which the English perceiving fac'd about to fight them whereupon the Scots drew off to the Hills perceiving their ' advantage lay there to impede the English at the Passe at Copperspeth which being effected they brag'd they had the English in Essex his pound meaning they had them upon the same lock the King had the Earl of Essex at in Cornwall so ready are men to promise wonders to themselves while they confer but with their own desires The English were indeed invironed with all manner of apparent dangers their Forces were lessened their bodies weakned with Fluxes their strength wasted with watchings in want of drink wet and cold weather they were alwayes accompanied with and much impaired in point of courage 2000 at least being disabled for present service were sent at several times to Barwick The Generall and his Councell of Officers finding the Army unfit for further delayes The Scots defeated at Dunbar resolved next morning to break through that their Israelitish condition by falling on the right wing of the Scots and either force a passage that way or perish in the attempt and being imbattailed by break of day accordingly they fell upon the enemy with Horse and Foot very unanimously who to hinder the English at a Passe drew up all their Horse upon their right wing and valiantly received the onset The Word of the English was The Lord of Hosts and that of the Scots was The Covenant The English as men indued with new strength from on high vigorously prest forward as resolved to become absolute vanquishers or to die martyrs After one hours sharp dispute the Scots were wholly routed their Cavilry fled and the Infantry were all or most of them slain and taken to the number of about 15000. There were taken 200 Colours 10 Collonels 12 Lievtenant Collonels 9 Majors 47 Captains 72 Lievtenants 80 Enfignes befides Cornets and Quartermasters 22 Pieces of Ordinance with severall smaller Pieces about 15000 Arms those of quality taken were the Lord Libberten and his Son the Lord Cranston Sr. James Lumsdale Lievtenant Gen. of the Foot Adjutant Gen. Bickerton Scoutmaster Generall Cambill c. At this engagement all the Forces of the English would not amount to 1200 and the Scots were in number more then 20000. And as there was a general Fast throughout England to implore a blessing from Heaven upon the proceedings of their Army in Scotland so likewise there was appointed a solemne day of thanksgiving to Almighty God for this mighty Victory obtained over the Scots in the fields of Dunbar Sep. 3. 1650. In the observation whereof many of the Clergy shewed themselves very froward and obstinate of whom I shall have occasion to speak more hereafter Sept. 7. four Regiments of Foot marched into Lieth where they found 37 Guns mounted on Platforme some Shot and Ammunition with store of wealth The same day the Lord Generall Cromwell drew the rest of his Army both Horse and Foot into Edenburrough without any losse save the Arm of a Souldier taken off by a Canon bullet from the Castle Sept. 6. being Sabbath day Generall Cromwell sent a Trumpeter into the Castle to invite the Ministers to come to their several Charges which they resused so that the English supplyed their places For some certain time the Army was busied in compleating the Fortifications at Lieth the most commodious Harbour for their accommodation in all Scotland Gen. Cromwell after he had caused a Protection for Markets and Liberty of Trade in Edenburrough and Lieth to be proclaimed by beat of Drum and sound of Trumpet marched forward Sep. 14. with his Army to Netherish six miles from Edenburrough leaving Major Generall Overton with his Brigade behind Sep. 15. the Army marched beyond Linlithgow but by reason of the extremity of the weather they were forced to quarter there that night Sep. 16. they marched towards Falkirk and from thence Sep. 17. within a mile of Sterling Sep. 18. a Councell of Warre was called and a Letter drawn up to be sent into the Town expressing their constant affection to and tendernesse of the People of Scotland which though they had not taken the desired effect yet being so farre advanced into the Countrey with their Army they now desired them to take into consideration their former Papers and deliver up that place for the service of the Commonwealth of England A Trumpeter being sent with the Letter a Gentleman on foot with a Pike in his hand met him and told him they would not let him come in nor receive his Letter In the afeernoon came a Trumpeter from the Scots desiring a release of Prisoners upon ransome To which Generall Cromwell answered That they came not thither to make merchandize of Men or to get gain to themselves but for the service and security of the Commonwealth of England The same day Orders were issued forth for the Horse and Foot to march towards Sterling in order to a storm Ladders and all other necessaries being provided for that purpose but the strength of the enemy and of the place with other disadvantages being considered it was resolved that the Army should draw off which accordingly they did Sep. 19. and marched to Linlithgow which when the Generall and his Officers had viewed order was given for making severall Works for the security of the place conceiving it might make a very considerable frontier Garrison lying in the heart of the Country between Edinburrough and Sterling whence leaving there five Troops of Horse and fix Companies of Foot Generall Cromwell with the rest of the Army marched back to Edenburrough Sep. 23. The Gen. and Officers kept a day of Humiliation About the same time the Kirk Party also appointed a solemne Fast 1. To humble themselves for their too much confidence in the arme of flesh 2. For the malignity and prophanenesse of their Army 3. For the Plunderings and wickednesse of their Army when they were in England 4. For their not sufficient purging their Army 5. For their Commissioners unlawfull and surreptitious manner of prosecuting the Treaty with their King and their crooked wayes in bringing him home 6. For their not sufficient purging the Kings house 7. For the just grounds they have that his Majesties Repentance was not sound nor from the heart From which time to the moneths end little was done save that Gen. Cromwell took order for the effectuall reducing of the Castle of Edenburrough for which purpose many miners both Scotch and English were procured to expedite the businesse Sep. 30. The English went so neer the works of the Castle as they carried away one of the Scots Colours 300 Muskets with other Arms without any losse Octob. 1. The Scots Galleries went on in order to springing the Mines they sent many great and small shot among them yet nothing retarded the work Octob. 2. The English made a search in the high Church at Edenburgh and found there one great Iron Gun 200 new Muskets 16 barrels of Pouder
of her friends and others that she might be out of her pain she was cut down put into a Coffin and brought to a House to be dissected before some Physitians When they opened the Coffin they perceived a ratling in her throat a Fellow standing by stamped upon her breast and belly yet Doctor Petty and two or three more then present fell speedily to use some means to bring her to life and opened a vein laid her in a warm bed procured a woman to go into bed to her and continued the use of divers other remedies having respect to her sencelessness head throat and breast so that in a few hours she spake the next day talked and coughed very heartily and in short space perfectly recovered Upon which first her reprieve and then her pardon was procured After this she as upon the Gallows still insisted upon her innocency and integrity in relation to the fact for which she was condemned And indeed this was looked upon as a speciall providence of God thus to deliver her who in the judgements of those that understood the businesse was deemed guiltlesse Herein did the hand of God wonderfully appear in detecting the unadvised actings of men and in shewing us the danger we are in when we are swayed either by passion or prejudice against the meanest of his Creatures The Parliament weighing how prone the people were to adore the shadow of the late King though the substance was destroyed caused his Statue that was set up at the West end of the Cathedrall of St. Pauls to be pulled down and that also in the Royall Exchange over which they caused to be wrote this Motto Exit Tyrannus Regum Vltimus Anno Libertatis Angliae restitutae Primo Anno Domini 1648. January 30. They likewise caused that badge of Monarchy the Kings Arms to be defaced and expunged out of all Churches Chappels and places of publick worship and Courts of Judicature throughout their Dominions and this indeed was a means to make the giddy people forget the Garlick and Onyons of Egypt they much hankered after And to adde a more splendid lustre to their strength and greatnesse they were highly courted by Embassadors from the Neighbouring Nations viz. Holland Spain and Portugall yet the crafty Hollander held at a distance as rather willing the prosperity of the Royall party then heartily desiring or effectually endeavouring a peace with them The Spaniard as he had better ends so had he better successe though in all his addresses he was still reminded of his suspending and delaying the execution of justice upon the Assassinates of the English Resident at Madrid since which time till now the controversie between the King and Church about that businesse hath been in debate The Portugall Embassador after audience had before a Committee of Parliament The Portugal Ambassadour dismist home and several applications unto them not being fully impowered to give a plenary satisfaction to the State for their vast expences and to the Merchants for their great losses all occasioned by them was at length dismist Embassadors extraordinary were sent from the Parliament of England to the States of the United Provinces English Ambassadors are sent into Holland their Names were Oliver St. John and Walter Strickland men of singular parts and of approved integrity who in gallant Equipage with a magnificent train of followers set sail from the Downs March 11. 1651. On the 12. towards Evening they came to anchor before Hellevoit slugs but not without some danger On the 13. they went in Boats to Roterdam being met with Vessels from the States then by the English Merchants were conducted to the English house and nobly entertained During their stay there the Spanish Embassador sent a Gentleman to congratulate their safe Arrivall and to desire there might be a fair correspondency and right understanding between their Lordships and him About two or three dayes after they set forward for the Hague where by the way the Master of the Ceremonies with about thirtie Coaches met them and entertained them with some Complements and conducted them to a House at the Hague prepared for their reception where they were feasted three dayes by the States and then had audience they have audience where the Lord St. John made a Learned and Eloquent Speech in the English tongue and then delivered a Copy thereof in Dutch and English the heads whereof were in effect as follows That they were sent over to the High and Mighty States of the Netherlands from the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England to make a firm League and Confederacy between the two Republiques if they think fit to accept thereof notwithstanding the many injuries the English have sustain'd from the Dutch Nation Secondly To renew and confirm those former Treaties and Agreements of trade and commerce made between the two Nations Thirdly He shewed them the notable advantages of England in respect of the pleasant and commodious situation thereof for the advancement of trade and all other accommodations Lastly He told them he was commanded by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England to let their Lordships know how highly they resented the Execrable murther of Dr. Dorislaus their Agent and that he doubted not but that their Lordships would use their utmost care and industry in causing a strict and diligent search to be made after the Authors thereof After which the States being acquainted with the many affronts the Ambassadors Gentlemen and others their attendants had received from English Cavaliers and other ruffians drew up a Proclamation and sent it to the Ambassadors by the Lord Catz to know whether they judged it full enough the contents whereof was to forbid all manner of persons whatsoever from giving any affront either in word or deed to any of the Ambassadors retinue upon pain of corporal punishment Three â—moneths was now spent in this tedious and costly Embassie and nothing obtained save affronts and abuses of all kinds and the Sword of Justice not drawn in their behalfe against any one of that riotous rabble that so frequently swarmed at the Ambassadors gates assaulting their servants and reviling their persons of which injuries the Parliament being deeply sensible and wearied with expectation of what fruits this Treaty would produce resolved that seeing all their Proposals and endeavours for a lasting and well grounded Peace were answered with dilatory shifts and evasions on purpose to gain time upon the English till they saw on which side the chance of war in Scotland would fall to call home their Ambassadors which sudden and unexpected news did so surprize the Hoghen Mogens that they courted them with frequent and unusuall visits and with a multitude of feigned expressions laboured to beget a good opinion in the English of the reality of their intentions towards an amicable compliance with this Nation notwithstanding all which the Ambassadors soon after return into England They return into England infectapace That which gave
wants of such as should continue on shipboard and would assist those that were to land in reducing the Castles which Proposals were in part assented unto by the Commander in Chief Col. Duckenfield being somewhat obliged thereto by the civilities of the people But on the 27. most of the men on shipboard were endangered by a long and continued storm many of the Vessels not being able to ride in the Bay one ran ashore and was bulged but the men saved many others were driven severally up and down which dangers by sea and delayes by land the Castles still holding out on the 28. Horse and Foot were ordered to come on shoar and being possest of all the Forts in the Island Castle Peele and Rushen taken they besieged both the Castles of Peele and Rushen in which the Countesse of Derby then was both which were presently summoned and brought to very low terms without any bloud shed and delivered up to Col. Duekenfield for the use of the Parliament of England Octob. 26. 1651. Where was found store of Ammunition and Provision of all sorts and in the Harbour some Vessels also were taken These Castles were of such strength that if it had pleased God the defendants had not been possest with a spirit of fear much bloud might have been spent in the reducing of them In short space after there was surrendred to the Parliaments Forces Cornet Castle in Guernsey surrendered that strong and impregnable hold of Cornet Castle in the Isle of Guernsey The next remarkable passage of the Affairs of this Nation was the decease of two of the Parliaments Chieftains one was Generall Popham one of the Admirals of the English Fleet a man of singular worth and gallantry yet his short continuance in that employment did not so much shew us what he was as what he would have been had it pleased the great Disposer of all things to have prolonged his dayes The other was the never to be forgotten Henry Ireton Lord Deputy of Ireland under his Father in Law his Excellency the Lord Generall Cromwell who ended his dayes shortly after the siege and taking of Limrick in Ireland a man who for piety prudence and policy in Civill and Martiall affairs equaled if not excelled the most of men yet was there left behind such worthy Patriots and Champions of their Country as upon all occasions have stood in the gap of the greatest difficulties The Parliament being now throughly sensible of the many delayes mischiefs and wrongs for a long time and even now practised by the Hollanders both in their Treaties and traffique set forth an Act for encrease of Shipping and encouragement of Navigation which was the most pleasing and advantageous Act to the Merchants and Seamen that could be and by which the hearts of those rough spirited men were more endeared to the Parliaments Interest then by any thing they ever did or could do the heads whereof were these That no Commodity whatsoever of the growth or Manufacture of Asia Africa The Act for Navigation or America or any part thereof as well of the English Plantations as others shall be imported into England Ireland or any the territories thereof in any ships or Vessels but in such only as do truly belong to this Commonwealth or the Plantations thereof under penalty of the forfeiture of Goods and Vessels and of Europe the like That no Commodities whatsoever of forreign growth or manufacture which are to be brought into this Commonwealth in Ships belonging to the People thereof shall be by them shipped from any places but only from those of the said growth production or manufacture or from those Ports where the said Commodities can only be or usually have been shipt for transportation and from none other places That no sorts of Fish usually caught by the people of this Nation nor any Oyl made of Fish nor any Whale Finne or Whalebones shall be imported as abovesaid but only such as shall be caught in Vessels belonging to the people of this Nation under the former penalty That no kinds of salted Fish from the first of February 1653. shall be exported out of this Land in any other save English Vessels Severall other Exceptions and Provisoes there was in reserence to the Commodities of East-India from the Levant Seas from the Ports of Spain and Portugall This is the substance of that Act which did so exceedingly perplex the avaritious greedy and encroaching Hollander Who notwithstanding set on foot another Treaty with the English by sending Ambassadors extraordinary and seeing they could not obtain their desires thereby they assayed to do it by force and treachery which machinations God in mercy to this poor Nation by weak instruments detected and turned upon their own heads yet could they have procured the calling in of that Act they would hardly have stuck at any other the demands of the English but failing therein they began to dispute that antient and unquestionable Right of the English Soveraignty in the narrow Seas by refusing to strike therein for which they had the fortune to be always beaten not thriving in any such contempt or bravado upon which occasion began that sad breach between the two Republiques the effects whereof we yet feele and groan under from which God in his good time will deliver us For in May The first Sea-fight between the Dutch and the English 1652. Van-Trump Admirall of the Dutch Fleet with about 42 sail of Ships was discovered on the backside of the Goodwin-sands by Major Bourn who commanded a squadron of the English Ships the Dutch bearing towards Dover-Road upon which the Grey-hound Frigot was commanded to make sail and speak with them which she did and then they strook their top-sayl demeaned themselves civilly and said they came from Admirall Trump with a Message to the Commander in chief of the English Fleet And coming aboard they saluted our Ships and in order to the satisfaction of our Nation brought this accompt That the Northerly winds having blown hard severall dayes they were forced further Southward then they intended and having rode for some dayes off Dunkirk where they had lost divers Anchors and Cables professing they intended no injury to the English Nation Gen. Blake with the rest of the English Fleet was at that time to the Westward but receiving speedy advice of all these passages from Major Bourne made what haste possibly he could 〈◊〉 ply towards them and on the 19 of â—lay in the morning he saw them at â—nchor about Dover-Road and being â—â—ithin three Leagues of them they â—â—eighed and stood to the Eastward â—â—here they met with an Expresse from â—e States whereupon he bastned â—ith all the sayl he could make towards ours and bore directly up with â—ur Fleet Van-Trump being the headâ—ost Upon which Gen. Blake shot three â—uns at Van-Trumps Flag but withâ—ut Balls and Van-Trump answered â—ith a Gun on the averse side of his â—hip signifying a disdain and in stead
go out nor come in nor get together in any one Port whereby to unite and get to a head in which condition I shal for the present leave them Gen. Cromwell and his Councell of Officers having finished their consultations and resolutions about those Persons to whom the Legislative Power of the Nation was to be committed Warrants were issued out to each person so chosen in the three Nations to appear at the Councel-Chamber at Whitehall July 4. 1653. a Copy whereof followes FOr as much as upon the dissolution of the late Parliament it became necessary that the peace safety and good government of this Commonwealth should be provided for and in order thereunto divers persons searing God and of approved fidelity and honesty are by my self with the advice of my Councel of Officers nominated to whom the great charge and trust of so weighty affairs is to be committed And having good assurance of your love to and courage for God and the Interest of his Cause and the good people of this Commonwealth I Oliver Cromwell Captain Generall and Commander in chief of all the Armies and Forces raised and to be raised within this Commonwealth do hereby summon and require you being of the Persons nominated personally to be and appear at the Councel-chamber commonly known or called by the name of the Councel-chamber at White-Hall within the City of Westminster upon the 4 day of July next ensuing the date hereof and then and there to take upon you the said trust unto which you are hereby called and appointed to serve as a Member for the County of _____ And hereof you are not to faile Given under my hand and Seal the _____ day of June 1653. O. Cromwell July 4. The severall Members met accordingly in the Councel-Chamber where was the Lord Gen. Cromwell and many of his Officers about him who standing up made an excellent usefull and seasonable Speech unto them recounting the many wonderfull mercies of God towards this Nation and the continued series of providences by which he had appeared in carrying on this Cause and bringing affairs into the present condition He set forth likewise the progresse of affairs since the famous victory at Worcester as also the actings of the Army thereupon after divers applications to the Parliament and much waiting upon them with the grounds and necessity of their dissolving the late Parliament which he declared to be for the preservation of this Cause and the interest of all honest men who have been engaged therein He in like manner held forth the cleernesse of the call given to the Members then present to take upon them the supreme Authority and from the Scriptures exhorted them to their duties and encouraged them therein He further defired them that a tendernesse might be used towards all conscientious persons of what judgement soever Which having ended his Excellency produced an Instrument under his own hand and Seal whereby he did with the advice of his Officers devolve and intrust the Supreme Authority and Government of this Commonwealth into the hands of the Persons there met Who or any forty of them are to be held and acknowledged the Supreme Authority of the Nation unto whom all persons within the same and the territories thereunto belonging are to yeeld obedience and subjection And that they sit no longer then the 3d. of Novemb. 1654. And three moneths before thein dissolution they were to make choice of other Persons to succeed them who were not to sit above a twelvemoneth and then to take care for a succession in Government Which Instrument being delivered to the Members his Lordship commended them to God and with his Officers withdrew From thence the Members adjourned forthwith to the old Parliament House and there sate de die in diem About this time John Lilburne of whom I have already made mention being a few moneths before banished the Land by an Act of the foregoing Parliament for certain crimes laid to his charge took occasion upon this change of Government to come into England and cast himself upon his Excellency the Lord Generall Cromwell craving his protection in several publick addresses who unwilling to interpose or meddle with affairs of that nature left him to the Law in somuch that he was commited to Newgate and the next Sessions or Gaol-delivery John Lilburn tried at the Sessions in the Old Baily he was brought to triall in the Old-Baily July 13. but nothing was done that day save that Councell was assigned him according to his demand July 14. he was again brought to the Barre but refused to put in his Plea unless he might have a copy of his Indictment which was at length granted him July 15. he appeared at the Barre again but little was done that day July 16. he appeared and delivered in divers Exceptions to the Bill of Indictment which were signed by his Councel and received by the Court which day the Sessions ended so that the businesse was put off to the next Sessions Aug. 13. he appeared before the Bench again and put in an Exception demanding an Oyer of the Judgement given against him in Parliament as well as of the Act grounded thereupon Aug. 16. he appeared again the Point argued on both sides but nothing more was done that day Aug. 20. he was again brought before the Court where he joyned issue and pleaded not guilty whereupon a Jury was impannel'd and Witnesses examined to make good the Charge as also Witnesses on the behalf of the Prisoner who in making his defence held the Court severall hours and in answer thereunto the Councel for the Common-wealth were also heard The Jury having the Charge after hearing the whole businesse withdrew Is quitted by the Jury and about twelve of the clock that night delivered up their Verdict That they found him Not guilty whereupon he was sent back to Newgate and soon after was from thence sent to the Tower where he yet remains Thus you see what endeavours were used to rid the Nation of this inconsiderable fellow by Tryals Banishment and what not but hitherto in vain when as many a gallant Heart farre transcending him in birth and parts have fallen by the sword of Justice in the twinkling of an eye But it may be God hath reserved him to be a greater plague to this Nation whose heart I fear is the seed-plot of sedition and division True it is he is a man of a penetrating judgement quick wit and voluble tongue bold and confident in all his undertakings he is likewise peevish and passionate out of measure affects popularity and is of an implacable spirit not to be appeased but with the bloud of his adversaries Nor can I deny but some of those things he aimed at were honest and usefull for the people but he steered not the right course to attain those ends The condition of the English affairs in Scotland was now much after this sort The state of Scotland although the
Streamers sticking up to distinguish each Company After his Highnesse had dined and banquet was ended he conferr'd upon the Lord Major the Honour of Knighthood Which piece of magnificence had no sooner been performed but as a Remora to that happy settlement so long contended for by all good men there conspicuously appeared a most subterranean work of darknesse A plot discovered a secret conspiracy carryed on by the old restlesse party on the behalf of Charles Stuart which being discovered Feb. 18. 1653. eleven of them were sent close prisoners to the Tower of London where being retained a short time his Highnesse clemency extended so far as to set them at liberty About the same time as a sure testimoniall of the peoples affection to his Highnesse Government Addresses from all parts of the Nation there appeared addresses and congratulations from all parts of this Nation Scotland and Ireland his Highnesse likewise by way of Retaliation made severall good Acts tending to the glory of God and the good of the Common-wealth more especially that for the approbation of publick Preachers But at present leaving this let us look Northward where about this time high were the expectations and hopes of the Scots partly from the unsetled spirits of some male-contented persons in England as also from the great promises that their King made to them by his Agents insomuch that they doubted not but to have once more a fair trial of their quarrell in the field and to that end having received ample Commission from their King they had suddenly formed an Army of about four thousand Horse and Foot The Scots rally being headed by the Earl of Glencarne and Kenmore but this bubble was soon broak by the vigilance of Collonel Morgan Are routed who with about 1500 horse and foot Feb. 17. came to the Lough where Glencarn and the rest were at a Rendezvouze and after a little dispute he totally routed their Army having killed of them about 150. Glencarn himself hardly escaping with fortie horse But leaving Scotland we present you with the main businesse in agitation at this time viz. The Dutch Peace The Dutch Peace concluded to which end four Ambassadors from them having resided here all last winter and having well nigh-finished their businesse in February two of them went over the Lord Newport and Youngstall for full power and ratification and having returned and landed at the Tower Wharf March 3. 1654. were honorably attended through the City and the next day had audience of his Highnesse declaring their ful impowerment from their Superiors for the ratifying of the Peace lately agreed on desiring a speedy cessation of Arms on both sides This was the effect of what was by them delivered and accordingly to the great joy of all the Reformed Churches on the 5 of April following the Articles of Peace betwixt both States were signed and sealed on both fides and shortly after proclaimed both in England and in the Netherlands The Dutch Ambassadors the day after the Peace proclaimed were nobly entertained and feasted by the Lord Protector As to the affairs of Ireland The state of Ireland much cannot be said more then some years past saving that the Country more and more tends towards the center of settlement through the great vigilance of the Lord Deputy and Councel there who having through a great deal of difficultie gon through with the work of transplanting the Irish into the Province of Conaught by means whereof the lives and estates of the English are throughly secured and upon the generalty of that Country there appears a good face of health and quiet Now whilst Ireland was in this quiet state the old malignant Party was hatching new broyls in the heart of England A second Plotdiscovered as appeared upon the discovery of a barbarous conspiracy on the 20th of May 1654. undertaken by divers persons of severall interests in generall their intent being by a villanous assassination to have turned the State into blood and confusion a piece of treason so much the more to be detested in England in regard the generous nature of the English doth usually abhor such unmanly practises so that they have very rarely been heard of amongst us divers were apprehended about it and examined as Gilbert Gerard Esq and John Gerard his brother John Jones an Apothecary Thomas Tudor with severall others who were all of them committed to the Tower and shortly after a high Court of justice being erected these three were tryed in the first place viz. John Gerard Somerset Fox and Peter Vowel who being found guilty were condemned to be hanged The plotters executed and it was accordingly performed on Peter Vowel Gerard upon petition was beheaded and Somerset Fox for his ingenuous and submissive confession his Highnesse pardoned Upon the same day that these Plotters suffered Don Pautalcon sa brother to the Lord Ambassador of Portugal having been Prisoner in Newgate a long time The Portugal Ambassadors brother beheaded with Gerard for a Ryot by him and others committed at the New Exchange and having been lately brought to his triall at the upper Bench barre was at first very peremptory refusing to be uncovered or to plead but at length he was told by an Interpreter that he ought to plead or to undergo the Law which was to be pressed to death which having a while slighted he at length pleaded not guilty but being found guilty he was condemned to be hanged but through the favour of the Court the sentence was altered to be beheaded which was accordingly performed on the 10. of July on Tower-hill with Gerard an exemplary piece of justice These Plots in England being thus nipt in the bud Middleton routed in Scotland did nothing discourage the Scotch malignants in the Highlands but that they brought their designs to more maturity for having got some addition of strength by the landing of Middleton out of Holland as Generalissimo they soon got the repate of terming themselves an Army but as a means for the dispelling of that Scotch mist Monk was sent into the North as Generall where having attended their motions and sate hard upon their skirts some certain time on the 21 of July 1654. he engaged them by Loughgery and after some small resistance totally routed them and all their hopes together Septemb. 3. 1654. Parliament met Sep. 3. According to Writs formerly issued out the Parliament met at Westminster where after a Sermon preached by Mr. Marshall they repaired to the Parliament House and having chosen William Lenthall their Speaker they then began to question the lawfulnesse of the power that called them thither insomuch that his Highnesse considering the growing evils that were like to afflict the Nation in case of new changes and revolutions appointed a Test or Recognition of the Government which was to be signed by them before ever they entred the house again which being accordingly signed by the generalty of them
they took their places again and having sate full five moneths and in that time done nothing of that main work which they were called together for which was by their unity to cement the hearts of the people of this Nation together but on the contrary by their severall divisions and animosities much like to Sampson's Foxes fastened together at the tails they feed the Common people with hopes that they should once more have a day of it which till their sitting they despaired of all which his Highnesse considering of on the 22 of Jan. actually dissolved them Dissolved Jan. 22. and ful time it was for before their dissolution to wit on the 10 of January 1655. a new conspiracy was detected against his Highnesse and the present Government the venom and contagion of which had spread it self into most parts of this Nation Sir Henry Littleton Sir John Packington A third Plot discovered with severall other were apprehended about it on the Lilburnian account was apprehended their grand stickler Major Wildman as he was dictating to another a Pamphlet bearing this title A Declaration setting forth the grounds and reasons of our taking Arms against Oliver Cromwell Nay so generall was this design that although very much of it was discovered yet their confidence was so great that they feared not but to carry it on without their friends already in prison about it and to that end upon the 13. of March divtrs persons came post from Salisbury giving an account of the rising of a party of Cavaliers in those parts who came into Salisbury on the Lords day at midnight about 200 in a body the assizes being there held by the Lord chief Justice Rolls and Judge Nicolas where having clapt guards to all the Innes of the Town their insolence transported them so farre as to take away the Judges commissions and having seised on all their horses left them and marcht away towards Poole being headed by one Wagstaffe Penruddock and Jones Captains in the late Kings Army and further to shew the condition of this frantick generation at the same time another party of them endeavoured the surprizall of the Town and Castle of Shrewsbury Shrewslury surprized but being timely discovered were prevented News was likewise brought of a fresh party risen in Mount Gomeryshire A party risen in Mountgomery-shire where they were encreased to the number of 800 acting both publickly and considently A messenger came also out of Nottingham-shire And in Nottingham-shire which brought information of a party of 500 Horse that were gotten together in the Forrest of Sherwood in that County having a Carriage laden with Arms with them and being consulting in a by Inne how to manage their businesse a sodain fear taking them they cryed out they were betrayed and so dispersed themselves Letters came likewise from Coll. And in Northumberland Lilburn out of the North certifying that in Northumberland there was another party up but they being betraid by their own fears and jealousies disperst again of themselves And for a finall conclusion of all these risings And in York-shire there was likewise an endeavour in York-shire to form a party many being met for that purpose upon Hesham Moor with an intent to seise York for Charles Stuart they had two Carts full of Armes and Ammunition with them and divers of the Gentry amongst whom was Sir Henry Slaigsby Sir Richard Malleverer but they likewise disperst perceiving no such appearance as they expected Sir Henry Slaigsby was taken Sir Richard Malleverer escaped The like successe of these unfortunate men you may expect in this following relation On the 16 of March 1655 came Letters from Captain Vnton Crook signifying the total defeat of the Cavaliers under the command of Wagstaffe Jones Penruddock and Groves for having persued them out of Wilt-shire into Devonshire Wagstaffe Penrudock routed he having only his own Troop fell into their quarters in a Town called South Molton where after four hours dispute with them he took some 60 prisoners and neer 140 Horse and Arms Wagstaffe escaped Jones Penruddock and Groves he took where having delivered them over to the high Sheriff of the County they were committed to Exon Gaol where having a short time reamained a commission of Oyer and Terminer Are tryed condemned and executed was issued forth for the triall of the Western Cavaliers at Salisbury where 30 were convicted and 14 condemned Penrudock and Groves were two of them for Treason in levying warre and on the 3 of May execution was done upon three of them by name Lacas Thorp and Kensey Lacas was beheaded the other two were hanged News came likewise from Exeter giving information that on the 9 of May execution was done there upon 14 of the condemned persons on the 9 of May Penruddock and Groves had so much favour shewed them as to be beheaded the greatest part of them were reprieved whereof Jones was one by order of his Highnesse Jones repreived And further for the securing of the peace of the Commonwealth it was ordered that divers persons prisoners in the Tower Divers Risers sent to Plantations who were in the last yeers conspiracy against his Highnesse person and most of those in the Gaols of the West who were in the late rebellious Insurrection should be sent away to forreign Plantations Now on the other hand Mr. Copleston knighted as a speciall remark of true valour on the 1 of June Mr. Copleston high Sheriffe of Devonshire was Knighted by his Highnesse for the good service he did in his Country at the time of the late Insurrection his Highnesse likewise gave him the Sword he Knighted him with as a further addition of honour May the 2. 1655. An Ambassador from Spain The Marquesse of Loyd extraordinary Ambassador from his Majesty of Spain arrived at Dover and so coming to Greenwitch was there attended by the Master of the Ceremonies and divers Gentlemen of his Highnesse from thence by water to Tower-wharf where he was met and conducted thence with a stately train of Coaches through the City to Westminster there to receive the usuall entertainment for three dayes after which his Excellency removed to Dorset house in Salisbury Court and on the 8 of May Hath Audience and takes his leave his Highnesse gave publike audience to the Lord Ambassador in the banqueting house and having had severall other audiences and nothing concluded on the 12 of June following he tooke his leave of his Highness where many complements passed between them at the interview The peace as you have heard before being lately concluded with the Dutch Pen's expedition and to the intent that the bulwarks of this Commonwealth should not consume away to no advantage it was therefore resolved for the equipring out of a Fleet which having been at last brought to perfection on the 27. of Decemb. 1654. they set sail from Portsmouth under the command of
Generall Pen and Venables upon an unknown expedition but to cleare doubts in part conceiving their design on the 1 of May 1655. came Letters from Generall Pen dated at the Barbadoes March 19. certifying the good condition of the whole Fleet Is at Bardoes having arrived there on the 28 of January following and there he seised on 18 Dutch Merchant men who traded there contrary to an Act of the long Parliament as also by later Letters from them it appeared that they set saile from Barbadoes the 30 of March and sailed for Hispaniola where after their landing having received some small check verifying that excellent saying Man proposeth but God disposeth they re-embarqued for the Island of Jamaica At Jamaica where they arrived the 10 of May following being in full possession of it after some small resistance by the Spaniards and receiving it as an earnest peny of those great things that shall be done by the English Nation in Gods good time upon the perfidious Nation of the Spaniards Now somewhat to raise the spirits of the English again whom any ill fortune dejects take an account of the wonderfull success it pleased God to bestow upon Generall Blake against the Turkish Pirates of Tunis Generall Blakes successe against the Turks where he having on the 18 of April 1655. demanded of the Dye of that place satisfaction for some Ships which they had taken as also the Captives of our Nation but being denyed either of them and withall they giving some provoking terms as in these and such like words These are our Castles of the Galletta and the Ships and Castles of Porto Ferino do what you can do not think to fear us with the shew of your Fleet. The Generall seeing himself so slighted called a Councell of War where after the seeking of counsell of the Lord to direct them in that business they resolved to burn those Ships that lay in Porto Ferino if it were possible being nine in number which they thus effected the Admiral Vice-Admiral and Rear-Admiral lay within Musket shot of their Castle which had 20 Guns in it playing continually both upon it and their Forts the wind likewise favouring it pleased God to put such courage into the English Their 9 Ships sired that in four hours time all their nine Ships were burnt down to the water by the English Boats in which notable service there were lost in the whole Fleet but 25 men and 48 wounded which mercy was the more signall considering that there was 120 Guns planted on the shore and in the Castle against them June 12 A fourth plot suspected Upon suspicion of a new Plot there was committed to the Tower the Lord Willowby of Parham Mr. Seymore the Lord Newport Mr. Newport with others of which more in it's due place July 4. Major Sedgewick set sail Advice was brought that Major Sedgewick with a gallant squadron of Ships 12 in number and Colonel Humphreys with his Regiment of Souldiers designed for the assistance of our Generals in the West-Indies expedition did set sail out of Dover Road the 2 of July the Lord prosper them August 31. Gen. Pen arrived from West-Indies Generall Pen arrived at the Spithead neer Portsmouth from Jamaica with part of the Fleet having left a considerable Squadron behind him in those seas He came from thence the 25 of June and being come as far as the Havana in the Island of Cuba the Ship Baiagon fell on fire by negligence and so perished in the sea blowing up many of her men that were in her The Army left at Jamaica was commanded by Collonel Fortescue the squadron of Shps by a truly valiant man Vice-Admirall Goadson Likewise on the 9 of September following arrived Generall Venables in the Maston More Frigot Gen. Venables likewise arrived very weak having been at deaths dore so that in all probability nothing but change of air would have saved his life Now here by the way take a relation of a President seldome heard of the resignation of the Queen of Sweden The Queen of Swedens resignation who from a powerfull Princesse put her self into the condition of a Lady Arrant now whilst she was projecting the businesse these propositions she made to the Prince her Successor 1. She will retain the best part of the Kingdome and the custome to her self 2. She will be no subject but free of her self without controul 3. She will travell whither she pleaseth The Prince replyed 1. That he would not be a King without a Kingdome 2. He will have no Rivall more then she a Superior 3. He will not hazard himself about her designs abroad But how these differences in these proposals were composed I know not But in a short time she wholly resigned all leaving her self only the bare title of the Queen of Sweden having ever since rambled up and down according as her wild fancy led her and for the to tall finishing of the comick Scene she hath at length resigned up her Religion and is received into the bosome of the Church of Rome which City having at last arrived to I there leave her and return to the happy successe of the Lord Whitlock who having gone Ambassador into Sweden and there resided about eight moneths having finished his affairs in concluding a firm peace with that Crown returned to London in February 1654. Sept. 5. It was confirmed from Bayonne and Sant Sabastian that the King of Spain had made a seisure of the persons and goods of the English Octob. 24. A Peace with France concluded The Articles of peace betwixt France and England were signed by the Commissioners impowered by speciall Commission for that purpose from his Highnesse the Lord Protector on the one part and on the other part by his Excellency the Lord Ambassador of France and on the 28 of Novemb. Publication was made of the treaty of Peace first in the Court of White-Hall by the sound of Trumpet and the Heralds attending in their formality Afterwards in the Palace-yard at Westminster and in all the usuall places throughout the City of London The like was by appointment to be done the same day at Paris all ceremonies of publick rejoicing were expressed by the Family of the Lord Ambassador of France as also by all the generality of the people of the City of London And now Reader have I brought my Story from the end of one Monarchy to the third year of the Government of his Highnesse under which if is please the wise Disposer of all things as well as persons to grant us Peace both at home and abroad both thou and I may live to see happy dayes And if it shall please God to spin out the thred of my life to some considerable length I shall afford the world some other things of the like nature but if not I am content to acquiesce in the good will of him that dwelt in the Bush and so Farewell THE END