valiant his praise might justly have exceeded the ancient Semi-gods and the Pyramids of his same have endured with glory to eternity though he was now buried obscurely in Harry the sevenths Chappell and neither Statua nor Tombe erected to his memory The Lord Protector having how ensured his greatness begins to conferre Titles of honour upon his Children his eldest Son Richard is made Chancellour of the University of Oxford and his younger Son Henry sent over Lord Deputy into Ireland where 't is affirmed by some that he governed both with such prudence and magnanimity together that he had in short time gained the loves both of the English and Irish in that Nation And 't is by most conceived probable that had his Father lest the Government of England to him as he did to his Son Richard these Nations might have still remained subject to that Family About this time the Armyes in Flanders being still disposed in their Winter-Quarters Sir John Reynolds Commander in chief together with Collonel White and some other Commanders of Note imbarquing in a Shallop at Mardike to come over and visit his Highness the Lord Protector were by a suddain storm driven upon the Goodwin Sands and were there all drowned His Highness had in this intervall of the Parliaments Sessions made choice of sundry persons to fill up his other House or Pageant-House of Lords which because posterity may know what persons they were every one almost having heard both of them and known the rise of most of them I shall here insert their Names 1. Richard Cromwell 2. Henry Cromwell 3. Nathaniell Feins 4. John Liste Commissioners of the great Seal 5. Henry Lawrence President of the Privy Counsell 6. Charles Fleetwood Lieutenant Generall 7. Robert Earl of Warwick 8. Edmund Earl of Malgrave 9. Edward Earl of Manchester 10. William Viscount Say and Seal 11. Phillip Lord Visc Liste 12. Charles Lord Visc Howard 13. Phillip Lord Wharton 14. Thomas Lord Falconbridge 15. George Lord Ewers 16. Iohn Cleypool 17. Iohn Disborow 18. Edward Montague 19. Bulstrode Whitlock 20. William Sidenham 21. Sr Charles Woelsey 22. Sr Gilbert Pickering 23. Phillip Skippon 24. Walter Strickland 25. Francis Rouse 26. Iohn Iones 27. Sr William Strickland 28. Iohn Fines 29. Sr Francis Russell 30. Sr Thomas Homeywood 31. Sr Arthur Hasterig 32. Sr Iohn Hebard 33. Sr Richard Onslow 34. Sr Gilbert Gerrard 35. Sr William Roberts 36. Iohn Glyn. 37. Oliver St Iohns Judges 38. William Pierrepoint 39. Iohn Crew 40. Alexander Popham 41. Phillip Iones 42. Sr Christopher Pack 43. Sr Robert Tichborn 44. Edward Whalley 45. Iohn Barkstead Lieut. of the Tower 46. Sr Iohn Hewson 47. Sr Thomas Pride 48. Sr George Fleetwood 49. Richard Ingoldsby 50. Iames Berry 51. William Goffe 52. Thomas Gooper 53. Edmund Thomas 54. George Monk Generall in Scotland 55. David Earl of Cassils 56. Sr William Lockhart 57. Archibald Iohnson of Warreston 58. William Steel 59. Roger Lord Broghill 60. Sr Mathew Thomlinson 61. William Lenthall 62. Richard Hampden This is the Catalogue of those Lords at least such as were ordered to be so esteemed by the Protector which were by him created Peers of the Land though without any other Title then that of bare Lord how unfit many of them were to be so I 'le leave to any rationall man to judge since though there might some persons of honour he pickt out amongst them men raised by the power of the Sword yet were the greatest part of them such as had either raised themselves fortunes out of these Kingdomes distractions and so were as deeply engaged against their King and Country as himself which made them indeed the fitter for his designes as being most likely to stand true to his interest But the time of the prorogation of the Parliament being expired they make their appearance in the House the Pageant-House of Lords likewise sitting according to ancient custome whither the Protector coming sends to the Commons to tell them that he attended them in the House of Lords whither the Speaker with the rest of the Members immediately go to whom he makes a very fair speech telling them in conclusion that if they would go on to prosecute his designes that they should be called the blessed of the Lord and the generations to come would bless them c. But the Parliament according to the fourth Article of the Petition and Advice which sayes That no Members legally chosen should be excluded from performance of their duty but by consent of Parliament immediately proceed to the calling over and re-admitting of those Members which had formerly been secluded by the Protector to his Highnesses no little discontent The Parliament being now full began to be angry at the House of Lords and to esteem it only as a Pageant-Parliament set up on purpose to mock them for it was strange to them that that power which was created but by a part of a Parliament should have a negative voice over a sull House And at length they went so far as to question the Protectors power in calling them or Authorizing them to sit as a House of Peers which he finding thought it not fitting to let businesses of this high nature run too far So on the 4th of February he goes to his House of Lords and by the Master of the black Rod he sends to acquaint the House of Commons of his being there so the Speaker and the rest of the Members repairing thither and standing without the Bar his Highness sitting under a Chair of Estate made a large Speech to them and in conclusion told them That it did concern his interest as much as the publick peace and tranquillity of the Nation to terminate that Parliament and therefore he did now put an end to their sitting So the House in obedience to his commands dissolved And now the Protector having a plot near discovery orders the settlement of the Militia of London but in such mens hands as would certainly be faithfull to his interest this he doth under pretence to perswade the people how much he labours for their security which to make them more sensible of presently after succeeds the discovery of this horrible terrible plot and herein not only his own person must be endangered but the Tower and Mews must be furprized both at one time the City of London fired and all the Souldiers about it to be put to the Sword and all this monstrous Gunpowder-work to be performed by not above thirty persons of whom the Reverend Dr Hewit a man so truly Christian that he would rather have prayed for then revenged himself of an enemy must be head here whilest Sr Henry Slingsby must from a prisoner in the Castle take possession of the Garrison of Hull yet these two with about twenty or thirty others of meaner rank were clapt up into the Tower and after some time being brought before the high Court of Justice erected for that purpose were charged with high Treason For
Person and Authority and to proceed against all such Offenders according to Law and Justice which Declaration was published Munday May 7th From Ireland arrived a Declaration of the General convention there wherein they expressed their detestation of the most execrable murder of our late most Gracious Soveraigne Charles the first and the illegall proceedings of the High Court of Justice against him The Parliament Ordered 50000lb to be sent over to his Majesty for a present as a test of their duty and loyalty and 50000lb more towards the payment of the Arrears of the Army and sent a Committee to the City to desire them to raise the money immediately for which they should receive satisfaction by the next assessement and receive in the mean the interest at 6. per cent which was presently granted by the City and care taking for its spedy provision The Commoncounsell of the City of London to testifie their loyall gratitude to his Majesty Ordered 10000lb to be sent for a present to his Majesty and 300lb to be given to the Lord Mordant and Sr John Greenvile who brought them his Majesties Letter to buy each of them a Ring They likewise ordered that to the most illustrious Prince James Duke of York and his Princely Brother Henry Duke of Glocester a 1000lb be presented to each of them The Parliament Order that a stop be put to the sale of the Estates of the Lord Craven Sr John Stawell and Alderman Bunce and likewise to the estate of the Duke of Buckingham and that their names be inserted into the proviso of the Bill of of Grants and Sales The Horse adjourned Easter Term to Quinque Paschae being May 28th 1660. Upon the third of May the Lord Mountague having received a Letter from his Majesty together with his Majesties gracious message to the House of Commons the Letter to his Excellency and Declaration presently called a Counsel of War to whom he communicated the said Letters which were received by them all with much hearty affections and testimonies of their exact loyalty and duty to his Majesty whereupon the General firing the first Gun himself cried God blesse King Charles the Guns from the rest of the Fleet with those from Deal and Sandwich Castles did with loud Vollies re-eccho the joy for such a happy time the shouts of the Seamen testifying their extraordinary cheerfullnesse and alacrity But now comes the day the like whereof was never enrolled in the Enguish Calender nor ever was there known a day whereon the people did with so unanimous and generall consent testifie their unexpressible content and gladness And well might they since from this time alone we can truly date the restored happinesse of the English Nation what passed before being as it were only glimmerings of this immense and radiant light The Parliament having the day before Ordered the Proclamation of his Majesty to be on the 8th day of May he was with the greatest solemnity possible all the chief Lords of the Parliament attending in their Coaches together with many eminent Members of the House of Commons the Lord General the Lord Major and Aldermen with the whole Militia of the City Proclaimed Charles by the Grace of God of England Scotland France and Ireland the most potent mighty and undoubted King Nor did they intend by this Proclamation to seem as if they thought his Reign was to be begun from that time but confessed that forthwith upon the death of his Father the Imperiall Crown of England and the Dominions thereof did as absolutely bring unto him as now after Proclamation so that this is the twelfth year of the Reign of our Soveraign Lord King Charles the second whom God preserve The House of Lords the House of Commons and the City of London made choice of severall most eminent and worthy persons of their number to attend his Majesty which that they may not by posterity be forgotten I have inserted their names For the House of Lords Earl of Oxford Earl of Middlefex Lord Brooke Earl of Warwick Lord Viscount Hereford Lord Barkley For the House of Commons Lord Fairfax Lord Bruce Lord Falkland Lord Castleton Lord Herbert Lord Mandevile Sr Horatio Townsend Sr Ant. Ashey-Cooper Sr George Booth Denzill Hollis Esq Sr John Holland Sr Henry Chomely For the honourable City of London Sr James Bunce Bar. Alderman Langham Alderman Reynardson Alderman Browne Sr Nicholas Crispe Alderman Thomson Alderman Fredrick Alderman Adams Recorder Wilde Alderman Robinson Alderman Bateman Alderman Wale Theophilus Biddulph Richard Ford. Will. Vincent Thomas Bludworth Will. Bateman J. Lowes Esq Major Chamberlaine Coll. Brumfield By Order from the Parliament that all Signs of the late Arbytrary Power might be rased the States Armes were to be taken down from all Churches and publick places that in the Parliament House and in Guildhall being taken down and the Kings Armes set up in their room the Statue of his late Majesty was likewise set up again at the Chappel in Guild-hall-yard The Votes of the Parliament were also for the Fleet to go immediately to receive his Majesties Orders and be at his Devotion That the Kings Majesty be desired to return speedily to Parliament and exercise of his Kingly Office That all Ministers shall in their publick prayers pray for his Majesty under the name of Our Soveraign Lord Charles by the Grace of God of England Scotland France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith c. And the most Illustrious Prince James Duke of York with the rest of the Royall Progeny Which is the hearty and fervent prayer of the Author and all good Subjects and so let the conclusion be Long live King Charles II. THere is now made publique Eighteen Books of the Secrets of Art and Nature being the sum and substance of Naturall Philosophy First designed by John Wecker and now much inlarged by Dr. R. Read Sould at the Star in St. Pauls Church-yard
English The Loves of Clirio and Lozia a Romance Mr. Knowles his Rudiment of the Hebrew Tongue A Book of Scheams or Figures of Heaven ready set for every four Minutes of times and very usefull for all Astrologers Florus Anglicus or an exact History of England from the Reign of William the Conquerour to the death of the Late King Linguae or the Combate of the Tongue and five Senses for Superiority a serious Comedy The Spirits Touchstone being a clear discovery how a man may certainly know whether he be truly taught by the Spirit of God or not The poor mans Physician and Chyrurgion Physicall Rarities containing the most choice Receipts in Physick and Chyrurgery for the cure of all Diseases Incident to mans body By R W lliams To which is added the physical Mathematicks By Hermes Tris-Megistus The Idol of Clowns or the Relation of Wat Tiler's Rebellion The Christian Moderator in 3 parts The Golden Fleece or a Discourse of the cloathing of England Dr. Sibbs his Divine Meditations Vigerius Precepts of Idiotismes Grotij Poemata Three Books of M. Matthews Minister at Swansey in South-wales 1 The Messiah Magnified by the mouthes of Babes in America or Gains and Gamaliel a helpfull Father and his hopeful Son discoursing of the three most considerable points 1. The great want of Christ 2 The great worth that is in Christ 3. The good way that is chalkt out by Christ 2. The New Congregationall Church prov'd to be the old Christian Church by Scripture Reason and History 3 The Reading Church-member Regularly call'd back to Christ and his Church A physical Dictionary An exact History of the several changes of Government in England from the horrid Murther of King Charles the first to the happy Restauration of King Charles the second with the Renowned Actions of General Monck by J. D. Duodecim Dr. Smith's practice of physick The Grammar War Posselius Apothegmes Fasciculus Florum Crashaw's Visions The Juniper Lecture Helvicus Colloquies The Christian Souldier his Combate with the three arch-enemies of man-kind the world the flesh and the devil Seasonable advice to the Apprentices of the Honourable City of London touching their duty to God and their Masters Heinsius de Crepundiis The History of Russia or the Government of the Emperour of Muscovia with the manner and fashions of the people of that Countrey Drexeliu's school of Patience Drexelius his right Intention of every ones action A School or Nurture for Children or the Duty of Children to Parents very usefull for all that intend to bring up their children in the fear of God Viginti Quarto The New Testament The third part of the Bible Sir Richard Bakers Meditations and Prayers for every day of the Week Playes The Ball. Chawbut Conspiracy Obstinate Lady The London Chanticlers a Comedy foll of various and delightfull Mirth neyer before published FLORVS ANGLICVS The Second Part. CONTAINING Englands Oligarchicall Government from the Death of CHARLES the I. to the Protectorship of OLIVER PART I. NO sooner had the fatall Axe severed England and her Liberties by severing King Charles his head from his body but the Parliament the better to maintain what they had now so farre prosecuted make Proclamation That none under penalty of being deemed guilty of high Treason should presume to proclaim declare publish or any way promote the Prince of Wales Sonne to the late King or any other Person to be King or Chief Magistrate of England or of any the Dominions belonging to them by colour of Inheritance Succession or Election or any other claim whatsoever without the free consent of the people in Parliament c. This Proclamation though it came not forth in full till the second of February yet was in part proclaimed on the very day of the Kings beheading They likewise the more to ensure their Government and to carry it on with the more plausibility publish an Act of State for the alteration of Writs in England Ireland and Wales as that in stead of King the Name Stile and Test Custodis Libertatis Angliae Authoritate Parliamenti be used and none other and all Writs c. should run so of which all concerned in the Law were required to take notice Yet they provide that all Patents granted by the late King should still stand in full force and vertue The Houses likewise take upon them a more then Papall power and because he Priest could indeed absolve them they are resolved to absolve themselves and all those engaged with them by an Act repealing the Oath of Allegiance and Supremacy Sr Lewis Dives Sr Robert Stuart of Irel and the Lord Loughborough Collonel Poyer Collonel Laughorne and Duke Hamilton having escaped out of severall Prisons of which the last out of Windsor Castle a strict search was made for them but in vain except Duke Hamilton who was the next morning retaken in an Inne in Southwark The Lords House perceiving that by reason of his Majesties death the Judges gave not that assistance to them which was usuall by reason his death had extinguished their power as Judges desired that eighteen of the Commons might be sent to conferre with nine of the Lords but it would not be assented to The House of Commons having executed their King the Nobles are an eyesore to them they therefore resolve to take away as many of them as they can bring within their reach they resolve to begin with those they have already in hold and the Commission of the High-Court of Justice for his Majesties Triall being expired they create a new one consisting of sixty three persons of which any fifteen had power to act for the triall of Duke Hamilton as Earl of Cambridg Earl of Holland Earl of Norwich Lord Capell who attempted an escape but was retaken at Lambeth and Sir John Owen and in order thereto they likewise vote the adjournment of Hillary Terme which because the Judges had not power they do by their Proclamation of the second of February And now they take into consideration the reception of their numerous fellow members which by the arbitrary force of the Army had been excluded and at last they vote That none should be admitted into the House who had voted that his late Majesties Concessions were a ground for Peace and for the firm settlement of these Nations The Parliament having cut off one of those three Estates by which the Nation had so long been governed think likewise of abolishing the second that they alone might have the whole power therefore upon considerations of the House of Lords in what capacity they should stand they vote 1. That they would make no farther addresses to them 2. That they would receive none from them 3. That an Act be drawn to abolish that House as dangerous and useless Thus is the whole basis of that Government which had continued in England so many hundred years overthrown in ten dayes and the two ancient grand Estates of the Land cut off Having abolished
mens bodies endeavour the like over their souls They therefore Enact that every Citizen of London at the time of their admission to their Freedome should take the ensuing Oath viz. You shall swear That you shall be true and faithfull to the Commonwealth of England and in order there unto you shall be obedient to the just Government of the City of London You shall to your best power maintain the peace and all the due Franchises thereof and to your knowledge and ability do and perform all Acts and things belonging to a Free-man of the said City They likewise Enact that the said Oath Mutatis mutandis be taken by every Free-man in every City Borrough and Town Corporate in England and Wales at the time of their admission to Freedome as aforesaid The Extraordinary Ambassadors for the States of Holland having had audience and promise of Redress for the injuries done to their Ships provided the wrong-doers could be found out being on departure many thanks and civilities having past between them and the House they Order two Members to give them a solemn farewell who accompanied them to Gravesend The Army again Petition the Parliament in prosecution of some desires formerly presented to them viz. 1. To make and establish such wholesome Laws in the native Language as may preserve the Interest and Liberties of this Commonwealth 2. That Tithes may be abolished 3. That no punishment be inflicted upon any man for the Exercise of his Conscience 4. That all that had to deal in the publick Treasury be called to account and that free Quarter be taken off 5. That all Persons whatsoever may have a free and equall Administration of the Law 6. That Persons imprisoned for Debt having nothing to pay may be released and that such as are able and shelter themselves in prison be forced to pay 7. That all Persons in prison for pretended words c. be brought to triall and if found innocent have satisfaction for false imprisonment 8. That Provision might be made for the Poor of the Nation 9. That constant Pay may be provided to prevent free Quarter 10. That the Arrears of the Army might be paid out of the Kings Deans and Chapters Lands 11. That their want of Horses might be supplied 12. That care might be taken for prevention of clipt Money 13. That the Articles of Warre might be mitigated 14. That the Souldiers might not be put to the execution of civil Orders as seizing on unlicensed Books distraining of Moneys or the like so that the people may not complain of their intrenchment on their Liberties These were February 19. 1649. drawn up by the Army as their humble Petition and Address to the Parliament but we need not think it strange that every common Souldier should have liberty to propose what was necessary to be done in the Government since they had perfectly the whole power in their hands and had first by the fetches of some of their Commanders excluded and extirpated all other power to give life and being to this shadow of a Government this little finger of a Parliament and yet ten times heavier to the Nation then the whole loynes of its legal Magistracy But to return to our purpose the Parliament for so in their own language we must call them order the Triall of Duke Hamilton who though he was no Englishman yet was arraigned under the Name of Earl of Cambridge thereby to subject him to the English Law together with the Earl of Holland Lord Capell Lord Goring and Sr John Owen the two first of which were afterwards beheaded in Pallace-yard and the two last meeting with more favour from them were suffered to depart beyond Seas A Councell of State being setled by the Parliament they met at Derby House where some Propositions of the Parliaments in order to their unanimous Proceedings were tendred to them viz. the approbation of the Proceedings with the late King the House of Lords the present Alteration and some other These were by them received with some dislike to some of the particulars and their dislike being mentioned in the House was referred to a Committee The Prince Elector Palatine makes his Addresses to the Parliament with returnes of thanks for their former favours and desires that 5600lb due of his last years Pension might be paid that the Pension of 8000lb per annum might be continued and that he might have the Pass of the House for himself Family and forty Horse to go home The first and last desires were granted and the Summe due Ordered to be paid him but the Continuation of his Pension put off to further consideration The Parliament and Councell of State agree upon an Attestation to be taken by every individuall Member of the Councell of State which ran as followeth viz. I A. B. being of the Councell of State do Testifie that I do adhere unto this present Parliament in the maintenance and defence of the publick Liberty and Freedome of this Nation as it is now Declared and to the Government for future in way of a Republick without King or House of Peers And I do promise in the sight of God that through his grace I will be faithfull in the performance of the trust committed to me as aforesaid and therein faithfully pursue the Instructions given to this Councell by this present Parliament and not reveal or disclose any thing in whole or in part directly or indirectly that shall be debated or resolved on in Counsell without command or direction in Parliament or the Order and allowance of the major part of them that shall be present at such debates or resolutions In confirmation of the Premisses I have hereunto set my hand To which Attestation the Clerk of the Parliament is Ordered to see that every individuall Member of the Councell of State do Subscribe And now comes out the Protestation of the Parliament of Scotland against the Proceedings touching his Majesties Life and Person which because it was of so eminent concernment I shall here insert the most materiall Circumstances viz. That by their Letter of the sixth instant viz. January they represented unto you what endeavours have been used for taking away of his Majesties life for Change of the fundamentall Government of this Kingdome and introducing a sinfull and ungodly Toleration in matters of Religion and therein they did express their sad thoughts and great feares of the dangerous consequences that might follow thereupon and further they did earnestly press that there might be no proceeding against his Majesties Person which would certainly continue the great distractions of the Kingdomes and involve them in many evils troubles and confusions but that by the free Councels of both Houses of the Parliament of England and with the advice and consent of the Parliament of Scotland such course might be taken in relation to him as may be for the good and happiness of these Kingdomes both having an unquestionable interest in his Person as King of both
of that vast Charge is saved yet neither Custome Excise nor Taxes made lower but rather encreased the Souldiers Petitioning for a larger Taxe that free Quarter the greater oppression indeed of the two might be avoided Severall Troopers who pretended a Liberty to Petition without the consent of their Officers are punished five of them are condemned first to ride with their Faces to the Horse Tail then to have their Swords broke over their Heads and lastly to be cashiered a Letter which they had concerning the aforesaid Liberty being judged pernicious and scandalous to the Parliament and Counsell of State About this time began those great disturbances both in Army and Parliament occasioned by the distast given to Lieutenant Collonel John Lilburne by the Parliaments denying some desires of his But because the Discourse of it would now be too tedious we shall let it alone till we come to treat of its Effects But let us return now a little to Scotland where the Parliament upon rumours that the English Army were marching towards them prepare to resist and Vote the raising for their present defence 2000 Horse and 6000 Foot whilest the Lord Seaforth and Collonel Heisell are busied in fortifying Enderness and other strong places in the North all being resolved to defend and maintain the Cause of Charles the Second with their lives and fortunes many Englishmen flocking to them In the mean time Prince Rupert makes great Havock of the Merchants Ships and Goods in the English and Irish Seas which makes the Parliament hasten out their Fleet under the Command of Popham Dean and Blake as aforesaid And now on the ninth of March 1648. those three Lords Duke Hamilton as Earl of Cambridge the Earl of Holland and Lord Capell were beheaded in the new Palace-yard Westminster for having raised Arms against the Parliament nor could Duke Hamiltons pretending himself a stranger and not subject to the Laws of England nor the Lord Capells claiming the Lord Generals promise of Quarter finde them voices enough to save their lives though the Lord Goring and Sr John Owen escaped by Superiority of voices They all three died resolutely and handsomely befitting men of so noble descents The Parliament in some things to answer the Armies Petition Order a release of all Prisoners who were not in a capacity to pay their Debts the Commission nevertheless extending to the seizure of all their Estate and Moveables to pay as far as they will go They likewise Enact a rebate in Usury that none should take above six in the hundred which is an ease to the poor but a plague to the rich The 14th of March arrives at London Master Belford from the Parliament of Scotland who brings Letters expressing their high resentment for the securing of their Commissioners they assure them that they owned the Paper sent by their Commissioners by sending another Transcript of it so their Commissioners are discharged and it referred to the Counsell of State to send them an Answer The Parliament proceed in consideration of what was to be done in the farther punishing of offendors and Vote that fifteen be banished whereof the Marquess of Winchester the Lords Bristoll Cottington and Digby are four Judge Jenkins and Sr John Stowell are Ordered to be tried at the Kings Bench Bar. That Collonel Laughorne Powell and Poyer or any others who have held out any Castle or Fort since the first of March 1648. to be tried by a Counsell of War They proceed to the Confiscation of the Estates of the Prince of Wales Duke of York Duke of Buckingham Earl of Bristoll Earl of Newcastle Earl of Worcester Lord Digby Sr William Widdrington Sr Phillip Musgrave Sr Marmaduke Langdale Sr Richard Grimvile Sir Francis Dodington Sr Iohn Culpepper and Sr Iohn Byron any of which being taken in England are to die without mercy The Banishment of the Marquess of Winchester is remitted at last and he with Bishop Wren Voted imprisonment in the Tower during the Parliaments pleasure Brown Bushell is also Voted to be tried for his life The Parliament hoping to justifie their actions to the world abroad by Logick as well as they had done it by force at home cause a large and specious Declaration to be drawn up shewing the causes of their Actions and Proceedings against their late King and of the Alteration of the Government which they order to be Printed in Latin French Dutch and Italian the better to satisfie as they dream't the rest of the Christian world The Lieutenant Generall Cromwell now comes in play again action being so naturall to him he being appointed Generalissimo of those 12000 Horse and Foot which are Voted to be sent for the relief of Ireland and the reducing of Ormond Inchequeen and Owen Roe who had now made a full conjunction and lay neare Dublin with 22000 Men. And now the Parliament by their Act and Declaration of the 19th of February dissolve all Kingly Government disheriting the late Kings Children or any other from any claim right or title to the Government of England Wales or Ireland or any of the Honours Mannors Lands Tenements Possessions or Hereditaments belonging or appertaining to the Crown of England or Ireland And they by the same Act discharge and absolve all the people of England Wales and Ireland of what degree or condition soever from all Fealty Homage and Allegiance which is or shall be pretended due to any of the Issue and Posterity of the late King or any claiming under him This Act the Parliament Order to be proclaimed in the City of London by the Mayor Aldermen and Sheriffs in Person and likewise in the chief places of the Nation to which purpose Writs are sent down to the Sheriffs of the respective Counties But the Lord Mayor and severall of the Aldermen whose consciences would not permit them to proclaim it refusing to do it put a demur upon it throughout the whole Nation the effects of which the Parliament fearing called him to the Bar of the House and finding him resolved Order the degradation of him Alderman Bunce and three Aldermen more Alderman Andrews being found fit for the Parliaments purpose is appointed to sit on the Bench in the late Lord Mayors stead who readily executed the Parliaments Commands The Parliament Constitute a Committee for the sale of Parks Chases and Forrest-Lands of whom any three have power and authority to Act. The 24th of March the Castle of Pomfret which had held out near nine Moneths was forced to surrender for want of Ammunition The private Souldiers who were most of them inhabitants of Yorkeshire had liberty by Articles to go home to their habitations but the Governour and some others were exempted from Quarter nevertheless Lieutenant Collonel Morris the Governour escaped The Scotch Commissioners are at last dispatched to the King with full Instructions to treat with him of which the chief were First That his Majesty take the Covenant Secondly That he put from him all who have assisted
judgeeth every mans actions impartially Some there were who got into Steeples and other places of defence thinking to save themselves but were all forced either by the sword or famine to yield who yet in cold bloud found as little mercy as their fellows had done in the heat of the Battell there being not above two escaping with their lives the Dean Barnard afterwards made Almoner and the other an old man by his leaping out of a Steeple which Cromwels Souldiers blew up with Gunpowder who though he broke his Leg yet had his life saved This great slaughter not being occasioned neither by the heat of the Souldiers but by Cromwels speciall Command who vowed somewhat to a noble Officer of his pleading for mercy for the Defendants That he would sacrifice their bodyes to the souls of the Englishmen they had murdered which he could not in justice say of those in Droghedah knowing them to be most Englishmen and such whose greatest fault was to serve their true and lawfull Soveraign in his just defence However this slaughter works for his ends for upon the News the Souldiers and Townsmen in Trim and Dundalke two adjacent Garrisons quit their holds and such was their haste in Trim that they l ft their great Guns behinde them on the Platforms and well might their fear be great at the News of Droghedahs taking when Sr Phelime O Neal at the hearing of it burst out in a passion swearing That if Cromwell had taken Droghedah by storm if he should storm Hell he would take it This considerable action having had such wished for success Cromwell directs his Army towards Wexford and in his way engarrisons Killingkerick and Arcklo Castle the feat of the Ormonds two deserted Forts many others in that March submitted whereof most being places inconsiderable were slighted others engarrisoned The first of October the Army faces Wexford and the Lord Deputy requires Collonel Synnot the Governour to make a speedy surrender of it he returnes an answer somewhat dubious so that many Papers pass between him and the Lord Deputy which was occasioned only by a design the Governour had to waste and delay time till the Earl of Castle-haven was entred into the Town with 500 men to strengthen the Garrison So when the Governour had received these recruits he no longer writes dubiously but plainly sends word to the Lord Deputy that he was resolved to stand it out to the utmost whereupon Cromwell being enraged at his mockery bends his force at the Castle which stands at the South-East end of the Town which after having received some hundreds of great Shot was forced to a rendition This so quelled the hearts of the stout Wexfordians that they quitred their Walls and gave the Enemy free leave to enter which they delayed not to do but meeting with no resistance fell in pell mell till they came to the Market-place where the Souldiers and Inhabitants reviving their courage in vain maintained their ground for a short time for they were soon over-powred and all that were found in Arms slain Thus Wexford being taken Cromwell marches on to Waterford and takes Passage-Fort but because of the Winter presently raises his Army and whilest severall parties are disposed in their winter-quarters they reduce severall engarrisoned places so that in fine all considerable places in Ireland except Limerick Waterford Clonmell Galloway and Kilkenny were in the possession of the Lord Deputy Cromwell But let us leave him thus victorious in Ireland and return to the King and Scots The King seeing business go so ill in Ireland resolves to comply somewhat neerer with the Scots who notwithstanding his giving Commissions to Montross still sollicit him by Commissioners and at length come to agreement with him The news of this and the Scottish great preparations for warre and as it is supposed to invade England makes the Parliament send over to Ireland for their victorious Generall Cromwell whom they intend to send into Scotland to hinder their coming into England Generall Fairfax having pleaded his disability to go but Cromwell before his coming away he reduces the City of Kilkenny and the strong Fort of Clonmell the one by Articles the other by storm which done leaving Ireton Deputy in his stead he takes Ship at Wexford and so came over to Bristoll and from thence by Post to London where upon Saturday the first of Iune he arrived with unexpressible imaginations of joy About this time Prince Rupert who had played many pranks at Sea is blocked up by the three English Admirals in Lisbone most of his Ships being before either taken or sunk who treat with the King of Portugall to force him out of his harbour which he by no means neither promises nor threats could be induced to do though the English surprize many of his Sugar-Ships coming from Brazill and threaten to take the rest in case he resolves not to renounce his protection of Prince Rupert but at last the English for want of water and victuals are forced to depart from before the Port which opportunity Prince Rupert taking gets out and steers for Malaga whither the English having victualled follow them take the Roe-Buck force the Black-Prince and four more ashore and Prince Rupert escaping with two Ships more they sleight him and giving over further search return with victory to England About this time likewise the English having sent Mr Anthony Ashcam Agent to the King of Spain he arrived the 5th of Iune 1650. at Sancta Maria where hearing many threats against his person he procured a guard for to convey him to Madrid where at his first arrivall lying at an Inne being the next day at dinner with his Interpreter six roaring Dons knockt at the door and having easie admittance Mr Ashcam rose to salute them whereupon the first stabbed Mr Ashcam and his Interpreter endeavouaing to escape was wounded in the belly both falling down dead in the place the murtherers though they escaped to the Sanctuary were fetched out by the King of Spain but again returned thither by the Popes speciall mandate The League and agreement being as I said before fully concluded between the Scots and the King so that there wanted nothing but their having him with them which to expedite he hastens from Breda comes to the Hague and there takes shipping from whence notwithstanding the wait laid for him he arrives safely at the Spey in the north of Scotland where he is received with the best entertainment the Scots could give him But before he ascend the Throne there are other Conditions to be agreed on which they told him not of before 1. He must take the solemn League and Covenant 2. He must subscribe to a Declaration of the Kirks own framing declaring That he renounced the sins of his Fathers house and of his own the Idolatry of his Mother by a constant adhering to the Cause of God according to the Covenant in the firm establishment of Church-government as it is laid down
at Westminster who though they had doubting such a thing ordered Major Generall Harrison with 3000 Horse and Dragoons to attend such an irruption yet knowing him unable to encounter so great a Body they could not tell what the event might be they therefore proceed to the leavying of new Forces in all the Counties of England and likewise for the better carrying on of their business Enact That no person whatsoever should presume to hold any correspondency with Charles Stuart or with his party or with any of them nor give any intelligence to them nor countenance encourage abett adhere to or assist any of them nor voluntarily afford or cause to be afforded or delivered to any of them any victuals provision Ammunition Arms Horses Plate Money Men or any other relief whatsoever under pain of high Treason and that all persons should use their utmost endeavours to hinder and stop their march Yet for all this the Scotch Army went on in prosecution of their design bending their course by a swift March for the West of England though it was expected by the whole Nation and especially by their friends that they would have directed their course to London Generall Cromwell being at St Johnston and hearing of this suddain march leaving such Forces as might secure that part of Scotland which was already won and leaving six or seaven thousand Horse and Foot more with Lieutenant Generall Monck to reduce those parts which remained he orders Major Generall Lambert with five Regiments of Horse and Dragoons to fly away with all possible speed to get into the rear of the Scots Army whilest Harrison was in the Front aad with the rest of the Army followes as hard as he could and on the 12 of August crossed the Tine but let us leave him following the Scotch Army and look a little into the affairs of Ireland Limerick though for some time blockt up yet held out stoutly against the Forces of the Lord Deputy Ireton they still relying upon the Lord Muskerryes help for relief who at length having gathered an Army of near 1000 Horse and Dragoons and 2000 Foot had an intention to joyn with some Forces which were got together in Lemster but the Lord Broghill hearing of his design with about 400 Horse and Dragoons and 1000 Foot endeavoured to hinder compaction so there hapned an engagement between them which though it was bloudy to the Lord Broghill himself likewise being indangered yet in the end he obtained full victory over the Lord Muskerryes Forces of whom there were neer 600 slain many of them Officers but very few taken there were likewise neer 200 of the Lord Broghills slain and many wounded the dispute being very hot on both sides yet this startled not at all either Limerick or Galloway which were both beleaguered and resolved to hold out to the uttermost bit of bread But let us return to see how the Scots direct their March in England where being come to Warrington Bridge Harrison endeavours to impead their passage but in vain for they gained the Bridge and forced him to retire so they march on without impediment to Worcester Lambert following them at the heels and Cromwell with all possible expedition advancing from Scotland the Militia in every County being raised or marching towards them to inclose them in that City of which they had possessed themselves For on Friday the 23 of August the King with his Army entred Worcester resolving to tarry there and abide the brunt for there were now so many Forces leavied that all wayes were stopt to impead his Marching farther He causes works to be raised here for his greater security and sends forth his Letters Mandatory to Collonel Mackworth Governour of Shrewsbury and to Sr Thomas Middleton in Wales for leavying Forces to assist him but both his commands and perswasions proved vain and unnsefull And now the black day begins to draw nigh Cromwell with an iuimaginable celerity joyns with Fleetwood Desborough Gray of Groby Lambert and Harrison who commanded the rest of the Parliaments Forces the Militia Forces are likewise joyned to them so they all march unanimously forward to surround the Scotch Army in this pound at Worcester Nor was there ever so great an Army gathered together in so small a time in England for the whole force could not amount to less then 80000 men The Army being now drawn near to Worcester the first design they set upon was the possession of Vpton Bridge where Cromwell intended to pass over with his Army Fleetwood had the management of this enterprize who sends first a small party of Horse and Foot to judge of the feasableness of the attempt these though they found the Bridge broken down all save only one beam of Timber which reached from one Arch to another boldly dismount and venture over and secure themselves in a Church which Massey who lay in Vpton with about 200 Horse and 60 Dragoons in a great deal of security not dreading an Enemy allarmed at assaults whilest in the mean time Lambert passes over a considerable party of Horse to their relief whereupon Maffey finding it in vain to fight made an honourable retreat towards Worcester himself still bringing up the rear in which service he was wounded by a shot in the hand The Bridge thus won is immediately repaired so that Fleetwoods Army passes all over whilest Cromwell causes a Bridge of Boats to be made over the Severn on the other side that by passing over his Army the Enemy might be the more streightened But let us leave them a little at Worcester in the forementioned posture and look a little into Lancashire where the Earl of Derby with about 300 Gentlemen endeavour to raise the Country and had a party of near 1500 Horse and Foot Collone Lilburne is ordered to oppose him with whom Generall Cromwells Regiment of Foot is ordered to joyn To prevent their conjunction the Earl marches towards Manchester to surprize that Regiment Collonel Lilburne flanks the Enemy in their march hoping by that means to joyn with the Regiment which to prevent the Enemy forces him to engage the dispute was tedious by reason Lilburne was over-matched with Foot but in the end the Earl was totally routed The Lord Widdrington Sr Thomas Tidesly Sr William Throgmorton Sr Francis Gamuel with many other inferiour Officers and about 60 Souldiers slain upon the place Collonel Leg Collonel Robbinson Collonel Bay and Collonel Gerrard with severall other Commission-Officers and Gentlemen with about 500 private Souldiers were taken together with the Earl of Derbeys George Garter and other Badges of his Order but he himself escaped to Worcester there to tell the sad news of his petty overthrow which was but as a prologue to a greater But to return again to Worcester Fleetwoods Army having all passed over Vpton Bridge make a Bridge of Boats over the River Teame to attaque the West side of the Town which so alarmed the Scots that they rise from their
Leaguer at St Jones and with a great part of their Horse and Foot advance to oppose the Lieutenant Generals passage The Lord Generall to divert their design leads on in person on the other side of Worcester which he had undertook to attaque two Regiments of Foot Collonel Hookers Horse and his own Lifeguard whilest Fleetwood with Collonel Goffs and Deans Regiments of Foot marches on to a Hedge-fight which the Scots thought most secure and stoutly maintained their ground till the fresh supply of Blakes Gibbons and Marshes Regiments force them to retire to Pawick Bridge where they are again engaged by Collonel Hayns Cobbets and Matthews Regiments and at length still overpowred by the Enemyes fresh supplyes forced to retreat in some disorderly hast into Worcester Their success being so bad on this side against Lieutenant Generall Fleetwood they resolve to trie if they could have better fortune against Cromwell on the other side Therefore on a suddain they sally out with all the Horse and Foot they could and at the first shock made Cromwels men retire somewhat disorderly the King himself performing the duty of a valiant Commander in the head of his Horse but at length overpowred by their numerous fresh supplyes they were put to the rout The Horse flying amain towards the North and the Foot into Worcester followed at the heels by their victors who entred the Town with them which they sacked killed or took most of the Scots prisoners who found life or death according to the mercy of those into whose hands they fell From this Battell there escaped only about 3000 Horse most or all the Infantry being either slain or taken and near 100 prisoners of quality of which the chief were Duke Hamilton Earl of Shrewsbury Earl of Derby who fell now into Collonel Lilburnes hands though he mist him before Earl of Cleaveland Earl of Lauderdail Earl of Rothes Earl of Carnwath Earl of Kelly Lord Spine Sir John Packington Sr Charles Cunningham Sir Ralph Clare Major Generall Piscotty Major Generall Montgomery Collonel Graves and Mr Richard Fanshaw Secretary to his Majesty The number of the prisoners in the whole was given out to be near 10000 together with whom was taken the Kings Standard Coach and Horses Collar of SS and Star-Cloak Major Generall Massey likewise though he escaped the Battell yet not finding any secure shelter and being grievously wounded surrendred himself prisoner to the Countess of Stamford and was secured by the Lord Grey of Groby her son and after recovery of his wounds by him sent up to London from whence he shortly after escaped The News of this victory extreamly rejoyced the Parliament at Westminster who nevertheless were somewhat sorry for the escape of the King of Scots who notwithstanding the great search made for him and the Fine set upon his head escaped For after having quitted the field at Worcester he with only one servant with him retired into the Woods where he hid himself two or three dayes till at length coming to a Gentlemans house who had formerly been a servant of his Fathers he was by him conveyed to a noble Esquires house in that County where he lay disguised near two Moneths till the heat of the search was over from whence he came up to London as servant to a Gentlewoman and so at fit opportunity escaped into France Many of the Scotch Nobility were about this time taken by Generall Monck in Scotland at a place called Ellet where they were met together to negotiate the royall affairs viz. old Generall Lesley Earl of Marshall Earl of Craford Lord Keith Lord Ogilby Lord Bargayny Lord Huntly Lord Lee with many other Knights Gentlemen and Ministers who were shortly after sent by Sea to London The Lord Generall Cromwell after his great victory at Worcester on the third of September his ever propitious day on the eighth sets forward towards London where arriving on the twelfth he was met by the Speaker and most of the Members of Parliament the President of the Counsell of State the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London with great acclamations of joy and acknowledgement of the Parliaments obligation to him for his eminent services which was expressed by the Speaker in a very elegant speech Shortly after two of the Parliaments Chieftains left this world both men of eminent conduct the one Generall Popham one of the Admirals of their Fleet who was a man from whom all men expected excellent service for them had his dayes been prolonged The other the Lord Deputy Ireton who died of the plague under the Walls of Limerick whose body or a Coffin in its stead was afterwards brought over into England and laid in State in Sommerset-House and from thence carried with as much pomp as ever any Kings of England since the conquest to be interred in Westminster Abbey where his Effigies was likewise set up in requitall of his many services he having a long time been one of the Parliaments fortunate Commanders In the mean time the Parliament take order for the speedy reducing of the Islands of Gersey and Man in pursuance whereof Collonel Haynes with two Regiments of Foot and four Troops of Horse set sail out of Weymouth the 16 of October and arriving at Gersey though they found some opposition at Landing yet they easily forced their way and soon possessed themselves of the Island all the Forts in it being presently delivered to them except Elizabeth Castle which held out till the middle of December and was then surrendred upon Articles Collonel Duckenfield with his own Generall Cromwels and Generall Deans Regiments of Foot and two Troops of Horse on the 14th of October departed out of the Bay of Reaumorris towards the Island of Man and arriving there on the 17th in Ramsey-Bay there came aboard to them an Islander to assure them that they should have no opposition in their Landing that they might come securely under their Forts which they had taken possession of for them that only two Castles held out viz. Peel and Rushen which were held by the Forces of the Countess of Derby which they would help them to reduce He is at first distrusted having nothing in writing to show but Major Fox being sent ashore findes it true so the Army lands and besieges both the Castles of Peel and Rushen which after short time delivered up with bloud to Collonel Duckenfield for the use of the Parliament on the 26th of October 1651 where there was found good store of provision and Ammunition of all sorts Shortly after was surrendred to the Parliaments Forces the strong and impregnable hold of Corne-Castle in the Isle of Guernsey with good conditions to the defendants consideration being had to the strength of the place and the bloud might probably be yet spent in reducing it per force or the charge they must necessarily have been at in starving it out it being still found very well victualled Notwithstanding that numerous company of Noble men
is contained in the Old and New Testament be asserted and held forth for the publick profession of these Nations and no other and that a Confession of faith be agreed upon and recommended to the people of these Nations and none be permitted by words or writings to revile or reproach the said Confession of faith The Petition and Advice of which the foregoing Lines were the heads being in the painted Chamber read to the Protector was by him passed though with much seeming reluctancy he declaring That he came not thither that day as to a triumph but with the most serious thoughts that ever he had in all his life being to undertake one of the greatest burthens that ever was laid upon the back of any humane creature so that without the support of the Almighty he must necessarily sink under the weight of it to the damage and prejudice of these Nations That this being so he must ask the help of the Parliament and the help of all those that fear God that by their prayers he might receive assistance from the hand of God seeing nothing but his presence could enable him to the discharge of so great a trust That seeing this is but an Introduction to the carrying on of the Government of these Nations and forasmuch as there were many things which could not be supplied without help of Parliament he thought it his duty to desire their help not that he doubted of it for he believed that the same spirit that had led the Parliament to this would easily suggest the rest to them That nothing should have induced him to have undertaken this intollerable burthen to flesh and bloud had he not seen that it was the Parliaments care to answer those ends for which they had engaged calling God to witness that he would not have undergone it had he not saw it to be determined by the Parliament to make clearly for the liberty and interest of the Nation and preservation of such as fear God and that if these Nations be not thank full to them for their care therein it would fall as a sin upon their heads To conclude he recommends to them other things which would tend to Reformation and the discountenancing of vice and encouragement to good men and vertue desiring them that they would not be wanting in any thing that might make for the good of the Nations So wishing the Lord to prosper their endeavours ends The Members having heard this speech are dismissed and return to their House whither in few dayes the Protector sends them a Letter desiring their adjournment some convenient time till the Inauguration of his Highness the Lord Protector could be conveniently performed And accordingly they passed a Bill for their adjournment from the 26th of June 1657 to the 20th of January following the said 26th of June being the day appointed for his Highness solemn investiture His Highness with accustomed Ceremonies being conducted to the place which was prepared for him under a Cloth of State in Westminster-hall the Speaker in the name of the Parliament presents severall things which were ready laid upon the Table unto him First a Robe of purple Velvet lined with Ermine being the habit anciently used at the solemn investiture of Princes next a large Bible richly guilt and boss'd then a Sword and lastly a Scepter of massie Gold Which thus presented in the whole the Speaker arose and assisted by the Earl of Warwick and the Lord Whitlocke vested his Highness then presented him the Bible the Speaker girt his Sword about him and lastly gave him the Scepter which done the Speaker returned again to the Chair and administred the Oath to the Protector in these following words I do in the presence and by the name of Almighty God promise and swear that to the uttermost of my power I will uphold and maintain the true Reformed Protestant Christian Religion in the purity thereof as it is contained in the holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to the uttermost of my power and understanding and encourage the profession and professors of the same and that to the utmost of my power I will endeavour as chief Magistrate of these three Nations the maintenance and preservation of the peace and safety and just rights and priviledges of the people thereof and shall in all things according to my best knowledge and power govern the people of these Nations according to Law This Oath administred and some attending Ceremonies performed a Herald stood up aloft giving signall to a Trumpet to sound three times after which he did by Authority and Direction of Parliament publish and proclaim his Highness Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England Scotland and Ireland requiring all persons to yeeld him due obedience This Proclamation ended the Trumpets again founded and some Souldiers and others set there on purpose ecchoed forth God save the Lord Protector Then was he again proclaimed by an Officer at Arms standing on the stairs which was answered again by the same Ecchoes of some of the Souldiery These Ceremonies ended the Protector attended by all the Officers of State went into the Palace-yard Westminster in his Robes where entring his Coach he returned in State to Whitehall But let us now return a little to our English Forces which went over under Sr John Reynolds to assist the French King who this year about the latter end of October advance into the Spanish Territories and joyning with the Marshall Turine the whole Army according to agreement sate down before the Mardike-Fort which lyes about two Miles from Dunkirke and was judged of concernment to the taking of Dunkirke it self which place according to agreement the French Army in consideration our helps was joyned with theirs to the siege before any other service and if taken to deliver it into the English hands after a short siege Mardike was upon Articles surrendred to the French and English and presently a Garrison of Souldiers placed in it whom the Spaniards suddenly after endeavoured to remove by giving a fierce Camisado to the Fort when the Armyes were drawn into their Winter-Quarter but it proved ineffectuall For though there were no want of courage in their charge yet the English repulsed them though they not content with this expulse adventured upon it again where though the Duke of Yorke who commanded in chief performed things worthy of so gallant a Prince yet were they forced to a second retreat Whilest the sweetness of these successes made many men rejoyce there arrived news to imbitter it viz. the death of that noble and thrice valiant Generall Blake who had done such noble and gallant service for his Country had beaten the Hollanders that potent Nation at Sea forcing them to run into their harbours for shelter he had lately burnt the mighty King of Spains West-India Fleet in his own harbours and under his own Castles and to shorten his praises in a word had he been but as loyall as he was