers by Augmentations Vote That no Merchant or Trader beyond Seas shall have any Place in the Custome House during the time that he tradeth That the Arms of the King be taken down in all Ships and the Generals at Sea to see it done That the Arms of the King be taken down in all Churches and Chappels and the Justices of Peace Churchwardens and other Officers ordered to see it done That the Councel of State have power to remove from London and 20 Miles distance from thence all such Delinquents whose abode there they shall Judge to be dangerous An Act passed impowring Commissioners to put in execution the Powers formerly given to the Commissioners for compounding with Delinquents the Committee of Habberdashers Hall c. 10 An Account of transporting Forces for Ireland Letters that Ormond is desirous to go out of Ireland and Inchequin to come in to the Parliament From Lisbon That G. Blake with the Parliaments Fleet arrived there and understood that Prince Rupert intended to set sail from thence within two days whereupon Blake sent to the King of Portugal for leave to come into the River of Lisbon and coming near with his Ships the Castle shot at him That upon this Blake came to an Anchor and sent a Boat to know the Reason why they shot at him the Captain of the great Castle made answer That they had no Order from the King to let them come in That the Merchants Ships that came with Blake seeing this set sail for the Streights After this the King sent one of his greatest Nobles to congratulate with Blake and to desire him not to come in except the weather proved bad whereby he could not ride where he was it being his Majesties Fear that he and Prince Rupeit would quarrel and fight in his Harbour The Kng also sent to Blake a large present of fresh Provisious for his Refreshment That the weather beginning to be foul Blake came into the Bay of Wyers in the River two Miles from Prince Rupert whose men came dayly from him to Blake and one of his Ships the Swallow was coming away but was discovered and the Boatswain clapt in Chains That the Admiral had not above 40 Seamen in his Ship and very few in the rest of his Fleet. That Captain Molton went on Shore from Blake to satisfy the King of the Falsities of Prince Ruperts Declaration 11 A Scots Vessel taken by an Irish Man of War was rescued by a Dutchman The Commissioners settled the Militia in Courwall From Chepsto That at the Assises was as great an appearance of Gentlemen and Freeholders as ever was seen in that Country One tryed and found guilty there for poisoning his Wife and was upon his own words greatly suspected to have poisoned his four Wives and three Children Orders issued That every Regiment of Foot should be recruited to 1200 the Collonels Company to be 200 the Lt. Collonels Company 160 the Majors 140 and the other seven Companies to be 100 a piece Anno 1650 12 From Scotland That notice being had of their Commissioners arriving in Holland the Kirk kept a day of humiliation to seek God for a Blessing upon the Treaty and injoyned the like through Scotland That many German Officers are there expecting imployment when the King comes thither That Cromwel granting Liberty of Conscience to the Irish they will all submit to him 13 From Dublin That the Governour C. Hewson after he had taken Lawlinbridge by order marched with a strong party and met the Lord Lieutenant at Gouran five Miles from Kilkenny and March 19. entred the Town without Opposition That the Castle stood on t and after a sharp dispute upon one attempt to storm the Common Souldiers that they might have Quarter for themselves delivered up their Officers viz. C. Hammon M. Townly two Captains one Quarter Master one Lieutenant and a Priest March 22 All the Officers were shot to death except the Lieutenant who was spared for that he joyned with the Souldiers to deliver up the Officers and the Priest was hanged The Souldiers that were English took up Arms with ours Next day our Forces marched towards Kilkenny and March 24th were necessitated to attempt a Storm to divert the Enemies Forces from falling upon a Party of
and in the same sence are used in the Customary That which puts it further out of scruple is that there are yet extant the Manuscripts themselves of the Saxon Laws made in the Parliamentary Councels held by them here which are in the Language and Character of those times and contain in them many of those things which are in the Norman Customary It is no improbable Opinion that there was a former establishment of our Laws in Normandy before the time of H. 1. and that it was by Edward the Confessor who as all Writers of our History agree was a great Collector and Compiler of our English Laws He lived a long time with his Kinsman Duke William in Normandy who was willing to please the Confessor in hopes to be appointed by him to be his Successor wherein the Dukes expectation did not fail him The Confessor having no Children and finding Normandy without a setled Government and wanting Laws advised with his Kinsman Duke William to receive from him the Laws of England which he had collected and to establish them in Normandy which Duke William and his Lords readily accepted for the Good of their People and thereby obliged the Confessor Another Proof hereof is That such Laws as the Normans had before the time of D. William were different from those in the Customary and from the English Laws As their Law that the Husband should be hanged if the Wife were a Thief and he did not discover it The meaner People were as Slaves and the like and the trial of Theft by Ordeil which then was not in England Wigorniensis reports That the Normans who came in with Queen Emma the Wife of Ethelred were so hated of the English for their Injustice and false Judgment that in the time of King Canutus they were for this cause banished and it is the less probable that they being so unjust themselves should introduce so just Laws as ours are Between the Conquest of Normandy by Rollo and the Invasion of England by Duke William there were not above 160 Years that of Normandy was about An. 912. that of England An. 1060. It is not then consonant to reason That those Normans Pagans a rough Martial People descended from so many barbarous Nations should in the time of 150 Years establish such excellent Laws among themselves and so different from the French Laws among whom they were and all parts in the World except England And such Laws which were not onely fit for their Dukedom and small Territory but fit also for this Kingdom which in those dayes was the second in Europe for antiquity and worth by confession of most Forreign Historians If we will give Credit to their own Authors this Point will be sufficiently evinced by them these words are in the Proheme of the Customary which is titled Descriptio Normanniae Hucusque Normannicae consuetudinis latorem sive datorem Sanctum Edvardum Angliae regem c. The same is witnessed by Chronica Chronicorum That St. Edward King of England gave the Laws to the Normans when he was long harboured there And that he made both the Laws of England and Normandy appears sufficiently by the conformity of them for which he cites several particulars as of Appeals and the Custom of England ad probandum aliquid per credentiam duodecem hominum Vicinorum which he sayeth remained in Normandy to that day Polydore forgetting himself what he wrote in another place sayeth of King Henry the Seventh That when a doubt was made upon the Proposal of Marriage of his Daughter to Scotland that thereby England night in time be subject unto Scotland The King answered No and that England as the greater will draw it to Scotland being the less and incorporate it to the Laws of England as sayeth the Historian it did Normandy though the Owner thereof was Conquere in England And Sir Roger Owen in his Manuscript affirms That there is not any of our Historians that lived in the space of 200 Years immediately after the Conquest which doth describe our Laws to be taken away and the Norman Custome introduced by the Conquerour Some of them and not improbably mention the alteration of some part of them and the bringing in some Norman Customes effectual for the keeping of the Peace There is yet behind the great Argument most insisted on and often urged by the Gentlemen of another Opinion which is the Title of William who is called the Conquerour from whence they conclude That by his Conquest he changed the Laws and Government of this Nation and that his Successors reckon the beginning of their Reigns from his Conquest To this is answered that â posse ad esse non valet argumentum the conquering of the Land is one thing the introducing of new Laws is another thing but there is direct Proof to the contrary of this Argument Duke William never surnamed himself the Conquerour nor was so called in his life time as may appear by all the Letters Patents and Deeds that he made wherein he is called Gulielmus Rex Dux c. never Conquestor and our antient Historians give him the same Titles and not that of Conquerour In the Title of Nubrigensis's Book he is surnamed William the Bastard Malmsbury calls him W. 1. Hoveden W. the Elder Adam de Monmouth sayeth That 1. E. 3. this word Conquest was found out to denote and distinguish the certain Edward because two of the same name were Predecessors to this King and to the Conquerour who claimed the Crown as Heir to Edward the Confessor but saith he we call him the Conquerour for that he overcame Harold Duke William himself claimed to be King of England as Successor and adopted Heir of the Confessor by his Will and Harolds renouncing of his Title by Oath The Register of St. Albans Math. Paris and others attest that the Barons of England did homage to him as Successor and he relyed on them in his Forreign Wars and the check given to him by the Kentish men and the Forces gathered by the Abbot of St. Albans brought him to ingage to confirm the Laws of the Confessor and as his Successor by legal right they admitted him to be their King Volaterus writes That he was made Heir to the Confessor and was Vncle to him Another affirms That Edward by his Will left England to him Paulus Aemilius and Fulgasius are to the same purpose Pope Alexander the Second sent him a Banner as witness that with a safe Conscience he mighe expel Harold the Tyrant because the Crown was due to him by the Confessors Will and by Harolds Oath Agreeable hereunto are Gemiticensis Walsingham Malmsbury Huntington Ingulphus Paris Pike Wendover Caxton Gisborn and others The antient Deeds of the Abby of Westminster which were sometimes in my Custody do prove this King William in his Charter to them sets forth his own Title to the Crown thus Beneficio Concessionis Cognati mei gloriosi Regis Edvardi In his
Second Charter dated anno 15. of his Reign he sayeth In Honour of King Edward who made me his Heir and adopted me to rule over this Nation In his Charter dated 1088 of the Liberties of St. Martins the Great in the Manuscript thereof are these words In Example of Moses who built the Tabernacle and of Solomon who built the Temple Ego Gulielmus dei dispositione Consanguinitatis haereditate Anglorum Basileus c. The Charter of H. 1. his Son to this Abby In Honour of Edward my Kinsman who adopted my Father and his Children to be Heirs to this Kingdom c. In another Charter of Henry 1. in the Book of Ely he calls himself the Son of King William the Great who by hereditary right succeeded King Edward It is true that as to his pretence of Title by the Will of the Confessor Mathew Paris objecteth That the device was void being without the consent of the Barons To which may be answered That probably the Law might be so in H. 3. time when Paris wrote and was so taken to be in the Statute of Carlisle and in the case of King John But at the time of D. Williams Invasion the Law was taken to be That a Kingdom might be transferred by Will So was that of Sixtus Rusus and Asia came to the Romans by the Will of King Attalus the words by Annaeus Florus are Populus Romanus bonorum meorum Haeres esto Bythinia came to the Romans by the last Will of their King Nicomedes which is remembred by Utropius together with that of Lybia Cicero in his Orations tells us That the Kingdom of Alexandria by the last Will of their King was devolved to Rome And Prasitagus Rex Icenorum in England upon his death-bed gave his Kingdom to the Emperour Nero. As to Examples in this point at home this King William the 1. by his Will gave England to his younger Son William Rufus King Steven claimed by the Will of Henry the first King Henry 8. had power by Act of Parliament to order the Succession of the Crown as he pleased by Will. And the Lords of the Councel in Queen Marys time wrote to her That the Lady Janes Title to the Crown was by the Will and Letters of Edward 6. As the Case of Henry 8. was by Act of Parliament So Duke William after he had Conquered Harold was by the general consent of the Barons and People of England accepted for their King and so his Title by Will confirmed And he both claimed and Governed the Kingdom as an Heir and Successor confirmed their antient Laws and ruled according to them This appears by Chronica Cronicorum speaking of William the Bastard King of England and Duke of Normandy he saith That whereas St. Edward had no Heir of England William having conquered Harold the Usurper obtained the Crown under this Condition That he should inviolably observe those Laws given by the said Edward It is testifyed likewise by many of our Historians that the antient Laws of England were confirmed by Duke William Jornalensis sayeth That out of the Merchenlage West-Saxon-Lage and Dane-Lage The Confessor composed the Common Law which remains to this day Malmsbury who lived in Duke Williams time sayeth that the Kings were Sworn to observe the Laws of the Confessor so called sayeth he because he observed them most religiously But to make this point clear out of Ingulphus he sayeth in the end of his Chronicle I Ingulphus brought with me from London into my Monastery Crowland the Laws of the most righteous King Edward which my Lord King William did command by his Proclamation to be anthentick and perpetual and to be observed throughout the whole Kingdom of England upon pain of most heinous punishment The Leiger Book of the Abby of Waltham commends Duke William for restoring the Laws of the English Men out of the Customes of their Countrey Radburn follows this Opinion and these Laws of Edward the Confessor are the same in part which are contained in our great Charter of Liberties A Manuscript entituled De gestis Anglorum sayeth That at a Parliament at London 4 W. 1. the Lawyers also present that the King might hear their Laws He Established St. Edward Laws they being formerly used in King Edgars time There is also mention of the 12 men out of every County to deliver truely the State of their Laws the same is remembred by Selden History of Tithes and Titles of Honour and in a manuscript Chronicle bound with the Book of Ely in Cottons Library One of the worthy e Gentlemen from whom I differ in Opinion was pleased to say That if William the Conquerour did not introduce the Laws of Normandy into England yet he conceives our Laws to be brought out of France hither in the time of some other of our Kings who had large Territories in France and brought in their Laws hither else he wonders how our Laws should be in French Sir I shall endeavonr to satisfy his wonder therein by and by but first with your leave I shall offer to you some Probabilities out of the History That the Laws of England were by some of those Kings carryed into France rather than the Laws of France brought hither This is expressly affirmed by Paulus Jovius who writes That when the English Kings Reigned in a great part of France they taught the French their Laws Sabellicus a Venetian Historian writes That the Normans in their Manners and Customes and Laws followed the English Polydore Virgil contradicting himself in another place than before cited relates that in our King Henry 6. time the Duke of Bedford called together the chief men of all the Cities in Normandy and delivered in his Oration to them the many Benefits that the English afforded them especially in that the English gave to them their Customes and Laws By the Chronicle of Eltham H. 5. sent to Cane in Normandy not only Divines but English Common Lawyers by the Agreement at Troys So there is much more probability that the Laws of England were introduced into France and Normandy than that the Laws of Normandy or any other part of France were introduced in England If the Normans had been Conquerours of England as they were not but their Duke was only conquerour of Harold and received as Hereditary King of England yet is it not probable they would have changed our Laws and have introduced theirs because they did not use to do so upon other Conquests The Normans conquered the Isles of Guernsey and Jersy yet altered not their Laws which in their local Customes are like unto ours The like they did in Sicily Naples and Apulia where they were Conquerours yet the antient Laws of those Countries were continued I hope Mr. Speaker I have by this time given some Satisfaction to the worthy Gentlemen who differed from me That the Laws of England were not imposed upon us by the Conqueronr nor brought over hither either out of Normandy or any
2. and some others in Latine R. 2. H. 4. H. 5. and H. 6. used to write their Letters in French and some of our Pleadings are in French and in the Common-Pleas to our time But Sir our Law it Lex non scripta I mean our Common-Law and our Statutes Records and Books which are written in French are no Argument that therefore the Original of our Laws is from France but they were in being before any of the French Language was in our Laws Fortescue writes That the English kept their Accounts in French yet doubtless they had Accounts here and Revenues before the French Language was in use here My Lord Cooke saith That the Conqueror taught the English the Norman Terms of Hawking Hunting Gaming c. yet no doubt but that these Recreations were in use with us before his time And though D. William or any other of our Kings before or after his time did bring in the French Tongue amongst us yet that is no Argument that he or they did change or introduce our Laws which undoubtedly were here long before those times and some of them when the French Tongue was so much in use here were Translated Written and Pleaded and Recorded in the French Tongue yet remained the same Laws still And from that great Vse of the French Tongue here it was that the Reporters of our Law-Cases and Judgments which were in those times did write their Reports in French which was the pure French in that time though mixt with some words of Art Those Terms of Art were taken many of them from the Saxon Tongue as may be seen by them yet used And the Reporters of later times and our Students at this day use to take their Notes in French following the old Reports which they had studied and the old French which as in other Languages by time came to be varied I shall not deny but that some Monks in elder times and some Clerks and Officers might have a Cunning for their private Honour and Profit to keep up a Mystery to have as much as they could of our Laws to be in a kind of Mystery to the Vulgar to be the less understood by them But the Councellors at Law and Judges can have no advantage by it but perhaps it would be found that the Law being in English and generally more understood yet not sufficiently would occasion the more Suits And possibly there may be something of the like nature as to the Court-hand yet if the more common Hands were used in our Law-writings they would be the more subject to change as the English and other Languages are but not the Latine Surely the French Tongue used in our Reports and Law-Books deserves not to be so enviously decried as it is by Polydore Aliott Daniel Hottoman Cowel and other Censurers But Mr. Speaker if I have been tedious I humbly ask your pardon and have the more hopes to obtain it from so many worthy English Gentle-men when that which I have said was chiefly in vindication of their own Native Laws unto which I held my self the more obliged by the duty of my Profession and I account it an honour to me to be a Lawyer As to the Debate and Matter of the Act now before you I have delivered no Opinion against it nor do I think it reasonable that the Generality of the People of England should by an implicit Faith depend upon the knowledge of others in that which concerns them most of all It was the Romish Policy to keep them in ignorance of Matters pertaining to their Souls health let them not be in ignorance of Matters pertaining to their Bodies Estates and all their worldly Comfort It is not unreasonable that the Law should be in that Language which may best be understood by those whose Lives and Fortunes are subject to it and are to be governed by it Moses read all the Laws openly before the People in their Mother-Tongue God directed him to write it and to expound it to the People in their own Native Language that what concerned their Lives Liberties and Estates might be made known unto them in the most perspicuous way The Laws of the Eastern Nations were in their proper Tongue The Laws at Constantinople were in Greek at Rome in Latine in France Spain Germany Sueden Denmark and other Nations their Laws are Published in their Native Idiom For your own Countrey there is no man that can read the Saxon Character but may find the Laws of your Ancestors yet extant in the English Tongue D. William himself commanded the Laws to be proclaimed in English that none might pretend Ignorance of them It was the Judgment of the Parliament 36 E. 3. That Pleadings should be in English and in the Reigns of those Kings when our Statutes were enrolled in French and English yet then the Sheriffs in their several Counties were to proclaim them in English I shall conclude with a Complaint of what I have met with abroad from some Military Persons nothing but Scoffs and Invectives against our Law and Threats to take it away but the Law is above the reach of those Weapons which at one time or another will return upon those that use them Solid Arguments strong Reasons and Authorities are more fit for confutation of any Error and satisfaction of different Judgments When the Emperor took a Bishop in compleat Armor in a Battel he sent the Armor to the Pope with this Word Haeccine sunt vestes silii tui So may I say to those Gentlemen abroad as to their Railings Taunts and Threats against the Law Haeccine sunt Argumenta horum Antinomianorum They will be found of no force but recoyling Arms. Nor is it ingenious or prudent for Englishmen to deprave their Birthright the Laws of their own Countrey But to return to the Matter in Debate I can find neither strangeness nor foresee great inconvenience by passing of this Act and therefore if the House shall think fit to have the Question put for the passing of it I am ready to give my Affirmative The Question being put It was unanimously carried That the Act should pass for turning the Law-Books and the Process and Proceedings in the Courts of Justice into English 23 Letters from Scotland of the Proceedings of the Army in Mining Edinburg-Castle and that part of the King's House there was burnt 25 Letters That the Scots Officers had sent to break off any Treaty of Accommodation and that they were to have a general Meeting for reconciling all Parties That among some Tories taken in Scotland one was an Elder of the Kirk who confessed the killing of some of the English being instigated by the Ministers That C. Monk had taken in the strong Castle of Roswel That the Scots were agreed amongst themselves and raising Forces to recruit their Army to 30000. 26 Letters That C. Axtel Governour of Kilkenny marched forth with about 800 Horse and Foot to relieve the Parliaments Garrison
another over Tame Our Foot disputed the Hedges with much Courage and Resolution the Fight began on the other side Severne and our Foot from this side began it they clearing the way for the rest to come over after them The Right Wing of Lieutenant General Fleet-woods Forces came over the Bridge of Tame while the Left Wing disputed the Bridge at Poyke which Dispute lasted a long time and was very hot but the Lord gave our Men to gain ground of the Enemy till we had beaten them out of the Ground While this was doing the Enemy Rallying made a very bold Sally out on this side of the Town and came with great Bodies of Horse and Foot supposing most of our Army had been drawn out on the other side they gave our Men a very hot Salute and put them to a little retreat and disorder But in a short while the Lord gave us Victory on this side also our Foot did very Noble and Gallant Service and they disputed with them not only the Hedges but followed them boldly to the very Mouth of their Canon which was planted on their Mountain-Works At length we gained their Works and planted their Guns against them in the Town and we hear that some of our Horse and Foot are in the North and East end of the Town the night came on so fast that we could not pursue further Most of their Horse escaped but my Lord General dispatched Major General Harrisons Brigade after them we cannot yet give an account who are taken or slain but we conceive the number of their Slain far exceeds the number of the Prisoners but I guess the number of the Killed and Taken to be about 8 or 10000. Tomorrow we shall be able to give you fuller relation Our Quartermaster-General and Captain Jones is slain and Mr. Howard Captain of the Life-guard is wounded and Major General Lamberts Horse was shot under him Yours to serve you Robert Stapleton Sept. 3. 1651. Other Letters came to the same effect 5. Letters of the Militia Troops riding up and down the Counties to prevent Insurrections Of a Pinnace of the Earl of Derbies taken by one of the Parliaments Ships A Letter from General Cromwel to the Speaker of the Victory at Worcester but the Particulars in one following 6. A more particular Letter from the Lord General Cromwel to the Parliament thus I am not able yet to give you an exact Account of the great things the Lord hath done for this Common-wealth and for his People and yet I am unwilling to be silent but according to my Duty shall represent it to you as it comes to hand This Battle was fought with various Success for some hours but still hopeful on your part and in the end became an absolute Victory and so full an one as proved a total Defeat and Ruine of the Enemies Army and Possession of the Town our Men entring at the Enemies heels and fighting with them in the Streets with very great Courage took all their Baggage and Artillery What the Slain are I can give you no Account because we have not taken an exact View but they are very many and must needs be so because the Dispute was long and very near at hand and often at push of Pike and from one defence to another There are about 6 or 7000 Prisoners taken here and many Officers and Noble-men of Quality Duke Hamilton the Earl of Rothes and divers other Noble-men I hear the Earl of Lauderdale many Officers of great Quality and some that will be fit Subjects of your Justice We have sent very considerable Parties after the flying Enemy I hear they have taken considerable numbers of Prisoners and are very close in the Pursuit Indeed I hear the Country riseth upon them every where and I believe the Forces that lay through Providence at Bewdley and in Shrop-shire and Stafford-shire and those with Collonel Lilburne were in a condition as if this had been foreseen to intercept what should return A more particular Account than this will be prepared for you as we are able I heard they had not many more than 1000 Horse in their Body that fled and I believe we have near 4000 Forces following and interposing between them and home Their Army was about 16000 strong and fought ours on Worcester side Severne almost with their whole whilst we had ingaged half our Army on the other side but with Parties of theirs Indeed it was a stiff Business yet I do not think we have lost 200 Men your new raised Forces did perform singular good Service for which they deserve a very high Estimation and Acknowledgement as also for their willingness thereunto For as much as the same hath added so much to the Reputation of your Affairs they are all dispatched home again which I hope will be much for the ease and satisfaction of the Country which is a great Fruit of the Successes The Dimensions of this Mercy are above my Thoughts it is for ought I know a Crowning Mercy surely if it be not such a one we shall have if this provoke those that are concerned in it to Thankfulness and the Parliament to do the Will of him who hath done his Will for it and for the Nation whose good Pleasure is to establish the Nation and the Change of the Government by making the People so willing to the Defence thereof and so signally to bless the Endeavours of your Servants in this late great Work I am bold humbly to beg that all Thoughts may tend to the promoting of his Honour who hath wrought so great Salvation and that the Fatness of these continued Mercies may not occasion Pride and Wantonness as formerly the like hath done to a Chosen People But that the Fear of the Lord even for his Mercies may keep an Authority and a People so prospered and blessed and witnessed to humble and faithful that Justice and Righteousness Mercy and Truth may flow from you as a Thankful Return to our Glorious God this shall be the Prayer of Sir Your most Humble and Worcester Sept. 4. 1651. Obedient Servant O. Cromwell The Parliament ordered a Thanks giving-day and the Letters of the General to be read by the Ministers From Major General Harrison We are in Pursuit of the Enemy about 4000 we have taken more already of them 1400 Horse and Foot many considerable Persons among them the Lord Cleveland and the Earl of Derby they make no resistance when any of ours overtake them but ride Post and in great confusion their King being the foremost Mr. Scot and Major Salleway returned from Worcester a particular Account they could not give because all things were then in confusion Lords Knights and Gentlemen were then plucking out of holes by the Soldiers The Common Prisoners they were driving to the Cathedral Church in Worcester and what with the dead Bodies of Men and the dead Horses of the Enemy filling the Streets there was such a
of 90000 l. a Month for six Months for pay of the Armies Order touching the reception of the publick Minister from the Queen of Sweden Letters from Bristol That upon notice of the Ships coming into that Road with the Corps of the late Lord-Deputy Ireton the Major sent out a Boat with a Tilt covered with Black in which they brought the Corps unto the City where a Hearse of Velvet was provided to put over the Coffin The Major Aldermen and Councel in their Formalities and the Governour and his Officers with a multitude of Inhabitants attended the Body to the Castle and the great Guns were fired from the Castle and the Fort. That many of the chief Rebels in Ireland have made offers to treat about their coming in to the Parliament and that Galloway hath done so 25. The House sate this day A Letter of Advice to the Parliament in these words That if they would but grant an Act for all the profits of the Tithes in all Counties in England and Wales to be gathered into a Treasury and the one half thereof may be paid to a competent number of Godly Ministers to preach the Gospel in each County And all those drunken malignant scandalous delinquent ignorant whoring and profane ones that go under the Name of Ministers put to work for their livings That the Gospel would be better propagated than now it is and the Lord would be more glorified in the Land and this present Government better established 26. Letters That Elizabeth Castle was upon a Treaty but broken off again That this Castle is so seared in the Sea that they can relieve or send away at pleasure and when they can keep it no longer they can leave only the bare Walls That since the Siege they have made no Salley out of the Castle though they took in with them 400 Foot and 100 Horse That they have sent divers Vessels with Women and Children and Rich Goods over to St. Mallows and are daily sending more and cannot be prevented by reason of the Rocks though the Parliaments Frigots lie there That six hours the Tide floats round the Castle and six hours the Sand is bare when three Prisoners stole away by Boat and came to the Parliament Forces and informed them That Carteret had sent his best Horses to St. Mallows and the poorer Horses he had knocked on the head and had hanged a Man for endeavouring to come from them That few of the Inhabitants speak any English and most of their drink is Syder 27. Letters of Recruits come to Scotland from England Letters That the Two Major-Generals were gone their Progress which they intended throughout Scotland and Commissioners were appointed to settle Assessments for the English Army That Elizabeth Castle was surrendred to the Parliament upon Articles and in it 17 Brass Pieces 36 Iron Pieces 450 Musquets 40 Swords 100 Bandeliers 64 Barrels of Powder Match 5000 great Shot 1000 Musquet-shot 100 weight Lead four Tun Iron two Tun. Of Victuals 60 Hogsheads of Biskets six quarter of Wheat four quarter of Barley 20 quarter of Mault 36 bushel of Pease 50 sides of Pork 60000 of Poor John three Hogsheads of French Barley four Pipes of Spanish Wine ten Hogsheads of French Wine four Tun of Beer 60 quarter of Salt six Hogsheads of Beef with great store of other Provisions 29. Letters That Cornet Castle in Guernsey Island was surrendred to the Parliament upon Articles That in Elizabeth Castle were French Germans Danes Switzers Scotch Dutch Irish English and the Islanders 340 That it is the strongest Castle in the Parliaments possession 30. Letters That some Officers of the Army by Commission from Major-General Lambert did hear and determine Controversies between Party and Party wherewith the People were much satisfied for the quick dispatch they received with full hearing That a Soldier for Whoredom was sentenced by a Court-Marshal to be duck'd thrice at High-water and to be whipped and turned out of the Town the Woman had the like Sentence That Captain Henry Green by Letters of Marque from the Parliament surprized a Ship bound for St. Mallows loaden with Merchandise of the growth of France and upon French-mens account and with it steered for Guernsey to secure his prize which he went on Board in great storms That a Man of War of the States of Holland meeting with Captain Green boarded his Prize and sent all the Guernsey Men in her on drift in the Boat where they must have perished had not another English Ship by accident met them and taken them up That the Holland Man of War did cruelly beat Captain Green and his Company and said he would throw them all over board as he had Commission to do to all English Ships sent out with Letters of Marque and what is since become of Captain Green and the rest of the English with him is not yet known The Parliament Voted That it be referred to Persons out of the House to take into consideration what inconveniences there are in the Law and how the mischiefs that grow from the delays the chargeableness and the irregularities in the proceedings of Law may be prevented and the speediest way to reform the same and to present their Opinions to such Committee as the Parliament shall appoint That a Committee be appointed to consider and present to the House the Names of fit Persons to be employed in this Work and to receive from them such things as shall be prepared by them in pursuance of the former Vote Several Petitions of Merchants of London and of other Parts read and referred to the Council of State 31. A Petition presented to the Parliament from Collonel Philip Carteret and the rest of the late Officers of Mount Orgyle Castle in the Isle of Jersey That according to the Articles upon surrender thereof an Act of Oblivion may be passed for the Petitioners which the Parliament ordered accordingly and approved of the said Articles The House sate constantly all the time of Christmas January 1651. 1. Letters That Sir George Ascue had reduced the Barbadoes Island to the obedience of the Parliament of England but the Particulars thereof were not yet come A Copy of an Act of the Lord Willoughby and the Assembly in the Barbadoes for sequestring divers Delinquents Estates there was sent over to the Council of State 2. Letters That 60 Sail of Hollanders lay at Anchor before South-Sea Castle and might have landed Men there and that the Works about Portsmouth were in much decay An account of Recruits gone for Ireland 3. Letters That the Marquess of Argyle had sent for another Passe to come in to Major-General Lambert who had summoned Dunbarton Castle and the Governour answering him with delays he caused his Estate to be sequestred That Collonel Lilburnes and Collonel Overtons Men took a Ship in the Harbour of the North. That the Major-Generals were returned from the West and had given great contentment in
to him to submit to the Parliament upon good terms and Letters to the same effect from other Friends were the cause of his surrender of the Island 30. Orders for Recruits from Pendennis Castle for Ireland and six weeks pay for them before they were transported out of England May 1652. 1. Letters That the Declaration of the Parliament of England for the Union of Scotland with England and their sending of Members to the Parliament of England was proclaimed with great solemnity at Edenburgh Cross but the Scots shewed no rejoycing at it 3. Letters justifying the Proceedings of the Commissioners for propagating the Gospel in Wales written by Mr. Vavasour Power a Minister there 4. Referred to the Committee to consider how a competent Maintenance for Godly Ministers may be setled in lieu of Tithes Order for relief of maimed and sick Soldiers Mr. Weaver one of the Commissioners of the Parliament in Ireland came into the House whereof he was a Member and gave them an account of the State of their Affairs there Letters of Credence of the Queen of Sweden to the Noble Hareldus Applebone her publick Minister to the Parliament of England were read and Letters from the Prince of Conde to the Parliament read and both of them referred to the Council of State Letters That Argyle did again solicit for some singular Act of Favour from the Parliament of England but his ways were known That Three Judges were come from England to administer Justice to the Scots in Scotland 5. That some Travellers upon Hunsloe Heath saw a strange Apparition of the Sun about sixth Clock in the Evening c. 6. Letters That the Ministers of Scotland were as bitter as ever against the Interest of England Of more Counties and Boroughs accepting the Vnion with England and that Argyle had agreed to Terms to come in to the Parliament of England but they were not published That the Lord Chief-Justice St. John Mr. Salloway and Alderman Tichburne the Parliaments Commissioners in Scotland went away for England That the Deputies of Argyle Shire had consented to the Vnion 7. Letters That the Magistrates of Musselborough had taken the Ingagement of the Parliament of England Of a Pyrate who took several English Vessels to the Westward of Recruits Shipped from Pendennis for Ireland That the Irish begged for Conditions to come in to the Parliament and some of them were admitted 10. Letters of Preparations to reduce Dinnoter Castle in Scotland That the new Judges sent into Scotland were very busie in setling of new Judicatories there That Ireland was wholly reduced and had no other refuge but Bogs and Woods that the Plague was much abated there That Commissary-General Reynolds had gotten most of the Provisions of the Rebels and killed and taken many of them and prevented their fortifying That he setled Three considerable Garrisons upon Passes in Kings County took in the strong Forts in those Parts upon Quarter for Life only 11. The Scots Commissioners returned and were in the Parliament The Committee revived for setting a Period to this Parliament and providing for future Representatives 12. Debate upon Qualifications of such Persons as shall be received into the House as Members Letters That Captain Howe a Young Gentle-man who had done gallant Service for the Parliament in Ireland being assaulted in his Quarters by a Party of the Tories he at the first Charge routed them but then they came on again with a fresh Party and routed Captain How 's Party who endeavoured to make good his Soldiers Retreat and himself charged Three times and came off well but upon a Fourth Charge he was unfortunately slain and his Death was very much lamented 13. A Duel between the Lord Chandoys and Mr. Compton and the Lord killed Mr. Compton 14. The knocking of a Link near some Reeds set the Reeds on fire and they fired a House in Redriffe and Two Ships lying near the Shore and burnt them at low water when no Boats could come to help them nor could they get Water Letters That the Inhabitants of Virginia willingly submitted to the Government of the Parliament 15. That the Army in Scotland was taking the Field Of the refractoriness of the Ministers That the Judges sent out of England published a Proclamation at Edenburgh That they would sit at the usual place for administring of Justice 17. Letters from the Commissioners in Ireland to the Parliament giving an account of the Affairs there of the Provisions received and acknowledging the great care of the Parliament therein and how they had disposed thereof to the Forces Of the Ports in Kerry fit for a Forreign Enemy to land in That Clenrickard and others were gone to Vlster to joyn with Phelim O-Neale That in some places the Enemy have made some Incursions in small Parties and taken some prey and Dragoon Horses but upon their return they being 250 Horse and 500 Foot they were met by Lieutenant-Collonel Throckmorton with 140 Horse and 400 Foot who had no Pikes and the Horse at first made some retreat But at length after a sharp Dispute the English Horse routed the Irish and killed 200 of them on the place and in the pursuit and took and killed divers Officers and had but twenty one killed and 100 Soldiers wounded That the Irish Clergy have excommunicated Collonel Fitz-Patrick for submitting to the Parliament and the Laity published a Declaration against him and all that joyned with him and some of his Party were cut off by the Irish who also cut off the Ears of some whom they took Prisoners That Fitz-Patrick met with some of them That Shipping was wanting to transport those who are to go beyond Seas 2000 of Fitz-Patricks Party 1000 of O-Dwyers Party and 4000 more Of many Applications made by divers chief Officers of the Irish to come in to the Parliament and Commissioners were sent with Instructions to give the same Terms which Collonel Venables was authorized to give to those in Vlster That Sir Charles Coote explained the Articles of Galloway which he yielded to to prevent charge to the Parliament and to get the possession of that City 18. Letters of a Squadron of the Parliaments Ships meeting with Three Dutch Men of War and Seven Merchants that the Dutch Admiral came under the Lee of the Parliaments Ships and kept his Flag up whereupon the English Ship sent a Boat to him to acquaint him that they had received Orders from their General to cause those Ships they met to take down their Flags and presently the Dutch Admiral took down his Flag and saluted the English Ships with Three Pieces of Ordnance and the English did the like to him After the Admiral came the Vice-Admiral of the Dutch but came to the Windward of the English contrary to the custom in the Narrow Seas and saluted the English with 13 Shot but took not down their Top-Flag The English called to them to take it down
in the mouth of the Elbe to search and examine all Ships bound for England April 1653. 1. Letters from Ireland of several Irish Transplanted by agreement That Major Wallis and Captain Nelson ingaged a Party of the Irish at great disadvantage yet routed them and killed above 50 of them and 3 of their Captains dead upon the place Of differences amongst the Remonstrators in Scotland wherein the Lord Wareston was very active to justifie their proceedings and that all they did was well 2. Of mischiefs done upon the English Traders by some of the Dutch and French Pickeroons and Free-booters 4. Of a Holland Free-booter taken Letters That when Captain Appleton was taken by the Dutch in the Streights he privately commanded the Gunner to blow up the Ship but he and the Gunner were laid hold on by the Company suspecting some such thing and by force hindred from doing it and the Captain was taken Prisoner by the Dutch That the Dutch set the English Marriners whom they had taken on shore but kept the Captains Prisoners 5. Ordered by the House that a certain number of Ministers and others be appointed to sit in every County to examine Judge and approve all such Persons as shall be called to preach the Gospel The Fine set upon the Lord Howard remitted and Sir John Gell pardoned Order for the Garrison and Castle of Bristol to be dismantled A publick Minister came from Sweedland and an other from Switzerland 6. Upon discourse with Cromwell he was found still in distast with the Parliament and hastening their dissolution 7. Some meetings and proposals were made for a Treaty of Peace with the Dutch but little hopes to effect it 8. An Act passed for probate of Wills and granting Administrations A Fleet of Colliers with a Convoy of Ten Men of War put into Scarborough for fear of a Dutch Fleet descryed at Sea and sent word thereof to the 3 Generals at Portsmouth whereupon Vice-Admiral Pen with 40 Men of War went Northward for their assistance 10. Letters of 300 Sail of Colliers with their Convoy which put in at Scarborough for fafety from the Dutch were sired upon by the Dutch but defended by the Castle and the Dutch Fleet went off again Some Irish Commanders made an agreement with Commissary General Reynolds to lay down their Arms and be Transported to Spain or any other place in amity with England with an exception of those who were guilty of any Massacre Murder or Robbery and their Priests not to execute their Function in the English Quarters 11. That some of the Irish Rebels having a design to possess and fortifie Durs Island were prevented by the English 12. Kept a day of Thanksgiving A Proclamation at the Hague that whosoever shall discover the Author of a Scandalous Pamphlet called Rotterdams discourse between a Merchant and a Citizen and a States-man shall have 500 Gilders and he that discovers the Printer to have 250 Gilders The States gave to Van Trump a Gold Chain to the value of 2000 Gilders and to Everson and Ruiter to each 1500 Gilders and other gratuities to other of their Commanders of that Faction Of English Vessels taken by the Dutch Capers That the Assembly and Remonstrating party in Scotland do not only swell into high words but end in blows to the scandal of some of their Party 13. Divers Scots pressed and sent into England to serve in the Fleet. That Captain Edwards with a small man of War of 6 Guns brought in a prize of 200 Tun richly laden 14. Of several Prizes taken 15. That the parts about Scilly are much infested with Free-booters French Dutch and Irish That one Crichtoun at Edenburgh before the Justices confessed that he was a Jesuite and had said Mass in several places in that Nation Justified his own opinion and declared a readiness to suffer what should be inflicted upon him affirming that the worst measure he could receive from them would tend most to his advantage Of strange Fishes taken in the Harbour at Soals Bay of 10 or 11 Foot in Length and none of the like sort seen before Of the Coast near Jersey much infested by the Pickeroons pretending Commissions from the Scots King That divers of Prince Rupert's Men stole away from him and came to England Of the Fleet of Colliers arrived The Parliament gave moneys to divers Widows whose Husbands were Slain in the late Sea-Fight Order for Hampton-Court and the 3 Parks there to be kept from Sale 16. Order for a Seal for the probate of Wills and granting Letters of Administration 18. 600 l. in Gold was taken on board the Pacquet-boat going for Calais That 7 Dutch Captains were imprisoned at the Hague for not doing their Duty in the late Ingagement with the English at Sea that they were to be tryed by Van Trump and 11 more Sea Officers The Lord Applebone Resident for the Crown of Sweeden had audience of the States and offered a mediation of Peace betwixt them and England as the Lord Lagerfield had done to the Parliament That there was a Mutiny in De Witts Ship but appeased again 19. That the Queen of Sweeden had 50 stout Ships Men of War at Sea 20. Yesterday there having been a great meeting at Cromwells Lodgings in Whitehall of Parliament Men and several Officers of the Army sent to by Cromwell to be there a large discourse and debate having been amongst them touching some expedient to be found out for the present carrying on of the Government of the Common-wealth and putting a period to this present Parliament It was offered by divers as a most dangerous thing to dissolve the present Parliament and to set up any other Government and that it would neither be warrantable in conscience or wisdom so to do yet none of them expressed themselves so freely to that purpose as Sir Tho. Widdrington and Whitelock then did Of the other opinion as to putting a period forthwith to this Parliament St. John was one of the chief and many more with him and generally all the Officers of the Army who stuck close in this likewise to their General And the better to make way for themselves and their ambitious design of advancing them to the Civil Government as well as they were in the Military power They and their Party declared their opinions that it was necessary the same should be done one way or other and the Members of Parliament not permitted to prolong their own power At which expression Cromwell seemed to reprove some of them and this conference lasted till late at Night when Widdrington and Whitelock went home weary and troubled to see the indiscretion and ingratitude of those Men and the way they designed to ruine themselves Therefore these came early again this morning according to appointment to Cromwell's Lodging where there were but few Parliament Men and a few Officers of the Army A point was again stirred
Salop four For the County of Stafford six viz. For the City of Lichfield one For the Town of Stafford one For the Borough of Newcastle on the Line one For the County of Stafford three For the County of Somerset sixteen viz. For the Borough of Taunton two For the City of Bath one For the City of Wells one For the Borough of Bridgewater one For the County of Somerset eleven For the City of Bristol two For the County of Southampton fourteen viz. For the City of Winchester one For the Town of Southampton one For the Town of Portsmouth one For the Isle of Wight two For the Borough of Andover one For the County of Southampton eight For the County of Suffolk sixteen viz. For the Borough of Ipswich two For the Borough of Bury St. Edmonds two For the Borough of Dunwich one For the Borough of Sudbury one For the County of Suffolk ten For the County of Surrey ten viz. For the Borough of Southwark two For the Borough of Gilford one For the Borough of Rygate one For the County of Surrey six For the County of Sussex fourteen viz. For the City of Chichester one For the Borough of Lewis one For the Borough of East-greenstead one For the Borough of Arundel one For the Borough of Rye one For the County of Sussex nine For the County of Westmorland two For the County of Warwick seven viz. For the City of Coventry two For the Borough of Warwick one For the County of Warwick four For the County of Worcester seven viz. For the City and County of the City of Worcester two For the County of Worcester five For the County of Wilts fourteen viz. For the City of New Sarum two For the Borough of Marleborough one For the Borough of the Devizes one For the County of Wilts ten For the County of Anglesey two For the County of Brecon two For the County of Cardigan two For the County of Carmarthen two For the County of Carnarvon two For the County of Denbigh two For the County of Flint two For the County of Glamorgan three viz. For the Town of Cardiffe one For the County of Glamorgan two For the County of Merioneth one For the County of Montgomery two For the County of Pembrook three viz. For the Town of Haverfordwest one For the County of Pembrook two For the County of Raduor two The distribution of the Persons to be chosen for Scotland and the several Counties Cities and Places within the same shall be according to such proportions and number as shall be agreed upon and declared by the Lord Protector and the major part of the Council before the sending forth Writs of Summons for the next Parliament The distribution of the Persons to be chosen for Ireland and the several Counties Cities and places within the same shall be according to such proportions and number as shall be agreed upon and declared by the Lord Protector and the Major part of the Council before the sending forth Writs of Summons for the next Parliament XI That the summons to Parliament shall be by Writ under the Great Seal of England directed to the Sheriffs of the several and respective Counties with such alteration as may suit with the present Government to be made by the Lord Protector and his Council which the Chancellour Keeper or Commissioners of the Great Seal shall seal issue and send abroad by Warrant from the Lord Protector If the Lord Protector shall not give warrant for issuing of Writs of Summons for the next Parliament before the first day of June one thousand six hundred fifty four or for the Triennial Parliaments before the first day of August in every third year to be accounted as aforesaid That then the Chancellour Keeper or Commissioners of the Great Seal for the time being shall without any Warrant or direction within seven days after the said first day of June One thousand six hundred fifty four Seal Issue and send abroad Writs of Summons changing therein what is to be changed as aforesaid to the several and respective Sheriffs of England Scotland and Ireland for summoning the Parliament to meet at Westminster the third of September next and shall likewise within seven days after the said first day of August in every third year to be accounted from the Dissolution of the precedent Parliament Seal Issue and send abroad several Writs of Summons changing therein what is to be changed as aforesaid for summoning the Parliament to meet at Westminster the sixth of November in that third year That the said several and respective Sheriffs shall within ten days after the receipt of such Writs as aforesaid cause the same to be proclaimed and published in every Market-town within his County upon the Market-days thereof between Twelve and Three of the Clock and shall then also publish and declare the certain day of the week and moneth for choosing Members to serve in Parliament for the Body of the said County according to the tenour of the said Writ which shall be upon Wednesday five Weeks after the date of the Writ and shall likewise declare the place where the Election shall be made for which purpose he shall appoint the most convenient place for the whole County to meet in and shall send Precepts for Elections to be made in all and every City Town Borough or place within his County where Elections are to be made by vertue of these Presents to the Mayor Sheriff or other Head Officer of such City Town Borough or place within three days after the receipt of such Writ and Writs which the said Mayors Sheriffs and Officers respectively are to make publication of and of the certain day for such Elections to be made in the said City Town or place aforesaid and to cause Elections to be made accordingly XII That at the day and place of Elections the Sheriff of each County and the said Mayors Sheriffs Bayliffs and other Head-Officers within their Cities Towns Boroughs and places respectively shall take view of the said Elections and shall make return into the Chancery within twenty days after the said Elections of the persons Elected by the greater number of Electors under their hands and seals between him on the one part and the Electors on the other part wherein shall be contained That the persons Elected shall not have power to alter the Government as it is hereby setled in one single Person and a Parliament XIII That the Sheriff who shall wittingly and willingly make any false return or neglect his duty shall incur the penalty of Two thousand Marks of lawful English Money the one mâ—ity to the Lord Protector and the other moity to such person as will sue for the same XIV That all and every person and persons who have ayded advised assisted or abetted in any War against the Parliament since the First day of January One thousand six hundred forty one unless they have been since in the service of the
Commissioners of the Great Seal for the time being shall have power to hear and determine such corruption and miscarriage and to award and inflict punishment as the nature of the Offence shall deserve which punishment shall not be pardoned or remitted by the Lord Protector And in the interval of Parliaments the major part of the Council with the consent of the Lord Protector may for Corruption or other Miscarriage as aforesaid suspend any of their number from the exercise of their Trust if they shall find it just until the matter shall be heard and examined as aforesaid XXVI That the Lord Protector and the major part of the Council aforesaid may at any time before the meeting of the next Parliament add to the Council such persons as they shall think fit provided the number of the Council be not made thereby to exceed One and twenty and the Quorum to be proportioned accordingly by the Lord Protector and the major part of the Council XXVII That a constant yearly Revenue shall be raised setled and establisht for maintaining of Ten thousand Horse and Dragoons and twenty thousand Foot in England Scotland and Ireland for the Defence and Security thereof and also for the convenient number of Ships for guarding of the Seas besides Two hundred thousand pounds per annum for defraying the other necessary Charges for administration of Justice and other Expences of the Government Which Revenue shall be raised by the Customs and such other ways and means as shall be agreed upon by the Lord Protector and Council and shall not be taken away or diminishe nor the way agreed upon for raising the same altered but by the consent of the Lord Protector and the Parliament XXVIII That the said yearly Revenue shall be paid into the Publick Treasury and shall be issued out for the Vses aforesaid XXIX That in case there shall not be cause hereafter to keep up so great a Defence at Land or Sea but that there be an abatement made thereof the Money which will be saved thereby shall remain in Bank for the Publick Service and not be employed to any other use but by consent of Parliament or in the intervals of Parliament by the Lord Protector and major part of the Council XXX That the raising of Money for defraying the Charge of present extraordinary Forces both at Land and Sea in respect of the present Wars shall be by consent in Parliament and not otherwise save only that the Lord Protector with the consent of the major part of the Council for preventing the Disorders and Dangers which may otherwise fall out both at Sea and Land shall have power until the meeting of the first Parliament to raise Money for the purposes aforesaid and also to make Laws and Ordinances for the Peace and Welfare of these Nations where it shall be necessary which shall be binding and in force until Order shall be taken in Parliament concerning the same XXXI That the Lands Tenements Rents Royalties Jurisdictions and Hereditaments which remain yet unsold or undisposed of by Act or Ordinance of Parliament belonging to the Common-wealth Except the Forests and Chases and the Honours and Manors belonging to the same the Lands of the Rebels in Ireland lying in the four Counties of Dublin Cork Kildare and Katerlaugh the Lands forfeited by the People of Scotland in the late Wars and also the Lands of Papists and Delinquents in England who have not yet compounded shall be vested in the Lord Protector To hold to him and his Successors Lord Protectors of these Nations and shall not be aliened but by consent in Parliament And all Debts Fines Issues Amerciaments Penalties and Profits certain and casual due to the Keepers of the Liberties of England by Authority of Parliament shall be due to the Lord Protector and be payable into his Publick Receipt and shall be recovered and prosecuted in his Name XXXII That the Office of the Lord Protector over these Nations shall be Elective and not Hereditary and upon the Death of the Lord Protector another fit Person shall be forthwith Elected to Succeed him in the Government which Election shall be by the Council who immediatly upon the death of the Lord Protector shall assemble in the Chamber where they usually sit in Council and having given notice to all their number of the cause of their Assembling shall being Thirteen at least present proceed to the Election and before they depart out of the said Chamber shall Elect a fit person to succeed in the Government and forthwith cause Proclamation thereof to be made in all the three Nations as shall be requisite And the Person that they or the major part of them shall Elect as aforesaid shall be and shall be taken to be Lord Protector over these Nations of England Scotland and Ireland and the Dominions thereto belonging 〈◊〉 Provided that none of the Children of the late King nor any of his Line or Family be Elected to be Lord Protector or other chief Magistrate over these Nations or any the Dominions thereto belonging And until the aforesaid Election be past the Council shall take care of the Government and administer in all things us fully as the Lord Protector or the Lord Protector and Council are enabled to do XXXIII That Oliver Cromwel Captain General of the Forces of England Scotland and Ireland shall be and is hereby declared to be Lord Protector of the Common-wealth of England Scotland and Ireland and the Dominions thereto belonging for his life XXXIV That the Chancellor Keeper or Commissioners of the Great Seal the Treasurer Admiral Chief Governors of Ireland and Scotland and the Chief Justices of both the Benches shall be chosen by the approbation of Parliament and in the intervals of Parliament by the approbation of the major part of the Council to be afterwards approved by the Parliament XXXV That the Christian Religion contained in the Scriptures be held forth and recommended as the publick Profession of these Nations and that as soon as may be a Provision less subject to scruple and contention and more certain than the present be made for the Encouragement and Maintenance of able and painful Teachers for instructing the People and for discovery and confutation of Error Heresie and whatever is contrary to sound Doctrine And that until such Provision be made the present Maintenance shall not be taken away nor impeached XXXVI That to the publick Profession held forth none shall be compelled by penalties or otherwise but that endeavours be used to win them by sound Doctrine and the Example of a good Conversation XXXVII That such as profess Faith in God by Jesus Christ though differing in judgment from the Doctrine Worship or Discipline publickly held forth shall not be restrained from but shall be protected in the profession of the Faith and exercise of their Religion so as they abuse not this liberty to the civil Injury of others and to the actual disturbance of the Publick Peace on
their parts Provided this liberty be not extended to Popery or Prelacy nor to such as under the profession of Christ hold forth and practise Licentiousness XXXVIII That all Laws Statutes Ordinances and Clauses in any Law Statute and Ordinance to the contrary of the aforesaid Liberty shall be esteemed as null and void XXXIX That the Acts and Ordinances of Parliament made for the Sale or other Disposition of the Lands Rents and Hereditaments of the late King Queen and Prince of Arch-bishops and Bishops c. Deans and Chapters the Lands of Delinquents and Forest Lands or any of them or of any other Lands Tenements Rents and Hereditaments belonging to the Commonwealth shall no way be impeached or made invalid but shall remain good and firm And that the securities given by Act and Ordinance of Parliament for any sum or sums of money by any of the said Lands the Excise or by any other Publick Revenue and also the Securities given by the Publick Faith of the Nation and the engagement of the Publick Faith for satisfaction of Debts and Damages shall remain firm and good and not be made void and invalid upon any pretence whatsoever XL. That the Articles given to or made with the Enemy and afterwards confirmed by Parliament shall be performed and made good to the persons concerned therein And that such Appeals as were depending in the last Parliament for relief concerning Bills of Sale of Delinquents Estates may be heard and determined the next Parliament Any thing in this Writing or otherwise to the contrary notwithstanding XLI That every successive Lord Protector over these Nations shall take and subscribe a solemn Oath in the presence of the Council and such others as they shall call to them That he will seek the Peace Quiet and Welfare of these Nations cause Law and Justice to be equally Administred and that he will not violate or infringe the matters and things contained in this Writing and in all other things will to his Power and to the best of his understanding govern these Nations according to the Laws Statutes and Customs XLII That each person of the Council shall before they enter upon their Trust take and subscribe an Oath That they will be true and faithful in their Trust according to the best of their knowledge And that in the Election of every Successive Lord Protector they shall proceed therein impartially and do nothing therein for any promise fear favor or reward The Oath taken by His Highness Oliver Cromwel Lord Protector WHereas the Major part of the last Parliament judging that their sitting any longer as then constituted would not be for the good of this Common-wealth did Dissolve the same and by a Writing under their hands dated the Twelfth day of this instant December resigned unto Me their Powers and Authorities And whereas it was necessary thereupon That some speedy course should be taken for the settlement of these Nations upon such a Basis and Foundation as by the Blessing of God might be lasting secure Property and answer those great ends of Religion and Liberty so long contended for And upon full and mature Consideration had of the Form of Government hereunto annexed being satisfied that the same through Divine Assistance may answer the Ends afore-mentioned And having also been desired and advised aswell by several Persons of Interest and Fidelity in this Commonwealth as the Officers of the Army to take upon Me the Protection and Government of these Nations in the manner expressed in the said Form of Government I have accepted thereof and do hereby declare My acceptance accordingly And do promise in the presence of God That I will not violate or infringe the matters and things contained therein but to My power observe the same and cause them to be observed and shall in all other things to the best of My understanding Govern these Nations according to the Laws Statutes and Customs seeking their Peace and causing Justice and Law to be equally administred O. Cromwel Oliver Cromwell Captain General of all the Forces of this Commonwealth and now declared Lord Protector thereof did this Sixteenth day of December One thousand six hundred fifty three Sign this Writing and solemnly promise as is therein contained in presence of the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal of England who Administred the same Oath and of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London divers of the Judges of the Land the Officers of State and Army and many other persons of Quality The Writing mentioned in the Oath was in these Words December 12. 1653. UPon a Motion this day made in the House that the sitting of this Parliament any longer as now Constituted will not be for the good of the Commonwealth And that therefore it was requisite to deliver up unto the Lord General Cromwel the Powers which they received from him These Members whose Names are underwritten have and do hereby resign their said Powers to his Excellency The same Day the Council did set forth this Proclamation BY THE COUNCIL WHereas the late Parliament Dissolving themselves and resigning their Powers and Authorities The Government of the Commonwealth of England Scotland and Ireland by a Lord Protector and Successive Trienial Parliaments is now Established And whereas Oliver Cromwell Captain-General of all the Forces of this Commonwealth is declared Lord Protector of the said Nations and hath accepted thereof We have therefore thought it necessary as we hereby do to make Publication of the Premises and strictly to Charge and Command all and every person and persons of what quality and condition soever in any of the said three Nations to take notice thereof and to conform and submit them selves to the Government so established And all Sheriffs Majors Bayliffs and other Publick Ministers and Officers whom this may concern are required to cause this Proclamation to be forthwith Published in their respective Counties Cities Corporations and Market Towns To the end none may have cause to pretend ignorance in this behalf Given at White-Hall this sixteenth day of December 1653. 17 The new Lord Protector observed new and great State and all Ceremonies and respects were paid to him by all sorts of Men as to their Prince 19 Letters that the Highlanders dispersed themselves for their Levys and intended to force unreasonable Contributions That some of them near Durham robbed the Post Boy took away his Letters Horse Coat and Twenty pence in money That Major Murryhead was taken Prisoner by a Party of the English he being on his Journey to the Highlanders That Captain Lisle with a Party of the English Army fell into the Enemies Quarters and took Two Captains one Cornet one Quarter-Master a Corporal and twenty private Souldiers and about forty Horse and some Armes fired the House and killed three Men and lost not one Man and but one wounded in the Thigh That by Order Captain Lisle met with Collonel Morgan and they marched seven Miles into the Highlands
fell into the Lord of Kinoules Quarters took seven or eight Prisoners and about twelve Horse killed one rescued the Lord of Egles Sheriff dispersed the Regiment and the Lord of Kinoule hardly escaped The Lord Protector was Proclaimed by sound of Trumpet in the Pallace yard at Westminster at the Old Exchange and several other places in London divers of the Councel and the Lord Mayor and Aldermen in their Robes with three Serjeants at Armes with their Maces and the Heraulds attending And command to Publish the same Proclamation in all Counties 20. Letters of a Dutch Prize taken by a Private Man of War and brought to Hull 21 A Proclamation Published by his Highness the Lord Protector with the consent of his Councel for continuing all Persons being in Office for the Execution of Publick Justice at the time of the late change of Government until his Highness further direction in these Words OLiver Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England Scotland and Ireland considering That whereas the exercise of the chief Magistracy and the Administration of Government within the said Commonwealth is Invested and Established in his Highness assisted with a Council and lest thereupon the setled and ordinary course of Justice in the Commonwealth if remedy were not provided might receive interruption his Highness in his care of the State and publick Justice thereof reserving to future consideration the reformation and redress of any abuses by misgovernment upon better knowledge taken thereof is pleased and doth hereby expresly signifie declare and ordain by and with the advice and consent of his Council who have power until the meeting of the next Parliament to make Laws and Ordinances for the Peace and Welfare of these Nations where it shall be necessary which shall be binding and in force until Order shall be taken in Parliament concerning the same that all persons who on the Tenty day of this instant December were duly and lawfully possessed of any place of Judicature or Office of Authority Jurisdiction or Government within this Commonwealth shall be and shall so hold themselves continued in the said Offices and Places respectively as formerly they held and enjoyed the same and not otherwise until his Highness pleasure be further known And all Commissions Patents and other Grants which respect or relate unto the doing and executing of Publick Justice and all Proceedings of what Nature soever in Courts of Common Law or Equity or in the Court of Admiralty or by Commissioners of Sewers shall stand and be in the same and like force to all Intents and Purposes as the same were on the said Tenth day of this instant December until further Order given by his Highness therein And that in the mean time for preservation of the publick Peace and necessary proceedings in matters of Justice and for safety of the State all the said Persons of whatsoever Place Power Degree or Condition may not fail every one severally according to his respective Place Office or Charge to proceed in the performance and execution of all Duties thereunto belonging as formerly appertaining to them and every of them whilst the former Government was in being Given at White-Hall this 21st of December in the year of our Lord 1653. 22 Letters that the States of the Netherlands keep from their People the knowledge of the Offers of England for coalition and Peace with them Of great Preparations for the Sea against the Spring of above One hundred Sayl of Ships of War 23 Letters of the Highlanders dividing themselves in several Territories that they often remove their Quarters and are in want of Provisions That a Party of the English killed three and a Captain of the Lord Lords 24 Letters of two Dutch Prizes brought in by a Private Man of War That the Dutch about the Lands-end took an English Ship which came from New England That some French Wines were taken and brought into Deal That the Highlanders make so high Demands from the Country that they are not able to supply them 26 Letters that Captain Hart about Dumfrize with a Party of English pursued some of the Enemies by the tract of the Snow and fell upon them took Sixty five Horses sixteen Prisoners and many Armes and four of them slain they fought very Resolutly for a while Captain Hart lost but one Man and sixteen Wounded That the late Change of Government in England was well Resented by the Army in Scotland and they were unanimous to obey the Lord Protector That some Gentlemen about Ruthen Castle in Scotland sent to Captain Hill the Governour to know if an Enemy should come into those Parts whether he would give them leave to furnish the Enemy with Provisions c. to rid them out of the Country to which he answered That if any did so they should forfeit their Lives and Estates Then he showes them the Power of the State of England and their kind dealing with the People of Scotland under their Power and the inconsiderableness of those in Armes against the State of England concludes with an absolute forbidding of them to give any Assistance to the Enemy and to pay in their Sesses Letters from Swedland of the safe Arrival of the Lord Ambassadour Whitelock and of his gallant Reception there 27 The Lord Protector and his Councel passed several Ordinances For continuing the Excise and the Commissioners For the continuing the Act for Redemption of Captives For alteration of several Names and Formes used heretofore in Courts Writs Grants Patents Commissions c. and setling Proceedings in Courts of Law and Equity Divers Prizes taken by Captain Newberry between the Isle of Wight and the French Coast and several other Prizes taken and brought in by others of the Parliament Frigots 28 An Order Published of the Protector and his Counsel for reviving of a former Act for the Probat of Wills and granting Administrations Letters that Chanut Ambassadour from the French King with the States did freely offer to them an Alliance and Assistance from his Master if they would break with Spain and England That Captain Crispin pursued some French Vessels into Conquet Road where he Anchored and the Town and Country came down to assist the Pickaroons and Dutch there and Crispin made Two hundred and thirty great Shot into the Town and did much spoil to the Ships which got close under the Houses 29 The Lord Protector and his Councel sate very close in Ordering their dispatches to the several Forces in England Scotland and Ireland and to their Publick Ministers abroad 30 The Lord Protector with his Councel and the Officers of his Army kept a Day of Humiliation at Whitehall That the Lord Protector was Solemnly Proclaimed at Plymouth the Magistrates present in their Robes the Trumpets sounding and Guns firing the Bells Ringing and Shouts and great Acclamations of Joy of the People Of Two English Ships loaded with Masts c. coming from New England taken by three Dutch-men of War
the Fleet Rid in Stoakes Bay May 1654. May 1. Letters that Captain Rogers who was Agent with Glencarn from the King was Executed at Edenburgh upon sentence of the Court Martial for a Spye That General Monck was Arrived at Lieth That a Scotch Gentleman with six of his Men defended a little Tower against the Highlanders and killed four of them A Letter Signed by all the Officers of the Army in Ireland acknowledging the Lord Protector 2 A Proclamation by the Lord Protector for a Cessation of all Acts of Hostility between the Commonwealth of England and that of the Vnited Provinces and for Restitution of Ships and Goods taken after the time mentioned in the Articles of Peace An Address from the Justices of the Peace Magistracy Officers and Grand Jury of Shropshire to the Lord Protector acknowledging his Government 3 Ships sent out from the Texel to call in the Dutch Freebooters That the Lord Ambassador Whitelock pressed for a Conclusion in his business in Sweden and that the Queen had discharged most of her Servants in order to her Resignation 4 That the Lord Protector and his Council did not sit so frequently as formerly and all things went according unto their desire 5 Letters that Collonel Morgan saw the Enemy but could not Engage them for want of Boats to pass the Water and therefore retreated to his Quarters That General Monck was making preparations to visit the Enemy 6 Letters that Middletons numbers did decrease and sometimes increase Of Five French Ships taken by a Frigot and of an English Ship taken by a Private Brest Man of War 8 Letters that General Monk had meetings with the Officers of the Army and they resolved to go to Collonel Morgan That the Peace with England was Proclaimed in Holland and a Day of Thanksgiving appointed for it 9 An Address to the Lord Protector from the Town and County of Pool to the same Effect as others were Letters that the Lord Ambassador Whitelock made a firm Alliance with Sweden and was expected at Hamburgh in few days An Ordinance Published touching the further Sale of Deans and Chapters Lands 10 A Declaration of the Lord Protector for a Day of Thanksgiving for the Peace with Holland and for the late seasonable Rain 11 Of a Discovery made by an Indian to an English Ship of a Plot against them Of a Council of Officers about the dividing the Lands in Ireland A Congratulatory Letter sent from the Army in Ireland to the Lord Protector Of the Solemn Reception of General Monck at Edenburgh and the Proclaiming the Lord Protector there the Feasting of General Monk and the Fire-works That the Highlanders expected the King amongst them and received Supplies of Men Armes and Money by Two Ships from Dunkirk 12 Letters that in Ireland there wanted men to Till the Land That few Tories were left there That Two Brest Men of War came near to Leverpool Letters that in Holland there sticks one particular which hath occasioned some trouble at the Hague to witt his Highness and the Two Ambassadors here who serve for the Province of Holland viz. Beveningk and Newport the other knowing nothing of it agreed a Secret Article That the Province of Holland should not of themselves ever consent That the States General should make the Prince of Orange or any of his Line Stadtholder or Captain General of their Forces by Sea or Land After the Generality had Ratified the Treaty this was propounded in the Assembly of the States every one before having sworn secrecy upon the propounding of it great dissatisfaction arose amongst them but at last they past it being Dissenters Four Noblemen and four Soveraign Towns of the Nobles that agreed to it were Bredrode General of their Forces Opdam Admiral of their Fleet Notwithstanding the Secrecy it came the next day to the States General The other six Provinces have protested against it and Accuse the Two Ambassadors as having done not only beside but against their Instructions But Holland will carry it through all though I verily believe they have great difficulties to contest with the Animosities and Jealousies which are occasioned by this will not easily be Extinguished His Highness hath not yet received the Ratification of this Article from Holland but expects it daily although all endeavours will be used to perswade his Highness to go from it There is included in this Peace besides Denmark the Suissers Hans Townes Count of Oldenburgh the Duke of Holstein and Alliance with Sweden being made there will be a good understanding between most of the Protestant States and opportunities may through Gods Blessing arise from thence to promote that Interest All the question is what is to be done with the Two Crowns of France and Spain They both seek our Friendship and Alliance but nothing is yet done with either of them I trust God will lead to such an Interest as will be for his Glory and the good of this State The Denmark Agent Rosenwing had his Publick Audience since which he hath offered nothing so that the Advertisement concerning him in reference to the Isles of Orcades came in very good time The Treaty with Portugal is not yet come to any Agreement the business of his Brother yet sticks his Highness hath now ordered his Tryal by a special Commission of Oyer and Terminer The Commissioners are my Lord Rolles Justice Atkins Serjeant Steel Doctor Zouch Doctor Clerk Doctor Turner Sir Henry Blunt Mr. Lucy and Alderman Tichburn 13 Letters that the French Pickaroons did much trouble the Fishermen about Rye 15 That the Enemy will not come near to Collonel Morgan A Proclamation by the Commander in Chief in Scotland for Pardon of those in Rebellion who shall come in by a Day And for their Parents and Relations if they shall come in And Imposing a Fine upon every Parish and Presbytery whereof any one continueth in Rebellion if they do not discover him and rewards to those that shall Apprehend any of the Rebels and their Principal Commanders or kill them Order of the Justices of Peace of Wales against Licences to Drovers c. 16 The Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London Dined with His Highness the Lord Protector 17 An Ordinance for suspending the Proceedings of the Judges touching relief of poor Prisoners and Creditors 18 Mounsieur Burdeaux the French Ambassadour had Audience by the Lord Protector 19 An Ordinance Published concerning the better repairing of the Highways and another for relief of Debtors in Scotland in some Cases of Extremity That the Lord Ambassador Whitclock having happily Concluded his business with the Crown of Sweden was upon his Journey homewards That Preparations were made for the Queens Resignation and for Crowning the King Charles 20 That Ireland was setled in as much Peace as it was before the Rebellion That General Monk was Marching Northward and Middleton and his Party were raising new Forces That Middletons Brother
could not enter but if the blessing and presence of God go along with you in management of your Affairs I make no question but he will enable you to lay the top-stone of this work But this is a Maxim not to be despised Though Peace be made yet it is Interest that keeps Peace and further than that Peace is not to be trusted The great End of calling this Parliament is That the Work of God may go on that the Ship of this Commonwealth may be brought into a â—afe Harbor I shall put you in mind that you have a great work upon you Ireland to look to that the beginning of that Government may be setled in honour That you have before you the considerations of those Foreign States with whom Peace is not made who if they see we manage not our Affairs with prudence as becomes men will retain hopes that we may still under the disadvantages thereof break into confusion I shall conclude with my persuasion to you to have a sweet gracious and holy understanding one of another and put you in mind of the counsel you heard this day in order thereunto And I desire you to believe that I speak not to you as one that would be a Lord over you but as one that is resolved to be a Fellow-servant with you to the interest of this great Affair Then he wish'd them to repair to their House and exercise their own liberty in the choice of their Speaker After he had done the Members went to their House and chose the old Speaker Mr. Lenthal Master of the Rolls to be their Speaker and Mr. Scobel to be their Clerk and Mr. Berkshead to be the Sergeant at Arms to attend them Then they appointed a Day of Humiliation the 13 of September to be kept by the Parliament City and Parts adjacent and the 4th of October to be kept in all other Parts of England Scotland and Wales and the 13 of November in Ireland and so they adjourned till the next day 5 The Parliament sate and called over their Members the House appointed a Committee of Priviledges and ordered That no Petition concerning any Election should be received after three Weeks 6 An Ordinance published For Ejecting Scandalous Ignorant and Insufficient Ministers and Schoolmasters and Commissioners appointed in the respective Counties for that purpose Some Considerations was had in the House touching the Priviledge of the Parliament in their freedom in debate Then the Lord Protector 's Speech to them was taken into consideration and amongst the Particulars thereof the Foreign Negotiations were mentioned and particularly that of Swedeland Which caused Whitlock to make the following Relation Mr. Speaker I Held it my Duty though the present Occasion had not been offere to give a clear Account to this Honourable House of that Negotiation wherein I had the Honour to serve the Common-wealth lately in Swedeland with the general Transactions and Issue thereof and the great Respects testified to this Commonwealth in those places and by those Princes and States beyond the Seas where I had occasion to be during this my Imployment that you may judge of the success and advantages thereof I shall not mention the great difficulties and opposition which I met with from some in that Court and from the Danish and Dutch Publick Ministers and Party there whose high interest it was to hinder your Alliance with that Crown Neither shall I Particularly insist upon and acquaint you with the great dangers both by Sea and Land through which it pleased God to bring me and to preserve me lest I should seem to magnifie that which was but my Duty to undergo any Hazards or Perils for your Service Only Sir you will give me leave not to forget the goodness of God to me and my company in our great deliverances which the Lord was pleased to vouchsafe to us and which I hold my self obliged to remember with all thankfulness to his immediate hand of goodness to us Sir Your Servants had extraordinary Respect and Civility manifested to them both by the Officers and People of that Countrey in their long Journey and upon their safe arrival at the Court at Vpsale by all sorts of People of inferior rank and of the greatest Ones and by the greatest of them the Prince Heretier and by the Queen her self who sought to make appear her Affection and Regard to this Nation by her Favors to your servant which did much exceed those which she usually allows to others of the like condition In our Ceremonies wherein that Nation are very punctual I confess I was somewhat refractory to their Expectations out of my Zeal to keep up the Honour of my Nation and even those things have such a signification in such Affairs but they were well past over and then we fell to our business wherein I found those with whom I discoursed and treated to be full of Experience Abilities and Wisdom and some of them full of subtlety and too much inclining to use delays for their particular advantage which you will pardon those to take the more notice of who were at so great a distance from their Countrey and Relations I thought it behoved me for the service of my Countrey and she better performance of the Trust that time reposed in me to acquaint my self by the best means I could with the nature of the People their Government the Quality of their Governors their Religion Strength and Trade and other matters relating to them This I did not only by studying of Books but of Men also in the Conversation and Treaties which I had with them and wherein I endeavored to gain information of these things from them added to my own observations on the place I found the People hardy and stout and the more inured to it by the sharpness of their Climate which renders them the more able for Military Service They are obedient to their Rulers but amongst their Equals too much addicted to Quarrelling and Drinking that ferments the other They are yet very Courteous to Strangers in their travaling and sojourning not making a Prey of them nor deceiving them nor deriding them in their ignorance of the Coâ—ntrey or Language but affording them all accommodations for their money which they expect Their Governours are wise expert and po-Iitick keeping their distance and the rules of justice but they will hardly Pardon any neglect the omission of a Ceremony or not returning a Visit is enough with some of them to break off a treaty of the greatest Consequence Though they Practice much delay when they judge their interest to require it yet they observe honourably their Capitulations and though both Rulers and people regard their particular Interest in the first place yet it is not with the excluding of justice and honesty Their Government is by Municipal Laws and Customes and by Acts of their Supream Councel which hath the Legislative power and is the same in effect if not the
doubtful thoughts in the Commissioners of the Seal who knew the Authority of that Court was design'd to be lessened and they were not consulted in this Matter yet they took no notice of it but went on in the Ordinary course of their Proceedings Upon the Lords Day March 11. a Party of about Two hundred of the New Conspirators came into Salisbury at Midnight seized upon many Horses and took away the Judges Commissions being then in their Circuit in that place and they Marched from thence Westward whereof Captain Vnton Croke having timely Intelligence pursued them with his Troops and at South Molton in Devon overtook them and after a sharp Conflict Routed them took Captain Penruddock Jones and Grove and Five hundred common Persons Prisoners Sir Joseph Wagstaff then Chief Comander hardly escaping There were other Risings in Northumberland and in Yorkshire of whom Sir Henry Slingsby was taken Prisoner and others and Sir Richard Moleverer hardly escaped Many of the Conspirators were tryed by a Commission of Oyer and Terminer at Salsbury and Exeter Mr. James Decoy was Clerk to the Commissioners and did some service to Sir Henry Moor Sir George Browne and others who were of that Plot in helping to favour them for which I suppose they were not ungrateful Penruddock and Grove were Beheaded Lucas of Hungerford and others were Executed and the Prisons were filled in those parts Letters from Scotland informed That Middleton was said to be Landed there again with new Supplies from the King who was also expected to come thither shortly with a great Force and store of Mony and his Brother the Duke of York to come a little before him Upon this News former Treaties were broken off and in divers Parts New Levies began to be made for the King The Protector and his Council Publish'd an Ordinance Appointing Commissioners for Approbation of Publick Preachers Another for passing Custodies for Idiots and Lunaticks Another for continuing the Act for Impresting of Seamen He and his Councel and Officers kept a day of Solemn Humiliation and Fasting the which was also observed throughout London and Westminster Brest men did much mischief to the Merchants of Bristol and the Western parts who complained thereof The Parliaments Commander in Scotland apprehended divers of the Kings party The Lord Mayor and the Militia of London attended the Protector with their fuit to him to give leave to revive the Artillery Company in London for the better exercising of the Citizens in Arms and they undertook that none but well affected persons should be admitted into that Company to which the Protector assented Letters that Collonel Hacker had apprehended several of the Conspiratours in Notinghamshâ—re Leicestershire and those parts and kept them all in awe Captain Howard had given to him the Command of Collonel Rich his Regiment An Agent from Portugal brought the Ratification of the Treaty between England and Portugal Several Examinations were taken about the late Risings and Plots The Duke of Lenox dyed at London Letters from Scotland that they were in a quiet condition The Protector by the advice of one Gage a Minister who had been long in the West Indies set forth a gallant Fleet under the Command of Vice-Admiral Pen with a great party of Land-Soldiers under the Command of Vinables many were very eager to ingage in this design being given out in general to be very rich and that it was for the West Indies but it was kept very secret till the Fleet had been gone along time which arrived at the Barbadoes in this month and the thirtieth day of it set sail from thence and steered their Course towards Hâ—spaniola one of the fairest and richest Islands in America under the King of Spains Dominions Who having some inkling of this design sent the Marquis of Leda his Ambassadour to the Protector and the Marquis finding how things went quickly returned to his Master April 1655. April 1655. The Protector and his Councel issued many Orders for the apprehending of several persons suspected to be in the late Plot and they were brought to White-Hall and there examined by the Protector and Secretary Thurloe some of them were discharged but more of them were Committed Collonel Birch and others were secured in Hereford-shire and divers in Northumberland Letters that the Brest Pirates took some English Ships and that General Blake was gone from Tunis to Maltha to demand satisfaction for some Piracies done there upon English men The Protector feasted the Commissioners for approbation of Ministers he sate at the Table with them and was chearful and familiar in their Company and by such kind of little Caresses he gained much upon many persons The King of Sweden sent a Letter to his Highness the Lord Protector in behalf of Lord Lauderdale and his Brother Laundie And the Lord Douglas writ likewise from Stock-holm into England For the release of his poor Kinsman not doubting but that his Highness as a Gratious Prince might be moved to compassion having no powerful or any opposition at all in any of the three Kingdoms For since it hath pleased the Lord of Hosts to bless his actions in such a height that by his valâ—ur his Highness has not only subdued superior and all other power that was against him but also by prudent Conduct of Affairs hath Established himself and these three Nations in one Peaceable Estate What could that augment to his greatness to let his goodness and compassion be made known to the world that he shews upon those whose Lives and Fortunes he has in his hands Upon this Letter and the recommendation from the King of Swedland favour was procured from the Protector to the Lord Lauderdale and his Brother and considerable services were done for them but when the times altered they Scots like remembred nothing of it nor ever returned the least kindness or gratitude for all the good Offices were done them Letters from Scotland of new designs and endeavours of the Enemy there to raise Forces The Protector sent Letters to the Justices of the Peace in York-shire and in most Counties for the watching and apprehending suspitious persons as to the new designs on foot against the Peace of the Common-Wealth and the matter of the Letters was carefully executed Letters were sent to the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal to attend a Committee of the Council at the Council Chamber They attended accordingly and were acquainted with this Order Monday 23. April 1655. At the Council at White-Hall Ordered by his Highness the Lord Protector and the Councel That the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal do proceed according to the Ordinance of his Highness and the Councel Intituled An Ordinance for the better regulating and limiting the Jurisdiction of the High Court of Chancery Henry Scobel Clerk of the Councel The Chair-man told them That this Ordinance was made upon
delivered to the President of the Councel till some time after the date of it the next day they received this Order or Warrant from the Protector Oliver Protector RIght trusty and right well beloved We greet you well Whereas by an Ordinance Entituled An Ordinance for the better regulating and limiting the Jurisdiction of the High Court of Chancery It is among other things Ordained that the Masters of the Chancery in Ordinary shall be only six in number to be now and from time to time appointed by the Lord Protector for the time being We according to the said Ordinance do appoint William Lenthal Esq Master of the Rolles John Sadler Nathanael Hubart Arthur Barnardiston Thomas St. Nicholas and Kâ—bert Aldworth Esq to be the six Masters of the Chancery in Ordinar and do hereby signifie unto you our pleasure that they be sworn and admitted accordingly given at White-Hall this second day of May 1655. To our Right trusty and Right well beloved Sir Bulstrode Whitelocke Knight Sir Thomas Widrington Kt. and John L'Isle Esq Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal of England Upon Receipt of this Warrant they gave the Oath to the six Masters of the Chancery named in the Order it being the old Oath and they proceeded in ordinary business of the Court according to the former course Letters from the Barbadoes of some Dutch Ships there Trading seized upon by Pen and his Fleet ready to sail from thence but whither the Officers knew not That they only waited for more stores from London which were not yet come to them That Pen had here recruited his men and sent some Forces to the Leeward Islands That the English here love to Trade more with the Dutch then with their Country men That Pen and Venable settled in the Barbadoes a Court by Commission to levy what should appear to be owing there to the Dutch and to make seizures of all Dutch who should Trade there That they were now six thousand Land-men and five thousand Sea-men and intended shortly to set Sail upon their design Letters of the Duke of Savoys cruel persecuting the Protestants in Piedmont by taking away their Goods and Estates and putting them in Prison and carrying away of their Children using all means with violence to make them forsake their Religion and the purity of the Gospel which when they could not do the Priests persuaded the Duke to send an Army against them to force them to Conformity who sent eight thousand men against these poor quiet people and Loyal Subjects the Army fell upon them slew many of them with small loss and took many Prisoners whom they used with all cruelty and then put them to death Others of them with their Wives and Children fled unto the Mountains whilst the Soldiers plundered their Houses and then fired them and their Churches A Solemn Fast was kept throughout London and Westminster During this Easter Term the Commissioners of the Great Seal proceeded in Chancery according to the former course of that Court and did not execute the Protectors new Ordinance which was informed to him but he could not disturb them till the Term was over and then was quick with them for their disobedience June 1655. Divers sollicitations were made to Whitelocke by sundry persons whose interest lay that way that he should recant the Letter he had subscribed with Widdrington and Lenthal that he was not satisfied to execute the Protectors New Ordinance concerthe Chancery and that he would promise to do it and to Conform to his Highness pleasure and that then he should be continued in the place of Commissioner of the Great Seal otherwise he must expect to be put out of that good and great Office Whitelocke answered them that no worldly considerations could prevail with him to do any thing contrary to his Judgment and Conscience for then he knew he should offend a greater Protector and better Friend than my Lord Protector could could be That he had taken an Oath to execute the place of Commissioner of the Great Seal Legally and Justly and for him to execute this Ordinance as a Law when he knew that those who made it had no Legal power to make a Law could not be justified in Conscience and would be a betraying of the Rights of the people of England and too much countenancing of an illegal Authority That as long as he should continue a Commissioner of the Great Seal he would execute that place according to Law and do right to the parties in Court after the best of his Judgment and Conscience but to do an Illegal Act and to execute such an Ordinance as he knew not to be agreeable to Law and would be an occasion of Injustice to many because he would thereby keep himself in the place of a Commissioner he thought was not according to good Conscience nor honesty and therefore he resolved to give himself satisfaction rather than any other and further than this he could not be persuaded This Order was brought to the Lords Commissioners To the Right Honorable the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal My Lords I Am commanded to signifie unto your Lordships his Highness and the Councels pleasure That your Lordships do attend his Highness with the Great Seal at six of the Clock this Evening I am My Lord your Lordships most humble Servant Henry Scobell White-Hall June 6. 1655. As soon as this Letter came to them they understood the meaning of it and attended with the Great Seal at the time appointed at the Councel-Chamber and were after a little waiting called in The Protector gravely told them That he was sorry some of them could not satisfie their own Consciences to execute the Ordinance concerning the Chancery which they were informed had much good in it to the publick but he confessed that every one was to satisfie himself in matter to be performed by him and that he had not the worse opinion of any man for refusing to do that whereof he was doubtful but in this particular the Affairs of the Common-Wealth did require a Conformity of the Officers thereof and their Obedience to Authority and being some of them refused to execute this Act as was enjoyned they were compelled thereby to put this charge of the Custody of the Great Seal into the hands of some others who might be satisfied that it was their duty to perform this Command and to put the Ordinance in Execution Whitelocke being the antientest of the Commissioners told his Highness That their scruple was not upon the Authority of his Highness and the Councel as to the Command of all matters concerning the Government of the Common Wealth but only as to the effect of this Ordinance to be Executed as a Law the which they apprehended and had formerly given their reason for it would be of great prejudice to the Publick and would be contrary to what they had formerly by their Oath promised and being yet unsatisfied
be of dangerous consequence to the Peace and Rights of his Country To prevent which and to keep things in a better order and form he might be instrumental in this Imployment Upon these and the like grounds as also by the ingagement of divers of the Committee to joyn with him therein he was perswaded to undertake it and did meet with them at the place appointed where he was received by them with all respect and civility The Instructions of the Committee of Safety were presented to them 29. The Committee sate all day The Armies Declaration was published of the grounds of their late proceedings A Letter came from General Monk to the Officers of the Army here of the dissatisfaction of himself and some of his Officers in the late proceedings of the Army here Persons were sent to him for his better information He secured Berwick for himself Lambert was appointed to command the Forces in the North and to have more Regiments with him 31. Bradshaw died of a Quartan Ague which had held him a year a stout man and learned in his Profession No friend of Monarchy November 1659. 1. The Committee of Safety appointed Fleetwood Whitelocke Vane Ludlow Salwey and Tichburn a Committee to consider of a Form of Government for the three Nations as a Commonwealth and to present it to the Committee of Safety Whalley and Goffe and Caryl and Barker Ministers were sent to Monk to perswade him to a right understanding of things and to prevent effusion of blood This Order was made at the Committee of Safety Thursday Novem. 1. 1659. At the Committee of Safety at Whitehall The Committee of Safety taking into consideration the necessity of disposing of the Great Seal so as the same may be made use of for the publick service and the administration of Justice Ordered that the custody of the Great Seal of England be committed to the Lord Whitelocke as Commissioner and Keeper of the said Great Seal until further Order And the same was accordingly delivered to his hands by the Lord President And ordered That an Entry of the delivery of the Great Seal to the said Lord Whitelocke as Commissioner and Keeper of the said Great Seal be made in the close Roll in Chancery and in the Office of Petty Bagge William Robinson Clerk of the Committee of Safety 2. A new Letter was sent to General Monk from the Officers here The Lords Northampton Falkland Castleton Herbert Howard and Bellasis were discharged from Imprisonment upon security to live peaceably and this was to ingratiate with the Cavaliers Letters from Edenburgh that General Monk and many of his Officers had declared for the Parliament against the Officers of the Army in England and that General Monk had imprisoned some of his Officers who were of a different judgment and put others out of their Command and was preparing all things in order to restore the Parliament Letters from Colonel Pearson who dissented from Monk and that many of his Officers and Souldiers would not joyn with him against the Army in England 3. The Commissioners of the Militia of London wrote to Monk to perswade him to an Accommodation Lambert went towards the North. 4. Letters from Ireland of the Forces there concurring with those here An Answer Agreed upon to a Letter from Monk Fleetwood Whitelocke Desborough and Tichburn went to the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen in London and acquainted them with the proceedings of Monk and with the danger of a new Civil War to the City and Kingdom and advised them to take special care for the prevention of it and for securing the City 5. New Commissions ordered for raising of new Forces to Vane for a Regiment of Horse and another to Whitelocke for a Regiment of Horse and other Commissions to others The General Council of Officers kept this a day of fasting Letters from Scotland that Monk had secured several of his Officers and resolved to march into England That divers of his Officers and Souldiers were discontented Other Letters that Monk was entered England with some Regiments but retreated An Address to Fleetwood from the Officers of the Northern Forces of their resolution to joyn with the Forces here 7. The General Council of Officers met and received Letters from the North. 8. An Answer to Monk's Letter agreed upon by the General Council of Officers Fleetwood Whitelocke Desborough and divers principal Officers of the Army went to the Common Council in London and represented to them the proceedings of Monk and that the bottom of his design was to bring in the King upon a new Civil War They shewed the danger of it to the City and Nation and counselled them to provide for their own safety and to joyn for the safety of the whole Nation and for preservation of the Peace The Common-council returned thanks to them and resolved to follow their advice 9. Letters from Scotland of the probability of a friendly Accommodation The like from several persons in the North. Letters from the Officers of the Fleet to Monk and his Officers to incline them to an Accommodation to this effect THE deep sense we have of the Duty incumbent on us in this day of Englands fears tryals and temptations puts us upon this Application to your Honour unto whom not long since most of us had a more immediate relation and the experience we had then of your readiness to receive and grant our just desires gives us encouragement to believe this present tender will have the like resentment As private Members of this Commonwealth we cannot but take notice of and in secret bewail before the Lord the intestine divisions that are amongst us at this day and the dreadfull consequence likely to ensue thereupon when duly pondered do exceedingly afflict and even break our hearts All the force that the common Enemy whilst in his strength was able to muster up against the good people of this Nation either at home or from abroad could never raise such Clouds of fears nor impress those terrours on our hearts as we now lie under from the apprehension of that evil which attends that distance which is between you and the Army in England which being manifested to us by a Declaration lately sent from Scotland and published by your command and resolutions therein expressed of your vindicating the late Parliament in opposition to the general proceeding of the General Council of Officers here we have taken the boldness not only as private Christians but in our pubblick capacity as Officers of the Fleet to beseech you in the bowels of mercy and compassion to this your Native Country and especially to all the Lord's people therein whose interest we remember hath formerly been precious to you seriously to consider 1. Whether the undertaking you are ingaged in will not make the hearts of the righteous sad whom the Lord hath not
Holland to the King are intercepted whereby Notice is given him of store of Ammunition and Money sent to him from thence and of an Embassadour coming from Denmark to the King and Colonel Cockeram with him The Earl of New Castle in the North hath great Forces for the King and overpowred the Lord Fairfax Norfolk Suffolk Essex Hertford Cambridge and Ely associate under the Lord Grey of Warke for the Parliament Winchester and Chester are gained by the Parliaments Forces Goring lands with the Queen's Standard and store of Officers and Ammunition from Holland and joyns with New Castle The City of London petition the King professing their grief for his distrust of them and their loyalty to him he answers that he hath a good opinion of many of them and could willingly pardon all except Pennington Ven Fowke and Manwaring and he threatens such as shall continue to assist his Adversaries The City were put in heart again by the Speeches of Mr. Rym and the Committee of Parliament to their Common Council of the Houses love to the City and resolution to live and die in their defence In the North the Parliaments Forces prevail again Sir Hugh Cholmley defeats some of the Enemies at Malton and Jan. 16. he and Sir Matthew Bointon at Gisborough rout a party of 600 killed many took 15 Prisoners whereof their Commander Slingsby was one and 200 Arms. Sir Thomas Fairfax carries Leeds and took there four Colours 500 Prisoners with much Arms and Ammunition then Wakefield and Doncaster yield themselves to the Parliament The Earl of New Castle draws down his Forces towards York to prepare for the Queen's entertainment and proclaims the Lord Fairfax and Sir Thomas Fairfax his Son Traytors and the Parliament did the like for the Earl The Parliament resolved to send some Propositions to the King and named their Commissioners two of the House of Lords and four of the House of Commons to present their Propositions to His Majesty The Lords were the Earl of Northumberland and the Lord Say the King refused to grant a safe conduct for the Lord Say because he had been proclaimed by him to be a Traitor so another was put in and four Lords and eight Commoners named to carry the Propositions to the King and January 28. the King granted his safe Conduct for them to come to him which was in this form CHARLES REX Our will and pleasure is and we do hereby streightly charge and command all the Officers and Souldiers of our present Army and all our Ministers and Subjects whatsoever to permit and suffer our Right Trusty and Right well beloved Cosins and Counsellors Algernoon Earl of Northumberland Philip Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery William Earl of Salisbury and Henry Earl of Holland Our right trusty and right well beloved Thomas Viscount Weenman and Richard Viscount Dungarnon and our trusty and well beloved Sir John Holland and Sir William Litton Knights William Pierpoint Bulstrode Whitelocke Edmund Waller and Richard Winwood Esquires together with their Servants to pass and repass to and from us they being sent to tender us Propositions from our two Houses of Parliament This our safe Conduct under our Sign Manual and Privy Signet we charge and command them and every of them punctually to observe and obey as they will answer the contrary at their utmost perils Given at our Court at Oxford the 28. day of January 1642. After this safe Conduct sent from the King the Parliament Commissioners took their Journey to Oxford the Commissioners were admitted by the Lords two with each Lord in their Coaches which were with six gallant Horses in every Coach and a great number of their Servants on Horse back to attend them In this Equipage they came to Oxford where the Governour assigned them their quarters They had their first access to the King in the Garden of Christ Church where he was walking with the Prince and divers of the Lords attending him All of them kissed his hand not as they were ranked in the safe Conduct but according to their several degrees Mr. Pierpoint before the Knights he being an Earls Son and Mr. Winwood before Mr. Whitelocke he being the eldest Knights Son and Mr. Waller was the last The King said to him though you are the last yet you are not the worst nor the least in my favour The discovery of a Plot then in hand in London to betray the Parliament wherein Mr. Waller was ingaged with Challoner Tomkins and others which was then in agitation did manifest the King's Courtship to Mr. Waller to be for that Service After they had all kissed the King's Hand the Prince gave them his Hand to kiss The Earl of Northumberland read the Propositions to the King with a sober and stout carriage and being interrupted by the King he said smartly Your Majesty will give me leave to proceed the King answered I I and so the Earl read them all through The Heads of the Parliaments Propositions to the King were To disband his Army and return to his Parliament leave Delinquents to Trial and Papists to be disarmed To pass a Bill for abolishing Bishops c. and such other Bills as should be presented for Reformation Recusants to abjure Papacy to remove malignant Counsellors to settle the Militia as the Parliament desired to prefer to Offices such as the Parliament should name to take in all that were put out of Commissions of the Peace A Bill to vindicate the Lord Kimbolton and five Members to enter into Alliance for the Palatinate to grant a general Pardon excepting New Castle Digby and others To restore Parliament Members to their Offices and to restore their losses On the other side the King proposed That his Revenue Magazins Towns Ships and Forts be restored That what hath been done contrary to Law and the King 's Right may be recalled That all illegal power claimed or acted by Orders of Parliament be disclaimed As the King will consent to the execution of all Laws concerning Popery or Reformation so he desires a Bill for preserving the Book of Common Prayer against Sectaries that all persons excepted against in the Treaty may be tried per pares with a cessation of Arms and for a free Trade Thus way was made for a Treaty but nothing further done in it till 4. Martii after The Queen landed with Officers Money and Ammunition in the North and is conveyed to York where she forms an Army Massey attempting to storm Sudely Castle was beaten off he possesseth the Garden fires much Hay and Straw and under the smoak thereof planted his Ordnance so advantageously against it that the besieged rendred it upon quarter leaving their Arms behind A few days after Prince Rupert with 4000 Horse and Foot marcheth by it to Cirencester where the Magazine of the County lay this he took putting the Earl of Stamford's Regiment and many others to the sword took
Million of Money free Quarter taken by them not accounted and that they would be willing to accept a Sum in gross in full discharge of their arrears and the house appointed a Committee to treat with them about the Sum and times of Payment New Letters of the Peace concluded in Ireland and a Copy of the Articles That they should not be bound to take the Oath of Allegiance All Laws against Roman-Catholicks to be Repealed To have no dependency upon the Parliament of England and the like Major General Mitton took Conwey Town by Storm and killed and wounded divers took many Officers twenty two Soldiers and fifty Towns-men in Arms one great Gun Arms Ammunition and Provisions many Irish men who were tied back to back and thrown into the water 19. Report from the Committee appointed to treat with the Scots Commissioners That they desired five hundred thousand pound whereof two hundred thousand pound upon the advance of their Army into Scotland and two hundred thousand pound residue at the end of twelve months A day set to consider of this Report Order for shutting up the Houses of those infected with the Plague as formerly and the Statute for that purpose to be printed and published Both Houses agreed to a list of Ships and Captains of them for the Winter Guard Order for the Marchioness of Winton to make use of any of her Countrey houses for her health and to lye in there 20. A difference between the Forces of Bristol and Glocester about levying of Money for their pay the House ordered that neither of them should levy that Money and referred it to a Committee to compose that difference A Petition brought by Multitudes of Waggoners Wives and Officers Wives and Widows and other distressed people for Money referred to a Committee to Consider of a way for raising ten thousand pound for them and that not above two of them should come together about this business to the House or Committee The allowances of four pound a Week to divers Members of the House formerly given was now ordered to cease The Articles agreed for surrender of Ragland Castle and the Marquess of Worcester threw himself upon the Mercy of the Parliament 21. Letter of the surrender of Pendennis Castle and in it were Col. Arundel the Governor four Knights five Colonels and divers others of Quality That the Parliament had there forty great pieces of Ordnance one great Ship one Shallop some other Boats seven great Guns in the Ship many pieces unmounted about the Castle store of Arms but little Provision A Copy of the Articles sent up for the surrender of Ragland Castle there were in the Castle seven hundred Officers and Soldiers twenty pieces of Ordnance and a thousand Arms. Vote for two hundred thousand pound to be paid to the Scots Army one hundred thousand pound upon their Advance out of this Kingdom and the other hundred thousand pound by fifty thousand pound at two payments at certain days and to have the publick Faith for the other three hundred thousand pound deducting out of the same the Accounts of the Countrey for their free Quarters Referred to a Committee to consider of raising a hundred thousand pound of the Companies of London upon security the Lords concurred herein and were moved to pass the Ordinance for Sale of Delinquents Estates Order to discharge Sir Tho. Glenham from an Arrest according to the Articles of Oxford 22. The Houses sate not and no intelligence was communicated 24. The Articles sent up of the surrender of Pendennis Castle Letters that the convention of Estates of Scotland met at Edingburg and intended the Peace of both Kingdoms very zealously 25. Order to make Ragland Castle untenable Col. Fortescue appointed Governor of Pendennis Castle A day of thanksgiving ordered for the late Successes and a Collection for the poor infected with the Sickness The three Regiments under Sir Hardress Waller before Ragland ordered for the service of Munster in Ireland and orders for re-payment of Moneys disbursed by some of the Commanders 26. The Monthly Fast day after the Sermons they met in the House and some new Members took the Covenant Letters informed that when the Officers and Soldiers marched out of Ragland Castle not the least injury or incivility was offered by Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army to any of them but they were courteously used and not a tittle of their Articles broken That Sir Thomas Fairfax had much conference with the Marquess with all respect and there being store of Rich Furniture and Goods in the Castle the General caused the Commissioners in the Army to make an Inventory of them and to proclaim that if any of them belong to any well affected in the Countrey that they should be restored 27. Exceptions of Plunders Money Coals Lead and free quarterings had by the Scots Army offered to their Accounts the House voted a hundred thousand pound to be paid to them the ninth month after the payment of the Money formerly voted for them An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for ordination of Ministers Orders touching Col. Saundersons Regiment of Reformadoes Upon the Petition of the Sheriffs of London that if Sir Tho. Glemham were discharged out of Prison according to the order of the House that then the Sheriffs and their Heirs should be liable to pay the debt for which he was a Prisoner The House ordered that Sir Thomas Glemham should be brought to the Bar and that they would take order for the Sheriffs indemnity The Judges rode in some Counties and held the Assizes to the rejoycing of the People Order to discharge Sir Tho. Glemham from his imprisonment according to the Articles of Oxford and that all Officers and others should be saved harmless for it by Authority of the House of Commons The House approved of the Earl of Northumberlands removing the Kings Children to Sion house because of the Sickness in London and they ordered the Earl to take care and give directions that none of the Kings Party should be admitted to come to the Kings Children to give them ill Counsel The Power of the Committe of Haberdashers Hall as to the five and twentieth part was lessened 29. The Houses sate not Intelligence came of the surrender of Flint Castle to Major General Mitton 31. The Scots Minister Mr. Hinderson dyed at Edingburg a person of a sober Coversation and good Learning some said he dyed of grief because he could not perswade the King to Sign the Propositions The Convention of Estates in Scotland agreed to send new Commissioners to the King to Sign the Propositions The Earl of Antrim and Kilketto refused to lay down Arms by the Kings command alledging that the King was under restraint and they hoped ere long to have a power to free him from that restraint Complaints from the Northern Counties of the oppression by the Scots Army Two Ships of the Rebels taken by a Parliament Ship at
Limrick in Ireland The Lord Inchequin took Pilborne Castle by Storm and put all in it but eight to the Sword The Governor of Silley Islands for the King sent to Captain Batten to treat for the surrender of them to the Parliament and the Treaty was begun Letters informed the Particulars of the surrender of Pendennis Castle that there was taken great store of Arms and Ammunition ninety five pieces of Cannon two Murderers but little Provision That there marched out of it four Knights eight Colonels many other Officers and Gunners and a thousand Soldiers and two hundred left sick behind Mardike in the Low Countreys was surrended upon Articles to the French September 1646. September 1. An Ordinance for Sir Jo. Heles Composition The Commissioners of the great Seal continued for a Month longer Upon Papers from the Scots Commissioners demanding four hundred thousand pound for their Army after long debate the House agreed to it and to days of payment of it Voted that the Election of Mr. Toll a Member of the House to be Major of Lynne ought not to have been without the consent of the House yet in respect it was for the advantage of that place the House granted the petition of the Town that he might execute the place of Major there and have Power to make a Deputy 2. An Ordinance for punishment of Blasphemies and Heresies committed Order for divers Committees to give account what Moneys they had issued The Scots Commissioners insisted to have two hundred thousand pound upon their advance to Scotland but the House would allow only an hundred thousand pound 3. The Earl of Cleaveland is released he ingaging his Honour to the Lieutenants of the Tower to render himself again if required by the Parliament An Ordinance to make Mr. Hallingham Vicar of South-Wales in Essex Order for Money for Soldiers Wives and Widows upon the Excise An Ordinance to make Mr. Elliston Parson of Sandford in Essex Ordinances past for Compositions 4. Orders concerning new Elections Letters of the Generals gallant entertainment by the Welch and in other places 5. Though a day of Adjournment yet the House sate till seven at night to dispatch the business of the removal of the Scots Army and at length voted to give them two hundred thousand pound at their advance to Scotland if it could be raised and sent a Committee to treat with the Common Council of London for the raising of it 7. Commissioners fram the States of Scotland came to perswade his Majesty to Sign the Propositions The Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland presented a Remonstrance to the Committee of Estates there desiring that Malignants and Incendiaries may not be favoured that all possible means might be used to confirm the union between England and Scotland and to preserve the Reformation of Religion and to bring the Churches in both Kingdoms to the nearest Conjunction and perfect Reformation according to the Covenant They sent another Remonstrance to the King to the same effect to which the King answered That the Assembly had no authority to intermeddle in the affairs of this Kingdom or Church and then justifies his own proceedings Earnest Letters came from Ireland for supplys and recruits 8. The day of publick thanksgiving no intelligence received 9. Sir Jo. Stowell was found guilty of Treason by a Jury of Somersetshire Orders touching Compositions of Delinquents another touching a general day of thanksgiving After the Surrender of Mardike the French designed the taking in of Dunkirke 10. The Common Council of London propounded for security of the two hundred thousand pound to be advanced for the Scots That all who had contributed upon the propositions for Horse Money and Plate may contribute the like Sum upon this proposition for the two hundred thousand pound and be secured both sums out of the Excise and Bishops Lands The House agreed to this and returned thanks to the Common Council only they excepted Advowsons out of the security and added to it the Sale of Delinquents Estates Order for an hundred pound for the Church-Wardens of the Abbey and St. Margarets Church in Westminster to maintain Watchmen to look to the doors of houses infected with the Plague The Lords desired the Concurrence of the Commons for taking away all Countrey Committees and for appointing new Commissioners for the great Seal 11. Mr. Edwards continued Major of Chester by Ordinance for thirteen Months A Menial Servant of Mr. Martin a Member of the House being arrested contrary to the Priviledge of the House was released and the Bayliff that arrested him and knew him to be Mr. Martins Servant was sent for as a Delinquent Ordinance touching the Excise in the Northerne and Westerne Associations not consented to by the Commons Orders for new Elections 12. The Commons sate not but the Lords sate about the two hundred thousand pound for the Scots and agreed to what the Commons had voted except the additional security by sale of Delinquents Estates which the Common Council of London did not insist upon the Committee of the Parliament met with the Committee of Common Council as often as was held requisite for the carrying on of this business and agreeing upon the security to those who should lend Money or double their former Loans according to the propositions for raising of the two hundred thousand pound 14. Letters certified that the Commissioners of the Estates of Scotland had been often with the King and pressed him to consent to the propositions and to take the Covenant That the King questioned their power which they justified as relating to both Kingdoms and were very plain with his Majesty who said he was not satisfied in point of Conscience to subscribe it they moved that some able Divines might be conferred with by him for his satisfaction and that was appointed Letters informed a discontent among the Irish Rebels about the Peace the Popes Nuntio Bishops and Clergy protesting against it because done without their consent and because it gave liberty of Conscience to the Protestants Forces were hastning thither out of England This Evening the noble Earl of Essex dyed at Essex House Orders for twelve hundred pound for the Duke of York and for a constant maintenance for him and for Money for the Northerne Forces A Remonstrance from Cleveland and other Northerne parts of the insupportable burden of the Scots and English Forces upon them referred to the Northerne Committee Order for a new Election Order that the House should accompany the Earl of Essex his Body at his Funeral Order for Money for Masseys Brigade H great Petition of Lancashire debated Upon the news of the death of the Earl of Essex both Houses adjourned to the next day 16. The House sate in a grand Committee to debate the Ordinance touching Blasphemies and Heresies The Lords ordered a Writ to be sent to the new Viscount of Hereford to whom that honour descended by the death of