restrictions and bounded the writ at the first but to Maritime Counties as mostly receiving the present benefit of security from Pyrates but that not sufficient for the common necessity the wits became afterwards Generall to all Counties and so did the quarrel The whole amounting unto two hundred thirty six thousand pounds in lieu of all payments came but to twenty thousand pounds per mensem The Clergy never pleaded but indeed they muttered their case to be free from all secular and civil charges And to prevent the boldness of any pretence the Laws made disputes of the three fold necessity binding all Clergy and Laity viz. aid in war building of Bridges and raising of Forts Nor had they any Execution that which the Arch-bishop did for them was upon their just Complaint of their unequal Tax by their Neighbour therefore the Sheriffs were required not to tax the Clergy of Parsonages above a tenth part of their Land-rate of their several Parishes and no doubt we may easily believe the Inlanders might mutter as conceiving it strange to be concerned in the Sea But in truth the main Exception was to be taxed out of Parliament against the late Petition of Right and indured long debate in Courts of Iustice thereafter whilest the first Mover Noy the Attorney having set the Wheel a going took his last leave in August to rest for ever from the toil of an Attorney General And now was the great Design of the Swedes quarrel in Germany prosecuted and Ambassadours abroad to all the Neighbour Allies for assistance and Axel Oxenstiern the great Chancellour and Guider of those affairs of State sent hither his Son in Ambassy impowred with Credential Letters no doubt from his Sovereign Queen or from interest of the Chancellour of which our King could not pretend ignorance for in all outward reception he appeared so I was present in the Banquetting-house at White-hall when he had Audience of his tedious peremptory Oration But indeed whether because his Address had been before to the French King from whom he had large promises and a great Present or whether because our Reasons of State gave slender hopes to engage against the Emperour with whom we were in Treaty concerning the Palatinate he refused our Kings Present of equal value with that of France and returned not well pleased The state of Ireland in some disquiet dangerously now divident between Papist and Protestant the wise Lord Deputy Wentworth being necessitated to summon a Parliament for the supply of a fresh Contribution for the Army the former of twenty thousand pounds per annum determining the next year and provision must be assured before hand to discharge the Kings Debt of eighty thousand pounds besides It is most true that there was no ill Husbandry of former Governours that caused a contraction of this Debt but the wisdom of the Sovereign not to charge the Nation with Levies for they had granted but one Subsidy since primo Iacobi the Kingdom in good condition since the Wars and their Estates being by the King so lately setled they could do no less than raise their Purses with their plenty and give the King Subsidies which they did The Civil affairs well forwarded the care was to setle the Ecclesiastick by Assembly of a Synod The Design was not more politick as pious to repeal the Body of Articles formed Anno 1615. and to substitute those nine and thirty Articles of the Church of England in their room and the rather because the nine Articles of Lambeth were included with the Irish which in truth had been purposely inserted by King Iames to ballance against the Tenets of Arminians and were evermore started by the contrary Opinions where the Points of Predestination and the Lords Day Sabbath had found free acception to these indeed the Alteration seemed strange some referring it to power others to piety and reason also the reason might be in relation to the Papists who made a wonder that the Churches of three Kingdoms united being under one chief Head and Governour there should be three several and distinct Confessions of Faith and yet all pretending to one Religion and the conclusion and concession not huddled but canvased and with some advantage in Vote for the Church of England although as some say the Primate of Ireland interposed his Negative The Scots are busie fomenting sundry pretended Designs of State against their Liberties they became very bold endeavouring to blast the Kings Proceedings in their last Parliament as indirect charging him with corrupting and suborning the then Votes and evermore of some tendency in favour of Papists and to publish it in print they framed a Libel which passing through malignant hands and so vented but the Lords of the Council there searching narrowly for the Authour it fell upon one William Hagge and he escaping his Abetter was brought to the Board being the Lord Balmerino the Son of a Father of small Conscience and less Religion but Secretary he had been to King Iames who shuffled a Letter of his own contriving amongst others for the Kings signature too much complementing with the Pope Clement in favour of the Catholicks which Letter being so sent and some years after mentioned by Cardinal Bellarmine to the Kingâ—s prejudice and Balmerino questioned for it did ingeniously confess the same and after some outward sufferings had his pardon and preferment but time discovering the Policies of State another way it is now averred that the Letter was then devised by the Kings command in some reason to gain upon the Romish party in reference to his interest in England where the Papists were prevalent and more powerfull abroad but now this Lord the Son whether by nature perfidious or made so by Revenge elapsed into the like crime indeed and suffered the same Trial and Eviction and found the same mercy the Kings pardon and preferment for the present but fell more foul in offending some years after But the Kings Pardon to him gave great encouragement to the discontented Party in Scotland having now found by experience the Kings inclination either by fear or affection to be wrought upon if not mastered and having continual intelligence from his Majesties Bed-chamber the bane of the King by persons near about him Scots of all passages in England concerning the interruption of three Parliaments imprisoning the Members and other civil Distractions sufficient to discover a discontented condition in England also but it appears not who gave the first invitation for assistance to each other of a War Either party Scots and English so forward as that it seems they met joyn'd at last in an unnatural War with their dread Sovereign And yet untill 1637. that the Service-book was imposed on the Scots both parties lay dormant without any perfect correspondence that I can meet with till that time or a little after And then also Cardinal Richelieu sent over his Chaplain Chambers a Scotishman to stir up the
Proctors deprived and others partakers check't for engaging But the Expulsion of these Preachers Expelled not their Schism which inwardly burnt the more for blazing the lesse many complaining of the two edged sword of justice too penal for some to touch then others to break the Kings Declaration And in this controversie died the Arch Bishop of York Dr. Harsnet a discreet Assertor of these necessary and useful Ceremonies and complained even against the Conformable Puritan who preached it in policy but diffented in judgement His Epitaph sets forth his Bishopricks Indignus Episcopus Cicestrensis Indignior Norvicensis Indignissimus Archiepiscopus Eboracensis enjoying them all three And now they revive the Sabbatarian controversie which was begun five years since 1628. Bradburn on the Sabbath day and directed to the King maintaining First The fourth Commandment simply and intirely Moral and Christians obliged as well as the Iews to observe everlastingly that day That the Lords day is an ordinary working day it being Will-worship to make it a Sabbath by vertue of the fourth Commandment But the High Commission Court soon made this man a Convert which opinions begat controversies of five heads What is the fittest name of that day when to begin and end Upon what authority grounded Whether alterable or no Whether any recreations and what kinds on that day And then these disputants were distinguished into Sabbatarians Moderate men and Anti-Sabbatarians and their preaching and pamphlets so quarrelous as made the poor distracted people to seek what to do And at the Temple It was Explained by Learned Dr. Micklethwait That the richer fort were more obliged to the strictnesse of the day than the poor workman such as have no diversion by labour all the week need no Recreation on One day the Labourer having some title to Liberty But from the Pen they fall to Pikes and Somersetshire the Stage and fieâ—y Scene First keeping their Church-Ales and Wakes of meetings on that day evening which upon complaint to Richardson Chief Justice that Circuit he suppressed them totally by Order of the nineteenth of March. This being an usurpation of a Lay Judg on Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction the Arch-bishop Laud procures from the King a Commission to two Bishops and other Divines to examine the Judges carriage therein which Order at last he was fain to revoke the next Assize and so the quarrel on foot and petition troubling the King to settle this difference it procured reason of State in the King to revive his Fathers Declaration for Sports set out in the fifteenth of King Iames upon the like occasion in Lancashire which refer to the subsequent time 1654. And indeed though the State was induced with much prudence to afford some liberty to labouring people carving to some freedom on that day cut most for others and leave least for themselves The Declaration was not pressed on the Minister to publish more proper for a Lay Officer or Constable but because Judg Richardson had enjoyned his Order to the contrary and the Minister obeyed it Now the Declaration was put upon them also by the Order of the Bishops Some Schismaticks were forward to read it and forthwith the fourth Commandment setting as they meant God and the King at odds that so themselves might escape in the fray Nor was the reading absolutely urged upon any unless under the Bishop of Norwich too severe there Many men out of breath observe this as the concurring cause of our sad events and Civil War 'T is true our fights were often forced upon the King on that day as pointing at the punishing of profaneness but our Battels have been rubrick'd each day in the Week with English bloud and therefore to pick a solemn Providence out of a common Casualty savours more of Curiosity than Conscience though indeed Edg-hill Fight fell on that day which entred us into so much misery And truly had we all of us strictand duly observed the holy keeping that Holy Day we might be happy there still I mean the due measure but we have wrested it awry from the right way reeling into extremes afterwards neglecters now contemners Transcendents above common piety they need not keep any because they observe all days we call them Levellers equalling all Times Places Persons nay to our Lands in common a general confusion they make to be Gospel perfection for having supprest all due observation of festival Saints days and their Eves Wednesdays and Fridays Service and Letanies now our Hypocrites out of errour or worse perfect prâ—faness take away the Lords day also The famous Fabrick of Saint Pauls Church and Steeple made so in process of time from the pâ—ety of primitive Christians their devout zeal to good works and since by several additions of Benefactours raised to a structure of admiration a Pile huge and honourable not the like left to our last Age to be sampled in the whole World What the hands of good men had made wonderfull the hand of wasting had extremely decayed Onely the hand of Heaven by accident of Lightning had burnt down the high Spire in the time of Queen Elizabeth who then had designed not onely to rebuild that but to repair the whole Church and to that end some Materials were then prepared Afterwards in the time of King Iames the religious Patriot Sir Paul Pindar of worthy memory returning into England some years since from his Ambassie Lieger in Constantinople and afterwards one of the great Farmers of the Kings Customes and of ample fortune the most in money became the great Example of Charity to many and the Patern of Piety to all in his magnificent re-edifyfying of this Church First he repaired the Entry front and Porches to all the upper Church Quire and Chancel and enriched them with Marble Structures and Figures of the Apostles with Carvings and Guildings far exceeding their former beauty which cost above two thousand pounds the act of a good man as King Iames said But the main Fabrick fit for the work of a King And therefore King Charls having a pious resolution to begin the Repair of the whole Church and Steeple made his humble entry at the West end of the Isles up to the Body Quire and Chancel where after a Sermon of Exhortation to that Christian intention he made his pious Procession about the inside Circumvelation thereof and viewing the Decays gave up his promise with his Devotions speedâ—ly to settle the beginning of the work And this year issued out his Commissions under his Great Seal to the Lord Maior Sir Robert Drewry the two Arch-bishops the Chancellour Treasurer Privy Seal some Bishops Secretaries and Councellours of State Deans Aldermen and others or any six of them whereof three to be of the Privy Council and always the Bishop of London for the time being to be one who was then William Laud and the first man but not the chief Promoter being promoved and attempted by others before he was of
Caelum She lands at Dover 12 23 of Iune on Sunday seven a clock at Night and in the appearance of those who observed her in France at the first time of the Overtures for the Mariage she was grown from the fear of never being tall and already sits upon the very skirts of womanhood Her countenance sweet and lovely which opened a window with her heart where one may see Nobleness and Goodness and the actions of her self her own Will to be excellent full of Wit and a lovely manner of expressing it Her attire very plain for so great a Princess can be thought to have nothing mean about her His Majesty was come thither from Canterbury no otherwise to the Conquest of Love than to receive Her at the top of the stairs She on her Knee striving to kiss his hand He takes her up with treble surprized affection expressed in so many salutes on her lips And so with excessive strains of Love retire to the inmost chamber where after his expression of many sad fears for her hazard at Sea She whether in fright of the remembrance or sorrow to be now surprized into the subjection of a Stranger that was of her self free before she tenderly and unwilling slipt down some tears which trickled on her lips and he with the other passion of Love took that occasion to dry them up with kisses and so he said he would do till she had done confuting her that she was fallen into the effect of Gods divine Providence to forsake her kindred and cleave to her Spouse He professing to be no longer Master of himself than whilest he was a servant to her Here the Ceremony was accomplished and the Duke of Chevereux the Kings Representative in France renders her up to his Majesties Bosom and to his Bed at Canterbury From whence the whole journey in the way to Gravesend was laned through with millions of people crying out Halelujahs of Hasanna for their eternal happiness They were attended with a train of Gallantry the youth of Honour and others the Noblest of this Nation whom the Kingdom could send thither to wait upon their Majesties At Gravesend they take water towards London in the sumptuous Barge of State followed with numbers of other Barges and Boats The whole Naval Fleet designed to clear the stream and to Anchor neer either shore and their Majesties to be rowed through their ranks the Ships in comely order giving fire by degrees after the first shot vollyed these Princely Guests with the roaring Cannons that shook the ayre even to their landing at Somerset-House The third day appeared their Majesties on Royal Thrones to the Nobility and now their Mariage proclaimed with excessive joy at all From hence they too soon took leave of this evermore pestilential City but then and most usuall at the death of Soveraigns fatal which forced their remove of State to Hampton Court And so this disease of plague becoming casual we shall not need any idle suggestive Apologie to â—ake into other reasons or to fetch a freak of speculation as one hath done To mate all events passionately ascribing future calamities to the 〈◊〉 of the Kings Mariage with a Lady of Misbelief closing his excuse conjectural that No Protestant Princess was left alive to equal his Majesty for a Compleat Consort Necessity of State affairs and the custome of soveraigns enter their Inauguration with summons of their subjects Peers and People Politique and Necessary as Husband and Wife an Absolute and Natural the One may err the Other offend Not that a K. is bound up in all Acts of State lawfully to their Council and so the Parliament to be co-ordinate not subordinate to their Prince Yet King Iames often used the comparison in Matrimony And King Charles unadvisedly hereafter makes himself a Member of the Representative of Peers which the Parliament would never acquit him But for that a King is a man subject to errors in Judgement he assignes to himself Helps for directing and Rectifying his Will and Judgement by Laws and Councils Law Est mens quaedam nullo pertuâ—bata affectu So that a Prince by Law is more then a man deified but ruling by affections is brutified and nothing so outragious as injustice armed with power will and authority Councils are Privy and Publique his Privy Councill by his own free Election Publique his Parliament Peers and People so our Neighbor Nations Parliaments of France Courts of Spain Diets of Germany without which no Matters of Moment are concluded In the Monarchy of England all the three forms of Government do enter It hath one King as a Monarchy by certain Councils it participateth of Aristocracy and in the Commonalties voices and Burgesses in Parliament it taketh part of Democracy and all to temper somewhat the absolute form of Monarchy whose danger may be too peremptory At this Parliament Sir Thomas Crew was chosen Speaker of the House of Commons and was so the last of King Iames His place being as antient as Parliaments in the time of King William Rufus where he is termed Totius Regni Adunatio Afterwards stiled Vice totius Communitatis And the 51. of Edw. 3. He is named Speaker In the fifth of Rich. 2. the first that made any excuse to be discharged and in the 17. Rich 2. the first that was presented to the King in full Parliament But of late all these particulars are become proper to his place to do as this Speaker did And at the opening of this Parliament Iune 18. the King Himself salutes them which was not expected the common usage of former Princes being to speak by their Chancelour but King Iames altered that course as best able of any his Predecessors to speak for himself and King Charles began now to appear Inheritor of his Crown and Virtues though his Impediment of not speaking plain might spare him from a long Speech and have excused the grace of Oratory A note of Wisdome not weakness of understanding and in those dayes of less observation in the defect for the then Kings of Spain and France stammer'd but he with the least imperfection of them all who were men of Eminency in the effects of Government My Lords and Gentlemen YOu are not ignorant that at your earnest entreaty March 23. 1623. my Father of happy memory first took up armes for the recovery of the Palatinate for which purpose by your assistance he began to form a considerable Army and to prepare a goodly Armado and Navy Royal. But death intervening between him and the atchievement the war with the Crown is devolved upon Me. To the prosecution whereof as I am obliged both in Nature and Honour so I question not but the same necessity continuing you will cherish the action with the like affection and further it with a ready contribution True it is you furnished my Father with affectionate supplyes but they held no symmetry or proportion with the charge of so great
Against abuses committed on Sundays The King to make Leases of Lands parcel of his Dutchy of Cornwall For ease of obtaining Licences of Alienation and in the Pleadings of Pardon in the Exchequer or else where For restraining Misbehaviour in Inns and Alehouses That this Session shall not determine by his Majesties royal assent to these Acts. Then passed a Bill in the Lower House of Tonnage and Poundage but because it was limited to one year whereas former Grants to his Majesties Predecessors were for Life It was foundred in the Upper House The Reason of this Restraint was thus In a Parliament the 18. of King Iames the Kings learned Councill culled out of that Act reasons for pretermitted Customes and other Impositions which were accounted Grievances to the Subject and an Imoderate charge upon those Customes and therefore their Design was to reduce them to the rate settled long since tempore Mariae but they wanted time enough to mold it now The next Assembly met the first day of August at Oxford The Divinity School for the Commons and the Gallery above for the Lords Hence is observed a pretty Note To give up the Divinity-School to the Commons and that Chair to their Speaker put them into an usurpation of Determinations of Divinity and henceforward no Parliaments without a Committee of Religion of Lay-Persons not onely to mannage controversies of Divinity but to ruine the old and to establish a New And because the Kings designes required Expedition He summons both Houses to Christ-Church Hall where he urged to them his Necessities for setting forth his Fleet. But his desires found no other consideration than for a formal Petition against Recusants and the causes of their increase with the Remedies Most Gracious Soveraâ—gn IT being infallibly true that nothing can more establish your Throne and assure the peace and prosperity of your People then the unity and sincerity of Religion We your Majesties most humble and loyal Subjects and Commons in this present Parliament assembled observing that of late there is an apparent mischievous encrease of Papists within your Dominions hold our selves bound in conscience and duty to present the same unto your sacred Majesty together with the dangerous consequences and what we conceive to be the most principal causes and what may be the remedies thereof 1. Their desperate ends being the subversion both of Church and State and the restlessness of their Spirits to attain those ends The Doctrine of their Teachers and Leaders perswading them that therein they shall do God good Service 2. Their evident and strict dependance upon such Foreign Princes as no way affect the good of your Majesty and this State 3. An opening a way of Popularity to the ambition of any who shall adventure to make himself head of so great a party The principal causes of the increase of Papists 1. The want of due execution of the Laws against Iesuits seminary Priests and Papists Recusants occasioned partly by Connivance of the State partly by many abuses of Officers 2. The interposing of foreign Princes by their Ambassadours and Agents in favour of them 3. Their great Concourse to the City and their frequent conventicles and conferences there 4. The Education of their children in Houses and Seminaries of their Religion in foreign parts which of late have been greatly multiplied and enlarged for the entertainment of the English 5. That in many places of this your Realm your people are not sufficiently instructed in the knowledge of true Religion 6. The licentious publishing of Popish and seditious Books 7. The imployment of men ill affected in Religion in places of Government who countenance the Popish party The Remedies be these 1. That there be great Care taken in the choise and admitting School-Masters and that the Ordinaries make diligent inquiries of their demeanours and proceed to the removing of such as shall be faulty 2. That the antient Discipline of the University be restored being the famous Nursery of literature 3. That for the propagation of the Gospel such able Ministers as have been formerly silenced may by fair entreaty of the Bishops be reduced to the service of the Church and that Non-residency Pluralities and Commendums may be moderated 4. That a straight provision may be made against transporting of English children to Popish Seminaries beyond Seas and for recalling such as are there already 5. That no Popish Recusant be permitted to come within the Court unless upon special occasion agreeable to the Statute 3â— Iacobi 6. That all Jesuits Priests and others having taken Orders from the See of Rome may be banished by Proclamation and in case of disobedience may be proceeded against according to the Laws of the Land 7. That none by any authority derived from the See of Rome be permitted to confer Orders or exercise any Ecclesiastical function within your Majesties Dominions 8. That all former Grants of Recusants lands made to the use and interest of such Recusants may by the advice of your Majesties Council be voided 9. That all Recusants may be excommunicated and not absolved but upon conformity 10. That all Recusants be removed from places of authority and government 11. That all Recusants be disarmed according to the provision of the Law 12. That they may be all confined to remain at their Country habitations and not to travel above five miles from thence 13. That none of your Majesties natural born Subjects be suffered to repair to the hearing of Masses or other superstitious service at the Chappels or houses of foreign Ambassadours or elsewhere 14. That all such insolencies as any Popishly affected have lately committed to the dishonour of our Religion be exemplarily punished 15. That the penalâ—y of 12. d. every Sunday for default of coming to Divine Service in the Church without lawful excuse may be put in Execution Lastly that your Majesty would be pleased to order that the like courses may be taken in Ireland for the establishing of true Religion there The Kings Answer was so satisfactory and sodain to each particular being heretofore branched to his Father and the remedies resolved upon them and now so reasonably required as that the King took him from hence to speak for himself and to put them to it to supply his very urgent Necessities to set forth his Navy It found affection in some earnest to give and to satisfie the present occasion with expedition Others having no heart to deny nor willing to contribute but cunningly to gain convenient time as to prejudice the Design which was to be sodain and there were these the most averse that quarreled not the Expedition for it was secret and so ought to be but old Sir Robert Mansel a quarrelous person for his interest in the Glass house then in dispence must be set up a Man of great Experience and sound Judgement but where in the Narrow Seas And he by Guess had declared against the Design and tendered some overtures
all retired to Bugden where he lived very Hospitably and in manner and order of the good Bishops not without an eye and ear over him of such as were Intelligencers of Court And at Westminster Hall the Ceremony begun towards the Abbey Church in order thus 1. The Aldermen of London by couples ushered by an Herauld 2. Eighty Knights of the Bath in their Robes each one having an Esquire to support and a Page to attend him 3. The Kings Serjeants at Law Solicitor Atturney Masters of Request and Iudges 4. Privy Councellors that were Knights and the chief Officers of the Kings Houshold 5. Barons of the Kingdome bare-headed in their Parliament Robes with Swords by their sides 6. The Bishops with Scarlet Gowns and Lawn sleeves bare-headed 7. The Vice-Counts and Earls not in their Parliament but in their Coronation Robes with coronetted Caps on their Heads 8. The Officers of State for the day whereof these are the Principal Sir Richard Winn Sir George Goring The Lord Privy Seal The Archbishop of Canterbury The Earl of Dorset carrying the first Sword The Earl of Essex carrying the second Sword The Earl of Kent carrying the third Sword The Earl of Mountgomery carrying the Spurs The Earl of Sussex carrying the Globe and Cross upon it The Bishop of London carrying the Golden Cup for the Communion The Bishop of Winchester carrying the Golden Plate for the Communion The Earl of Rutland carrying the Scepter The Marquess Hamilton carrying the Sword of State naked The Earl of Pembroke carrying the Crown The Lord Maior in a Crimson Velvet Gown carried a Short Scepter before the King amongst the Serjeants The Earl of Arundel as Earl Marshall of England and the Duke of Buckingham as Lord High Constable of England for that day went next before his Majesty The King entred at the West Gate of the Church under a rich Canopy carried by the Barons of the Cinque Ports His own Person supported by Doctor Neil Bishop of Durham on the one hand and Doctorâ— Lake Bishop of Bath and Wells on the other His train six yards long of Purpleâ—Velvet held up by the Lord Compton Master of the Robes and the Lord Viscount Doncaster Master of the Wardrobe Here he was met by the Prebends of Westminster Bishop Lawd supplying the Deans Place in their rich Copes who delivered into the Kings hands the Staff of King Edward the Confessor with which he walked up to the Throne Which was framed from the Quire to the Altar the King mounted upon it none under the degree of a Baron standing therein save only the Prebends of Westminster who attended on the Altar Three Chairs for the King in several places first of Repose the second the antient Chair of Coronation and the third placed on an high square of five steps ascent being the Chair of State All settled and reposed the Arch-bishop of Canterbury presented his Majesty to the Lords and Commons East West North and South asking them if they did consent to the Coronation of K. Charles their lawful Soveraign The King in the mean time presented himself bareheaded the consent being given four times with great acclamation the King took his Chair of Repose The Sermon being done the Arch-Bishop invested in a rich Cope goeth to the King kneeling upon Cushions at the Communion Table and askes his willingness to take the Oath usually taken by his Predecessors The King is willing ariseth and goeth to the Altar and is interrogated and thus answereth Coronation Oath Sir Sayes the Arch-bishop will you grant and keep and by your Oath confirm to the People of England the Laws and Customes to them granted by the Kings of England your lawful and Religious Predecessours and namely the Laws Customs and Franchises granted to the Clergy by the glorious King St. Edward your Predecessor according to the Lawes of God the true profession of the Gospel established in this Kingdome agreeable to the Prerogative of the Kings thereof and the antient Customes of the Realm The Kings answer I grant and promise to keep them Sir Will you keep Peace and Godly agreement according to your power both to God the holy Church the Clergy and the people I will keep it Sir Will you to your power cause Law Iustice and discretion to mercy and truth to be executed to your Iudgement I will Sir will you grant to hold and keep the Laws and Rightfull Customes which the Comminalty of this your Kingdome have and will you defend and uphold them to the honour of God so much as in you lieth I grant and promise so to do Then one of the Bishops read this Admonition to the King before the people with a lowd voice Our Lord and King wee beseech you to pardon and to grant and to preserve unto Vs and to the Churches committed to your charge all Canonical privileges and do Law and Iustice and that you would protect and defend Vs as every good King to his Kingdomes ought to be Protector and Defendor of the Bishops and the Churches under their Government The King answereth With a willing and devout heart I promise and grant my Pardon and that I will preserve and maintain to you and the Churches committed to your charge all Canonical privileges and due Law and Iustice and that I will be your Protector and Defender to my Power by the Assistance of God as every good King in his Kingdom in right ought to protect and defend the Bishops and Churches under their Government Then the King ariseth and is led to the Communion Table where he makes a solemn Oath in sight of all the people to observe the premisses and laying his hand upon the Bible saith The Oath The things which I have here promised I shall perform and keep So help me God and the Contents of this Book Then were his Robes taken off and were offered at the Altar He stood a while stripped to his Doublet and Hose of White Sattin Then led by the Arch Bishop and Doctor Lawd the Bishopâ—of St. Davids he was placed in the Chair of Coronation a Close Canopy spread over him the Arch-bishop anointing his Head Shoulders Arms and Hands with a costly ointment the Quire singing an Anthem of these words Zadook the Priest anointed King Solomon Hence he was led up in his Doublet and Hose with a White Coife on his head to the Communion Table where the Bishop of St. Davids Deputy for the Dean brought forth the antient Abiliments of King Edward the Confessor and put them upon him Then brought back to the Chair of Coronation he received the Crown of King Edward presented by the Bishop of Saint Davids and put on his Head by the Archâ— Bishop of Canterbury the Quire singing an Anthem Thou shalt put a Crown of pure Gold upon his head whereupon the Earls and Viscounts put on their Crimson Velvet Caps with Coronets about them the
solely intrusted with the person of the prince should leave behind him in a foreign Court so much scandal by his ill behaviour 10. That he hath been a great part the cause of the ruine of the Prince Palatine and his estate in so much as those affairs concern this kingdom 11. That he hath in his relation to both Houses of Parliament wronged the Earl of Bristow in his honour by many sinister aspersions 12. Lastly that the Earl of Bristow did reveal to his late Majesty both by word and letter in what sort the Duke had misdemeaned himself and abused his trust and the King by several wayes sent him word he should rest assured that he would hear the said Earl in due time and that four dayes before his sicknesse he signified to the Earl that he would hear him against the Duke as well as he had heard the Duke against him And not long after the King died having been much vexed and pressed with the said Duke Here is no High Treason herein mentioned if the charge were proved then no Traytor at all neither most nor least for indeed had this done it the Commons needed not their new Impeachment which followes and never amounted to more than Misdemeanors Misprisions Offences and Crimes Nothing rare with favourites and therefore never such pursued upon any before this person and these times Which might occasion an antient Baron the Lord Spencer To start up that was no upstart Lord and to demand Is this all you have to say against the Duke The Earl replyed Yes my Lord and I am sorry it is so much then quoth the Lord Spencer If this be all Ridiculus Mus and so sat down again Upon this a Crotchet took the Lord Cromwel in the Crown and out he goes to Mr. Richard Spencer a younger Son of that Lord and a great Zelot in the Lower house against the Duke Dick said he What is done in your House to day against the Duke My Lord said he he is charged with high Treason Tush Dick quoth the Lord High Treason If this be all Ridiculus Mus. The Charge I say might occasion this story of the Lords complements which out of doubt was told to the Historian for truth though couched in this wanton stile not usuâ—l with his gravity I confess And indeed if Mr. Richard Spencer have not forsaken his Memory he professes there was never any such confabulation with any Crotchet of Cromwells Crown and desires the Author to expunge it out of his next impression and me to excuse him in this But such a Charge as it was It served the turn for that time but not to prevent the Attornies Charge against the Eaâ—l which to my knowledge was framed long before and therefore needed no speeding as to prevention Yet being ready It was put in the next day abating one of the Earls number against the Duke for these were but Eleven Articles First That the said Earl being imployed by the late King Iames as his Ambassadour unto Ferdinando Emperour of Germany and unto Philip the fourth King of Spain in the years 1621 1622 and 1623. with Commission to treat with them for the plenary restitution of the Palatinate to the Count Palatine who maried the Lady Elizabeth the onely Daughter of his late Majesty and also to treat with the King of Spain for a Mariage to be had between his now Majesty then Prince of Wales and the Lady Donna Maria the Infanta of Spain did falsly trayterously and confidently inform the late King by sundry Letters That the said Emperour and King of Spain would really make restitution of the Dominions and Electoral dignity of the said Count Palatine and that the said King of Spain did really intend the Mariage aforesaid Whereas in truth the said Emperour and King or either of them never really intended such restitution and the King of Spain never intended the said Mariage whereof the Earl could not be ignorant whereby the the Dominions and Electorall Dignity aforesaid were utterly lost Secondly That the said Earl having received from his late Majesty particular directions to put the King of Spain to a speedy and punctual answer touching the Treaties aforesaid did nevertheless continue those Treaties upon Generalities without effectuall pressing the King of Spain to particular Conclusions sutable to his Instructions Thirdly that the said Earl to the intent to discourage the late King from taking up of Arms or entring into Hostility with the said King of Spain did many times both by word and letters to him and his Ministers extoll the greatnesse and power of the King of Spain and did cunningly strive to retard the late Kings Resolutions of declaring himself an Enemy to the King of Spain Fourthly That the said Earl being told upon his dispatch out of this Realm that there was little probability that these Treaties would have any good successe he then replyed He cared not what the successe thereof would be for he would take care to have his instructions perfect and to pursue them punctually and howsoever the businesse went he would make his fortunes thereby Fifthly that the said Earl on purpose to advance the Romish Religion did during the time aforesaid often by Letters and otherwise counsell and perswade his late Majesty to set at liberty Iesuits and Priests of the Romish Religion which were imprisoned according to the laws of the Land and to grant the Papists a Toleration of their Religion Sixthly That by the said Earls false Informations and Intelligences given to the late King and now his Majesty then Prince they were put into hopes and by long delayes they were put into jealousies concerning the said Treaties that there was not that sincerity in them which they expected Whereupon the said Prince his now Majesty was enforced to undertake in his own person a long and dangerous Journey into Spain intending either speedily to conclude the said Treaties or to discover the feigned Intentions of the Emperoâ—r and King of Spain and thereupon to dissolve them By which Journey the Person of the said Prince and in Him the peace and safety of this Kingdom was brought into apparent danger Seventhly That at the Prince his first coming to the said Earl in Spain he asked the Prince For what he came thither The Prince at first not conceiving the Earls meaning answered You know as well as I. The Earl replyed Sir Give me leave to tell you they say here in Madrid that you mean to change your Religion and added further Sir I do not speak this that I will perswade you to it or that I will promise to follow your example though you do it but as your faithful servant if you will trust me with so great a secret I will endeavour to carry it in the secretest way I can At which the Prince being moved said unto him I wonder what yoâ— have ever found in me that you should conceive I would be so base as for a wife to change
well resemble us the Commons And as it is encompassed with Air and Fire and Spheres Celestial of Planets and a Firmament of fixed Stars All which receive their heat light and life from one great glorious Sun even like the King our Soveraign So that Firmament of fixed Stars I take to be your Lordships Those Planets the great Officers of the Kingdom That pure Element of Fire the most religious zealous and pious Clergy And the reverend Iudges Magistrates and Ministers of Law and Justice the Air wherein we breath All which encompasse round with cherishing comfort this Body of the Commons who truly labour for them all and though they be the Foot-stool and the lowest yet may well be said to be the setled Centre of the State Now my good Lords if that glorious Sun by his powerful Beams of Grace and Favour shall draw from the Bowels of this Earth an Exhalation that shall take fire and burn and shine out like a Star it needs not be marvelled at if the poor Commons gaze and wonder at the Comet and when they feel the Effects impuâ—e all to the corruptible matter of it But if such an imperfect mixture appear like that in the last Age in the Chair of Cassiopeia among the fixed Stars themselves where Aristotle and the old Philosophers conceived there was no place for such corruption then as the learned Mathematicians were troubled to observe the irregular motions the prodigious magnitude and the ominous Prognosticks of that Meteor so the Commons when they see such a Blazing-Star in course so exorbitant in the Affairs of this Common-wealth cannot but look up upon it and for want of Perspectives commend the nearer Examination to your Lordships who may behold it at a neerer distance Such a prodigious Comet the Commons take this Duke of Buckingham to be against whom and his irregular wayes there are by learned Gentlemen legal Articles of Charge to be delivered to your Lordships which I am generally first commanded to lay open First the Offices of this Kingdom that are the eyes the ears and the hands of this Common-wealth these have been engrossed bought and sold and many of the greatest of them holden even in this Dukes own hands which severally gave in former Ages sufficient content to greatest Favourites and were work enough for the wisest Counsellors by means whereof what strange abuses what infinite neglects have followed The Seas have been unguarded Trade disturbed Merchants oppressed their ships and even one of the Royal-Navy by cunning practice delivered over into foreign hands and contrary to our good Kings intention imployed to the prejudice almost to the ruine of friends of our own Religion Next Honours those most precious Jewels of the Crown a Treasure inestimable wherewith your Noble Ancestours my Lords were well rewarded for eminent and publique service in the Common-wealth at home for brave exployts abroad when covered all with dust and blood they sweat in service for the honour of this Crown What back-wayes what by-wayes have been by this Duke found out is too well known to your Lordships whereas anciently it was the honour of England as among the Romanes the way to the Temple of Honour was through the Temple of Virtue But I am commanded to presse this no further then to let your Lordships know one instance may perhaps be given of some one Lord compelled to purchase Honour Thirdly as dâ—vers of the Dukes poor kindred have been raised to great Honours which have been and are likely to be more chargeable and burthensom to the Crown so the Lands and Revenues and the Treasuries of his Maiesty have been intercepted and exhausted by this Duke and his friends and strangely mis-imployed with strange confusion of the Accompts and overthrow of the well established ancient Orders of his Majesties exchequer The last of the Charges which are prepared will be an injury offered to the person of the late King of blessed memory who is with God of which as your Lordships may have heard heretofore you shall anon have further information Now upon this occasion I am commanded by the Commons to take care of the Honour of the King our Soveraign that lives long may he live to our comfort and the good of the Christian world and also of his blessed Father who is dead on whom to the grief of the Commons and their great distaste the Lord Duke did they conceive unworthily cast some ill ordure of his own fowl wayes Whereas Servants were anciently wont to bear as in truth they ought their masters faults and not cast their own on them undeservedly It is well known the King who is with God had the same power and the same wisdom before he knew this Duke yea and the same affections too through which as a good and gracious Master he advanced and raised some Stars of your Lordships Firmament in whose hands this exorbitancy of Will this transcendency of Power such placing and dis-placing of Officers such irregular running into all by-courses of the Planets such sole and single managing of the great Affairs of State was never heard of And therefore onely to the Lord Duke and his procurement by mis-informations these faults complained of by the Commons are to be imputed And for our most gracious Soveraign that lives whose name hath been used and may perhaps now be for the Dukes justification The Commons know well that among his Majesties most royall virtues his Piety unto his Father hath made him a pious Nourisher of his Affections ever to thâ—s Lord Duke on whom out of that consideration his Majesty hath wrought a kinde of wonder making Favour hereditary But the abuse thereof must be the Lord Dukes own And if there have been any Commands such as were or may be pretended his mis-informations have procured them whereas the Laws of England teach us that Kings cannot Command ill or unlawful things when ever they speak though by their Letters-Patents or their Seals if the thing be evil these Letters-Patents are void and whatsoever ill event succeeds the Executioners of such Commands must ever answer for them Thus my Lords in performance of my duty my weaknesse hath been troublesome unto your Lordships It is now high time humbly to intreat your pardon and give way to a learned Gentleman to begin a more particular charge The Prologue ended Sr. Dudly sat down and the Impeachment was read so large as that for method we adjoyne it to the Dukes Answer which came in some dayes after In which time the Commons sent a Message to the Lords how mightily it did mis-become the honor of their House to permit a man so deeply impeached to sit in Councel with them whilest Sr. Dudly Diggs and Sr. Iohn Elliot the Van and the Rear of the Commons were beckened out to speak with two Gentlemen who proved to be two Messengers of the Kings Chamber having his Warrant to take them prisoners to the Tower where they lay till the Iudges resolved
obtain them to his own use the summe of 3000 l. and did also procure for the said Surrender from the late King an Annuity of 1000 l. per annum payable to the said Earl for which considerations the said Earl surrendred the said Office with his Letters Patents unto the late King who granted them to the said Duke for his life which is an Offence contrary to the Laws and Statutes of this Realm those Offices so highly concerning the Administration and execution of Justice That the Earl of Nottingham then Lâ—rd Admiral being grown much in years and finding himself not so fit nor able to perform what appertained to his place as formerly became an earnest sutor to his late Majesty to permit him to surrender up his Office who at length being overcome by the Earls many solicitations condescended thereunto and his late Majesty at the entreaty of others without the Dukes privity was also perswaded to confer it upon the Duke much against his will he being no way experienced in those Affairs so that the Earl did freely surrender and the Duke aecept the grant of the said Office without any the least contract or proviso But true it is that his late Majesty out of his Royall Bounty did grant to the said Earl a Pension of 1000 l. per annum as a Recompence for his former service to the Crown and also the Duke himself did freely and voluntarily with his late Majesties approbation as an Argument of his honorable respects to so Noble a Predecessor send the Earl three thousand pounds which he hopeth is not blame worthy in him III. Reply 3. That he the said Duke in the 22. year of the late King did give and pay unto Edward Lord Zouch for the Offices of the Lord Warden of the Cinque-Ports and Constable of Dover Castle the sum of one thousand pounds and granted also an Annuity of 500 l. per annum during his life and that for the consideration aforesaid the said L. Zouch did surrender his Offices and Letters Patents to the late King who granted them to the said Duke for his life which Offices so highly concerning the Administration of Justice the Duke hath ever since held against the Laws of the Land That the Lord Zouch being grown in years and unfit to manage the Office of the Warden of the Cinque-Ports and Constable of Dover Castle which are indeed both but one discovered a willingness to surrender it and made severall Offers thereof to the Duke of Richmond who at last contracted with the said Lord Zouch for his surrender for the consideration of 1000 l. in money and 500â— l. per annum and the said Duke of Richmond being prevented by death his late Majesty directed the Duke of Buckingham to go through with the Lord Zouch for it upon the same terms which he was the willinger to do by reason he had found by experience that the Kings service suffered much through the emulation disaffectiâ—n and contention arising between those two Officers and he hopeth this act of his in acquiring this Office accompanied with such circumstances the King also being both privy and directing it will receive a favorable construction especially considering he was altogether unacquainted with any law tâ— the contrary IV. Reply 4. That he hath neglected the just execution of those his offices and violated the Trust reposed in and committed to him by them insomuch as through his neglect the trade of this Kingdome hath been of late much decayed and the Seas ignominiously infested with Pirates and Enemies to the great loss of both ships and Goods and imminent danger of this Kingdom That the loss happening to the Kings Subjects by Pirats and Enemies hath not proceeded through the Dukes default as is suggested but because those Pirats ships are built of a mould as fit for flight as for fight being far too nimble for the Kings Ships To prevent which inconvenience for the time to come there is present order taken for the building of Ships of the same shape with those of Dunkirk and for the Pirats of Sally that provision is taken either to restrain by Treaty or to repress them by force as will give good satisfaction and this will clearly appear upon proof V. Reply 5. That whereas about Michaelmas last a Ship called the St. Peter of New-haven laden with divers Merchants Jewels and Commodities to the value of 40000 l. or thereabout for the proper account of Monsieur de Villeurs then Governour of New-Haven was taken by the Ships of his Majesties late Fleet and brought into the Port of Plymouth as a Prize upon probability that the said Ship or Goods belonged to the Subjects of the King of Spain whereupon there was an arrest of two English ships at New-haven in the Kingdome of France after which intimation was given to the Advocate in the chief Court of Admiralty from his Majesty by Secretary Coke for the freeing and discharge of the said ship and goods and thereupon by Commission under Seal the said Ship and goods were released The said Duke notwithstanding any such order and decree detained still to his own use the Gold Silver Pearls Jewels and other Commodities so taken out of the said Ship and unjustly caused the said Ship to be arrested again in contempt of the Laws of this Land and to the prejudice of Trade That Complaint being made on the behalf of some French men at the Councel Table concerning the Saint Peter and some other ships His Majesty then present did order that she and all other stould be released as were found to belong to any Prince or State in amity with him provided they were not fraâ—dulently coloured And accordingly this ship was by Sentence in the Admiralty discharged But within few daies after new information came to the Lord Admiral that this ship was laden by the Subjects of the King of Spain in Spain that the Amirantesio wafâ—ed her beyond the North Cape and that Witnesses were ready to attest as much upon which the Duke acquainted his Majesty therewith and by his command made stay of this ship as he was assured by the opinion of the King and five other Advocates he might do and command was given to the Kings Advocate to hasten the examination of Witnesses in pursuance of the new information But the French Merchants impatient of delaies which the producing many witnesses would occasion complained again to the Council-board and obtained an Order from thence for the delivery of the said Ship and goods upon security which Security was once offered but after retracted yet upon consideration of the testimonies produced the Kings Advocate informing the Duke that the proof came short for that Ship the D. did instantly give order for her final discharge and that all her goods should be re-imbarked to the Owners which was done accordingly VI. Reply 6. That the East-India Merchants in the 21. of the late Kings Reign preparing to set forth four great
his late Majesty and his Majesty that now is warranting the payment of great sums of money by him as if such summes were directed for secret service of the State when as they were disposed of to his own use and hath gotten into his hands great sums which were intended by the late King for the furnishing and victualling of the Navy-Royall to the exceeding diminution of the revenues of the Crown to the deceiving and abusing of his late and now Majesty and detriment of the whole Kingdom That he doth humbly and with all thankfulness acknowledge his late Majesties bountifull hand to him and shall be ready to render back into the hands of his now Majesty whatsoever he hath received together with his life to do him service But for the value suggested in the charge he saith there is a great mistake in the calculation as he shall make evident in a Schedule annexed to which he referreth himself Nor did he obtain the same by any undue solicitation or practice nor yet a Release for any sums so received But having severall times and upon severall occasions disposed divers sums of his late and now Majesty by their private directions he hath Releases thereof for his discharge which was honourable in them to grant and not unfit for him to desire and accept for his future indemnity XIII Reply 13. Lastly That he being a sworn servant of the late King did cause and provide certain Plaisters and Potions for his late Majesty in his last sicknesse without the privity of his Majesties Physicians and that although those Plaisters and Potions formerly applied produced such ill effects as many of his sworn Physicians did dis-allow as prejudiciall to his Majesties health yet neverthelesse did the Duke apply them again to his Majesty Whereupon great distempers and dangerous symptomes appeared inhim which the Physicians imputed to those administrations of the Duke whereof his late Majesty also complained which was an offence and misdemeanour of so high a nature as may be called an act of transcendent presumption And the said Commons by Protestation saving to themselves the liberties of exhibiting hereafter any other accusation or impeachment against the Duke and also of replying unto what the Duke shall answer unto the said Article do pray that the said Duke may be put to answer all and every the premises and that such Proceedings Examinations Tryals and Judgements may be upon every of them had as is agreeable to Law and Justice That his late Majesty being sick of an Ague a disease out of which the Duke recovered not long before asked the Duke what he found most advantagious to his health the Duke replied a Plaister and Posset-drink administred to him by the Earl of Warwick's Physician whereupon the King much desired the Plaister and Posset-drink to be sent for And the Duke delaying it he commanded a servant of the Dukes to go for it against the Dearnest request he humbly craving his Majesty not to make use of it without the advice of his own Physicians and experiment upon others which the King said he would do and in confidence thereof the Duke left him and went to London And in the mean time he being absent the said Plaister and Posset drink were brought and at the Dukes return his Majesty commanded the Duke to give him the Posset-drink which he did the Physicians then present not seeming to mislike it Afterward the Kings health declining and the Duke hearing a rumour as if his Physick had done his Majesty hurt and that he had administred Physick without advice the Duke acquainted the King therewith who in much discontent replied They are worse then Devils that say so This being the plain clear and evident truth of all those things which are contained in that Charge He humbly referreth it to the judgements of your Lordships how full of danger and prejudice it is to give too ready an ear and too easie a beleef unto a Report or Testimony without Oath which are not of weight enough to condemn any Also he humbly acknowledgeth how easie it was for him in his young years and unexperienced to fall into thousands of errours in those ten years wherein he had the honour to serve so great and so open-hearted a Soveraign Master But the fear of Almighty God his sincerity in the true Religion established in the Church of England though accompaninied with many weaknesses and imperfections which he is not ashamed humbly and heartily to confesse his awfulnesse not willing to offend so good and gracious a Master and his love and duty to his Countrey have restrained and preserved him he hopeth from running into any hainous misdemeanours and crimes But whatsoever upon examination and mature deliberation they shall appear to be least in any thing unwittingly within the compasse of so many years he shall have offended He humbly prayeth your Lordships not onely in those but to all the said misdemeanours misprisions offences and crimes wherewith he standeth charged before your Lordships to allow unto him the benefit of the free and general Pardon granted by his late Majesty in Parliament in the one and twentieth year of his Reign out of which he is not excepted And also of the gracious Pardon of his now Majesty to the said Duke and vouchsafed in like manner to all his Subjects at the time of his most happy Inauguration and Coronation which said Pardon under the Great Seal of England and granted to the said Duke beareth date the tenth day of February now last past and so here shewed forth unto your Lordships on which he doth humbly relie And yet he hopeth that your Lordships in your Justice and Honour upon which confidence he putteth himself will acquite him of and from those misdemeanours offences misprisions and crimes wherewith he hath been charged And he hopeth and will daily pray that for the future he shall by Gods grace so watch all his actions both publick and private that he shall not give any just offence to any However that that an Authour hath descanted on this defence It doth really appear prudential modest and humble and no doubt a Reply might be intended In the interim the Kings affaires requiring a quicker supply for the publique than these lingring proceedings could admit he demands the speedy producing their Bill of Subsidy to be passed to which they were forced suddenly to conform not unlikely to prevent their present dissolution which otherwise they suspected And resolving to make work they were hammering a tedious Declaration of Grievances which was allowed by the House before the Bill of Subsidy Whereupon with huge indignation the King the very next day Iune 15. dissolves them with this positive answer to some Lords that were sent to intercede for longer sitting not a minute And the same day Bristow was committed to the Tower and Arundell confined to his House with a Proclamation for burning all Copies of the Commons Declaration which was
by Courtney Hawley and Bingley Part of these two Companies about two hundred a piece stood at the mouth of that Causway which bore not above five a Brest The other part was placed at the side of the Causway not far from Damier Our horse in the mean time by reason of these companies so dispersed one Troop thereof consisted of not above 30. and the other but 38. to receive the enemies first charge amongst those were some of the Reformed as it were to inclose the Companies and all this the enemy knew and what companies could not come to assistance To Schomburgh comes Marilane and requires the word yet he intended not presently to fight us but to afflict and take our last as a noble Gallant confessed for there they appear to approach the Causway not so by a strait but by oblique course The French now advance a pace and are stoutly received by us but overprest by multitude they underwent diverse fortune For one part of our Horse fell amongst whom was that gallant and unrevenged Cunningham Another part yielded amongst whom was the Lord Mountjoy and he civilly used Others by the Enemies numerous power and their own weight in a steep place were forced to fly and whiles thus hurryed through the straits of the Causway into Ditches and Salt pits we were thrown The way thus opened the French pursue and made no small slaughter upon us For with very long pikes they pierced some of us already in the dirt whose face not long before they scarce durst behold And those by our own horse to whom onely they could give place were thrust besides the top of the Causway and so pierced by the enemies spears Those Companies next the horse at Damiere with their colours flying fought a while but as the former overpowred with the number fell or fled Amongst these the Reformed by uneven and turning paths made their way to the furâ—her bridge with much danger For the Enemy spared none that they met with And in truth here was a very great Slaughter Buckingham did much by direction and example Nor did the diversity of their thoughts suite well some endeavouring to fly others forbad it they rendred themselves by turns to the enemies pleasure and endeavouring by heaps to pass the Bridge one stopping another and so forced the contrary way until mutually knitting together they were thrown into the Sea And in truth Rich and Bret and many other Noble souls defending that bloody bridge encombred and prest perished in the waters and as many as fell to the French were surely destroyed Beyond the Bridge was ammunition for which Crosby contended but by a promiscous torrent of fliers and pursuers forced away having no leasure to distinguish Friends from Foes But upon a turn of fortune the French were forced beyond the Bridge Marilane leading them whom Sir Thomas Fryar and Hacksvil with gallant Spirits fall upon and Crosby with the next stand and rallied force assist and so wrested the victory from the enemy And herein not to be partial consult with their own writers they confess it and name their gallants slain This nimble victory makes us consult to pursue the French but the paucity and fewness of our men night also come caused us to forbear and themselves say Their return so disturbed and altered the French affairs that Marilane forsaken by his runnawayes could neither by fair means nor force of Sword detain them It may be suspected so few to put to flight the French but remember heretofore the battails of Cressie Poictiers Agencourt small handfuls of ours vanquished theirs the French Naturally they must confess it spend all their fury at Assault and without fear given create fear to themselves for they chill their internal strength and run headlong into danger the cause in themselves I must confess the victory which we claim was as I may say but lamentable which yet the Law of Arms allows us No man perished of ours but who desired to dy pent up to fight not to fly we fought for French against French theirs not our own quarrel The number of ours lost are now in question We say but 500. they reckon of us 1100. and how By the old Breeches which we cast off and the miserable beseeches bought of the Islanders to make a shew and fill up their Accompt And for their purchase of our number of Colours an oversight of us not to send them away with our Guns I told you before how we were weakned not a dozen left to an ensign and for the French who buried their own accompt but two or three hundred we cannot disprove them The night as I said came on they are fled we not able to pursue We were to make good our design to depart the Isle of Rhe not to be forced to be gone Yet still we stand expecting fresh Assaults from the French which they might easily do but did not and returned We went on and Crosby had the Watch Guard that night and order at the third Watch to burn the bridge which he did without damage The next day Buckingham minding his departure sends Fryar and Bret to demand the dead bodies and Dolbier to treat about Exchange of Prisoners Schomburgh consents to the first but refers the second to his Kings pleasure and so some tiÌ„me after all were returned without ransome to either friends We make aboard but here the question the glory of the field who of our own to stay last upon the shore to avoid dispute it was ordered by lot and on ship too we weighed not anchor till eight daies dared the enemie with their numerous fresh Fleets to fight And so saies Schomburgh to the King He intends himself to declare to his Majesty the English state and stay in the Anserne Island ere they departed Buckingham aboard calls a Council and demands their opinions freely if enough had been done in honour to depart All consented in one and that truly we had done well But Buckingham offered his desire to land and force the Continent and somewhat might be conceived in safety to the Rochellers and their affairs who were concluded under such a condition no douâ—â— as rendred them in appearance as yet Neuters to our Design or at least under pressure of submission and so to secure themselves might betray us The 9. day we hoised sail and met the Earl of Holland neer our Western Coast where at Plymouth the whole Fleet came to ancher and our Duke posted to Court to the King who received him with extraordinary welcome after three Moneths stay in the Isle and some weeks and odd daies from the hour he went from England The ordinary Prisoners on both sides were upon former Treaty to be returned home And therefore it is not well recited to say That Lewis gratiously dismist them as an offertory to his Sister the Q. of England and refused the Lord Mountjoys round sum of his ransom
Schools of Cambridg in so much that when Peter Baro a French-man Professor for the Lady Margaret there reviving the Melancton way in his publick Lectures and drawing others to the same perswasion He was complained of by Doctor Whitakers Doctor Willet Master Chaterton Master Perkins and such like unto the Arch-bishop of Canterbury Doctor Whitgift to suppress that Faction who assembling at Lambeth Doctor Richard Fletcher Bishop of London and Doctor Richard Vaughan elect of Bangor with advice of Doctor Whitakers Doctor Tindal and others all parties to the Sute agree on the nine Articles to be sent to Cambridg for composing their present Controversie the six and tweneth of November 1595. Doctor Baro thus discouraged at the end of his first three years quits his Reading and retires home to Franâ—e leaving the University in much disorder for lack of such his abilities Amongst his followers was one Master Barret who in his Sermon at St. Maries not onely defended Baro but offended the opinions of Calvin Beza and such others of the Reformatours of which he was convented before the Heads Doctor Iames Mountague Master of Sidney College a worthy Divine but then of their own opinion and by them May 5. next following he was prescribed his Recantâ—tion and did so yet the contentions were disputed higher the nine Articles of Lambeth came down hastened upon this occasion otherwise perhaps they had not come at all But though these Articles were thus and no otherwise made and agreed and made known to Queen Elizabeth by William Lord Burleigh Lord Treasurer of England and Chancellour of the University who mis-liked the Tenets and Proceedings she much offended with such Innovations in the publick Doctrine of the Church resolved to attaint them all of Premunire but upon received esteem of that Prelate Arch-bishop whom she called her Black Husband and favouâ—ably admitting his Excuse she commanded him to recall and suppress those Articles which for a long time not a Copy thereof was to be found though after by degrees they peeped out and again in the Conference at Hampton-court 1603. Doctor Reynold's Record That the nine Assertions orthodoxal as he stiles them concluded upon at Lambeth might be inserted in the Book of Articles of the Church of England The King unacquainted with such novel Doctrine asked what they were and was told as before said To which he answered That when such Questions arise among Scholars the quietest proceedings were to determine them in the University and not to stuff the Book with all Conclusions Theological See Conf. p. 24 40 41. Let the Reader judg of these Reasons whether these nine Assertions thus authorized are so canonically confirm'd as to determine them orthodox Doctrine of the Church of England and those men for Arminians that do not subscribe to them or otherwise But we finde our Historian very positive for that party and so zealous for his orthodox men that being in the List alone without an Adversary he rants it very high accusing royal favour for sheltring the Arminians as he calls Doctor Cozins Manwaring and Sibthorp but also through the prevalency of the Bishops of Winchester and London advanced to great preferment c. And when he comes to the Papist he is in bodily fear lest Tiber should drown the Thames His Reasons are the uncontrouled preaching of several Points tending that way by Mountague Goodman Cozens and others Secondly the audacious obtruding superstitious Ceremonies by the Prelates Thirdly fixed Altars cringing towards them The last surely the most standing up at Gloria Patri dangerous dilapidations from the true Reformation which he calls Popery oblique we are like to be assured of a perfect account from this Authour that seems so partial in his Relations But we come to the Abuses in Civil affairs The Printer was questioned for printing the Petition of Right with the Kings first Answer which was not satisfactory He confessed that during the first Session of Parliament 1500. Copies were printed without that addition and since he had order from the Atturney General to reprint it with that Addition Many Merchants Goods seized and Informations in Star-chamber against them for not paying the Customes of Tunnage and Poundage Some Impositions against the Petition of Right and Privilege of Parliament upon which Sir Io Worstenholm the Farmers of the Custome Master Daws and Master Carmarthen his Assistants were called to account who were excused by the King that they acted by his command which he presumed the House of Commons would grant him by Bill as they had promised The Parliament would not understand it so their Commission onely impowred them to collect the Moneys but not to seize the Merchants Goods But for the Bill his Majesty had declared Tunnage and Poundage to be a Principal Revenue of his Crown and so his own already without cause otherwise to demand it or they to grant therefore that Record must be cancelled and the King confess his no Right thereunto else they cannot grant but their free gift The Parliaments Plot was this way for the King to leave his Customes to their Seisure as Delinquents by their undue behaviour therein which in honour he could not nor would The House in a Hubbub at Secretary Coke who brought this Message they adjourn for some days and when they met the King adjourned them till the first of March when up starts Sir Io Eliot with a stinging Complaint against the Lord Treasurer Weâ—â—on as accessary to all Evils in Church and State with a Design to transfer our English Trade unto Foraigners and so in love he was of what he meant to say that the Heads thereof were copied and published to the Treasurer who prepared the King with a Message that followed his Speech immediately to adjourn till the tenth Day but now they grow high and check the Speaker for admitting the Message and therefore they will go on and give ear to Eliot's Remonstrance which he offered to the Speaker and Clerk but they refuse and so he was bold to reade it himself In effect That they had considered of a Bill for Tunnage and Poundage but being over-pressed with other business and that of it self so perplext would require much leisure to discharge which at that time they could not this present Session moving hastily to an end And lest his Majesty should herâ—after as he had done heretofore incline to evil Spirits or be abused to believe that he might justly receive the Subsidies of Tunnage and Poundage which they humbly declare to be against the Fundamental Law of the Nation and contrary to the Kings late Answer to the Petition of Right And therefore they crave that his Majesty would for the future forbear such Taxes and not to take it ill if his Subjects refuse what is demanded by arbitrary and unwarrantable power The Speaker was moved to put it to the Vote whether it should be preferrd to the King or no To which he craved pardon having been ordered
by the Kings command expresly to leave the House and attempting to rise was by force held down by Master Hollis who swore he should sit still whilest they pleased but not prevailing Sir Peter Hayman moved Hollis to reade these Articles which the House protested First whosoever shall bring in Innovation of Religion or by favour seek to introduce Popery or Arminianism or other Opinions disagreeing from the true and orthodox Church shall be reputed a capital Enemy to this Kingdom and Common-wealth Secondly whosoever shall counsel or advise the taking or levying of the Subsidies of Tunnage and Poundage not being granted by Parliament or shall be an Actor or Instrument therein shall be likewise reputed a capital Enemy to the Common-wealth Thirdly if any man shall yield voluntarily or pay the same not being granted by Parliament he shall be reputed a Betraier of the Liberties of England and an Enemy to this Common-weath To each of these in order the House gave there a loud applause at every close which distempers reaching but to the Kings ear he sent for the Serjeant of the Mace but he was kept in and Sir Miles Hobart a Member locked the Door and kept the Key The King incensed at these insufferable Contempts sent Maxwel the Usher of the Black Rod to dissolve the Parliament but him and his Message they excluded which put the King into a forcible Posture the Captains with their Pensioners and Guard to break their entrance they fearing the effects suddenly slunk out of the House not daring to abide his anger who instantly came to the Lords and told them My Lords I never came here upon so unpleasant an occasion it being the Dissolution of a Parliament therefore men may have some cause to wonder why I should not rather chuse to do this by Commission it being a general Maxime of Kings to leave harsh commands to the Ministers themselves onely executing pleasing things Yet considering that Justice as well consists in reward and praise of virtue as punishing of vice I thought it necessary to come here to day to declare to you and all the World that it was meerly the undutifull and seditious carriage of the Lower House that hath made the Dissolution of this Parliament And you my Lords are so far from being causes of it that I take as much comfort in your dutifull demeanours as I am justly distasted with their Proceedings Yet to avoid mistakings let me tell you that it is so far from me to adjudg all that House guilty that I know there are many there as dutifull Subjects as any in the World it being but some few Vipers amongst them that did cast this mist of undutifulness over most of their eys yet to say truth there was a good number there that could not be infected with this contagion in so much that some did express their duties in speaking which was the general fault of the House the last day To conclude as these Vipers must look for their reward of punishment so you my Lords must justly expect from me that favour and protection that a good King oweth to his loving and dutifull Nobility And now my Lord Keeper do what I commanded you Who in the Kings name dissolved the Parliament But because Tunnage and Poundage was much disputed we shall shall say something to the first ground and occasion of them It is a fundamental truth essential to the constitution and government of this Kingdom and hereditary Privilege of the Subject that no Tax Tallage or other charge might be laid without consent in Parliament this was ratified by the contract of this Nation with the Conquerour upon his admittance and declared and confirmed in the Laws which he published and yet afterwardâ— broken by King Iohn and Henry 3. then confirmed by Magâ—â—â— Charta and other succeeding Laws but then attempted to be broken by the two succeeding Edwards when the Subject pursued those Breaches by the opportunity of frequent Parliaments and found relief procuring the right of the Subjects to be fortified by new Statutes And it may be observed that those â—ings in the very Acts whereby they did break the Law did really affirm the Subjects liberty and disclaimed that right of him a thing which hath been since challenged by successive Sovereigns the Merchant in those times usually giving consent to such Taxes but limited to a time to the ratification of the next following Parliament to be cancelled or confirmed But mostly these upon Merchandise were taken by Parliament six or twelve per pound for time and years as they saw cause for defence of the Sea sometimes also granted unto Noblemen or Merchants but for that use and afterwards they were granted to the King for life and so continued for divers Descents Between the time of Edward 3. and Queen Mary never any Prince some say demanded any Imposition but by Parliament Queen Mary indeed laid a charge upon Cloth by the equity of Tunnage and Poundage because the rate set upon Wool was much more than that upon Cloth and little Wool being transported unwrought she had reason to impose so much more as brought them to an equality but that there still continued a less charge upon Wool wrought into Cloth than upon Wool carded out unwrought untill King Iames his times when upon Nicholson's advice there was a further addition of charge which is that which we call the pretermitted Custome In Queen Elizabeths time some Impositions nay many increased the general prosperity of her Reign in the conjuncture of time and forrein affairs overshadowing and her power and will commanding without regret or complaint That of Currans was one for the Venetians having taxed a charge upon our English Cloth she raised that of the Currans with pretence to be even with them the sooner to take off the other And this came to be denied to King Iames by Bates a Merchant and a Sute in the Exchequer adjudged it for the King The three Judges then no more distinguished their several opinions The first that the King might impose upon forreign Commodities but not upon Natives to be transported or necessary to be imported for the use of the Kingdom The second Iudg was of opinion he might impose upon all forreign Merchandize whether superfluous or no but not upon native The third was absolute seeing the King had the custody of the Ports and Guard of the Seas and might shut up or open the Ports as he pleased 〈◊〉 had a Prerogative to impose upon all Merchandize exported or imâ—â—rted Afterwards King Iames laid charges upon all Commodities Outward and Inward not limited to time or occasion This Judgment and the right of imposing was a question in 7. and 12. Ian. and in 18. and 21. Ian. It was declined by the Commons House But in 1 Car. it was renewed by the Kings Propositions and then rather confirmed not abolished It was not sufficient for the King to break up the School of dissension
Spanish Ambassadour entered into their Traversies whiles an Anthem was sung and whilest the Dean Dr. Laud with three other Bishops went up to the Altar with a Latine Bible upon which the King laid his hand Secretary Coke having read the Oath the King kissed the Book and signed the Articles which he delivered up to the Ambassadour and so passed to the Banquetting-house to a princely Feast which the Kings good Friend assures us the Subject paid for with the aid of an old Prerogative-statute of Tax for Knighthood It was ancient indeed and from time to time of all Kings and Sovereigns since Edward the second framed then more for ease of the Subject than profit of that King then reduced to such to be made Knights that had twenty pounds per annum but before that time all men of fifteen pound per annum were required to take it But why it should ly skulking it seems to him onely who devises the matter and the manner To appear at the Coronation onely Ad arma gerenda not to be per force Knighted as was vulgarly supposed This vulgar Historian confines us to the manner Every man to receive a Belt and a Surcoat out of the Kings Wardrobe and if in four days there were no cause to fight without a Sword it seems they might take leave and be gone again The Statute is intituled Statutum de Militibus That our Sovereign Lord the King hath granted that all such as ought to be Knights and be not and have been distrained to take upon them that Order before the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord shall have respect to take upon them the foresaid Arms of Knighthood untill the Vigil of Saint Hilary c. And câ—rtainly it was their quality of thirty pound Rent per annum a plentifull Revenue in those former times made them capable not their sufficiency of body to bear Arms when thousands more of less Estates might be found fitter for fighting But being in force now notwithstanding those that refused it were brought to the Exchequer I believe above one hundred thousand pounds And the long Parliament that succeeded to please the People repealed it So that all the advantages he had to help himself were either condemned as done against the old Laws of the Land or else some new Law must be made to deprive him of the other that wanting all other means to support himself he might be forced upon the Alms of the Parliament The original ground was heretofore when the Services done by Ten were taken in kinde it was thought fit there should be some way of trial and approbation of those that were bound to such Services Therefore it was ordained that such as were to do Knights service after they came of age and had possession of their Lands and should be made Knights that is publickly declared to be fit for service Divers Ceremonies and Solemnities were in use for that purpose and if by the parties neglect this was not done he was punishable by Fine There being in those days an ordinary and open way to get Knighthood for those which were born to it c. The use of this hath for divers Ages been discontinued yet there have passed very few Kings under whom there hath not been these Summons requiring those holding Lands of such a value as the Law prescribes to appear at the Coronation or some other great Solemnity and to be knighted so as it is not new in the kinde nor new in the manner nor in excess of it indeed heretofore the Fines were moderate in some proportion and of late to meaner People Inholders Lease-holders Copi-holders Merchants and others scarce any man of value free from it And the Proceedings out by good Example President or Rule of Justice by Distresses and Issues The Disease of Europe was now become Martial War in Italy Germany in Bands of old Souldiers France afraid of a Neighbourstorm hindred all Propositions of Peace England besides the general Interest of the Reformed had the particular of the Palsgrave and always in Mutinies the States general are most concerned the Protestant Princes suppressed the House of Austria grown already to heigth threatned their â—uine nay the State of Venice was invited to increase the flame and disorder of this powerfull Body So then from North to South and of each side also was Germany beset with Enemies It was in Midsummer that Gustavus Adolphus King of Swede descended into Germany invited by themselves and incited by the assistance of all the former Princes and States though slenderly performed by them all Much to do he had to finde the cause of a Quarrel But Reasons he made and published which the Emperour answered and that sufficiently as we may conclude in the main concerning the Emperours depriving the Dukes of Meckelenburgh his Kinsmen of their Dutchies To which he was told That the Imperial Majesty was not to be controuled at home by foreign Pretences His Ears being open to Intercessours but not to Commands His general Pretence was as he vaunted to be the defence of the Protestant Cause and Religion which produced effects of a cruel bloudy and horrid War there then and other where since by the immense ambition of some few persons whom we may not name though their Vice we blame The Emperours old General Wallestein Duke of Frithland was at this Diet dismissed that Command by the perswasions of the French and Duke of Bavaria who had joyned a League defensive and offensive And his other General Tilly was turned Beadsman to his devotions and happy he had been to have so continued whilest he had Fortune his Hand-maid with as much glory as any Captain in the World which he changed to be conquered His former happiness was concluded in these That he heard Mass daily never touched a Woman never lost a Battel But he is wrought upon even by their Priests and prepares for War His first Master-piece was by cunning not force for finding Magdeburgh an Emperial rich Town of Saxony in some distraction then which brought such distraction after as no History can paralel The difference proceeded from their first choyce of Augustus Son to the Elector of Saxony for their Administrator But the Emperour and Pope commended the Arch Duke Leopâ—old now Governour of the Low Countreys The Town take parts and are appeased by Wallenstens power who turned the Town into a Garison and the forfeit of 150. thousand Rix Dollers Then Leopold presses further with very high demands which Christian of Brandenburgh and the Duke of Saxony interpose as therein concerned Brandenburgh enters the Town disguised and offers his and the King of Swedens protection who is received opening his passage into Pomerania and Meckelendburgh which he soon mastered And thus busied abroad he leaves Brandenburgh to rejoyce at his own designe when Poperheim posts thither makes havock of all before him and stops the Fox in his hole and besieges Magdeburgh December 1630.
Reprobates and therefore believes our Churches regeneration is by infusion of Grace by sowing the good seed But to answer him in this Let all Christians religiously pray and live according to the grace of Restitution and humbly submit their judgements concerning the secresie of personal Election and so this man sins against the 17. Article 4 The Anabaptist His purenesse is a supposed birth without Original sin and his Tenet that Infants must not be baptized and this believer opposeth the 9. and 27. Articles 5. The Brownists purenesse is to serve God in Woods and Fields and his opinion is that Idolatry cannot be reformed without pulling down of Churches Christ indeed whipt the buyers and sellers out of the Temple though it was prophaned yet without any pulling down and this man is against the 35. Article 6. Loves familist serves God as well at his neighbours charge as at his own omnia sunt communia the things which they possesse are not their own but all are Common He teacheth that unlawful swearing is worse than murther and this is against the 39. Article 7. The Precisian will not swear before a Magistrate That unlawful swearing is a greater sin than murther God indeed is greater then man here is the compare but then the effect destructive is greater by murther God commands that the murtherer die blood for blood he deals not so severely with the swearer See the 39. Article 8 The Sabbatarian preaches down Holy dayes preaching that the Instrumental directing cause to keep holy the sabbath day he makes to be the keeping holy the sabbath But Gods holy Worship prayer is keeping holy the sabbath day for preaching the holy direction teacheth holy worship prayer to be the holy practise of that day to praise the Lord for our Redemption the sole principal end of preaching on the Lords day His preaching is a Sylva synonymorum Tautologies Iterations His praying much erroneous and this is against the 35. Article 9. The Anti-disciplinarian is above the Kings supremacy Imperious Imagination his highnesse is the Churches greatest Authority and he saith this is as good a rule to know the reformed true faith is the holy Writ He is a strict observer of the Law therefore he accounts it the best Religion His tenet is That Kings must be subject to the Puritan To the Puritans Presbyters Censure submit their Scepters throw down their Crowns lick up the dust of their feet This Mr. Rogers in his eleventh page of his Preface to the 39. Articles And T. Cartwright teacheth in his Reply page 1080. And here the Oaths of Supremacy and Allegiance are broken against the 21. Article His tenet that all Priests should be equal See Varellus and Vivetus sermons two Geneva Presbyters against the â—3 33. and 36. Articles and against the twentieth Article 10. The presuming Predestinatist hath an inspired knowledge to be saved by Gods absolute Election as sure as it were now in Heaven no life in him but Gods essential glory against the 17. Article and the 3. Article Thus was it then amongst us Reformed and since it hath increased ten times worse But the Papist is not clear from Crimes schismes and sins The contest between Iesuites Priests and Secular Priests have evermore their debates and now grounded upon this occasion Richard Smith titular Bishop of Calcedon his honour there in Greece but his profit from England over all the Romish Catholicques especially for ordaining of Priests and confirmations of persons Baptized But when he came hither we cannot finde till now we have caught him here Yet Pope Gregory the thirteenth delegated one William Bishop to Calcedon who died 1624. After him succeeded another by Mission of Urbane the eighth 1625. this Richard Smith to the same Title But why to a foreign Title and not at as easie a rate to English as in Ireland he had to all Sees there the reason is He had in Ireland a Counter-party of People for Number and Quality in every Diocesse and Parish not so in England where it had been ridiculous in the Granter and dangerous in the Accepter To oppose his power up starts Nicholas Smith a Regular in malice to his advancement and quarrelled also against Doctor Kelson President of the Colledge of Doway who had printed a Treatise of the dignity and necessity of Bishop and secular Clergy Nicholas Smith's Reasons were for the Regulars first such Bishops uselesse in England in times of persecution Either for Ordination which might be supplied by foreign Bishops Or Confirmation of children which any Priest might perform by Commission from the Pope Secondly Burthensom to the already pressures of the English Catholicques And Thirdly the Person of Calcedon not lawfully called Kelson undertakes Answers to all these and the Insolency of the Regulars seemed more secular And indeed the Irish Regular exceeded such in England maintaining That the superiours of Regulars were more worthy than Bishops which caused the Doctors of Sorborn in Paris to censure the Proposition and the Arch-Bishop of Paris to condemn Nicholas Smiths Book and other Tractates of that sense But Bishop Smith would take upon him to approve of such Regulars Priests as were to be constant Confessors which the Jesuites opposed as an usurpation upon them And being the better Polititians contrive a Declaration under the name of the most noble and eminent Catholiques against his pretended Authority which Declaration was offered to the Spanish Ambassadour Don Carlos de Coloma together with the Kings Proclamations to ferret his person He declined both his power and presence to seek safety in France The Bishop fled the dogs bark Knot vice provincial of the English Jesuites and Flood another of St. Omers undertake him and Kelson also but were censured and silenced though not their several factions unto this day But this bickering is lodged under the product of the peace with Spain as if to encourage the Catholiques to rant it in Ireland also towards a Toleration The Lords Justices at Dublin at Church in one Parish the Priests at Masse in another who were seized by the Arch-Bishop and Major and all the City Officers their Trinkets taken away Images hewen down the Priests and Fryers delivered up to the Souldiers and yet rescued by the people from whom a strong power enforced them and eight Popish Aldermen clapt in prison for being remisse to attend their Major upon which mis-behaviour and mutiny fifteen Houses were seized to the Kings use and the Fryers and Priests persecuted and Two of them to save publique Execution hang'd themselves in their hose-garters The Earl of Essex would needs try Mastery with a fresh Mistresse being over born by his first Wife as their story is truly told in the life of King Iames 18. years since He then but a stripling but ever since getting strength and being falsely fram'd for Martial Exploits in the Low-Conntries where he Disciplin'd himself but without any high renown or feats of Arms or any extraordinary
est mala cujus finis est bonus contrary to Saint Paul Non est faciendum malum ut bonum inde eveniat And because the major part of that ignorant infatuated Nation remained as yet intangled in that Errour that these were the seven Articles of Pacification and burnt by the Hangman as the Ministery thundered out of their Pulpits to make the King odious I conceive it very necessary for the undeceiving of the Multitude and satisfying the most curious to set down verbatim his Majesties Proclamation there anent which is now rarely to be found for the Scots endeavour to suppress such Truths A Proclamation publishing an Act of State and his Majesties Command concerning a scandalous Paper lately dispersed amongst many of his Subjects WHereas a Paper containing many Falshoods and tending much to the dishonour of his Majesties late Proceedings in the Pacification given to his Subjects of Scotland hath been dispersed in divers parts of this Kingdom whereupon an Act of Council hath been made in these words ensuing viz. On Sunday the fourth of August sixteen hundred thirty nine his Majesty being in Council was pleased to acquaint the Lords with a Paper which he had seen in Barwick intituled Some Conditions of his Majesties Treaty with his Subjects of Scotland before the English Nobility are set down here for remembrance Which Paper being in most parts full of falshood dishonour and scandal to his Majesties Proceedings in the late Pacification given of his Princely grace and goodness to his Subjects of Scotland hath been very frequently spread here in England and avowed in Scotland by some to have been approved and allowed as Truth by somâ— of these Lords in England who attended his Majesty and were present at the Pacification in the Camp Whereupon the Paper having been read and his Majesty commanding these English Lords to declare their knowledg thereof The Earl Marshal first began to put his Majesty in remembrance that some few days after the Pacification was concluded some of the Scotâ— Lords coming to the Chamberlain's Tent sent to speak with him and the Earl of Holland and offered them a certain Paper which they pretended to have been collected for the help of their memories and not otherwise nor to be published but the said English Lords very dutifully and discreetly refused to accept of that or any such Paper but referred themselves totally to the Articles of Pacification in writing and the said Earl Marshal further declared that now upon the reading he for his part held the said Paper for the most part false and scandalous and no way agreeable to what his Majesty expressed at the Pacification Next the Lord Chamberlain declared that being ready to take horse and a number of his Friends about him taking their leave the Lord Loudon pressed him with much importunity to receive a Paper which he took not knowing what it contained but at night when he came to his Lodging doubting it might be some such Paper as was formerly offered and was refused took it without reading of it and sealed it up and so kept it untill he presented it to his Majesty at White-hall professing that till that time he had never read any one word of it nor seen any other Copy thereof which Paper being that which had been divulged was the very same which his Majesty commanded to be read at the Board The Earl of Salisbury likewise desired to justifie himself of a particular Scandal laid upon him that he had received and brought Copies of this Paper from the North which he declared could not be because he was come away from the Camp before that Paper was offered and had never seen it nor any Copy thereof before his Majesties return to Theobalds After this the Lord Chamberlain the Earls of Salisbury Holland and Berkshire concurred with the Earl Marshal that the Contents of that Paper were for the most part notoriously scandalous false and contrary to what his Majesty clearly expressed at the Pacification His Majesty likewise declared that before his coming from Berwick he shewed a Copy of this scandalous Paper to the Earl of Lindsey the Earl of Holland Mr. Treasurer Dorine and Secretary Cook who fully concurred in the foresaid opinion with the other Lords all which Lords and particularly the Earl of Holland avowed the falsness thereof to the faces of these Scots Lords who were believed to be the divulgers thereof the Lords of the Council of Scotland being there likewise present All which considered the whole Board unanimously became humble Petitioners to his Majesty that this false and scandalous Paper might be publickly burnt by the Hangman and that his Majesties pleasure might be published by Proclamation that no person or persons hereafter of what Degree or Condition soever presume to keep any Copy thereof but that within ten days after the said Proclamation published every such person and persons shall deliver to the next Iustice of Peace all and every Copies thereof the same to be immediately sent to one of the principal Secretaries upon peril of such punishment as the Law inflicts upon such as keep up seditious Papers which was accordingly ordered and commanded to be entred into the Council-book as an Act of State His Majesty therefore by the advice of his Privy Council doth hereby publish the said Act of State unto all his loving Subjects to the end that being forewarned they may avoid the Danger which may ensue by the detaining or concealing any Copy or Transcript of the said Paper strictly charging and commanding all manner of persons what soever that they presume not to keep any Copy of the same according to this Act upon such Penalties as are done by Law And his Majesty is hereby graciously pleased to pardon and remit the offence of such persons as have had any Copy of the said Paper and shall deliver it up within ten Days after Publication hereof as aforesaid Given at our Palace of Westminster the eleventh of August 1639. How evident it is to all men how poorly these pacifying English Lords Commissioners came off Pembroke Salisbury Holland and Berkshire Sir Harry Vane senior and Secretary Cook all except honest Berkshire sided afterwards with the Covenanters against the King And when the King charged the Scots Commissioners with this Paper they made no Answer as not being within their Instructions but afterwards in their grand Declaration the State of Scotland makes this pitifull Answer or Excuse As we are most unwilling to fall upon any Question which may seem to import the least contradiction with his Majesty so if it had not been the trust which we gave to the Relation of our Commissioners who did report to us his Majesties gracious Expressions related daily to us at Dunce the place of their Camp and put into Notes by many of our Number which were a great deal more satisfactory to us than the written Declaration the same would not have been acceptable which
of those Times see the boldness of some particulars Reading at the Middle Temple the Lent Vacation February 24. by Master Bagshaw making his choice of the Statute 25 Edward 3. cap. 7. He had intended he said to meddle with Prohibitions but not with Tacitus to follow Truth too near the heels for fear of his teeth nor too far off lest he lose it and so neither to offend nor to be offended Dividing his Matter into ten parts for ten Days and every Day into ten several Cases I shall oney insist upon such as then became the common discourse then but misreported His first Case thus Whether or no it be a good Act of Parliament without assent of the Lords Spiritual He for the Affirmative proved thus First that they sit not as Bishops but as Baronies annexed to their Bishopricks 5 William 1. and all of them have so save the Bishop of Man and he is not called Ergo Secondly he proved some Parliaments held without any Bishops at all Kelway's Reports 7 Henry 8. fol. 184. that the presence of Bishops are not necessary Thirdly that divers Acts have been made when they were present and would not consent as the Act of Conformity 1 Edward 6. and Supremacy 1 Eliz. Fourthly that if at any time of Parliament they should dis-assent yet the major part of Barons concluding and the House of Commons concurring the Act shall pass because their Voices are over-ruled by the major of Barons Fifthly that the Bishops cannot sit in case of Bloud in Iudicature but they may sit to assist to enact Laws but not to give assent for Execution of them in case of any Murder or Bloud His second Case thus If any beneficed Clerk were capable of temporal Iurisdiction at the time of making that Law He held the Negative point and these his Proofs First the first that ever were made Iustice of Peace or had power in temporal Iurisdictions were the Bishops of Durham and York 34 Edward 3. nine years after the same Act so not a principio but a tempore Secondly before the Statute of Conformity 1 Edward 6. the Clergy were never put in Commission for temporal and the reason why they were then admitted was to perswade the People to Conformity not to give sentence against them Thirdly if they conceive in conscience because they have spiritual calling therefore not to meddle in temporal causes then they may refuse it for they are never desired nor put in Commission but at their own suit so then they may either refuse or be allowed as their desires affect His third Case thus Whether a Bishop without calling a Synod have power as Diocesian to convict an Heretick And so he maintained he could not His Reason thus That albeit by the bloudy Statute of 2 Henry 4. some supposed grounds may be raised for maintenance of that authority yet it is not full and besides which is the main reason the Commons did not assent to the making of that Law for he had searched the Records and found that Act onely past by consent of the Lords Spiritual and Tempâ—ral and the Commons never mentioned therein Some other Matters he held in point of Law and had he gone forward he would have delivered his opinion both of the High Commission and Prohibition as is conceived but he was commanded silence and within two Days after he repaired to the Lord Keeper carrying with him the Heads of Argument which the Lord Keeper said was good Law but not seasonably delivered And told him that as he was prohibited by the King from his Reading so he must be set at liberty again by his Majesty and advised him to move the Archbishop of Canterbury for his Proceeding After the Reader had been twice at Lambeth without admittance the third time he spake with the Arch-bishop there who told him he had fallen upon an unfit subject and in an unseasonable time and that it would stick closer to him than he was aware of He answered that he had not done it of any evil intentions neither had he taken this resolution of late time but that above two years ago when he knew he must now perform the Exercise he then made choice of that Statute and untill within these twelve Moneths he never heard of any opposition against the Prelacy and thinking the same that was moved against them in another Kingdom nothing concerned this therefore he conceived no offence would have been taken by it and for him to have altered the frame of his Reading specially before this time he should have disappointed the House and wronged himself in his studies Profession and Practice in regard he would not have been able in so short a time to have performed so great a Task as that was His Lordship answered that perhaps he had been better have given it quite over at the first than to suffer that by it which he was like to do The Reader replied that what he had delivered was good Law and he was able to maintain it and would stand by it and hoped he needed not fear any mans power in regard his cause was lawfull and warrantable but he humbly desired his Majesties leave to finish what he had begun He was answered that his Majesty had otherwise resolved of it This Reader went out of Town on Friday the sixth of March accompanied with fourty or fifty Horsmen in very good credit and applause of the House in which he is a Member to this instant time The Scots Commissioners lately here having done their arrand and thereby settled a resolution in this State to have a narrower search into their national actions returned home to Edinburgh that same night the nineteenth of November that a great part of the Castle wall fell to the ground with the Canons mounted as if undermined and to be surprized by an Enemy which so dayly they supposed was done by design of treachery to them who were all Traytors themselves But recovering their fears and Jealousie this time was calculated to be the just Anniversary of the Kings birth day the nineteenth of November 1600. just thirty nine years since and so they turned the accident to an ominous presage of the ruines of the Kings design now in hand against their Idol Covenant yet the more subtiler sort made a better use and more politique for the King having commanded the Lord Estrich Colonel Ruther and the commander of the Castle to order the reedifying the Covenanters withstood those appointed not permitting any materials to be carried in for repaire this was the highest in dignity and signified their resolution not to be mastered To which the King gave suddain apprehension concluding upon force to bring them to obedience And therefore he drawes out a select choyce of his Council into the Cabinet for the Scotish affaires and indeed directly to cashier such the most especially as were light headed and as the Arch Bishop is said to nickname them Hunting Lords
Laws and Lives of others are assailed That none presume to call his Son and heir King nor to be mentioned in prayer Monarchy is attached the power of the Parliamentary Lords is abrogate the Major of London denuded the Council of the City changed and their own creatures introduced the Law against schismaticks repealed the Preachers are defrauded and threatned Countesses committed Noblemen executed the Nation stiled a Common-wealth but the power contracted in a few who erect an Oligarchy for themselves and are envied of the Democracies and take Arms encouraging the Oligarchies Enjoyn submission to the Government appoint Thanksgiving daies to God for their success and thereby are Invited to the City feast whom they requite with the Kings New Park and sell his householdstuff houses lands and all and yet not satisfied they burthen the people with Taxes and invade Ireland and conquer it and after Scotland This in brief the story follows And now the Parliament Assembled Mr. Iohn Glunvile speaker as was resolved this day the thirteenth day of April Entring their first business of the Earl of Strafford good services in Ireland who was led in to the house of Lords by two of their own as presenting him the more eminent for what he had done in Ireland speedily effectually Obtaining of the Irish the grant of four Subsidies for maintenance of Ten thousand foot and fifteen hundred Horse which might be a pattern in preparation for the English supplies And an accompt was given to the Lords of the Scots letter sent to the French King for it being Examined by the Lord Cotington Secretary Windebanck and the Atturney General Loudon conâ—essed the hand writing to be his prepared in a readiness before the late pacification at Barwick but no use was ever made thereof but supposed Nevertheless Loudon stood committed till further evidence might condemn or clear him The Parliament not very forward to fall upon the necessary business of supplies To quicken them the King by message represents to the house of Commons many particular Insolencies intolerable with which the Scots had heated him And that for their assistance answerable to the present occasion so much concerning him and the honour of this Nation he would acquit his claim of ship-moneys besides due satisfaction to all their demands This offer discovered to them the Kings extremities and how they pricked which would serve their turn in demanding the more of him And therefore they expect to be assured in these particulars which they well know would spend so much time in arguing that the Kings necessity might undo him and yet they would not be otherwise relenting For clearing the Properties of the Subject For establishing true Religion For priviledge of Parliament These were the grounds of former differences so often discussed whether the Kings supply or the Subjects sufferings should be first considered and now it took up sundry debates and several conferences of both Houses ere the Lords could Master it among themselves for the King the Commons were resolved the next to yield to him from their own intents first But coming to the Question how much might serve the present Expectation Secretary Vane told them by Command from the King Twelve subsidies would serve the turn and so it might for he had such authority to demand so much being double the Kings desire which Vane with indirect intention was known willingly to mistake and it took the effect firing them into so much fury and their compliance so desperate as that the Iunto advise the King to break up their sitting and so the fiâ—t of May after two and twenty daies they were dissolved Nor need we lodge the advice upon a Iunto to councell the King herein It was the common consent of the Privy Council openly concluded debate there needed none the frequent discourse of the publique observators fore saw so much and the Parliament found the Kings necessities so enforcing by which means they were resolved to draw advantage to themselves though prejudice to him For to think as is supposed that the Luxuriance of the Kings perogative being detrected or any other Spontaneous concessions could have calmed their animosities is much mistaken for it is truely observed that the house of Commons meant that morning to vote against the war with Scotland and to blast that design to which they were so much indisposed however hazardous to the Kings honour and the necessities of his affairs which was conceaved now at the point of time to resent and to prevent by renewing the present intention and so the Arch Bishop is to be cleared as the main adviser for both he and the Earl of Strafford in the next Parliament by their answers were forced to defend themselves from that occasion But though the Parliament break up yet the Convocation of Bishops sat still from their first meeting by writ the twentieth of February last and might no doubt do so with Commission April 15. after to act propose deliberate and conclude such Canons and Constitutions as they conceived conduceable to the peace of the Church During the session of that Parliament necessarily to be now revised by a new Commission to continue the Convocation for the conclusion of such matters then in treaty amongst them though it became a doubt whether they might not sit in Convocation still the Writ which called them having no limitation but during the Kings pleasure which was not as yet otherwise signified and the difference of the Writ and the Commission was by Commissioners considered and thus subcribed That the convocation called by the Kings Writ was not to dissolve but by the Kings Writ notwithstanding the dissolution of the Parliament The tenth of May Finch Manchester Littleton Banks Heath Sheffield and so was the old Convocation armed with a new Commission but not well armed against Lilburns Libels or the Riot of Rakehels upon Lambeth house which followed and the King was fain to set a guard about Westminster Abby during their whole time of sitting In much distresse besides well observed and in danger of the Kings displeasure if they rose of the peoples fury if they sat to be beaten up by Tumults while at work and beaten down by the next Parliament for doing the work and obnoxious to the last of evil tongues for all their good intents and to their pens too upon the main score not so much of the Bishops doing not well as of being Bishops to do any things such was the fate of the Prelates now to be under censure of the Presbyters with such prejudice to either as the contest of endeavouring to satisfie the world made the wound upon either side more wide especially if you take in for good Arguments the common fame of every Libeller As for the main It must not be supposed that the question began but now to be maintained for the Divine Right on which Bishops were founded Many writ for their defence in Queen Elizabeths time Dr.
height as the Crown-customes increased five times greater in fine not onely to subsist of our self but to contribute to the English Exchequer and to make some retribution of those vast expenses from hence for four hundred years past The main assistance to this War came from the Gentry of England all Knights and Gentlemen holding Lands in capite of the King were to send Horse and Men answerable to their abilities so that the Aids completed the royal Army where of the Earl of Northumberland was appointed General and the Earl of Strafford his Lieutenant General but in truth Northumber land fell extreme sick and therefore not to disorder the form of the other Officers the King took the Command upon himself Generalissimo for I never read of a Royal Army and the King present but himself was chief the Earl of Northumberland his General and the Earl of Strafford Lieutenant General and having seen the Queens safe delivery of a Son born the twentieth of Iuly and christened Henry after created Duke of Glocester He hastens his Rendezvouz and the twentieth of August takes leave of London Two days after he declares the Scots to be Rebells by Proclamation That by all ways of mildness and clemency he hath endeavoured to appease the rebellious courses of his Subjects of Scotland who upon pretences of Religion have sought to shake off his Regal Government and now do take up Arms and invade his Kingdom of England and therefore his Majesty doth now declare that all those who have already entered or shall presume to enter in war like manner in any part of England and their Adherents and Assistants shall be adjudged and are hereby denounced Rebels and Traitours against his Majesty nevertheless if they will yet acknowledg their former crimes and crave pardon and yield obedience for the time to come he tenders them his gracious pardon they retiring home and demeaning themselves as loyal Subjects for the future August 22. 1640. And a Prayer is published for the Kings Majesty in his Expedition against the Rebells of Scotland to be said in all Churches c. viz. O Eternal God and mercifull Father by whom alone Kings reign thou Lord of Hosts and Giver of all Victory we humbly beseech thee both now and ever to guide and preserve our most gracious Sovereign Lord King Charls to bless him in his Person with health and safety in his Counsels with wisdom and prudence and in all his Actions with honour and good success especially against those his traiterous Subjects who having cast off all obedience to their Anointed Sovereign do 〈…〉 His Army was marched before hastening to meet the Scots who were entered England already for being come to North-alerton in the way to New-castle he was met by the Lord Conway with the ill News of a Defeat at Newburn upon Tine the Day before which was thus The Lord Conway Commander there in chief advising to secure the most considerable Passes had upon August 27 drawn out 1200. Horse and 3000. Foot placing the Infantry under shadow of a Breast-work to gall the Scots in theirâ— Pass over the River Tine near Newburn but their General Lesly over night had planted nine Pieces of Ordnance on his side of the River and blinded them with Bushes from sight of the English and in the morning craves leave of the Lord Conway to pass with his Petition to his Majesty he was admitted to pass with a considerable number but not with his Army but Lesly must not divide his Forces and so fords over 300. Horse which were by those behinde the Breast-work enforced to retire and Lesly to acquit them plaid his Cannon from the Blinde so furiouâ—ly as drove them from their Poast and like raw Souldiers cast down their Arms and fled Then their Cavalry re-advanced upon Mr. Wilmot Commissary General of the Horse accompanied with prime Gentlemen and stood to the Charge of Horse and Cannon also which so galled them and over powred by number as they retired in disorder 300. slain and imprisoned and Conway fain to retreat with this ill News to the King and because New-castle was not tenable against the Scots Army Sir Iacob Ashley the Governour was forced to desert it and two days after they possessed Durham And now comes the Earl of Strafford who brought up the Rear of the Army retreating to York whom the King staid and where there was time afforded to examine and conclude this Miscarriage upon Conway notwithstanding his best art of flourish and stout animosity to vindicate his either Cowardice or Treachery or both for so he was accused During this time the English Garison at Barwick issued out and recovered some Pieces of Cannon which had been left by Lesly at Dunse as over-usefull for his Train which gave Allarm to the Earl of Hadington commanding in Loâ—thian and the Merse with two thousand Horse and 〈◊〉 to pursue and rescue the Cannon and carried them to Dâ—nglass but the next day Hadington and twenty more â—nights and Gentlemen in an instant were all slain by an accident of â—ire which blew up the Magazine of Vaâ—lt that lay in a 〈◊〉 on the other side of the Court twelve score from his Lodging not slain therein very frolick and merry but were come out into the midst of the Court and there killed by the Stones that flew from the Vault which made it the more miraculous but whether by Accident or Design was never known But during these military actions the Scots gaining ground upon the English and now â—eated where they would be in warm Quarters with New-castle Coal good Fires Meat Drink and Lodging of the best and all these in great plenty They now take time to petition the King intâ—tuling it The humble Petition of the Lords of the last Parliament and others his Majesties loyal Subjects of Scotland Complaining in general of their sufferings for relief whereof they are constrained to come without prejudice to the peace of England or any the Subjects therein untill they are pressed with strength of Arms to oppose their Passage at Newburn and now present themselves to his Majesties goodness for satisfaction of their full demands and repair of their wrongs and losses with the advice of the Parliament of England to be convented To all the King answers by his Secretary of Scotland the Earl of Limrick that the King expects their particular Demands having already summoned the Peers of England to meet at York September 24. and commands them to advance no farther York September 5. LIMRICK Three days after comes their Demands directed to the Earl of Limrick in terms humble enough but very peremptory as to the Points Right Honourable As nothing on earth is more desired of us than his Majesties favour so we shall desire nothing herein but what may suit to his Majesties honour and peace of his Dominions The Particulars we should have expressed in our Petition but that they
your Sacred Majesty they humbly present unto your Princely and pious consideration the several and pressing grievances viz. 1. The great and unusual Impositions upon Merchandize exported and imported 2. The urging and levying of Ship mony notwithstanding which both Merchants their goods and Ships have been destroyed by Turks and Pyrates 3. The multitude of Monopolies Patents and Warrants whereby trade is decayed 4. The Innovations in matters of Religion the Oath and Canons newly imposed by the late Convocation whereby your petitioners are in danger to be deprived of their Ministery 5. The concourse of Papists and their habitation in London and the suburbs whereby they have more means and opportuâ—ities of plotting and executing their designes against the Religion established 6. The sudden calling and sudden dissolution of Parliaments without addressing of the subjects grievances 7. The imprisonment of divers Citizens for not paying Ship-mony and other impositions and the prosecution of others in the Star-Chamber for non conformity to commands in Patents and Monopolies whereby trade is restrained 8. The great dangers your Sacred Person is exposed unto in the present war and the various fears that have seized your petitioners and their families by reason thereof which grievances and fears have oâ—casioned so great a stop and destruction of Trade as neither to receive and pay as formerly and tends to the utter ruine of the Inhabitants of this City the decay of Navigation and clothing and other Manufactories of this Kingdom your petitioners humbly conceiving the said grievances to be contrary to the Laws of this Realm and finding by experience that they are not redressed by the ordinary Courts of Iustice do therefore beseech your Majesty to cause a Parliament to be summoned with all convenient speed whereby they may be relieved in the premisses The Scots proceeding hand in hand with some of the English petition also for the same in effect to call a Parliament for setling a peace between the two Nations and they had the like Answer which behoved the English to hasten for the Scots took liberty to ravage New-Castle seizing four great English Ships laden with Corn ere the masters knew who they were rifling houses and ranting every where laying a Tax of three hâ—ndred and â—ifty pounds per diem upon the Bishop of Durham and three hundred pounds upon Northumberland upon pain of plundering The day come the 24. the King salutes them thus My Lords UPon suddain Invasions where the Dangers are near and instant it hath been the custome of my Predecessors to Assemble the great Council of the Peers c. by their advice and asistants to give a timely remedie to such rules as could not admit a delay so long as must of necessity be allowed for the assembling a the Parliament This being our condition at this time and an Army of Rebells lodged within the Kingdome I thought it most fit to conform my self to the practise of my predecessors in like cases that with your advice and assistants we might joyntly proceed to the chastizement of their Insolencies and securing of our good Subjects In the first place I must let you know that I desire nothing more then to be rightly understood of my People and to that end I have of my self resolved to call a Parliament having already given order to my Lord Keeper to issue the writs instantly so that the Parliament may be assembled by the third of November next whither if my Subjects brings the like good affections that I do it shall not faile on my part to make it a happy meeting In the mean time there are two points to be considered wherein I shall desire your advice which indeed is the chief cause of your meeting first what answer to give to the petition of the Rebells and in what manner to treat with them of which that you may give a sure Iudgment I have ordered that your Lordships shall be clearly and truly informed of the State of the whole business and upon what reasons and advices that my Privy-council unanimously gave me were grounded Secondly how my Army shall be kept on foot and maintained untill your Supplies of a Parliament may be had for so long at the Scots Army remains in England I think no man will Councel me to disband mine for that would be an unspeakable loss to all this part of the Kingdome by subverting them to the greedy appetite of the Rebells besides the unspeakable dishonour that would thereby fall upon this Nation And after several meetings and debates a Messenger Mr. Bellows was sent from the King and Lords to the Scots Army to give them notice on Tuesday next that sixteen of the English Lords shall meet with as many Scots Lords at York to treat of the differences The English Lords were these Earls Bedford Essex Barkshire Holland Herford Bristow Salisbury Warwick Barons Mandevil Savile Howard Brook Paget Dunsmore Paulet Wharton But the Scots refuse the place York as not secure for their Commissioners so long as the Lieutenant of Ireland commanded there in chief who had proclaimed them Traytors in Ireland before the King had done so in England threatning to destroy their memory against whom they had matter of high complaint And so the place was named at Rippon The Scots Commissioners take exception at the Earl of Traquairs presence being no Commissioner on either side but was admitted as a person indifferent to satisfie the English concerning the former affaires in Scotland if questions should be debated The English proposed a Cessation of Arms but the Scots as they would obey his Majesties Commands not to advance so they could not return till they had the effects of their Arrand and therefore desired the way and means of subsistence in their Quarters and so the second of October they present their demands First How their Army should be maintained untill the Treaty be ended and the Peace secured Secondly if more Commissioners be required then for their safe convoy Thirdly Safe convoy for all Letters from them and the Parliament and to them Fourthly That there may be free commerce of both Kingdoms and that the Common trade of New-Castle be not hindred especially for victuals Their first Article is otherwise than their Pamphlet before expressed for there you shall have them profess to take up nothing of the people without ready mony And that failing to give Bills and Bands of debt for true payment but finding good correspondence and weak resistance they did not only spoile and plunder but enforced this first Article Indeed they were cryed up as the sons of Enoch and the English as Grashoppers though the Earl of Strafford then General desired the King that he might give them battel and as his Letters speak to the Arch Bishop of Canterbury he durst undertake upon the Perill of his head to beat them home again although now he held it not councelable as the case then stood And certainly it was generally
for never were men so idolized as these Commissioners feasted and presented by all sorts of People their Lodgings visited as a Novelty to frequent their Praying and Preaching more than ever were the Houses and Chappels of Popish Ambassadours and with more danger for here were fabricked the Petitions and Tumults which followed as you shall see hereafter And it is to be remembred that in the time of Queen Elizabeth when some Scots Commissioners came to her to settle the Differences of both Nations and had nestled themselves about Petty-France in Tuttle-fields far enough from dangerous connivance of the City Puritan in those days and there exercised their Prayers and Preaching and so increasing boldness they petition for to be allowed in publick which so startled her and her Council in fear of Innovation as that they were absolutely forbidden to pray or preach at any Meeting Tuesday the third of November the time prefixt the Parliament assemble and Master William Lenthall one of the Benchers and Readers of Lincolns Inn was elected Speaker who during their continuance near years He was a Person of known integrity and ample sufficiency for the dignity of that place through all that time of wonderfull distraction carried himself with extraordinary wisdom and judgment without blame And being set the King salutes them thus My Lords The knowledg that I have of the Scotish Subjects was the cause of my calling of the last Assembly of PARLIAMENT wherein if I had been believed I do most sincerely think that things had not fallen as we now see but it is no wonder that men are so slow to believe that so great a Sedition should be raised upon so little Ground But now my Lords and Gentlemen the honour and safety of this Kingdom lying so heavily at stake I am resolved to put my self freely upon the love and affections of my English Subjects as those of my Lords that waited on me at York very well remember I there declared Therefore my Lords I shall not mention mine own interest or that support I might justly expect from you till the common safety be secured though I must tell you I am not ashamed to say those charges I have been at have been meerly for the securing and good of this Kingdom though the success hath not been answerable to my desires Therefore I shall onely desire you to consider the best way both for the safety and security of this Kingdom wherein there are two things chiefly considerable First the chasing out of the Rebells And secondly that other in satisfying your just Grievances wherein I shall promise you to concur so heartily and clearly with you that all the World may see my intentions have ever been and shall be to make this a glorious and flourishing Kingdom There are onely two things more that I shall mention to you The one is to tell you that the Loan of Money which I lately had from the City of London wherein the Lords who waited on me at York assisted me will onely maintain my Army for two Moneths from the beginning of that time it was granted Now my Lords and Gentlemen I leave it to your consideration what dishonour and mischief it might be in case for want of Money my Army be disbanded before the Rebells be put out of this Kingdom Secondly the securing of the calamities the Northern People endure at this time and so long as the Treaty is on foot And in this I may say not onely they but all this Kingdom will suffer the harm therefore I leave this also to your consideration For the ordering of the great affairs whereof you are to treat at this time I am so confident of your love to me and that your care is such for the honour and safetie of the Kingdom that I shall freely leave to you where to begin onely this that you may the better know the state of all affairs I have commanded my Lord Keeper to give you a short and free account of those things that have happened in this interim with this Protestation that if his account be not satisfactory as it ought to be I shall whensoever you desire it give you a full and perfect account of every particular One thing more I desire of you as one of the greatest means to make this an happie PARLIAMENT that you on your parts as I on mine lay aside Suspicion one of another as I promised my Lords at York it shall not be my Fault if this be not an happie and good PARLIAMENT The Lord Keeper in pursuance of the Kings Commands summarily related all things referring to the Scotish Invasion which I shall not be nice to call Rebellion for so the King gave their Character and because ill resented by some persons of note and so intimated to the King he confirmed it to the Lords two days after My Lords I shall explain my self concerning one thing I spake the last Day I told you the Rebells were to be put out of this Kingdom It is true I must needs call them so so long as they have an Army that do invade us And although I am now under a Treaty with them and under my Great Seal do call them my Subjects and so they are too but the estate of my Affairs is briefly this It is true I did expect when I called my Lords and great ones at York to have given a gracious Answer to all your Grievances for I was in good hope by their wisdom and assistance to have made an end with that Business but I must tell you that my Subjects of Scotland did so delay them that it was not possible for me to end there therefore I can in no wise blame my Lords that were at Rippon that the Treaty was not ended but must thank them for their pains and industry And certainly had they as much power as affections I should by this time have brought these Distempers to a happy period so that now the Treaty is transported from Rippon to London where I shall conclude nothing without your knowledg and I doubt not but with your approbation for I do not desire to have this great work done in a corner but I shall lay open all the steps of this mis-understanding and causes of this great Difference between me and them and I doubt not but by your assistance I shall make them know their duty and enforce them to return whether they will or no. This whole Week was in a manâ—er spent by the Parliament in the settling of the Commissions for general Grievances wherein they had work enough made so to their hands and partly also in several set Speeches the bane of business rhetorically declaiming against them and dissecting their particulars which were made up on Munday after the ninth of November by a world of Petitions some framed I know not where but brought in by Bands of men and Troops of Horse-men from several Countreys craving redress of general Exorbitancies
both in Church and State and at the heels of them others of particular persons such who had justly though deserved the lash of the Star-chamber Council-table High-commission Court And the next day these were charily delivered to Grand Committees and divers of them enlarged out of their several Prisons to make their Complaints and the principal were those of Pryn Bastwick and Burton as before remembred To the Grievances Master Pym's Speech was complete and full that of the Lord Digbyâ—s â—s rather witty but such as they were not to trouble you with many more to the same purpose I shall here insert November the eighth they would increase this Book to a Bulk Mr. Pym's Speech TO redress grievances will not hinder but further the Kings service To take away the weights as much advantages motions as to add wings His method was first Several heads of grievances Secondly hurtfull to the King as to the People Thirdly and the remedie equally good to both of them That the King can do no wrong the Law casts it upon the Ministers The influence of Heaven conveyeth vigour into the sublunary Creatures but the malignity of all Epidemical diseases proceed from the ill affected qualities of the Earth or aire His order was to mention three grievances First Against priviledg of Parliament Secondly prejudice of Religion Thirdly Liberty of the Subjects For the first The members are free from suits to have liberty of speech a legislative Iudiciary and Consiliary power being to the boly publique as the faculties of the soule to a Man The Priviledges have been broken First In restrayning the member from speaking Secondly In forbidding the speaker to put a quâ—â—tion both of these practized in the last Parliament Thirdly by Imprisoning divers Members for matters done in Parliament Fourthly By proceedings against them therefore in the inferiour Courts Fiftly Enjoyning their good behaviour and continuance in Prison even to the death In abrupt disolution of Parliament the great grievance like the execution of a man without being heard It recâ—ives a being by the summons and a civil death by dissolution not only thereby to die but to be made Intestabiles not to make their wills their acts c. The Second Incouragement to Popery First by suspension of all Laws against them that there can be no security from Papists but in their disability Their principles incompatible with any other Religion Laws will not restrain them Oaths will not the Pope dispenseth with both and his Command acts them against the Realm in spirituals and temporals ad spiritualia Henry the third and Henry the fourth of Fraâ—ce were no Protestants yet were murthered because they tolerated reformation Secondly Their places of trust and honour in the Common-wealth 3 Their free resort to London and to the Court to comunicate their Councils and designs diving into the secrets of State Fourthly That as they have a Congregation of Cardinals at Rome for adjorning the Popes authority in England so have they a Nuncio here to the execution thereof Innovations of Religion introduced First Maintenance of Popish Tenets in books Sermons and disputations Secondly practice of Popish Ceremonies and countenanced and enjoyned as Altars Images Curcifixes bowings He comparing these to the day bones in Ezekiel which first came together then sinews and flesh came upon them afterwards the skin covered them and then breath and life was put into them so first the form then the spirit and life of Popery Thirdly Preferment of persons Popishly affected Fourthly of discouragment of Protestants by over riged prosecutions of the scrupulous for things indifferent no vice made so great as Inconformity by punishing without Law for not reading the book sunday recreations for not removing the Communion Table otherwise not comming to the Railes to receive the Communion for preaching on the Lords day after noon for catechising otherwise than as in the short Catechisme in the Commonprayer-book Fiftly And last was the Incroahment of Ecclesiastical Iurisdiction particularly First In sining and Imprisoning without Law Secondly Challenging their Iurisdiction to be appropriate to their Order jure divâ—no Thirdly contriving and publishing new Articles of visitation in force as of Canons the boldness of Bishops and all their subordinate Officers and officiats The third part of Grievances In which descoverie He observed rather the order of time when they were acted than of the consequenâ—e but when he comes after to the cure then he will perswade to begin with the most Important and first Tunnage and Poundags and the late new book of Rates taken by prerogative without grant of Paâ—liament from whence these Inconveniences follow First Mens gâ—ods are seized their suits in Law stopped Secondly Misimployments of the sums of money imposed intended for the guard of the Sea are dispersed to other uses and a new tax raised for the samâ— purpose Thirdly The burthens excessive trade hindered home Commodities abased and foraign inhaunsed by which means the stock of the Kingdome diminished especially insupportable to the poor Planters in America by the Tax upon Tobacco The Fourth general grievance Composition for Knighhood which though it refers to a former custome yet upon the same grounds the King may renew it by new sine immoderate Multiplication of distress and Issues and enforced to compound with the Commissioners Inundation of Monopolie by the soap Patent undertaken by Papists full of mischief First By Impairing the goodness and Inhaunsing the price of of Salt Soap Beer Coles Secondly under colour of which Trade was restrained to a few hands Thirdly and many illegally Imprisoned The great and unparallel grievance of ship-mony being aggravated not suspected by the Iudgment which is not grounded upon Law Custome President or Authority It being improper for a case of necessity in abounding vanity of mischiefs as First The general extent to all persons all times and the subject left remediless Secondly the arbitrary proportion without limits Thirdly Imposed by writ and disposed by instructions Improper for the office of a Sheriffe in the Inland Countries and inconvenient for the Inhabitants without rule or sutable means for the levying or mannaging of it The Inlargment of forrest beyond the bounds of the Statutes the seven and twentieth and eight and twentieth Edward 1. which perambulations then were the cause after of that famous Charter Charta de foresta and now reviving these old questions new distempers may follow the particular obliquities he numbred thus First Surreptitious proceedings as in Essex yet that verdict was inforced in other Counties and a Iudgment upon the matter after three or four hundred years quiet possession of the subject enforced to compound for great sines The selling of nusances The King as a father of the Common-wealth is to take care of the publique Commodities and advantages of the Subjects as Rivers High-waies Common-sewers by ordinary writs ad quod damnum but now by a course extrajudicial by
their practices provoking Aspersions upon the most gracious and best of Kings that he levels at none in particular let the faults lead to the men not to be exposed to irregular prejudices nor with-held from orderly justice Bodies natural to be effectually purged of Humours must be made moveable and fluid so of the Politick to be cleared of their Maladies by loosening and unsettling the evil Ministers and to be drawn into a Remonstrance and presented to a gracious Masters clear and excellent judgment And so he sat down This was held too courtly and which was suddenly laid hold on A forward young man well made up with Learning and by his Fathers fate kept aloof from the Beam of Sovereignty a little Sun-shine would enliven him some Marks of Majesty fell from the Queen which taken up tainted him presently after and in him his Father also now made Friends whom the King took also into favour The King to keep the City from Tumult and to prevent the Insolencies of busie and loose People had established a Constable of the Tower of London Supreme to the Lieutenant under command of the Lord Cottington enabling it with a Garrison also of four hundred Souldiers and with some shew of Fortification thereof at this very time when some publick notice was given to the Parliament of an extraordinary confluence of Popish Recusants in and about the City of London and Westminster and therefore to take away all Jealousies of conniving with them or other Fears of over-mastering the City he was pleased to send a Message to the Parliament that by Proclamation the Papists shall be instantly removed to their places of abode with prosecution also against their persons disarming their power according to Law And as for the Tower he erected the Government by a Constable and Garrison in favour to the peace of the City but is now resolved to leave the Tower to the command of a Lieutenant onely as hath been heretofore And in the afternoon came out an Order of the Commons House that all Projectours and unlawfull Monopolists that have or had lately any benefit from Monopolies or countenanced or issued out any Warrants in favour of them against Non-conformists to Proclamations or Commands concerning their Interests shall be disabled to sit in the House and Master Speaker is to issue out new Warrants for electing other Members in their places Whereupon it was notoriously observed how vacant their Rooms were upon the self-accusation of their own guilt who but lately framed speeches against others abroad who lodged under the Parliament lash for such Crimes The next day complaint was made to the Lords that their Privileges were infringed by the search of the Earl of Warwick and the Lord Brooks their Pockets Cabinets and Studies upon the Dissolution of the last Parliament And Sir William Beecher one of the Clerks of the Council being the Instrument alleged for his Excuse the command of the two Secretaries of State which could not protect him from Commitment to the Fleet Prison The Commons House intent upon publick justice sent Master Pym to the Lords with a Message the Impeachment of Thomas Earl of Strafford Lord Lieutenant of Ireland as guilty of High Treason Whereupon he was sequestred from the House and committed to the Usher of the Black Rod and Sir George Ratcliff his Confederate and supposed Criminary with him was two days after sent for out of Ireland by a Serjeant at Arms. And here we cannot pass by many wise mens opinions whether the Earl assumed his wonted judgment and courage when he came from the Army to this Parliament His wisdom could not chuse but know that the Scots and Scotizing English had infallibly resolved his destruction his innocency to be no Armour of Proof against Malice and Power why did he not rather keep under safeguard of the English Army at his command from which he had got much affection or have passed over into Ireland the Army there also at his devotion or in plain terms have taken Sanctuary into some foreign parts till fair weather might have invited him home whether it had been a betraying of his Innocency to decline the Trial where Partiality held the Beam of the Scales and self-ends backedâ— with power and made blinde with prejudice were like to over-ballance Justice that if Sentence should have passed against him for Non-appearance yet had he kept his Freedom till better times and have done his Master better service abroad than in Council at White-hall But on the other side it was said that all these Considerations had been pondered before he came from the Army even by the way where met him a Iunto of his confident Friends and then it was averred that he had gained in the North certain evidence that the Scots Army came in by Invitation a Confederacy between the Heads of the Covenanters and some of the English Parliament-members of both Houses his most deadly Enemies to subvert the Government of the Church and to innovate in that of the Civil State that therefore he himself had digested his Intelligence into the Form of an Impeachment which he intended to have offered to the House of Peers so soon as he had taken his place there There were his Reasons which he might have from Example of the Earl of Bristow who yet came too late to begin upon his grand Enemy the Duke of Buckingham in the like charge but then Bristow was ready at the instant to recriminate upon the Duke by an Impeachment of High Treason against him which took off the Dukes edg ever after But here Strafford was not so nimble as Master Pym who got the start and it seems the Earl failed of his former purpose which had he seconded by an after timely stroke and impeached them and prosecuted it in a reasonable pace and method as was afforded him it might have happened not so fatal to his utter ruine And the Commons speeding thus far it encouraged them no doubt to fall upon others in the same track with the Arch-bishop few Moneths after In this time the two Armies were heavy charge to the Counties where they quartered therefore the twelfth of November the Parliament borrow of the City of London an hundred thousand pounds upon interest and ingagement of the credit of some of the Members untill the Moneys might be levied upon Subsidies and so to repay them Munday the sixteenth of November upon the humble suit of the House of Lords to his Majesty the Lord Bishop of Lincoln was released out of the Tower and the next Day being assigned for Humiliation he was brought into the Abbey Church by four Bishops and did his Office as Dean of Westminster before the Lords Never wise-man so gulled into the false shew of true affection from Lords and Commons and so continued till their turns were served upon the Earl of Strafford and the Arch Bishop of Canterbury he became the spectacle of
scorn and the most hated man of all the Hierarchy where his turn came to be last devoured after he had eaten up some of his brethren The Earl of Strafford though in durance yet found friends abroad very active to serve him and accordingly it was the nineteenth day moved First That he might be bailed by divers Lords who offered caution But it was answered by the Lord Paget that it was against the Laws of the Land and the priviledge of the House and so passed the Major votes not to be admitted But was assigned Council and a solicitor in reguard of his restraint The one and twentieth one Iohn Iames son of Sir Henry Iames of Feversham in Kent a Romish Catholique stabbed Mr. Howard a Justice of peace of Westminster in Westminster-hall not unto death which was attempted because Mr. Howard had drawn a Catalogue of such Recusants as were within the Liberties of Westminster which he was to deliver up to the Committee of Religion for which fact Iames was secretly punished The eight and twentieth Mr. Pryn and Mr. Burton were conducted into London from their several Prisons in great pomp by many thousands of horse and foot with Rosemary and Bayes in their caps in despight and defiance of the course of Justice which had sentenced them and the third of December they presented their Petitions to the House of Commons for dammage against their Prosecutors This Parliament of Inquisition began to appear terrible to all that lodged but under suspition of guilt but insufferable to the conscience condemning which Sir Francis Windebank Secretary of State not able to bear having been questioned and mainly convinced for reprieving Iesuites and Priests and of worse matters suspected guilty got over into France where he remained to his death a professed Roman Catholique The seventh day unanimously in the Commons House was voted 1. That the Charge imposed upon the Subject for the providing and furnishing of Ships and the Assessments for raising moneys for that purpose commonly called Ship-mony are against the Laws of the Realm the Subjects right and property contrary to former resolutions in Parliament and the Petition of Right 2. That the extrajudicial opinion of the Iudges published in the Star-chamber and enrolled in the Courts of Westminster are in the whole and every part of them against the Laws of the Realm c. ut prius 3. That the writs commonly called Ship writs are against the Laws of the Realm c. ut pius 4. That the Iudgment in the Exchequer in Mr. Hamdens case is as to the matter and substance thereof against the Laws of the Realm c. ut prius And so was it voted in the House of Lords And the next day a Committe was appointed to draw up a charge of High Treason against such as had been abetters therein the Lord Keeper Finch and the rest of the Iudges But though the Parliament was thus severe against the legality of Ship-mony yet it is observed that amongst the best Lawyers the matter was justifiable ascribing much to the Judgment of that learned Lawer Mr. Noy who first preferred it Secondly All the Judges subscribing to it in time of danger of which danger the King was declared to be Judge Thirdly And being argued in the Courts of Justice and by all the Judges in the Exchequers Chamber it was definitively sentenced for the King 4. Nor was it voted down by Parliament but in a meer arbitrary way without review or Council heard as the Judges reason of their opinion so much as required 5. And yet the arguments of the two Justices Crock and Hutton for the Illegallity was by vote of the house of Commons put in print but the opinion of the other eight Judges which were for the legality of it continue suppressed which gave most men occasion to conceive the greater reason in those arguments which were kept in the dark 6. And in all this design to vote it down the Parliament was fain to have recourse to the King and to crave an act of Parliament to secure them from it for the future and to countenance their cause the Judges were impeached in order to the pretext not merit of punishment And now the eleventh of December Alderman Lack-land or Pennington with some hundred at his heels a rable of petty Shop-keepers and Prentices presented their Citizens Petition subscribed by fifteen thousand pittifully perplexed at the Ecclesiastical Discipline and sundry Ceremonies of the Church of England which was wholly debarred but was transmitted till a cooler time And because it was thought sit to strike while the Iron was hot this Petition ushering in much worke of Reformation It was thought convenient to condemn the illegallity of the proceedings in the late Convocation and their Canons which being canvased on both sides the houses and all of one party few Arguments need to be urged where the prevailing sence of the House opposed and so resolved the fifteenth of December That the Clergy in a synod or Convocation hath no power to make Canons Constitutions or Laws to bind either Layity or Clergie without a Parliament And first next day that the Canons are against the fundamental Laws of this Realm against the Kings Prerogative Propriety of the Subject the Right of Parliaments and do tend to Faction and Sedition This Parliamentary Doctrine was but now newly known Convocations never before depending on Parliaments but either in calling or dissolving confirming or authorising the Acts thereof but onely on the King himself not in Parliament neither but in his Palace and this seems to be proved by the Statute 26 Henry 8. and the constant practice ever since And for the Canons before they were subscribed they were imparted to the King and by him communicated to the Lords of the Privy Council the Iudges the learned Council then attending and were read and approved without any thing therein tending to Faction and Sedition or to the prejudice of the Subjects propriety or the Kings Prerogative or the Laws of the Land yet the Parliament frame a Bill for fining all the Clergie of that Convocation keeping them in such aw as none did appear in maintenance of their Authority or in opposing those Incroachments and Innovations which daily were introduced upon them And as to the Civil Iudges for case of Ship-money so the Parliament proceed with the Ecclesiastick Arch-bishop of Canterbury against whom they form a Committee to draw up a Charge against him as the Framer of these Canons and for other supposed Delinquencies aggravated by the Scots adjoyning him with the Earl of Strafford in their grand Accusation as an Incendiary in this National Difference promising to bring in their Complaint but in the mean time Master Hollis on Friday is sent up with the Impeachment and is seconded the same day with the Charge of the Scots Commissioners upon the reading whereof he was committed to the custody of the Black Rod
whole should contribute this was about June In Michaelmas following the King but by no advice of mine commanded me to goe to all the Judges for their opinions upon the case and to charge them upon their Allegiance to deliver their opinions But this not as a binding Opinion to themselves but that upon better consideration or reason they might alter but only for his Majesties satisfaction and that he must keep it for his own private use as I conceive the Iudges are bound by their Oaths to do I protest I never used any promise or threats to any but did only leave it to the Law and so did his Majestie desire That no speech that way might move us contraâ—y to this that I delivered There was no Iudge which subscribed that needed solicitation unto there were that refused Hutton and Crook Crook made no doubt of this thing but of the introduction I am of opinion that when the whole Kingdome is in danger whereof the King is Judge and the danger is to be born by the whole Kingdome When the King would have sent to Hutton for his opinion the then Lord Keeper desired to let him alone and to leave him to himself that was all the ill office he did in that business February the six and twentieth upon Command from his Majesty by a then Secretary of State the Judges did Asseâ—ble in Serjeants Inn where then that Opinion was delivered and afterwards was inrolled in the Star-Chamber our other Court at which time I used the best arguments as I could where at that time Crook and Hutton differed in opinion not of the thing but whether the King was sole Judge Fifteen Moneths from the first they all subscribed and it waâ— Registred in the Star-Chamber and other Courts the reason why Crook and Hutton did subscribe was because they were over-ruled by the greater number this was all I did till I came to my Argument in the Exchequer where I argued the Case I need not to tell you what my Arguments were they are publique about the Town 〈◊〉 I tell you three or four things in the matter whether the Kingdome were in danger and in case of apparent danger it was not upon the matter but upon demuâ— I delivered my self then as free and as clear as any that the King ought to govern by the positive Laws of the Kingdome and not alter but by consent in Parliament and 〈◊〉 if he made use of it as a Revenue or otherwise that this Judgment could not hold him but never declared that mony should be raised I heard you had some hard opinion of me about this secret business it was far from my business and occasions but in Mr. 〈◊〉 absence I went to the Justice-seat when I came there I did both King and Common-wealth good service which I did with extream danger to my self and fortunes left it a thing as advantagious to the Common-wealth as any thing else I never went about to overthrow the Charter at the Forrest but held it a 〈◊〉 thing and ought to be maintained both for the King and 〈◊〉 Two Judges then were that held that the King by the Common-law might make a Forrest where he would when I came to be judge I declared my opinion to the contrary that the King was restrained and had no power to make a Forrest but in his own Demesn Lands I know that there is something laid upon me touching the Declaration that came out the last Parliament It is the Kings affaires and I am bound without his Licence not to disclose it but I hope I shall obtain leave from his Majesty and then I shall make it appear that in this thing I have not deserved your disfavours and will give good satisfaction in any thing I know that you are wise and will not strain things to the uttermost sence to hurt me God did not call David a man after his own heart because he had no feelings but because his heart was right with God I conclude all with this That if I must not live to serve you I desire I may die in your good opinion and favour But all could not serve to keep him from their Censure who voted him that very day a Traytor First For refusing to read the Remonstrance against the Lord Treasurer Weston 4. Car. when the Parliament desired it Secondly For soliciting perswading and threatning the Iudges to deliver their opinion for levying Ship-money Thirdly for several illegal actions in Forrest-matters Fourthly For ill Offices don in making the King to dissolve the last Parliament and causing his Majesties Declaration thereupon to be put forth The next day he was accused before the Lords but he was early up and thereby the more neer to give them the slip and the wiser he when no other defence could serve the Scrutiny he withdrew into Holland and there remained whilst his accusers became the more guilty and then he came home again The Parliament increasing in repute and power and minding to new-mold and over-turn or turn over to a new leaf were moddeling a Bill for a Triennial-Parliament and to bring it about businesses were devised and invited and the Counties set a work to send in their Petitions one of them subscribed with above eight hundred Presbyters and that was directly against the Hierarchy of Bishops which the King observed and mistrusting the willing reception He tells both houses the three and twentieth The King had reprieved one Goodman a Priest formerly condemned at the Sessions at Old Baily which made work for the Commons and by Master Glyn their Messenger to the Lords request them to adjoyn their Petition to his Majesty to be informed who should dare to be Instrumental in retarding of Justice in the Face of a Parliament to which the King by the Lord Privy Seal the eight and twentieth of Ianuary tells them the cause he being found guilty as being a Priest onely upon which account neither King Iames nor Queen Elizabeth ever exercised the penal Law This onely begat another Conference two days after with the Lords from which came this 〈◊〉 to the King That considering the state and condition of this present time they conceive the Law to be more necessary to be put in stricâ— execution than at any time before First because by divers Petitions from several parts of this Kingdom Complaints are made of the great increase of Popery and Superstition and the People call earnestly to have the Laws against 〈◊〉 put in execution Secondly Priests and Iesuits swarm in great number in the Kingdom and appear here with such boldness and confidence as if there were no Laws against them Thirdly it appeareth to the House that of late years about the City of London Priests and Iesuits have been discharged out of Prison many of them being condemned of High Treason Fourthly the Parliament is credibly informed that at this present the Pope hath a Nuncio or Agent resident in the City
pleased to assent to their Acts of Parliament including the Articles of their Assembly their Religion Laws and Liberties ratified their grievances relieved for which we use to give the King Money The Scots Remonstrance professing that they would take nothing of the English but for Money or Security But we have defrayed them hitherto and are still provided to do longer That heretofore we established their Reformation and bore our own Charges and concerning mutual restitution of Ships and Goods which now our Commissioners have fairly accommodated already As for inferential and consequential Dammages such a Representment would not administer unacceptable matter of contestation We could truly allege that Northumberland New-castle and the Bishoprick will not recover their former Estate these twenty years that the Coal-mines of New-castle will not be set right for an hundred thousand pounds besides the price of Coals doth cost this City and other parts of this Kingdom above that value in loss And much more of this nature and dammage might be justly urged They say they do not make any former Demands but yet they make their Sum appear above four hundred and fourteen thousand pounds more than ever we gave the King A portentous apparition which shews it self in a very dry time the Kings Revenue totally exhausted the Kingdom generally impoverished and yet all this supply is to be drawn out of us onely without the least help from any his Majesties other Dominions an utter draining of this Nation unless England be Puteus inexhaustus yet I shall afford what is reasonable and honourable to a convenient considerable Sum of Money that they may go off with a handsome friendly Loss if they shall reject it we shall improve our Cause It was never thought any great wisdom overmuch to trust to a succesfull Sword A man that walks upon rising ground the further he goes the more spacious his prospect success enlarges mens desires extends their ambition breeds thoughts never dreamt on before But the Scots being truly touched with Religion according to their professions that onely is able to keep their words for Religion is stronger and wiser than Reason it self But we hope of a good conclusion of the effects of all these hitherto Inconveniences to the advance of Religion King and Kingdoms But for the present to satisfie the clamour of the Scots Master Speaker was ordered to write to the City of London to advance sixty thousand pounds upon security and Assignment out of the next Subsidies to be levied and to pay in the Money to the Chamber of London which was so humbly obeyed This being but one Loan for I finde several Acquittances for the like Sum of sixty thousand pounds mentioning therein For Supply of the Kings Army and providing for the Northern Counties And so belike were issued for Supply of both Armies The Dutch Ambassadour Lieger having made Overtures of a Marriage between William young Prince of Orange and the Kings eldest Daughter the Princess Mary which he very willingly inclined to accept yet though fit as his condition stood with the Parliament to acquaint them therewith And tells the House of Lords My Lords That freedom and confidence which I expressed at the beginning of this Parliament to have of your love and fidelity towards my Person and Estate hath made me at this time come hither to acquaint you with that Alliance and Confederacy which I intend to make with the Prince of Orange and the States which before this time I did not think expedient to do because that part which I do desire your advice and assistance upon was not ready to be treated on I will not trouble you with a long digression by shewing the steps of this Treaty but leave you to be satisfied in that by those who under me do manage that Affair Onely I shall shew you the Reasons which have induced me to it and in which I expect your assistance and counsel The Considerations that have induced me to it are these First the matter of Religion here needs no Dispensation no fear that my Daughters conscience may be any way perverted Secondly I do esteem that a strict Alliance and Confederacy with the States will be as usefull to this Kingdom as that with any of my Neighbours especially considering their Affinity Neighbourhood and way of their strength And lastly which I must never forget in these occasions the use I may make of this Alliance towards the establishing of my Sister and Nephews Now to shew you in what I desire your assistance you must know that the Articles of Marriage are in a manner concluded but not to be totally ratified untill that of Alliance be ended and agreed which before I demanded your assistance I did not think fit to enter upon And that I may not leave you too much at large how to begin that Council I present you here the Propositions which are offered by me to the States Ambassadours for that intent And so my Lords I shall onely desire you to make as much expedition in your Councils as so great a Business shall require and shall leave your Lordships to your own free debate This Proposition of Alliance both with the Prince and with the United Provinces was extremely and unanimously affected by all the People and was universally embraced without Fears or Jealousies upon our Liberties or Religion and soon concluded but what resulted think you from another party Papists Plots perpetually allarming for The very next Day four Members of the Commons House bore up the Message to the Lords of a monstrous Design of the Papists an Army of fifteen thousand in Lancashire and eight thousand in Ireland and I know not how many thousands in many places well armed and in pay raised by the Earl of Strafford the Earl of Worcester and others After-ages will think these Hyperboles for though there was no such Armies possibly by them nor no such Fears by others yet this Message was sent and carried from the Lower to the Higher House and gave the occasion to the multitude of People to frame Petitions sutable to Plots and Fears and Jealousies for the Parliaments purpose The thirteenth of February one of the Ship-money Judges so nick-named Sir Robert Berkley was by a motion of the Commons accused of High-treason and by Maxwell the Black Rod taken the next day from his Seat in the Kings Bench and kept Prisoner The Bill for the Triennial Parliament having passed both Houses was confirmed with the Kings royal assent February 16. and to let them see how sensible himself was of this his great grace he thought fit to put them in minde of their gratitude of fear of their failing My Lords And you the Knights Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons you may remember when both Houses were with me at the Banquetting-house at White-hall I did declare unto you two Rocks I wished you to shun this is one of them and of that consequence that
others progress to an equal poise and in a word the same Ministers of State spurred on by ambitions and to raise their families from time to time have increased suspicions which have hatched these fatal wars through all Europe France styles her self most Christian but meddles least therein ordinarily attracting the Reformates to her interests and being enemies to the Pope and so to Spain which suffers not their doctrines in her dominions But Spain will be Catholique-zealous for her Religion and seldome declines her aid to any of her own unless by force proceeding from the necessity of State affaires through some new conjuncture Lewes the thirteenth attached the house of Austria with much authorâ—ty and power in so much that Richelieu the Angel Guardian of France by his puissant alliances begat an opinion that amongst polititians there he endeavoured the Universality for his Master and so to overthrow the Emperial house by the helpe of the Hollanders and his other underhand underminings which he could never so poise for any time but that the Scales were now up then down to his dying day The Earl of Strafford had passed upon him the Commons accusation and now it was time to form their compleat charge into twenty eight particulars and being ready Ianuary the thirtieth they were presented by Mr. Pym to the Peers in the presence of the Earl and although it was long two hundred sheets and so time would be taken up for engrossing and though the Treasons therein alleaged were of a standing time above fourteen years not suddainly to be answered unto yet the Commons were earnest for dispatch and he enjoyned such hast as by the four and twentieth of February it was read to the Lords in the Kings presence and the next day after to the Commons He craved aid of the Council which in cases of Treason is not allowed in plea de facto it may not but in matters de lege it may and so he had Councel And the place of his Trial could not be in the Lords House being of little Room to hold the House of Commons who desired to be present and to manage the accusation by their own members and in a full body of their house compleat which the Lords would not indure and they come as a Committe and so Westminster-hall was the place assigned and that not to big for this unparralel Trial the King Queen Prince and Courtiers being present and all the Parliament The scene was at the upper end reared of some heigth and above that a Chaire and cloth of State on either side a close private Gallery for the King Queen and Prince Before them seats for the Peers and on either sides Scaffolds mounted for all the house of Commons who sate bare headed and hundreds of others Auditors who could get leave to enter The command of the place and stage was ordered by the Earl of Lindsey not as he was made high constable for the day but as he was Lord great Chamberlain of England in right of his mother Mary the daughter of Iohn de vere the sixteenth Earl of Oxford who maried Peregrine Berty Lord Willoughby of Earesby by whom she had issue this Robert now Earl of Lindsey and thereby the disposing of all the Scaffolding as his fee when the Tryal was ended The Bishops being by ancient Canons disabled to be present at the sentence of blood and death but not from being assistants in examining and deposing of witnesses or giving Councel till now abridged by this Parliament to sit as Peers And it is observed that they were defended to have right of place presence by a Manuscript in many hands de jure Paritat is episcoporum and their Priviledges thereby asserted in this particular which yet they as the times were did not interpose but were contented to be absent giving advantage thereby to the Parliament to deprive them of their votes and after to destroy their calling On Munday the two and twentieth of March the day fixed for his appearing at Westminster-hall almost five moneths time since his first Commitment which it seems was taken up and spent for procuring proofs of witnesses purposely sent for from Ireland And in truth the rather for Intertaining some Overtures of the Court to take of the edge of his adversaries and the best and usual way was by their several preferments The Earl of Bedford to be Lord Treasurer Mr. Pym Chancelor of the Exchequer the Earl of Essex Governour of the Prince Mr. Hamden to be his Tutor the Lord Say Mr. of the wards and Mr. Hollis principal secretary in the place of Windebanck the Deputies place in Ireland also to another and the Earl of Warwick in some command in the Navy And it was in part prosecuted in relation hereto for the Bishop of London did deliver up the Treasury staff and the Earl of New-castle the governance of the Prince the Lord Cottington resigned up his offices in the Court of wards and Exchequer and it was not to be doubted that the Bishop of Salisbury Dr. Duppa would willingly quit his place of Tutor to the Prince But whether the Kings mind was herein mutable or what else intervened they thus concerned and baffled became irreconciliable to the Earls destruction and that this is true may be hinted from the Kings Declararion of the twelfth of August after what Overtures had been made by them saies the Declaration and with what Importunities for offices and preferments what great services should have been done for him and what other undertakings even to have saved the life of the Earl of Strafford So cheap a rate it seems might have saved that Incomparable Statesman The Earl of Arundel was made Lord High Steward and the Earl of Lindsey Lord High Constable and thus set as before said the Earl of Strafford was told by the High-steward that he was called thither to answer the Impeachment of High Treason preferred against him by the Commons of England and Ireland expressed in their accusation to which he had answered and both of them read took up this day and the Court adjourned to the next day when the house of Commons fell upon the first seven general Articles of subverting the fundamental Laws of both Nations and this was managed by Mr. Pym a paper sealed was opened and read which signified from the Parliament of Ireland that they had voted the Earl guilty of High Treason To which he in passion said There was a conspiracy against him to take away his life It would not admit of recollection and the Commons cried out for Justice against him who standing impeached of high Treason accuseth the Parliaments of two Kingdomes of a conspiracy against him for which inconsiderate words he humbly craved pardon not thereby intending either Parliament but meant it by some particular persons Mr. Pym craved that he should forthwith answer to three Articles more which were lately annexed to the charge But although the
fourteen days 5. That according to such his Declarations and Speeches the said Earl of Strafford did use and exercise a Power above and against and to the subversion of the Fundamental Laws and stablished Government of the said Realm of Ireland extending such his Power to the Goods Free-holds Inheritances Liberties and Lives of his Majesties Subjects of the said Realm viz. the said Earl of Strafford the twelfth day of December Anno Domini 1635. in the time of full peace did in the said Realm of Ireland give and procure to be given against the Lord Mount Norris then and yet a Peer of Ireland and then Vice-Treasurer and Receiver-general of the Realm of Ireland and one of the principal Secretaries of State and Keeper of the Privy Signet of the said Kingdom a Sentence of Death by a Council of War called together by the said Earl of Strafford without any warrant or authority of Law or offence deserving any such punishment And he the said Earl did also at Dublin within the said Realm of Ireland in the Moneth of March in the fourteenth Year of his Majesties Reign without any legal or due proceedings or trial give or cause to be given a Sentence of Death against one other of his Majesties Subjects whose name is yet unknown and caused him to be put to death in execution of the said Sentence The Earls Reply That there was then a standing Army in Ireland and Armies cannot be governed but by Martial Law that it hath been put in constant practice with former Deputies that had the Sentence been unjustly given by him the Crime could amount but to Felony at most for which he hoped he might as well expect Pardon from his Majesty as the Lord Conway and Sir Iacob Astley had for doing the like in the late Northern Army That he neither gave Sentence nor procured it against the Lord Mount Norris but onely desired justice against the Lord for some Affront done to him as he was Deputy of Ireland That the said Lord was judged by a Council of War wherein he sate bare all the time and gave no Suffrage against him that also to evidence himself a Party he caused his Brother Sir George Wentworth in regard of the nearness of Bloud to decline all acting in the Process Lastly though the Lord Mount Norris justly deserved to dy yet he obtained his Pardon from the King 6. That the said Earl of Strafford without any lâ—gal proceedings and upon a Paper-petition of Richard Rolstone did cause the said Lord Mount Norris to be disseised and put out of possession of his Free-hold and Inheritance of his Manour of Tymore in the County of Armagh in the Kingdom of Ireland the said Lord Mount Norris having been two Years before in quiet possession thereof The Earls Reply That he conceived the Lord Mount Norris was legally divested of his Possessions there being a Suit long depending in Chancery and the Plaintiff complaining of Delay he upon the Complainants Petition called unto him the Master of the Rolls Lord Chancellour and Lord Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas and upon Proofs in Chancery decreed for the Plaintiff Wherein he said he did no more than what other Deputies had done before him 7. That the said Earl of Strafford in the Term of Holy Trinity in the thirteenth Year of his now Majesties Reign did cause a case commonly called the Case of Tenures upon defective Tiâ—les to be made and drawn up without any Iury or Trial or other legal Process and without the consent of Parties and did then procure the Iudges of the said Realm of Ireland to deliver their Opinions and Resolutions to that Case and by colour of such Opinions did without any legal proceeding cause Thomas Lord Dillon a Peer of the said Realm of Ireland to be put out of possession of divers Lands and Tenements being his Free-hold in the County of Mago and Rosecomen in the said Kingdom and divers others of his Majesties Subjects to be also put out of possession and disseised of their Free-hold by colour of the same resolution without legal proceedings whereby many hundreds of his Majesties Subjects were undone and their Families â—tterly rained The Earls Reply That the Lord Dillon with others producing his Patent according to a Proclamation on the behalf of his Majesty the said Patent was questionable upon which a Case was drawn and argued by Council and the Judges delivered their Opinions But the Lord Dillon or any other was not bound thereby nor put out of their Possessions but might have traverst the Office or otherwise have legally proceeded notwithstanding the said Opinion 8. That the said Earl of Strafford upon a Petition exhibited in October 1635. by Thomas Hibbots against Dame Mary Hibbots widow to him the said Earl of Strafford recommended the said Petition to the Counsel Table of Ireland where the most part of the Counsel gave their vote and opinion for the said Lady but the said Earl finding fault herewith caused an order to be entered against the said Lady and threatned her that if she refused to submit thereunto he would imprison her and fine her five hundred pound that if she continued obstinate he would continue her imprisonment and double her fine every month by month whereof she was enforced to relinquish her estate in the Land questioned in the said Petition which shortly was conveyed to Sir Robert Meredeth to the use of the said Earl of Strafford And the said Earl in like manner did imprison divers others of his Majesties subjects upon pretence of disobedience to his orders and decrees and other illegal commands by him made for pretended debts titles of Lands and other causes in an arbitrary and extrajudicial course upon paper Petitions to him preferred and no other cause legally depending The Earls Reply That true it is he had voted against the Lady Hibbots and thought he had reason so to do the said Lady being discovered by Fraud and Circumvention to have bargained for Lands of a great value for a small Sum. And he denied that the said Lands were after sold to his use or that the major part of the Council-board voted for the Lady the contrary appearing by the Sentence under the Hand of the Clerk of the Council which being true he might well threaten her with Commitment in case she disobeyed the said Order Lastly were it true that he were criminal therein yet were the Offeâ—ce but a Misdemeanour no Treason 9. That the said Earl of Strafford the 16. day of Feb. in the 12. year of his now Majesties reign assuming to himself a power above and against Law took upon him by a general Warrant under his hand to give power to the Lord Bishop of Down and Connor his Chancellor or Chancellors and their several officers thereto to be appointed to attach and arrest the Bodies of all such of the meaner and poorer sort who after citation should either refuse to appear before them or appearing should
importation of Bullion he the said Earl told them that the City of London dealt undutifully and unthankfully with his Majesty and that they were more ready to help the Rebel than to help his Majesty and that if any hurt came to them they might thank themselves and that it was the course of other Princes to make use of such monies to serve their occasions And when in the same month of July the Officers of his Majesties Mint came to him and gave him divers reasons against the imbasing of the said money he told them that the French King did use to send Commissaries of Horse with Commission to search into mens estates and to peruse their accompts that so they may know what to levy of them by force which they did accordingly levy and turning to the Lord Cottington then present said That this was a point worthy his Lordships consideration The Earls Reply That he expected some Proofs to evidence the two first Particulars but hears of none For the following words he confessed probably they might escape the Door of his Lips Nor did he think it much amiss considering their present posture to call that Faction Rebells As for the last words objected against him in that Article he said that being in conference with some of the Londoners there came to his hands at that instant a Letter from the Earl of Leicester then at Paris wherein were the Gazets inclosed relating that the Cardinal had given order to levy Money by Souldiers This he onely told the Lord Cottington standing by but made not the least Application thereof to the English Affairs 27. That in or about the Moneth of Aug. last he was made Lieutenant General of all his Majesties Forces in the Northern parts against the Scots being at York did in the Moneth of September by his own authority and without any lawfull warrant impose a Tax on his Majesties Subjects in the County of York of 8. d. per diem for maintenance of every Souldier of the Trained Bands of that County which Sums of Money he caused to be levied by force And to the end to compell his Majesties Subjects out of fear and terrour to yield to the payment of the same He did declare that he would commit them that refused the payment thereof and the Souldiers should be satisfied out of their Estates and they that refused it were in very little better condition than of high Treason The Earls Reply That his Majesty coming to York it was thought necessary in regard the Enemy was upon the Borders to keep the Trained Bands on foot for defence of the County and therefore the King directed him to write to the Free-holders in Yorkshire to declare what they would do for their own defence that they freely offered a Moneths pay nor did any man grudg against it Again it was twice propounded to the great Council of Peers at York that the King approved it as a just and necessary act and none of the Council contradicted it which he conceived seemed a tacit allowance of it That though his Majesty had not given him special order therein nor the Gentry had desired it yet he conceived he had power enough to impose that Tax by virtue of his Commission But he never said that the Refusers should be guilty of little less than high Treason which being proved by Sir William Ingram he was but a single Testimony and one who had formerly mistaken himself in what he had deposed 28. That in the moneths of September and October last he the said Earl of Strafford being certified of the Scotish Army coming into the Kingdom and he the said Earl of Strafford being Lieutenant General of his Majesties Army did not provide for the defence of the Town of Newcastle as he ought to have done but suffered the same to be lost that so he might the more incense the English against the Scots And for the same wicked purpose and out of a malicious desire to ingage the Kingdoms of England and Scotland in a National and bloudy war he did write to the Lord Conway the General of the horse and under the said Earls command that he should fight with the Scotish Army at the passage over the Tyne whatsoever should follow notwithstanding that the said Lord Conway had formerly by Letters informed him the said Earl that his Majesties Army then under his command was not of force sufficient to incounter the Scots by which advice of his he did contrary to the duty of his place betray his Majesties Army then under his command to apparent danger and loss The Earls Reply That he admired how in the third Article he being charged as an Incendiary against the Scots is now in the Article made their Confederate by betraying New-castle into their hands But to answer more particularly he said that there was at New-castle the 24. of August ten or twelve thousand Foot and two thousand Horse under the Command of the Lord Conway and Sir Iacob Astley and that Sir Iacob had written to him concerning the Town of New-castle that it was fortified which also was never under his particular care and for the passage over the River of Tine his Majesty sent special Directions to the Lord Conway to secure it and therefore that Lord is more as he conceives responsible for that Miscarriage than himself When he had done the House of Commons urged that if he had any further Defence he should perform it presently but had time set next Day when the Court met but the Earl being taken with a terrible Fit of the Stone and in danger of his Life if he stirred abroad which Message though assured by the Lieutenant of the Tower for more satisfaction to the violency of the Commons the Lords agreed to proceed the next Day if he did not appear and sent some of the Upper House thither who found him in some hopes of better health against the next Day Not that any one could imagine that his Cause needed the help of dissembling having satisfied all indifferent persons with his Justification as to Treason and no other Crimes could daunt him But as in such Cases his Adversaries the Commons had reserved their Evidence most pernicious which the next Day they desired to produce The Earl also pressed the like on his own behalf which as yet had not been offered a reasonable Request for the Defendant as well as the Plaintiff or to wave them on both sides And because the Lords were absolute of this opinion the Commons in apparant discontenâ— took no leave but departed without ordering any certain Day for their next Meeting But on Monday two Days after the Parliament sate in their several Houses when Master Pym produced to the Commons a Copy of some Notes taken by Secretary Vane of several opinions upon Debates at the Council-table the fifth of May 1640. being the Day of the last Parliaments Dissolution and the Discovery is thus made our The Father delivers
do not through me wound the interest of the Common-wealth And howsoever these Gentlemen say they speak for the Common-wealth yet in this particular I indeed speak for it and shew the inconveniencies and mischiefs which will fall upon it For as it is said in the Statute 1. of Henry 4. No man will know what to doe or say for fear of such penalties Doe not put my Lords such difficulties upon Ministers of State that men of wisedome of Honour of Fortune may not with cheerfulness and safety be imployed for the publique if you weigh and measure them by graines and scruples the publique affaires of the Kingdome will lie waste no man will meddle with them who has any thing to lose My Lords I have troubled you longer than I should have done were it not for the interest of these dear pledges a Saint in heaven hath left me At this he stopt a while offering up some tears to her ashes what I forfeit my self is nothing but that my indiscretion should extend to my posterity it woundeth me to the very soul. You will pardon my infirmity something I should have added but am not able therefore let it pass And now my Lords for my self I have been by the blessing of almighty God taught that the afflictions of this present life are not to be compared to the eternal weight of Glory which shall be revealed hereafter And so my Lords even so with all tranquillity of mind I freely submit my self to your judgment and whether that judgment be of life or death Te Deum laudamus When he had done two of the Members Mr. Glyn and Mr. Pym endeavouring to render him as odious as it is usually observed from Declamatours satisfying the Ear of the Auditours but not their judicial Censure for the point came to be this the Commons are to justifie their Charge by Law upon the matters of Fact as yet not appearing under the Letter of any Statute of Treason As for that of the 25 of Edward 3. it came short but yet it is supplied with this Proviso annexed that because all particular Treasons could not be then defined therefore what the Parliament should declare to be Treason â—n time to come should be punished as Treason within which compass they intend to bring him and that by Bill of Attainder The Earl put upon a point of Law desires Council which by no means the Commons would assent unto and notwithstanding all the reason in the world it was canvased three Days and at last concluded that his Council should plead such matters as they should be restrained unto Saturday the seventeenth of April the Earl appears with his Council Master Lane the Prince's Attourney Master Gardner Recorder of London Master Loe and Master Lightfoot Lane argued that the said Statute of 25 Edward 3. was a Declarative Law and so not to be interpreted as of consequence equity or construction but by the express Letter onely that it was a penal Law and so not to admit of any Constructions or Inferences for the true nature of penalties enforce the keeping of known Laws not of conjectural and dubious And for the Salvo he affirmed that in the sixth of Henry 4. the Nobility petitioned the Parliament to limit all Treasons by Statute in which Parliament Chapter 10. an Act passed thereupon that the Salvo should be holden repealed in all times to come nothing to be esteemed Treason but what was literally contained in the Statute of 25. Edward the third nor could the rest of the Council speak more then what had been said by Mr. Lane being so sufficient for matters of Law unless their Lordships would state any other questions to which they were ready to answer upon which the Court adjourned without prefixing any time of meeting The Commons meant it not to meet any more the Earl had satisfied all curious observations of his defence and the Commons knew it well enough but they resolved to attaint him by Bill which was debated by the Commons the nineteenth day and the Earl voted by them guilty of high Treason meerly upon the evidence of Secretary Vane and his notes but upon reading the Bill engrossed in their house the one and twentieth day It was hardly canvassed by the Poll the dissenters being fifty nine and my Lord Digby the most eminent that urged for him and yet it passed That afternoone with all expedition it was brought to the Lords and the four and twentieth day they were put in minde to fix a day for reading of it to which they returned answer that on Munday and Tuesday after they would not fail being not over harty to do it then for it was debated by the Lords to be a business of very high concernments and so perplext as necessarily required a conference with the Common who put it upon Mr. St. Iohn the Kings Solicitor to satisfie them and to justifie the Bill by Law upon Thursday the nine and twentieth and to offer reasons enforcing them to this way of proceeding against the Earl who was ordered to be there present And the Commons to shadow the violence of this proceeding with the Earl they bethought themselves of some publique affair and so petition the King 1. For removing of all Papists from Court. 2. For disarming of them generally throughout the Kingdome 3. For disbanding the Irish Army To which they had Answer the eight and twentieth 1. They all knew what legal trust the Crown hath in that particular therefore he shall not need to say any thing to assure them that he shall use it so as there shall be no just cause of scandal 2. He is content it shall be done by Law 3. And for the last he had entered into consultation about it finding many difficulties therein and he doth so wish the disbanding of all Armies as he did conjure them speedily and heartily to joyn with him in disbanding those two here Scots and English I am now come to the point to consider of the Differences between two Writers our Historian and his Observatour concerning the Death of the Earl of Strafford and reflecting upon the late Arch-bishop of Armagh Primate of all Ireland whilest he was living and so pursued since his Death I being intrusted by him when time and occasion should happen to offer in publick what I had in charge under his own hand-writing and others also not to quarrel it any further but to rectifie mis-understandings if it may be done without malice on any side and so I shall handle it as a Moderatour We begin from the Bill of Attainder which was read in presence of the Earl at the Bar. Whereas the Knights Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons in this present Parliament assembled have in the name of themselves and of all the Commons of England impeached Thomas Earl of Strafford of High-treason for endeavouring to subvert the ancient and fundamental Laws and Government of his Majesties Realms
of England and Ireland and to introduce an Arbitrary and Tyrannical Goverment against Law in the said Kingdoms and for exercising a tyrannous and exorbitant Power over and against the Laws of the said Kingdoms over the Liberties Estates and Laws of his Majesties Subjects and likewise for having by his own Authority commanded the laying and assessing of Souldiers upon his Majesties Subjects in Ireland against their consent to compell them to obey his unlawfull Commands and Orders made upon Paper-petitions in Causes between party and party which accordingly was executed upon divers of his Majesties Subjects in a warlike manner within the said Realm of Ireland and in so doing did levy War against the Kings Majesty and his Liege-people in that Kingdom And also for that he upon the unhappy Dissolution of the last Parliament did slander the House of Commons to his Majesty and did counsel and advise his Majesty that he was loose and absolved from Rules of Government and that he had an Army in Ireland which he might imploy to reduce this Kingdome for which he deserves to undergo the paines and Forfeitures of high Treason And the said Earl hath been also an Incendiary of the wars between the two Kingdoms of England and Scotland all which offences have been sufficiently proved against the said Earl upon his Impeachment Be it therefore Enacted by the Kings most excellent Majesty and by the Lords and Commons in this present Parliament assembled and by â—â—thority of the same that the said Earl of Strafford for the hainous crimes and offences aforesaid stand and be adjudged and attainted of high Treason and shall suffer such pain of death and incur the Forfeitures of his Goods and Cattels Lands Tenements and hereditaments of any estate of freehold or Inheritance in the said Kingdomes of England and Ireland which the said Earl or any other to his use or in trust for him have or had the day of the first sitting of this present Parliament or at any time since Provided that no Iudge or Iudges Iustice or Iustices whatsoever shall adjudge or interpret any Act or thing to be Treason nor hear or determine any Treason nor in any other manner than he or they should or ought to have done before the making of this Act and as if this Act had never been had or made Serving alwaies unto all and singular persons and bodies politique and corporal their Heirs and successors other than the said Earl and his Heirs and such as claim by from or under him all such right title and Interests of in and to all and singular such of the said Lands Tenements and Hereditaments as he they or any of them had before the first day of this present Parliament any thing herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding Provided that the passing of this present Act and his Majesties assent thereunto shall not be any determination of this present sessions of Parliament and all Bills and matters whatsoever depending in Parliament and not fully enacted and determined And all Statutes and Acts of Parliament which have their continuance until the end of this present session of Parliament shall remain continue and be in force as if this Act had not been This Bill of Attainder being read opened and affirmed by sundry Presidents and Acts of Parliament might no doubt remove the misty cloud of the Peers understanding And therefore the next day the heat of that house appeared towards his destruction contrary to the Kings conscience whose Judgement was that he deserved relief And to that end the first of May he called both Houses together and to them he opened himself for the Earls defence thus My Lords and Gentlemen I had no intention to have spoken to you of this business to day which is the great business of the Earl of Strafford because I would do nothing which might hinder your occasions But now it comes to pass that I must of necessity have past in the judgment I think it most necâ—ssary to declare my conscience therein I am sure you know I have been present at the hearing of this great cause from one end to the other and I must tell you that in my conscience I cannot condemn him of high Treason It is not fit for me to argue this business I am sure you will not expect it a positive Doctrine best becomes the mouth of a Prince yet must I tell you three truths which I am sure no man can tell so well as myself First That I had never any intention of bringing over the Irish Army into England nor ever was advised by any body so to do Secondly That there was never any debate before me either in publique Councel or private Committee of the disloyalty of my English subjects nor ever had I any suspicion of them Thirdly That I was never counselled by any to alter the least of any of the Laws of England much less to alter all the Laws Nay I tell you this I think no body durst ever be so impudent as to move me to it For if they had I should have made them such an example and put such a mark upon them that all posterity should know my intentions by it they being ever to govern by the Law and no otherwise I desire rightly to be understood for though I tell you in my conscience I cannot condemn him of high Treason yet cannot I clear him of misdemeanours therefore I hope you may find out a way to satisfie justice and your own fears and not oppress my conscience My Lords I hope you know what a tender conscience is and I must declare unto you that to satisfie my people I would do great matters but in this of conscience neither fear nor any other respect whatsoever shall ever make me goe against it Certainly I have not deserved so ill of this Parliament at this time that they should press me in this tender point therefore I cannot suspect you will go about it Nay I must confess for mis-demeanours I am so clear in them that though I will not chalk out the way yet I will shew you that I think my Lord of Strafford is not fit hereafter to serve me or the Common-wealth in any place of trust no not so much as a Constable Therefore I leave it to you my Lords to find out some such way as to bring me out of this straight and keep your selves and the Kingdome from such inconveniences So then in effect he tells them of his presence at the hearing of that great cause from one end to the other and that positively in his conscience he cannot condemn him of High Treason but could not clear him of misdemeanours and he hoped that they might finde out a way to satisfie Justice and their own fears and not to oppress the Kings conscience which neither fear nor any other respect whatsoever should make him go against it and leaves them the way to bring him out of this straight This
valor for a wise man to set himself against the breaking in of a Sea which to resist at present threatens imminent danger but to withâ—draw gives it space to spend its fury and gaines a fitter time to repair the breach Certainly a Gallant man had rather fight to great disadvantages for number and place in the field in an orderly waie then skuffle with an undisciplined rabble Som suspected and affirmed that I meditated a War when I went from White-hall onelie to redeem My Person and Conscience from violence God knows I did not then think of a War Nor will any prudent man conceive that I would by so many former and some after-Acts have so much weakned My self If I had purposed to engage in a War which to decline by all means I denied My self in so manie particulars T is evident I had then no Army to flie unto for protection or vindication Who can blame Me or any other for with-drawing our selves from the daily baitings of the Tumults not knowing whether their furie and discontent might not flie so high as to worrie and tear those in pieces whom as yet they but plaied with in their paws God who is My sole Iudge is My Witness in Heaven that I never bad anie thoughts of going from my House at White-hall If I could have had but anie reasonable fair Quarter I was resolved to bear much and did so but I did not think My self bound to prostitute the Majesty of My place and Person the safetie of My Wife and Children to those who are prone to insult most when they have objects and opportunitie most capable of their rudeness and petulancie But this business of the Tumults whereof some have given already an account to God others yet living know themselves desperately guilty Time and the guilt of many hath so smothered up and buried that I think it best to leave it as it is onely I believe the just Avenger of all disorders will in time make those men and that City see their sin in the glass of their punishment T is more then an even-laie that they may one daie see themselves punished by that waie they offended Had this Parliament as it was in its first election and Constitution sate full and free the Members of both Houses being left to their freedom of Voteing as in all reason honor and Religion they should have been I doubt not but things would have been so carried as would have given no less content to all good men then they wished or expected For I was resolved to hear reason in all things and to consent to it so far as I could comprehend it but as Swine are to Gardens and orderly Plantations so are Tumults to Parliaments and Plebeian concourses to publique Councils turning all into disorders and sordid confusions I am prone somtimes to think That had I called this Parliament to any other place in England as I might opportunely enough have don the said consequences in all likelihood with Gods blessing might have been prevented A Parliament would have been welcom in any place no place afforded such confluence of various and vitious humors as that where it was unhappily convened But we must leave all to God who orders our disorders and magnifies his wisdome most when our follies and miseries are most discovered And with these Mutinies comes the Intimation of some practises in the North to distract the English Army the occasions you shall hear of hereafter But it gave â—ewel to the fiery faction and to the Parliament to fall into debate about a general National Protestation To maintain and defend with my life power and estate the true reformed Protestant Religion expressed in the doctrine of the Church of England against all popery and popish Innovations within this Realm contrary to the same doctrine his Majesties person Honour and estate The power of Parliament the lawful rights and Liberties of the subject and every person that maketh this protestation whatsoever he shall do in the lawfull pursuance of the same the third of May. This being too general in these words The true Reformed Protestant Religion c. They were explained by an ordinance to be only The publique doctrine professed in the Church of England so far as it is opposite to Popery and Popish Innovations and not to the maintaining any form of worship discipline or Government nor any Rites or Ceremonies of the Church of England the fifth of May And so it was taken by the Commons House the next day by the Lords and ordered to be taken by all the people of England Hereby it appears that they meant to question the discipline of the Church which they did They had no better way to qualifie the Kings discontent than to raise him some mony for the satisfying of high accounts which the Kingdom stood charged withall two Armies now on foot craving their pay And therefore a cunning Knight of Lancashire offered to procure his Majesty 650000. l. until such time as the subsidies should be raised with this declaration Provided that the King would pass a Bill not to adjourn the Parliament nor Prorogue it nor disolve it without the consent of both Houses to indure until the Greivances of this Kingdom were redressed And so complaints arising like Hidra's head never to have thereby any end yet to colour it they fell upon a great debate thereof but instantly order was given to draw up a Bill in pursuance of it And the Lords another way busie to lay a side the Bill of the Earls Attainder because it brought in the King as a Judge and so fell upon the several Articles of his Accusation resolving to send them to the Commons the next day with their Resolution when aâ—mongst forty five Lords twenty six of them voted him guilty of High Treason upon the fifteenth Article for Levying monies in Ireland by force in a warlike manner And upon the nineteenth for Imposing an Oath upon the subjects in Ireland which was for distinction of the Scots Covenanters as you have heard heretofore And so both these Bills of an everlasting Parliament and of the Attainder being compleated a conference was had of both Houses the next day after and some Lords dispatched to the King to request his answer who tells them That on Munday Following he would satisfie them I conceive it convenient in more particular to clear two mistakes of our Authors concerning The Articles of Ireland and the death of the Earl of Strafford reflecting upon the late most Reverend Prelate the Arch Bishop of Armagh Primate of all Ireland whilest he was living and worse pursued since his decease somewhat too sharp also on Dr. Barnard Herein I take leave in cool blood to interpose those Animadversions being intrusted therein by Command of the deceased Prelate Under whose hand writing and others also much of the matter is made evident to rectifie misunderstandings Intentionally thereby to end disputes The Historian takes
be evil because mine were good And having signed both these Bills the King sent Sir Dudley Carleton Secretary of State to the Earl to acquaint him what he had finished the necessity urging him so to do together with the Earls free consent and the return of his Paper-promise which ballanced all The Earl amazed seriously asked him whether his Majesty had passed the Bill as not believing without some astonishment that the King would have done it And being again assured that it was passed He arose from his Chair and standing up lift his eyes to Heaven clapt his hand upon his heart and said Put not your trust in Princes nor in the sons of men for in them there is no salvation I have been assured from him that heard the King speak it and others confirming that the Bishop of London did not disswade nor perswade the King in the passing of the Bill but wisely or cunningly said nothing at all Nor does it appear that any of the other Bishops Lincoln onely excepted did any way press the King to his death And for satisfaction of all the world that the Arch-bishop of Armagh did not urge his death but rather the contrary I was present when it was diâ—â—â—ursed by a person of honour and honesty one that in these times and in these particulars thus controverted would not be positive but in the truth And as willingly as necessarily he hath set it under his hand and ready to justifie it with his Oath and Honour in these words and so witnessed by those that were present That the late King being in the Garison of Oxford a publick rumour passed that the Arch-bishop of Armagh was then dead and so intimated to the King in his Bed-chamber who was pleased to resent the news with much sorrow and with very high expression of the Prelates remarkable piety and learning and so said all that were present in confidence of his great endowments of exemplary virtues Except Sir said one in his advice to your Majestie to the hasty resolution of the Lord Strafford's death To which the King in some passion replied It was false protesting with an Oath his innocencie therein and that after the Bill was passed said the King the Arch-bishop came to me with much regret and sorrow and that the Arch-bishop wept bitterly This as a great truth I am ready to aver says the Relator by my Oath and Honour as I do now under my hand this eighth day of May 1656. W. L. Hereupon having this under his hand and witness I urged the question with another person of like Honour who said that himself was present at that time relating the very same words in effect as the former and both of them I spake with apart many miles asunder and neither of them witting of the use which I now make thereof they mentioned each other to be present And this also is certified upon his Oath and Honour and under his hand also and witnesses G. K. And now we shall see what the Arch-bishop of Armagh hath been pleased to signifie as to the Observatours pag. 240. concerning the result of the Bishops That Sunday morning the five Bishops writes he for so many they were London being one of them were sent for by the King himself and not sent to him by the Houses of Parliament amongst whom the Bishop of Durham and Carlile were so far from depending wholly upon the judgment of the other two whom the Observatour accounts Politicians that they argued the case themselves as fully as did any other To the Argument of one of them the King also returned this Answer that his Syllogism was faulty because it had in it four terms And for that most uncharitable surmise writes he concerning the Arch-bishop of Armagh as if the displeasure he had conceived against the Lord Lieutenant were so great that it could not be satisfied but by the seeking of his very bloud It is hard to say whethâ—â—hat calumny be more malicious or ridiculous for both the ground of that conceited grudg is utterly false the Articles of Religion established in the Church of Ireland having been never abrogated by him or any other And in the ordering of this his the Earls last business there was no man with whom he held greater correspondency than with the Primate himself whereof this may be sufficient proof that as before his condemnation he did from time to time consult with him touching his answer to their present charge so also afterwards having obtained from the Parliament that the Primate might be sent unto him to prepare him for his death He chearfully imbraced his spiritual instructions prayed with him sent messages to the King by him and by no means would dispense with him for being absent from his Execution But taking him by the hand led him along to the Scaffold where with incomparable courage and as himself professed even then ready to lay hown his head without the least touch of any passion or fear he rendered up the spirit to him that gave it And as to the Historian's Paragraph pag. 263. l. 33. The Earl proceeding c. This Paragraph says the Arch-bishop is wholly to be left out for at his passing to the Scaffold there was a great silence amongst the people all of them universally commiserating his case in an extraordinary manner and with great passion lifting up their hands to heaven for him And to the Historian pag. 263. l. 38. The Earl being brought c. The Earl says the Arch-bishop being brought to the Scaffold his Chaplains prayed with him and himself remaining still upon his knee rehearsing with great reverence the five and twenty Psalm Afterwards arising he addrest his Speech unto the people to this effect after following But the occasion of the mistakes of the addressing of his Speech unto the Lords as the Historian hath My Lords It should be My Lord which the Earl used in the Singular Number turning himself to the Arch-bishop who stood by him as appears by the Pamphlet presently published concerning his suffering where the tenour of his Speech which he then used is to be taken as agreeing almost with the very syllable by him used and not as the Historian hath it for thus in truth it was My Lord Primate c. as hereafter in due place But to return to the tenth of May the King having the day before signed both Bills that of the continuation of the Parliament and this for the execution of the Earl and with one Pen of Ink and at one instant he sets his hand to the loss of himself and to the destruction of his faithfull and most able Counsellour and Servant The next day eleventh of May he being extremely troubled at what he had done concerning the Earl he vouchsafes to write to the Lords and sends this Letter by his Son the Prince of Wales My Lords I did yesterday satisfie the justice of the Kingdom by passing the Bill of Attainder
against the Earl of Strafford but mercie being as inherent and inseparable to a King as justice I desire in some measure to shew that likewise by suffering that unfortunate man to fulfill the natural course of his life in close imprisonment yet so that if he ever make the least offer to escape or offer directly or indirectly to meddle in any sort of publick business especially with me either by Message or Letter it shall cost him his life without further process This if it may be done without the discontentment of my people will be an unspeakable contentment unto me To which end as in the first place I by this Letter do earnestly desire your approbation and to endear it the more have chosen him to carry it who is of all your House most dear unto me So I desire that by conference you will endeavour to give the House of Commons contentment likewise Assuring you that the exercise of mercie is no more pleasing to me than to see both Houses of Parliament consent for my sake that I should moderate the severitie of the Law in so important a case I will not say that your complying with me in this my intended mercie shall make me more willing but certainly it will make me more chearfull in granting your just grievances But if no less than his life will satisfie my people I must say Fiat justitia Thus again recommending the consideration of my intentions to you I rest Your unalterable and affectionate Friend CHARLS R. If he must die it were charitie to reprieve him till Saturday To this Letter the Lords conceived this Order the same day May 11. 1641. This Letter all written with the Kings own hand we the Peers this day received in Parliament delivered by the hands of the Prince It was twice read in the House and after serious but sad consideration the House resolved presently to send twelve of the Peers Messengers to the King humbly to signifie that neither of the two intentions exprest in the Letter could with dutie in us or without danger to his Consort the Queen and all the young Princes their Children be possibly admitted Which being accomplished and more expressions offered his Majestie suffered no more words to come from us but out of the fulness of his heart to the observance of justice and for the contentment of his people told us that what he intended by his Letter was with an If If it may be done without discontentment to his people If it cannot be I say again the same that I wrote Fiat justitia My other intention proceeding out of charitie for a few days respite was upon certain information that his estate was distracted that it necessarily required some few daies respite for setlement thereof Whereunto the Lords answered Their purpose was to be suiters to his Majestie for favour to his innocent Children and that their Fathers provision for them might be confirmed Which pleased the King who thereupon departed from the Lords At his Majesties departure the Lords offered up to the King the original Letter which he had sent but he was pleased to say What I have written to you I shall be content it be registred by you in your House in which you see my minde I hope you will use it to mine honour Upon the return of the Lords thus much was reported to the House by the Lord Privie Seal Upon the fatal day Wednesday the twelfth of May the Earl was summoned to his period being conveyed from his Chamber in the Tower with these Ceremonies before him went the Marshal's men next them the Sheriff's Officers with Halberts then the Warders of the Tower being of the King's Guard and after the Earl's Gentleman Usher bare and then himself accompanied with the Primate of Ireland and others in his way passing by the Lodging of the Arch-bishop of Canterburie a Prisoner and casting up his eye to his Window where he looked out desired his Prayers and his Blessing who after some collection of his sadness resolved into comfort and doubted not when his own turn came that he should taste that bitter Cup with a most Christian courage The Earl being come to the Scaffold upon the Hill he addrest his Speech to the Lord Primate My Lord Primate of Ireland It is my very great comfort that I have your Lordship by me this day and I do thank God and your Lordship for it in regard that I have been known to you these many years I should be very glad to obtain so much silence as to be heard a few words but I doubt I shall not the noise is so great I come hither by the good will and pleasure of Almightie God to pay the last debt which I ow to sin which is death and by the blessing of that God to rise again through the merits of Jesus Christ to righteousness and life eternal I am come hither to submit to that Iudgment which hath passed against me I do it with a very quiet and contented minde I do freely forgive all the world a forgiveness that is not spoken from the teeth outwards as they say but from the very heart I can very well say in the presence of Almightie God before whom I stand that there is not a displeased thought arising in me towards any creature I thank God I can say and that truly too and my conscience bears me witness that in all the imploiments since I had the honour to serve his Majestie I never had any thing in the purpose of my heart but what tended to the joint and individual prosperitie of the King and people If it hath been my fortune to be mis-understood surely I am not the first that hath been so it is the common portion of us all whilest we are in this life to err but righteous judgment we must wait for in another place for here we are very subject to be mis-judged one of another There is one thing I desire to free my self of and I am confident speaking it now with so much chearfulness that it cannot be but that I shall obtain your Christian charitie in the belief of it I did alwaies think the Parliaments of England the happiest Constitutions that any Kingdom or Nation lived under and next under God the best means to make the King and his people happie so far have I been from being against Parliaments For my death I here acquit all the world and beseech the God of Heaven heartily to forgive them though in the intentions and purposes of my heart I am innocent of what I die for And my Lord Primate it is a very great comfort unto me that his Majestie conceives me not meriting so severe and heavie a punishment as is the uttermost execution of this Sentence I do insinitely rejoice in this mercie of his and I beseech God to return it upon him that he may findâ— mercie when he stands most in need of it I wish this
allowing to the King onely Primus accubitus in coenis And why onely Stephen Was it not voted by Act of the Parliament at Oxford and concluded in several Articles That Edward 2. life was taken away by Bishop Thorlton The story is that this Man Adam de Orlton was Bishop of Hereford took a Text 2 Kings 4. Caput meum aegrotat My head my head aketh whereby he advised the cure of a sick head of the Kingdom to be cut off and therefore must be guilty of his Murder afterwards Indeed there was an enigmatical Verse fathered also upon him Edvardum occidere nolite timere bonum est which Verse the Bishop utterly denied Then comes he to Edward 3. that Iohn Arch-bishop of Canterbury incited the King and Parliament to a bloudy War with France And why John Was it not voted in Parliament where all the Peers were as hot upon it as he Indeed because the Clergie in those days spake better sense than an ignorant unlearned Lord many Historians father the ill success of former actions upon them Promotors of the Designs as if in re stulta sapientes and in malo publico facundi That in Parliament the Laity offered Richard 2. a Fifteenth if the Clergy would also give a Tenth and a half which William le â—ourtney Arch-bishop opposed as not to be taxed by the Laity and thereupon the Lords besought the King to deprive them of their Temporalities thereby says he to humble them to humble them and damn the Authours of Sacrilege and cruelty yet were they mercifull not to take away all Spiritualities also Then follows H. 4. an Usurper he says and that the Bish. of Carlile opposes him in a Speech and therein so reasonable was the cause just I cannot say that the Lords combined to depose him for there were living of the House of Clarence Title to precede his of Mortimer for whom five other Bishops went Ambassadours abroad to get assistance and those Bishops also scape not the censure of doing evil by justifying this others Right to the Crown and deposed him also but then it was so voted in Parliament and therefore not all the blame to be laid upon those Bishops that acted but their part and it is true that in a Parliament in that Kings Reign a Bill was exhibited against the Temporalities of the Clergie but not passed Parliamentum indoctorum says one and the Commons fitter to enter Common with their Cattle Henry 5. succeeds he says who was incited by Arch-bishop Chidley to revive his Title to France with the effusion of much bloud and ill success And was it not true that the King had good Title to France And the same cause had Edward 3. And as just was it against the domestick Title of Henry 4. and so in sum in either of the Bishops by their Council You say it was not the Office of Bishops to incense Wars either Domestick or Foreign But then Policy is pickt up for a Reason being you say to divert the King from reforming the Clergy That in the time of Henry 6. the Protectour Duke of Glocester accused Beaufort Cardinal of Winchester But then take all the story he was also Chancellour of England great Uncle to this King Son to John of Gaunt and his Brother Cardinal of York and the greatest Crime intended was because of his greatness which the Protectour durst not trust and therefore devised a Charge of which he was not guilty but acquitted by Parliament Edward 4. follows who was taken Prisoner he says by Arch-Bishop Nevil declaring him an Usurper and entailed the Crowns of England and France upon Henry and his Issue male and in default upon Clarence disabling King Edward's eldest Brother He was a party in the Plot if there were any but then take the Junto of the Authours it was the power of that great Warwick and others that did create and unmake Kings at pleasure the confusion of the right submitting to power whether right or wrong Edward 5. his Crown was by the Prelates placed on his murderous Uncle Richard 3. the Cardinal Archbishop taking the Brother Richard out of Sanctuary that so both of them might be taken away That Cardinal was a great Actour therein but the Duke of Bukingham did the business upon whose head the Cardinal would have set the Crown who had no right thereto Henry 7. he says was perswaded by the same Cardinal Morton and prevailed to the Crown He might assist therein what honest English man would not have done so But to say that the Cardinal was the main Instrument we shall want the force of all Arguments but Gods good Providence Henry 8. called the Bishops half Subjects to him Wolsey and Campeius refused to give Judgment for his Divorce Numbring up against them the Petitions Supplications and Complaints of godly Ministers Doctour Barns Latimer Tyndal Bean and others And were not some of these godly men Bishops also That the Statutes of 31 Henry 8. yet in force against them That in Anno 37. Letters Patents were granted to Lay-men to exercise all manner of Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction as the Kings Officers not the Bishops Let us never deduce Reason or Iustice from that Kings Actions more like an Atheist than a Christian either Ecclesiastical or Temporal besides the Mutation and Change of Religion then not affording any good President in either kinde But thus much as in excuse was in time of Popery He proceeds to others no less detestable he says nay more heinous since the Reformation but with this Proviso that in the Reigns of all the succeeding Sovereigns to this present he charging those reverend Bishops good men chief Pillars of the Church great Lights of Learning they doing those things as Bishops which he believes they would not have done as private Ministers to hold their Bishopricks to please great Lords Princes Kings and Emperours have not onely yielded but perswaded to introduce Idolatry to dis-inherit right Heirs to Kingdoms and force good Princes to Acts unnatural and unjust But he is not against Episcopacy or a Church-government but so much degenerate it is from the first substance Vox praeterea nihil yet would not have it demolished till a better Model be found out God-a-mercy for that And presently he charges Arch-bishop Cranmer and Bishop Ridley for perswading Edward 6. that the Lady Mary might be permitted Mass in her own Chapel more like Politicians than Divines though not prevailing with that pious Prince She was the right Heir apparent to her Brother and the onely right Issue to the Crown begotten no doubt in lawfull Matrimony bred up in Romish and the might of Charls the Emperour would and did in Reason and Policy afford her liberty of her Profession without any scandal upon those Bishops for their opinion therein her Mother had suffered too much injustice and it was no justice to have denied to her Daughter this desire After Edward 6. those two Bishops Cranmer and Ridley says he
and Figures within the Churches and afterwards from without suppressing the very Signs and Sign-posts and this curiosity of Imployment was conferred upon such as had least to do and could intend to be busied abroad Sir Robert Harloe was found out to be the fittest person which makes me remember Chaucer's Character of such another A busier man there never was Yet seemed busier than he was The King had given knowledg of his Resolution to journey to Scotland and to set out the tenth of August to which the Houses had agreed but now thus near they desire the King to put it off a Fortnight longer the great affairs of State necessarily requiring his presence and instanced in some Bills yet to be passed and some settlement for the Government of the Kingdom in his absence he told them the warning was so long since as that they might have hastened their business to that purpose And so the same day passed some Bills for Knighthood free making of Gun-pouder and Saltpeter and signed a Commission for passing Bills in his absence unto the Lord Keeper the Lord Privy-Seal the Earl of Lindsey Earl of Essex Marquess Hartford the Earl of Bath and the Earl of Dorset And signed to another Bill for the Earl of Essex General of all his Forces on this side Trent by which he had power to raise Forces in case of necessity but to that request that the Earl of Pembroke should be made Lord high Steward in the place of the Earl of Arundel now absent and the Earl of Salisbury to be Lord Treasurer he had no minde to either of them But the day before the King's Journey into Scotland and the Parliament serious in some sudden affairs of importance they were forced to lay aside the solemnity of this Day being Sunday and to sit from Morning till Night but not to bring it into President they publish in Print That for many urgent occasions they thought it necessary to sit and do declare so much that no inferiour Court or Council or any person may draw this into Example for their encouragement in neglecting the due observation of the Sabbath Sunday August 8. And then they adjourned untill the twentieth of October and a standing Committee of the House of Commons consisting of fifty Members appointed during the Recess But the King gone to Scotland the Parliament at leisure to frame business against his return such a Freedom and Liberty was taken up of the People and such connivance from the Parliament as somewhat like the late Comedy The World turn'd up side down Many Jealousies in the hearts of the People many Divisions and Differences in Opinion which little favour the Parliaments proceedings The Prelatical party utterly discountenanced and Learning discouraged the Universities neglected Orthodox men slighted A wonderfull liberty and licence afforded to the Communalty of a long time had now taken root and Riots too Every one as his fancy increased took upon him by connivance of several Members of several Opinions to countenance such who without other authority order or decency rudely and riotously disturbing Church-service in time of Prayers tearing the Book of Liturgy the Surplices and such things which the Parliament onely connived at being to use such a considerable party in time of need Ridiculous Conventicles and Preachings in Conventicles nay openly in corners of the Streets by Trades-men Tub-preachers to the general scandal of all good men In earnest to wise men and religious these courses were offensive and thereby grew disaffected to Parliaments but there were ways invented some were taken off by Preferments others deterred and most men distracted with these varieties exprest a Mutation and change of Church and State which after followed Insolencies and Disorders in the Populacy uncorrected or connived at grow up to Insurrections and Rebellions as with the late Actions of the Scots after whose Example the Irish Nation resolve of the like Freedom the one of Reformation the other of old ancient Popery National pretence either had but the effects of the former were soon smothered and pacified for the present but this other taking fire in time of our English Distractions which afforded them means and boldness to contrive the most horrid Rebellion in Ireland that after-ages will not easily believe It fell out in the Kings absence at Scotland and so we shall take up that time to enter the Reader in the former part of that miserable story and first of all to give some account of the Grounds and their rebellious pretences Somewhat we have said concerning the State of Ireland from the first Conquest of the English to these times of King Charls who highly indulged his Subjects there in this last Year 1640. upon their late Complaints and their general Remonstrance to him from the Parliament sitting at Dublin by a Committee of four Temporal Lords of the Upper House and twelve Members of the House of Commons instructed to represent the heavy pressures which they pretended to have suffered under the Government of the Earl of Strafford The King took their Grievances into his royal consideration heard them himself and presently provided for their redress And upon the decease of Master Wansford Master of the Rolls in Ireland and then Lord Deputy under the Earl of Strafford who still continued Lord Lieutenant of that Kingdom though then accused of high Treason and imprisoned in the Tower of London the King sent a Commission of Government to the Lord Dillon of Kilkenny West and Sir William Parsons Knight and Baronet Master of the Wards there but finding his choice of Dillon to be much disgusted by the Irish Committee that Commission was forthwith cancelled with their approbation he placed the Government upon Sir William Parsons and Sir John Burlace Knight Master of the Ordnance both of them persons of great integrity who took the Sword the ninth of February 1640. who applied them selves with all possible content to the People In abating the Subsidies there being given in the time of the Earl of Strafford from fourty thousand pounds each Subsidy to twelve thousand pounds a piece so low were they reduced and drew up two Acts in Parliament most impetuously desired by the Natives The one was the Act of Limitations which settled all Estates of Land there for sixty years preceding The other Act for the relinquishment of the Kings Right and Title to the four Counties in Conaught legally found for him by several Inquisitions and ready to be disposed of to Brittish Undertakers as also to some Territories in Munster and Clare upon the same Title And that the King might testifie his own settled resolution for his future grace and favours to them he did about the end of May 1641. declare the Earl of Leicester Lord Lieutenant General of Ireland perhaps upon the former score as Heir to his Uncle Sir Philip Sidney as to Sir Henry Sidney his Grand-father who had been Governour of Ireland in time
And so the War was mannaged by the cursed Irish and also by the Parliamentaries Scots and English against the Kings party being commanded by his General the Marquess of Ormond alone to defend himself which could not last over long for the Kings Forces in England being defeated and the Irish Rebells straitning Dublin with a Siege thought it more honourable to surrender to the Parliaments Forces that and what ere the King held in Ireland than to suffer the Interest of the English and Protestants to fall under the power of the Irish and so retires himself But after the Kings Imprisonment in the Isle of Wight and no further address to him Ormond goes over again with new Instructions and dignified with the Title of the Lord Deputy of Ireland with intent to make the best Peace he could and so to associate the English Scots and Irish to him many English and Irish conjoyn and Inchequin also upon the Kings Death with Preston and Taff and the mindes of others remaining in suspence the Scots forbear hostility giving good hopes to unite with Ormond To counterpoise these the Governour of Dublin Colonel Jones for the Parliament are deprehended in the same Embraces with Owen Roe the Rebells General and so are associated together with their Forces which Ormond not able to suppress after many Encounters yielded up all that he possessed for the King and his succeeding party after and retired into foreign parts where he now remains Thus in brief the Particulars follow It is true that Sir William Cole upon bare apprehensions of something had writ a letter to the Lords Justices the eleventh of Octâ—ber of great resort to Sir Phelem Oneal in the County of Tirone as also to the Lord Mac Guire in the County of Formanagho that Mac-Guire had often journeyed into the pale was continually busied in Letters and dispatches And then afterwards Sir William Cole certified by Letters of the one and twentieth of October of what was revealed to him by several Irish viz. to seize upon the Castle of Dâ—blin to murder the Lords Justices and Council and Protestants there and so over all Kingdom But these Letters never came to their hands nor any warning till the Evening of the day of Rebellion When many of the Conspirators arrived at Dublin and the three and twentieth of October 1641. met at the Lion Tavern neer Copper Alley Owen O Conally a Gentleman of a meer Irish family but a true Protestant by long Conversation with the English addressed himself to the Lord Justice Parsons about nine a clock that night and made a broken relation of a great conspiracy to seize the Castle at Dublin giving him the names of them now come expressly for that purpose and to attempt it the next morning and that Hugh mac Mahon was one of them who had told him so much with whom he had been drinking and so distempered his Lordship gave the less belief However he commanded him to return to Mac mahon to get out more of the plot and not faile to return back that night to his Lordship who in the mean time with all possible speed and secrecie ordered strong Guards in every corner And about 10. a clock went to the Council with Barlace without the Town and Sir Thomas Rotheram and Sir Robert Meridith Chancellor of the Exchequer where expecting the return of Conally he was seized by the watch ready to be carried to prison to the hazzard of all had not a servant of the Lord Parsons rescued him and so was brought to the Council and somewhat recovered of his former distemper told this Tale. That he being at Monimore in the County of London Derrey on Tuesday he received a Letter from Colonel Hugh Oge Mac mahan to come to Conaught in the County of Monaghan and to be with him on Wednesday last whither he came accordingly but Hugh being gon to Dublin he followed him hither and came about six a clock this Evening and forthwith went to his Lodging found him there without the Town and â—oth together came to the Lodging of the Lord Mac Guire but he not at home they two returned back again Hugh telling him that this night great number of the Irish Noblemen Papists would arrive in Town who with himself would take the Castle by Morning then to force the City by the Ordinance 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 houre designed viz. to morrow by ten a clock and that all possible posting or speed could not prevent it And Conally moved Hugh rather to discover it 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 to imitate Scotland who got their priviledge by that course And Hugh swore that they would not part but go together to the Castle and if this matter were discovered some body should die for it whereupon Conally fained some necessity for his easement to go out of the chamber leaving his sword in pawn Hugh's Man comming down with him into the yard where in a trice he leaped over a wall and two pales and so came to the Lord Justice Parson Examined the two and twentieth of October 1641. Owen O Conally Hereupon The Justices instantly sent and seized Mac-Mohan and his Man who forthwith came to the Council and confessed all the plot That on that very day all the forts and Castles of Ireland would be surprized That he with the Lord Mac Guire Hugh Birn Captain Brian Oneale and others were come to surprize Dublin Castle and that twenty men of Each County were to meet here to joyn with them That all the Nobility and Gentry Papists were confederates impossible to be prevented and how ever they used him now in their power his blood would be revenged Then Mac Guire and others were suddainly seized on and the Town filling with strangers the Council removed into the Castle and by this time a rumor of something gave Items to Hugh Birn and Roger Moor chief of the conspirators who escaped over the River and so did Plunket and Fox but thirty others were taken of the meanest quality the chief Actors found friends enough in the Town to help their escape The next day The Lords Justices Proclaimed the discovery of a Disloyal and detestable Conspiracy intended by some evil affected Irish Papists against the lives of the Lords Justicâ—s and Council and others his Majesties faithful Subjects throughout this Kingdome c. We therefore require all good Subjects to betake themselves to their own defence c. And to advertise us with all speed of all occurents which may concern the peace of the Kingdome and we require that care be taken that no levies be made of men for foraign
hundred thousand pounds and make this Order The Lords and Commons c. having a due regard to the affections of the City of London particularly for fifty thousand pounds lent for the Irish affairs and fifty thousand pounds more lent to the Peers attending the King in the Northern parts before the beginning of this Parliament which are not yet paid shall be satisfied with Interest out of Moneys which are or shall be raised by Parliament and an Act to be passed therefore with all expedition Provided not to prejudice any Payments formerly appointed to be paid to any Members of Parliament that have lent any Moneys heretofore or before this Ordinance But to return to Ireland the Lords Justices and Council hastily provide for the victualling the Castle of Dublin for safety of that City and Commissions of Martial Law granted to several persons active men though Papists whom as yet they in prudence would not suspect as it appears to the Lord of Garmanston who after amongst the Popish Governours deserted their houses and openly declared themselves in actual Rebellion and found in his house which was in effect That they had power to whom they were directed Not onely to use Fire and Sword for the destruction of the Rebells and their Adherents but also to preserve the lives of any of them and to receive any of them into his Majesties mercy and favour which shewed their Intentions to reduce a rebellious Nation with lenitives which failing in the Cure they were enforced to violent Medicines Nay more to these in general now delivered Arms and Ammunition as to the Lord Garmonston for five hundred men for the County of Meath and so proportionable to others for all the Counties of the Pale and others round about arming the Enemy to cut the English throats so that by the midst of November several other Counties declare for the Rebells in Lemster and other Provinces and from all these places of Insurrection the poor miserable English that could fly were forced to come to Dublin for succour where they miserably perished for want of Relief that the publick burying places could not contain their Corps The Town of Dublin thus settled by Proclamation they prohibited the access of strangers to the Town and for loose people to depart Some Troops of Horse and Regiments of Foot were forthwith raised Sir Charls Coot had a Commission for a Regiment which he made up out of the poor wandring English and so had the Lord Lambert The Earl of Ormond was now arrived at Dublin with his Troop complete Curassers of an hundred men Sir Thomas Lucas with his Troop Captain Armstrong with his Troop Captain Yarner with his Troop Colonel Crawford a Scotchman came from thence recommended from the Prince Elector now with the King in Scotland And Sir Charls Coot made Governour of Dublin In August before the Rebellion the Parliament there had been adjourned to the seventeenth of November but upon the Rebellion the three and twentieth of October the Parliament was prorogued till to the four and twentieth of February which offended the Irish Papists Members as if so long time would be lost and no Grievances relieved Hereupon the Parliament had leave to sit one whole Day in case they would make a clear Protestation against the Rebells so that on the seventeenth of November there met a very thin Parliament of both Houses but the Popish would not endure to style the Insurrection a Rebellion but that they had rebelliously and traiterously raised Arms as the Protestation it self set forth by Parliament expresseth in effect Whereas the happy and peaceable estate of this Realm hath been of late and still is interrupted by sundry persons ill-affected to the peace c. who have traiterously and rebelliously raised Arms c. The said Lords and Commons in Parliament do detest and abhor their abominable actions c. and shall and will maintain the Rights of his Majesties Crown the Government peace and safety thereof against all opposers c. And if they shall not within a time limited lay down Arms submit and be suiters for grace and favour then the Lords and Commons will take up Arms and will with their lives and fortunes suppress them Phil. Percival Cler. Parl. The Parliament send Commissioners to treat with the Rebells in the North who heightened with their late Victories barbarously tore the Order of Parliament and Letter sent to them and returned a most scornfull Answer Within a few days after the Lord Dillon of Costelo and the Lord Taff imbarqued for England but by storm were driven into Scotland and so posted towards London and at the Town of Ware their Papers were seized and their persons committed by the Parliament of England and one Master Thomas Burk there at that time when the King retired to York and the Breach began in England where these Lords found means to ingratiate themselves at Court and so brought on the Cessation of Arms in Ireland which followed The twentieth of November the Lords Justices and Council sent a more particular account of the affairs of Ireland to the Lord Lieutenant who returns Answer that he had acquainted the King at Edinburgh with all their Dispatches and that his Majesty had referred the whole business of Ireland to the Parliament of England who had undertaken the charge and mannagement of the War as appears by the Order of Parliament transmitted over to Dublin where it was reprinted Novemb. 12. 1641. The Lords and Commons in this present Parliament being advertised of the dangerous Conspiracy and Rebellion in Ireland c. do intend to serve his Majesty with their Lives and Fortunes for the suppressing of this wicked Rebellion as shall be thought most effectual by the wisdom and authority of Parliament And have provided for a present supply of Money and raising six thousand Foot and two thousand Horse to be sent from England being the full proportion desired by the Lords Iustices in that Kingdom with a resolution to add such further succours as the necessity of those affairs shall require As also for Arms Munition and Victuals and other necessaries and have appointed three Ports Bristol Westchester and one other in Cumberland for Magazines and Store-houses They resolve likewise to be suiters to his Majesty for encouragement of such as shall upon their own charges raise Horse or Foot for this service that they shall be honourably rewarded with Lands of Inheritance in Ireland And for the better inducing the Rebells to repent they do hereby commend it to the Lords Iustices according to the power of Commission granted them to bestow his Majesties Pardon to such as shall in a convenient time return to obedience the greatest part whereof they conceive have been seduced upon false grounds And likewise to bestow such Rewards as shall be thought fit upon such as shall bring the Heads of the principal Traitours c. John Brown Cler. Parl. The Earl of Leicester having thus
horse of the Lord Ormonds Troop made their way through without loss of a man A great loss to us and a greater gain to the Rebells of Ammunition and monies and now it appeared plain who were the Enemies in the Pale heretofore Neuters The Governour of Drogheda upon our Scouts intelligence issued out with 600. foot and two Troopes of horse but came too late and now it became certain that whilst the Commissioners were in the Treaty at the Town they themselves were of this Plot. Not long after the Enemy took another advantage The Master of a Chester Bark corrupted by some Popish Merchants abroad he run her on ground at the Skerms in faire weather riâ—â—ing the English Passengers of store of money and fraughted with powder and Ammunition designed for Dublin At the which Landing of the English the Lord Netherfield as in favour to them sent them to Dublin assuring them that he would take Tredagh the next morning which was believed at Dublin before the Account and evermore in these surprisals the Enemy would boast of the special hand of Gods providence in their successes and likelyhood to deliver the Kingdom unto Catholiques The Lords and Gentlemen of the Pale being secretly the first contrivers of the Rebellion and had now drawn the Rebells down from the North into the Pale and that presently after the defeat of the English at Gelianston bridge the Lord Germanston a secret conspiratour summons the County at Dulick and after to the Hill of Crofty to the number of 1000. persons to whom came divers of the chief Leaders of the Northern Rebells where they are associated to live and die in their quarrel And a week after the like summons was to all the Lords and Gentry of the County of Meath to meet at the Hill of Taragh where multitudes assembled And now by reason the Northern Rebells had setled their Camp within the River of Boyne besieging Tredagh between that and the City of Dublin and all entercourse of the Pale interrupted the passages stopt so that the State were ignorant of what passed there They therefore called a grand Council of the Lords within distance of Dublin and so Letters were posted to them in effect That the State had present occasion to confer with them concerning the present estate of the Kingdom and the safety thereof And pray and require to his Lordship to be at Dublin the eight day of this Moneth at which time others of the Peers will be here From his Majesties Castle of Dublin the third of December 1641. To our very good Lord Georg Earl of Kildare Your very loving friends William Parsons John Buclaâ—r c. And the same day to other several persons who near about that time had made the publick Combination with the Ulster Rebells And there they frame their General answer thus in effect May it please your Lordship We have heretofore presented our selves and freely offered our advice and furtherance which was by you neglected c. Having received advertisement that Sir Charls Coot had uttered at the Council-board some speeches tending to execute upon these of our Religion a general Massacre by which wee are deterred to wait on your Lordships not having security for the safety of our lives but rather to stand upon our Guard till we shall be secured from perills Nevertheless we all protest to continue faithfull advisers and furtherers of his Majesties service concerning the present state of this Kingdome and the safety thereof Your Lordships humble servants Fingale Germaston Slame Dunsany Netervile Oliver Lowth Trimbleston Dec. 7. 1641. To this Letter the State gives answer by Proclamation with all satisfaction to the Lords to remove all misunderstandings and clear Sir Charls Coot from any such pretended speeches or any intention thereto and pray the Lords to attend the Board on the seventeenth day after But not prevailing Netervile and others of the Pale gather forces and quarter at Swores within six miles of Dublin and there encamped To whom the State send theiâ— warrant Immediately upon sight hereof to disband and separate and that Netervile and six other principal persons amongst them do appear to morrow morning at ten a Clock before the Council upon their utmost perills  Ormond Ossery c. Dec. 9. 1641. To which they answer That for the safety of their lives they were constrained to meet and resolve so to continue till they might be assured of their lives Hereupon by publique Proclamation the Earl of Ormond Lieutenant General of the Army hath warrant to suppress them and to bring up such shipping and vessels to the new Crane at Dublin and to destroy the rest the fourteenth of December The Rebels now declare Germanston general of their forces in the Pale Hugh Birne Lieutenant General and the Earl of Fingale General of their Horse and several Commissions to raise forces and in a very seemly order and proportion frame an Army with all manner of provisions accordingly The sad condition of Ireland was very often recommended to the King and Parliament of England with a proposition 10000. Scots to be sent over from Scotland with Letters met the King at his return from thence to London And Commissioners out of Scotland arrived at London to treat with the Parliament therein they make offer of 10000. men provided to receive forth an advance of 30000. l. of brotherly assistance to be afforded them by the Kingdom of England to have shipping for their transport and upon Landing in Ireland to have 100 horse joyn with each 1000 foot but to receive order and to obey their Scotish General which was condescended unto and great hopes of the effeâ—ts specially that the Parliament was so very often urged thereto by his Majesties several speeches as that of the fourteenth of December 1641. More he could not say or offer to do in person therein But ah alas all was delaied and nothing performed for the Parliament was more busied to quarrel their priviledges with the King and the house of Commons utterly refused to send any English Forces which the Lords proposed to be 1000. Foot so that Dublin began to be nearly distressed All the provinces of Munster likewise in rebellion The State therefore again send over Letters into England That the Rebells were formidable 20000 in a Body besides several other Brigadoes in divers Counties and complain that of the 20000. l. lately sent to them they received but 16000. But in fine the last of December arrives Sir Simon Harcourt with his Regiment out of England Tredagh was now beset on all sides by Sea and Land all ways of entercourse to Dublin stopped divers designs were devised for conveyance of intelligence thither And now upon this grand confedaracy of Meath and Lowth they style themselves the Catholique Army The Town increased their Fortifications Breast works before each Gate Platforms in convenient places where the walls were defective centinels put to their stands Ordnances mounted abundance
Ice and confessed that four Aldermens Wives sent him over to the Rebells with assurance that they might come over the Ice that night and for which service they had given him money and promised him more and confessed that the Rebells Answer was that they expected Intelligence from the men whose judgments would more prevail and fearing some Plot of the Governour they desired a better Token and Assurance On New-years day very early four of the Town-companies with a Troop of Horse resolved to visit some Quarters Northward but the Gates so frozen hindered the opening onely Captain Martin with his Company getting over the Wall killed fifteen and a Centinel and returned had the other got out they might have made them up as many hundreds so secure were the Enemy and ever flying any Aâ—sault left that Village and another to the fury of fire A Week after three hundred Foot and eighty Horse passed out at Saint Iohn's Port killed an hundred and forced an hundred into the River and drowned them amongst them one Art Ro Mac Moghon a great Commander they took fifty Arms Cows and other Booty burnt their Lodgings and pursued the Run-aways two Miles and not a Man of the English lost and so retreated And now the Town-victual was scarce confined to Herrings and Water without any Bread at all some Corn found stored up in Stacks was threshed and ground but by Querns not able to serve so many thousands Souldiers and Inhabitants the milch Cows killed and divided Coals grew scarce all firing of Wood whatsoever was spent all Provision for Horse failed which made them droop and unfit for service Sickness and Death raged every where Famine increased It was the eleventh of Ianuary that Relief came in a Pinnace a Frigot a Gabbard with two Shallops and another small Vessel all laden with Bisket and Munition of both extremely wanting But the wonderfull showres of the Enemies shot from each side the River and the Town Ordnance playing upon whole Companies which did execution on them but none of the English hurt yet the Enemy had sunk a Bark in the Channel to prevent Relief which was carried into the Sea with the Frost and chained the Channel which succeeded not coming in one Tide up the River to the Key without casting Anchor seldom seen before And in midst of the Towns jollity for this seasonable Blessing the Enemy took opportunity to make Invasion upon them This nights mirth made the Souldiers drunk Watches and all invited by the false Brethren Aldermen to strong Ale freely the Friers drawing in the Centinels from their Guards to be merry and securely asleep the Enemy at the early morning made a Breach in the Wall and were entered five hundred of the chief Commanders an hour and more undescried by the help of a dark night their Watch-word was Klan Patrick Saint Patrick's Childe and their own shout being come to the Key was the first Allarm rather by them intended to rouse their secret Friends being almost assured of their Design The Governour instantly ran out unarmed save with a Pistol in his hand caused a Drum to beat came to the Main Guard his own Company which his Ensign drew down to the Bridg and so met the Enemy whose Pikes being shorter by a yard charged them home to a Retreat after they had overturned a Drake The Governour having gotten more strength came to the God-speed and in the dark meets the Enemy which he took to be his own and by his tongue was known so that a Rebell le ts fly at him and hurt a Souldier beside him all give fire so effectual that the Enemy ran back the Lord Moor was this instant come in with but fifteen Horse which served the turn to chase them up the Hill others were lost in by-lanes and streets but by the light were soon discovered and paid dear for sculking and two hundred slain many of them principal Officers for it was their work of Gallantry and promised succesfull It may be imagined what mistakes happened in the dark of each other for but by their flight it was not discerned where the Breach opened for thâ—ir entrance an obscure place in an Orchard directed thither no doubt by intelligence from the Town-traitours without the Town were thousands expecting the opening of some Port which had been promised which being apprehended and to catch them in â—oils the Town set up a Bag-piper of theirs upon one of the Gates who merrily made them make more haste as if all were wone and upon other Gates they waved their Bonnets as signs of mirth It was some sport to see companies of straglers leaping Ditches for the nearer way and out of breath to get in with the first were buried and taken by Dozens and brought in a Rope till the Prisons were glutted Nor would they be enlightened with the truth till a Gun or two from the Mill Mount swept away thirty of them about the Walls Winde and Weather inviting our Pinnace prepared for her Voyage to fetch more Provision many a shot she scaped but a Fisher-boat in the rear steered on ground and was taken with thirty pounds of Pouder two Slings and one Harquebush and fourteen Prisoners who were exchanged The Pinnace also at an Ebb lay dry and was approached by an hundred men under shelter of Cart-loads of Furze ran under her very Stern with Pick-axes and Iron Crows began to bulge her but were beaten off by Captain Stutfield with Hand-granadoes killing many besides the execution of Musket and Cannon in their flight to the number of threescore the Pâ—nnace by lightning her Ballast and a change of Winde got off safe into the Pool and so the third day bid farewell In this time some hurt was done to the Lord Moor's Lands firing his Tenements Many Drum Parlies followed with Letters some so transcendent beyond all sense others vaporous and vanished into non-sense Two nights after there marched out fourty Musketiers under conduct of Lieutenant Greenham and twenty Horse commanded by Cornet Constable to fetch in some Stacks of Corn discovered by the Scouts these unexpectedly meet with five hundred in a Body newly come from the North and charge within half Musket-shot fought well at the first but shortly shogged and were routed threescore with a Lieutenant and an Ensign were killed nine Prisoners and one Ensign several Serjeants and two Colours marching home with this Triumph One of the Prisoners of quality was begirt with Saint Francis's Girdle as a Benediction for his Soul not for his Body for it scaped not the Bullet through the devoted Knots which was dyed from Grey to Bloud-red The next days Sally had better success firing three Villages took some Prisoners the English feasting themâ—elves with such countrey fare which their laden Backs could not bring home and new-cloathed with such Apparel as heretofore had been taken from their Fellows at Mellifont February the fourteenth a fresh Encounter by Sally invited the
all Irish Papists many of the chief Commanders now in the Head of the Rebells have been licensed to pass thither by his Majesties immediate Warrant His Majesty therefore having used all possible ways to prevent it he would be resolved if this Speech were so delivered by Master Pym that they review upon what information it was grounded and so to be found false and the King injured or the King to be assured by whose means his Authority has been so highly abused as to be made to conduce to the assistance of that abhorred Rebellion and so to see himself vindicated Febr. 7. To this Message they justifie the Authour Master Pym what he said to be the sense of the House and ordered to be printed and that they are so advertised had your Majesties Warrant and that some others have been staid and are yet in safe custody and named these to be the Lord Delvin and four others in his company and one supposed to be a Priest Colonel Butler Brother to the Lord Miniard now in Rebellion and Sir George Hamilton all Papists and another the Son of the Lord Nettersfield whose Father and Brother are now in Rebellion And are sorry that his Majesties extreme caution therein hath been so ill seconded by his Ministers of which they beseech him to prevent the future dishonour to his Majesty and mischief to the Kingdom Febr. 10. To this the King replies Whether such a general Advertising be ground enough for Master Pym's Speech and their positive Affirmation and challenges them to name any so warranted which he is assured that they cannot and bids them lay it to heart how this their Authority may trench upon his Honour in the affections of his good people as if not sensible enough of that Rebellion so horrid and odious to all good Christians by which in this Distraction what Danger may possibly ensue to his person and estate and therefore expects their Declaration to vindicate his Innocency and Honour And as for the Persons named Butler and Nettersfield had their Passes of his Majesty in Scotland long before any Restraint here being assured of Butler's loyal affection to his service and Uncle to the Earl of Ormond approved faithfull and both Protestants and of Nettersfield there never had been any the least suspition Nor did the King know of their Order of Restraint till Hamilton's stay who was the last that had any Licence And if any had been Papists yet of known integrity they may remember that the Lords Justices of Ireland declared in their Letters that they were so far from owning a publick Jealousie of all Papists that they had armed divers Noble-men of the Pale that were Papists and therefore expects their Declaration for his Vindication as in Duty and Justice they ought to do This he required but that they would not do and the King must sit down by the loss and rest so satisfied Nay they never left clamouring till he had turned out Sir Iohn Byron and put in Sir Iohn Coniers at their Nomination to be Lieutenant of the Tower of London And then they proceed to their Nomination of several fit persons for Trust of the Militia in their respective Counties And passes an Act for disabling all persons in Holy Orders to exercise any Temporal Jurisdiction or Authority as if no men of Religion were fit to do Justice He tells them by Message that to satisfie and compose all Distempers he will by Proclamation require all Statutes concerning Recusants to be put in execution That the seven condemned Priests shall be banished and all Romish Priests within twenty Days to depart the Kingdom That he refers the consideration of the Government and Lituâ—gie of the Church wholly to the Houses And offers himself in person to the Irish War Again the Parliament are at their five Members and Lords and Commons petition that though your Majestie â—inde cause to desert their Prosecution yet in their Charge the whole Parliament is imputed and therefore desire the King to send the Informers against the said Members with their suggestions to the Parliament to be proceeded as in 37 38 Edward 3. Thus forward they are and the Parliament begin to ordain the power of the Militia for safeguard of the Parliament Tower and City of London under the Command of Serjeant Major General Skippon approving all his Orders and Commands already therein by former Directions and now they establish him therein declaring that if any person shall arrest or trouble him for so doing he doth break the Privâ—leges of Parliament violate the Liberty of the Subject and is thereby declared an Enemy to the Common-wealth No more mention of King or Kingdom And they petition him to settle the Militia according to their Nomination of particular persons in Trust therein for all the several Counties To which the King respites till his Return being now to conduct the Queen and the Princess Mary to Dover for their Voyage into Holland Which they answer is as unsatisfactory as an absolute Denial pretending that the Irish endeavour to invade England with assistance of the Papists here Febr. 22. The Lord Digby for some passages heretofore to prevent the Censure of the Parliament was fled beyond Seas and had written three Letters one to the Queen and two others to Secretary Nicholas and Sir Lewis Dives which the Parliament intercepting and opening very maliciously â—omenting the Jealousie between the King and his People therefore upon the Desire of the King for that Letter to the Queen they send hâ—m all three with their prayers for the King to perswade her Majesty not to correspond with him or any other Fugitive or Traitours who depend on the Examination and Judgment of Parliament The King now returned from Dover from whence the Queen and the Princess Mary voyaged to Hâ—lland where she was to negotiate Forreign Aid and Assistance for the Kings Designs being too hot for him to remain at London sends to Hampton Court for the Prince to meet him at Greenwich wherein the Parliament were surprised as now doubting the effect and therefore send a Message thâ—t the Prince his Removal may be a cause to promote Jealousies and Fears which they conceive very necessary to avoid but could not prevail to prevent it The Parliament havâ—ng now the Militia the security of the Tower and City of London Trained Bands of the Kingdom and all the Forces out of the Kings hands they begin to think upon Propositions of themselves for reducing the Rebells of Ireland and order That two Millions and an half of those Acres to be confiscate of Rebells Lands in four Provinces may be allotted to such persons as will disburse Moneys for mannaging that War viz. For each Adventure of Two hundred pounds one thousand Acres in Ulster Three hundred pounds one thousand Acres in Connaught Four hundred and fifty pounds one thousand Acres in Munster Six hundred pounds one thousand Acres in Lemster All English Measure Medow Arable
the Laws of this Land God bless and assist the Laws for my preservation But his complete Answer to all comes in a Declaration to the Parliament and to the people Having little encouragement to Replies of this nature when he is told of how little value his words are with them though accompanied with love and justice He disavows the having any evil Counsellours about him but leaves such to their censure where they shall finde them in the mean time they ought not to wound his Honour under the common style of Evil Counsellours He hath formerly declared his faithfull affection to the Protestant profession his whole life answerable in practise which should rather be acknowledged by them than to declare any Design of his to alter it in this Kingdom Imprecating God to be witness and that the Judgments of Heaven may be manifested upon those that have or had any such Design As for the Scots Troubles these unhappy Differences are wrapt up in perpetual silence by the Act of Oblivion passed in Parliaments of both Kingdoms which stays him from any further Reply to revive the memory of these Evils He thinks himself highly and causlesly injured in his royal Reputation to have any Declaration Action or Expression of the Irish Rebells or any Letters or strange Speeches to be uttered by such in reference to beget any mis-apprehension in the people of his justice piety and affection an evident advantage to the Rebells by raising Fears to us here and security to them there Concerning this sense of his good Subjects in Ireland what hath he not done in his Messages to both Houses offering his own person ready to adventure for their Redemption being to give an account to God for his Interest in them He calls God to witness he never had thought of any Resolution with his late Army to raise a Faction in London or to force his Parliament That Captain Leg was then lately come from the Army to White-hall with a Petition from the Officers desiring the Parliament might have no interruption in the Reformation of the Church and State to the modell of Queen Elizabeths days and for confirmation to Sir Iacob Ashley of my opinion therein I writ C. R. The Petition will satisfie if you shew it Master Iermin was gone from White-hall before the Restraint nor had he the Kings Warrant after that time fo◠〈◊〉 Lord Kimbolton and the five Members it hath been rubbed over so oft that but looking to his former Answer they will appear abundantly satisfied He had great reason to raise a Guard at White-hall to secure his own person and to receive the dutifull tender of his good Subjects service which was all he did to the Gentlemen of the Inns of Court And assures them in the word of a King that the Lord Digby had left the Court with Warrant to pass the Seas before the Vote of the House of Commons or that his absence could be excepted against As for the wilde Advertisements from Rome Venice Paris the Popes Nuntio the Kings of France and Spain which he is confident no sober man in all the Kingdom can believe that the King is so desperate so sensless to entertain such Designs to bring the Kingdom in destruction and bury his Name and Posterity in perpeal infamy And having done with his Answer somewhat he says besides interrogates them Can there yet want evidence on his part to joyn with his Parliament Hath he given no earnest but words Bids them look back upon their own Remonstrance in November last of the State of the Kingdom which valued his Acts of Grace and Iustice at so high a Rate that it declared the Kingdom a Gainer though it should charge it self by Subsidies and Poll-money six Millions of Pounds besides the contracting the Scots Demands of two hundred and twenty thousand pounds Nay more hath he not passed these Bills for the Triennial Parliament for relinquishing his Title to impose upon Merchants Goods and his power of pressing of Souldiers for suppressing the Courts of Star-chamber High Commission regulating the Council-table Are thâ—se but words The Bills for the Forests the Stannerie Courts the Clerk of the Markets the taking away the Votes of the Bishops nothing but words What greater earnest can he give than the Bill for the continuance of this Parliament the length of which he wishes may never alter the nature of Parliaments and for a perfect reconciliation with his people he offers a free Pardon Nor doth he repent but will meet them to add more with alacritie and kindness for the peace honour and prosperitie of this Nation We have heard what he hath done and his promise to do more which the common man and of the wiser sort also conceived very satisfactory I remember Master Hambden's Answer to an honest Member who demanded what they could desire more He answered To part with his power and to trust it to us And to that end they went on First by resolving or absolving the Oath of Allegeance no whit prejudiced by the Ordinance of the defence of the Kingdom That the Kings Commissions of Lieutenancy over the respective Counties are illegal and void But that their Ordinance for the Militia is to be obeyed as the Fundamental Laws of this Kingdom And that these shall be the Heads of another Declaration The King removes on his way Northward evermore looks back with a Heart eâ—rning after his People and Kingdom and at Huntington March 15. sends them this Message That he means to make his Residence at York desires them to expedite the business of Ireland and if calamities increase upon that People he shall wash his hands before all the World from imputation unto him He expects that as he hath been forward to retract any Act of his entrâ—nâ—hing upon them so he expects an equal tenderness in them towards him in an uâ—questionable Privilege and fundamental His Subjects not to be obliged to obey any Act Order or Injunction to which his Majestie hath â—ot given consent And therefore he requires that they presume not upon any pretence of Order or Ordinance to which his Majestie is not a partie of the Militia or any other thing to do or execute against the Laws he being to keep the Laws himself and his Subjects to obey them and commends unto them his Message of Jan. 20. To this they give no other Answer but resolve their former Vote of the Militia That to have their Votes questioned or contradicted is an high Breach of Privilege of Parliament and a Committee appointed to examine where and by whom this Message was counselled being suspected therefore Favourers of the Rebellion in Ireland and return Message to the King justifying their last Declaration in every particular And lest the Parliaments late proceedings should work in the people any Jealousie of the Kings inclination to favour Popery He proclames for putting the Laws in due execution against Papists Recusants at Stamford March 16. At York he
as to a Bill for Education of their Children we have always wished it to be so and incourage you in it and we will do it The Reformation of Church-government and Liturgie we have sufficiently told you in our Answer to your Petition at Hampton Court Decemb. 1. To which they are referred As also in our first Declaration printed by advice of our Council and our Message of the fourth of February of all which we the more hoped of success because you seem now in this to desire but a Reformation and not as is frequently preached a Destruction of the present Discipline and Liturgie and we shall take care for preaching Ministers As to your Bills we can say nothing till we see them We would not have the Oath of all privie Counsellours and Iudges straitened to particular Statutes but to all Statutes of all Parliaments and shall willingly consent that an inquirie c. Therein we shall be most ready to joyn with the State of the United Provinces c. with our life and fortune if need require It was not our fault that an Act was not passed to clear Kimbolton and the five Members but yours that inserted such clauses in the Preamble and Act That no Member upon any accusation of Treason could be seized without consent of that House though the known Law be That Privilege of Parliament extends not to Treason And so how guiltie soever may have fair leave to run away and prevent his Trial. And concludes conjuring them and all men to rest satisfied with his profession and real intentions with some particular advises to them which he often hath hinted in most of his Answers And then to grant his general pardon c. If such an Answer as this proceeds from the advice and sufficiency of a few malignant Counsellours about the King when their nineteen Demands had been hammered out by labour and pains of a full Committee and then debated several days after we may rest satisfied that either the justice of the Cause easily carried on the consideration or that the Parliament party had the weaker pates And not onely is the King thus enforced to answer those above to the Parliaments Transactions but he is put to it to undeceive his Neighbours at Court the Commons of the County of York must be satisfied and therefore the King declares to them the Reasons of summoning the Gentry and not them That he never intended the least neglect unto them in any former Summons of the Countie his love excluding none And sums up to them the particular Reasons of his remove from White-hall enforced by Tumults as yet unpunished and securing himself here in their Countie on whose fidelitie he doth relie being to be used for the defence of the orthodox Religion professed by Queen Elizabeth the defence of the Laws and the peace of the Kingdom The Example of the Parliament having made him to prepare for a Guard so far from War as it serves onely to secure him and them His choice being of the prime Gentrie and of one Regiment of his Trained Bands never intending to use the force of strangers And these thus armed take the Oaths of Allegeance and Supremacie And intends to put the Trained Bands of all the Kingdom to be under persons of Honour and loyaltie to him and the Countie And all to protect them against oppressions and delusive fancies of such as presuming upon his royal Authoritie pretend by their Warrants to protect the people He intends to ease the Countie of their Trained Bands and Billet-money And shall make his grace and bountie to them answerable to their best fidelitie and loyaltie And now warlike preparations go on of both sides the Parliament most forward do order That all the Deputie Lieutenants of England and Wales that be not Members of the House of Commons be present at the several days and places of Training and Mustering the Counties and all Lords Lieutenants are ordered to dispatch their Warrants and Commissions accordingly and that some Members of both Houses shall be sent down to be present and to countenance the service June 4. Hereupon all the spare Lords that lookt for imployment are actively busied to repaire to the several Counties And henceforth Letters and avisâ—es from them to their favourites of both Houses are Posted to the Parliament of their vigilant services and the effects by wondrous appearance of the people then necessarily requiring the Parliaments Letters and Messages of thanks to them and to the Country together with Letters and submissions of the respective officers of each trained band to their right Honourable Lords Lieutenants acknowledging their indefatigable diligence herein and the tender of all their lives in the publique service which their Lordships are desired to commend to the knowledge of the supream Council of the Nation who must publish a grand Approbation of all which the others have don or shall do Then followes Resolutions upon several questions To provide for every County competent numbers of orders and Declarations of the House of Commons from time to time That every Minister Constable c. may have one of each How they shall be Printed how bundled up how transported so that a wonder it was how busily new Officers got imployments with such hurrying and posting up and down as if all this world were wilde for a war for now comes out Propositions and Orders of Parliament for bringing in of Money or Plate to maintain Horse Horsemen and Arms for the publique peace and defence of the King and both Houses of Parliament the tenth of Iune All the Northern Roads be searched by the Justices of Peace for seizing of Arms Ammunition of all sorts that are to be carried thitherward Then comes Intelligence from beyond the Seas by Letters from Amsterdam with a list of the number of Arms and Ammunition speedily to be furnished for the King upon jewels pawned by the Queen particularly mentioned and no doubt by him who was appointed by Her for that service But he prays that his own name may be concealed pour evitro de tiltre despiou though with zeal and ardour he professes he affects the good cause for which he is thus treacherous and being now dead I forbear to record to memory who he was The King provides Commissioners of Array and first to Leicestershire accompanied with his Letters to the Lords Lieutenants of the County Grounding his Commission on the votes of Parliament the fifteenth of March last That the Kingdom being in danger of Enemies abroad and a Popish party at home it is necessary to put the people into a posture of defence A small number of both Houses without the Kings consent or the opinion of the Judges have attempted by way of Ordinance to put in Execution the power of the Militia dispossessing such of the Nobility as He intrusted with the Command and â—ominated others of their own election and this design of theirs by a new way of Ordinance
being too forward in the Fight and incompassed by the Enemy his noble Son the Lord Willoughby hastned to his rescue not staying for greater assistance than such by chance about him and were both over-powred and taken Prisoners the Father â—ore wounded and evil intreated died the next day Sir Edmund Varney Knight Marshal and Standard-bearer was killed and the Standard ingaged till a gallant Gentleman Mr. Iohn Smith instantly shot him dead and rescued it for which service he was presently dubbed Knight and Bannoret the first of that Honour and bore the Standard after and relieved Colonel Fielding with some others of quality repulsing their Enemies Horse and followed the pursuit The Foot on both sides continued hot fiering untill the Day was spent and Night five a clock parted the Fight which no doubt was fairest on the Kings side had he enjoyed the Light somewhat longer to have increased his advantage towards a Victory It must be acknowledged that the General Essex his Regiment of Foot Colonel Hollis and Colonel Hambdem's stood the brunt of the Battel most of their Men being London Prentices fresh and good Firers did bold service Among the Plunder General Essex his Waggon Saddles Cloke-bags and Cabinet were taken and therein some Letters and Papers of Intelligence sufficient to discover one Blake a secret Traitor in the Kings Court for which he was forthwith hanged in the high way a sign to all Traitors betwixt Oxford and Abingdon this Fellow had been a Merchant and for some service at Sallie in Barbarie releasing English Slaves purchased repute at home which shadowed him from any suspition to be an Intelligencer at the Kings Court to divers his Corresponds City Friends for which he so suffered After the King had given the first Word espying one to steal to the Enemy he altered it to God and King Charls The Kings Troop consisted of an hundred and twenty Noblemen and Gentlemen able to expend an hundred and fifty thousand pounds a year of their own and these charged first with much courage and so performed it that Day commanded by the Lord Bernard youngest Brother to the Duke of Richmond and afterwards created Earl of Lichfield Sir Arthur Aston commanded the Dragoons and gave notice to him the Lord Bernard how he should order his Charge which was to second him and to follow the Dragoons who beat off those that lined the Hedges having that Intelligence of Sir Fortescue's Cornet who was come from Essex's Army with assurance that his Captain would follow with his Troop as he did at the first of the Fight The Kings Army was about twelve thousand the Parliaments sixteen thousand men exceeding well armed and furnished with excellent Ammunition compleat The loss by view of the dead might be between five or six thousand between them The King certainly lost the lesse in number but the most of value men of great merit but not the most in place and Office of Command But now the question will be who had the better If you will not admit it a drawn Battel consider these particulars following The Kings design was to March on his way and Essex resolution was to attach him which he did not but rather Skirted his Marchings and gave the occasion that the King encountred him though being met he began the Challenge After the Battel the King kept the field in his Coach all that Night with great fires and the next day in the Fâ—eld Proclaimed several Pardons to such of the Enemy that would submit And then Marches to Aino the seven and twentieth of October where he dated his Proclamation of Grace and Favour to the Cities of London and Westminster The King without Interruption of his Enemy buries the dead Marches to Banbury Took the Town and Castle and they take Arms under him so then he was Master of the Field commanding his own way and doing his own work which he came about and Marches to Oxford His Enemy General Essex wheeles towards Warwick does no more and retreats to London where hâ—s Army Lodges for Recruits The next day after the fight the King sends Sir William Neve Garter Herald to Essex to exchange the Lord Willoughby Earl of Lindsey for the Lord St. Iohn Hue Bullenbroke of Bletso but ere iâ— could be dispatched St. Iohns dies by which he paies the first of his debts to his Creditors and the last debt to sin and death with the undoing of many of his Country worthy Gentlemen men bound for him in great sums of Money Colonel Essex Lieutenant Colonel Ramsey both slaine But to go on with the story The King Prince and Duke that Night retreated to the side of the Hill resting in their Coach all Night keeping divers fires but could discern but one fire from their Enemy so that it was supposed their General was Marched away untill the Morning discovered them to be drawn out and Colonel Brooks Regiment of Foot and others coming to joyn with them The King draws up also upon the Hill and about noon Essex Marches away The King at Edge-hill Proclaims his pardon to the Rebells now in Arms against him so be they will come in to him and seek it the four and twentieth of October And in Aino the seven and twentieth of October He sends his gracious Proclamation of Pardon to his Cities of London and Westminster excepting therein Alderman Fulk and Manwaring On Tuesday Morning at nine a clock the King forth with his forces faced the Town of Banbury being ready to fall on Captain Marrow who Commanded the Castle treated a while and by twelve a clock delivered up the Town and Castle though there were therein two Regiments of Foot blew coats belonging to the Lord Rochford and Peterborough and Captain Saiers Troop of Horse The Prince with three peeces of Cannon and some Foot and Horse Marched against Broughton House belonging to the Lord Say and at the first shot of Ordinance through and through it was delivered up From thence to Southampton The Earl of Essex retreated this while to Warwick and so the other way Marched to London But the Kings Forces returned to Oxford so through Abington and to Henley where they refreshed two or three daies then to Mâ—idenhead Windsor and Stains Saturday being a misty morning the Kings Forces made their Rendevouz on Hownslow Heath the Parliaments Forces being that morning drawn out of Kingston giving Liberty to the King to Command both sides of the River Thames who about eleven of the clock forced the Enemy out of Brainford but ere we go on let us return to some Civil affairs which were Acted by both parties after Edge-hill fight however controverted amongst parties Interested The King Publishes his Delaration to all his Loving Subjects after his late Victory against the Rebels on Sunday the three and twentieth of October 1642. Ascribing the preservation of him â—nd his Children in the late bloody Battel with the Rebels to the Mercy and
Parl. and hath seen their Declaration sent to his Subjects in Scotland unjustly taxing the King and his Government and in a manner challenging assistance from Scotland to make War against the King making their clame by a late Act of Pacification to which he did chearfully consent And tells them of the other Scandal upon him and his Army of being Papists and sends to them his former Declarations in answer to the Parliaments wonted Scandal in that particular protesting against any intent of his to bring in Foreign Forces and doubts not of a dutifull concurrence in all his Subjects of Scotland And requires this his Declaration to be published to all his people there General Essex having lain quiet since the late Battel of Edg-hill and his Souldiers squandered from their Quarters to incourage them it is declared That if they return to their Quarters within an hour after this publication each Foot-souldier shall receive as the rest half a Crown addition and each Trooper five shillings increase to their pay Which sent them packing to their Quarters And because their General may not be discouraged by the last Battel doubtfully disputed the Parliament is pleased to set out a Declaration concerning the late valourous and acceptable Service of his Excellencie Robert Earl of Essex to remain upon Record in both Houses for a mark of Honour to his person name and familie and for a Monument of his singular virtue to posteritie The Parliament having assured confidence in his wisdom for the defence of Religion King Parliament and Kingdom and he managing this Service with so much valour in a bloudie Battel near Keinton in Warwickshire which doth deserve their best acknowledgment and they shall be readie to express the due sense of his merit and this to remain upon Record to him and his posteritie Nov. 11. 1642. But let us see what becomes of the Parliaments Address to the King The safe conduct was sent from Reading the sixth of Novemb. with such Exceptions as you have heard just and reasonable and yet the very next day November 7. the Parliament vote Not to accept of this safe conduct and resolve That the Exception in the safe conduct is a Denial and Refusal of a Treatie Of which they order a Committee to acquaint the City Common Hall and thereby to quicken them to a Resolution of defending their Liberties and Religion and thereafter to frame a Declaration to all the World of the Kings refusal of the Parliaments petition and yet receives petition and address from the Rebells of Ireland And of this Message the eighth of November is sent the Lord Brook and Sir Henry Vane junior to Guild-hall where his Lordship tells the Mayor and Aldermen That the Kings Foot were near Stains his Horse at Kingston and that the Parliaments Foot are marching that way who couragiously had the late Victory and killed two thousand without the loss of an hundred unless Women Children and Dogs be numbred then indeed there might be with all them two hundred But it was Gods work of mercy and wonder Truly he is assured that we said he are a dear people exceedingly beloved of God But his second Speech surpasses take it at length and printed somewhat like the same again Gentlemen I have but one word more to trouble you with This noble Gentleman Sir Henry Vane hath exprest so fully all that was in the Message that truly I should wrong him and my self too if I should say any more therefore I shall now speak to you of another thing it is not fit any thing concerns you should be concealed from you I came this day to this place to this house about another business I have already communicated to my Lord Mayor and the Aldermen and the Committee I think it will not be unfit you should know it I have the consent of some that understand this business very well to this I now shall do Gentlemen the Message was this it was a Message from his Excellencie it is to let you know how near the Danger is at hand that so you may gird up the Loins of your Resolution and do like men of courage Gentlemen Citizens of London better than whom no man did in that Armie we had abroad the Enemies the Foot as we understand are very near Stains the Horse they are about Kingston we cannot tell you that all are there but that there are both Horse and Foot too and it is certain our Foot are going to it so that the question is now What is to be done Certainly this is a certain truth among all Souldiers that you must keep evil as far off you as you can you must not let it come near your doors you must not think to fight in the sights and tears and eyes and dâ—â—â—â—actions of your Wives and Children but to go out and meet it valiantly as you have done God hath shewed himself a God of love and mercie and truly we must give him all the honour of that day certainly it is the greatest Victorie that ever was gotten near two thousand I love to speak with the least on their side slain and I am confident not an hundred on our side unless you will take in Women and Children Car-men and Dogs for they â—lew the very Dogs and all If you take in Women Children Carmen and Dogs then they slew about two hundred but that an hundred should be slain on one side and two thousand on the other side is a very miraculous thing he that dealt so wonderfully heretofore it were to distrust him if we did not think he would do so again Truly he hath a people among us exceedingly beloved and what is it we fight for it is for our Religion for God for Libertie and all and what is it they fight for for their lust their will for tyrannie to make us slaves and to overthrow all Gentlemen me thinks I see a face and spie you readie to do any thing and the Generals Resolution is to go out tomorrow and to do as a man of courage and resolution and never man did like him for he was not onely General but Common Souldier for he led up his own Regiment and he led up his own Troop with his own person and when the left Troops of Horse deceived him he brought up the right Troops he himself will go out again and do again as much as he hath done and all this is for your sakes for he can be a free-man he can be a Gentleman he can be a great man go where he will therefore it is onely for your sakes he is resolved to go out to morrow his Forces are wearie his Forces are spent some came but last night into Town some marched twenty miles March which is a great March as some that know what it is can tell but as wearie as they are he is resolved to go out but if you will affect the cause and joyn with him hand and heart
and sword he will take it for a favour but if you will not he doubts not but Gideon's Sword will do the Work alone I speak not it that I doubt you but that you would resolve that when you hear the Drums beat for it is resolved that the Drums shall beat to morrow our Drums shall beat to lead out our men and the Committees Drums shall beat to lead out their men say not I beseech you I am not of the Trained Band nor this nor that but doubt not to go out to work and fight couragiously and this shall be the Day of your Deliverance However on Friday the eleventh of November the King at Colebrook receives a Petition from the Parliament by the two Earls and Gentlemen named in the Conduct and not Sir Io. Evelin To the Kings most Excellent Majestie The humble Petition c. of the Lords and Commons in Parliament c. Being affected with a deep and piercing sense of the Miseries of this Kingdom and the Danger of your Majesties person the great effusion of Bloud with the late Battel and weighâ—â—g the addition of Loss and Miserie if both Armies should again joyn in another Fight as without Gods blessing and his Majesties concurrence will not probably be avoided to which they believe his Majestie hath a sutable impression of compassion to accept of this their Petition and to appoint some convenient place not far from London where your Majestie will be pleased to reside untill Committees of Parliament may attend with some Propositions to your Majestie for removal of these Distempers as may conduce to Gods glorie c. The King liked this Petition of an humble nature unlike their late Papers presented to him and the next day gives this gracious Answer He takes God to witness how deeply he is affected with the Miseries of this Kingdom which he hath striven to prevent and as he was not the first that took up Arms so he hath been ready of composing all things in a fair way to avoid the Destruction of his Subjects which would always make his greatest Victories to him c. And to that end he will reside at his own Castle at Windsor till Committees may have time to attend hiâ— which he wishes to be hastened either there or if it be refused any other place and God of his mercie give a blessing Nov. 12. But the same night after the Messengers were gone News came to the King that General Essex had drawn his Forces with his Ordnance out of London towards him and so he being almost surrounded some at Windsor Kingston and Acton if Brainford were possest likewise the King would be hemm'd in and his Army deprived either of moving or subsisting and so a Council of War concluded to advance towards Brainford and either to possess it or to repossess them which he did and many slain The King withall considered that it could not reasonably be esteemed an Aversion from Peace or an Intention to interrupt the Treaty then in expectation since on the other side he had cause to believe that if he would not preserve himself out of their power the very possibility of a Treaty would vanish And indeed willingness to receive a Treaty was never held to amount to a suspension of Arms otherwise why did Essex incompass him on all parts to Colebrook Towns end And there being no word of Suspension of Arms in all the Kings Answer nay since in that by wishing their Propositions to be hastened he implied that by this Arms were not suspended And most of all since the Parliaments Votes of proceeding as hath been said vigorously notwithstanding their Petition and their own actions sending after their Messengers great store of Forces evidently implied the same The King being resolved upon Reasons that his Advance was just yet he endeavoured to satisfie the Parliament that Peace was still his desire by a Messenger but so ill received as he and his Trumpeter were like to kiss the Gate-house The Message was thus Novemb. 12. Whereas the last night November 11. after the departure of the Committee with his Majesties Answer to their Petition he received information that the Earl of Essex had drawn his Forces out of London towards him which hath necessitated him to march with his Forces to Brainford he thinks fit hereby to signifie that he is no less desirous of the peace than he exprest in his foresaid Answer and desires to receive the Propositions of Brainford this night being Sunday or early to morrow morning And another Argument for the King is that so soon as the Earls Forces were removed from Kingston before any Forces appeared out of London the King gave order to quit Brainford and to possess Kingston And the success to the King was answerable to his just intention God being pleased to assist him by Land and Water so as with a third part of his Foot and with the loss but of ten Men to beat two of their best Regiments out of Brainford to kill him that commanded in chief and his Ensign Ralph Wilbie a hopefull Gentleman at the very Bridg and many others by land and water took five hundred Prisoners and as many Arms eleven Colours and store of Ammunition fifteen Pieces of Ordnance and then unfought with to march away to Oatlands Reading and so to Oxford And upon all this the Parliament voted to have no Accomodation although the King concluded That God so bless his future Actions as he is excusable and innocent from any deceit herein The Parliament in their Answer to the Kings Message do confess That they gave direction to the Earl of Essex to draw the Armie out of London and that part of it was inquartered at Branford whilest the Committee was with the King And they excuse it belike confessess to themselves of just Exceptions that they sent a Messenger with a Letter to know whether his Majestie intended forbearance of Hostilitie be found them in fight and could not pass Brainford The King replies That his Message of the twelfth though not received by the Parliament till the fourteenth was sent to them upon the same Day as it was dated and the way not clear was again sent upon the thirteenth and taken that morning by the Earl of Essex and though not directed to him was opened by him so as the slowness of the deliverie is not so strange as the stop of the Letter sent by the Parliament to the King which he never received and the King could not suppose to take any of the Parliaments Forces unprovided who in their March to Brainford might as well have been intended to Colebrook upon the King And indeed take other Observations to boot The Parliaments printing so out of time of such a Declaration as was their Reply to the Kings Answer to theirs of the six and twentieth of May but the day before they voted the sending of a Petition and the March of the
Kings partie are Masters of the Field with Garisons round about plentifully supplied from the King but the Parliaments partie in great want are likely to disband within ten days And this is the Relation from the Lord Fairfax Decemb. 10. 1642. The Counties of Norfolk Suffolk Essex Cambridg the Isle of Elie Hertford and City of Norwich are authorized to associate and their General the Earl of Essex gives Commission to the Lord Grey of Wark to command in cheif as Major General over those Counties with Instructions to govern accordingly The most part of the Earl of Newcastle's Forces lie upon the County towards Halifax and the clothing Towns imposing Taxes upon the Inhabitants according to their qualities from one thousand pounds to one hundred pounds proportionable who found a Light-horse at an hundred pounds every one who found Musket or Pâ—ke at fourty shillings And about the fifteenth of December lands Colonel Goring for the King with more Arms some Pieces of Ordnance and some Money and fourscore old Commanders with the Queens Standard and to joyn with the Earl of Newcastle And in this Moneth of December the Kings Forces prospered Westward Marlborough and Tadcaster taken with a great Defeat of their Enemy Winchester and Chichester won by the Parliament The noble Lord Aubignie Brother to the Duke of Richmond died and was buried at Oxford And now it was thought time for the City to speak for themselves they well know what an odium lodged upon their disloyalty and therefore they petition the King how they are deeply pierced with Gangrene-wounds of his Majesties fear to hazzard his person in returning home to his Citie they abhor all thoughts of Disloyaltie making good their late Solemn Protestationâ— and sacred Oath with the last drop of their dearest bloud to defend and maintain the true Reformed Protestant Religion and your Majesties royal person honour and estate and do hereby engage themselves their estates and all they have to defend your Majestie with as much love loyaltie and dutie as ever Citizens expressed towards their Sovereign They are answered That his Majestie can distinguish some good Subjects in the Citie from the bad not all guiltie but what confidence can the King have there where the Laws of the Land are notoriously despised and the whole Government of the Citie submitted to the arbitrarie power of a few desperate persons of no reputation and names them Pennington their pretended Mayor the principal Authour of these Calamities which threaton ruine to that heretofore famous Citie Ven Foulk and Manwaring all of them notoriously guiltie of Schism and high Treason in oppressing robbing and imprisoning his good Subjects because they will not rebell against his Majestie nor assist those that do not that he condemns all for some that are guiltie and yet he offers his gracious pardon to all except such as are excepted if they shall yet return to their dutie if not he sums up the miserie that will necessarily fall upon every such person as shall continue acting and assisting the Rebellion This Answer full and home to the Cities conscience startled many into reluctancy when it was therefore thought fit by the Parliament to visit their Common Council and to caress them with a Committee of some Members lest this Answer should work too much with reluctancy And are told by Mr. Pym and others That this Answer reflects with wounding Aspersions upon persons of very eminent Authoritie of very great fidelitie amongst them that the Parliament owns them and their actions and will live and die in their defence and evermore concluding that their protection is the Armie and that it is hoped they will enlarge their Contributions for the maintenance of this Armie wherein as they have been liberal in former necessities so now they will exceed for safetie of themselves At the end of every period which Mr. Pym made in his Speech the applause was so great and so loud that he was silenced not without jugling and so concludes Worthy Citizens turning to the Rabble you see what the Parliament will do for your Lord Mayor and you 〈◊〉 your affections to do for the Parliament and State To which they replied We will live and die with them live and die with them All which says their printed Paper we may sum up in that Triumph of that Man of God In the thing wherein they dealt proudly God was above them There were some humble Desires and Propositions presented to the King at Oxford February 1. by four Lords and eight Members of the Commons but with so wilde and ranting a Preamble and the Desires so peremptory no less than fourteen viz. To disband his Armie and to return home to his Parliament Leave Delinquents to Trial Papists to be disarmed Bill for abolishing the Church-governours and Government and to pass such other Bills as shall be devised for a new Reformation Recusants to abjure Papacie To remove malignant Counsellours To settle the Mâ—litia as the Parliament please To prefer to the great Offices and Places of Iudicature such of the Parliament as they name and to take in all such as have been put out of Commissions of the peace A Bill to vindicate the Lord Kimbolton and the five Members To enter Alliance with his Proâ—estant Neighbours for Recoverie of the Palatinate To grant a general pardon with Exception of the Earl of Newcastle the Lord Digby and others To restore such of the Parliaments Members to their Offices and Places and to satisfie for their Losses c. The King answers with amazement If he had not given up all the faculties of his soul to an earnest endeavour of â—eace and Reconciliation or if he would suffer himself by any proâ—â—â—â—tion to be drawn to a sharpness of language at a time of Overtures of Accommodation he could not otherwise but resent their heavie charges upon him in the preamble and not suffer Reproaches which they cast upon him but his Majestie will forbear bitterness or the heat of his own sufferings throughout that if it be possible the memory thereof may be lost to the world And how unparliamentarie it is by Arms to require new Laws And he is pleased that a speedie time may be agreed upon for a Meeting and to debate those Propositions of theirs and these of his viz. That his own Revenues Magazines Towns Ships and Forts be restored That what hath been done contrary to Law and the Kings right may be renounced and recalled That all illegal power claimed or acted by Orders of Parliament be disclaimed The King will readily consent to the execution of all Laws made or to be made concerning Popery and Reformation so he desires a Bill for preserving the Book of Common Prayer and against Sectaries That all persons to be excepted against in the Treatie may be tried per pares with the cessation of Arms and for a free Trade But nothing followed till the third of March. In the North parts from
Yorkshire this Account came to the Houses that Sir Hugh Cholmley for the Parliament hath carried himself gallantly giving several Defeats to the Enemy at Malton and on the sixteenth of Ianuary joyning his Forces to Sir Matthewâ—Bointon they fell upon Colonel Slingsbie at Gisborough who was defeated and six hundred Horse and Foot that had done much spoil in the North. Slingsbie taken Prisoner and an hundred and fourty persons besides many killed and two hundred Arms recovered About Bradford and Hallifax God hath blessed my Son Sir Thomas says the Lord Fairfax having seized the Lord Savil's house at Howley and his Design against Leeds was thus he drew out from Bradford thither where Sir William Savil commands in chief after Summons the Assault began with great resolution on his Sons part the Town being fortified on all sides furnished with two Brass Sakers and manned with fifteen hundred Souldiers yet they forced an entrie in two Hours fight with loss on both sidesâ— not more than fourtie men but Sir Thomas took four Colours and five hundred Prisoners of which six are Commanders many Arms the Sakers and all their Munition On the Parliaments part were lost thirteen men Captain Brigs and Lee sore wounded The people observed he says that Sir William Savil and the chief Commanders on the other side soon after the Fight began fled by secret ways towards Pomfrait and their men after them by degrees but by the way Serjeant Major Beaumont was drowned crossing the River and Sir William narrowly escaped the like Sir Thomas intended to have marched to Wakefield where Sir George Wentworth commanded but the Enemie in fâ—â—â— was fled to Pomfrait and so Wakefield is invested for the Parliâ—â—â—nt The five and twentieth of Ianuary the Kings Forces marched out of Doncaster which was soon taken up by six Companies of Foot till more Forcesâ— shall come from the South to keep it The Earl of Newcastle hath drawn down all his Forces from the South of Yorkshire excepting those that keep Pomfrait Castle and yesterday marched from Sherborn to York with six and thirty Colours two Pieces of Cannon and three and fourty other Carriages and supposed to meet the Arms and Munition coming from Newcastle or to prepare for the Queens entertainment at York Selbie Ian. 26. 1642. Fer. Fairfax There had come forth two Proclamations the one from the Earl of Cumberland dated the first of December last the other from the Earl of Newcastle Ianuary 17. last publishing Ferdinando Lord Fairfax Sir Thomas Fairfax Sir Edward Loftus Sir Matthew Bointon Sir Henry Forbes Sir Thomas Malleverer Sir Richard Darby Sir Christopher Wray Sir Henry Anderson Sir Iohn Savil Sir Edward Rodes Sir Hugh Cholmley Sir Thomas Rennington Sir Thomas Norcliffe Knights Io. Hotham Tho. Hatcher Will. Lister Iohn Legard Io. Dudsworth Iohn Wastel Iohn Perce Willâ—White Iohn Robinson Arthur Beckwith Thomas Robinson and Thomas Stockdel and divers others and their Adherents to be Traitors which the Parliament resenting do as much against the Earls and so are alike quit upon that score The King had proposed a Treaty February 3. together with the cessation of Arms sixteen days since to which he received no Answer but puts them in minde thereof again whereupon the Parliament vote That there shall be a Treaty upon the Propositions before the disbanding and to begin March 4. next for twenty days and no more and a safe conduct desired by the Parliament for their Commissioners the Earl of Northumberland Lord Say Mr. Perpoint Sir William Ermine Sir John Holland and Mr. Whitlock But the King excepts against the Lord Say having been proclamed Traitor the third of November at Oxford and by Writ to the Sheriff to proceed agaisnt him for high Treason and so he was not admitted the rest were March 3. Oxford The Cessation of Arms was thus limited That all Arms Victuals Money Bullion and all commodities passing without safe conduct may be seized on either sides and the persons so passing That the Kings Forces in Oxfordshire shall advance no nearer Windsor than Wheatly and in Buckinghamshire no nearer to Alisbury than Brill and in Barkshire either Forces to contin â—e as they are The Parliaments Forces in Oxfordshire to advance no nearer to Oxford than Henley In Buckinghamshire no nearer than Alisbury The Kings Forces shall take no new Quarter nearer than twelve miles from Oxford any way nor the Parliament twelve miles from Windsor where the Parliaments Armie lay That no Siege shall be against Glocester but the Kings Forces to return And that the Parliament Forces remain as they are in Glocestershire c. February 28. And having treated without any success the Committee returns to the Parliament the seventeenth of April after During this Treaty comes out a weekly Assessment from the Parliament of England and Wales which amounted unto thirty three thousand nine hundred eighty one pounds thirteen shillings vast sums additional to the former and others subsequent In this time the Queen in Holland now imbarques for England the sixteenth of Feb. and with contrary windes and foul weather was forced back again and thereafter with much hazzard anchored at Burlington Bay the nineteenth and lands at the Key the two and twentieth wiâ—h Officers Munition and Money To her comes the Earl of Montrose and Lord Ogleby with two Troops of Horse being now received at York and the Queen forming a pretty Army whereof she hath the command and meets the King hereafter at Edg-hill three moneths hence Indeed she had been in very great danger in her passing out of Holland of which the King assures her he shall not be out of apprehension untill he may have the happiness of her company Thinking it not the least of his misfortunes that for his sake she hath run so much hazzard which it is impossible for him to repay but his heart being full of affection for her and admiration of her and impatient passion of gratitude to her he could not but say some thing leaving the rest to be read by her out of her own noble heart Oxford Febr. 13. 1642. The County of Glocester being mostly engaged in the Parliament service in the midst of their Enemy Oxford being the Kings head Garison Herefordshire his Forces Worcester entertain'd a strength Wales under power of the Lord Herbert The Earl of Essex and his Army drawn to London the Parliaments Forces in the West have their hands full two Regiments at Bristol and one at Glocester this County the most likely game for winter action but the strength of the County drawn to Cirencester a Frontier Town towards the Kings head Quarters and now made a Garison and Colonel Thetiplace that commanded a Regiment and two Companies of Foot added after some Horse and Dragoons raised by the Countrey and the rest of the Militia were to assist in danger more voluntary than regular but resting chiefly on Sir Robert Cook Sir Iohn Seymer Mr. Stephens and Mr. Hodges with
which met the three and twentieth of March and sate till the seventeenth of April without any good effect and it is no wonder for sithence the first occasion taken to quarrel with the King which I reckon to be Ianuary 1641. concerning the Lord Kimbolton and the five Members how many Messages Answers Remonstrances passed from him and in the most of them a continual complying for a peace both heretofore and at Nottingham which the Parliament Member is pleased onely to remember but several times since on the Kings part 'T is true they sent their humble Desires and Propositions to the King February 1. but the Kings Answer and Offer then begat this Treaty now and it was a Moneth after ere the King had Answer and consent but how to begin the fourth of March and to last but twenty days The Votes agreed on were these So much of the Kings Propositions as concerneth the Magazines Forts and Ships and the Propositions of the Parliament for the disbanding of the Armies should be first treated and concluded on before they did proceed to any other Propositions A short time for twenty general Propositions fourteen of theirs and but six for the King but the former day agreed to sit was spun out in Debates and Votes till March 21. when their Committee comes to the Court at Oxford but with Commission so limited and circumscribed by private Instructions that they had not power to explicate the Terms or agree to Expressions And though the King desired That a Cessation might be granted during the Treaty and free Trade during the Cessation and that all matters might be setled by their Committee But not granted for after in small time spent in Disputes and the Committee not able to make Reply immediately they had a Message Not to consume any more of the time in any further Debates upon the Cessation Now for the Propositions the Committee had no power to enter into any Treaty of them before the Articles of Cessation were assented to which seems a Riddle if you observe it But the King being willing to treat however had much to do to procure the Parliaments consent but to the two first Propositions though to his disadvantage And the King willing to expedite the business desired a Copy of their Instructions which they utterly refused But when they desired to repair to him for satisfaction of any Doubt concerning his Papers before such time as they transmitted them to the Parliament he presently condescended which shews clearness in him reservedness in them But to the business PROP. I. His Revenue of which though he was totally deprived into the condition of a private Gentleman yet had they confidence to tell him That they had received a very small proportion of it which for the most part was imployed in the maintenance of his Majesties Children But the King was content to rest upon the promise of the Parliament to satisfie him for the Arrears due and to leve the same for the future in the former way as before the War yet this came not from them without a clog upon condition That the King would restore what had been taken for his own use upon any of the Bills assigned to other purposes by Act of Parliament or out of the Provision made for the War in Ireland as if the King had converted some sums of money for Ireland to his own use when it was made evident that the King had none but that the Parliament Treasurers received all so that this point was soon agreed upon PROP. II. Magazines Forts and Ships The Magazines were agreed after the Treaty to be delivered to the King into the Tower of London but much controverted into whose custody whether into such hands as the Parliament would name or into the custody of the sworn Officers unto whose place it belonged but the Parliaments pleasure carried it As for the Forts the Parliament would have all Forts and Castles to be put into such hands as they should confide in and so for the Cinque Ports The King would put in such against whom no exception can be made and would remove them upon just cause and reason of misdemeanour And for the Cinque Ports a noble person was intrusted by him and in justice he could not put him out without just exceptions And for the Ships also the like but for all of those it is resolved by the Committee That the Parliament shall have the approbation of either of the persons into whose hands they should be put The King on the contrary thought to have all his own rendered to him without conditions so peremptory But whilest they were treating on these particulars and so much time spent to receive the Parliaments direction to their Commissioners at this distance the King sends a Message to the two Houses April 12. 1643. That as soon as he was satisfied in his first Proposition concerning his own Revenue Magazines Ships and Forts in which he desired nothing but his just legal and known Rights to be restored to him and to persons trusted by him And as soon as the Members of both Houses should be restored unto the same capacity of Sitting and voting in Parliament as they had upon the first of January 1641. exclusively of such whose Votes had been taken away by Bill or by new Elections or new Writes and that as soon as his Majesty and both Houses may be secured from such tumultuous Assemblies as to the high dishonour of the Parliament had awed the Members of the same which he conceived could not otherwise be done but by adjourning the Parliament to some place twenty miles from London such as the Houses should agree upon his Majesty most chearfully and readily would consent to the disbanding of the Armies and would return speedily to his two Houses of Parliament according to the time and place which they should agree upon To which the Parliament vouchsafed no other Answer than the calling back of their Commissioners the next day after and the dissolving that Treaty which ended April 15. being the day by them determined And immediately after General Essex marches on to besiege Reading Sir Iohn Hotham having heretofore quarrelled with the King and done so much for the Parliament was not willing to be subject to any Overseer and so had no heart to submit to the Lord Fairfax the Northern Commander for the Parliament and upon complaints on either side Hotham had the fewer Friends and therefore the Parliament writ a Letter discovering their intention to displace him which he intercepted and returns and angry Letter to the House of Commons full of Expostulations and after all That if they harboured any such Designs they would finde it sooner said than done And from henceforth he was unsetled towards them The Lord Brook for the Parliament having in the beginning of March the Convoy of some Ordnance from London to St. Albans marched forward to Northampton and plundered it of some Ammunition and went
Heels were their best Weapons of Defence which carried a few home again to their Quarters and others to Teuxbury now put under command of Sir Robert Cook by Commission from Waller The main Forces of the Kings party were drawn from these parts in Glocestershire towards Reading then besieged by the Earl of Essex and so Waller got freedom for a while and with some success without blows cried him up The Man of God and being now free not to defenâ— but to seek his Game he advances to Hereford with a thousand Horse and Dragoons assisted by Massie and the greatest part of the Lord Stamford's Regiment drew up before Bister's Gate on the North side of the Town aloof off and shot at Random untill Captain Grey with a party of Musketiers over the River towards Wye Bridg made shew there of an Assault and if need were to fall back to the Water side where Seconds stood to relieve them and it was time for the Town-horse â—allied out and drove them to a Church near Owen's Gate Massie this while draws up two Sakers against Wigmarâ—sh Gate the first shot pierced the Gate and strook off an Officers head behinde it and slew others following with other shot and scowring the Street they came to parley the whole day and the next to surrender the Prisoners were the Lord Scudamore Colonel Conesby and Sir William Crofts some Arms and Ammunition but the Souldiers this time of Parley got over Wye Bridg and went into Wales The Town compounded from Plunder and so deserted And so here as other where Waller seldom staid to endure any Siege of Surrender but with his Forces â—lew up and down no where to be found The next Attempt of these Forces thus combined flesh'd for any place came up before Worcester City viewed it for a day and a night but hastened away and some disorder at the noise of the Lord Capel's advance Then was Waller ordered to march to the West of England to prevent the joyning of Sir Hopton's Forces with the rest of the Kings Army and Sir Robert Cook was sent after him and Teuxbury slighted Massie in chief over Glocester who with an hundred and twenty Horse and Dragoons marched to Stow in the Wolds to beat up the Royalists Quarters and by break of day fell upon them took a Lieutenant and twelve Troopers Horse and Arms thence to Odington a Mile off and there surprized a Captain of a Troop with fourty Men and Horse but by this they were allarmed fell upon Massie's Rear near Slaughter with execution and having also Supply from Sudeley Castle charged Massie again at Andovers Ford which put him to dismount his Dragoons dividing his Men into three Bodies the Horse into the right and left Wing but looking back to bring them on he found them faced about and flying which put Massie to a pitifull shuffle amongst the Troops but came off with loss excusing that Design with the fault upon his new raised Forces Colonel Stephens with his Lieutenant and five and twenty Souldiers taken Prisoners and a dozen slain Stephens was forward enough but followed this Design unsent for and against Massie's desire who liked no partners in honour and so suffered him and his party to be led away Prisoners to Oxford where he died Sir Iohn Winter was now got up in good command for the King his House in the Forest of Dean in Glocestershire and of a sudden claps in a sufficient Strength of his own Confidents made it tenable and afterwards inaccessible as a Goad in the side of Glocester Garison and of terrour to all the Parliaments party thereabout for during this Sir William Waller in his March to the West was met with at the Devices and there defeated to the hazzard of his whole party casting these parts into a miserable plight the Parliament placing a great interest in the success of his Forces so that the King became Master of the Field and with his gallant Army came up to the Gates of Glocester Bristol yielded up the Earl of Essex's Army pined away Sir William Waller at London for fresh Forces the Earl of Stanford shut up within Exeter and now the Kings open Field had Campaigne from Cornwall to Scotland dividing his Army the one to besiege Exeter this other with himself come to Glocester The City and Castle of Bristol had been governed by Sir Thomas Essex for the Parliament against which Prince Rupert had made an Attempt but was called off upon other Designs Afterwards comes Col. Nathaniel Fines supplants Essex and hangs up several Citizens for intending to have delivered the same up to Prince Rupert But now the Prince at leisure sets down before it the twenty fourth of Iuly made some Attempt and had it surrendred after three days Siege It was in the very entrance of this War that the Parliaments Forces garisoned Coventry and had a squint eye upon such as were for the Commission of Aray Amongst many others Doctor Bird of the Civil Law was exposed to their scrutiny for his affection to the Kings Service and therefore the first man of note thereabout who under that score of Malignancy suffered the strange Justice by Plunder a new Name for a new Offence The Doctour took leave of his Habitation intending by the power of the Sword to repair his Losses and so soon as occasion offered he was intrusted with the garisoning of Ecclesâ—all Castle in Staffordshire belonging to Doctour Wright the Bishops See of Coventry and Lichfield with Commission to raise two hundred Foot and a Troop of Horse and to be Commander in chief there and the County adjacent subordinate to none but to the King and his Lieutenant General About April 1643. the More-landers Inhabitants so called from the low grounds in Staffordshire were got together into a Body not as yet for any cause and so not certain for any side untill Colonel Gell and others of his Faction took them up for the Parliaments Service and presently were called Gell's Brigade To suppress these the Garisons thereabout for the King drew out together viz. Colonel Bagot Governour of Lichfield Clâ—se Colonel Lane Commander of Stafford Garison and Captain Bird Governour of Eccleshall Castle and from each of these such â—en as could be spared met at a Rendezvouz four Miles from Stafford but their Enemy fled and these returned And that night was Stafford Town taken by treachery of one Stephens formerly Lieutenant Colonel under command of Colonel Cumâ—erford heretofore Governour of Stafford and high Sheriff of that County Stephens was now got to the Morelanders and being well acquainted with the Avenues into the Town surprized the place so suddenly that without any stroke of defence Lane and his Men as many as could escape by flight and others Gentlemen of good worth were seized and sent Prisoners to several places I shall not lodg any suspition or jealousie upon Lane because he saved himself and others suffered Stafford taken and
Eccleshal Castle surrounded with the Enemies Garisons the Governour the more wary adds to his former number of Men and gets in good Provisions and prepares for a Siege And long it was not ere Sir William Brereton Colonel Gell Colonel Greeves Colonel Ridgby and Colonel Iackson joyning Forces with the Counties of Stafford and Derby fell suddenly into Eccleshal Town and with easie bickering got possession of it standing in guard within the Church which faces the Castle The Governour burns all about not an Out-house Barn or Stable affords them other shelter The next day Brereton summons the Castle for the King and Parliament Bird makes present Answer That his Commission was to keep it for the King and unless the other could produce his Majesties Warrant to the contrary it would be labour lost to expect any other Reply but what power and strength should enforce Immediately the Besiegers with two Pieces of Cannon of four and twenty pound Bullet played all day against the Wall without any effect the next day they battered a Turret which at the last fell down and hurt three men and so their Ordnance continued their utmost force for a Week vvhen by so long trial they could not make any Breach they drevv off their Guns and made a Line to surround the Castle not so soon done but that they vvere fain to endure the good effects of several Sallies out of the Castle whereby he lost a Lieutenant and others and some hurt with greater execution on the Enemy And thus it continued for some Moneths with extremity to whose Relief the King sends in September the Lord Capel and the Lord Loughborough with considerable Forces against whom the Besiegers not able to withstand quit their Trenches and retire to the Church and there fortified themselves Then forthwith the Governour sends out what Forces he could spare joyning with the Lords sufficient now to attempt upon the Church by straitning or storming But it seems they had order onely to relieve the Castle not to fight afterwards and force the Enemy away but to be gon themselves and so to leave the business to desperation which the Governour knew would be destruction which he could not prevent and therefore with long dispute and many reasons offered and nothing prevailing he delivered it up to the Lords who put in one Captain Abel a Dane to command there But the old Souldiers not pleased with their New Governour and a stranger to them and a Foreign most of them immediately quit their service and marched away with Captain Bird. The Castle thus relieved the Parliament Commanders call a Council and now resolve to draw off and quit the Siege but a false brother discovering the weakness of the Castle and the discontent with their New Governour the Enemy attempts the battery again and after two daies the Dane surrenders it upon reasonable quarter Thus while the fight they Parliaments Ordinance commands all men to pay nothing to his Majesty the Queen or Prince which is due or ought to be paid unto them whereas the Lords and Commons in September last passed an Ordinance for seizing upon all his Majesties the Queens and Princes Revenues and for receiving all and all manner of Rents certain or casual in England and Wales with all the Arrears and Debts any way due to his Majesty Queen or Prince shall be paid to the Receivers of the Committee for the Revenue c. whose Acquittances shall be sufficient discharge There was late news from Virginia that the Plantation there denied contribution to the Emissaries of the Parliament complaining of the obstruction of their trade at London whereupon an Ordinance of Moderation came forth For abating the Excise upon Virginia Tobacco that the Protestants their brethren in other Countries may not suffer among Malignants and Delinquents in England endeavouring to gain upon Foreign Plantations which in truth were first setled mostly by such as could not indure Discipline at home Sir William Waller having deserved well of the Houses had a new Commission to be Sergeant Major General of Hampshire Surrey Sussex and Kent having layen long before Arundel Castle and this Commission being promised heretofore the General Essex obstructed it being suspected to play his own game with much vanity It was wonderfull how much the Lectures were frequented in London the Town so full of Schollars calling themselves plundred Ministers and so began the coloured Leaguer long Cloak Boots and Spurs as constantly in the Pulpit as heretofore the Gown Canonical Cloak or Cassock but then the Independant a new name for such as liked neither were working to set up themselves or rather thaâ— spirit that set the other at work plaies tricks with them and scatters them into thoughts and factions grinning on each other but yet not setled into tenents neither so that moderate men could not as yet tell what to make of either The Parliament therefore publish their Manifest in effect That it belongs to Christian Magistrates to be Leaders in Reformation of the Church That it is the dutyâ— of all people to pray for them and wait upon them That the Parliament have required the Assembly of Divines to make the VVord of God their own Rule That nothing can be more destructive against the cause of Religion than to be divided amongst themselves That the Assembly and Parliament for so it runs will not onely reform Religion throughout the Nation but will concur to whatsoever shall appear to be the Rights of particular Congregations That all people forbear till they see whether the right Rule will not be commended to them in this orderly way we enjoying more Liberty to serve God than ever was seen in England Here 's fast and loose the People in doubt what Profession to undertake or by this Declaration of what Religion was the Parliament then began Iack Presbyter so styled to be baffled in every Pamphlet and they again to return encounters the people had sport enough to be for neither and in truth of no profession at all but went a wool-gathering to pick up the flieces pilled from the Orthodox Ministry now in much misery mourning for the fall of Sion The Committee for Innovations appointed Workmen to pull down that famous Organ in St. Paul's Church at London and it was imprinted the like they did in King Henry the Seventh's Chapell at VVestminster and all other parochial Churches in and about London and so by degrees the whole Church of Paul's not repairing but uncovering the Roof whereby in time the whole Church and Steeple will fall down after so great a Sum of Money that had been heretofore contributed to the Repair or rather re-edifying thereof more gracefull than the first erecting And now the Parliament do publish That whereas his Majesty doth make a VVar against his Parliament for the promoting thereof divers Forces both of Horse and Foot have been and are levied therefore that no man be mislead through ignorance the
confined by the Parliament at VVestminster Earl of Chesterfield and the Lord Mountague of Boughton These Members then disabled by Accidents have appeared since Peter Venebles Sir Io. Pawler Edward Bagshaw Sir Io. Burlacie Fr. Newport Anthony Hungerford Io. Russel Thomas Chichely Earl of Cork Sir Iervase Cliâ—ton Sir Guy Palmes Ro. Sutton Iervase Hollis Sir Patrick Curwin Sir Henry Bellingham Sir George Dalston Sir Thomas Stanford Sir VVilliam Dalston Mich. VVharton Sir Ro. Hutton Iames Sindamore Sir Io. Brich Sir Io. Stepny Imployed in his Majesties Service Sir Io. Finch Hugh Porter VValter Kurle VVilliam Stanhop Sir VVilliam Carnaby Sir Thomas Danby Io. Fennich Ralph Sneade Sir VVilliam Ogle Sir Thomas Iermin Sir Iohn Stowell Sir Robert Strickland Sir Ph. Musgrave Io. Coucher Io. Coventry Sir Henry Slingsby Sir Io. Malory Io. Bellasis Sir Thomas Ingram Lord Mansfelt Thomas Hebelthaite Sir Hugh Cholmly Sir George VVentworth Sir VValter Lloyd Iohn Vaughan Richard Ferrers George Hartnoll Sir VVilliam Udall Robert Hunt Thomas May. Sir Thomas Bourcher Sir Thomas Roe These Members taking into consideration the distressed estate of this Kingdom did the seven and twentieth day of this instant Ianuary send a Letter to the Earl of Essex for a Treaty of peace signed by all the Members with order to be published to this effect My Lord His Majesty having by his Proclamation of the two and twentieth of December last upon occasion of this Invasion by some of his Subjects of Scotland summoned all of the Members of both Houses of Parliament to attend him here at Oxford inviting us in the said Proclamation by these gracious Expressions That his Subjects should see how willing he was to receive advice for preservation of the Religion Laws and Safety of the Kingdom and as far as in him lay to restore it its former peace and security his chief and onely end from these whom they had trusted though he could not receive it in the place where he appointed VVhich hath been made good to us and seconded by such unquestionable Demonstrations of his deep and princely sense of the miseries and calamities of his poor Subjects in this unnatural VVar and his passionate affection to redeem them from that deplorable condition by all ways consistent with his Honour or with the future safety of the Kingdom c. We being most intirely satisfied of this truth and sensible of the Desolations of our Countrey and further Dangers threatned from Scotland c. And we being desirous to believe your Lordship however ingaged a person likely to be sensibly touched with these considerations do invite you to that part in this blessed work wich is onely capable to repair all our miseries and buoy up the Kingdom from ruine VVe therefore conjure you by all obligations that have power upon honour conscience or publick piety you will co-operate with us to its preservation by truly representing to and promoving with those by whom you are trusted this our Desire That they joyning with us in a right season some persons be appointed on either part to treat of such a Peace as may redeem it from the brink of desolation This Address we make being assured by his Proclamation of Pardon that his mercy and clemency can transcend all former provocations God Almighty direct your Lordship and those whom you shall present with these our real Desires as may produce a happy peace c. Your affectionate Friends c. Oxford Jan. 27. 1645. To these he returns no Answer to them but sends this Letter to the Parliament at Westminster where it wrought upon the Members according to their several affections The haste which the Scots Covenanters made rushed in their Army into England the sixteenth of Ianuary consisting of eighteen thousand Foot and two thousand Horse marching forwards till they came to the warm Sea-coal fires at Newcastle they knew the way hither having fared so well the time before in their first Expedition their then General and they being well rewarded here and at home by the Kings indulgent graces he following them into Scotland confirming unto them in full Parliament all the Privileges of Kirk and Kingdom and conferred many Honours and Offices He having done all this as before in particulars and ere he took leave to return wishing them to continue in allegeance and live in peace and if any difference should happen in England which he hoped God would divert he desired them to continue Neuters though he might expect Aid yet he would not disturb the Peace of his native Countrey To which they all obliged themselves by revival of their own Act to that purpose and at the publishing one of their chief that had been their General in the said Expedition fell on his knees and lifting up his arms and hands to Heaven wished they might rot to his body before he died if ever he would heave them up hereafter or draw his Sword against his gude King yet this Wretch Sir Alexander Lesly whom the King had made Lord Leven comes General of this Army also But their Harbinger came before them a Declaration spread abroad for satisfaction to their Brethren of England intentionally to answer three Questions The justness of their Cause The lawfulness of their calling thereunto And the faithfulness of their carriage therein For the first they appeal to the great Searcher of all hearts who knows that had not the love of Christ requiring to bear one anothers burthen and the Law of Nature challenging our endeavour to prevent our own Danger inveloped with our Neighbours and our Duty and Desire of rescuing the King from his pernicious Council we could with far more content have enjoyed our dry Morsel than entered into your Houses full of Sacrifices with strife c. And we profess before God and the world our hearts are clean and free from any other intentions than those expressed in our Solemn League and Covenant confederate with England viz. Reformation of Religion Honour of the King Peace of the Kingdoms Secondly and because a good necessarily requires a good Calling c. Providence hath so provided that the Parliament of England have a particular obligation upon this our Nation for refusing to countenance a VVar against us in 1640. and now desire our assistance to them and so with the sense of Piety Religion Honour and Duty to their Sovereign we may not resist our Call to this Expedition Thirdly then for our carriage herein we shall order our Army from Insolencies Rapines Plunderings and other calamities incident to War And we do freely give the Publick Faith of the Kingdom of Scotland unto the Kingdom of England that neither our entrance into nor continuance in England shall be made use of to other ends than is expressed in that Covenant which we shall keep inviolable And call God to witness their onely intent of VVar is to confirm all in Peace and so to return home again How they have performed these let the world judge I
Ordnance before to choose out so many commanded Musquetiers of the English of late come out of Ireland as might well be spared out of that Garison These were a thousand Musquetiers of Colonel Broughtons and Colonel Tilliers Regiments with a hundred and twenty of Colonel Sir Fulke Huncks All these sent down by the Severne met the Prince at Bridgenorth on Fryday Of Horse he took along his own Troop and Regiment with twenty of Major General Sir Hurrey's with these Forces he drew along three Field-pieces At Wolverhamton next day was his Army recruited by a hundred Horse and two hundred Foot of Colonel Levesons On Munday night he had notice at Ashby de la Zouch of two thousand two hundred Enemies under Sir Edward Hartop sent out by Meldruâ—â— to the pass and bridge over the Sore a mile from Loughborow in Leicester-shire Their purpose was either to intercept General Major George Porter or to prevent his joyning with my Lord Loughborow For thither with four Regiments of Horse and aâ— thousand commanded Musquetiers of my Lord of Newcastles men was Master Porter now come from about Newark to hinder the farther inroads into Leicestershire Dayly slight Skirmishes here passed For Meldrum not able to force the passaâ—â— and hearing of my Lord of Loughborow's drawing out they stole away Porter thus dis-ingaged was the next day together with my Lord Loughborow's forces conjoyned to the Prince's That night they all quartered in a Close by Bingham eight miles short of Newark About two of the clock the Moon then well up the drums beat and all marched Hitherto had the marches been so speedy as fame it self was prevented for by Meldrum's own Letter sent to the Lord Fairfax which was intercepted the night before they had no more but an uncredited rumor of Prince Rupert's coming On this dayes march Rupert had notice by his espyalls how the Enemies were busied all that morning in sending away their Cannons which proved no other then their drawing them off their Batteries into their chiefe work at the Spittle or Excester House a little more then musket shot from the Town for into that one Quarter had they that morning drawn all their Regiments and Amunition The Prince having intelligence of their amassing themselves into one Body which he supposed a preparation to march off suddenly advanc'd his Van of Horse upon the spur to overtake them the rest of his Horse had order to keep along with the Foot Cannon and Amunition Coming near the Beacon-hill a mile short of Newark he perceived some Horses of the enemies who upon his approach drew down the other side to their own Grosse The Prince thus easily gaining the hill increased his natural courage upon his apprehension besides of having many advantages upon a retreating enemy Whereupon Courage sayes he let 's charge them with the Horse we have and ingage them till our Reer and Foot be march'd up to us Trooping thus to the edge of the hill he perceived the most of the enemy in Battalia Horse and Foot near the Spittle all except four great Bodies of Horse who expected him at the very descent of the hill The Prince thus ordered his own few Forces first himself with his own Troop of Life-guards undertook to attack that Body on the left hand appointing my Lord Loughborow's Troop to second him and Colonel Gerard's Troop to be as a Reserve a little on my Lords right hand The Princes Regiment was cast out into five divisions two Troops to each division in the first and very right hand of all were Captain Gardiner and Captain Richardson then Captain Cobb and Captain Martin then the Lord Grandison and Sir Thomas Dallison next them the Troops of Sir Lewis Dives and the Lord Dillon Major Leggs and Lieutenant-Colonel O-Neales Troops being next unto the Life-guards this Regiment was seconded by Major General Porters Regiment the Field-word was King and Queen theirs Religion The fight began about nine a clock and after a while grew sturdy especially on Rupert's right wing the other doubling their files from three to six deep and charged two outmost Troops upon the Flanks so hard that Captain Martin came timely in to help to beat them off the Prince himself having pierced deep into the enemies and being observed for his valour was dangerously at once assaulted by three sturdy persons whereof one fell by Rupert's own sword a second being pistoll'd by Master Mortaigne one of his own Gentlemen the third now ready to lay hand on the Princes collar had it almost chopt off by Sir William Neale He thus dis-engaged with a shot only in his gauntlet with Sir Richard Crane and his own Troop charged quite thorow that Body pursuing them in rout home to their very Works at the Spittle presently after this his Regiment with their seconds likewise routed the three other Bodies four of the Troops charging even into the Work and bringing away a Captain Prisoner Loughborow also deported himself honourably some of his shrunk at the second charge himself rode back to rally and bring them up again Major-general Porter charged with much bravery though some of his also retired up the hill in disorder Colonel Charles Gerard did here like himself but by the fall of his horse was bruised shot in the arm and taken prisoner After a while both sides began to rallie and make ready for a second charge the Prince to make impression and they to receive it and though for a good while they disputed it toughly yet by fine force were they and all the rest driven quite out of the Field beyond their own Work Foot and Cannon at the Spittle divers of them hasting by a bridge of boats over that branch of the Trent into the Island four other Troops with as many Foot-companies hasted up to Muskham bridge upon the other side of the Island and main stream of the River about three quarters of a mile both from Newark and the Spittle here they stayed till towards evening when breaking the bridge behinde them and throwing one piece of Cannon into the Trent they then hastned to Nottingham In both these stiffe bouts the Prince took Five Cornets and Ninetie Prisoners whereof three Captaines some Gentlemen three Cornets besides other Officers and two Cannoniers And now as if an universal truce had been agreed upon there was some half an hours silence excepting that the enemies Cannonado's disturbed it For the Foot had not yet advanced and their Horse by this time had enough of it As for the Prince he now stayed for his Foot and Reer of Horse both left full two miles behinde when his Van began to double their march to overtake the enemy anon came up his Foot all that day commanded by Colonel Tilliar these resting themselves a while upon the hill the first division being part of those that came from Shrewsbury were led on by the Colonel these marcht down in the face of the enemy hooting at their Cannon these
negotiate the introducing by His Uncle the King of Denmark a foreign power to settle His affairs and under that pretext have given large Commission and particular instructions to the Fleet to visit search and intercept all such Danish ships as they should meet and to fight with sink or destroy all such as should resist them not permitting the same or to take and detain them having any arms or ammunition on board according to which they have searched visited and detained divers to the great prejudice and interruption of the Norway trade driven commonly in this Kingdom in their own Bottoms And that they did prepare force against others whom they permitted not to water nor any other accommodation being bound for the West-Indies and put in by stresse of weather in the West of England That in pursuance of their great design of extirpating the Royal blood and Monarchy of England they have endeavoured likewise to lay a great blemish upon His Royal Family endeavouring to illegitimate all derived from His Sister at once to cut off the interests and pretensions of the whole Race which their most detestable and scandalous design they have pursued examining witnesses and conferring circumstances and times to colour their pretensions in so great a fault and which as his sacred Majesty of England in the true sense of honour of his Mother doth abhor and will punish so he expects his concurrence in vindicating a Sister of so happy memory and by whom so near an union and continued League of amity hath been produced between the Families and Kingdoms That the particulars in which His Majesty doth desire his assistance are in the loan and raising of Men Money Arms and Ships all or such of them as may consist best with the conveniences of his own affairs and of such iu the first place as may be most requisite and are wanting to his Majesty That to set His levies on foot and to put him in a posture to protect his Subjects in all places that adhere to him and receive their contribution a hundred thousand pounds will be necessary for him which his Majesty desires by way of loan And for the restitution of it besides his Kingly word and solemn engagement upon this treaty he is contented of such his Crown Iewels as are in his disposure to leave His Royal pledge if it shall be desired The particulars of arms that he desires are six thousand Musquets fifteen hundred Horse-arms and twenty pieces of Artillery mounted Assistance of men he desires only in Hâ—rsmen and to know in what time thâ—y may be ready and how many That the Holy Island or Newcastle are designed for the landing of the said Horse and Magazin of the said provisions for reception likewise and protection of such his ships as he shall think fit to imploy for the countenance and security of those his Subjects that shall trade upon these Costs and for ascertaining the correspondency and intelligence between the two Kingdoms in which the number is left to be proportioned as may best sort and agree with his own affairs And for which the Holy Island is conceived one of the aptest Harbours in all his Majesties Dominions being capable of any ships whatsoever in a very great proportion an excellent rode at the entrance a ready out-let and a strong Fort under his Majesties command That in lieu of this assistance contributed by the King of Denmark his Majesty will oblige himself and ratifie in expresse Articles to restore into the Magazins of Denmark a like proportion of Arms and amunition to repay and defray the charges of the money leâ—t and levies of Horse and as soon as his affairs shall be setled and himself in a condition to do it upon all occasions to contribute the assistance of his Fleet in maintaining his Right and title to the Customs of the Sound against all persons whatsoever and to ratifie the Treaty thâ—â— was last made by Sir Thomas Roe to enter into a League offensive and defensive against intestine Rebellions In pursuance of which Treaty while the Negotiations and Articles may be severally perfected his Majesty doth expect this first Supply of Moneys and Arms present affairs not admitting a Delay in the same That in case the King of Denmark will lend Money upon Iewels there is in Holland a great Collar of Rubies and another of Rubies and Rearl that may be sent to him or delivered to his Agent here who may have order to pay the Money here or any other Iewels That there have been in Discourses several Propositions of Accommodation made by them to the King to which the King hath at all times made more Advances on his part than in reason could have been expected from him and the Difficulties have still risen on theirs And that whereas his Majesty doth understand that a person is addressed to the King of Denmark from his Parliament to insinâ—ate misunderstandings abroad with his Majestie 's Allies as they have done at home among his People his Majesty expects that he be neither received nor permitted to remain within his Dominions to become an Intelligencer and Spy upon the Treaty and Negotiations between their Majesties but that he be dismist and sent away so soon as ever he shall arrive These Instructions intend to state the affairs between the King and his Parliament which how truly rendered the History before doth express in particular The Parliament observe from hence that the King solicites Denmark making not onely Papists the Parliaments Enemies for Religions sake but all Princes though Protestants for Monarchies sake rather than fail of aid from thence And concerning the Rumour of his Mothers Queen Ann's chastity it is most true they did therein examine Witnesses upon Interrogatories most abusive base even to an Impossibility which yet was rumoured whispering to the great dishonour if possible of the memory of that virtuous noble Lady whom all Historians crown with glory and honourable Fame and which scandal I have not hitherto touched in this History nor would till now I finde his Majesty so sensible thereof that he signifies so much in private to the King of Denmark her Brother But the Parliament publish it in print to the World with their Paraphrase not to palliate the Injury but to increase the Scandal Sir William Waller had lain long at London for compleating his new Levies into a pretty Army and now he marches Commander in chief and as it was gotten without the Gen. Essex his good will so is he left at liberty without dependence on his direction And when he set forth from London his Expedition was accompanied with Fasting and Prayers and five several Sermons in one Church one day evermore recommending him The Servant of the State now going out to fight the Lords Battles against the Enemies of God And lest he should want Pay the Citizens will pinch their Bellies for the Parliament had put them by Ordinance to afford him one Meal a VVeek
himsefe shot in the arm for this good service his Majesty presently Knighted him and he well deserved it His Majesty wanted only Horse to have utterly destroyed them for they were now unable to help themselves In this condition his Majesty pursued them all day getting still ground in the evening one whole Regiment of their Foot being Colonel Weyres staggared ran from field to field with their Cannon and Colours only at the appearance of but eight of his Majesties Horse and had not night come on all their Army had undoubtedly been destroyed The Gentlemen of his Majesties own Troop did most gallantly in that service being twice bravely led on by the noble and valiant Lord Bernard Stuart to the great terrour of the Rebels This no question caused their General Essex early the nex day to quit his glorious Command and in a small Boat to shift away by water some say for Plymouth as yet there is no certainty where he is nor of Roberts Meirick and others who are gone Thereupon yesterday his own Lieutenant Colonel Butler who was formerly taken Prisoner at the Lord Mohun's House and now exchanged for Sir John Digby came to desire a Parley which was accepted and Hostages interchangeably delivered the Treaty followed in the evening in the Kings Quarter the Treators for his Majesty Prince Maurice the Lord General and the Lord Digby Theirs Colonel Barkeley an insolent Scot Colonel Whichcott a zealous City Colonel and Colonel Butler after high demands the conclusion brought forth these Articles 1. It is agreed That all the Officers and Souldiers as well of Horse and Foot under the command of the Earle of Essex being at the time of the Conclusion of this Treaty on the West side of the River of Foy shall to morrow being the Second of September by eleven of the clock in the morning deliver up near the old Castle in their own Quarters All their Cannon and Train of Artillery with All Carriages Necessaries and Materials thereunto belonging and likewise All the Arms offensive and defensive both of Horse and Foot and all Powder Bullet Match and Amunition whatsoever unto such Officers as the General of His Majesties Artillery shall appoint to receive the same except only the Swords and Pistols of all Officers above the degree of a Corporal who are by this Agreement to wear and carry the same away 2. Secondly It is agreed That immediately after the delivery up of the said Artillery Arms and Amunition c. that all Officers and Souldiers both of Horse and Foot of the said Army shall march out of their Quarters to Listithiel with their Colours both of Horse and Foot Trumpets and Drummes And that all Officers of Foot above the degree of Serjeants shall take with them such Horses and Servants as properly belong unto themselves as also all reformed Officers their Horses and Arms not exceeding the number of fifty and likewise to take with them all their Bagge and Baggage and Wagons with their Teemes of Horses properly belonging to the said Officers 3. Thirdly It is agreed That they shall have a safe Convoy of a hundred Horse from their Quarters to Lestithiel and thence in their March the nearest convenient way to Poole and Warham provided that they secure the said Convoys return to Bridgwater or His Majesties Army and that in their march they touch not at any Garrison 4. Fourthly It is agreed That in case they shall march from Poole to any other place by land that neither they nor any of them shall bear Arms more then is allowed in this agreement nor do any Hostile act untill they come to Southampton or Portsmouth 5. Fiftly It is agreed That all the Sick and wounded Officers and Souldiers of that Army who are not able to march shall be left at Foy and there secured from any violence to their persons or goods and care taken of them untill such time as they can be transported to Plymouth 6. Sixtly It is agreed That all Officers and Souldiers of that Army for the better conveniency of their march shall be permitted to receive all such Monies Provisions of Victuals and other accommodations as they shall be able to procure from Plymouth To which end they shall have a Passe granted for any Persons not exceeding the number of twelve whom they shall send for the same 7. Seventhly It is agreed That there be no inviting of Souldiers but that such as will voluntarily come to his Majesties Service shall not be hindred MAURICE BRAINFORD Phil. Skippon Christ. Whitchcott According to these Articles his Majesty possessed himself of all the enemies train of Artillery viz. 49. Pieces of fair Brass Ordnance taken then and the day before among which was the great Basilisco of Dover 200. and odd Barrels of Gunpowder Match Ball c. proportionable above 700. Carriages and bewixt 8. and 9. thousand Arms Horse and Foot Amongst the Baggage were found a world of empty Bottles belonging to his Excellencies own Quarter As for their persons his Majesty out of his wonted Clemency was unwilling to shed blood they were his own Subjects which caused so many thousands of them instantly to desire imployment in his Majesties Cause to fight especially against them who had led them into all this and at last run away from them To speak truth this is the most high inexpiable piece of cowardize that ever was committed by one who took on him the name of a General to lead an Army of above ten Thousand men into such miserable necessity all which they endured through his Lordships conduct and then to steal away in a poor little boat by night leaving all his flock to starve or submit to the mercy of another Army But the Earl to excuse himself accuseth the Lord Roberts for betraying him into this County of Cornwal where he promised the people would rise upon his coming which they did to some purpose The Lord Roberts saies 't was the Earls own headinesse to advance Westward expresly contrary to the Ordinance of both houses adding that the Earl might have preserved all if he would have but entertained a Treaty with his Majesty by which pretence he might have gained time till relief had come The inferiour Officers accuse them both and both Officers and Souldiers say 't was long of Sir William Waller for not advancing who twenty to one will fault them at Westminster for not recruiting him and the Members must needs lay it upon the Citizens who would not by any means come forth with Waller And yet Sir William would never have run away by Sea nor his Excellency at Roundway-down you see now what hath been the old difference betwixt the Earl and the other the one for a Race-horse the other for a Cock-boat Though truly 't is a wonder that the Earl would take water when he should take possession of Ten thousand pound per annum which the Members voted him out of the Lord Capel's Lands And in his way as the King
and therefore at midnight with eight Troops and a hundred Musquetiers drew up to Clinewall to meet the Newnham Foot appointed for this design And in the close of the next Evening they came near the Cavaliers and that night forced their Ambuscado into their Works and the next morning make the onset and here Massie made one Principal being so put to it his Head piece knocked off with the Butt end of a Musquet but rescued and so the full Body coming up they had the better and so prevented the joyning of the Parties for that time During this time Colonel Broughton out of Glocester undertakes to Garrison Godridge Castle where he rousted with great undertakings Skirmishes and surprisals as all the other Garrisons usually did one from the other successefully Some Hereford Forces hearing of it drew out a small Party Summoned him Stormed and took him and his prisoners and carried them all above one hundred to Hereford nimbly done without any noise The King in his march out of the West sent part of his Army upon several Services yet still his Adversaries marched before him towards London as far as Basing near which place their strength were gathered into one Body the General Essex the Earl of Manchester and Sir William Wallers marching to a general Rendezvouz Wednesday October 23. but did not hazard their Forces against Basing House but left it after their Outguards were rowsed by Captain Markham with a Party of Horse The Kings Forces then at Kingscleer and the Enemy in Aldermarston Park and on Thursday night came privately over the Water at a Ford near Padworth and the next morning drew to Bucklebury five miles from Newbury where the King then was On Bucklebury Heath the Enemy made their Rendezvouz having refreshed their Army from Reading from hence they sent out several Parties to have fallen upon the Kings Horse Quarters but were repulsed by Lieutenant Colonel Bovel About twelve a clock on Friday they drew down their whole Army between Thatcham and Shaw where by strong Parties they attempted to force the Horse Quarters at Shaw but were Skirmished with a Part of Prince Maurice Horse some killed between them and then drew back to a Field before Shaw leaving some Foot and Dragoons to dispute the Hill vvhich vvas done till Midnight On Saturday morning Essex dravvs his Canon vvith four great Bodies of Foot and some Horse to that Hill there they stand in Batalia and shot with their Ordnance all that after-noon to loss in which time they drew the rest of his Army through Winterburn towards Boxford to have girâ— in the King which was all they did that night Early on Sunday morning October 27. about a thousand of the Earl of Manchester's Forces and London Trained Bands came down the Hill to pass over that part of the River Kennet which runs betwixt the Hill and Newburie these passed the River Eastward and therefore undiscerned of some of the Kings Foot who kept a Pass at a Mill Westward of the place where the Enemy passed over it being then not fully break of day and advanced upon those few Foot at the Pass over-pressing them with numbers had much the better untill Sir Bernard Astley Son to the Lord Astley came up with four hundred Musquetiers and fell on them to a Rout the while two other Bodies hasted over the River to second the first but the other rout their Seconds and both run through the River and some drowned The rest of Essex's Army consisting of his own Regiment and VValler's whole Forces with part of the E. of Manchester's Horse pursue their Design in surrounding the King towards Spine and about three a clock after-noon four thousand of their Horse and Dragoons with five hundred Pikes and some Cannon appeared on the West side of Newburie where the Cornish Foot and the Duke of York's Regiment commanded by Sir VVilliam St. Leaguer were setled with five Field Pieces and a Brigade of Prince Maâ—rice's Cornish Horse charged home and got ground at first till they were beaten back which some affirm to be the reason why the Foot retreated to the East side of Spine which place they made good till their Enemy left the Field but those Guards were spread so thin there and so many thousands of their Adversaries pressing on the Advantage that they there gained the Kings five small Pieces which they hastily drew off Essex's Horse having forced back the King 's advanced with a Body of five hundred Horse part being Essex's Life-guard and a sufficient Strength of Musquetiers betwixt Newburie and Spine where the King's Life-guards and Sir Bennet's Brigade were drawn up Major Leg was sent with a party of Horse towards those of the Enemy who finding himself over-powred made a Retreat whereupon the other advanced with Musquetiers on their right hand towards the River there being three small Inclosures betwixt Colonel Bennet and them which made him wheel off which his Enemy calls a Routing but indeed though his Enemy came on upon him yet when his Regiment came up not ready before he faced and charged handsomly as the other confesses and was seconded by the Lord Bernard Stuart Brother to the Duke of Richmond and Lenox fell upon their Flanks and routed them and execution followed among whom was the Commander of the Earl of Essex his Life-guard whom Bennet shot dead and others slain The King lost Captain Catlin of Sir VValgrave's Regiment and some Troopers Captain VValgrave Sir Edward's Son was dangerously hurt and their Adversaries advanced to that ground again and thus it happened with Essex's Forces on the West side of Spine But those on the East side were more confident of Success having setled three Bodies of Foot in certain Inclosures advanced over a Ditch with a great Body of Horse hoping to break in through the Kings Guards but were prevented by General Goring who instantly drew up the Earl of Cleveland's Brigade put himself in the Head of it together with the old valiant Earl and his other Colonels of his Brigade Colonel Thornhill Colonel Hamilton Colonel Culpeper and Colonel Stuart the General told them they must now charge home and suddenly advanced up to the Gap where about fourscore of the Enemy were come over these he fell upon and forced them back and followed them over the Ditch but hastily and not in order the Enemy killed many untill a new Body came to second them and both together joyned and ordered forced their Enemy to scatter and there they had the better and killed Major Urrie Colonel Urrie's Kinsman In this Charge it was that the good Earl of Cleveland he deserves a better Title for in earnest he was always valiant and faithfull to his Principals and now engaged and over-powered he was forced their Prisoner These Particulars are confessed in the most Pamphlets but it were not much amiss if either side would forbear over-triumphing when no cause is given for this I must say not partially No English
and three times storming it was fain to retreat to Farnham with much dishonour of his bruised Army and but two lost in the Garison and some small injury of battering the Chimnies and so gave time and liberty for further fortifying it able to do injury to their Enemies Trade and Forces and being sufficient against surprize or storm they resolve to starve it setling their several Forces six weeks together round about in the Neighbour Towns harrowing the Countrey untill they marched to Oxford And now comes Colonel Norton with Forces by intelligence of a run-away Souldier defeats a party drawn out to Odiam with divers Prisoners faced the house and quartered at Basing-stoak with a Regiment of Horse and Dragoons after him comes Colonel Morleys blew Regiment from Sussex Sir Richard Onslowes with five Ensignes of Red from Surrey and two more of White from Farnham are all drawn up upon the South side of Basing-stoak and distribute their Forces the White to Sherfield Onslow to Anwell house Morley with Nortons horse in Basing-stoak often skirmish but alwaies with loss to themselves and each of these had a Troop attending For in the Garison were these Gallants two Majors Cuffand and Langley two Lieutenant Colonels Iohnson and Peak and Colonel Peak sallying out oftentimes with Execution on their Enemy but very little loss to themselves So that now the besiegers suffering too much by being loose they contract their Quarters into the Park the Lane and the Close three sides with the Foot on their Horse on Cowdreys down and at night break gtound Onslow in the Lane had set up a Demy Culverin till a shot from the House silenced his Gun But these without had in this time run their Line within half Musquet shot However the Garison got out and fell upon Onslow whose Irish Souldiership was beaten his petty Culverin dismounted many killed till four Companies of Red came to his rescue more Forces come from Southampton and four fresh Companies two daies before Morley ambitious of some honour in the absence of their chief Norton sends this summons My Lord To avoid effusion of blood I send your Lordship this Summons to demand Basing House for the use of the King and Parliament if this be refused the ensuing inconvenience will rest upon you and your speedy Answer My Lord Your humble Servant Herb. Morley And had this sodain Answer Sir it is a crooked Demand and shall receive a sutable Answer I keep the House in the Right of my Sovereign and shall do it in despight of your Forces Your Letter I reserve in testimony of your Rebellion Winchester This is returned by a Drum with direction Haste haste haste post haste upon the Letter And whilest Morley plaies on the Water-house with his Guns the Garison got out but eight Foot-men fetcht in six Beasts grazing before Onslow's works and he looking on When Norton returns from Sir Waller's defeat at Cropredy Bridge and findes a Captain of Morley's shot dead at his â—oot from those within The hurt within is not much the Marquess hurt two men killed by chain shot the Carriage of their Cabonet broke from their Culverin and by excess of rain the Medowes floting the Besiegers widen more open from the Towers and receive much hurt whilest under covert of a Blinde they sally out again upon Onslow so luckily that he is forced to fly which daies work ends the year of their first Garisons and the second Moneth of the Leaguer These within are tyred with over duty of eight and fourty houres and therefore divide their reliefs every four and twenty the Gentlemen and Troopers doing the same duty of Foot within and without with Musquets or Brown Bill and for seven weeks keep their Horse with Grass and Sage which in the night they were forced to fetch under the Enemies Works And knowing their intentions by Prisoners rather to starve than to storm the doubt of more Forces removed they within resolve to make sallies A party therefore of Horse under Command of Cuffard falls upon some of their Foot lying at hazzard upon Cowdrey's Down whilest Cornet Bryan also about twenty Horse apeece riding at a rate falls in betwixt them and the Hedges rout them flying to Basing-stoak and are pursued with Execution with loss of Colours Trumpets seven Horses and three Troopers many slain and returning under command of their own Cannon not a man slain Then comes additional Forces with Colonel Whitehead's new raised Regiment to Cowdrey's Down the next morning Major Cuffard gets out with six Files of Musquetiers and twenty Troopers and some Brown Bills fall into the Park and attach their out-lines burn their Blinds and their Baskets bring off one of their Morter Peeces whilest Lieutenant Snow with twenty Musquetiers and twelve Bills fall upon the Lane Quarter of Onslow with execution on them break their Demy culverin fire their Guard and return with Arms and Ammunition and Match to their dishonour And therefore Oram Captain of the Guard for vindication must be called to a tryal for neglect or cowardize and evermore for holding correspondence with the besieged is cashiered their service They without are angry and with fifty Musquetiers fall upon the New Works of the Besiegers but soon draw back sixty more get to the Ditch under the Platform but being answered by the Bulwark flanking the ditch they return in hast leaving their Arms for they had three Guns with case shot pouring on their Rear In the Evening Cuffand and Cornet Bryan each with twenty Horse and fourty Musquetiers sally out upon the Down beating the Foot from their Workes and the Horse-guard from their Post pursuing them to Basing-stoak whence strengthned with Irish Horse force the other to retreat take Bryan and a Troop wound three and kill Ensign Emery And the other came home Lieutenant Cooper a Corporal and seven more From whom they are assured that divers were hurt the day before in the Trenches and Morley shot in the shoulder For a fortnight the Besiegers fall to battering having torn the Towers they fall upon the House side next the Town making a work within Pistol shot and because of short commons within some of cowardize get out to the Enemy Whilest necessities increased no beverage but water no bread but of Pease and Oats other Corn all spent Then comes this Summons My Lord These are in the Name and by the Authority of the Parliament of England the Highest Court of Iustice to demand the House and Garison of Basing to be delivered to me and hereof I expect your Answer by this Drum within one hour In the mean time I rest yours to serve you Rich. Norton And had Answer Sir whereas your demands pretend Authoritie of Parliament I answer that without the King there can be no Parliament but by his Majesties Commission I keep this place and without his command shall not deliver it to any pretender whatsoever Winchester Sept. 2. Which Answer findes no other Reply but
Prosper speakes in his second Book De vitae contemptu cap. 4. Men that introduce prophanesse are cloaked with the name of Imaginary Religion for we have left the Substance and dwell too much in Opinion and that Church which all the Iesuits could not ruine is fallen into danger by her own The last particular for I am not willing to be long is my self I was born and Baptized in the Bosome of the Church of England established by Law in that profession I have ever since lived and in that I come now to dye what Clamours and Slanders I have endured for labouring to keep a Conformity in the external service of God according to the doctrine and Discipline of the Church all men know and I have abundantly felt Now at last I am accused of High Treason in Parliament a Crime which my soul ever abhorred this Treason was charged to consist of two parts An endeavour to subvert the Lawes of the Land and a like endeavour to overthrow the true Protestant Religion established by Law Besides my answers which I gave to the several Charges I protested my innocencie in both Houses It was said Prisoner's protestations at the Bar must not be taken I can bring no other witnesse of my heart and the intentions thereof I must therefore come now to it upon my death being instantly to give God an account for the truth of it I do therefore here in the presence of God and his holy Angels take it upon my death that I never endeavoured the subversion either of Law or Religion and I desire that you would all remember this Protestation of mine for my innocency in these and from all Treasons whatsoever whereof I would not for all the World be so guiltie as some are I have been accused likewise as an enemie to Parliaments No I understand them and the benefit that comes by them too well to be so But I did dislike the misgovernment of some Parliaments many waies and I had good reasons for it Corruptio optimi est pessima and that being the highest Court over which no other hath jurisdiction when That is misinformed or misgoverned the Subject is left without all remedy But I have done I forgive all the World and everie of those bitter Enemies which have persecuted me and humblie desire to be forgiven of God first and then of every man and so I heartilie desire you to joyn in prayer with me O Eternal God and Merciful Father look down upon me in mercy in the Riches and fulnesse of thy mercies look down upon me but not until thou hast nailed my sins to the Crosse of Christ not till thou hast bathed me in the Blood of Christ not till I have hid my self in the wounds of Christ that so the punishment due unto my sins may pâ—sse ove me And since thou art pleased to try me to the uttermost I humbly beseech thee to give me now in this great instant full Patience Proportionable Comfort and a heart ready to dy for thy Honour the Kings happinesse and this Churches preservation My Zeal to these far from Arrogancy be it spoken is all the sin humane frailty excepted and all incidents thereunto which is yet known to me in this particular for which I now come to suffer I say in this particular of Treason but otherwise my sins are many and great Lord pardon them all and those especially whatsoever they are which have drawn down this present Judgment upon me and when thou hast given me strength to bear it do with me as seems best in thine own eyes Amen And that there may be a stop of this Issue of Blood in this more then miserable Kingdom O Lord I beseech thee give grace of Repentance to all Blood-thirsty people but if they will not repent O Lord confound all their devices Defeat and Frustrate all their Designs and endeavours which are or shall be contrary to the Glory of thy great Name the truth and sincerity of Religion the establishment of the King and His Posterity after Him in their Just Rights and Priviledges the Honour and Conservation of Parliaments in their Just power the preservation of this poor Church in its Truth Peace and Patrimony and the settlement of this distracted and distressed people under their ancient Lawes and in their native Liberties And when thou hast done all this in meere mercy for them O Lord fill their hearts with thankfulnesse and Religious Dutiful obedience to thee and thy Commandements all their dayes So Amen Lord Jesus Amen and receive my Soul into thy Bosome Amen Our Father which art in Heaven c. This Speech and Prayer ended he gave the Paper written as he spake it desiring Doctor Sterne to shew it to his other Chaplains that they might know how he departed and so prayed God to shew his mercies and blessings on them all Then he applyed himself to the Fatal Block as to the Haven of his Rest but finding the people pressing upon the Scaffold he desired that he might have room to dye beseeching them to let him have an end of his miseries which he had endured very long Being now neer the Block he put off his Dublet and used words to this effect Gods will be done I am willing to go out of this world no man can be more willing to send me out of it And spying through the chinks of the Boards that some people were got under the Scaffold and the place of the Block he called to the Officers for some dust to stop them or to remove the people thence saying It was no part of his desires that his bloud shall fall upon the heads of the people When he was somewhat interrupted by one Sir Iohn Clotworthy who would needs try what he could doe with his Spunge and Vineger and stepping neer the Block asked him not to learn by him but to tempt him what was the comfortablest saying which a dying man could have in his mouth To which he mildly answered Cupio dissolvi esse cum Christo. Being asked again what was the fittest speech a man could use to expresse his confidence and assurance He answered meekly That such assurance was to be found within and that no words were able to expresse it rightly which when it would not satisfie the impertinent man unlesse he gave some place of Scripture whereupon such assurance might be truly founded He replyed to this effect That it was the word of God concerning Christ and his dying for us And so without expecting further questions he turned to the Executioner and gave him money saying here honest friend God forgive thee doe thy Office upon me with mercy and having given a sign when the blow should come he kneeled down upon his knees and prayed Lord I am coming as fast as I can I know I must passe through the shadow of death before I can come to see thee But it is but Umbra mortis a mâ—er shadow of death a
of Dundee It was a Fight of four hours space equal till Montrose his Men got the Advantage which soon after proved a Victory Could it be otherwise when a ragged Irish man having his Leg broke with a great Shot On my Comrades quoth he I am sure now to be mounted a Trooper and with his Skene cut off the skin by which it hung bidding his Fellow to bury it lest the hungry Scot feed on my flesh Then Montrose enters Aberdine affording his Souldiers two days rest When News comes that Arguile was at hand assisted by the Earl of Lothian with fifteen hundred Horse therefore Montrose removes to Kinton twelve miles off and from thence sends Sir William Rollock with News of his good Success to the King at Oxford and withall to get Supplies against so potent Enemies every day increasing so that he was forced to bury his great Guns in a Bog quit his heavy Carriages and to get into the High-land Mountains where the Enemies Horse could not come and for Foot he feared none to that end he marches to the River Spey at Richmursie ruined Castle and there incamps On the other side he findes the Countrey in Arms about five thousand to hinder his passage till Arguile might come at him Montrose was now fain to turn aside to Badenoth a rocky place where he lay sick some days but being recovered he returns to Athole and sends Mac-Donel with a party to the High-lands to win the people by fair means or to fight them by force himself marches through Angus and gets over the Grainsbane a perpetual Ridg of Mountains that parts the East and West of Scotland and so into the North and leaving Arguile so far behinde who by his slow Marches meant not to fight goes to Strathboggy to meet with the Gordons and perswades them to engage but they were hindered by Huntly himself their Chief out of malice to Montrose his Success and the Lord Huntly's eldest Son was detained by Arguile his half Uncle the Earl of Alboin the second Son inclosed within the Siege of Carlisle and Lewis another Son was forced with the Enemy so that the Gordons had no one of their Famâ—ly to fight under Here Montrose quarters sometime skirmishing abroad and evermore with Booties but doing no good as to get aid he in the end of October goes to Favy Castle and possessed it when on the sudden he hears that Arguile and Lothian were within two miles with two thousand five hundred Foot and twelve hundred Horse Montrose now Mac-Donel being gone had but fifteen hundred Foot and fifty Horse In this exigent and the best way he draws his Men up to a Hill rough ground Hedges and Diâ—ches as good as Breast-works and here such of the Huntly's Dependents fairly forsook him and up the Hill the Enemy mounts Lothian charging with five Troops and were no sooner encountred but retired and other of their Foot were beaten from a Fastness leaving some Bags of Powder behinde and towards night Arguile retreats two miles off and slept not it seems till the next day for then he did nothing neither to any purpose This while Montrose in mighty want of Shot melts all his Vessels into Bullets but Arguile was gone marcht off over the River the very same way he came three miles off back again like a Coward as he came and Montrose returns towards Strathboggy but is pursued by Horse which entertains Skirmish with his Rear till Arguile gets up to Montrose who was mounted on a Hill and which induces Arguile to come to a Cessation of Arms that they both might treat and whilest they confer Montrose is bought and sold for Silver to betray him which he could not better secure than resolving to march away by mid-night as far as Badenoth but sent away his Carriages before when on the sudden Sibbals his old Friend and first Comrade stole away with a Prisoner to Arguile but Montrose instantly posts his Command to his Convoy of the Carriages to return by which he meant to amuze the Enemy with longer stay that the Fugitives might not be believed untill after four days he with great skill and courage marched away to Balveny where most of his Men of Birth and Quality by Arguile's corruption and Bribe fell off from him onely that noble Lord Ogleby and his two Sons never forsook him nay the Irish and High-landers professed themselves the more intirely faithfull Montrose returns from Balveny to Badenoth and hears that Arguile with his Foot onely lay at Dunkeldon in Athole thither goes Montrose in wondrous haste one night twenty four miles through ways untroden untill'd waste full of Snow and never inhabited by mortal man but ere he gets thither and sixteen miles off Arguile had knowledg by Scouts and up he rises and runs away in wondrous Disorder they whither they would but himself goes into Perth a strong Garison By this time returns Mac-Donel with the Macarenolds five hundred Men and Patrick Graham from the Funeral of his Chief with some choice men of Athole and with this Recruit he marches to the great Lake the Head of the River Tay and so through Bradalbain into the Countrey of Arguile Why he did so is too tedious to tell but he never did any thing without Reason for his Resolution for in a word Arguile was powerfull tyrannous and cruel amongst the Highlanders formidable to any of the Kings Friends forcing the Countrey to fight against their wills and yet hated him in their hearts the Low-lands of the Kingdom garisoned with Covenanters and great Bodies of Horse and so Montrose had no other place to winter in and therefore with a minde beyond extraordinary through long and foul Winter way with incredible speed he comes to Arguile The Earl was listing Souldiers at a Rendezvouz secure by the Castle Innerare supposing no Enemy within an hundred miles nor was it imaginable that an Army could ever get thither when the trembling Cow-herds told him Montrose was within two miles and so scared him into a Fisher-boat and flies away leaving his Friends and Fortunes and his own Countrey to the mercy of a provoked Enemy a Countrey barren of Corn and mountainous but Pastures and Cattle which Montrose visits round about with three several Brigades of his Army by himself one Mac-Donel another and the chief of the Macarenolds the third they range and waste all kill all in Arms that will not submit and drive all serviceable men out of that Territory fire the Villages level with the ground with that like usage as Arguile had done to the Kings Friends he being the first of any that prosecuted with Fire and Sword and thus was Montrose forced to do from the thirteenth of December 1644. to the last of Ianuary following and so departing through Lorn Glencow and Aber he came to Logh-ness And here he meets with new-raised Forces of the Enemy the Earl of Seafort with the Garison of Inerness and the whole
both Armies and with his Rhetoriâ—k stops the onset and so both Hosts retired and Torstenton takes leave and returns to his party in Germany Gallasso lets him passe but follows him to the like intention as when he let the other goe oftentimes able to attach the other and to worst him just like that of the Danish Admiral and as deserving to forfeit his head as corrupted by the Swede Truly Galasso was a gallant man and better judgements may excuse him not to advance unlesse the Leaguer men first concluded upon Terms as between the French and Swedes which the Dane as was conceived could not refuse in regard the Emperour came in to extinguish the fire amongst them but left it flaming at home and being Leaguer'd together things might become as in the former condition before the War since the interest of Denmark seemed to require it and all to abase and weaken the Swede The good King was thus deceived upon respective interests of each Party and so the overtures of the Dunkerk failing the Emperâ—alists returned home leaving the Dane to himself in distresse for the losse of six stately Ships four taken and two fired the King not Master of himself having to do with his own States of different sense with his and the successe of affairs thereafter The Swedes almost Conquerours but the Kings virtue over-mastering such misfortunes gathers his Fleet at Copen-haven to preserve Zeland when the Hollander religious in nothing more then their Interest of gain both to see the Swedes to swell too big and to get the Sound arrived with a Fleet at Copen-haven land an Ambassadour who resumed the heat which Tuillery had left so hot and never left powring on the water of good counsel until he had cooled the Swede with threats also that made the Swede agree to a peace with much advantage to the Dane and gave the good King Christian quiet to end his daies in peace after that he had reigned above fifty years lodging all his malice into a Record until time come to be quit with the Swede for those encounters And thus we take leave of the year 1644. The great Ordinance for calling the Members of both Houses from Military and Civil affairs and places was with exception of such and such persons and places mentioned therein And a particular Commission was ordered by Parliament for the General Fairfax to execute all Martial jurisdiction and fight with and slay such as shall oppose him and to suppress all such Forces as are not raised by authority of Parliament And because sundry ill-affected persons had fomented discontents between the two Houses in relation to this new model of the Army and so report that the Commons went to undermine their Lordships priviledges which intention they do disclaim and abhor and do acknowledge the many Noble and Renowned Actions performed by their Lordships Ancestors in defence of the liberty of the Commons This Speech was made to the Lords by Sir Iohn Evelin from the Commons and concluded to assure them that the House of Commons consisted of no other persons but such as were Gentlemen c. And a Declaration was left by him unto the Lords from the Commons to publish to the world what he hath spoken on their behalfs The Kingdome of Sweden now under the Regency of the young Queen onely Daughter and Heir to Gustavus took this time and opportunity of the jealousie of the Parliament against the Crown of Denmark for assisting the King of Englands party to send Ambassadours to the Parliament for a Treaty of League and Amity with them which was heartily accepted and fixed into Articles so that by this we are accounted both as one And now comes Colonel Mitton into the House of Commons to receive Publick thanks for his fidelity to the State especially for that gallant Service in surprizing Shrewsbury In had been the Kings chief Garison and faithfull to his Interest and of long time had endured the vexation of a powerfull Enemy which they quitted by often sallies and plundering their Adversaries thereabout but was lately Feb. 22 last surprized by the Committees of Wem and Oswestrie being assisted with four Companies and four hundred Horse from the Neighbour associations and three hundred Staffordshire Foot and one Company under command of Colonel Bowes and all these under the general command of Mitton about fifteen hundred men But without all this adoe in numbring up their Forces it was in a word betrayed to the Parliament with many persons of quality the manner I could never well understand nor would they print the shame of treachery The Prisoners were eight Knights and Bâ—ronets fourty Colonels Majors Captaines and others of quality two hundred common men one Captain and five Souldiers slain They took fifteen pieces of Ordnance many hundreds of Arms divers Barrels of Powder Prince Maurice his Magazin the Town the Castle and all the works and without the loss of three men For they say there were but two killed by chance So that a day of thanksgiving was set apart for the Parliaments successes in taking Scarborough Plymouth Weymouth and Shrewsbury within a moneth The old General Essex lately laid aside took his retirement out of Town from the noise and clamour of his Officers now discarded And although their merits were much to the service of the Parliament yet divers of them also upon what account we may imagine were questioned and committed without their Arrears And others of them the wiser way gave up their Commissions to save the labour and dishonour of being taken per force Prudently considering that a new Model of manners in the main of the Militia must necessarily require a mutation and change of men to manage that service answerable to the mindes of such as command in chief For indeed Essex was not at all Presbyterian nor could he preach And therefore it was resolved by himself and his Counsellours for him to surrender his Commission together with the Earl of Manchester's and the Earl of Denbigh's two General Commanders before they should be thereto required They did it on a day together in the Lords House And Essex therewith delivers a Paper which spoke his sence April 2. Having received this great Charge in obedience to the commands of both Houses and taken their Sword into my hand I can with confidence say that I have for this now almost three years faithfully served you and I hope without loss of Honour to my self or prejudice to the Publick supported therein by the goodness of God and the fidelity and courage of a great many gallant men both Officers and Souldiers But I will neither trouble you nor my self by repeating either the difficulties or danger we have overcomed or the service that I have done you I see by the now coming up of these Ordinances that it is the desire of the House of Commons that my Commission may be vacated and it hath been no particular
respect to my self whatever is whispered to the contrary that hath made me thus long omit to declare my readiness thereto it being not unknown to divers men of Honour that I had resolved it after the action of Glocester but that some importunities pressed on me with arguments of publick advantage and that by those of unquestionable affection over-ruled me therein I now do it and return my Commission into those hands that gave it me wishing it may prove as good an expedient to the present distempers as some will have it believed which I shall pray for with as hearty a zeal as any can desire my doing this which I now do I think it not immodest that I intreat both Houses that those Officers of mine which are now laid by might have their debenters audited some considerable part of their Arrears payed them for their support and the remainder secured them by the publick Faith and that those of them that remain questioned may be brought to some speedy trial whereby they may receive either the punishment or justification that is due to them under which notion I remember onely three of whom I must testifie that they franckly and couragiously have adventured their lives and lost their blood for the Publick and that with continued fidelity for ought ever I could observe My Lords I know that jealousies cannot be avoided in the unhappy condition of our present affairs yet wisdome and charity should put such restraints thereunto as not to allow it to become destructive I hope that this advice from me is not unseasonable wishing my self and my friends may amongst others participate the benefit thereof this proceeding from my affection to the Parliament the prosperity whereof I shall ever wish from my heart what return soever it brings me I being no single example in that kinde of that fortune I now undergoe Good man little dreamed he heretofore to be so soon discarded being lately caressed from the King and the whole body of that Army offering to him the wayes and means of reconciliation and peace then in his power which indeed was some reason of his remove To tamper with an Enemy gives cause of suspition from those that imploy him and in truth they found him honourable and honest We say no more but they mistrust him and he comforts himself Not to be the single example of eminent Persons of this kinde and fortunes No we need not wander much out of the way to fetch a President from his Father for tampering with Tyrone he forfeited his head not long after Indeed Denbigh was neglected and Manchester was wise and saw how the world went biassed with desperate design to undoe all as they imagined But upon these surrenders the Lord calls a conference with the Commons and conclude this Declaration Whereas the Earl of Essex Earl of Manchester and Earl of Denbigh had this day in the House of Peers laid down their Commissions the House did declare that they did esteem it an acceptable service in this conjuncture of time and as an evident demonstration of the fidelity and care these three Lords had to the publick and therefore desired the House of Commons to concur for payment of their Officers arrears And a Committee was chosen to consider of gratifying those Lords for their former faithfull service Which when it shall come to their Receipt I shall not fail to remember the summons of their reward But not to trouble your expectation I shall take leave at this time to sum up his future condition He retired out of the publick apparance unto Eltham House in Kent where his melancholy disposition contracted into a Fever of which he dyed at London September 24. 1646. Of whom more particular in that due place and time The Earl of Warwick also surrenders his Commission of Admiral and that Office intrusted to Commissioners six Lords and twelve Commons they are named the Earls of Essex Northumberland Pembroke Warwick the Lords Say and North. But the Commons did the work the others for names sake onely Sir T. Fairfax in a Triumphing March sets out of London towards VVindsor his Army being compleat but stayed for the finishing the great Ordinance For discharging the Members of Parl from all Offices Military and Civil which indured notable debates ere that the Houses could concurre in each particular the substance thereof was That all and every the Members of either House shall be discharged at the end of fourty daies after the passing of the Ordinance of all their command Military or Civil conferred by Parliament since the 20. of November 1640. That all other Governours and Commanders not Members by Land or Sea shall continue in their Offices wherein they were intrusted the 20 of March 1644. Provided and excepted that Lieutenants or their Deputies in the several Counties Cities and Places or of any Custos Rotularum or Iustices of Peace or Sewers or any Commission of Oyer and Terminer or Goal Delivery And also that those Members of either House who had Offices by Grant from his Majesty before this Parliament and were by Him displaced before the sitting of this Parliament and have since by the Parliament been restored shall not be discharged from their said Offices or Profits thereof but shall enjoy the same April 3. At this time came forth a grievous complaint of a scandalous Pamphlet as they call'd it in Print Entituled A Character of a London Diurnal fathered by Mr. Cleveland of St. Iohns Colledg in Cambridg and appears say they a precious piece of wit in the eyes of Malignants I shall not thereby confess my self to be one if I commend it But did ever any man read more mistaken stuff forced together then what may be found in the Diurnals News Books of that time we hope that this History shall not be arraigned by those Texts The King continues at Oxford Garison but hath all things in readiness to march out for the City was hard beset by the Parliaments Forces the two Princes Brothers with Goring Hopton Gerard and others are all met at Bristol to confer about the war The Forces of Greenvile and Dorington continue blocking up of Taunton in the West Langdale hath lately relieved Sir Winter's house in the Forest of Dean and beat of Col. Massey with great loss Lieutenant General Cromwel and Waller follow the Western war and are now about Salisbury Skippon about Buckingham Brown about Abbington Brereton in Cheshire And the Scots sent unto by several Messengers to march Southwards the North being well cleared But the General Fairfax quartered at Windsor Lieutenant General Cromwel with a Brigade of but eleven hundred Horse had fallen upon the Kings Horse under the Command of the Earl of Northampton and part of the Queens Regiment at Islip Bridge neer Oxford and had taken four hundred Horse two hundred Prisoners the Queens Colours and those that escaped fled to Blackington House where Colonel Windebank kept a Garison for
not a day produced less than double Sallies upon me Nay shall I say oftner than we eat it was my Meat and Drink to beat them alwaies back again c. But the manner of the Storm how he got up and then got in paying and pelting untill not many left alive c. He took all he found Then have we the numberless number of Arms and Ammunition by thousands Bullets by Cart-loads wondrous provisions even unto the Beans and Bacon And such a Bed-role of the slain and the most of them Commanders ten Colonels fourteen Majors twenty Captaines and other Officers but names none least they should prove alive again to requite him Basing House had been first attempted in August 1643. again by VValler in November after and then with considerable Forces from Iune 14. in the year 1644. and relieved 11 September after then continues very considerable Forces constantly besieging it and yet could do no more till now that Cromwel comes to storm and take it The Batteries well placed and each Brigade ordered to their Posts Dalbier the long time Besieger to the North-side next the Grange Pickering on his left to VValler Sir Hardress and Mountague next him After six a clock the signal given they all fall on at once took the two out-Houses Pickering stormed the new House passed through and got the Gate of the old House which put them within to a parley but the fight was hot and the noise great the souldier could not hear and recover the inner Court of Guard and a whole Culvering with that Work And drawing their Ladders after got over another Work and the House Wall ere they could enter And take all with the gallant Marquess honourable and an honest Faithfull Subject to the interest and cause he alwaies undertook and shewed himself a noble Enemy and therefore Cromwel treats him kindely It is much wonder how it held out so long It can not require less than a thousand men to manage it It was not considerable for publick service for it is no Frontire The Country poor all about not worth the defence nor able to support a Garison And now indeed so defaced and weakened with Batteries and Morter-pieces and a fire upon it that chanced since the surrender for these reasons and perhaps a more fit place for a Garison Indeed this House was now utterly slighted and this goodly antient Fabrick pull'd down to the ground And accordingly as Cromwel commanded the whole Garison of Farnham some men from Chichester and those Foot of Dalbier who was soon laid aside and with these to make a strong quarter at Newburie with some Troops of Horse were sufficient to curb Donnington and serve as a Frontier to all those parts For Newburie lies upon a River which secures it from any incursion of Donnington Wallingford or Farrington and to advance the common Trade between Bristol and London And as a true rule the County will rather maintain Garison on the Frontier then in their Bowels less charge and more safety The Wealth of Basing House was of greater value then any single Garison could be imagined in Money Plate Jewels Houshold-stuffe and Riches One Bed valued at fourteen hundred pound and so orderly under rate of others Chambers the most compleat for Furniture And for help to the House Inigo Iones was gotten thither He was an excellent Architector to build but no Engineer to pull down and but one woman amongst so many men Doctor Griffiths daughter a godly Divine Protestant for protection mixed with some Popish Priests profession One common man had plundered a bag of three hundred pound in silver And to make sport with this raw souldier his Comrades pillaged him by pâ—ece meal to an half Crown coin The King had gotten into a good Body of Horse the 10 of Octo. and marches to Texford thence to Welbeck and quartered part of his Army at Blits the 13 day being Munday and had a Rendezvouz at Walsop the next day where he divides his Army and himself retreats his own Brigade to Warwick Appointing the Lord Digby and Sir Marmaduke Langdale with considerable Forces to march North-ward in some design to joyn with the gallant Marquess Montrose in Scotland for the King and that night went through Doncaster lodging upon Scawsby-lees and by long marches from Blits Walsop and Balrick amuzed the Parliaments Forces who attended their motion supposing that they were designed for Chester but certainly the intent was for Scotland And here they wheel beat off a guard near Sherburn and gave an Alarm but had appointed a Rendezvouz before at Bramton Bierly The Parliaments Forces commanded by Copley march by day-light towards Ferry-Bridge to keep that pass secure and to joyn with some Foot And therefore he sends away Post to Pontefract to give notice to draw off the Foot to Caywood least Digby should surprize them This warning came out to them though it came to Pontfract so the Cavaliers got to Ferrie-bridge before their Enemy and marched on amain surprizing seven hundred Foot and more at Sherburn and Milford with their Arms shattered Colonel Wrens Regiment of Horse and took many Prisoners and slew more having no conveniency to carry them away But Copely comes to Pontefract Castle who tels him the Cavaliers are passed whereupon he drawes out a strong Forlorn to joyn with that which is sent before with Orders to advance with all speed and bring the Cavalâ—ers to a stand hoping thereby to have saved his Foot he marches with this Body fairly after to Milford where from the Forlorn he heard that his former Foot were all lost Hereupon he drawes out and means to fight not being able otherwise to retreat with honour or safety And durst not march through Milford fearing there might be some Dragoons but wheel'd about the West end of the Town thinking to keep his Bodies firm and so all march to Sherburn to fight them there and by the way light on a deep Ditch un-passable and could not draw up but in haste and disorder which heeded not for the Cavaliers were busily imployed about their prize and were thereby in more disorder but drew up towards each other and at once ready at once give fire charging together Bodies to Bodies and Copley's Regiment paid for all who was soundly beaten but having reserves and the other none over-powring with fresh men the Cavalier in fury fell to retreat and giving ground turned their back and fled through the Town with loss North-ward and Copeley comes home again intending South-ward and joyn with Rossiter and the associate Horse with design to meet with the King who is supposed about Newark with fifteen hundred Horse Some persons of quality slain and taken The Prisoners were four or five Colonels Captains and Officers a dozen three hundred Troopers taken as many Hâ—rse the Countess of Nidsdale was taken Digbie's Coach and Horses The Forces were equal in number but the Cavalier not so fresh nor
1000. Foot odds of their Enemies and yet left their Siege works well manned at Chester and meet the Cavaliers in their March sending their Forlorn by Captain Otter the Body commanded by Mitton Iones and Louthian against men of resolution and gallantry but overmastered because overpowred and with other advantages to boot defeated the Cavaliers kild some and took Horse and Foot more then will be imagined and this was 1. of November A second design of Relief was nobly attempted by the Lord Aston who in his way was met with near Stur-bridge Horse to Horse each a Regiment Aston too forward was wounded and taken prisoner he scaped no better others payed dear on both sides loss whereof neither bragged and this was ten days after the other defeat Thus abroad and more at home for Byron was a brave man discreet and valiant but could not doe much more then he did within doores for wearied a long time with Sallies outward was now overpowred and overpressed that he was forced to keep in and feed upon nothing even to nothing in great distress when Horse-flesh failed Sir William Brereton and Col. Mitton now command the Leaguer heretofore knowing the resolution of gallant Governours supposed it to no purpose to summon Byron that never used to yield yet now each Opposite fall to treat but the Overtures high neither of them would condiscend November 28. for Byron had intelligence of the Kings earnest desire and unfortunate endeavours for his Relief and the Parliament debating and voting for a Committee on purpose to order force upon force to joyn with Brereton for the gaining of this Garison blocking up and guarding all ways and passages about the County to hinder Relief December 9. And therefore the Townsmen murmur first then mutiny which Byron appeases with promises after a weeks expectation of Relief if none comes to treat upon Surrender and as yet none comes nor can and therefore Brereton ingeniously writes to him For the Lord Byron and the Mayor of Chester SIR Experience tells you on what Foundations your hopes of Relief were grounded but that you may see â—y tender care of the preservation of the Lives and Estates of the Inhabitants once more I summon you to deliver this Garison into my hands for the use of the King and Parliament with expecting your speedy Answer Your Servant Will. Brereton Chester Suburbs Jan. 17. But Byron was busie and did not answer Brereton sends the second time again SIR I perceive my Desire to preserve the Citie encourageth a great obstinacie as though you expected as good Conditions when you can hold out no longer as if you had treated the last Summons which proceeded not from any fear of disturbance for I believe your self is hopeless of Relief but to prevent further miserie and the ruine of that Citie which will be remediless I expect your Answer by three a clock this Day Your Servant Will. Brereton Jan. 12. To which Byron answers We are not convinced by experience of the groundless Foundation of our hopes of Relief neither is our Condition such as to precipitate us to a prejudicial Treatie however if within twelve Days we be not assured of Relief by a Gentleman and Citizen whom we shall send for that purpose with a Trumpet of ours and a Pass from you we shall then be contented to enter into a Treatie for Surrender upon honourable and orderly condition Charls Walley Mayor Your Servant John Byron Chester Jan. 12. And instantly replied unto the same Day The Writing sent by the Drummer is not satisfactory to the Summons neither will I assent to your Desires in any part of it If you return not a positive Answer before ten a clock to morrow morning expect no further Treatie Will. Brereton This was sharp and sudden but Byron stirs not having sent out a Messenger whose return he expected That if Relief came not by the end of this Moneth Ianuary at the furthest he could hold out no longer This Messenger is intercepted on his way which Brereton sends to the Parliament having private order if possible to spare the storming and plunder of that City which Brereton hoped to govern hereafter and he being that Countreyman was not willing to ruine the chief Town The time is come and they treat ten Days spent with several Transactions in hope of Relief for which strong preparations were made whereof the Besiegers had frequent advertisement that Sir Iacob Ashley and Colonel Vaughan had united and lay hovering about Bridg-North their Intention to have joyned with the Welch Forces under the Lord St. Paul and some Irish that came over in December last and those other lately landed at Blewmorris who were part of the Lord Digby's Regiment as the intercepted Letters mentioned to prevent which Conjunction Brereton sends three Regiments of Horse the Warwickshire the Reformado's Regiment and part of the Staffordshire Horse and Foot and also of the Cheshire Dragoons together with some of Colonel Mitton's Horse and Foot which Party was commanded by Mitton who marched to Ruthen the four and twentieth of this Moneth Ianuary intending to fall upon the Cavaliers Quarters who made their way and marched to Denbigh and so to Conway but Mitton came in good time after for Ruthen Castle was so ill provided that he hath hope to master it however the Conjunction of the Cavaliers is frustrate which probably occasioned the Cavaliers Retreat quite away so as now the Besieged hopeless sent out their Commissioners Ian. 30. to treat with the Assailants The first Day nothing was concluded The next Day the Besiegers importuned to lengthen the Treaty for three Days longer which being denied they conclude the first of February Between Iohn Lord Byron Field-Marshal General of North-Wales and Governour of Chester and Sir William Brereton Knight and Baronet Commander in chief of all the Forces of Cheshire The Lord Byron and all Noblemen Commanders and Officers and Souldiers in all their Apparel whatsoever The Lord Byron with Horse and Arms and ten Men alike accomplished to attend him His Lady and Servants with Coaches and in each four Horses with such other Ladies and Gentlewomen as he thinks fit and with his Books Evidences and Writings in his possession and all of them with not above fourty pounds in Money and twenty pounds in Plate The rest of the Noblemen and their Ladies answerable with Honour and Arms and not above thirty pounds in Money Every Knight and Colonel alike with ten pounds in Money and so in a respective condition and quality of every Officer to the common Souldier who was to march away with twenty Shillings In a word throughout their degrees Men and Women answerable and as reasonable for the Citizens So that I shall conclude for the honour of Sir William Brereton although he knew the Distress of the Garison yet he was so noble and so much a Gentleman and a Souldier that in earnest I finde his Concessions worthy of honourable Record which I mention
for his due merits and I wish I could say so much for others on any side And Sir William Brereton is now gone to besiege Lichfield It was about the four and twentieth of February that the Commons discharged the Wardship of the Heirs male of Sir Christopher Wray a Member of the Commons according to their former Ordinance that the Heirs of all such as died in this War in the Service of the Parliament should have their Wardships discharged by Ordinance of both Houses Upon reading of which Ordinance this Day the House took occasion to debate the Legality or Illegality of Wardships in general and ordered That the Court of Wards it self and all Wardships Austre les Mains Primer Seisins and all other Charges incident to the said Office should be from this present Day taken away and all Tennency by Homage and all Fines Licenses Pardons of Alienation c. should be likewise taken away and all Tenures by Knights Service either of his Majestie or others or by Knights Service or Soccage in capite of his Majestie be turned into free and common Soccage There had been by Sentence of the Star-chamber condign punishment inflicted on Dr. Bastwick Mr. Burton and Mr. Pryn for certain scandalous Books imprinted and published by themselves against the King Queen and State Anno 1637. And afterwards Mr. Iohn Lilburn and Mr. Wharton were complained of in Star-chamber by Sir Iohn Banks Attourney General for imprinting and publishing those and such other Books to the defaming of the King and State and were thereupon impeached in the Star-chamber and their persons attached but they refused to put in their Answers and it being taken for granted they were sentenced in Star-chamber Lilburn to be whipt at a Carts tail from the Fleet to Westminster Pallace yard and there to stand in the Pillory for two hours for his contempt and disobedience to the Court It was proved that Lilburn had by the way above five hundred Lashes with a three-stringed Whip-coard and upon each Cord three Knots that he stood in the Pillory two hours and there dispersing some scandalous Books and talking to the People against the State he was gagged to stop his prating For which Misdemeanour there he was again sentenced the eighteenth of April 1638. to be laid in Irons in the Fleet untill he be conform Afterwards when Complaints had freedom to urge the Illegality of former Judgments and Sentences of Courts of Judicature Lilburn petitions the House of Lords for satisfaction of his Sufferings against his Judges And the thirteenth of February 1645. his Case was pleaded and this Order made Die Veneris Feb. 13. 1645. Whereas the cause of John Lilburn Gent. came this Day to a Hearing at the Bar by his Counsel being transmitted from the House of Commons concerning a Sentence pronounced against him in the Star-Chamber Feb. 13. Anno 13. Car. Reg. and after an Examination of the whole Proceedings and a due Consideration of the said Sentence It is this Day adjudged ordered and determined by the Lords in Parliament assembled That the said Sentence and all Proceedings thereupon shall forthwith be for ever totally vacuated obliterated and taken off the File in all Courts where they are yet remaining as illegal and most unjust against the Libertie of the Subject and Law of the Land and Magna Charta and unfit to continue upon Record And that the said Lilburn shall be for ever absolutely freed and totally discharged from the said Sentence and all Proceedings thereupon as fully and amply as though never any such thing had been And that all Estreat and Process in the Court of Exchequer for levying of any Fine if any such be shall be wholly cancelled and made void any thing to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding John Brown Cler. Parliament The Observations may be these 1. Imprisonment a man buried alive is made Corpus immobile legis the immoveable subject of the Law for active Theses was condemned onely to sit still there is an end when Life is taken away but in this no end Nondum tibi redii in gratiam to put a man out of his pain was accounted a favour by the Romans 2. Close Imprisonment was never used to the Primitive Christians by any Tyrants for then that heavy Charge in Scripture I was in Prison and ye visited me not might be answered but a close Imprisonment may presume a Famishment and so Death The Romans had four Punishments Lapidatio Combustio Decollatio and Strangulatio but never Famishing to Death This man might have been so as it was sworn 3. Three years Imprisonment till the Parliament released him and might otherwise have been for ever Whipping was painfull and shamefull flagellation for Slaves In the eleventh of Elizabeth one Cartwright brought a Slave from Russia and would scourge him for which he was questioned and it was resolved That England was too pure an Air for Slaves to breath in And indeed it was often resolved even in Star-chamber that no Gentleman was to be whipt for any offence whatsoever And his Whipping was too severe For the distance from the Fleet to Westminster is above a Mile that he had five hundred Blows one swears a great many more with a treble-corded Whip at least twenty Knots upon it Amongst the Romans no Malefactor had above fourty Stripes and with three Thongs and St. Paul received but nine and thirty Stripes which was but thirteen Blows And it is worth observation that not long since at Orleans in France a Priest was sentenced to be whipt for Fornication with a poor Maid telling her that St. Francis would come and â—ie with her such a Night at which time he feigned himself to be St. Francis and was taken in Bed with her The Kings Advocates pressed the Judges that he might receive fourteen Blows with a three-corded Whip but the Judges would not sentence him to more than thirteen Blows because Ampliandi sunt favores But if our Arithmetick be right not to sport with his pain Lilburn had by this Numeration three times five hundred Stripes in five hundred Blows And besides the Thongs there were twenty Knots upon them which if you multiply into the addition of Stripes make up thousands The Pillory this Punishment was first invented for Mountebanks and Cheats that having gotten upon Banks and Forms to abuse the People were exalted in the same kinde to be an open shame to the Multitude Gagging truly we shall reade of that Punishment Judicature 't is barbarous beastly for Man differs from Beasts both Ratione Oratione We know Perforation in Cases of Blasphemy but not in other matters So that to sum up his Sufferings by Imprisonment he was made a dead Trunk by Whipping a Rogue by Pillory a Cheater and by Gagging a Beast They had better have hanged him out right for prevention of any more hurt hereafter which for his Demerits have been inflicted upon him A man of an undanted troublesome spirit a
the Plain and by a Trumpet challengs Baily to fight but was refused for the River I le parted them Then at Dunkildon where he escaped utter ruin for Lewis Gordon another Son to Huntley sometimes an Enemy was reconciled by his Brothers means he by true or counterfeit Letters from his father the old fox was tempted and carried away with him almost all the Gordons basely deserting his brother and Montrose ready to engage against the Enemy And so diverted the intended journey to Tay and marched towards Brechen sending his weakest men under the Hills to meet him there but by the way he Summons Dundee and storms it in three places beat them from their Sconces possessed their Ordnance and turned them upon the Town beat open their Gates and gets the Church and Market-place and fire the Town in several places When his Scouts bring tydings of Baily and Hurrey a mile off Montrose in all speed Rallies his plundring Souldiers wearied with twenty miles march and now more spent by fighting to fight he was not able to Retreat he must be overtaken In wonderful difficulties he resolves to Retreat Immediately he sends out four hundred Foot before him with convenient speed two hundred the most active to follow them and he with his Horse brings up the Rear trooping in open Order if need were to have room for light Musketiers The Enemy divide in two parts and so pursues them and now their Van closes up to the Retreaters and were welcomed by these Musketiers that Lined Montrose Horse and soon abated their pursuit and Skirmishing stoutly with their Horse untill night parted the fray and because that their wayes were belaid by the Enemy they amuze them by turning and winding off face about and march Southwest passing by them thus beguiled by night and the next morning turning North-ward passed over South-Eske near Goneston Castle thence to Brâ—chen to fetch those men which were left with the Carriages But they hearing of this distresse were got into the Mountains The Enemy came after them so near that they continually Skirmish untill he came to Gleneske This was that so much admired Expedition of Dundee renowned indeed encountering all extremities with patience for sixty miles march fighting without meat or sleep for three dayes and two nights to any purpose of refreshment Incredible but from him that assures this Narrative of his own knowledg and sufferings And now being safe he bides his Souldiers sleep whilst his unwearied Noble Soul fits a wake which resolves of his Warlike affairs He sends the Lord Gordon with those of his continuing loyal into his County to win upon his revolted Brother and his Fugitives and to recruit new forces which he performed with faithfulnesse and courage And Montrose with five hundred Foot and fifty Horse all that he left for himself marcht through Angus into Perth-shire so to distract the Enemy till he was Recruited For Hurrey was gone into the North with six hundred old Foot and two hundred Horse to suppresse the Lord Gordon and Bailey himself staies with an Army at Perth Montrose was twelve miles off at a Village called Krâ—if secure and he safe too conceives when Bailey sets out over night with all his forces discovered by Scouts time enough to finde their adversaries in order fit to retire following the course of the River Erne and made good the Fords thereof and himself the Rear guard repulsing his Enemy to their return and he Quartered at Laugh-Erne the next day to Balwidir where met him the Earl of Alboine with others that escaped out of Carlisle 18 of April Thence to Logh-Catrines where comes newes that Hurrey was upon engaging with Gordon that Gallant young Lord. Montrose makes speed to oppose Hurrey and passes by Balwidir and a Lake twenty four miles long the head of Tay then through Athole and Angus over Gransbane and through Glenmak-vale he comes to the midst of Marre and joynes with Gordon who had gotten one thousand Foot and two hundred Horse marching to Spey to finde the Enemy and was so near as six miles off ere Hurrey thought him past Garshame having over-run the report of himself But Hurrey would not be forced to fight and so passeth over the Spey speeding towards Innernesse the appointed Rendezvouz whither Montrose followes not far off for he was there also the next day and Encamped at a Village Aldern There was now ajoyned to Hurrey the Earls of Seaford and Sunderland the whole Sept of the Frasers the most of Murries Men and Cathnes with some out of the Town Garrison and all together draw up with three thousand five hundred Foot and four hundred Horse against Montrose's fifteen hundred Foot and two hundred Horse and not possible to Retreat Bailey was coming up with his Forces And ere his Enemy should joyn the best he could do was to chuse his ground draws up his Forces in a Valley under a Town on the top of a Hill and Hills behind and above it shadowing his Forces from sight Before the Town he places a few choice Foot with his Ordnance sheltered with Ditches The right Wing is committed to Mac-donel with four hundred Foot fortified with Banks Ditches Shrubs and great Stones and orders him to preserve himself entire as a Reserve safe from the Enemies Force of Horse and Foot and commits also to his charge that notable Standard of the Kings which he alwaies had born before him expecting that upon the sight of that the Enemy would order their best men against that Wing when he on the left Flank would force upon them And drawing the rest of his men to the other side he commends the Horse to the Lord Gordon and takes charge of the Foot himself Those first Forces under the Town seemed his main battle when God knows he had none nor reserves at all The Enemy came on as he imagined their Van upon those before the Town on the right Flank and as their Souldiers spend drew on fresh He therefore meant to fall upon them with his left Flank all at once when one whispered to him that Mac-donel on the right Flank was put to flight He of quick apprehension called aloud My Lord Gordon what doe we doe Mac-donel hath routed the Enemy and is upon execution shall we loyter and he have all the honour of the day with that commands to charge home upon Hurries Horse which began to run left their Flanks which they were to maintain open to disadvantage yet their Foot stood the shock stoutly but being pressed home they threw away their Arms and fled but Montrose remembring Mac-donel drew off thither to the right Flank where he found him though valiant as any man but with more heart then head-piece had advanced out of his fastness and was overpowered and routed and had he not drawn into a neighbours close he and his had been lost for himself was the last that drew off covering his head with a large Target which he alwaies
Parliament no further Expectation of Aid from Ireland or any foreign Friend the Lord Ashley was onely in a Body but closely pursued by Sir William Brereton and Colonel Morgan Governour of Glocester and in the end not able to avoid the Quarrel they came to fight the one and twentieth of March where Ashley was totally defeated near Stow in the Wold upon the edg of Glocestershire himself taken Prisoner fifteen hundred Horse and Foot with his Baggage Ammunition and all and therefore he told them that took him Their Work was done they might go play Meaning that the King had lost all And it seems so by the hasty Vote of the Parliament to the Kings Letter which Message was in effect That he offers to come to his two Houses upon their Assurance for the safety of his Person and to advise with them for the good and safety of the Kingdom Provided that all those who have adhered to his Majesty may have liberty to return in peace to their own home to live in quiet without the Obligation of the National Oath or Covenant and Sequestration to be taken off from their Estates And that then his Majesty will disband all his Forces dismantle his Garisons pass an Act of Oblivion and free Pardon to all and give ample satisfaction to the Kingdom of Scotland March 23. But it is now too late and therefore they answer not at all unless he be willing to take notice of this Ordinance That in case the King shall contrary to the advise of Parliament already given to him come or attempt to come within the Lines of Communication that then the Committee of the Militia of London shall have power and are hereby enjoyned to raise such Force as they shall think fit to prevent any Tumult that may arise by his coming and to suppress any that shall happen and to apprehend and secure any such as shall come with him to prevent resort unto him and to secure his person from danger Nay more That all persons whatsoever that have born Arms against the Parliament are to depart the City by the sixth of April upon the penalty as followeth viz. The Lords and Commons taking notice of the great concourse and resort of Papist Officers and Souldiers of Fortune and such as have been in Arms against the Parliament of England from the Enemies Garisons and Quarters unto the Citie of London and Westminster and other parts within the Lines of Communication That such depart c. before the sixth of April next or to be declared against as Spies and to be proceeded against according to the Rules of War unless with licence of the Committee of Goldsmiths Hall and of the Militia of London and the Sub-committees are hereby to keep strict Guards and Watches to make frequent Searches Provided that this Act shall not extend to such as came in to the Parliament before the first of June last And that no Peer have licence but by the House of Lords And this Order to continue for a moneth after the sixth of April and no longer March 30. Then for fear that the King should come notwithstanding all their fore-warnings Letters are devised from several places of Intelligence That the King is resolved to come suddenly to London And with some Designs also hinted as might seem most dangerous to the Parliament and Kingdom Therefore the Parliament order That Letters shall be suddenly sent to the Prince as in answer to former received from him as also to the King that Commissioners will forthwith be sent to his Majesty with Propositions of Peace And now we have almost done fighting in the Field some Garisons onely stand out but others are daily surrendred And for these and such like Victories we have such City-feastings Bonefires and Bell-ringings as that we were imagined to be all mad which the Pay-masters of all the Aldermen and the rest expressed in the highest manner that could be as being the effects of joy union sweet harmony heavenly blessings and the like as indeed we want words also to express their conceits Then was there established a Court Martial in London with Articles published against such Inhabitants as were but tending to the malignancy of Cavaliery as that it was almost impossible for a conscionable Subject but to be liable to their punishment And withall comes out another Ordinance viz. That no persons whatsoever shall repair to the King Queen Prince or Lords malignant or to either of them or to any Commander or Officer of theirs or shall hold Intelligence with them or shall plot contrive or endeavour with the Enemie contrary to the Rules of War not to relieve any person that have taken up Arms against the Parliament not to assemble or mutinie And against such as have taken up Arms against the Parliament and have taken the Covenant no Officer shall desert his Trust none that hath been in Arms against the Parliament or assisted the Enemy shall come to London or Westminster without a Pass and shall not also within eight and fourty hours tender himself to the Parliament All these aforesaid shall die the death without mercie And this Ordinance to last for three moneths April 3. What should the Kings party his Souldiers and Friends do that had delivered up themselves and Garisons upon Articles and Quarter but to return home which indeed in effect was for all or the most to come to London for means for inquiry for subsistence and for courses to sell Lands raise Moneys to seek Relief and to compound multitudes of such are come and must suddenly be gone again others on their way to the City and ignorant of the Ordinances fell unwittingly under the Penalties and so are daily taken seized and hurried into Prisons or Goals and are utterly ruined ere they know for what This makes them repent their hasty Surrenders of Garisons rather to have been there slain in honour by the Sword than after all to be undone at home Aud to colour the cruelty it was surmized that probably these had some horrible Design against the Parliament City and Kingdom which was referred to other Committees to do and order the Cavaliers to dispose and command them as they should think fit A mischief to the Sufferers beyond all their former miseries thus to submit to a City Committee made up they said of Tradesmen and Tailours These Tidings reach to the knowledg of the King and his Council at Oxford who disorderly seek in private their own safety leaving the King to shift for himself But to make their own Jealousies of some colour and Punishments answerable thereto It is devised that the King notwithstanding the Refusal of his coming he is yet resolved to come some fix upon the Day others suppose it uncertain some say he comes disguised and others affirm positively that he is come and is to be seen at the Lord Mayors whether the City Wives went to visit my Lady Mistress Mayoress
it had not been formed into a Garison it should not have suffered a Summons and were it disgarisoned neither you nor your house should receive disquiet from me Hereby I discharge my self of all extremities c. upon your refusal and remain Yours c. T. Fairfax Many Messages passed between them ere that the Marquess would Treat being in very great doubt he said whether the Parliament would confirm what the General should grant which being assured they fell to Treat the 13. of Aug. and a Cessation of Arms from ten a clock till 3. during which the Besiegers had permission to come up to their Stockadoes little regarding to have their works of defence viewed they were so strong sufficient to scare them from attempt And therefore the Marquess propounds the highest conditions as ever were demanded and had soon an Answer that they deserved no Answer but that his person must submit to the Parliaments mercy which was agreed upon amongst other Articles the nineteenth of August That all the Ordnance and Ammunition to be delivered up to the General That the Officers Gentlemen and Souldiers with all other persons there shall march out with their Horses and Arms Colours flying Drâ—ms beating Trumpets sounding Matches lighted at both ends Bullets in mouth each Souldier twelve charges of Powder Match and Bullet proportionable Bag and Baggage to any place within ten miles of any Garison where the Marquesse shall mention But in respect his Majesty hath no Garison nor Army in England their Armes shall be delivered up to such as the General shall appoint The Officers and Gentlemen have three moneths time for endeavouring their peace and composition with the Parliament if they will stay in England or to have Passes for beyond sea The sick to stay in the Castle or to be removed whither they please No person herein comprized shall be questioned for any act done in relation to War since the Commencement but be as free as any other persons whatsoever Nobly done to hold out the last Garison for the King in England or Wales And a thanksgiving-thanksgiving-day was appointed by Parliament for the surrendring thereof and of others lately delivered up in this order Worcester Wallingford Ruthen Pendennis and Ragland the last Those of quality that marched out were the Marquess the Lord Charles Son to the Marquess the Countess of Glamorgan Sir Philip Iones and his Lady Doctor Baily Commissary Guilliams four Colonels twenty two Captains sixteen Lieutenants six Cornets four Ensignes four Quartermasters fifty two Esquires and Gentlemen In all with the common Souldiers seven hundred But before that Oxford was surrendred the King had made his disguised escape from thence whose story we now mention and call back the remembrance of a moneth or two for then came newes indeed Letter after Letter to the Parliament from Colonel Rainsbrough That the King was gone in disguise out of Oxford with Jack Ashburnham and only one more on Munday 27. April but which way is uncertain Various and strange conceits amazed the Members some that he was gone to Wales others to Montrose in Scotland but the most that he is come to London concealed forthwith the Commons Debate Vote a Committee to consider of an Order and to draw it up in this form That what person soever shall harbour and conceal or know of the harbouring or concealing of the Kings person and shall not reveale it immediately to the Speakers of both Houses shall be proceeded against as a Traitor to the Common-wealth forfeit his whole Estate and dye without mercy Then was the Ordinance for the Cavaliers to be casheered out of the Lines of Communication continued for a moneth longer and now a new Ordinance to remove twenty miles further and the Militia of London have power to search and punish so far Then comes Post that the King is gone Northward to Norfolk or to the Isle of Ely or to Lynn And to amaze the Parliament the more two great Packets are intercepted by the General the one directed to the Kings most excellent Majesty the other for his Highnesse Prince Charles which being conceived of mighty concernment were posted up to the Parliament and the House prepared to be full and so they were opened Which were no more nor no less then the Bills of Mortality bound up in a bundle of the whole years burials in London c. usually sent heretofore to the King Wagers were laid at London and at Oxford likewise who could riddle him into some certain place but in earnest of all places or any place rather then where he is It amazes all men to hear of him in the Scots Army before Newark thus to trust his Person with this perfidious Scot as they were stiled But it is now apparant that the King had this design of quitting Oxford some time since as appears by his Letters to Ormond dated April the third and his resolution there to hazard his Person to the Scots Army and the reason being upon contract and former assurance from the Scots Not only for his Majesty but for all others that doe or shall adhere to him to be safe in their Persons Honours and Consciences in the Scotish Army who shall really and effectually joyn with the King and with such as will come in unto him and joyn with them for the Kings preservation and shall imploy their Armies and Forces to assist the King to the procuring of a happy and well grounded Peace for the good of him and his Kingdoms in the recovery of his just Rights c. But take the whole Letter at length CHARLES REX Right Trusty c. We having used all possible and honourable means by sending many gracious Messages to the two Houses of Parliament wherein we have offered them all they have heretofore desired and desire from them nothing but what they themselves since these unhappy wars have offered to procure our personal Treaty with them for a fafe and well grounded Peace and having instead of a dutiful and peaceable return to our said Messages received either no Answer at all or such as argues nothing will satisfie them but the ruine not only of us our Posterity and Friends but even of Monarchy it self And having lately received very good security that we and all that doe or shall adhere to us shall be safe in our Persons Honours and Consciences in the Scotish Army and that they shall really and effectually joyn with us and with such as will come in unto us and joyn with them for our preservation and shall imploy their Armies and Forces to assist us to the procuring of a happy and well grounded Peace for the good of us and our Kingdoms in the recovery of our just Rights we have resolved to put our selves to the hazard of passing into the Scots Army now lying before Newark And if it shall please God that we come safe thither we are resolved to use our best endeavour with their assistance and with the
of Lemster and Ulster Novem. 1646. That the exercise of the Roman Catholick Religion be in Dublin and Drogheda and in all the Kingdom of Ireland as free as in Paris in France and Bruxells in Flanders That the Council of State called the Councel-Table be of Members true and faithful to his Majestie and such as may be no fear or suspition to go to the Parliaments party That Dublin Drogheda Team Newby Catherly Carlingford and all Protestant Garisons be manned by their Confederate Catholicks to maintain and keep the said Cities and Garisons for the use of our Soveraign Lord King Charls and his lawful Successors and for defence of the Kingdom of Ireland That the present Councel of the Confederators shall swear truly and faithfully to keep and maintain for the use of his Majesty and his Lawful Successors and for defence of the Kingdom of Ireland the abovesaid Cities and Garisons That the said Councellors and all Generals Officers and Souldiers whatsoever doe swear and protest to fight at Sea and Land against the Parliaments and all the Kings Enemies and that they will never come to any convention or agreement with the said Parliamentiers or any of the Kings Enemies to the prejudice of his Majesties Rights or of this Kingdom of Ireland That according to our Oaths of Association we will to the best of our power and cunning defend the Fundamental Lawes of this Kingdom the Kings Rights the Lives and Fortunes of the Subjects Owen O Neal Tho. Preston The Lord Lisle designed Lieutenant General of Ireland is but now this day taking leave of the Parliament to goe to Ireland Ian-28 and ere we can hope of his arrival there he writes to the Parliament he is willing to return for they had Debated his return before and so he came home again April 1. But the Parliament Vote the sending over more Forces into Ireland and with all vigour to carry on a Defensive War in that Kingdom with seven Regiments of Foot consisting of eight thousand four hundred besides Officers with three thousand Horse and one thousand two hunded Dragoons And all these to be taken out of the General Fairfax Army which was the occasion of much distemper between the Armies and the Parliament as will appear the next year But according to our former Method we may not omit the Kings affairs Military in Scotland under the Conduct of the Marquess of Montrose this year 1646. Montrose his late successe made him famous abroad which soon came to the Kings knowledg and although he were not able to send him supplies sufficient to Arm against the great power of his Enemies yet it was thought very fit to comply with him in Complements and therefore the King ot caresse him in some way sends from Oxford several Letters and Messengers to Montrose whilst he continued at Bothwel four miles East of Glascow amongst whom was Andrew Sandiland a Scotish man but bred in England a Church-Man faithful to the King and beloved of Montrose with whom he continued to the end of the War Another was Sir Robert Spotswood Son President of the Session in Scotland and now the Kings Secretary for that Kingdom The Instructions by all of them were to this effect That it was the Kings Pleasure Montrose should joyn unto himself the Earls of Roxborough and Traquair and to confide in their advice and endeavours of whose fidelity there was no question to be made That he should hasten towards the Tweed the River that runneth to Barwick and divides the Kingdoms where he should meet a party of Horse instantly sent by the King out of England with which he might safely give Battel to David Lesly if he should march that way with the Covenanters Horse as was suspected he would Each Messenger said as much and the King evermore over credulous confirmed the same by his Expresse which Montrose resolves to obey And here he receives a larger Commission from the King by Spotswood wherein he was impowered to give the honour of Knighthood which he did to Mack Donel at his departure Montrose intends the Kings commands and Journies to Calder Castle when the Earl of Albony whether Montrose would or no carries away with him his own men and all others of the Northern Forces Montrose passing by Edenburgh led his small Army through Louthian and in Straithgal joyns with Dowglasse whose forces mouldred daily In that coast Traquair himself came to him pretending faith and Loyalty to the King and the next day sends to him his Son the Lord Linton with a gallant Party of Horse as if to be under his Command that by that like pledg he might the better shadow his Villany which he intended the ungratfullest person to him and in him also to the King And now Montrose within twelve miles of Roxborough and Hume without any caresse from them and therefore mistrusting he resolves to seek them out and to bring them to reason But they cunningly send to David Lesly who by that time was come to Barwick with all the Scotish Horse out of England and willingly give him leave to pretend to the seizing of the Earls as Enemies to the Covenanters which was done the day before Montrose came to them Then comes Lesly over Tweed marching East of Lothâ—â—â— Montrose knowing their Wiles and fearing to be blocked up from passing to the North and Highlanders marches into Armindale so to Niddesdale South-westwards and the County of Ayre to raise Horse the Enemies strength being therein And from Kelsor comes to Iedburgh and Selkirk where he Quartered busied in some dispatches all night to the King and although he appointed the best of his Scouts who it seemes were false and suffered the Enemy with all their Forces to come within four miles ere he had warning Lesly that day when Montrose departed from Iedburgh mustâ—ered his Men upon Gladsmar in Lothianshire and marched straight to Serathgale to surprize Montrose upon the borders of Tweed and Linton had private Order from Traquair his treacherous Father to withdraw his party of Horse from Montrose and the Enemy within half a mile with six thousand the most Horse charged his Wing disorderly got together but Valiantly defended themselves until the third charge disranked routed the Foot after some resistance and over powered many who were all put to the sword after by Lesly's peculiar command and so to the very Women and Horse-boyes most of the Horse and some Foot shifted well and came to Montrose the next day An honest Irish Man seeing one of the Kings Standards engaged valiantly rescued it and stripping the staff wrapped it about his middle and brought it to Montrose who honoured him with the bearing thereof ever after The other Standard also born by William Hie Brother to the Earl of Kinole stript it off the staff and conveyed it with him to the borders of England and after when the coast was clear brought it to the North to his General But in
comes the Marquesse Douglasse and Sir Io. Daliel with other his friends in this Extremity with a small Party of Horse not a hundred charged through the Enemy and escaped and being pursued he made his Stand slew divers and took Bruce a Captain of Horse and two Cornets with their Colours Prisoners Traquair Triumphingly reported Montrose and the Kings party totally defeated But Montrose was well and made the best use of his evil fortune and therefore marching easily with good guard and valiant hearts he marched Northwards forded over Cluid River where met him by the way many of his Souldiers with the Earls of Crawford and Airly and now he was strong two hundred Horse and some Foot and with convenient hast he resolves to go Northward into Athole and so passing over Forth River and then Erne he comes to Perthshire And in his way he had sent Dowglasse and Airly with Angus North East and the Lord Eisken into Marria to raise their friends and dependance and sent Daliel to the Lord Carnegy with Commissions to that purpose and Letters to Mac-Donel and to Aboin to return to him with their Forces About August the Atholâ— Men furnished him with four hundred good Foot to march Northwards and when ever he returned Southward he should command the whole County only they desired to be spared now for their harvest Montrose with wonderful speed and unspeakable toil clambers over Gransbane Mountains to meet with Aboin and Mac-Donel whom he expected and so the return of other his Messengers with their New Forces then to return Southward again to meet with the Kings Horse which by sundry Letters he was promised from England Aboin was of himself faithful and forward enough but restrained Ersken was sick and Huntly was returned home but with envy and ambition crossed under hand Montrose's designs but at last Aboin meets him with fifteen hundred Foot and three hundred Horse at Druminore a Castle of the Lord Forles and that his Brother Lewes was coming with more Thus impowered he instantly returns the same uncouth wayes over Gransbane Mountains and to take up Erskins and then Murries Forces and so to march Southward Lewis was come and marching together the first dayes Journey stole away the next with such Forces aâ—s followed him And the third day after his Brother Aboin with the rest of his Men desired leave to return pretending their Fathers Command the Marquesse Huntly whose County was in danger by the Enemy now about Marre and would suddainly ransack their Country but was content his Father should be treated with To him therefore Montrose sends Donald Lord Rose and Iermin kinsmen whom he had lately releived from Imprisonment Rose was honest and ashamed of his Kinsmans refusal fell sick and could not return Iermin most noble never forsaking Montrose to the death came back with doubtful Letters fast and loose And so Aboin must go home Montrose came down through the plaines of Marre and Scarschiock into Athole and so with increase of Forces he falls into Perth Here Aboin sends him word that he had got leave to return and would be with him before the time limited by his Forlough And here also meets him two Messengers after each other Captain Thomas Ogleby of Pomie and Captain Robert Nesbet with Commands from the King That if possible he should march Southward to the borders to meet the Lord Digby Son to the Earl of Bristol who was sent to him with a Party of Horse The same Bearers he dispatches with the Letters to Huntly and Aboin but in vain expectation he trifled away much time at Strath Erne in the Perth And here dies that gallant Man the Lord Napier of Marcheston truly Noble of an Ancient Family his Father and Grand-father Philosophers and Mathematicians Famous through Christendom But indeed this man exceeded them in Civil Affairs highly heretofore esteemed by King Iames and lately by K. Charls made Lord Treasurer of Scotland and advanced into the Rank of higher Nobility his Loyalty had suffered all the effects of his Enemies malice often Imprisoned Sequestred and Plundered of all his Substance whose Elaborate Discourses of the Rights of Kings and of the Original in the Turmoyls of Great Britain I have heard of and read some Manuscripts in Parcels but heartily wish may be publick Montrose is now passed the Forth and come into the Lands and Estate of Sir Iohn Buchanan a stiff Ring-leader of the Covenanters and descended from old Buchanan ingrateful Schoolmaster to King Iames and yet for his sake he and King Charles had advanced this man to what he was Hereabouts at Leven Montrose Encamps being so near Glasco that oftimes he forces the City on purpose to deter the Convention of the Coâ—enanters here who sat in Councel to arraign their Prisoners whom Montrose endeavoured to rescue Here they had for their Guard three thousand Horse and he not more than 3. hundred and fifteen hundred Foot wasting the Countrey without resistance Notwithstanding before he came they had executed three gallant men we may not neglect their memory The first was the afore mentioned Sir William Rollock Montrose his first Friend and Companion in Arms. He was sent to the King after the Battle of Aberdine and taken prisoner and condemned but upon Arguiles offer of life he was dealt with to murder Montrose whose life he valued far above his own and to save him he accepted this offer and so got loose and instantlyâ— found out by Montrose discovering all which saved Montrose for the present and was the cause of his own suffering promising upon his word that if he did not doe it to return prisoner by such a day which he did to the grief of Montrose and paid dear for it to the death The next was the aforesaid Alexander Ogleby Eldest Son to Sir Iohn Imercarrit descended from those Famous in the Scotish Chronicles he was not yet more then youth under eighteen but of a dareing Spirit and Loyal to the King for which he was executed Unless we admit him of the Family in deadly fewd with Arguile Then comes Sir Philip Nesbit I finde him the Son of Col. Nesbit a Regiment in the Kings service in England we may adde those two Irish men that suffered at Edenburgh some dayes before Colonel O-Cahen and Colonel Laghlin the crime of them all concentred in this new Treason against the King and Covenanters Montrose having long looked for six weeks his absent Confederates out of the North Mac-donel Alboin and others the Lord Digby's Forces defeated by the way and he not able to hold out a piercing hard winter Camp He the 20. of November departs from Levin Marching Northward over the Snowy Mountains of Taich through Woods and Loghes the Strathern and over the River Tay returns into Athole where he met Captain Ogleby and Captain Nesbit whom we told you he had sent with the Kings Letters to Huntly but prevailed not Here against Montrose sends to Sir Iohn Dalyel to mediate the
have been usefull for the Parliament in case other Successes had failed and therefore he stuck close to them and in the time of all the Wars whilest his two Brothers Rupert and Maurice were fighting for the King their Uncle this Palatine was feasting with the Citizens at London every Thanksgiving Day in effect Drinking their own Healths which was the others Destruction But not to be out of the Gang he was much reformed also and upon his humble Desires was voted by the Commons to sit with the Synod of Divines at Westminster for his assistance in the composure of the Directory which will come out one day And now the six and twentieth of March we finde his Letter to the Lords House and conferred with the Commons Wherein his Highness desires to communicate some Intelligence of great concernment in relation to the Protestant Religion through all Christendom to such Committees as both Houses shall appoint And here were two Committees conjoyned to wait upon his Highness herein and that was all for it came to no more being a Design set on work by a Scotish man who had laboured amongst the Northern Lutherans first then he descends Southwards to the Genevians Oecolampadians Zwinglians Hugonians and now returned hither to the Prebyterians devising how by Articles of the general Fundamentals of Faith professed amongst them all to reconcile them into one certain Creed and so to one professed Reformation against the common Enemy Antichrist presuming that as the Roman Papists agree in the Catholick Cause so the Reformed Churches should setle into a Protestation alike But this Business was too deep for his Highness and too shallow for the Parliament to wade in and so it went off in a puff And during his being here with the Parliament his distressed Uncle the King is disconsolate at Holmby under captivity and guard of the Parliaments Commissioners which makes him contemplate this Soliloquy Yet says he may I justifie those Scots to all the World in this that they have not deceived me for I never trusted to them further than to men if I am sold by them I am onely sorry they should do it and that my Price should be so much above my Saviours These are but further Essaies which God will have me make of mans uncertainty the more to fix me on himself who never faileth them that trust in him though the Reeds of Egypt break under the hand of him that leans on them yet the Rock of Israel will be an everlasting stay and defence God's Providence commands me to retire from all to himself that in him I may enjoy my self whom I lose while I let out my hopes to others The solitude and captivitie to which I am now reduced gives me leisure enough to studie the worlds â—anitie and inconstancie God sees 't is fit to deprive me of Wife Children Armie Friends and Freedom that I may be wholly his who alone is All. I care not much to be reckoâ—ed among the Unfortunate if I be not in the black List of irreligious and sacrilegious Princes No Restraint shall ensnare my Soul in sin nor gain that of me which may make mine Enemies more insolent my Friends ashamed or my Name accursed They have no great cause to triumph that they have got my Person into their power since my Soul is still mine own nor shall they ever gain my Consent against my Conscience What they call Obstinacie I know God accounts honest Constancie from which Reason and Religion as well as Honour forbid me to recede 'T is evident now that it was not Evil Counsellours with me but a good Conscience in me which hath been fought against nor did they ever intend to bring me to my Parliament till they had brought my minde to their obedience Should I grant what some men desire I should be such as they wish meâ— not more a King and far less both Man and Christian. What Tumults and Armies could not obtain neither shall Restraint which though it have as little of Safetie to a Prince yet it hath not more of Danger The fear of men shall never be my Snare nor shall the love of any Libertie entangle my Soul better others betray me than my self and that the price of my Libertie should be my Conscience the greatest Injuries mine Enemies seek to inflict upon me cannot be without mine own consent While I can deny with Reason I shall defeat the greatest impressions of their malice who neither know how to use worthily what I have already granted nor what to require more of me but this that I would seem willing to help them to destroy my self and mine Although they should Destroy me yet they shall have no cause to Despise me Neither libertie nor life are so dear to me as the peace of my Conscience the Honour of my Crowns and the welfare of my People which my word may injure more than any War can do while I gratifie a few to oppress all The Laws will by God's blessing revive with the Love and Loyaltie of my Subjects if I bury them not with my consent and cover them in that Grave of Dishonour and Injustice which some mens violence hath digged for them If my Captivitie or Death must be the Price of their Redemption I grudg not to pay it No condition can make a King miserable which carries not with it his Soul 's his People's and Posterities thraldom After-times may see what the blindness of this Age will not and God may at length shew my Subjects that I chuse rather to suffer for them than with them haply I might redeem my self to some shew of Libertie if I would consent to enslave them I had rather hazzard the Ruine of one King than confirm many Tyrants over them from whom I pray God deliver them whatever becomes of me whose solitude hath not left me alone Judg Ienkins taken at the Surrender of Castle in Wales was convened before a Committee of the House of Commons to answer to some Questions propounded to him To which he gave no Answer but presented them with this Paper I stand committed for high Treason for not acknowledging nor obeying the power of the Parliament by adhering to the King in this War I denie this to be Treason and this is my Reason The supreme power by the Laws of this Land is in the King if he should submit to any Examination derived from your power which by the Negative Oath stands in opposition to the Kings power I should confess the power to be in you and so condemn my self for a Traitour indeed I am sworn to obey the King and the Laws you have no power to examine me by these Laws but by the Kings Writ Patent or Commission and you do not produce either you your selves this Parliament have sworn that the King is our onely supreme Governour your Protestations Vows and Covenant solemn League and Covenant your Declarations all of them publish to the Kingdom
down thither for Subscribers Then comes out an Apology of the common Souldiers to their General presented under the Hands of the Agents or Commissioners as they call themselves for the several Regiments wherein they complain of the Design of Modelling and Disbanding some of their Forces styling the publick proceedings To be a Plot a meer Cloak for some who have lately tasted of Sovereigntie and being lifted beyond their ordinary Sphere of Servants seek to become Masters and degenerate into Tyrants and therefore utterly refuse the Service of Ireland untill their Desires be granted the just Right and Liberties of the Subject vindicated and maintained To which they all subsign April 28. for which some of them were questioned and imprisoned but then they are angry indeed and complain to their General That they speaking but for the Rights and Liberties of this Nation are some of them slighted abused beaten and dragged to Goals to the Ruine of their Estates and loss of their Lives The Parliament bussle and vote the Apologizers Enemies to the State and such as they could catch were laid by the heels at London The King was close beset with watchfull eys over him and yet one Major Bosvil once of his Army and of the Lord Cleveland's Regiment disguised in a Countrey-mans Habit the King walking out passed over a narrow Bridg he put a Pacquet into the Kings hand but was discovered by the Miller directing the Pursuit after the Major who was overtaken and brought to confession That the Letters came from the Queen at Paris and that they contain a Desire of the Prince of Wales to go with the Duke of Orleans into the Field this Summer who commands the French Armie against the Spaniards in Flanders But the King being desired to acquaint his Guardians with the Contents he answered That he was not to give account to any man living And because the Countrey flocked to the Court for cure of the Disease called The Kings Evil the Parliament declare That the People shall be satisfied of the fond Superstition of that custome to be touched by the King and that they are not suffered to be healed by him And being the Feast of the Church called Easter the Parliament discharged that Solemn Custom But were told by the King that the Feast was Instituted by the same Authority which changed the Iewish Sabbath into the Lords day or Sunday for the Scripture doth not mention this So then we may as well return to the Sabbath Saturday if we refuse the Church Authority which Instituted both 23. April This day was read the Kings Letter to the Parliament in effect to Answer the Propositions formerly sent to him which he had lying by him and that himself without a Secretary had formed this Answer CHARLES REX As the daily expectation of the coming of the Propositions hath made his Majesty this long time to forbear giving his Answer unto them so the appearance of their sending being no more for any thing he can hear than it was at his first coming hither notwithstanding that the Earl of Louderdale hath been at London above these ten daies whose not coming was said to be the only stop hath caused his Majestie thus to anticipate their coming to him and yet considering his condition that his Servants are denied accesse to him all but very few and those by appointment not his own election and that it is declared a crime for any but the Commissioners or such who are particularly permitted by them to converse with his Majesty or that any Letters should be given to or received from him may he not truly say that he is not in case fit to make concessions or give Answers since he is not master of those ordinary actions which are the undoubted rights of any free-born man how mean soever his birth be And certainly he would still be silent as to this Subject untill his condition were much mended did he not prefer such a right understanding betwixt him and his Parliaments of both Kingdoms which may make a firm and lasting peace in all his Dominions before any particular of his own or any earthly blessing and therefore his Majesty hath diligently emploied his utmost endeavours for divers moneths past so to inform his understanding and satisfie his Conscience that he might be able to give such Answers to the Propositions as would be most conformable to his Parliament but he ingeniously professes that notwithstanding all the pains that he hath taken therein the nature of some of them appears such unto him that without disclaiming that Reason which God hath given him to judge by for the good of him and his people and without putting the greatest violence upon his own Conscience he cannot give his consent to all of them Yet his Majesty that it may appear to all the World how desirous he is to give full satisfaction hath thought fit hereby to expresse his readinesse to grant what he may and his willingnesse to receive from them and that personally if his two Houses at Westminster shall approve thereof such further information in the rest as may best convince his iudgment and satisfie those doubts which are not yet clear unto him desiring them also to consider that if his Majesty intended to winde himself out of these troubles by indirect means were it not easie for him now readily to consent to what hath or shall be proposed unto him and afterwards choose his time to break all alleging that forced Concessions are not to be kept surely he might and not incur a hard censure from indifferent men But maxims in this kinde are not the guides of his Majesties actions for he freely and clearly avowes that he holds it unlawfull for any man and most base in a King to recede from his promises for having been obtained by force or under restraint wherefore his Majestie not only rejecting those acts which he esteems unworthy of him but even passing by that which he might well insist upon a point of honour in respect of his present condition thus answers the first Proposition That upon his Majesties coming to London he will heartily joyn in all that shall concern the honour of his two Kingdoms or the Assembly of the States of Scotland or of the Commissioners or Deputies of either Kingdom particularly in those things which are desired in that Proposition upon confidence that all of them respectively with the same tendernesse will look upon those things which concern his Majesties honour In Answer to all the Propositions concerning Religion his Majesty proposeth that he will confirm the Presbyterial government the Assembly of Divines at Westminster and the Directory for three years being the time set down by the two Houses so that his Majesty and his houshold be not hindered from that Form of Gods Service which they formerly have And also that a free consultation and debate be had with the Divines at Westminster twenty of his Majesties nomination being added
voted to be taken in custody And because they were out of reach the punishment for the present fell upon Sir Edward Ford whose relations being in the Camp and he the Kings friend was therefore seized into custody by Vote of the House He in truth knew no more in particular but that the King some time before resolved to be gone and so he was soon released But then followed poasting to all places and Orders sent out by Sea and Land and forthwith Resolved That it should be the confiscation of his estate and loss of Life who detains the Kings person in private and reveals it not to the Parliament The Minute come the manner of the Kings Journey was thus To his Horses and company he gets by Boat shadowed by a most tempestuous dark rainy uncouth night Friday the eleventh of November in which they lost their way in Windsor Forrest till the Morning light guided them through Farnham Town and missing of their former design what ere it was the Ship fayling they were enforced to conclude That himself and Legg would lodg that night at Tedsworth the House of the Countesse dowager of Southampton near the Sea and that the other two should ferry over to the Isle of Wight and seek out Colonel Hamond the Governour there under whose assurance for his Brothers sake Dr. Hamond his Chaplian the King might hope of friendship and fidelity of which he had given some testimonies in the Camp and at the Court But the Messengers had this expresse Item that unlesse upon their Oath and Faith of Protection Secrecie and Freedom to the Kings person at all times they were not to discover any more than to signifie in general his escape from eminent danger of Assassination and that his desire leades him to cast himself and them upon Hamond's fâ—delity and that if he refuse and yet likely enough to seize their persons which by their not returning at the time perfixed the King and Legg might finde the means otherwise to shift for themselves They gone the King disguised stayes without the House whilst Legg tells the Countesse that a person of honour her dear friend desires the privacie in her House that night without discovery She will not suspect it was enough He takes his chamber with attendance of two of the servants with his Diet to the door and Legg to lodge on a Pallet by him The Messengers got over Sunday the next morning and met with Hamond by the way toward Newport After their errand he tells them plainly he wishes the Kings safety as his Soul nor will he be Inquisitive where he should be but were he in his custody his Oath and Interest to the Parliament and Army being in ballance he should be safe from violence But for this freedom and liberty of his person how could he answer it to his Superiors to leave the King at large to any after mischief that might befal him Which not appearing satisfactory enough to them and Hamond not yeilding to more they not unwilling to be taken intocustody they all together came over with a guard to the Ladys house And Ashburnham goes up and tells the King that Hamond is below in the Parâ—er at Supper with assurance of his honour for his Majesties safety but not of liberty to his person The King strikes his breast and in passion replies and is that all I am betraied T is true that Ashburnham went out and wept bitterly and calling up Berkley they made an offer of some desperate attempt which the King abhored telling them that he would alwayes humble himself to Gods good pleasure But in this extremity the King with some appearance of a willing consent casts himself on Hamonds Loyalty and Honour and then being discovered to the Countesse who with trembling and in tears took her last leave of her Soveraign Lord the King who is carried over to Carisbroke Castle It appears by these passages that Hamond was not willing to seize the King and gave Ashburnham and Berkley sufficient Items thereof had they but hazarded either of their persons his Prisoner the King might at the last hour escaped his hands for even at the House he commanded all his company to stay without Nay it hath been credibly reported that Hamond himself hath said it and more to the same purpose which I list not to mention and doth evidence that he therein acted according to the former sense of the Grandees in the Army And from the Cowes there Hamond dates his Letter that day the thirteenth of Novem. directed to the Earl of Manchester Speaker of the Lords House which was received and read two dayes after My Lords I hold it my duty to give Your Lordships an accompt of the Kings unexpected coming into this Island This Morning as I was on my way from Carisbroke Castle to Newport Mr. Ashburnham and Sir Iohn Berkley overtook me and after a short discourse told me the King was near and that he would be with me that Night and that he was come from Hampton Court upon Information that there were some who intended to destroy his person and that he could not with safety continue any longer there and that finding his case thus chose rather to put himself into my hands being a Member of the Army whom he saith he would not have left could he have had security to his person than to go to any other place Being herewith exceedingly surprised at present I knew not what course to take but weighing the great concernment that the person of the King is of I resolved to use my utmost endeavours to preserve his person from any such horrid attempts and to bring him to a place of safety Hereupon I went immediately over the Water with them and taking Captain Basket Commander of Cowes Castle with us we found the King near the water side and by his own desire I chose to bring him over into this Island where he now is My endeavours shall be as for my life to secure his person and humbly desire the pleasure of the Parliament in this weighty matter c. Your Lordships c. Ro. Hamond Cowes Novem. 13. 1647. Upon conference with the Commons it was Resolved and Voted That his Majesty shall continue at the Isle of Wight and in the Castle That none that have born Arms against the Parliament but Inhabitants that have compounded shall remain there in that Island That no Delinquent no Foreigner to be admitted to come to the King without leave of the Parliaments of England and Scotland and the Propositions to be sent five daies hence being 22. of November That five thousand pounds be advanced for his accommodation That his Houshold be dissolved and to be considered who shall attend him 16. Novem. 1647. Notwithstanding Hamond complains to the Parliament That the accommodations of the King are no waies sutable to his quality and desires that his usuall allowance be continued to him whilst he shall reside there
him whether this suddain change be sutable to his Ingagement or for a man of honour or honesty to deal thus with them that had so freely cast themselves upon him and whether the Commissioners were acquainted herewith he answered No but that he had the Parliaments Authority to do it and that he plainly saw by his Answer to the Propositions that he acted by other councils than stood with the good of the Kingdom Do you infer this sayes the King from my Answer and commanded Ashburnham to read the Copy thereof aloud to the company Hamond replied to all that he hoped of the good liking of the Houses thereto The King answered for once I will dare to be a Prophet for if ever the Parliament return an Answer to this believe me not but instead of all they will give the Governour thanks for his severity and send him a gratuity which they did And all parted with tears and much grief to the King Which so exasperated the people of the Island that somewhat happened like a mutiny and one Captain Barley heated with passion and misjudgment beat a Drum in Newport crying out for God and the King and the people but was soon suppressed interpreting this attempt to be a design they said to take away the King to seize the Castle and to do such like impossibilities Hereupon the Vice Admiral Rainsborough is commanded with a Fleet to surround the Isle and Land Forces are sent thither to strengthen the places and Votes passed the House for the trial of the chief Actors in this Mutiny Decem. 30. And Baily was arraigned at Winchester condemned for High Treason and accordingly hanged drawn and quarterd for Sir Harry Mildmay sometime Master of the Jewel house to the King and his Houshold servant alwaies had particular thanks of the House for his good service at Southampton upon the Commission of Oyer and determiner for the trial of Captain Baily Febr. 2. The Kings Answer read in the Houses and the effect known to the Army that hereby he was in a Gin and upon ruine they all piece again and the Agitators are brought into order only two Dissenters in honour to Military Discipline were shot and others imprisoned and all men had leave and liking to exclaim against him even in Pulpits generally countenancing the opinion of the most exasperated Members to consult of Interdictory Votes against all Commerce with the King which was set out the tenth of Ianuary 1. That the Houses for the future should have no access to or commerce with the King 2. Nor by any person whatsoever unless having obtained leave of both Houses 3. That no Messenger nor Paper should be recieved at any time from the King 4. That he shall incur the pains of High Treason that shall act to the contrary These were long debated below and the Houses made thin ere they were resolved And the first Vote held the whole day the Members wearied perhaps sooner than perswaded to the hopes of better events than followed the latter three were harsh yet necessarily depending Howbeit the higher House held to the tugg for many dayes till the Messengers of the Army came and gave thanks to the Commons and the old Artifice was set on work by the Rabble to rail at the Lords and some other terrors of Guards to the dissenting Peers made them at last to joyn with the Commons in these Votes and had thanks from the Army that the Souldiers would defend the priviledges of the upper House And for what was done then and subsequently acted there were Emissaries ordained to extort gratulatory Petitions from the people for what was done and to desire some more severe course upon the King But in fine the Parliament was put to it to give their Reasons of those Votes in a publick Declaration 15. Febr. In which they endeavour to set forth the fruitless addresses formerly made to the King which besides the suffering of many hundred thousands free-born people have not moved him That 7. Applications with Propositions have been tendered wherein the Parliament have yielded up not only their will and affections but reason and judgment yet he never accepted of any sent him No not after he was gone from Oxford his Towns and Armies overcome The last address was but for four Bills which they judged just honourable and necessary for safety during the after Treaty Then they remember many nay all the passages complainable of his Reign as hath been particularly set forth heretofore in their several Remonstrances where to the King gave Answers all which are but the repetition of former observations sufficiently expressed throughout this History and to say it over again will but trouble the Reader nor make more advantage to either party than as heretofore hath been And they conclude That he hath not only forgot his duty to the Kingdom but care and respect to himself and Family and that they could give many reasons more why they will make no more addresses and yet they will use their utmost endeavours to settle the present Government as may best stand with the Peace and happines of this Kingdom And hereupon almost together comes out the Armies Declaration in reference to the former of the Parliament We finde say they That the Parliament have insisted only upon some few things so essential to that interest of the Kingdom which they have hitherto engaged for as that without betraying the safety of the Nation and themselves and all that had engaged with them in that cause without denying that which God in the issue of the War hath born such testimony unto that they could goe no lower and these things granted they have offered to Treat of all the rest so that by and with the Kings denial we can see no hopes of settlement or security that way And therefore understanding that on Munday last the House of Commons have resolved not to make any further address to the King nor receive any from him nor to suffer either in others We do freely and unanimously declare for our selves and the Army that we are resolved through the grace of God firmly to adhere with and stand by the Parliament in their said Votes and in what shall be further necessary for prosecution thereof and for the sitting and securing of the Parliament and Kingdom without the King and against him or any other that shall partake with him Windsor Ian. 11. It is true that it cannot be conceived that the King could have any possible means to make Answer to the Parliaments Declaration and Army there were too many spies upon him Yet not long after some one so well affected to the Kings Service that whilst he is a prisoner takes upon him the Kings Cause and published an Answer such as it is which we submit to censure The Title stiles it His Majesties Answer to a Pamphlet Intituled a Declaration of the Commons of England in Parliament assembled expressing their Reasons and Grounds
Sanderson Shelden Hamond Oldsworth Turner Haywood Lawyers Sir Tho. Gardner Sir Orlando Bridgman Sir R. Holburn Mr. Ieffery Palmer Mr. Tho. Cook Mr. Io. Vaughan Clerks and Writers Sir Edward Walker Mr. Phil. Warwick Mr. Nich. Oudart Mr. Charles Whittane To make ready the House for Treating Peter Newton The Commissioners nominated to attend the Treaty for the Parliament were the Earls of Salisbury Pembroke Middlesex Northumberland and the Lord Say And of the Commons were the Lord Wainman Mr. Hollis lately re-admitted into the House Mr. Perpoint Sir Harry Vane Jun. Sir Harbotel Grimston Mr. Brown Mr. Crew Mr. â—lin lately re-admitted into the House Sir Io. Pots and Mr. Bulkley And the King desired a safe conduct for Commissioners to come out of Scotland to joyn in the Treaty with him viz. the Lord Carnagy Sir Alexander Gibson the Lord Clerk Register and Sir Iames Carmichel The two first were refused as having been in arms against the Parliament of England And that four Bishops might attend him Armagh Exeter Rochester and Worcester and for Doctor Ferne and Doctor Morley And for his Advocate Sir Thomas Reves and for Doctor Duck Civil Lawyers but none of these aforesaid the Kings friends were intromitted into the Scene or to speech but to stand behind the Hangings and in the Tâ—ring-room so that the Kings single solitary self opposed all the other party And Order is given to Colonel Hamond to free the King of his imprisonment to ride abroad where he pleaseth upon his engagement to return at night to Sir William Hodges House the place appointed to Treat where galloppiâ—g down a steep Hill 14 Septem and reining his Horse too hard the Bridle broke and he without a Curb ran with speed endangering the King whose excellent Horsemanship saved him from the terrible effects which amazed the beholders And it is remarkable that long before this Lilly had foretold in his Astrological Predictions pag 15. lin 31. And were his Majesty at liberty it shews or threatens danger to his person by inordinate Horsmanship or some fall from on high Friday the 15. of September the Commissioners of Parliament are come to the King and Saturday was kept a fast by him and all his Family and Friends assistant with the ancient service of the Book of Common Prayer and preaching with this particular Prayer for a blessing on the Treaty O Most merciful Father Lord God of Peace and truth we a people sorely afflicted by the scourge of an unnatural war do here earnestly beseâ—ch thee to command a blessing from Heaven upon this Treaty brought about by thy providence and the only visible remedy left for the establishment of an happy peace Soften the most obdurate hearts with a true Christian desire of saving those mens blood for whom Christ himself hath shed his O Lord let not the guilt of our sins cause this Treaty to break off but let the Truth of thy Spirit so clearly shine in our mindes that all private ends laid a side we may every one of us heartily and sincerely pursue the publick good and that thy people may be no longer so blindly miserable as not 〈◊〉 see at least in this their day the things that belong unto their peace Grant this gracious God for his sake who is our peace it self even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen The King told the Commissioners that he was glad of their coming to treat with him for a Peace and desired God to perfect that good work professing that he was in charity with all men not willing to revenge upon any nor to delay the hopes of a blessed issue and concludes to begin the Treaty on Munday morning 9. a clock 18. Septemb. The Treaty begins and to make it more difficult to Peace Occasion is given to oppose four Demands or Bills to the Kings demands which as a pledge of trust should be granted before whereto if the King assent they promise to commence a Treaty to the rest 1. To order for the future the Militia without the Kings consent to raise what Arms they please and that all others upon the pain of Treason shall not assemble to the number of thirty persons without the Authority of Parliament 2. That the Houses may sit and adjourn and assemble to what place and at what time at their own discretion 3. All Oaths Interdictions and declarations against the Parliament to be declared void 4. Whomsoever the King had dignified with Titles from the time himself departed and conveyed away the great Seal of England be degraded of their honours And these must be first ratified and to command them to be passed into Laws Then they go on with the Preface the matter of the Treaty For as much as both Houses of Parliament have been necessitated to undertake a War for their just defence and for the prosecuting thereof have bound themselves in a Covenant be it enacted by the Kings command The Propositions were in number eleven 1. That all Declarations and Proclamations against the two Houses of Parliament or their Adherents and all Judgments and Indictments c. against them be declared Null 2. That a Satute be Enacted for abolishing of all Arch Bishops and Bishops out of the Churches of England and Ireland for the selling of their Lands and Revenues As also that the calling and sitting in Synod of the Divines be approved 〈◊〉 the Royal assent the Reformation of Religion for England and Ireland according to such Models as the Members of Parliament have or shall decree consultations first had with the said Divines In particular that the King grant his assent that the Act of both Houses formerly made concerning the Directory as concerning the publick Celebration of Gods worship throughout England and Ireland for the abolishing the Ancient Liturgie for the form of Church Government and Articles of Religion with the Catechisms the great and the less for the more Religious observation of the Lords day for supressing of Innovations in Churches and Chappels for the incouraging of the publick Preachers to their duties by a just reward for prohibiting of Pluralities of Benefices and non-residence to Clergy-men henceforth pass into Statutes or Laws That the King would set his hand to the National League and Covenant and suffer himself to be bound by the same that by publick Act it be enjoyned all the Subjects of both the Kingdoms of England and Scotland to be bound thereby under a penalty to be imposed at the pleasure of both Houses That it may belong to the Houses of Parliament to visit and reform the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge the Colledges also of Westminster Winchester and Eaton That it be provided by Statutes that Jesuites Priests and Papists disturb not the Common-wealth nor elude the Laws as also for the discriminating of them an Oath be administred to them wherein they shall abjure the Pope of Romes Supremacie Transubstantiation Purgatory Image-worship and other Superstitious errors of the Church of Rome That
declaring the Kings Concessions to be a ground for settlement of a peace notwithstanding the visible defects of them in the Essentials concerning the liberties of the Kingdom c. And â—herefore desire that all such faithful Members who are innocent will protest against the said Votes by publick Declaration and the rest to be expelled the House that so the well-affected may proceed to set a short period to your own power to provide for a speedy succession of equal Representatives according to the Armies late Remonstrance But as we said the Parliament adjourning till this Munday 11. Decem. and not sitting that day neither the Army Dâ—clare a new Representative which they call an Agreement of the people for future Government of the Nation to be subscribed by all the people The Preamble whereof was in effect We having by our late labours made it appear at what rate we value our freedom and God owning our cause hath delivered our enemies into our hands we ought as bound in mutual duty to each other to avoid the danger of returning into a slavish condition and another chargeable war so that when our common rights shall be cleared their endeavours will be disappointed that seek to be our Masters Our troubles having been occasioned either by want of National meetings in Councel by the undue or unequal constitution thereâ—f or by rendring those meetings uneffectual And therefore we are agreed to provide that hereafter our Representatives be neither undertain for time nor unequally constituted nor be made useless to the end for which they are intended In order hereunto they declare That this Parliament be dissolved the last of April next The Representatives of the whole Nation to consist of three hundred persons The Manner of the eleâ—tion they propound 1. That the Electors be Natives such as have subscribed this agreement such as are assessed for the relief of the poor men of 21. years of age and House-keepers in that Division and for seven years no person that hath adhered to the King or shall oppose this agreement or not subscribe hereto shall have voice in Election 2. That after 14. years such persons may be elected that have voice in Elections and for the present none shall be Eligible who have not voluntarily assisted against the King either before June 1645. or in money Plate or Arms lâ—nt upon the Propositions May 1643. or have abetted the treasonable design in London 1647. or who declared for a Cessation of Arms with the Scots or ingaged in the last Summers Wars against the Parliament 3. That whoever is incapable by the former Rules and yet shall Vote in Elections or sit in Representative shall lose the moity of his Estate he having above 50. l. and if under then three moneths imprisonment And if any oppose the Elections then to lose his whole Estate or a years imprisonment if under 50. l. per an 4. That 150. Members at least shall make an Act of Law And these shall within twenty dayes after their first sitting appoint a Câ—uncil of State to continue untill the second Representative and the Council to Act as they shall direct by instructions 5. That no Officer of State Treasurer or Receiver while such shall be a Representative 6. No Lawyer shall practice whilst he is of any Representative or Council of State 7. That the Representative only without the consent of any other person shall Enact Alter Repeal and declare any Laws to the erecting and abolishing of Officers of Courts of Iustice but with these Exceptions following Not to compel tender Consciences in matters of Religion or Worship No person to be impressed to Serve in War by Land or Sea No person after the dissolution of this present Parliament shall be questioned concerning the late War otherwise then in execution or pursuance of the determination of the present House of Commons against such as have adhered to the King and also Accomptants for money That all manner of persons be subject to the publick Laws and such as have now priviledge shall be nulled and none priviledged hereafter That the Representatives meddle not with the execution of Laws not give Judgement upon any mans person That no Representative shall take away Common Right or Level mens Estates destroy proprieties or make all things common 8. That the Council of State in case of danger may summon a Representative for a Session of fourty daies and to dissolve two moneths before the next appointed Representative 9. The publick faith of the Nation shall be made good save that the next Representative may continue or Null all gifts of money made by the present House of Commâ—ns to themselves or any Lords 10. If any Officer or Leader in any Army or Garrison shall resist the Orders of any Representative shall forthwith lose the protection of the Law and dye without mercy The House moulded as others would have it yet many of the Members could not digest the Choake-paer Proposals Declaration Engagement Agreements but somewhat must be done they debate that point of Proposal of the eleven Members formerly put out and since re-admitted and to please the Army Vote and un-vote and conclude of these Votes now That the Votes of 3. Jan. 1647. for revoking the Order of 9. Septem 1647. for disabling Com. Copley to be a Member is of dangerous consequence and is hereby repealed That the receiving the other ten Members was unparliamentary and is therefore Null That the Vote of 30. June 1648. for the opening away to the Treaty with the King be Null That the Vote of 3. of Jan. 1647 forbidding all address to the King to be taken off was aparantly destructive to the Kingdom Divers of the proscribed Members were made Prisoners as Brown Clotworthy Waller Massey Copley to St. Jame's And now both Houses Vote no Address to be made to the King nor Message from him upon pain of Treason And that the Vote of 28 July to Treat with the â—ing was destructive to the Kingdom The King in a very sad condition by his stricter imprisonment in Hurst Castle and hearing of these Votes prepares his Solâ—loquies for comfort in death meditating thereon in these words As I have leasure enough saies the King so I have cause more then enough to meditate upon and prepare for my death for I know there are but a few steps between the Prisons and the Graves of Princes It is Gods indulgence which gives me the space but mans cruelty that gives me the sad occasions for these thoughts For besides the common but then of mortality which lies upon me as a man I now bear the heavy load of other mens ambitions fears jealousies and cruel passions whose envy or enmity against me maâ—es their own lives seem dâ—adly to them while I enjoy any part of mine I thank God my prosperity made me not wholly a stranger to the contemplations of mortality Those are never unseasonable since this is alwaies uncertain death being
up and Anarchy goes down yet rather then to sink the Presbyter complies and the Houses agree whom the Army resolve so to ballance as by their Authority for the present to doe the great work and to dissolve Monarchy Some Members out of honour and conscience forbearing the rest of them receive the Report of the 38. Committee-men and their general Charge against the King That Charls Stuart hath acted contrary to his trust in departing from the Parliament setting up his standard making war against them and thereby been the occasion of much bloudshed and misery to the people whom he was set over for good That he gave Commissions to Irish Rebels c. and since was occasion of a second War c. besides what done contrary to the Liberties of the Subject and tending to the destruction of the Fundamental Laws and Liberties of the Kingdom 27. December The Queen of England now at Paris in France writes to the King which was conveyed to him by one Wheeler imployed by Major Boswels man where the Queen expresseth her deep sence and sorrow for the Kings sad condition with whom she bears an equal share and wishes to dye for him nor will she live without him for whose interest she hath and will doe her utmost in all possible waies and means to help him Then another Letter was delivered by the French Ambassador to the General from the Queen and directed To her trusty and welbeloved Tho. Lord Fairfax General imploring his help and assistance that she may have leave as the Ambassador unfolded to come over to the King her Husband to see him before he be proceeded against by any Tryal or Charge and to have a Pass for her secure coming and returning which letter the General sent to the House and they laid it aside And to confirm the present intended Tryal the Commons House declare That by the Fundamental Laws of the Realm it is Treason in the King of England for the time to come to levy War against the Parliament and Kingdom The Ordinance for the Kings tryal was refused by the Lords Ian. 2. but they will send answer and presently adjourn for ten daies The Commons examining the Lords Journal Books finde three Votes 1. To send an Answer 2. That their Lordships do not concur to the Declaration 3. That their Lordships reject the Ordinance for tryal of the King Upon which the Commons Vote That all Members and others appointed to act in any Ordinance are impowred and injoyned to Sit Act and Execute notwithstanding the House of Peers joyn not with them The House 4. Ianuary turned into a grant Committee resolve and declare 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 of England assembled in Parliament hath the force of a Law 4. That all the people of this Nation are included thereby although the consent and concurrance of the King and House of Peers be not had thereunto 5. That to raise Arms against the Peoples Representative or Parliament and to make War upon them is high Treason 6. That the King himself took Arms against the Parliament and on that account in guilty of the bloodshed throughout the Civil War and that he ought to expiate the crime with his own bloud Thus they prepare for the design which must be attempted by degrees The Tryal of the King The Ordinance for his Tryal was 6. Ian. ingrossed and read and the manner is referred to the Commissioners who are to try him and meet in the Painted Chamber Munday 8. Ianuary and resolved that Proclamation be made in Westminster Hall that the Commissioners are to sit again to morrow and that those who had any thing to say against the King shall be heard In this manner Mr. Denby the younger a Serjeant at Arms to the Commissioners rid into the Hall with his Mace and some Officers all bare six Trumpetters on Horseback sounded in the midst of the Hall and the Drums of the Guard beat without in the Pallace Yard and in like manner at the Old Exchange and in Cheapside 9. Ian. The Commons Vote the Title in Writs Carolus Dei Gratiâ c. to be altered and referred to a Committee That the great Seal of England be broken and ordered a new Seal with the Arms of England and the Harp for Ireland with this word The great Seal of England And on the reverse the picture of the House of Commons sitting with these words In the first year of freedom by Gods blessing restored 1648. And in perpetuam rei memoriam the Mayor Aldermen and Common Council petitioned the House of Commons for justice against the King to settle the Votes that the Supreme power is in them and the City resolving to stand by them to the utmost And this Petition was ordered to be Recorded in the Books amongst the Acts of the Common Council And in respect of the Kings intended Tryal Hillary Term begining the 23. of Ian. was adjourned for 14. dayes after and proclaimed in London and Westminster and all Market Towns The Scots Parliament began Ianu. 4. and the proceedings of the Parliament of England being reported to them they unanimously did dissent First in the toleration of Religion in reference to the Covenant in the Tryal of the King and in the alteration of the form of Government And in order hereunto some Papers were brought to the House of Commons at Westminster directed To William Lenthal Esquire Speaker of the House of Commons and no more where they use to say to be communicated to the House of Commons by which they acknowledge them an House and so the House thought not fit to read them but Voted to send Commissioners to Scotland to preserve a good correspondence between both Nations The Commissioners for the Kings Trial debated and concluded That the Sword and the Mace although with the Kings Arms thereon should be ordered to be in Court at his Tryal And the King to be brought from St. Iame's whither he was come a prisoner to Sir Robert Cottons House at Westminster The Higher House sat and sent a Message to the Commons grounded upon the dissent of the Lords Commissioners of the great Seal joyned with the Commons That they could not agree to pass the Act of the Commons for adjourning the Term without the Lords concurrence first to be had And that by the instructions given to the said Commissioners the Commons Commissioners could do nothing without assent of one of the Lords The Message therefore was to the Commons to concur with the Lords for adjourning the Term for a fortnight and that the Commissioners of the great Seal may be required to passe the same under seal This Massage crossed the Commons late Votes
great Account 355 c. a Plot in Scotland 464. their Answer to the Kings Letter 516. Declaration of their Council 517. their Army kept up 554. their Declaration in Answer to the Parliament in England 563. their Army enter England 669. their Declaration 670. their Army Voted to be gon 904. their Letter to the Parliament 906. Declaration against their papers 914. their Army intend to return home 921 922. they urge the King with their Propositions 923. Letters of complaint against their Army 924. one years account of their Army 927. their Papers concerning the dispose of the King 930. Quaeries of their Parliament 936. and Result touching the King 937. their Declaration concerning the King 939. Horse from the Scots Army come into Engl. 968. their Commissioners Messenger staid at Newcastle 1005. their Letter to the Speaker 1014. their Estates disagree 1071. their Committee of danger vote a War ibid. their Army comes to Penreath and engages 1073 defeated at Preston 1074. and disbanded 1077. they dissent as touching the Kings Tryal 1120 they declare against it 1122. their private instructions touching it ibid. A new Seal voted and framed 622 1119 Fight near Shaw 737 Sherborn seized by the Marquess of Herford 576. taken by Storm by Sir Tho Fairfax 828 Fight at Sherburn in Yorkshire 835 Shipmoney debated 197. Lord Keepers Speech to the Iudges concerning it 204. again debated 213. Iudges questioned about it 429 Shrewsbury betrayed to the Parliament 798 Earl of Somerset confined 140 Overtures of Peace with Spain 139. which is concluded 144. the Spaniards design 281 〈…〉 Spine 737 Spoâ—swood executed 1045 Stafford taken by treachery 658. Earl of Stamford proclaimed Traitour 546 Sir Philip Stapleton dies of the plague 1003 〈◊〉 â—tar appears at noon day 142 Col. Stephens surprizing is surprized 788 Stode taken by Tilly 105 Sir John Stowel taken prisoner 930 Lord Strange impeached of high Treason 566 The Earl of Stratherns Descent and Title 230 raised to his Ruine ibid. County of Surrey Petition 1062 Fight at Sutton field 820 Swansey summoned 702 King of Sweden enters Germany 146. â—beats the Emperialists at Frankfuâ—t â— 147. is slain at Lutzen 189. his Character ibid. Ambassadour from Swedeland 199. Swedes displeased 208. Peace made with them 798 Synod began to sit 604 T. TAunton besieged by the Kings Forces 802. Relieved and again besieged 804 Tax of weekly meals 698 Tenby surprized 1056 besieged and surrendred 1060 Term adjourned to Reading 21. Mich. Term adjourned 567 Mr. Thomas his speech against Bishops 416 Tinmouth Caslte revolts and is taken 1073 Tomkins and Chal. hang'd at Lon. 621 â— of Traquair 191. is treacherous 225 Tilly defâ—â—ted 52 〈◊〉 with neighbouring Nations 18 Tredagh fortified 447. besieged 452. and in distress 455. is relieved ibid. invaded again 456. yet the besieged make several Sallies 457. have fresh supplies by Sea 459. the Siege raised 460 Tumults at Westminster for justice against the Earl of Strafford 402 Turin lost 371 V. LOrd Francis Villiers slain 1069 All Uâ—ster-pâ—ssessed by the Rebels 440 Treaty at Uxbridge 756. 758. Directions to the Kings Commissioners there 757. Observations concerning the Treaty 762 W. WAllestein murdered 190 Sir William Waller defeated at Lands down 625. and by Prince Maurice near Teuxbury 655. and at the Devices 657 He is set to take the King 706. and defeated at Copredy Bridge 708 Court of Wards and Liveries voted down 865 Lord VVentworth sent Deputy to Ireland 189. Impeached of High Treason 336. his condition examined ibid. charge against him 342 374. his Tryal at VVestminster 375. Conclusion of his defence 396. the Commons justifie their Charge against him by Law 397. he answ by Council but is nevertheless voted guilty of High Treason 398. Bill of Attainder against him 399. the Kings Speech in defence of him 400. voted guilty by the Lords 406. his Letter to the King upon the Tumult of the Apprentices and his Speech upon the Scaffold to p. 409 VVestchester besieged and surrendered 861 c. Mr. Whites Letter 421 Williams Arch Bishop of York against the King 889 VVinchester taken by Cromwel 833 The â—â—dy VVinter summoned to yield 705. her Answer ibid. Sir John VVinter recruited 805 Sir Fran. Windebank gets away 338 Col. Windebank shot to death 802 Withers complained of 892 Dr. Wren Bishop of Ely committed to the Tower 429 Y. YEomans hanged at Bristol Duke of York born â—â—4 brought 〈◊〉 London 891. escapes beyond Seas into Holland 10â— Arch-Bishop of Yorks Letter to the Lord Ashley 858 The County of York Petition the King and are Answered 506 The Articles of Neutrality for Yorkshire infringed 567. York relieved by Prince Rupert but the Siege is renewed and it surendered 719 c FINIS Anno. 1625. King James dies His Funeral Amiens described Boloign described Puts to Sea Lands at Dover Canterbury Hist. of King Charles pag. 7. A Parliament summoned H. 9. Ob. 28. Parliament siâ— The Kings Speech Hist. pag. 11 Observ. p. 28. Of Wars Petitions Answered Subsidies granted Dr Mountague questioned Caballa p. 115. Lord Mordant made Protestant Parliament at Oxford Observ. 34. Parliaments Petition Kings answer And urges for Supply Observ. p. 35. Cabal p. 107. Parliament dissolved Hist. p. 16. Treaty abroad Ill successe of Gades voyage H Pa. 18. Pa 19 Cabella pa. H. p. 17. Ob. p. 36. Term adjourned to Reading Of Coronation of Soveraigns Hist. 20. Kings 11. 12. Hist. 20. Ibid. Hist. 21. The Scaâ—â—old 2. February Epis. Hist. p. 16. Rex Epis. Rex Epis. Rex Epis. Rex Sworn Annointed Crowned A Parliament called Lords Petition The Kings Answer Earl of Arundel committed 1626. The King demands supply Anno 1626. Mr. Cook aâ—d Dr. Tâ—rners insolent speeches The Lord Keepers speech The Kings Speech The Commons Reply The E. of Bristows charge against the Duke Articles against the E. of Bristow Ob. p. 45 Hist. p. 45. Ob. p. 49. His ingrossing great Offices By buying the place of Admiralty And Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports Not guarding the Seas Stay of the St. Peter of New-haven And of the East India Fleet. Lending the Vant guard to the French To be imployed against Rochel Selling of honour And Offices Procuring honors for his Kindred His applying Physick to K. Iames. Hist p. 53. Parliament dissolved E. of Bristow Committed to the Tower Hist. p. 54. England and France at difference Hist. p 56. The French Insolent here at Court Sr. Dudly Carlton sent to complain Mcro Fr. Du Châ—snâ— Ill news abroad Our fleet comes home Hist. p. 63. Loan monies Hist. p. 69. Hist. p. 64. Ob. p. 41. Proposition for a more Toleration of Papists in Ireland Hist. pag. 65. The Clergies Protestation against Papistry Primate of all Ireland his Speech Abroad At home Pat. 13. H. 3. in Tur. Lond. Pat. 13. H. 3. membran 9. Pat. Gascony 1 Ed. 2. memb 25. in dorso Bishop Andrews dies 〈…〉 〈…〉 Anno 1627. The Dukes Manifesto The cause of this War Isâ—ardus pa. 1. Isnard p. 16. The
Vane jun. M. Rob. Wallop M. Thomas Chicheley Mr. Oliver Cromwel M. Philip Skippon supposing that these are persons against whom there can be no just exception But if this doth not satisfie then his Majesty offers to name the one half and leave the other to the election of the two Houses of Parliament at Westminster with the Powers and Limitations before mentioned Thus his Majesty calls God and the VVorld to witness of his sincere intentions and real endeavours for the composing and setling of these miserable Distractions which he doubts not but by the blessing of God will soon be put to a happy Conclusion if this his Majesties offer be accepted Otherwise he leaves all the World to judg who are the continuers of this unnatural war And therefore he once more conjures you by all the bonds of duty you owe to God and your King to have so great a compassion on the bleeding and miserable estate of your Country that you joyn your most serious and hearty endeavours with his Majesty to put a happy and speedy end to these present miseries Given at the Court at Oxford the 26. of Decem. 1645. No nor yet neither the nearer the King comes the farther they fly And therefore he sends again in pursuance of the former for a personal Treaty C. R. Although the late Message sent to his Majesty may justly require an expostulatory Answer yet his Majesty layes that aside as not so proper for his present endeavours leaving all the World to judg whether his Proposition for a personal Treaty or the flat denial of a safe Conduct for persons to begin a Treaty be greater signs of a real intention to peace and shall now only insist upon his former Message of the 26 of this December That upon his repair to Westminster he doubts not but so to joyn his endeavours with his two Houses of Parliament as to give just satisfaction not only concerning the business of Ireland but also for the setling of a way for the payment of the Publick debts as well to the Scots and to the City of London as others And as already he hath shewn a fair way for the setling of the Militia so he shall carefully endeavour in all other particulars that none shall have cause to complain for want of security whereby just Iealousies may arise to hinder the continuance of the desired peace And certainly this Proposition of a personal Treaty could never have entred into his Majesties thoughts if he had not resolved to make apparent to all the VVorld that the publick good and peace of this Kingdom is far dearer to him then the respect of any particular interest VVherefore none can oppose this motion without a manifest demonstration that he particularly envies his Majesty should be the chief Author in so blessed a work besides the declaring himself a direct opposer of the happy peace of these Nations To conclude whosoever will not be ashamed that his fair and specious protestations should be brought to a true and publick test and those who have a real sense and do truly commiserate the miseries of their bleeding Country let them speedily and cheerfully embrace his Majesties proposition for his personal Treaty at Westminster which by the blessing of God will undoubtedly to these now distracted Kingdoms restore the happiness of a long-wisht-for and lasting peace Given at the Court at Oxford the 29. day of December 1645. For the Speaker of the House of Peers c. At a conference hereupon the House of Commons would not dissent from their resolutions past in that House That is not to Treat but to send the Propositions by way of Bill And voted that the Militia shall remain in the hands of the Parliament and no otherwise And this Resolution including all the rest of the Kings Propositions they thereby medled not as yet with that old Maxime of theirs for the King to come home to his Parliament of which he would often say that they never ment it but by limitation for him to be brought to them a Prisoner the effect and end of this Miserable war but not an end of Miseries But the Messenger sent with this last Answer from the Parliament met with another dated 30. Decemb. in pursuance of his latter in effect as before Adding withall that be will consent to any necessary course for the paiments of the debts of the Kingdoms and to the City of London and to the Kingdom of Scotland and all desirable satisfaction concerning Ireland Using fair and rational motives to the Parliament not to refuse the former Offers which Letters as all the former are debated and evermore committed to the Committee of both Kingdoms where they used to lodge And forthwith to make the matter of the Kings desire of coming to a personal Treaty at London more suspitious and dangerous every day must be debated by the Commons The great Inconvenience and mischief that may come to the City of London by permitting so great Number of Malignants and others from the Enemies Quarters that come to compound for their delinquency and do remain here Then comes out an Ordinance for the Committee of Militia with all speed to provide for the safety of the City and to search for Delinquents and to expel them the Lines of Communication As who should say we having here too many may not admit of any more from Oxford And several Votes and Orders presently thereupon as if the King by his desire of coming with three hundred men had some design to surprize the City and Parliament also It was the 13. of Ianuary before the Parliament had done debating of the Kings Letters of the 26. and 27. of December and now they return Answer to all May it Please Your Majesty VVe c. humbly return this Answer That therein hath been no delay on our parts c. Concerning the Personal Treaty desired by your Majesty there having been so much Innocent blood of your Subjects shed in this War by your Majesties Commands and Commissions Irish Rebels brought over into both Kingdoms and endeavours to bring over more both of them as also forces from foreign parts your Majesty being in Arms in these parts and the Prince in the Head of an Army in the West divers Towns made Garisons and kept in hostility by your Majesty against the Parliament of England There being also forces in Scotland against that Parliament and Kingdom by your Majesties Commissions The war in Ireland fomented and prolonged by your Majesty whereby the three Kingdoms are thereby brought almost to utter ruin and destruction VVe conceive that untill satisfaction and security be first given to both the Kingdoms your Majesties coming hither cannot be convenient nor by us assented unto Neither can we apprehend it a means conducing to peace that your Majesty should come to your Parliament for few dayes with any thoughts of leaving it especially with intentions of returning to Hostility against it And we do
observe that your Majesty desires the engagement not only of the Parliament but of the Lord Mayor Aldermen Common Council and Militia of the City of London the Chief Commanders of Sir Fairfax's Army and those of the Scots Army which is against the Priviledges and honour of the Parliament those being joyned with them who are subject and subordinate to their Authority That which your Majesty against the freedom of the Parliaments enforces in both your Letters with many earnest expressions as if in no other way then that propounded by your Majesty the peace of the Kingdoms could be established Your Majesty may please to remember that in our last Letter we did declare that Propositions from both Kingdoms were speedily to be sent to your Majesty which we conceive to be the only way for the attaining a happy and well grounded peace and your Majesties Answer to those Propositions will be an effectual means in giving satisfaction and security to your Kingdoms will assure a firm Union between the two Kingdoms as much desired each for other as for themselves and setle Religion and secure the peace of the Kingdom of Scotland whereof neither is so much as mentioned in your Majesties Letter And in proceeding according to these just and necessary grounds for the putting an end to the bleeding Calamities of these Nations your Majesty may have the glory to be principal instument in so happy a work and we how ever mis-interpreted shall approve our selves to God and the VVorld to be real and sincere in seeking a safe and well grounded Peace January 14. But the King being earnest for their Answers sends another Messenger the 15. of Ianuary in pursuance of his former Messages of the 26. and 29. of December which met the Parliaments Trumpet with their Answer of the 13. Ianuary The Kings Message was thus Ian. 15. C. R. But that these are times wherein nothing is strange it were a thing much to be marvelled at what should cause this unparallel'd long detention of his Majesties Trumpet sent with his gracious Message of the twenty sixt of December last peace being the only subject of it and his Majesties personal Treaty the means proposed for it And it were almost as great a wonder that his Majesty should be so long from enquiring after it if the hourly expectation thereof had not in some measure satisfied his impatience But lest his Majesty by his long silence should condemn himself of carelesseness in that which so much concerns the good of all his people he thinks it high time to enquire after his said Trumpeter For since all men who pretend any goodness must desire peace and that all men know Treaties to be the best and most Christian way to procure it and there being as little question that his Majesties personal presence in it is the likelyest way to bring it to a happy issue he judges there must be some strange variety of accidents which causeth this most tedious delay wherefore his Majesty earnestly desires to have a speedy account of his former Message the Subject whereof is Peace and the means his personal presence at Westminster where the Government of the Church being setled as it was in the times of the happy and glorious Reigns of Queen Elizabeth and King James and full liberty for the ease of their Consciences who will not communicate in that service established by Law and likewise for the free and publick use of the Directory prescribed and by command of the two Houses of Parliament now practised in some parts of the City of London to such as shall desire to use the same and all forces being agreed to be disbanded his Majesty will then forthwith as he hath in his Message of the twenty ninth of December last already offered joyn with his two Houses of Parliament in setling some way for the payment of the Publick Debts to his Scots Subjects the City of London and others and his Majesty having proposed a fair way for the sâ—â—ling of the Militia which now by this long delay seems not to be thought sufficient security his Majesty to shew how really he will imploy himself at his coming to Westminster for making this a lasting peace and taking away all jealousies how groundless soever will endeavour upon debate with his two Houses so to dispose of it as likewise of the business of Ireland as may give to them and both Kingdoms just satisfaction not doubting also but to give good contentment to his two Houses of Parliament in the choise of the Lord Admiral the Officers of State and others if his two Houses by their ready inclinations to peace shall give him encouragements thereunto Thus his Majesty having taken occasion by his just impatience so to explain his intentions that no man can doubt of a happy issue to this succeding Treaty If now there shall be so much as a delay of the same he calls God and the World to witness who they are that not only hinder but reject this Kingdoms future happiness it being so much the stranger that his Majesties coming to Westminster which was the first and greatest pretence for taking up Arms should be so much as delayed much lesse not accepted or refused but his Majesty hopes that God will no longer suffer the malice of wicked men to hinder the peace of this too much afflicted Kingdom Given at the Court at Oxford the 15. of Ianuary 1645. For the Speaker of the House of Peers c. And now it begins to work in the hearts of the people muttering and murmurring the true state of these transactions and the Christian pious affection of the King to peace The Parliament therefore set all their Engines to satisfie the public And after the debate of the King 's last Letter they read Letters from their Commissioners in Ireland together with some other Letters and Papers taken in the Pockets of the Arch-bishop of Trane who was slain at the overthrow of the Rebells at Sligo in Ireland discovering all the transactions between the King and them with whom the Bishop was to Treat offering Toleration of Religion themselves to choose a Governour of their own and to be intrusted with several Castles and Forts for their Caution upon condition to send in to England ten thousand Irish to assist him against his Enemies And these Papers were forthwith printed and published together with those Letters taken in the Lord Digbie's Coach at Sherburn in Yorkshire and all to amuse the people for to satisfie them thereby they could not The King hears of this and digesting it as well as he could he Plies them again with a tarter Message dated 17. Ianuary thus C. R. His Majesty thinks not fit now to Answer those aspersions which are returned as arguments for his not admittance to Westminster for a personal Treaty because it would enforce a stile not suitable to his end it being the peace of those miserable Kingdoms yet thus much he cannot but say