Gracious Letter into our Consideration hoping shortly by the Blessing of God to fall upon such Resolutions as may be Acceptable to Your Majesty secure the Protestant Religion and Establish the Government Laws and Liberties of this Kingdom upon solid Foundations most agreeable to the General Good and Inclination of the People As for the Proposals of the Union we doubt not but Your Majesty will so dispose the Matter that there may be an equal Readiness in the Kingdom of England to Accomplish it as one of the best means for the securing the Happiness of these Nations and setling a lasting Peace we have hitherto and still shall endeavour to avoid Animosities or Prejudice which might disturb our Councils that as we Design the Publick Good so it may be done with the General Concurrence and Approbation of the Nation and in the mean time we Desire the Continuance of Your Majesties Care and Protection towards us in all our Concerns whereof the kind Expressions in Your Gracious Letter has given us full Assurance Signed c. On the 31 st of March Dr. Gilbert Burnet Bishop Elect of Salisbury was Consecrated according to the Form prescribed in the Book of Common-Prayer in the Chapple in the Pallace of Fullham by the Bishops of London Lincoln Landaff St. Asaph and Carlisle by vertue of a Commission granted them by his Grace the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and now by Reason of this great Revolution Hillary Term being omitted an Act was passed for renewing of Actions and Processes lately depending in the Courts at Westminster and discontinued by the not holding the said Term and for supplying the defect relating to proceedings at Law an Act for exhibiting a Bill in the present Parliament for the Naturalizing the most Noble Prince George of Denmark and an other for punishing Officers or Soldiers that shall Mutiny or Desert their Majesties Service On the 3 d. of April at a Chapter held of the most Noble Order of the Garter Duke Frederick Mareschal d' Schomberge General of his Majesties Forces and Master General of the Ordinance and the Right Honourable William Earl of Devonshire Lord Steward of his Majesties Houshold were elected Knights Companions of the Noble Order and were invested with the Garter and George having been first Knighted by the Sovereign with the usual Ceremonies and the Lord Bishop of Salisbury was sworn and admitted Chancellour of the Order A great many Arms being imbezled by the Soldiers that had formerly been disbanded or were diserted a Proclamation was Published for their Discovery commanding the Delivery and bringing in such Arms and other Matters relating thereto with a value set to such as should bring them in or Discover them On the 5 th of April his Grace the Duke of Ormond was Installed in St. Georges Chapple at Windsor Knight and Companion of the Noble Order of the Garter with the usual Ceremonies and about this time the King published a Declaration to assure such English as were in his Service in the Low-Countries of full English pay upon the English Establishment as full to all Intents and Purposes as any other Regiment of his Subjects remaining within the Kingdom of England and proceeded to make many Creations of Honour conferring them on worthy Patriots of their Country and on the 9 th of April coming to the Parliament House He passed an Act for the Establishing the Coronation Oath an Act for Naturalizing the most Noble Prince George of Denmark and settling his Precedence an Act for Naturalizing Frederick Count Schomberge and others and Two Regiments were Embarqued for Ireland under Collonel Coningham and Collonel Richards and other Preparations made to follow them in order to relieve the Protestants that yet held out The Convention of the Estates of Scotland for several Reasons mentioned in an Act for that Purpose declared King Iames to have forefaulted the Right of his Crown and that the Throne was became Vacant and thereupon Voted and Ordered that the Committee for setling the Government should bring in an Act for setling the Crown upon their Majesties William and Mary King and Queen of England and to consider the Terms of Destination of Heirs of the Crown and likewise to prepare and bring in an Instrument of Government to be offered with the Crown c. And about this time a Barbarous Murther was committed upon the Person of Sir George Lockheart President of the Sessions in that Kingdom one Cheesely shooting him through the Back as he was going from Church because he had compelled Cheesely to allow his Wife and Children Maintenance for which the Murtherer was tortured to oblige him to confess his Accomplices but he accused noman whereupon he was sentenced to have his Hand cut off and nailed to the Gallows and then to be hanged and afterward hanged in Chains which was accordingly Executed The 11 th of April being appointed for the Day of their Majesties Coronation at Westminster great were the Preparations and their Majesties being come from White-Hall to Westminster the Nobility c. being put in order by the Heâ—aulds they came down into Westminster Hall where the Sword and Spurs were presented to them After which the Dean and Prebendaries of VVestminster having brought the Crowns and other Regalia presented them sevarally to their Majesties which with the Sword and Spurs were delivered to those Lords that were appointed to carry them Then the Procession began in this manner Drums and Trumpets six Clerks in Chancery two a Breast as all the rest of the Proceeding went Chaplains having Dignities Aldermen of London Masters in Chancery Solicitor and Attorny General Gentlemen of the Privy-Chamber Judges Children of Westminster and of the Kings Chapple Cheair of Westminster Prebands of Westminster Master of the Jewel-house Privy-Councellors not Peers Two Pursuivants Barronesses Borons Bishops a Pursuivant a Viscountess Viscounts twoâ—Heraulds Countesses Earls a Herauld a Marchioness two Heraulds Dutches Dukes two Kings of Arms the Lord Privy-Seal Lord President of the Council Arch-Bishop of York his Royal Highness the Prince of Denmark two Persons Repesenting the Dukes of Aquitain and Normandy Then the Lords who bore Their Majesties Regalia viz. The Earl of Manchester St. Edwards Staff the Lord Grey of Ruthin the Spurs the Earl of Clare the Queens Scepter with the Cross the Earl of Northampton the Kings the Earls of Shrewsbury Pembroek and Derby the Three Swords Then Garter King at Arms between the Usher of the Black-Rod and the Lord Mayor of London the Great Chamber-Lain single the Earl of Oxford with the Sword of State between the Duke of Norfolk Earl Marshal of England and the Duke of Ormond Lord High Constable for the Day then the Earl of Bedford with the Queens Scepter of the Dove and the Earl of Rutland with the Kings the Duke of Boulton with the Queens Orbe and the Duke of Grafton with the Kings the Duke of Somerset with the Queens Crown and the Earl of of Devonshire who was made High Steward of England for
his Master against his Son who had risen in Rebellion against him and soon after outed him of his Kingdom by the help of the Dutch and our East-India Company of their Trade in that part of the Country As for the Emperor of Morocco he kept not the Truce or Treaty his Ambassador had made whereupon the King finding one Town very chargeable to keep against a populous Country and that it turn'd to no great advantage by reason the Mould could not be finished as had been proposed he sent the Lord Dartmoueh to fetch off the Garrison the Inhabitants and their Effects and then fired the Town and blew up the Works which had cost a Million of Mony And now the Court being disgusted at the proceedings of the City of London a Quo Warranto was brought against their Famous and Ancient Charter and the Controversie admitted of many long Arguments and Debates at the Kings Bench Bar between the Kings Council and the Council for the City but it being over-ruled in the end it was declared by the Judges that the Liberties and Franchises should be Seized into the King's hands however Judgment was not entered up but the King appointed the Lord Mayor Sheriffs c. to Act by Commission reserving to himself the Nomination of the Chief Magistrates and the Common Council was laid aside and so it continued 'till the Charter was restored Anno 1688. of which hereafter for the City finding it in vain to contend when the Opinions of the Judges were against them found themselves constrained to acquiesce in what was done as did afterwards most of the Corporations of England likewise the Companies or Bodys Corporate of London c. whose Charters and Franchises were either Seized or Surrendered About this time the Nation was allarmed by the appearing of Keeling West and others who Deposed there was a Design against the Life of the King c. whereupon the Earl of Eslex the Lord Russel Captain VValcot VVilliam Hone John Rouse were Imprisoned and Proclamation published for the apprehending the Duke of Monmouth and others that fled many of which upon their not rendring themselves were attainted by Out-lawry but the Duke a considerable time after came in and was received into Favour the proceedings upon Out-lawry having been stopped by the Kings special Command but the Duke out of Discontent soon after went for Holland and from thence after his Fathers Death Invaded England of which hereafter However this Business proved very Bloody for the Earl of Essex was found with his Throat cut in the Tower Rouse Hene and VValâ—ot were Executed at Tyburn the Lord Russel was Beheaded in Lincoln-Inn-Field Collonel Sidney on Tower-Hill and Sir Thomas Armstrong being surprized and brought from Holland and James Holloway from Nevis were executed upon their Out-lawrys by a rule of Court made for their Execution all of them making very penitent ends and upon this score divers were Executed afterwards as will appear in the Reign of K. James The Earl of Shaftsbury a little before this matter broke out Dyed in Holland whither he was retired and his Body was brought over and Buried in England This Storm being a little over the happy Marriage was Consummated between the Lady Anne and his Royal Highness Prince George Brother to the King of Denmark the Ceremony being performed by the Bishop of London in the presence of the King Queen Duke Dutchess and most of the great Persons of the Court and followed with great demonstrations of Joy and Satisfaction throughout the Kingdom and a great Muster of the Land Forces was soon after held on Putney-Heath where the King and most of the Court went to take a view of them And such a Frost happened that the like had never been known in England before all the Rivers were Frozen over and the Harbours and Havens were stopped up so that Carts and Coaches might move on the Waters but neither Boats nor Shipping could stir for the space of six Weeks People keeping Fairs upon the River of Thames with all manner of Disports as likewise upon other great Waters and divers Fowle and Cattle were starved to Death many of the Elder sort of People despairing to out-live so sharp a Season but the Wind turning it Thawed of a suddain without much harm The King having appointed Sir William Goslin and Sir Peter Vandeput by Commission under the Great Seal to be Sheriffs of London and Middlesex on the 28 th of September 1684. they were Sworn at Guild-Hall before the Lord Mayor anâ— Court of Aldermen and on the 30 th at Westminster in the Exchequer Chamber taking upon them the charge of Sherâ—ffs 〈◊〉 the ensuing Year On the 2 d. of October the City of Oxford had a New Charter sent and thereupon according to what was nominated therein Mr. Walker was sworn Mayor and Mr. Baker Town-Clerk the latter making a large Speech upon the occasion and afterward great Feasting ensued to Treat and Wellcome the Earl of Abindon who brought the Charter And about this time many other Charters were sent down to divers Cities Corporations c. in lieu of those that had been surrendered or were taken away by proceedings in the Courts of Westmincter and a new Engine was Invented by sundry Undertakers to make Sea-water fresh which was tryed and approved by many persons of Quality of divers Nations and experienc'd Sea-Commanders as well as Foreign Ministers of State and His Grace the Duke of Grafton being appointed Recorder of Bury St. Edmonds by the new Charter he was received there with many demonstrations of Joy and sworn the 20 th of October And Justice Windham Dying in this Month Mr. Baron Street was removed to the Common-Pleas and in his stead Sir Robert Wright was Constituted and Sir James Smith being Commissionated by the King to be Lord Mayor for the ensuing Year was Sworn before the Barons of the Exchequer on the 29 th and the Entertainment was performed with the usual Solemnities Great Storms about this time happened at Sea and Land which did considerable damage breaking many Ships in pieces and over-setting some Houses And Dr. Turner being removed to the Bishoprick of Ely Dr. Sprat Dean of Westminster was Consecrated Bishop of Rochester at the Chapple at Lambeth by the Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury aâ—â—isted by several other Bishops and two Addresses were presented to the King the one from the Lieutenant and Governour General of the Collony and Dominion of Virginia together with the Council of the same and the other fromt the Burgesses and General Assembly of the said Dominion in the Name of themselves and the Commons to congratulate his happy continuance in the Throne and the sensibility they had of their own Tranquility under his Reign c. On the 6 th of November the Tryal commenced at Guild-Hall between Sir William Pritchard formerly Lord Mayor of London and Mr. Papillion c. before the Lord Chief Justice Jefferies where the Jury gave Sir William 10000 l.
the only Story that has been made of me And I shall make it my endeavour to preserve this Government in Churcb and State as it is now by Law Established I know the Principles of the Church of England are for Monarchy and the Members of it have shewed themselves Good and Loyal Subjects Therefore I shall allways take Care to defend and support it I know too that the Laws of England are sufficient to make the King as great a Monarch as I can wish and as I shall never depart from the Just Rights and Prerogative of the Crown so I shall never invade any Man's Property I have often ventured my Life in Defence of this Nation and I shall still go as far as any Man in preserving it in all its Just Rights and Liberties Upon this fair promising Speech the Lords of the Council became Humble Suitors to the King that it might be Printted and Published for the Satisfaction of the People which was accordingly done and although some People as yet doubted of K. James's being a Roman Catholick he now put them out of doubt by going publickly to the Chappel so that these Protestant Lords that waited on him thither would not enter with him but attended his coming out c. On the 9 th of February a Proclamation was Exhibited for continuing the Collection of Customs and Subsidies of Tonage and Poundage and Orders were taken for the Funeral Solemnity of the Deceased King and every one that appeared or attended at Court were commanded by an Order of the Earl Marshal to be in the deepest Mourning except Long Cloaks and that as well the Lords as Privy Councelloâ— and Officers of his Late Majesties as of the present Houshold should cover their Coaches and Chairs and cloath their Livery Servants with Black Cloath and that none presumed to use any Varnish or Bullion Nails to be seen on their Chairs or Coaches except his Majesty the Queen Consort Queen Dowager and their Royal Highnesses and the Proclamation Ceremony was upon notice performed in all the chief Cities Towns and Places of the Three Kingdoms c. and a great many Addresses of Condolence and Congratulation were presented from the Societies and Inns of Court and from divers parts of the Kingdom before the Funeral of Charles the Second was performed to particularize which would be too tedious to the Reader and swell this Book at too large a Price nor was Scotland behind in these Proceedings for the Lords Spiritual and Temporal and others of the Council proceeded in their Formalities to the Market Cross and made the Solemn Publication and returned a suitable Answer to the Letter the King had sent them to give notice of what had happened an other was sent in the Name of the Arch-Bishops and Bishops of that Kingdom of Congratulation and Condolence Ireland appeared not behind Hand for his Grace the Duke of Ormond Lord Lieutenant of that Kingdom having received the News on the 10 th of February in the Evening The next Day the Ceremony of Proclaiming was performed and a Proclamation was issued forth on the 16 tb directing the payment of the Duty arising by Excise and the Right Honourable Lawrence Earl of Rochester Lord President of the Council was appointed Lord High-Treasurer of England the King Declaring the Lord Marquess of Hallifax Lord President of the Council in his stead Likewise the Earl of Clarendon Lord Privy Seal and the D. of Beaufort Lord President of Wales who were sworn accordingly The Lord Godolphin was appointed Chamberlain to the Queen and Henry Bulkly Esq Master of his Houshold Sir Stephen Fox eldest Clark of the Green Cloth Sir William Boreman second Clark Sir Winston Churchil Eldest Clark-Comptroller and Sir Richard Mason Youngest Clarkâ—Comptroller being in the same Places during the Reign of King Charles the Second And for some time an industrious Party laboured to accost the Court with Addresses being the prime subject of publick Papers and the great Business of the Lord Chief Justice Jefferys at this time was against Higlers and Carryers for carrying Letters some of which were tryed and fined at the Kings-Bench Bar Westminster Many Forreign Ambassadors arrived with Complements of Condolance and Congratulation and the Solemnity of the Coronation being appointed on the 23d of April being St. Georges day a Proclamation was issued forth bearing date the sixth of March in order to the Preparation on that occasion and the King resolving to call a Parliament to sit at Westminster on the 19th of May great Preparations were made upon the Writs being issued out in order to Elect Members for the Shires Cities Boroughs c And an Order bearing date the 20th of March was Published for the Apprehending of Highway-men and Robers any Person so doing before that Order should be recalled upon Conviction to have Ten Pounds as a Reward And a great many Officers were changed in the Kingdom of Ireland whereupon sundry Addresses ensued On the 14 th of April 1685. the Ambassadors of the States General of the United Provinces made their Publick Entery and had a House made Ready for their Reception in St. James's Square and had their first Publick Audience on the 20 th being Conducted to it by the Lord North and Sir Charles Cotterel Master of the Ceremonies And the 23 d. of April being come the Proceeding of the Coronation Set in Order passed from VVestminster Hall to the Abby and there was performed with the usual Ceremonies very Splendid and Magnificent which ended it returned to the aforesaid Hall where a Royal Entertainment was prepared and the King's Champion came in on Horse-Back and made his Challenge c. and most of the Towns throughout England were that Night filled with Bone-Fiers And on the same Day the Parliament of Scotland met at Edenburg and passed on the 28 th Two Acts one for settlâ—ng the Protestant Religion and the other for settling the Excise of Inland and Foreign Commodities upon the King and his Lawful Heirs and Successors for ever On the 30 th of April Sir Roger Le' Estrange Author of the Observatâ—r was Knighted in the King's Bed-Chamber and on the 6 th of May his Grace the Duke of Norfolk was Elected Knight Companion of the Noble Order of the Garter and invested with the George and Garter having first been Knighted by the Soveraign The Enemies of Dr. Oats having by this time prevailed against him he was tryed on the 8 th and 9 th of May upon Two Informations of Willful Perjury at the Kings-Bench Bar Sir George Jefferys being Lord Chief Justice and after a long Hearing a Verdict passed against him upon either Indictment and his Sentence proved very severe and was put in Execution with all manner of Rigour yet he lived contrary to the Expectation of Many to weather that Storm and see the short Triumph of his Enemies On the 28 th of May a Proclamation was Published in Scotland for the stirring up the several Counties and Shires for
and of the Laws Rights and Priviledges of England from the Iâ—vasion made upon them c. and immediately after viz. the 16 th the following Promise of Reward was published by the King viz. Whereas an Humble Address has been made unto us by our Commons Assembled in Parliament that we by our Proclamation would be pleased to promise a Reward of 5000. pounds to such Person or Persons who shall bring in the Person of James Duke of Monmouth alive or dead and whereas the said Duke of Monmouth stands attainted of High Treason by Act of Parliament We do hereby by the Advice of our Privy Council Publish and Declare our Royal Promise And our Will and Pleasure is that whoever shall bring in the Body of the said James Duke of Monmouth either dead or alive shall receive and have the reward of 5000. l. to be forthwith payed by our High-Treasurer of England for such his or theâ— Service During these proceedings at Westminster the Duke left Lime with about 60 Horse and a 120 Foot a party of which came to Bridport and surprised divers Volunteer Gentlemen in an Inn between whom there happened a smart Skirmish in which Mr. Wadham Strangways and Mr. Coaker were killed but some Forces coming in the Dukes Party was beaten off and obliged to retreat with some loss about 7 being killed and 23 taken Prisoners and soon after there happened a small Skirmish between a detach'd Party of the Kings and some of the Dukes Men near Taunton where Lieutenant Monaux who commanded the former was mortally wounded by a Shot in the Head of which he dyed and divers others were killed and wounded on both sides so that more of the Dukes Party coming in the Kings Forces were obliged to retire Whilst these things were transacted in England the Forces on both sides encreased in Scotland and a hot Skirmish happened between a Party of 300 Men under the Command of the Marquiss of Athol for the King and about 400 Foot and 80 Horse of the Earl of Argyles in which several were killed and the latter in the end retired and marched back to Elengreg a Castle fortified by the Earl but upon the Kings Ships of War coming before the Castle they marched off and abandoned it so that upon fiâ—ing the first Gun two Men put off with a White Flag to give notice of what had happened whereupon the Commanders on Board sent their Men on Shore and took possession of the Castle Ammunition and what they found there which was very considerable On the 17th of June the Earls Men passed the River Clyde in the night time and the Earl of Dumbarton Commander in Chief for the King passed the River Leuin and marched from Glasgow very early the next morning and overtook them in the Parish of Killerne the Kings Horse and Dragoons kept up with the Earls men till the Foot arrived but they being Posted in a strong ground and it being late in the evening they stood in battle all night but before day the Earls men had passed the Clyde swiming over their Horse and passing over their Foot in Boats whereupon the Kings Forces marched to Glasgow where after they had rested two hours the Earl of Dumbarton with the Horse and Dragoons marched after them leaving the Foot to follow with all convenient speed Upon this Retreat part of Argyle's Forces took Guides to conduct them to Galloway but mistaking the way were led into a Bog and thereupon obliged to disperse into small Parties as did the King's Forces to pursue them which caused great Consternation and Disorder and the Earl of Argyle returning towards the Clyde was set upon by Two of Greynocks Servants but stoutly defended himself till he received a Wound in his Head upon which not longer trusting his Horse he alighted and betook himself to the Water into which a Country Fellow entered after him upon whom the Earl Fired but his Pistol missed and he was beaten down when in his Fall He cryed out Unfortunate Argyle and thereupon was made Prisoner and carryed to a commanded Party and a Party of 40. Horse commanded by the Lord Ross with as many Dragoons commanded by Captain Cleland fell upon a Patty of the Stoutest that yet remained in a Body commanded by Sir John Cochran who had taken the way to the Sea They had fortefied themselves in a small Inclosure in which they had posted themselves covered Breast-high Notwithstanding which the Lord Ross Charged them but the Ground being too strong for the Horse and the Captain of the Dragoons being killed in the coming up the Lord Ross slightly wounded Sir Adam Blair shot in the Neck and Sir William VVallock in the Side before the Dragoons had time to come up on Foot the Earles Men had got into a Wood behind the Inclosure which the King's Forces beset and Five of the Earl of Arran's Men took Richard Rumbald the Maltster who â—â—ghting desperately killed one of them upon the Place and was himself wounded Collonel Ayloff was likewise taken and 200. more sent to Glasgow Prisoners Aylofff during his Imprisonment in a desperate Mood ripped up his Belly with a Pen-Knife but the Wound proved not Mortal Notwithstanding this Defeat given in Scotland the Duke of Monmouth held out in England his Forces being very much increased which created for a time no small fear at Court all the Militia of the Country were raised and divers eminent Persons secured in most Parts of England especially in London where all the Halls were filled with Citizens on whom Guards were set and it was but branding 〈◊〉 Man with the Epethite of a disaffected Person and a File of Musqueteers were sent to take him up the Roads were every where stopped and no Letters were sent but such as were unsealed and sent open On the 20 th of June Capt. Trevanion Commander of the Suadadoes a Man of War coming into the Cob at Lime found there a Pink and a Dogger left by the Duke which he seized and 40 Barrels of Powder there was likewise found in the Town Back Breast and Head-peices for between 4 or 5000 Men he Released likewise those that had been made Prisoners for not takeing Arms under the Duke On the 25 th of June a hot Skirmish happened between a Party of a 100 Horse Commanded by Collonel Oglethorp for the King and a Party of the Dukes Men in which about 80 of the latter were kill'd and the Earl of Newbury was Wounded in the Belly this happened near Canisham-Bridge between Bristol and Bath and the next day in the Evening all the Kings Forces Joyned near Bath upon which the Dukes Men drew up on the other side the Town and Marched away yet the Comâ—â—ns got together at Froom Assembled from divers parts Headed by a Constable and set up the Dukes Declaration in the Market-place upon Notice of which the Earl of Pembroke Lord Liutenant of the County of Wilts Marched theither with 160 Horse and mounted behind
his Head set upon the Bridg gate The King upon this Success put out a Proclamation for a Sollemn and Publick Thanksgiving throughout the Kingdom and the Popish Priests who began to appear more Bare-faced than ever Magnified the Victory in their Sermons and Discourses Attributing it solely to the Virgin Mary nay some of them were so vain as to afirm that she was seen flying over the Armies with a drawn Sword during the Fight but we believe they might mistake her for a Meteor that appeared that Evening with a very swist motion and spreading light passing quite through the City of London The Duke of Monmouth the Lord Grey and a German Officer being brought to White-Hall on the 13 th of July they were sent by Water to the Tower and although great Intercession was made for the Duke by the Queen Dowager and others he was on the 15 th brought upon a Scaffold on Tower-Hill and after having made a large Speech and Discoursed with the Bishops that waited on him shewing much Penitence and declaring he dyed in the Communion of the Church of England he layed down his Head and whether through the the Inability of the Executioner or a fear that seiz'd him the Execution was Barbarous for He received five stroaks before his Head was severed from his shoulders his Body and Head were delivered to his Servants who carried them away in a Mourning Herse in order to its private Interment and thus fell this great Man who had been so long the Darling of the Multitude and upon whose Inconstant Breath he to much bore himself till it brought him to Ruin as for the Lord Grey he was afterward Pardoned and the Brandenburger dismised but others fared not so well for a Bloody Scene ensued which was Acted with too much Heat and Cruelty and several Proclamations were set forth commanding divers Persons that Absconded to surrender themselves and soon after the Earl of Stamford the Lord Delamere and the Lord Brandon were Committed to the Tower the first of which was discharged the second Pardoned and the last Acquitted by his Peers Our Ships being on the Coast of Sally to Curb those Pirates Maned out their Boats and boldly passed their Bar Burning their Ships in the Port within Pistol shot of the Town and notwithstanding the Continual Fire that was made only one Man was mortaly wounded and five lightly hurt On the 12 th of July Henry Duke of Norfolk Earl Marshal of England Henry Earl of Peterborrough Groom of the stole to the King and Lawrence Earl of Rochester Lord High-Treasurer of England were Installed Knights of the Garter at the Royal Chaple of St. George within the Castle of Windsor and on the 30 th the Earl of Feversham was Installed and the White Staff of Lord Chamberlain of the King 's House-hold was given to the Earl of Aylesbury On the 4 th of August pursuant to the Adjornment the Parliament met at Westminster and the Lord Treasurer whom the King appointed to perform the part of Lord Keeper in his Absence having declared to the House of Lords that they should further Adjourn to the 9 th of November and the like being Signified to the Commons by the Earl of Midletoâ— both Houses Adjourned accordinglyâ— And the French King and Duke of Orleance sent to Congratulate the King upon his Victory the first by the Marescha de Humiers and the last by the Count de Tonnerre and on the 8 th of August the City of York had their Charter restored which was received with great Joy and a Declaration bearing date the 25 th was put forth to Regulate the Soldiers and prevent any disorders they might commit the King resolving to keep up his Army and the Lord Cheif Justice Jefferys and others being sent into the VVest with Commission to Try those that were in Prison for taking part with the Duke of Monmouth Made a miserable Havock of those People Condemning great Numbers and causing them to be Hang'd in all the principal Towns and their Quarters to be set up in such abundance that the stench Infected the Air and brought a kind of a Contageon few of those that went from London except such as turned Evidences against others Escaped many as well Women as Men were publickly Whip'd and others had their Estates seiz'd and a great many were thrust on Ship-board and Sold to the Transmarine Plantations so that there was nothing but Weeping and Lamentation to be heard yet it nothing moved the Inexorable Judge to Compassion for a Proclamation coming forth forbiding any to Harbour or Relieve any of them that had been with the Duke they were forced to wander up and down in Woods their nearest Relations not daring to Relieve them so that several were Starved to Death or Perished for Want of Necessaries such as could get shiping went for Holland and other places of Refuge and on the 3 d. of September Alice Lisle a very Ancient Lady was Executed upon a publick Scaffold at VVinchester by having her Head Severed from her Body pursuant to a Sentence for no other Crime than giving Entertainment in her House to one John Hix who had been with the Duke which brought such a Terror upon others that a Father delivered up his own Son and those that had concealed any was forced to dismiss them and Orders were every where given to search for Suspected Persons so that the Popish Priests by making Interest for Pardons got extraordinary sums of money nor did the Lord Chief Justice less Inrich himself as since it has appeared by taking 15000 l. of one Person for a Pardon and no doubt a great deal of many others and the Lord Keeper North Dying on the 5 th of September the Great Seal was keept for the Lord Chief Justice till the Bloody Harvest was finished and this month Dyed that Great and Eminent States-man Sr. Leoline Jenkins and was Buried with much Formality and Ceremony in Jesus Colledge Chaple at Oxford to which he had been a considerable Benefactor The Lord Cheif Justice being by this time sufficiently Gluted with Blood returning to VVhite-Hall about the latter end of September having before been made Barron of VVem had now the Broad Seal delivered to him with the Title of Lord Chancellour Sr. Edward Herbert Cheif Justice of Chester was made Lord Cheif Justice of the Kings-Bench and Sr. Edward Lutwich Succeeded him in his place of Cheif Justice of Chester and Sr. Robert VVright was removed from the Exchequer to the Kings-Bench and many other Alterations were made On the 19 th of October Henry Cornish Esq was brought to his Tryal at the Old Baily upon an Indictment of High Treason and was found Guilty upon very slender Evidence There was likewise Tryed one William Ring for Harbouring and Concealing Joseph Kelloway and Henry Lawrence who had been with the Duke of Monmouth in the West as likewise John Ferneley for Harbouring and Concealing James Burton a Person Outlawed for high Treason and
and should be Recommended by the Lord Lieutenants On the 30 th of September divers of the Bishops were sent for to White-Hall and received into Favour and the King let them know that he would signifie his pleasure for taking off the Suspension of the Lord Bishop of London which was done accordingly and a Proclamation was Published giving notice of the suddain Invasion expected from Holâ—and and the Writs that had been Issued out for Election of Members to sit in Parliament were by this Proclamation re-called and discharged and all People Commanded to be in a readness foâ— Defence and charged on pain of High Treasâ—â— noâ— to be Corresponding Aiding 〈◊〉 or Countenancing any of the Inâ—aders 〈◊〉 And hereupon the Dukâ—â— of 〈…〉 â—erwick were Elected Knight◠〈◊〉 of the Order and 〈…〉 the â—arter and George having 〈◊〉 first Knighted by the Soveraign and 〈◊〉 â—ew Commissions were given out to raise Men in divers Counties whâ—lst some â—oble Men came in to offer their Service And now the Church of England came again into the Thoughts of the Court the King being pleased to declare in Council on the 5 th of October That in pursuance to his Intention and Resolution to Protect the Church of England and that all Suspitions and Jealousies to the contrary might be removed He thought fit to dissolve the Commission for Causes Ecclesiastical c. And accordingly gave Directions to the Lord Chancellour that it might be forth-with done And his Grace the Duke of Newcastle was appointed Lord Lieutenant of the Three Ridings of the County of York On the 6 th the City of London had re-restored to her all her Ancient Franchises and Priviledges as fully as she injoyed them before the Judgment upon the Quo Warranto and the Lord Chancellour Jefferys brought an Instrument of Restitution and Confirmation under the great Seal of England and Sir John Eyles who by appointment succeeded Sir John Shorter he Dying before the expiration of his Mayoralty had his Quietus Sir Iohn Chapman being by this Instrument appointed Lord Mayor until the Feast of Simon and Jude and was Sworn in the Guild-Hall with the usual Solemnity and the Aldermen that were in being at the time of the said Judgment were restored to their places and the Vacancies left to be supplyed by Election according to the Ancient Custom And from this Message no doubt the Chancellor took a presage of his falling Greatness for instead of being received with Shouts and Acclamations he was affronted in his return by several Inferiour Persons and took it very patiently contrary to his wonted fiery Humour yet the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Sheriffs Addressed the King upon this occasion as likewise did the Lieutenancy of the City And the Lords of the Privy Council of Scotland sent a Letter signed by many of them to let the King know into what a Postuâ—â— they had put that Kingdom for Defence On the 10th of October the King was pleased to signifie That having received several Complaints of great Abuses and Irregularities committed in the late Regulations of Corporations He thought fit to Authorize and Require the Lords Lieutenants of the several Counties to inform themselves of all such Abuses and Irregularities within their Lieutenancies and to make forthwith Report thereof to himself together with what they conceived fit to be done for redressing the same and that then be would give such further Orders as should be requisite And hereupon some few Addresses followed and the Lord Bishop of Winchester was impowered as Visitor of St. Mary Magdelens Colledge in Oxford to settle the Society regularly and statutably whereupon the Popish Tribe was turned out and those worthy Persons who had been causelesly dismissed restored to their fellowships c. and had power to chuse themselves a President On the 13 th of October Sir John Chapman was Elected Lord Mayor for the enâ—suing Year and Sir Humphry Edwin and Mr. John Fleet afterwards Knighted by the King were Elected Sheriffs and Siâ— Peter Rich Chamberlain And a Proclamation bearing Date the 〈◊〉 was puâ—lished for restoring Corporatione to theâ— ancient Charters Liberties Râ—ghts and Franchises and to displace many of those who bore Offices or haâ— plâ—ces of Truff unduly obtained by the taking away such Charters or put in by the Regulators and leave for 〈◊〉 aâ— had been wrongfully 〈…〉 though late this 〈…〉 he had been abâ—â—ed and Imposed on by such as sought their own advantage and revenge before his â—rue Interest and the well-fare of the Kingdoms And now the Infant having before been privately Christened was Solemnly named at the Chapple of St. James's amidst the Ceremonies and Rites of Baptism as used in the Church of Rome viz. James Francis Edward the Pope by his Nuncio standing for God-Father and the Queen Dowager as God-mother and divers new Lord Lientenants were appointed in the Countys c. And a Proclamation bearing date the 20 th of October was published for driving all Cattle of Draught Oxen c. 20 Miles from the Shoar and that the Coasts should be diligently Guarded which was given in charge to those that were in power in the respective Counties as well Civil as Miâ—itary And although a considerable Army was on Foot under the Command of the Earl of Feversham as also a Fleet at Sea under the Command of the Earl of Dartâ—outh yet such parâ—â—ck â—ear had seized the Priests and such Ministers of State as wore 〈◊〉 of evil Practices that they were prâ—parâ—â— to be on the Wing and made it a great part of theâ—â— Business to gaze upon the Weather-Cocks and observe which way the Wind stood and to that end a Vane was placed on the highest part of the Banquetting-House where it yet remains and Sutlers were Incouraged more than ordinary to follow the Army with Provisions and other Necessaries And now the Legality of the Birth of the Infant being much discoursed of abroad an Extraordinary Council was called on the 22 th of October where by the King's desire and appointment the Queen Dowager and divers of the Peers as well Spiritual as Temporal that were about the Town as also the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London and the Judges with several of the Kings Council at Law the Ladies Lords and others that were present at the time the Queen was held to be in Labour did likewise appear and Declare upon Oath what they knew concerning or relating to the Biâ—th c. which was afterward published at large and soon after Theirs and other Deâ—ositions were by the Kings Order Inrolled in Chancery and about this time the Eaâ—l of Sunderland was removed from being principal Secrecary of State and the Lord Viscount Preston appointed to take that Office upon him and the Wind for the most part continued at S. W. and by S. so that though all things were in a readiness and the Dutch Fleet labouring to get to Sea it was for a time obstructed which made the Priests Insinuate into the
best men On the 16 th of December the King went to the House of Lords at Westminster attended with the usual Solemnity and gave the Royal Assent to An Act granting to their Majesties an Aid of two Shillings in the Pound for one Year An Act for Declaring the rights of the Subject and settling the Succession of the Crown And some other Acts for Naturalizing Persons c. On the 23 th of December the King passed an Act to prevent Doubts and Questions concerning the Collection of the Publick Revenue An Act to punish Officers and Soldiers who shall mutiny or desert their Majesties Service and for punishing false Musters And a private Act for settling a Joynture c. On the first of January a Chapter being held by the Soveraign and Knights Companions of the most Noble Order of the Garter Frederick Elector of Brandenburgh was chosen a Knight Companion of the Order into the Stall of the Late Elector of Brandenburgh his Father The King of Denmark having sent about 6000 Horse and Foot to assist their Majesties of Great Britain Shipp'd in a very considerable Fleet they notwithstanding the projects of the French to disappoint it arrived safe in England and Scotland and were kindly received and care taken for passing them into Ireland to which Service they were chiefly designed being all well Disciplin'd and well Accourtred Men. On the 16 th the King came to the House of Lords and being Seated on the Throne the Commons attending gave the Royal Assent to An Act for a Grant to Their Majesties of an additional Aid of 12 d. in the Pound for one Year An Act for the Charging and Collecting the Duties upon Coffee Tea and Chocolate at the Custom-House and a private Act. And for the firmer settlement of the Kingdom of Scotland by putting the places of greatest Trust in confiding Hands His Majesty has been pleased to Constitute Lords Commissioners For the Great Seal The Duke of Hamilton the Earl of Argyle and the Earl of Southerland For the Privy Seal The Earl of Forfar the Earl of Kintore and the Lord of Carmichael For the Treasury The Earl of Crawford the Earl of Cassels the Earl of Tweddale the Lord Ruthuen and Mr. Melvil For the Clerk Register's Office The Lord Betheaven the Master of Burleigh Sir Duncan Campbell of Auclimbreak Sir Thomas Burnet of Lays and John Hay of Park Sir George Campbell of Cesnock Lord Justice Clerk On the 27 th of January His Majesty being seated on the Throne in the House of Lords sent for the Commons and gave the Royal Assent to An Act for the renewing of the Poll Bill and for an additional Poll. An Act to prevent Vexations Suits against such as acted in order to the bringing in their Majesties and Four private Acts. And then proceeded to make the following Gracious Speech My Lords and Gentlemen I Am very sensible of the readiness you have shewed to supply me with Money for the carrying on the Wars I am engaged in That I am glad of this occasion to give you Thanks for your careful dispatch of that matter which was absolutely necessary for the common safety The best return I can make your Kindness is to assure you that as far as it will goe it shall be imploy'd to the purposes it was given It is a very sensible Affliction to me to see my good People Burthened with heavy Taxes but since the speedy recovering of Ireland is in my Opinion the only means to ease them and to preserve the Peace and Honour of the Nation I am resolved to go thither in Person and with the Blessing of God Almighty endeavour to reduce that Kingdom that it may â—o longer be a Charge to this And as I have already ventured my Life for the Preservation of the Religion Laws and Liberties of this Nation so I am willing again to expose it to secure you the quiet enjoyment of them The Spring draws on and it being Requisite I should be early in the Field I must immediately apply my Thoughts to give Orders for the necessary Preparations which that I may have the more leisure to do I have thought convenient to put an End to this Sessions Then Mr. Speaker by His Majesty's Command said My Lords and Gentlemen IT is His Majesties Pleasure that this Parliament be Prorogued to the second Day of April next And this Parliament is Prorogued to the second Day of April next And thereupon His Majesty returned to his Palace FINIS
A Prospect take of those who next Heav'ns hand Routed Rome's Powers and sav'd the drooping Land Whilst promis'd Blessings croud About the Throne And all with Joy the happy Change do owne A Faithful ACCOUNT OF THE Present State OF AFFAIRS IN England Scotland and Ireland OR The Remarkable Transactions and Proceedings that have happened in these Kingdoms since the Discovery of the Horrid Popish Plot Anno 1678. to this present Year 1689 90. Plainly shewing the State of Affairs from time to time in Peace and War but more particularly what has happened under the Government and Reign of their present Majesties King William and Queen Mary and of our wonderful Deliverance from Popery and Slavery c. By E. C. LICENSED and Entered according to Order London Printed for Tho. Bever at the Hand and Star next the Middle Temple-Gate near Temple-Bar 1690. THE PREFACE TO THE READER READER I Have undertaken this Historical Account that the hand of Providence may be the more fully seen in our many signal and great Deliverances it being a Collection of such Transactions as from time to time have publickly happened whereby it appears how all along the Projects and Devices of the Enemies of our Religion have been frustrated even when they supposed themselves the surest As likewise the various turns of Affairs laid down in such Order as will not only refresh them in the the Memories of such as have been Conversant and knowing in Matters of this kind but instruct those that are Ignorant of them and be a means to convey them to Posterity I need not much Appologize in a Work of this Nature but only declare what is done is faithfully laid down as it has in the several Periods occurred viz. In part of the Reign of King Charles the Second the Reign of King James the Second but more largely since the beginning of our present great and wonderful Deliverance from Popery and Arbitrary Power by their present most sacred Majesties King William and Queen Mary and so refering you to what is contained in the following Pages I Remain Reader Your very Humble Servant E. C. A Faithful Account of the Remarkable Transactions and Proceedings that have happened in the Kingdoms of England Scotland and Ireland VVHen the Nations seemed to be in a Calm as having Peace abroad and Plenty at home and every one promised him â—elf a large Portion of Felicity Trading being in its height all on a suddain Mens Minds were strangely amused and disturbed upon the Discovery of a Horrid Plot designed against the Life of King Charles the Second As likewise all his Protestant Subjects by way of Massacre to the utter Subversion of the Protestant Religion True it is for some time it was held as it were in Suspense but a Testimony most apparent confirming what had been Discovered by Dr. Oats and Dr. Tongue viz. The Murthering Sir Edmond-Bury Godfrey whose Body was found with the Neck broke and a Sword thrust through it at a place called Primrose-Hill a Mile or Two out of Town On the 12 th of October 1678. after he had been Three Days missing the King upon notice was extreamly troubled and upon further Enquiry it appearing that he as a Justice of Peace for the County of Middlesex had taken Dr. Oats's Depositions c. concerning the Plot he Discovered it was conjectured he had been Murthered by some Villains to stifle that Affair and the Coroner's Inquest having found him to be Murthered on the 20 th of that Month the King Published a Proclamation for the Apprehending the Murtherers with the offer of a Reward of 500. l. to any that should make the Discovery and that if any of the Murtherers should discover the rest whereby they or any of them should be Apprehended he should not only have his Offence pardoned but receive the said Reward and a few Days after there being private Intimation that some Persons who could discover the manner of the Circumstances and yet were with-held through fear of the Revenge the Murtherers or their Friends might take the King renewed his Promise that they should not only immediately receive the Reward but that he would take such Effectual Courses for the security of such Discoverers as they should in Reason propose and the same Month a Proclamation was Published for a General Fast on the 13 th of the following November and the King acquainted upon the Informations that he had received the Lords Spiritual and Temporal and Commons in Parliament of the Design against his Life and Government which was followed by a Proclamation commanding all Persons being Popish Recusants and so reputed to depart from the Cities of London and Westminster and other Places within Ten Miles of the same and the King further Declared in Council that whosoever should make a Discovery of any Officer or Souldier of his Horse or Foot Guards who having formerly taken the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy and the Tests enjoyned by Act of Parliament for the preventing Dangers which may happen from Popish Recusants and had since or for the future should be preverted to the Romish Religion or hear Mass the Discoverer upon Intimation given to the Duke of Monmouth Lord General of His Majesties Forces should have the Reward of 20. l. for every Officer or Soldier and divers accused and suspected Persons as well of the Nobility as others were taken up and committed On the 9 th of November the King being seated in his Throne in the House of Lords at Westminster and the Commons attending he made the following Speech My Lords and Gentlemen I am so very sensible of the Great and Extraordinary Care you have already taken and still continue to shew for the Preservation of my Person in these Times of Danger that I could not satisfie my self without coming hither on purpose to give you all my most hearty thanks for it Nor do I think it enough to give you my thanks only but I hold my self obliged to let you see withal that I do as much stâ—dy your Preservation to as I can possibly and that I am ready to join with you in all the ways and means that may Establish a firm security of the Protestant Religion as your own Hearts can wish and this not only during my time of which I am sure you have no fear but in all future Ages even to the end of the World And therefore I am come to assure you that whatsoever Reasonable Bills you shall present to be passed into Laws to make you safe in the Reign of any Successor so as they tend not to Impeach the Right of Succession nor the Descent of the Crown in the True Line and so as they restrain not my Power nor the just rights of any Protestant Successor shall find from me a ready concurrence And I desire you withal to think of some more effectual means for the Conviction of Popish Recusants and to expedite your Councils as fast as you can that the World
may see our Unanimity and that I may have the opportunity of shewing you how ready I am to do any thing that may give Comfort and Satisfaction to such Dutiful and Loyal Subjects Hereupon a Proclamation was Issued out for the Confinement of Popish Recusants more distant from London within five Miles of their Dwellings and another Proclamation for Apprehending divers Persons by Name accused of the Conspiracy Likewise an Order of Council for the apprehending Jesuits and Popish Priests with the Reward of Twenty l. a Head One William Staley a Goldsmith's Son in Covent Garden and a noted Papist was Tryed on the 21 of November at the Kings-Bench Bar before the Lord Chief Justice Scroggs and other Judges of that Bench upon an Indictment of High Treason for saying He would Kill the King c. and being Convicted was Sentenc'd to be Draw'd Hanged and Quartered which was accordingly Executed and his Quarters being given to his Friends a great many Papists crowded to his Funeral which was Solemnized with much pomp as accounting him the Proto-Martyr of their Cause The King was so much Incensed at this proceeding that an Order was sent to have the Body taken up and the Head and Quarters afixed upon the Gates of the City of London which was accordingly performed And now the Conspiracy being more narrowly searched into and manifested by the Papers seized with Edward Coleman Esq he was Tryed at the Kings Bench Bar before the Lord Chief Justice Scroggs on the 27 th of November upon an Indictment of High Treason in Conspiring the Death of the King subverting the Government and Extirpating the Protestant Religion upon which he was found Guilty by a Jury of Gentlemen of Quality of the County of Middlesex and the next day received Sentence as in case of High Treason and was Executed at Tyburn and a reward and protection was offered to such as would come in within a limited time and make a further Discovery and to prevent any danger that might from hence arise in any of the other Kingdoms Expresses were dispatched and such Persons as were accused or had been suspected were Seized and all due care taken especially in Ireland where by reason of the number of Papists Inhabiting that Kingdom the danger seemed to threaten and an Order was published That no Person upon great penalties should resort to the Queens Chapple or the Houses of Ambassadors unless her Servants or Servants of such Ambassadors as had Chapples and strict Inquiry was made upon this occasion Officers being appointed to have an Eye upon such as came in and out and some who could give no good account of themselves were carried before the Magistrates and Committed and a Proclamation was Issued out for dis-arming and securing Popish Recusants throughout the Kingdom which was punctually observed in most parts On the 17 th of November Letters having been scattered in the Streets of Dublin in Ireland Intimating a Conspiracy against the Life of the Duke of Ormond Lord Lieutenant of that Kingdom to be put in Execution by one Michael Jepson he was thereupon Seized and confessed the Design and that he was preverted and incited amongst other Inducements to this intended Murther for that Alexander Jepson his Father had been hanged at Dublin for the Plot contrived 1663. and hereupon Brin and Plunket two Secular Priests were Seized the former being the party that set him on to perpretrate this wickedness and Papers from other Priests incouraging the like were found upon a strict Inquiry And now the Parliament of England having made a considerable progress into the Plot and the design growing more and more apparent by the Testimonies of other Witnesses that came in they were on the 30 th of December Prorogued 'till the 4 th of February following upon which the Papists relying for a greater boldness in returning to the Cities of London and Westminster another Proclamation was Issued out commanding them to depart as likewise the Magistrates and Officers to make diligent search for such as should lurk about Town c. And a Proclamation commanding the immediate return of the Children of Noblemen Gentlemen and others that were the Kings Subjects being in Foreign Seminaries and forbidding relief to be sent to them according to the Statute made in the 20 th Year of Elizabeth or undergoe the Penalty of that Statute which is to be adjudged a Traytor and suffer Forfeit and â—oss as in case of High Treason And another Proclamation for apprehending several Jesuits by Name viz. John Gaven Vavasor alias Gifford Edward Levison as also Broadstreet a Popish Priest and Francis Evers alias Ireland forbidding all Persons to Harbour Conceal or Shelter them on pain of being proceeded against for High Treason offering for the lattor 100 l. and for the rest 50 l. a Man and William Ireland and John Grove the first a Jesuit being Tryed and Convicted at the Old Baily as Guilty of the Conspiracy were Sentenced as in case of High Treason and afterward Executed at Tyburn In the Month of February several of the Justices of the Peace being doubtful in putting the Laws in Execution as to what related in some particulars against Popish Recusants and proposing several Queries to His Majesty He referred them to His Judges who after Consultation made this return of their Opinions viz. I. That Foreigners being Popish Recusants and excercising ordinary Trades but not Merchants are not excused from taking the Oaths or finding Securities II. That Foreigners though certified by Ambassadors to be their Servants except they are their menial Servants are not excused III. That Foreigners though settled House-Keepers being no Travellers or Foreign Ministers Servants are not excused IV. That the Kings Native Subjects are not excused from taking the Oaths by being menial Servants to Foreign Masters V. That we find no Law that excuses a Female Covert being a Papist from taking the Oaths though her Husband be a Protestant VI. That a Popish Recusant having taken the Oaths is not bound to find new Surities unless upon a new tender of the Oaths he shall refuse to take the same And this was Signed Will. Scroggs Fra. North W. Montague W. Wylde T. Littleton Hugh Windham Robert Atkins V. Bertie Fra. Bramston Tho. Jones W. Dolbin And the King having approved the Opinion of his Judges ordered the Justices of the Peace in their respective precincts to take notice accordingly in the execution of their dutys and conform thereunto and ordered the Custos Rotulorum of each County to give them Information and a further charge given them to put the Laws in Execution where any neglect had been The Murther of Sir Edmond Bury Godfrey being by this time fully discovered to have been acted in Somerset House Yard whither he had been way-layed and trained in under pretence of parting a Fray and there being Strangled by the suddain twisting a Napkin round his Neck and afterwards breaking his Neck and that he had been carried to Primrose-bill where he
many and perhaps their own were found not Guilty For as soon as they were at Liberty they went to visit other Countries John Evans and William Lloyd Two Popish Priests were condemned at the Assizes holden at Cardriff About the latter end of August the King fell sick at Windsor and had divers dangerous Fits of a Tertian Ague and continued for many days indisposed insomuch that People began to be in doubt of his Recovery The News of which being speedily conveyed to the Duke his Brother in Flanders he hasted over and on the 2 d. of September contrary to the Expectation of many arrived at Windsor and told the King ' that hearing of his Indisposition he thought he could do no less then come to wait upon him and see how he did adding he was ready as soon as his Majesty pleased to return into Flanders or any other part of the World he should Command him to go to ' It having amongst other things been discovered that Four Ruffians were hired to kill the King at Windsor He put forth his Proclamation for Apprehending them but they made their escape till the storm was over and now the Duke of Monmouth upon some Matters suggested falling into the King's Displeasure had many of his Great Offices and Places of Trust taken from him and Ordered to leave the Court Whereupon he passed the Seas for Holland but finding in his Progress into other Parts that it was not safe for him considering the Attempts that might be made upon his Person of which he had warning through the many Affronts he had given him he returned soon after without being sent for And Writs being issued out for the Calling a Parliament to Sit at Westminster On the 7 th of October a Proclamation was Ordered to be issued out to Prorogue the Sitting to the 30 th of the said Month And the Duke and Dutchess of York had Leave to go to Scotland whither upon her Arrival from Holland they departed in few Days and a Commission was Ordered for the Prorogation of the Parliament till tthe 26 th of January and the Earl of Shaftsbury was removed from being President of the Council and the Earl of Radnor was appointed President and Sir William Jones getting leave of the King to quit his Place of Attorney General Sir Creswel Levins was appointed to that Station Sir Robert Clayton having been chosen Lord Mayor for the City of London he on the 29 th of October was sworn at Westminster before the Barons of the Exchequer and returning went to Guild-Hall with the accustomed Splendor and Magnificence where the Judges and a great many of the Nobility accompanied him at a Sumptuous Entertainment And this Month the King Ordered a Proclamation to be issued out for the more effectual and speedy Discovery and Prosecution of the Popish Plot for now the Papists growing more confident began to ply their Instruments for shaming their Plot upon the Protestants and some dangerous Papers were found in the bottom of Mrs. Celliers Meal Tub for which she was committed Prisoner to New-Gate especially upon Thomas Dangerfield's making his Discovery as likewise one Mrs. Rugaut and John Gadbury was committed to the Gate House the Earl of Castlemain to the Tower and other Persons accused were taken into the Custody of the King's Messengers one great Matter was that Dangerfield had been hired or induced to Plant several Treasonable and Dangerous Papers in Collonel Roderick Mansel's Chamber importing a designed Insurrection of divers Protestants with a List of some designed for Officers c. And the Countess of Powis being likewise accused by Dangerfield was committed to the Tower and divers Persons being examined before the Council acknowledged several Circumstantial Matters that strengthened Dangerfield's Evidence whereupon he had his Pardon as likewise had one Serjeant a secular Priest whom the King on this Occasion had sent for out of Holland And another Proclamation was put forth for the more Effectual Discovery of Jesuits and of the Estates belonging to them or to any Popish Colledge Seminary or other Popish and Superstitious Foundation And the King about this time granted a General Pardon to those concerned in the Late Insurrection in Scotland except some of the Ring-leaders and particularly the Murtherers of the Arch-Bishop of St. Andrews in case they Signed a Bond upon Condition never to rise up in Arms against Him or His Authority the which Five taken at Bothwell-Bridge were so obstinately Foolish as to refuse and to justifie their Proceedings Likewise to declare the Murther of the Arch-Bishop no Sin whereupon after Tryal they were Sentenced by the Lords Justicers to be Hanged in Chains at the place where the Murther was committed which was put in Execution and on the 24 th of November the Duke and Dutchess of York arrived at Edenburg and were received by most of the Nobility residing in those Parts and he soon after Received into the Privy-Council of that Kingdom On the 12 th of December a Proclamation was Issued out for the prorogation of the Parliament of England to the 11 th of the ensuing November and the King appointed a Committee of the Lords of His Privy Council to consider the most effectual means for putting the Laws in Execution against Papists and the suppression of Popery and other matters tending to that Affair and that the Justices of Peace should be permitted to Search Somerset-House at any time in the Queens absence as also St. James's for Priests and Papists And in January David Joseph Kemish William Russel alias Nap Henry Starkey William Marshal James Corker Lionel Anderson alias Munson Charles Parris alias Parrey and Alexander Lundsden were Arraigned at the Old Baily for High Treason upon the Statute of the 27 th of Elizabeth who being born Subjects of the King of England and having taken orders of Priest-hood by the authority derived from the See of Rome had come and remained in England contrary to the Statute and all but Keemish whose Sickness rendered him incapable of it were Tryed and six Convicted of High Treason and afterwards by Judgment attainted according to the Statute but a special Verdict was found for Lundsden he being a Scotch man and a Question arising whether he was within the purvey of the Statute or no but however being Convicted only as Priests none of them suffered but after a long Imprisonment in Newgate got their Liberty On the 9 th of February amongst other Matters Gadbury pleaded his Pardon at the Kings Bench Bar Westminster and Sir Thomas Gascoin a Roman Catholick having been accused by one Baldron and Mobray he was Tryed upon an Information of High Treason but was acquitted Sir Lionel Ienkins upon Mr. Secretary Coventry's request to leave that Station was appointed Secretary of State On the 24 th of February the Duke and Dutchess of York arrived from Scotland and were received by the King with much Joy and Satisfaction And the King having released a Judgment obtained upon a Quo
Warranto against the City of London concerning the duty of Water-ballage and caused a Nolle prosequi to be entered the Lord Mayor Court of Aldermen Recorder and Committee of Common Council went in a Body to pay their dutiful acknowledgment to the King and afterwards many of them did the like to his Royal Highness the Duke About this time James Baker alias Hesketh and John Naylor were Tryed at the Old Baily for being Priests yet only the former was found Guilty And now some Heats arising amongst great Ones to prevent the danger the King published a Proclamation wherein he declared that he would not Pardon any Person that should Kill another in a Duel And thus ended the noted Affairs of this Year In May 1680. A prodigious Storm of Hail fell the Stones being of a vast weight and 8 or 9 Inches in Circumference did great damage to Houses Cattle Fowl Herbs Corn c. And soon after Mrs. Celier getting herself Tryed before the Lord Chief Justice Scroggs was acquitted by the said Judges disapproving of Dangerfield as a good Evidence But not content with this narrow escape she undertook to publish a Book for shamming the Popish Plot and particularly Prance's Evidence as to the Murther of Sir Edmond Bury Godfrey for which She was Tryed at the Old Baily Fin'd and Pilloryed And the Parliament sitting according to prorogation and the popish Lords in the Tower having been obliged to give in sufficient Answers they proceeded to Try William Viscount Stafford who had the whole House of Peers for his Judges a place being erected in Westminster-Hall for that purpose where after a Tryal which held 4 or 5 days he was by the majority of Voices cast and attainted of high Treason for which he lost his Head on Tower-Hill And soon after his Death a prodigious beam of Light streamed in the Night-time from the West and soon after the Star from whence it darted appeared above the Horizon and grew nightly higher till it had compassed East and West and was admired by many who made different Judgments as their Minds lead them And the Parliament after a considerable Sitting was prorogued to a further time but before the time of their appointed Meeting they were dissolved and a Parliament called to meet at Oxford on the 21 th of March though the Earl of Essex and divers Lords petition'd the King to have it sit at Westminster however they did not prevail for the Parliament accordingly met at Oxford where the King in his Speech amongst other things put them in mind of the râ—lief of Tangier then pressed by the Mâ—â—rs But they had not sat many days before they were Dissolved and the King came in great haste for London One Edward Fitz-Harris having been discovered by Mr. Everard and Sir William Waller to have contrived a treasonable and dangerous Pamphlet since called Treason in Grain and having other projects against the Government he had been Impeached by the Commons but in fine was Tryed before the Lord Chief Justice Pemberton and being found guilty of High Treason was Executed at Tyburn with one Oliver Plunket condemned at the Kings Bench Bar for attempting to betray Ireland to the French Plunket was a Romish Bishop and termed the titular Primate of Ireland and the Wife and Maid of Fitz-Harris accused some persons of Honour but it came to nothing but upon Information of several Irish Evidence and others soon after the Earl of Shaftsbury was committed to the Tower as were several other persons having continued there a considerable time a Bill of High Treason was drawn up against him as likewise Bills against Stephen Colledge and others and preferred to the Grand Jury of the City of London and the Evidence heard in open Court at the Old Baily but after a long Examination the Bills were found Ignoramus but Colledge was soon after carried by Water to Oxford and there being Tryed for treasonable words spoke in that City during the siting of the Parliament there was found Guilty and Executed and the following Michaelmass Term the Earl of Shaftsbury and divers others were set at Liberty A Parliament being called in Scotland the King sent his Brother to preside as his High Commissioner and there amonst other things they passed an Act for asserting the right of Succession to the Crown making it Treason for any to question or object it and the Earl of Argyle for only making some Queries c. was committed to the Castle and in danger of his Life but he escaped thence by changing Habit with a Ladies Page that came to visit him and fled into Holland where he remained till his unfortunate invading Scotland Anno 1685 of which more hereafter The Duke being returned for England upon the concluding of the Parliament and leaving his Dutchess in Scotland whilst he was on his way again by Sea in the Gloucester Frigat attended with several Yatchs to fetch her home the Frigat under full Sail stood in upon the Lemmon and Orrey two dangerous Sands off the Humber Mouth where she beat along the Sands till she foundered and falling off the Sands fell into deep Water where she was swallowed up and about One hundred Persons lost besides the Dukes Plate and a great deal of Treasure Amongst the Drowned was the Lord Obrian the Duke however with as many as his Barge which was hoisted Over-board could hold got safe to the Yatchts and landed in Scotland and the Pilot being suspected of Treatchery suffered a long Imprisonment in the Marshaseas on this occasion and soon after this Disaster the Duke and Dutches returned for England Sir John Moore after the Mayorality of Sir Patience Ward being Elected Lord Mayor of London and received with the usual Splendor at the time of Election of Sheriffs great Heats and Contests arise among the Citizens about the Electing two Persons to serve as Sheriffs for the year ensuing and it was deferred from time to time however in the end Sir Peter Rich and Sir Dudly North were sworn Mr. Box who had been declared Elected declining it and paying his Fine and Siâ— William Pritehard was chosen Lord Mayor and upon the occasion of these Contendings several Citizens as Sir Thomas Player and others had Informations in the Crown Exhibited against them as Rioters and haviug a Verdict found against them before the Lord Chief Justice Saunders at Guild-hall were the following Term Fined at the Kings-Bench Bar very considerably And this year died the Illustrious Prince Rupert a Prince whose great Services have all along been very considerable to these Kingdoms And a thing not known before two Ambassadors arrived one from the Emperor of Fess and Morocco and the other from the King of Bantam with rich Presents and were splendidly Entertained and much admired by the crouding People for their strange Habits The first came to treat of Peace and free Traffick Tangier an English Garison standing in his Masters Countries and the other to crave Succour for the King
some of them 36 Musketiers when coming to the end of the Town he heard great Shooting and beating of Drums and had notice that between 2 or 3000 of the Common People were gathered together from Warminster and Westâ—ury some with Muskets some with Pisâ—oâ—s some with Pikes and some with Pitch-sorks and Scythes however he Attaged the Town at the head of his Musqueriers followed by the Horse the Plebeâ—ns â—â—emed at first very Resolute upon deâ—â—nce one of them Firing at the Earl and commanded the rest to do the like when he was advanced to a certain place he named yet they were no sooner Charged but they threw down their Arms and fled for the most part out at the other end of the Town whereupon the Declaration was taken down and the Constable after he had Renounced what he had done and Subscribed an Abhorrance was made Prisoner and divers others were taken On the 27 th of June the Earl of Feversham Leiutenant General of the Kings Forces designing to fall upon the Rear of the Dukes Men as they were Marching to Philipsuorton a Detatchment of 500 Foot Commanded by the Duke of Grafton and of Dragoons and Horse Granadiers leaving the rest of the Forces to follow with the Cannon near Philipsnorton Lane they heard some Shooting whereupon 20 of the Horse Guards with a company of Foot Grenadiers entered the Lane the Duke of Grafton being with them but there found the Hedges lined with Horse and Foot who Fired upon them very smartly and many were kill'd and wounded however they made good the Retreat though Opposed by the Duke of Monmouth's Horse after which the Cannon played from each side for several hours without any considerable Execution but a great deal of Rain falling both Parties drew off and three Scotch Regiments sent from Holland were recalled on their way to Scotland and sent to the West And on the 26 th of June Richard Rumbeld was Tryed in Scotland and being Sentenced for High-Treason was drawn upon a Hurdle to the Cross and there Hang'd and Quartered whose Quarters were afterward sent to London and set upon the principal Gates of the City On the 29 th of June Thomas Dangerâ—ieldâ— was brought to the Court of Kings-Bench and received Judgment viz. to stand in the Pillory before Westminster-Hall-gate and the Royal Exchange to be Whip'd from Ald-gate to New gate and from New gate to Tyburn and coming back from the latter he was run into the Eye with a Cane by one Francis belonging to Grays-Inn of which Wound he dyed in New-gate and for which Mr Francis was Tryed found Guilty of Murther and Sentenced in the Old-Baly and afterwards Executed at Tyburn notwithstanding the Intercession of some great ones at Court to save his Life and Mr. Baxter the same Term was Fined 500 Marks and ordered to find Sureties for his good Behaviour for seven years yet after a considerable Imprisonment in the Press Yardâ— he was Released without paying the Fine On the last day of June the Earl of Argyle was carryed to the Merâ—ut-Cross of Edenburg where he was Beheaded on a Scaffold Erected for that purpose his Head was ordered to be set upon the Tol-booth and his Body was carried to the Chaple of St. Magdalins in the Cow gate he was Executed in pursuance of his former Sentence so that there was no new Process against him he made no Speech upon the Scaâ—fold but delivered a Paper to the Dean of Edenburg to be given to the Lord Chancellour declaring he had neither directly nor indirectly left any Speech of Paper upon this occasion many other Persons of lesser Note Suffered in Scotland who had Imbarqued in his Cause And now the Parliament of England having setled the King's Revenue and Increased it by larger Imposts on Tobacco and other Commodities and several Acts passed The King on the â—d of July came to the House and giving his Royal Assent to some Acts that were prepaired The Lord Keeper Signified it was the Kings Pleasure that they should Adjourn to the 4 th of August ensuing with Intimation that it was not His Majesties Intention that there should then be a Meeting but that the Sessions should be continued by Adjornment till towards Winter by such Members as should be about the Town unless his Service should require their Sitting sooner which they should know by His Proclamation and accordingly both Houses severally Adjourned to the time mentioned On the 1 st of July the Earl of Feversham Marched from Sommerton to Weston within three miles of Bridg-water he Quartered his Horse and Dragoons in the Village and Encamped his Foot in an advantageous Post near it fronting towards Sedgmore having a Ditch before them and in the Evening he had notice that the Dukes Army was drawing out of Bridg water which made him keep his Troops in a Readiness and sent out fâ—equent Parties to observe the Dukes Men however they so ordered their March that they found an uninterrupted passage into the Mocr and towards the morning formed their Foot in Battle to the Number of between 5 and 6000 Headed by the Duke of Monmouth but upon their approach the Earl of Feversham put the Kings Forces being about 2000 Foot and 700 Horse Granadeers and Dragoons into a Posture to receive them the Dukes Men begun with a great Volley of Shot and shouts which were returned in the same manner in the mean time the Dukes Horse were coming into the Field to second his Foot but were hindered by a Party of the Kings Horse Commanded by Coll. Oglethorp who Engaged them till the Lord of Oxford's Regiment and a Detachment of the Guards came in to forme the Line the Dukes Horse was Commanded by the Lord Grey of Wark but being the most part unmanaged they would not stand the Fire but after a hot Charge they fell into disorder their number was between 1000 and 1200 during this Action the Foot stood firm on both sides and Exchanged great Volleys but the Ditch that run along the Moor hindered them from closing however the Cannon played violently and the Horse coming up after the Dukes Horse had quitted the Field they broke into his Foot and made them fall into disorder which turned afterward to open flight and great slaughter ensued so that 2000 are said to be kill'd on the Dukes part and 300 on the Kings and a great many Prisoners were taken and Treated with great Rigor a number of them being Immediately Hang'd up by Marshal-Law or by the Order of some Commanders The Duke escaped the Battle but was some days after Taken in an Inclosed ground where he had hid himself in hopes of a favourable oppertunity to pass the Seas During these Transactions William Disâ—ie Councellor at Law was Tryed by a special Commission of Oyer and Terminer for the County of Surrey upon an Indictment of High-Treason for Publishing and Printing the Duke of Monmouth's Declaration and being found Guilty was Drawn Hang'd and Quartered and
more foolish sort of Biggots that the Virgin Mary had commanded the Wind not to shift its Quarter till Lady-day at soonest And various Reports flying abroad every one freely speaking as they thought or stood affected a Proclamation was published to prevent the spreading of false News but the Rumours rather increased then lessened On the 29 th of October Sir John Chapman was sworn Lord Mayor of the City of London before the Barons of the Exchequer but the Solemnity was not great at his return by reason of the Consternation the People were in also to prevent Tumults that might have happened notwithstanding the Judges and several of the Lords of the Privy-Council dined with him at Grocers Hall In the begining of November the Wind suddenly coming about the Dutch Fleet weighed Anchor and got to Sea consisting of 635. Men of War Flyboats Pinks and Fire-Ships on Board which was his Royal Highness the Prince of Orange since King of England c. with divers great Commanders as well English Noblemen as others and 〈◊〉 Horse and Footâ— and on the 3 d. of November about 10â— of the Clock in the Morning it appeared abouâ— half Seas over between Dover and Callais steering a Chanâ—â—l Course Westward the Wind a very fresh Gale at East North East and was between Six and Seven Hours passing by Dover◠〈◊〉 Fleet lying still the Seameâ— not being willing to sight on this Occasion Yet a Fly-Boat and some Stragling Victuallers were brought into the River by Scoutships and such as were cruizing for Discovery and on the Fifth of November the Day of our former Deliverance from the Powder Plot about 300â— Sail of the Dutch Fleet came into Torbay and divers into Brixham Key where they Landed some Souldiers whilst the rest were sâ—nt on Shoar in Boats without any Opposition The Country People who in other cases being timerous and frighted from their Habitations here on the contrary came flocking to the Shoar and brought such Provisions as they hastily could get to comfort and refresh the Soldiers The Army being Landed Marched toward Exeter increasing as it went and that City upon its approach opened the Gates and many of the Towns-Men Listed themselves only the Bishop left his Pallace and came 〈◊〉 London where the King appointed him to the Archiepisâ—â—pal See of York In which his Grace has been since confirmed and now the Armies be ginning to move the King 〈◊〉 out an Order for the punctual Payment of Quarters and good Behaviour c. and a Proclamation to suppâ—â—â— Declaration omitted by the Prince and the Trainâ—â— Aâ—â—sâ—ery was ordered to be in a Readiness to mâ—rch to Salisbury but the Court was extreamly startled upon News that the Lord Cornbury was gone over with a considerable Number of Horse and Dragoons and that the Noblemen and Gentlemen went in daily and even the whole Army or the greater part of it shewed an open unwillingness to Fight against those that came to deliver us from Popery c. Upon these Proceedings Exetar â—air and other Fairs in the West were 〈◊〉 and on the 17 th of November in the Afternoon the King went to Windsor and from thence continued his â—ourneâ— towards Salisbury 〈…〉 a General Bâ—nde 〈◊〉 of 〈…〉 dering the Privy Council to meet in his Absence for the dispaâ—â— of Affâ—irs as Occasion should require and the 〈◊〉 Forces held to be 3 or 4000. that wâ—re 〈◊〉 over a little before by the Earl of Tyrconnel marched into the West Whilst these things were doing the Lord Delamere mustered a great many Forces upon Boddon Downs and Declared for the Prince The King arriving at Salisbury was Lodged in the Bishop's Pallace and while he continued there a Skirmish happened between an advanced Party of Foot who had gone too far from the main Body or else were going to the Prince's Army and Collonel Sarsefield who commanded a Party of the King's Horse Dragoons and Granadiers in which the former being very unequal in number were worsted some being after a resolute defence killed others taken Prisoners and the rest escaped on the Kings part Four were killed and Two wounded one mortally this happened near Wincanton where the Foot upon the pursuit made after them had posted themselves in a strong ground and had had the better had not a Countrey-man discovered a place where the Horse might enter The King finding great Numbers as well Soldiers in his own Pay as others to go daily over Published a Proclamation of General Pardon to such as would return within the space of 40. Days as also Pardon and Protection to all such Foreigners as should do the like but it little or nothing availed for we do not hear of any that returned With these Discouragements the King came hastily from Salisbury having first given Order for his Army to retreat which was done with great Precipitation even contrary to Expectation considering for several Campaigns it had attracted the wonder of many on Hounslow Heath The King thus returning and hearing that several strong Places had declared against him thought it convenient in order to quiet the People to Call a Parliament and Ordered the Lord Chancellour to Issue out Writs for summoning a Parliament to meet at Westminster the 15 th of January ensuing and made Collonel Edward Griffin a Baron of this Kingdom by the Name and Title of Lord Griffin of Braybrook in the County of Northampton after which he caused his Proclamation to be Published for Calling a Parliament On the 9 th of December his Grace the Lord Arch-Bishop of York did Homage to the King the Ceremonies of his Translation to that See having been performed the Day before at Lambeth-House by the Lord Arch-bishop of Canterbury assisted by the Bishops of St. Asaph Ely Rochester and Pâ—terborough Whilst these things happened Hâ—ll â—ork Plimouth and some other Places were secured for the Prince's Interest by divers Noble â—on and Gentlemen and the whole Kingdom inclined to his Side and his Army which was greatly encreased advanced a pace towards London when some of the advanced Parties finding an Opposition in the Town of Reading by some Scotch and Irish Troops of Horse and Dragoons posted there they after a hot Skiâ—mish â—orced their 〈◊〉 and clearing â—he Town drove them to â—â—yford-Bridge where the main Guard had taken its Station and those fearing a greater Party 〈◊〉 thought fit to retire and leave the passage free though not above Nine or Ten were killed in the skirmish This News flying swiftly to White-Hall alarmed the 〈◊〉 and put all into hurry and confusionâ— The 〈◊〉 whose Councils as it is 〈◊〉 believed had brought the 〈…〉 packed up their 〈…〉 themselves 〈…〉 who in the height of his 〈…〉 professed nothing grieâ—â—d him more than that he had not stayed â—n the Reign of K Charles the Second and â—ered with his 〈◊〉 had by this â—hanged his Mind and 〈◊〉 no Stomach to be placed as a Martyr in the Roman â—alender for having gotten a huge
And the suddainness of the affairs requiring the Soldiers to Quarter in private Houses a Declaration was Published to prohibit it unless such Houses as were willing to entertain them And divers of the Sea-men having deserted their Ships were ordered to return at a set time and for the better Incouragement of the Navy the Arrears and Wages that should grow due was promised to the Officers and Sea-men serving in the Fleet according to the known Method The Royal African Company out of a sense of their Duty and Respect on the 16 th of January at a General Court Unanimously chose His Highness to be their Governour for the Year ensuing and presented him with 1000 l. in their Joynt-Stock and the High Sheriff together with the considerable Gentry of the County of Cambridge entered into an Association engaging themselves Solemnly to stand by His Highness with their Lives and Fortunes c. and soon after the like was done by divers others The 22 th of January being come the Lords Spiritual and Temporal assembled at Westminster the Lord Marquess of Hallifax Executed the place of Speaker in the House of Lords and the Commons chose Henry Powle Esq to be their Speaker after which His Highness's Letter was read in both Houses on the occasion of their Meeting and the Lords and Commons resolved upon an Address of Thanks and humbly therein desired him to continue the Administration of Affairs till further application should be made by them to His Highness and the 31 th of January was appointed for a publick Day of Thanksgiving in the Cities of London and Westminster and 10 Miles distance for the great Deliverance and on the 14 of February all over England and then the Lords and Commons went to St. Iames's to present their Address The Soldiers as well as the Seamen were likewise encouraged about this time with promise of their Pay and Arrears c. and many Disorders being committed by unruly People in Forrests and Chaces by Destroying the Deer and cutting down Timber a Declaration was published for the preventing them Commanding the Magistrates to be strict and dilligent in apprehending the Offenders and now the Prince having at the supplication of the Lords and Commons sent for His Royal Consort She passed the Seas Attended by divers English and Dutch Men of War and was received with great Demonstrations of Joy at White-Hall where she arrived by Water on the 12 th of February being that Night Visited by most of the Nobility at Court and the next Day in the Morning the Lords Spiritual and Temporal being assembled at Westminster and having agreed upon an Instrument of Writing for Declaring the Prince and Princess of Orange King and Queen of England France and Ireland with all the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging and upon presenting it in the Banquetting House having received their consent about Eleven of the Clock they were Proclaimed at White-Hall by the Officers at Arms and afterwards at Temple-Bar at Woodâ— street-End and before the Royal Exchange with all the Ceremonies and Splendour that attends the occasion the People every where expressing their Satisfaction by loud acclamations and four Regiments of the City Militia lined the way So the Day concluded with Ringing of Bells and Bonefires And hereupon the King and Queen joyntly placed in the Administration of the Government which King James was Declared to have Abdicated by both Houses as also the Succession settled in case of Failure of Issue a Proclamation was published to continue all Persons being Protestants who on the first of the last of December were in Office of Sheriff Justice of the Peace Commissioners Collectors and other Offices and Places concerning the Managing Collecting Receiving and Paying of the Revenue of the Kingdom should be continued in the said Office till their Majesties Pleasure was further known The Papists in Ireland Arming in great Numbers in that Kingdom committed about this time great Outrages on the Protestants Plundering Disarming and Imprisoning them so that divers as they could make their Escape fled for England yet the North parts held out against them being in Arms under the Lord Kingston and others making a very brave Defence to prevent the going over of other Papist's and Disafected Persons the English Ports that lay favourable to that Kingdom were ordered to be stop'd As for Scotland it had submited it self Voluntarily to the Protection of King William and Queen Mary yet the Duke of Gourdon held the Castle against the whole Kingdom being Guarded by about 100 of his Accomplices mostly Papist's but in the end was Obliged to Surrender as will appear hereafter On the 18 th of February the King went by Water to the House of Lords in all the usual Splendor and Majesty and being Seated on the Throne and the Commons Attending he made a very Gracious Speech to both Houses Relating to the Circumstances of Affairs and then Returned to White-Hall and a Privy-Council of Honourable and Worthy Persons were Chosen and the Papist's such as were not House-keepers commanded to remove from the Cities of London and Westminster c. And a Universal Joy over-spread the Kingdom upon the News of the Proclaiming the King and Queen all the Cities and most remarkable Towns shined with Fires the Bells every where Ringing great Feasting and Drinking of Healths c. The King having frequently Repeated His Good Will towards and his Resolution to Protect the Church of England On the 21 st of February the Lord Bishop of London with the Clergy of the City to the Number of 100 waited upon the King and Queen with an Humble Tender of their Fidelity and were Graciously Received having the Honour to kiss their Hands and the King gave them a further Assurance of his Affection to that Church and of all Protection and Encouragement Concluding viz. I Assure you that you shall ever find it so and may Depend upon it On the 23 d. the King gave the Royal Assent to an Act for Removing and Preventing all Questions and Disputes about the Assembling and Siting of the present Parliament and afterwards went with the Queen to Divertise himself at Hampton-Court and in the beginning of March he was pleased to Constitute Sir John Mayâ—ard Anthony Kecke and William Rawleson Serjeants at Law since Knighted Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal of England the Lord Willoughby of Ersby Chancellor of the Dutchy and County Palatine of Lancaster the Lord Lovelace Captain of the Band of Gentlemen Pentioners and the Lord Lucas cheif Governour of the Tower of London and divers other Worthy Persons were put in Places of Trust He likewise Granted a Conge de Elire to the Dean and Chapter of the Cathederal Church of Sarum with his Letters Missive for the Electing Dr. Burnet Bishop of that See void by the Death of Dr. Seth Ward And Hearth-Money proving grievous to the Subjects especially the poorer sort the King upon the humble Request of the Commons was pleased to give
them except Two who withdrew took the Oaths and the like soon after did most of the Members that were absent after which an Act was Read regulating the Articles whereupon there rose a debate and an adjournment of a few days ensued The Parliament of England having prepared divers Bills for the Royal Assent On the 22 d. of June the King went to the Lords House And passed an Act for granting of their Majesties an aid of 12 d. in the pound for one year for the necessary defence of the Realm An Act for enabling the Lords Commissioners of the great Seal to execute the Office of Lord Chancellour or Lord Keeper An Act for reversing the Attaindurâ— of Henry Cornish Esq late Alderman of 〈◊〉 City of London and divers others relating to Trade and the Affairs of private Persons and this Month there being a Paper Spread Abroad in Secret Intituled a Declaration of King James the Second divers Persons were Seized and Impâ—â—soned Whilst these things passed in England and Scotland a pretended Parliament was Convened at Dublin in Ireland who amongst other things passed an Act for Papist's to pay their Yyths to their own Clergy and an other for Liberty of Conscience Repealing Pointings Acts as likewise the Acts of Setlement and Explanation and made an Act for taking off the Twelve Pence per Pound to Ministers in Corporate Towns and an Act for Attaindure of several thousand of Persons by Name and several French Protestants that had fled theither for shelter were delivered to the Count de Avoâ—x in order to be sent for France and mony being wanting a Copper Coin was made and Ordered by Proclamation to pass Current for six pence unless in the Treasury and Custom-house although it was not the value of one of our â—arthings by which means most of the Current Monies was Ingrossed to the great discouragement of the People and whilst the Body of the English Army Commanded by the Duke of Schomberg was preparing to make a descent on that Kingdom between 7 or 800 Irish were sent over into Scotland to strengthen Dundee's Party under the Command of Collonel Cannon in hopes to divert the King's Forces and retard their passing the Seas but it had not its desired Ends for divers other Persons who were to joyn them being discovered in a Letter brought to the Lord High Commissioner by an unknown Hand and by other ways which occasioned the seizing of such as were Accused or suspected In the End the Design dwindled to little or nothing especially upon Dundee's being Slain in a Battle against Major General Mackay in which his Forces were Routed with considerable loss On the 24 th of July Her Royal Highness the Princess Ann of Denmark was Delivered of a Son at Hampton-Court the Queen being present the whole time of her Labour and the King with most of the Persons of Quallity about the Court came into her Royal Highnesses Chamber before her Delivery and the Young Prince whom the King was pleased to Declare Duke of Gloucester was on the 27 th Christened by the Lord Bishop of London by the Name of WILLIAM the King and the Earl of Dorset Lord Chamberlain of his Majesties Houshold being God-Fathers and the Lady Marchioness of Hallifax God-Mother and her Royal Highness's safe Delivery and the Birth of a Prince was received with great Demonstrations of Joy and Satisfaction throughout England About this time we had the account of the Defeat of Dundee in Scotland and his being Slain after which happened another Encounter briefly thus Major General Mackay having received Advice on the 31. of July That the Enemy was gon towards Angus he marched from Sterlin with a Detachment of Horse of the Lord Colchester's Regiment and some Dragoons and coming the next day to St. Johnstown he understood that 500 of their Foot and 2 Troops of Horse had been sent thither to Seize upon some Stores of Meal that was left there for the use of the King's Forces and were carrying it away to their main Body whereupon by speedy March he over-took them in a Plain not far from St. Johnstown and immediately Charged their Horse who brought up the Rear and having routed them fell upon the Foot who were all killed and taken Prisoners together with Capt. Hacket who Commanded them the which and the former Defeat caused those that were left to retreat further into the North and labour for new Succors On the 14 th of August the Soldiers near at hand the better to keep them in Exercise and train them in War marched to Hounslow Heath and there Encamped but soon after they broke up and the English Soldiers were appointed to Mount the Guards at White Hall c. and take their Posts and Places as formerly for the Guard of Their Majesties Persons c. And divers Troops and Regiments drew out from their Quarters and Marched to High-lake where the Ships for their Transportation into Ireland lay at Anchor And a Declaration of War against France was Published in Scotland Prohibiting likewise all Commerce with the Subjects of France The Duke d' Scombergh arriving with English Army on the 13 th of August the Lough of Carickfergus on Bangor-side without any Opposition he sent 2 Regiments to Bellfast the Irish thâ—â— were there retiring before them and the Country came in with great store of Provisions which proved so Cheap that his Grace sent a great part of what the Ships had brought over back again And those in London Derry the Inskilling Men and other Protestants being hereupon Incouraged and having well provided themselves by the Spoils they had taken upon several Defeats they had given the Enemy became very Formidable making In-roads at their Pleasure and taking great Booties though the Popish Army upon their retreat from before London-Derry had Burnt a great many Villages with much Forrage destroying what they could not carry away And the General still advancing with the English Army the Enemy retreated before him whereupon having reduced several Places and restored as he passed the Country to some considerable Settlement he some time after Encamped near Dundalk expecting a Favourable opportunity to set upon the Enemy Mr. George Walker late Governour oâ— London-Derry having been wellcomed an caressed in Scotland which he took in 〈◊〉 way arrived at Hampton-Court the latter end of this Month where he was received by their Majesties with many expressions of the Gracious Sense they have of his Services and as a present mark of His Royal Favour and Bounty His Majesty was pleased to bestow upon him 5000 l. assuring him that this should not at all lessen the Kindness he intended to shew him and his Family and that he would likewise have a particular care of the rest of the Officers and other Gentlemen who had so well behaved themselves at Derry After which Mr. Walker presented his Majesty an humble Address from the Governours Officers Clergy and other Gentlemen of the City of Derry which was favourably