like was never in England seene before for State and Magnificence and afterward were Royally entertained by the Lord Mayor of London with a stately Feast and Banquet 1634. The English Coast was much perplext with Pirates of severall Nations and the Kings Dominion in the narrow Seas evidently usurped by the Dutch and defended by Grotius in his book Entituled Mare Liberum which was exactly Answered by the Learned Selden in his Book Entituled Mare Clausum The Exchequer at that time was very much drained The King having tyed himselfe up by granting the Petition of Right could not tax or levy money without consent of Parliament and how to expect it from them with whom he had parted so fouly he could not imagine He declares his Intentions to his Attorney Noy together with the Necessity of raysing money but desires it to be done Legally who after much study and paines finds out an ancient president of raising a Tax for setting forth a Navy in case of danger without a Parliament The King was very glad of it Writs were Instantly Issued out to the Sea-port Townes to raise money for a certaine number of Ships well provided for the safety of the Nation they complained that it equally concern'd the whole Nation upon which a Tax was laid throughout the whole Kingdome every one endeavoured to excuse it and some alledged it was against the Petition of Right it being done out of Parliament which begat a great quarrell Great Contest happened in Ireland this yeare between the Protestants and Papists which occasioned the Lord Strafford then Lord Deputy to summon a Parliament for the raysing of moneys for the payment of the Army and the Kings Revenue which was managed with so much wisdome and prudence by the Lord Deputy that he obtained his desire There was likewise a Synod called wherein the Articles of 1615 were repealed and the 39 Articles of the Church of England established in their room they did likewise unanimously declare their consent and agreement with the Church of England in the profession of the same Christian faith The Scots were now Hatching mischievous designes against the King which they colour'd with specious pretences as The Kings endeavouring to Intrench on their Liberties and after some time were so Insolent as to charge the King with favouring of Papists in a desperate Libell which by the care and diligence of the Lords of the Councell was supprest the Author was discovered to be one Hagge and the principall abettor the Lord Bellamore who being found Guilty received the sentence of death but upon his application to the Kings mercy was pardoned The 29 of September by the procurement of the Earle of Arundell one Robert Parr aged 160 was brought to London one of the wonders of this last age In November following the Prince Elector came to London to tender his respect to his Uncle and to solicite touching his restitution and not long after came his second Brother Prince Robert On the 28 of December 1635. was borne the Kings second Daughter and was the second of January baptized Elizabeth March the sixth William Juxson Lord Bishop of London was made Lord Treasurer a man of great Piety and Integrity At this time if ever might England be said to be in a happy condition the Church the most Glorious and splendid that ever was since the Apostles times the Civill Government managed by a King who for piety and morality was not Inferiour to any in the Christian world Incompassed about with peace on all sides what mortall would ever have imagined that this bright Sun-shine of Felicity should be so soone Eclipsed William Land Lord Archbishop of Canterbury taking notice of the carelesse observance of the Ecclesiasticall Canons which he strictly put in practice in his solemne Visitation and in his zeale gave order for the Removing of the Communion Table to the East end of the Church upon an ascent and to be rayled In to prevent profanation which gave great distast to the puritan party who charg'd him with Innovation 1636. In July set forth the Kings Royall Fleete to scowre the Seas of Pirates and to prevent the Intrenching of the Hollander in Fishing upon our Coasts which was effected but by their humble Request the King Indulgently Granted them Liberty In September the Earle of Arundell was sent Extraordinary Ambassadour attended by a Noble Traine to the Emperour to solicite in behalfe of the Prince Elector who being wearied with delayes return'd in a discontent The unhappy Controversie of Ship-money began now to be disputed The Writs for raysing Ship-money having been formerly Issued out divers refused to pay among the rest Mr. Hamden of Buckingham-shire by wilfull default refused and desired it might be argued in Law which occasioned the King to write a Letter to Sir John Brampston Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench Sir John Finsh Lord Chiefe Justice of the Court of Common Pleas Sir Humphry Davenport Baron of the Exchequer and to the rest of The Judges of the severall Courts to know their opinion who joyntly and severally gave their opinion that it was Lawfull upon which Processe is immediately Issued out against Mr. Hamden who demurr'd and desired the Judges opinion which was argued in the Exchequer the Major part was for the King onely Judge Crooke and Judge Hutton seemed to favour the other party but Judgement was past by the Barons against Hamden On the 17 of March 1636. was borne Anne the Kings third Daughter In June following Mr. Prin Dr Bastwick and Mr. Burton three violent and restlesse spirited men were sentenc'd in the High Commission Court for seditious and scandalous Libells by them made and disperst against the Bishops and their Ecclesiastical Government which sentence was by some accounted harsh and severe The King knowing the necessity of a mutuall Compliance in matters of Religion and understanding his Fathers Intention in composing a Liturgy for the Church of Scotland Orders the Bishop of Canterbury the Bishop of Ely together with diverse other Bishops of both Nations to revise and correct as they should think meete the Service Compiled in his Fathers life time which very little differ'd from that of England orders it to be sent to the Councell in Scotland to be made use of When on the 23 of July 1637 the Dean of Edenborough began to read the Book in St Giles Church a suddain uproar began by the women and baser sort of people The Bishop appointed to preach goes into the Pulpit hoping to convince them of their Irreverend Carriage which nothing prevailed for they were the more Insolent flinging stones stooles and what ever else came next to hand so that he hardly escaped with life Diverse other Churches were likewise Infested with the like fury and madnesse but by the Industry of the Archbishop of St Andrews Lord Chancelour and other Magistrates the tumult was appeased some were afterward apprehended and endeavours made to finde out the first beginner But it rested
not here for not long after it was observed that a great concourse of people from all parts of that Kingdome came to Edenborough which occasioned the Lords of the Councell to put forth severall Proclamations to prevent the like disorders but they nothing prevailed for the next day the Bishop of Galloway going to the Councell was followed by a great multitude railing and reviling him untill he came to the Councell-doore where he was no sooner enter'd but they beset the House with very great multitudes threatning destruction to all that were within The Councell immediately require ayde of the Provost and other Magistrates of the City who returne answer that they were in the like danger The tumult still increasing they of the City were forc't for the safegard of their own lives to subscribe as followeth 1. To joyne in opposition to the Service-Book and to Petition against it 2. To restore Ramsey and Rollock two silenced Ministers 3. To receive in Mr Henderson formerly silenced Which being signed the Councell thought was a good step to suppresse the tumult but entring into the High street The Lord Treasurer and other Lords were afresh assaulted trodden under-foote and brought back by violence to the Councell-House where being in great danger they require ayde of diverse Noblemen disaffected to the Common-prayer-book who promised what assistance they possibly could and in the end return'd home safe In the afternoon proclamation was made at the crosse of Edenborough for prevention of the like disorders but to smal effect some Citizens demanding the restitution of the Ministers and the performance of what was subscribed Suddenly two petitions were presented against the Common-prayer book and the Composers and Abettors of it which petitions were sent to the King with the narrative of the whole who immediatly sent instructions for adjourning the Tearm to Sterling a strong place and to make proclamation of severe penalties to be inflicted on the breakers and contemners of the peace which was no sooner proclaimed but the Lord Hume Lindsey and divers others protest against it and in contempt of Authority compeld the Heralds to hear the Protest or Covenant read all which being imparted to the King he sends Marquesse Hamilton as high Commissioner to settle peace and a right understanding who dealt treacherously and deceitfully trifling away eleven moneths time having three times returned to and again for England and at last published the Kings gracious Proclamation nulling the Service book and high Commission promising an Assembly to be held at Glascow Novem. 21. 1638. and a Parliament at Edenborough the 15. of May 1639 but this nothing satisfied for the more the King granted the more averse they were During the treaty the Covenanters had provided Officers Armes and what was necessary for a war The General Assembly being met they proceed to declare against the Book of Common prayer which occasioned the Bishops to draw up a protest against their proceedings and in conclusion by the Unanimous consent of all the Councel excepting Argile the Assembly was dissolved Proclamation was made and published throughout the Nation shewing the grounds and reasons of their dissolution which proclamation was opposed by the Covenanters with a protestation to adhere to all their former Covenants to put by all the Bishops Some they excommunicate and not long after totally abolished Episcopacy as being as they pretended inconsistant with the word of God and Lawes of that Nation Which occasioned the Marquesse and Commissioners to returne for England seemingly much discontented In the interim the Covenanters began to raise Armes Levy souldiers Impose taxers upon the people seize some of the Kings Castles raise fortifications and prepare for a war and chose David Lesley an old souldier to be General Toward the latter end of October 1638. came the queen mother into England many of the Common people were troubled at it as being generally by them lookt upon as a forerunner of a greater mischiefe The Scots are very high and insolent assuming all authority and invent new and unheard of Judicatures in defiance to the King and Councel and having cast of Episcopal Jurisdiction declare for the Calvinistical presbyterian Government which for a long time had bin hatching in that Kingdome but could never take head till then The King to suppresse their insolency by the advise of the Bishops prepares an Army which they contributed very largely to and being backed with the assistance of the Nobility and Gentry a considerable force is raised the Earle of Arundell being made Generall The King on the 17 of March the day of his Inauguration advances against the Scots The Scots hearing of the Kings advance march forward under the Conduct of their Generall David Lesley to meet him with Petition in one hand and their Armes in the other and on the 28 of May both Armies came within view The Scots after some time sent to treat about a pacification the King willingly consented to it and for the English were chosen the Earls of Holland Pembroke Salishury and Barkshire and Sir Henry Vane for the Presbyterian Covenanters the Earle of Rothes and Dunferling Lord Louden Douglas Archibald Johnson and Alexander Henderson Who after much Consultation conclude Articles of pacification on both sides which were signed the 18 of June Which Articles were as follow On the Kings part 1. His Majesty to confirme what his Commissioners promised in his name 2. That a Generall Assembly be called to sit at Edenborough August 6. 3. That a Parliament be called and sit at Edenborough the 20 of August 4. That he recall all forces by sea and land and restore all ships arristed and detained since the pretended Assembly at Glascow upon the Covenanters disarming and dishanding of their forces dissolving their tables and restoring to the King all his castles forts and ammunition and releasing all the persons lands and goods then under restraint since the pretended Assembly at Glascow This to be done by declaration On the Covenantes part 1. All the forces of Scotland to be disbanded within forty eight houres after publication of the Kings declaration 2. They to render up after the said publication all Castles Forts Ammunition of all sorts so soone as the King should send to receive them 3. They to hold no meetings treatings or consultations but such as are warranted by act of Parliament 4. They to desist from all fortifications and these to be remitted to the Kings pleasure 5. They to restore to all the Kings subjects their lands liberties houses goods and meanes taken or detained from them since the first of Feb. last Notwithstanding the declaration the Scots are stil averse and draw up a Protestation of sticking close to the late Generall Assembly at Glascow and to their solemne Covenant and perfidiously broke all their Articles of agreement continue their meetings neglect slighting the fortification and continue their officers in pay which with many other insolencies compeld the King to consider of reducing them to
obedience The King fummons his Privy Councel who conclude a Parliament to be called the 13 of April 1640 and for the present each of the Councel except Hamleton who pretended poverty subscribed large Contributions for the carrying on of the war untill such time as the Parliament should convene which was a leading card for the rest of the Nobility the Judges and others The Scots being informed of the Kings Preparation for a war sent the Lord Dunferling Lord Louden Sir Will. Douglas and M. Markham as Commissioners to represent the affaires of their transactions which were friendly received by the King and he well hoped that all differences might be composed with lenity and gentlenesse but it could not possibly be for during the treaty most of the Nobility that wisht well to the Kings interest in Scotland are imprisoned procured old souldiers out of Holland made divers fortifications required ayd of the King of France and by colouring their designes with the pretence for Religion and the cause of God they had gained a very strong party here in England By this time Episcopacy was totally extirpated in Scotland and the Presbyterian Contagion began to reigne here in England The Bishop of Canterbury a man learned pious and devout though unseasonably zealous was by the vulgar lookt upon as a great freind and favourer of Popery by reviving ancient Ceremonies in the Church and service of God which gave great occasion of discontent to the more precise and godly party On the 13 of Aprill 1640. the Parliament began and were composed for the most part of persons of Honour affectionate to Religion and their Country onely some sew violent restlesse spirited men that endeavoured to represent all the transactions of the King in the most ugly colours The King laid before them the treacherons designs of the Scots and demands 12 subsidies Mr. Pim and divers other members made long speeches reciting the greivances both of Church and State which were very many for it is with Government both Ecclesiasticall Civil as it is with watches that how good and excellent soever they be length of time disorders them they urge that there was never more need of redressing grievances and that would be the onely way to procure the Subsidies required The King promised to redresse the grievances afterward The King seeing them very backward concerning the Subsidies which his pressing necessities call'd for on the sift of May came into the House and dissolv'd the Parliament using Civill Language protesting that he would governe as much according to Law as if a Parliament were constantly sitting yet Mr Bellosis and Sir John Hotham were committed for speeches a small time and Mr Crew Chaireman to the Committee for Ministers was committed to the Tower for refusing to discover some Petitions presented to the Parliament The Convocation now sitting had formed an Oath for maintaining their Hierarchy as the Scots on the other side had Covenanted for the destruction of Episcopacy for which they were much blamed by many good men They likewise granted a large Contribution of 45. in the pound for six years to be assest on all the Clergy of England toward the carrying on of the Scotch war which was lookt upon as Illegall being without consent of Parliament And now the English in Imitation of the Scots began in a rude manner to assault the Archbishop of Canterbury as they did the Archbishop of St Andrews conceiving him to be the onely man that advised the King to break up the Parliament and on Munday the 16 of May 1640. a great number of rude disorderd persons meet together and goe to his house at Lambeth beset it but he being forewarned had sufficiently provided for his own safety Some of the principall were apprehended and committed to the White Lyon in Southwarke which not long after was violently by the multitude broke open and the prisoners discharge One of the Principall Riag-leaders was afterwards apprehended and condemned to be hang'd drawn and quartered to terrifie the rest The King being in want applyes himselfe to the City for supply but they being discontented at the last dissolution pretend poverty a likely thing after so many yeares of peace plenty and prosperity as they had enjoyed under his Government besides they are a little troubled at the questioning of their London-Dery Lands in Ireland by the Star-Chamber They Gentry were generally more free and afforded large Contributions by which meanes the Army began to Muster the Earle of Northumberland was appointed Generall and the Earle of Strafford Lievtenant Generall but both being indispos'd in health the King resolved to goe himselfe in person In July 1640. The Queene was delivered of a Son who was baptized Henry August 20. 1640. The King advances toward the North the Army having rendevouzed some dayes before whether being come he was informed of the sad disaster of a defeate given by Lessly to 1200 Horse and 3000 foote under the Command of the Lord Conway who were lest to secure the passe over the River Tine nere Nuburne as likewise Sir Jacob Astley Governour of Newcastle quit the Towne after he had sunck all the Ordinance as being no way tenable By this time the Earle of Strafford was recover'd and came to his command much troubled at my Lord Conways loss which Conway stoutly alledg'd was neither through neglect nor oversight Yet notwithstanding the Covenanters had a Check in their own Country Lesley having left some superfluous Ordnance at Dounse which the Garrison of Warwick being advertised of adventure forth and did seaze them which allarum'd the Earle of Haddington who with 2000 horse and foote pursue and with a very sharp Encounter rescue them which were carried back to Duglasse The Earle being at dinner the next day with diverse Knights and Gentlemen in a roome over the Magazine of Powder in the midst of their mirth they were suddenly blowne up whether by easualty or on purpose it was not known In September following the King was at Yorke presented with a Petition subscribed by eleven of the English Nobility To which he made Answer as followeth Before the receipt of your Petition his Majesty well foresaw the danger that threatens himselfe and Crowne and therefore resolveth the twenty-fourth of this moneth to summon all the Peeres and with them to consult what in this case is fittest to be done for his own honour and safety of the Kingdome where they with the rest may offer any thing that may conduce to these ends And accordingly they were by Writs from the Lord Keeper summoned to attend the 24 of September Great were the sufferings at that time of the Northerne Counties for Lesley the Scots Generall had imposed a tax of 350 l. per diem on the Bishoprick of Durham and 300 l. per diem on Northumberland on penalty of plundering and likewise seaz diverse English Ships laden with Corne in Newcastle Road as lawfull prize On the 24 of September the Lords assembled at Yorke
was largely contributed by the Gentry and offers the Crowne Lands in Morgage to ease the Country of the burthen of taxes and free Quarter The Earle of Lindsey is chosen Generall for the King and the Generall Rendevouz of his Forces was appointed at York The Earle of Essex Generall for the Parliament appointed a Rendevouz of all the Parliament Forces at Northampton being about 20000 Horse and foote who gave stirct Charge to restraine all prophaness and disorders in their Army He divided his Army into severall bodyes to prevent the Roving of Prince Rupert and to find out the King from Northampton he marches to Coventry thence to Warwick Worcester was possest by Sir John Byron a skirmish happened betwixt Prince Rupert and Mr. Fines Collonell Sands Captain Hales and others Thus the Prince came out of Worcester into a greene Meadow resolv'd to fight those he could first meete withall The passage to the Meadow was narrow Collonell Sands being over-valiant Charg'd with his Regiment before the rest could come up both sides being equall in number fought with Great resolution but the prince fearing the Generalls approach retired into Worcester though with some loss in the Reare being pursued through the Towne by the Parliaments Forces Collonell Sands and Sergeant Major Duglaas were slaine at the first Charge There was found dead in all thirteen person The Prince marcht immediately to Ludlow and the King with some horse marcheth into Wales and made a Speech full of protestations to the Gentry of Denbighshire and Flintshire and returnes to Shrewsbury where his strength much increased being 16000 foote and 5000 Horse and Dragoones Both Armies think of providing winter Quarters Collonell Essex with two Regiments of foote is appointed Governour of Glocester but not long after was order'd to Bristoll The towne being divided and hearing of his coming began to mutiny but he had a party which opened the gates to him in the night and surpriz'd the Mutiners Upon Essex Removall from Glocester Collonell Massey was appointed Governour The Earle of Essex sends horse and soote to the Lord Wharton to make a body to prevent the Cavaliers going to Wollverhampton The King being at Shrewsbury summons the County to bring horse and carts for his removall who marches neer Coventry and that night lay at Southam The King so exceedingly increased in strength that he caused feare in those at London who order all the trained bands of London and the adjacent Counties to be in readiness and to set up Posts and Chaines in all the passages into the City and order twelve Companies out of London for the security of Windsor Castle The Parliament Vote that it was and should be lawfull for all Counties in England to enter into a mutuall association for the defence each of other The danger that the Parliament apprehended was reall for the King had gotten between the Earle of Essex and London and they conjectur'd it more fesable forhim to attempt London then fight the Army Yorkshire at that time abounded with Cavaliers commanded by the Earle of Cumberland Sir Francis Wortley Sir Marmaduke Langdale and Sir Thomas Glenham In Cornwall there was a considerable strength for the King who were commanded by Sir Ralph Hopton In Wales they began to body besides the Army the King Commanded and a great body of horse commanded by Prince Rupert The King with an Army of 14000 foote and 4000 Horse and Dragoones came on Saturday the 22 of October within six miles of Keynton and quarter'd his Army at Crepeda and Edghill The Earle of Essex quarter'd at Keinton with his Army On Sunday the 28. both Armies draw up in a body The King having the advantage of a high hill called Edg Hill at the foote of which was a vale call'd the Vale of the red horse where Essex his Army was drawne up upon a Rising Ground in Battalia three Regiments of horse on the right wing commanded by Sir Philip Stapleton Sir William Belford and the Lord Fielding Sir John Meldram commanded the Van the Generall Collonell Hollis and the Lord Brooks in the Reare on the left wing twenty Troops of Horse commanded by Sir James Ramsey The Earle of Lindsey was Generall for the King but the Battaile was order'd by the Lord Ruthen Earle of Forth The Generall on foote led on the maine body of the Army with a pike in his hand The Earle of Essex shewed personall Valour till he was disswaded not to expose himselfe to danger and so retir'd to the body The Forlorn on the Kings side was commanded by Major Backstake and Captain Hamond who being come downe to the bottom of the hill charg'd the Parliaments Forlorn which was no sooner done but the Kings Canons began to play Prince Rupert Generall of the Horse Commanded the Right wing Charg'd furiously the Left wing of Essex his Army and Routed them pursuing them to Keinton Towne tooke the Carriages the Earles Waggons and Cloak-bag being too Eager of the plunder The Earle of Lindsey being too adventurous was kil'd and by reason of the absence of Prince Rupert the maine body of the Kings was assaulted with great fury and his Standard taken Sir Edmund Varney the Standard-bearer being kil'd which was afterwards retaken by an unknown person and convey'd away The foote on both sides Charge with equall Valour untill the night came on which parted the fight Both Armies continue in the field all night and the next day the King made Proclamation of pardon to such as would lay down their armes and submit The Victory was much disputed both sides returning thanks to God for Victory Indeed there was reall signes of Victory on both sides by the taking of Colours and Canons of equall number And although the Parliament lost more men yet the King lost more men of quality The number of the slaine was computed to be between five and six thousand The Kings Army drew off toward Keinton and the Earle of Essex withdrew toward Warwick In Examining the Earle of Essex his Cabinet they discover'd one Blake that attended the King to be Treacherous by holding a Correspondency who was immediatly condemn'd by a Councell of War and hang'd in the high way On the Parliaments side were slain of note the Lord St John Collonell Ch. Essex Lieutenant Collonell Ramsey The Parliament take care to recruite their Army by giving Liberty to apprentices to serve their time in the war which occasion'd very many to leave their trades and repaire thither They likewise solicite the Scots to raise and Army for their own defence The King on the other side sends a Declaration to his Councell in Scotland Stating the quarrell betwixt him and his Parliament requiring their assistance The King and Prince Rupert repaire neer London with a flying Army which occasioned the Parliament to provide for their own safety The Earle of Essex likewise drew neer to the City quartering his men at Acton and the places adjoyning The Kings Artiffery with some Troopes of Horse
advance from Colebrooke to Branford eight miles from London fell upon Collonell Hollis his men which quarter'd there but the Lord Brooks and Collonell Hamdens Regiments came speedily to their reliefe and for a time maintained a bloody fight The Earle of Essex was sitting in the House when the news was brought who immediately horst and with what strength he could hastens to meete the King but night approaching the King retired All that night vast numbers of Souldiers flockt from the City above three times the number of the Kings Army and they had hem'd hm in on every side had not Kingston bridge been left destitute over which the Kings traine of Artillery was drawne whilst a body of Horse faced the Enemy and then retired toward Oxford The Parliament orders the Generall to follow him and fight him The Kings Forces in the North under the Command of the Earle of Newcastle and the Earle of Cumberland being 8000 Horse and foote were too potent for the Lord Fairfax Lieutenant for the Parliament The Earle marches to tadcaster where the Lord Fairfax and Captaine Hotham were fell on the Towne and forc't the Lord Fairfax with some loss to quit the Towne and march to Cauwod and Selby for supplyes for his Army Sir Thomas Fairfax is sent to Leeds with diverse Troopes of Horse but was forc't to retire In December Goring with Armes money and eighty old Commanders with the Queens Standard arrives from Holland and joynes with the Earle of Newcastle The Counties of Norfolk Suffolk Cambridge Hartford Essex associate and the Lord Gray of Wark is appointed Major Generall over them The Parliaments Forces possesse themselves of Winchester and Chichester The Parliament send Propositions to Oxford by four Lords and eight Commoners To which the King returnes a speedy answer The Queen arrives the 16 of Feb. 1642. and brings over Arms money and Ammunition with her from Holland The Earle of Montross and the Lord Ogle present their service to her at York with two Troops of Horse which she afterward made up a considerable body The Earle of Essex in the Spring marcht forth of his winter quarters resolving to besiege Reading which was possest by the Kings Forces in it was 3000 Souldiers and twenty pieces of Ordinance the Generall sits downe before it in Aprill 1643. with an Army of 16000 foote and 3000 Horse which after sixteen dayes was delivered up on easie conditions by the Deputy Governour Collonell Fielding Sir Arthur Aston the Governour being indisposed by reason of his wounds At Cirencister was the most considerable party for the Parliament in all those parts Prince Rupert with a considerable Army marches against it the Towne not being fortified he falls on with a furious assault which at first was Gallantly received but after two houres dispute possest himselfe of the Towne the most part of the Earle of Stamfords Regiment being cut off seized a considerable Magazine with above 3000 Armes and eleven hundred persons which were conveyed to Oxford Immediately he faces Glocester summons the City To which Massey Replyed That he kept the City for King and Parliament and would not deliver it to any forraine Prince The Army in Wales raised for the King advance toward Glocester and in their march fall on a Regiment of Collonell burroughs which they rout diverse Officers being slaine took fifty prisoners and so march on to Glocester News was brought to the Parliament of a considerable defeat given to their forces in Devonshire and that Prince Maurice and the Marquesse of Hartford had Intentions to secure all the West for the King And not long after there was a discovery made for the betraying of Bristoll but by timely notice it was prevented and the Conspirators executed Likewise a discovery was made in London of a plot to settle the Kings Commission of Array for which Mr. Tomkins and Mr. Chaloner were both Executed The Lord Brookes a very active man for the Parliament being in Staffordshire with his Forces with Intentions to dissipate those Gentlemen that were got together for the King advances to Litchfield The Earle of Chesterfeild had some Forces in the Towne for the King who upon the Lord Brookes his advance to the Towne quits it and retires with his Forces to the Close which was far more tenable then the Towne Brookes takes possession of the Towne and being in a Window peeping to watch an advantage against the Enemy was shot into the Eye and died immediately His Souldiers notwithstanding the losse of their chiefe Commander fall on with much resolution and after a short dispute possest themselves of the Church and Close took the Earle of Chesterfeild with divers Commanders and many common Souldiers Prince Rupert immediatly lays siege to Litchfield and having notice of the advance of some of the Parliaments forces under the Command of Brereton and Gell to raise the siege drew out neer a thousand Horse and Dragoones fell on the enemy which they put to flight and by their flight left Bag and baggage to the Kings forces with divers pieces of Ordinance and many prisoners But the Earle of Northampton Charging in the head of the body was slaine they returne to the siege spring a mine and scale the walls whereupon the besieged desire a Parly and on reasonable conditions quit the Towne In May 1643. the Lords and Commons Vote that an Act be past for an Assembly of Divines immediately to be call'd to settle Religion They likewise Vote the making of a new Great Seale a thing never heard or read of in the Natition which Mr. Prin defens in his book entituled The opening of the Great Seale of England Sir John Hotham sends word to the Earle of Newcastle that Hull and Lincolne shall be deliver'd up to him for the service of his Majesty and both father and son resolve to stand on their own Guard at Hull Mr Jermin Generalissimo for the Queen was at New-wark who levying a considerable party for the securing of the County she with thirty Companies of Horse and Dragoones and three thousand foote meets the King at Edghill it being the first time she saw him since her departure into Holland The King and Queen retire to Oxford The Parliament draw up Articles of High Treason against the Queen That she had pawned the Jewells of the Crowne raised the Rebellion in Ireland endeavoured to raise a party in Scotland against the Parliament that she had appeared in the head of a Popish party which was at last past by both Houses They likewise Vote that the King and Queens revenue should be detained and imployed in the publick service They likewise Voted a new and unheard of tax to be laid upon Beer Wine Tobacco and whatsoever is necessary for support of life which they call'd Excize Sir John Hotham and his son are both taken prisoners by Sir Matthew Beynton their estates seazed and confiscate Sir John endeavouring to escape was knockt downe by a Souldier at the same Gate
that he denied the King Entrance They are both sent by Sea prisoners to the Parliament and Sir Matthew took possession of the Towne June 17. 1643. The Earle of Essex at Tane orders the Buckingham Forces to beat up the Kings quarters which accordingly they did Prince Rupert having notice of it falls in with a body of Horse Routed and disperst most of the party There was slaine the Earle of Musgraves Son and Mr. Hamden one of the five Impeached Members a man violently active against the King At that time the Parliaments Army was much visited with the Contagion many dying daily On the fift of July was a great defeat given to Sir William Waller in the West after he had continued there victoriously for some time by a party from Oxford conducted by the Lord Wilmot which defeate gave a great Check to the Parliament The Generall by reason of the sicknesse and other great wants of his Army marches towards London quartering them at Kingston on Thames and other adjacent places Great were the successes of the King almost in every part of the Kingdome for Sir William Waller was quite routed in the West Sir Ralph Hopton in the head of a Gallant Army upon whom the King was pleased for his fidelity and Valour to confer the Honour and Title of a Baron Prince Rupert was order'd to besiege Bristoll which in short time was deliver'd to him Prince Maurice besieged Exceter whither the Earle of Stamford was fled which on the fourth of September 1643 was diliver'd up to him upon Articles Sir John Barkly was made Governour The Lord Fairfax Sir Thomas Fairfax and most of the Parliaments forces in the North were defeated driven into Hull by the Lord of Newcastle who at that time commanded the Greatest Army in England and not onely able to terrifie the Parliaments Forces in England but likewise formidable to any Scotch forces that should come to their assistance Collonell Goring landed at Newcastle with 200 old Souldiers The Earle of Newcastle in his march from Tadcaster surprized Leeds and in it diverse persons of quality friends to the Parliament he likewise proclaimes the Lord Fairfax traytor The King in the Head of a Gallant Army summons Glocester offering free pardon and protection to the Inhabitants if they would lay downe their Armes requiring a positive answer in two houres In the Interim he surrounds the Towne with six thousand Horse and foote by the time appointed the Magistrates Officers and Souldiers returne this answer That they kept the Towne for his Majesty and his Royall posterity and doe accordingly conceive our selves wholly bound to obey the Commands of his Majesty signified by both Houses of Parliament and are resolved by Gods Help to keep the City accordingly The King stood amazed at their confidence for at that time they could not hope for reliefe In the Towne was onely one Regiment of foote an hundred Horse beside the trained bands in all not exceeding fifteen hundred men The King resolves to lay a close siege and a considerable party Intrencht on the South and East side though they within sallied out with some damage to the Kings forces the Welsh and Worcestershire forces on the North west side Generall Ruthen on the South-side the East and South parts were dam'd up with Earth They within make no lesse then eight sallies in ten dayes with no small prejudice to the besiegers The King prepares for a storme which with much valour was performed on both sides a mine was sprung under the East gate which they countermand by the industry of Collonell Massey the Governour The Parliament being inform'd of the Kings Intentions toward Glocester order the Generall to march out who mustred about 10000 Horse and foote at Hounslow and so marches forward for the reliefe of the Towne They likewise took care for recruiting an Army for Sir William Waller The Generall being come within seven miles of Glocester fired some pieces of Ordinance to give notice of his approach On the first of September a party of Horse is sent to face him whilst the King drew off from the siege Many of the Kings friends much blamed him for sitting downe before the Towne when he might without difficulty have come to London and fully ended the work for the Parliament were never in so low a condition since the beginning of the warre as they were when the King first sat downe before the Towne The Lords House being sensible of the danger Uote a Treaty and the Commons were consulting of it The Parliament sent to require the assistance of their brethren of Scotland and Vote 30000 l. be instantly borrowed for their advance The Solemne League and Covenant was drawn up and taken by all the Members of both Houses and orderd to be Imposed on all the associated Counties Doctor Featly a reverend and learned Divine was Imprisoned for refusing to take it The King immediately sends out his Proclamation against it in these words Whereas there is printed a paper pretended to be order'd by the Commons in Parliament on the 21 of September last to be printed and published which Covenant though it seemes to make specious expressions of piety and religion it is indeed nothing else but a traiterous and seditious combination against him and against the established religion and Lawes of this Kingdome in pursuance of a traiterous designe and endeavour to bring in forraine forces to invade this Kingdome his Majesty doth therefore straitly charge and command all his loving subjects of what degree and quality soever upon their allegiance that they presume not to take the said seditious and traiterous Covenant most straitly forbidding all his subjects to tender the said Covenant as they will answer the contrary at their extreamest perill The Earle of Bedford and Holland came to Oxford to tender their allegiance to the King but after a short stay return'd to the Parliament The Marquesse of Ormond the Kings Lieutetenant Generall in Ireland upon the Kings Letter sends over five Regiments of Souldiers for the Kings service every Officer and Souldier first took an Oath to defend the Protestant cause and the Kings person against all enemies Essex suddenly surprizes Cirencester by killing the Centery marcht into the Towne without any opposition and in it took Great store of Armes and Ammunition with thirty Cart Load of provisions which was there reserv'd for the Kings Army From thence he marches to Chilleton The Kings Forces drew up on Maverne hills The Earle of Essex drew off toward Hungerford and from thence toward Newbery which the Kings Forces had possest before-hand On Wednesday the 20 of September 1643. was fought the famous battell of Newbery on which depended the condition of the whole Kingdome The Kings Forces early in the morning had possest themselves of Biggs hill Essex his own Regiment assisted with Collonell Barkleys and Collonell Holburnes Regiment marcht and Charging furiously beate them from the Hill and possest it By this time a great
body of the Kings Horse fell on a party of Horse commanded by Sir Philip Stapleton who received the Charge with much resolution and beate the Enemy up to their maine body The fight continued till neer night The London Trained bands and Auxiliaries behaved themselves with much Valour and resolution The number of the dead was not certainly known There were diverse persons of quality slaine and wounded on the Kings side as likewise diverse Colours were taken and sent up to London Collonell Massey from Glocester moves up and downe with a party of Horse and doth much mischiefe to the Kings Forces The Kings forces Garrison all round about Glocester a party of the Kings Horse and foote rove up and down and seaze upon diverse good booties But the Kings maine body was orderd toward Reading which was then besieged by Essex Arundell Castle having been 28 dayes besieged by Sir William Waller was deliver'd on Conditions The King in December 1643. summons the Members of both Houses to appeare in January following at Oxford to advise in setling the peace of the Kingdome where on the 22th of January they meet at the Great Hall in Christ-Church where his Majesty declar'd That if he had the least thoughts of disagreeing with the happinesse of this Kingdome he would not advise with such Councellers as they were The Lords sat in the Upper Schooles the Commons in the Great Convocation House There were assembled the Prince the Duke of York Cumberland Fr. Cottington Treasurer Ed. Littleton Keeper of the Seale the Duke of Richmond and Marquesse of Hartford 19 Earles 18 Lords 126 Knights and Gentlemen beside a Great quantity of Noblemen Knights and Gentlemen imployed in his Majesties service in the severall parts of the Kingdome Their first work was to endeavour a peace to which purpose a Letter is sent to the Earle of Essex which he communicates to the House at Westminster On the 16 of January 1644. The Scots Army consisting of 18000 foote and 2000 Horse enter England by the way of Newcastle and set forth a Declaration of the justness of their Cause the Lawfulness of their Call New-wark having been three weeks besieged by Sir John Meldram with an Army of 7000. Prince Rupert with a body of 4000 Horse and Dragoones and 1000 foote raises the siege The Lord Fairfax and his Son Sir Thomas goe on victoriously in the North and in severall Encounters gave diverse defeats to the Earle of Newcastles forces The Parliament at Oxford having sat from January to Aprill and done no great matter the King after a Speech prorogues them to the 8 of October and afterwards by Proclamation till the 9 of November The Queen went from Oxford toward the West of England in order to her going over into France was attended the first dayes journey by her two eldest Sons and many of the Nobility The King in presence of the Peeres at Oxford received the Sacrament from the hands of Bishop Vsher using these solemne Protestations My Lords I espie here many resolv'd Protestants who may declare to the world the Resolution I doe now make I have to the utmost of my power prepar'd my soule to become a worthy receiver and may I so receive comfort by the blessed Sacrament as I doe intend the Establishment of the true reformed Protestant Religion as it stood in its beauty in the happy dayes of Queen Elizabeth without any connivance at Popery I blesse God that in the midst of these publick distractions I have still liberty to communicate and may this Sacrament be my damnation if my heart doe not joyne with my lips in this Protestation The Countesse of Darby held out Latham House against a considerable force of the Parliaments for neer 18 weeks The besiegers hearing of Prince Ruperts advance for the Countesses reliefe drew off from the siege upon which they sally out and did great Execution upon the Enemy The Parliament at Westminster Vote it treason for any Member of either House to desert them and goe to the King and the Member or Members so doing never to be receiv'd more into the House In June 1644. Collonell Massey summons Malborrough which was commanded by Collonell Hen. Howard who refusing to deliver it up to him causes a Great battery and with some Great Ordinance forc't his passage who with much Courage enters the Towne put the Enemy to flight and took above a hundred prisoners Sir William Waller with a body of Horse and foote attends the Kings motion from place to place and neere Crepida bridge the Kings Horse faced Sir William and Charg'd them through and through kill'd 150 men and took all his Traine of Artillery together with diverse considerable Officers prisoners The King presently marches to Bath with intent to follow the Earle of Essex who was gone that way On the 23 of July 1644. he came to Kingsmore and by the first of August came to Liskard some few miles distant where he encompast the Earle of Essex his Army his Majesty and Prince Maurice at Boneke on the one side Sir Richard Greenvill in Bodnim and Sir Jacob Astley at Hall The Kings Souldiers were very desirous to fight but it was thought more convenient to keep them up from provisions In eight dayes attendance very little was performed but some small skirmishes of Horse a party of 1500 foote was sent West to prevent all provisions coming that way Essex his Army marcht toward Foy leaving most of their great Pieces behind them the King followed and fell in upon the reare forc't them to retire in disorder and had not night prevented in all probability the whole Army had been destroyed The next morning Early the Earle of Essex quit his command and went by boate to Plimouth They require a Parly and chose Collonell Barkley Collonell Whichcot and Collonell Butler on the Parliaments party On the Kings side Prince Maurice the Lord Generall and the Lord Digby in eight Articles the agreement was made to deliver up all their Artillery with all their bag and baggage no person under the degree of a Corporall to weare any kind of weapon all Officers above onely sword and pistoll There were accordingly deliver'd up 49 Pieces of Brasse Ordinance 200 barrells of powder with bullet and match proportionable 9000 Armes for Horse and foote some thousands of the common Souldiers were immediately upon their desire entertain'd in his Majesties service Essex endeavoureth to excuse it to the Parliament as if by reason of Wallers not pursuing the Kings Army Yet notwithstanding this Great Victory the King sends a Message to both Houses of Parliament for a peace and likewise a Letter to the Earle of Essex to the same purpose The Nobility likewise subscribe a Letter to the Earle of Essex The King from Tavestoke sends another Letter to both Houses for an accommodation but the Parliament were so averse that nothing could prevaile The Parliament at Oxford met againe but unfortunately they fell into divisions and factions
which the King plainly perceived could produce no good effect in March following he dissolves them Not long after the Estates of the Low Countries send over Ambassadours to mediate in behalfe of a peace betwixt the King and Parliament Prince Rupert goes on Victoriously with a flying Army relieves Bolton Stopford and Leverpoole advances to York in his way Raises the siege of Latham House which was at that time besieged by the Parliaments Forces Upon his approach the Enemy drew off their siege They within sally out and doe some mischiefe to the reare of the Enemy The Prince pursues them with a Resolution to give them Battaile At last he comes to York upon whose approach the besiegers drew off the Prince follows intending to fight them and accordingly the third of July 1644 at seven a clock in the morning the fight began the Parliaments Forces having the advantage of the ground being on the South side of Marston Moore within four miles of York the Prince with the Right wing fell on the Parliaments Forces routs them the Generall Goring and Sir Charles Lucas fell on the maine body of the Enemy and routed them but pursuing them too far the Enemy Rallied and fell on the divided bodyes totally disperst them took 3000 prisoners 20 pieces of Ordinance beside a considerable quantity of Officers Immediately the Lord Fairfax and his Son the Earle of Manchester surround York Sir Thomas Glenham being then Governour for the King but by reason of Marston-Moore-fight all their powder and Ammunition was spent Sir Thomas was compeld to deliver it on honourable tearmes In December 1644 William Lord Archbishop of Canterbury after above an hundred times Attendance on the House was by the Commons Voted Guilty of High Treason and therefore condemn'd to be hang'd drawne and quarter'd which sentence he patiently received but upon his Petition they Vote him to be beheaded he likewise Petitions for his Chaplain Dr Sterne to whom they joyne Mr Marshall whom he refused for the Comfort of his soule and accordingly on the tenth of January he was conducted by Penington to the scaffold on Tower-hill where he made his last Sermon to the people enlarging himselfe on this Text Heb. 12. and 2d Let us run with patience the race that is set before us looking unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith who for the Joy that was set before him endured the Crosse and despised the shame and is now set downe at the Right hand of the throne of God which Sermon or Speech continued almost an houre and after prayer and some short Ejaculations laid down his head upon the block which the Executioner struck off at one blow and thus with much patience and Christian magnanimity he deliver'd up his soule to God Sir John Hotham in December 1644. was sentenc't to loose his head Captain Hotham was likewise Condemn'd and Executed the first of January Sir John the second of January on Tower-bill Not long after there was a treaty of peace appointed at Vxbridge The Commissioners on both sides being met the Proposals on both sides were made but all hopes of peace were frustrate Mr Love was much complained of who preaching there told them That the Kings Commissioners came with hearts full of blood and that there is as great distance between this treaty and peace as between heaven and hell for which in stead of being checkt he is taken into favour by the Parliament In March 1645. Sir Lewis Dives took Waymouth for the King In which was good store of Ordinance and all other provisions answerable with forty small Vessells in the Harbour The Kings Forces lay siege to Melcomb Regis Crumwell intends to joyne with Waller for its reliefe They of the Garrison of Plimouth issue out and beate the Kings Forces from Mount Stamford and took 150 prisoners Sir Marmaduke Langdale went out of Oxford with 2000 Horse and Dragoones fell upon the Lincolnshire Horse and forc't them to retire confusedly having taken two compleate troops marcht forward with Intentions to cause the Parliaments Forces to draw off thereby to relieve New-wark Belvoire Ashby de la zouch with provision to enable them to hold out the longer when they shall be attempted They likewise endeavour the reliefe of Pomfret Castle but my Lord Fairfax is ready with a body to receive him However Sir Marmaduke advances falls on the Enemy and after he had kild and taken diverse hundreds relieves the Castle and returnes to New-wark from thence to Litchfeild that thereby he may make choice either of going to Oxford or joyning with Prince Maurice The King at Oxford takes care to furnish it as also Wallingford and Banbury with all necessary provisions for six moneths and to get a formidable Army into the field this Summer The House of Lords made the Earle of Northumberland and his Lady Governour and Governesse of the Kings Children at Whitehall The Earle of Northampton lying at Banbury with foure hundred Horse fell on the Northampton Horse routed and kild many Major Generall Browne at Abbington sent out severall parties at times who returned very successfull with good store of provisions having kild diverse of the Enemy The Commons conceive the Earle of Essex too mild in the prosecution of the warre he having had such ill successe in the West and began to thinke of New Moddelling the Army to which purpose a Bill is brought into the House for Sir Thomas Fairfax to be Generall They likewise Vote the Earle of Essex to pacifie him 10000 l. per Annum out of Delinquents estates Both Houses Vote Sir Thomas Fairfax a Gentleman descended from a Noble and ancient family to be Generall for the Parliament who with much modesty accepted of it On the first of Aprill he issued out Commissions and on the third of Aprill went privately to Windsor to assist in the New Moddelling of the Army They likewise continued Lieutenant Generall Cromwell a stout Champion for his Country who having received his Commission immediately marcht and found the Enemy and ingag'd them at Ipsley Bridge the Enemies Brigade consisted of the Queens Colonell Wilmots the Earle of Northampton and Colonel Palmers Regiments Routed them kild many took 500 Horse and 200 prisoners together with the Queens Standard and pursues them to Blechingdon-house which Colonel Windebank kept for the King He sends a sharp Summons to the Governour to be speedily answered The Governour doubting of reliefe from Oxford immediately surrenders the House with all the Armes and Ammunition Cromwell immediately slighted the house and sent the Armes to Alsbury For which Windebank was sentenc't by a Councell of War at Oxford to be shot to death The Generall having compleated the Army was at a losse which way he should steere his course either to Oxford or the West Oxford was the Kings chiefe Garrison and there lay the most part of his traine of Artillery which if he could take would be of very great consequence but the distressed estate of Taunton
then close besieged by the Kings Forces ballanc't the scale and at a Councell of War it was resolved to relieve Taunton The King at that time was in a condition to take the field and had sent severall Dispatches to that purpose Sir Thomas Fairfax on the first of May advances with the whole Army first to Blauford then to Salisbury excepting that party of Horse and Dragoones Commanded by Lieutenant Generall Cromwell and foure Regiments of foote which were ordered to joyn with him The King taking the advantage of the Armies march into the West draws forth his Artillery from Oxford and began to gather into a considerable Body Lieutenant Generall Cromwell and Browne were orderd to attend him but being too few in number to engage The Generall by the Committee of both Kingdomes was commanded back all but a Brigade for the Reliefe of Taunton which were neer 5000 foote and 2000 horse who march without any impediment till they came within ten miles of Taunton where they discharged ten pieces of Ordinance to give the Enemy notice of their arrivall The Enemy being inform'd that the Generall and the whole Army were within ten miles prepare to draw off upon which Blake made a sally out and fell upon the reare kild and took diverse Colonel Wildon sends a party of Horse who approach to the walls for the Enemy had quit it The viewing the Towne was one of the saddest spectacles that ever eyes beheld it being almost consum'd by fire and the people almost starv'd The Generall and most of the Army being come back to Newbery were met with an order of the Committee of both Kingdomes immediately to lay close siege to Oxford Cromwell and Browne that attended the King were commanded back to assist in the work and after fifteen dayes surrounding the Towne it was by a Councell of War thought altogether Inconvenient to continue the siege the Kings Army unattempted in the field which the Generall presents to the Committee The King Horses most of his foote and moves up and downe and taking the Advantage of the Scots advance toward Westmorland and after he had relieved Chester comes on and faces Leicester Prince Rupert sent a Summons to the Towne offering quarter to the Souldiers Townsmen and Countrymen The Committee and Officers within desire till next morning to returne their answer The Trumpeter no sooner comes to the Kings Army but immediately a Drum is sent to require an answer in a quarter of an houre which while they were debating in the Towne the Kings Canons from the battery began to play and all were commanded to their Charge in order to a storme the Contest continued a day and a night with a great deale of Resolution on both sides In some breaches they came to push of Pike On Saturday at three of the Clock they enterd the Towne and in hot blood many were put to the sword some plunderd On the other side Colonel Massey with 2000 Horse and foote having laine two dayes before Evisham storm'd the Towne and took it with the Governour and twenty Officers 500 foote 120 Horse with all the Armes and Ammunition The Commons order six hundred men to be sent for the security of Portsmouth There came news from the West that Generall Goring Sir Ralph Hopton and Sir Richard Greenvill had joyned together and falne upon that party that had relieved Taunton and forc't them to retire to Taunton in great disorder Upon the news of the taking of Leicester the Commons order that the straightning of Oxford be turned to a close siege Lieutenant Generall Cromwell was orderd toward Ely to prevent the Kings breaking into the associated Counties they like vise order the Earle of Leven to advance with the Scots Army and to joyne with Colonel Vermuden to prevent the Kings going Northward But upon second thoughts the Commons order the Generall to raise the siege at Oxford and to take care to preserve the associated Counties and fight the King The Generall on his removall viewed Bostoll House and ordred a party to besiege it He likewise sent a party of Horse and foote Commanded by Colonel Rainsborough to summon Gaunt House The Governour upon the first summons return'd answer that he liked not Windebanks Law but the next day Rainsborough having provided all things ready for a storme the Governour caused a parly to be beaten and surrenderd upon Quarter Lieutenant Generall Cromwell moving up and downe in Cambridge-shire Huntington and Ely managed his businesse with so much discretion as that he was able to have raised an Army of 12000 men to assist him in following the King But leaving those Counties in a posture of defence he marches toward the Generall with 600 Horse and Dragoones The King sends a party of Horse and faces Northampton he himselfe being at Harborough with the maine Body The King sends 1200 Horse with good store of Cattell and sheepe to Oxford which immediately returne Sir Thomas Fairfax came with the Army to Wotton thence to Glastenborough within five miles of Burrough hill where the Kings Forces were all drawne up in a readinesse The Generall for the Parliament advances from Gilling to Naseby endeavouring to ingage the Enemy the scouts discover that they were at Harborough and great bodyes of Horse appeared on the hills nigh Harborough he orders a Randevouz of the Army neere Naseby and to put them in such a posture that should the King advance toward them they might having the advantage of ground receive him By this time the Kings Army advances endeavouring to get the winde which occasioned Sir Thomas Fairfax to draw off the Army into a large fallow field toward the Northwest of Naseby which was defended on the right hand with a Hedge a place very convenient for a battell January 13. 1645. the King draws off from Burrough hill the scouts bringing Intelligence of the Parliaments Army approaching took up their quarters in Naseby Ireton with a flying party of Horse fell upon the flanke of the Enemy kild some and took diverse prisoners which so allarum'd the King that he posts to Harborough for better security summons a Councell of War and considerd that should they draw off and march to Leicester if the reare were ingaged the whole Army might be in danger and they could with no safety march with the Van till the Reare was secured whereupon it was resolv'd to give battell which was the most fatall and destructive to the King that ever hapned since the first beginning of the quarrell yet many of the principall Officers endeavoured to perswade to avoyd fighting The King Commanded the maine body The Right wing was Commanded by Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice The Left by Sir Marmaduke Langdale The Right Hand Reserve by the Earle of Lindsey and Sir Jacob Astley The Left by the Lord Bards and Sir George Lisle Sir Thomas Fairfax Commanded the maine Body Lieutenant Generall Cromwell the Right Wing Ireton the Left Prince Rupert falls in on the
Bar and likewise the Lord Fairfax 1000 l. per Annum The Scots being encouraged by the Votes of the House pretend that Scotland was much exhausted by the late war and that his Majesties presence in Scotland might endanger the peace of that Nation so that it may truly be said of him as the Scripture expresseth of our Lord and Saviour He came to his own and his own received him not At last it was concluded 100000 l. to be told at York sealed and put in boxes The Scots to give Hostages to deliver up Newcastle Tinmouth and all other Garrisons thereabout the other 100000 l when they shall goe on the other side of Tine The other 200000 l. to be secured to be paid out of Delinquents estates They to deliver up the King and depart home and quit all their Garrisons The Assemblyes Confession of Faith was Voted by the House to be printed And likewise an Ordinance past for continuing the Army under Sir Thomas Fairfax for six moneths and the disbanding Major Generall Masseys Brigade The Common Enemy being quite beaten out of the field there hapned sad divisions in the Parliament and Army at home They were distinguished into two severall parties under the title of Presbyterian and Independent the Independent being the most subtill and close Insinuated into the most part of the Army and carried on their designes with greater Vigor and Resolution then the other as the sequell will manifest The King from Newcastle on the 20 of December 1646. sends a Message to both Houses of Parliament at Westminster and to the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland for a personall Treaty Charles R. His Majesties thoughts have been alwayes sincerely bent to the peace of his Kingdomes was and will be ever desirous to take all wayes that might most clearely make appeare the candor of his Intentions to his people and to this end could find no better way then to propose a personall and free debate with his two Houses of Parliament upon all the present differences yet finding very much contrary to his expectation that this offer was laid aside His Majesty beat all his thoughts to make his Intentions fully knowne by a particular answer to the Propositions deliver'd to him in the name of both Kingdomes the 24 of July last and that his Majesty plainly saw that whatsoever answer he could give was subject to mis-informations and mis-constructions which upon his own explanation he is confident will give good satisfaction for the setling of a lasting peace to which purpose his Majesty desireth to come to London or any of his Houses thereabouts upon the publick faith and security of his two Houses where by his personall presence he may not onely raise a mutuall confidence betwixt him and his people but also have those doubts cleared and those difficulties explained to him assuring them that he will make no other demands but such as he believes confidently to be just and such as will tend much to the tranquility of the people for except King and people have reciprocall care each of other neither can be happy To conclude it is your King that desires to be heard the which if refused to a subject by a King he would be thought a tyrant for it wherefore his Majesty requests you to accept this offer and that it will be the readiest way to make these Kingdomes a Comfort to their Friends and a Terror to their Enemies The Lords and Commons after some time sent a Letter by Sir Peter Killigrew in answer to the Kings Message Both Houses Voted his Majesty to come to his House at Holmbey in Northampton-shire a House not Inferior to any in the Kingdome They likewise Vote that the Earle of Pembrooke the Earle of Denbigh and the Lord Mountague Sir Walter Earle Sir John Holland Sir James Harrington Sir John Cooks Mr. Crue and Major Generall Browne with Mr Marshall and Mr Caryl to attend them be sent as Commissioners to receive the King at Newcastle and to conduct him to Holmbey They likewise orderd diverse servants to attend him The sixt of February 1646. The Scots according to agreement quit Newcastle and the English possest it they likewise deliver'd up his Majesty to the Commissioners sent by the Parliament his Majesty seemed somewhat unwilling at first to goe to Holmbey rather choosing to goe to Newmarket but after a short time he was satisfied but by no meanes he could be drawne to heare Mr. Marshall or Mr. Caryl preach hoping they will allow him his Conscience Munday the 8 of February his Majesty with a sad and sorrowfull Countenance set forward with the Commissioners attended with 900 Horse and that night came to Durham on thursday to Aukland fryday to Richmond saturday to Rippon and there rested the Sabbath day Munday to Leeds tuesday to Wakefeild wednesday to Rotheram so to Mansfeild thence to Leicester where he stays the next Lords day on Munday He sets forward for Holmbey whither being no sooner come but Proclamation is made that none that had deserted the Parliament and assisted the King should presume to come neare his Majesty Sir Thomas Fairfax came to Leicester with a considerable part of the Army where he was met with the Mayor and Aldermen in state His Majesty sent a Letter to the House to request his Chaplains to be sent to him he named twelve viz. Bishop of London Bishop of Salisbury Bishop of Peterborough Dr Shelden Dr March Dr Sanderson Dr Bayly Dr Hamond Dr Beà le Dr Haywood Dr Fuller Dr Taylor but desired any two hearing no answer he sent a second Letter but still they delayed sending an answer The 25 of February his Majesty at the Commissioners request kept the fast ordred by the Commons it hapning on the same day that he had appointed for the Calamities of Ireland February the 28 his Majesty was pleased to bestow a visit on the Earle of Pembrooke who was at that time dangerously sick His Majesty made a Resolution to keep every fryday a day of solemne fasting and humiliation The Commons Vote and Order what Garrisons shall be slighted and which continued The Parliament Vote likewise the remainder of the Army to disband all but those that were appointed for Ireland and the severall Garrisons Upon which diverse Petitions came in from severall Counties to the Generall not to disband till such time as he had fully settled the Kingdome whereupon immediately the Army had a Randevouz and draw up a Petition to be presented to the Parliament That their arreares might be payd An act of Indempnity passe to secure them that the foote might not be compeld to serve out of the Kingdome that the widdowes and children of such as had lost their lives in the service might be provided for which Petition was presented by Colonell Hamond Colonell Rich and Colonell Ireton The Parliament shewed their dislike of the Petition and Vote that those that shall continue in this disturbing condition shall be proceeded against as
February 1647. they were carried to his Majesty by Major Generall Browne and the Scotch Commissioners who were to bring an answer in six dayes upon the Receit of the Propositions he desired to know whether they were the same with those he received at Newcastle it was answered there was onely some little alterations as to persons that served him in the late war then he desired to know of the Scotch Commissioners if they concur'd they answer'd they did His Majesty said they were matters of Great concernment and requir'd serious consideration but he would take care that they should have an answer within the time limited The Committee and Commissioners order 6000 foote 2400 Horse and 500 Dragoones to be sent into Ireland and care was taken to provide all necessary provisions The Commons likewise Order a moneths Gratuity to be given to the Army They likewise Vote a standing Army of 18000 foote 7200 Horse and a 1000 Dragoones be kept up as a standing Army for England An answer came from his Majesty which was by the House Voted not satisfactory The Commons took into consideration the Actions of diverse Eminent Citizens in London tending to a new war Vote a Charge of high nature be brought in and the Lord Mayor Alderman Adams Alderman Langham Alderman Bunce and Sheriffe Cullam with diverse other active Citizens were taken into Custody diverse Lords were committed to the Black Rod as the Earle of Lincolne Earle of Suffolke Lord Barkley Lord Willowby Lord Maynard Lord Hunsden September the 28. 1647. The Commons once more Vote to send to his Majesty and to that purpose they considered of severall Propositions That about Religion being the maine thing They also Vote his Majesty be desired to give his consent to such Act or Acts of Parliament as shal be presented to him for setling of Presbyterian Government according to the matter of severall Ordinances of Parliament for the Directory or Church Government to continue for the space of three yeares from the time that the King shall give his consent to such Act or Acts. They likewise Voted the Common-prayer-booke shall not be used in private The Souldiers about his Majesty are very civill permitting his Majesty to Hunt with the Duke of Richmond Marquesse of Hartford Marquesse of Ormond Earle of Southampton and diverse others of the Nobility without any Interruption His Majesty sent a Letter to the Generall desiring his Children to stay with him a night or two it being too great a Journey to goe and come to St James's in a day which he communicates to the Parliament They Order the Earle of Northumberland to satisfie his Majesty about his Children The Heads of the Propositions agreed upon by both Houses to be presented to his Majesty were these 1. The Militia for twenty yeares in the hands of Parliament or Committee of Parliament in Intervalls 2. Money be raised to pay the publique debts of the Kingdome 3. All Honours bestowed by his Majesty since the 22 of May 1642. to be Null and Voyd 4. Nulling his Majesties Great Seale and confirming that of the Parliament 5. Totally to abolish Bishops and their Hierarchy roote and branch 6. All their Lands to be sould for the payment of publique debts and other necessary Charges of the Kingdome 7. Make voyd the cessation of Ireland 8. The Election of all the Chiefe Officers of trust as Treasurer Admirall be by Parliament and they to hold during their good behaviour The Deputy of Ireland to be appointed by Parliament and to hold during pleasure 9. The Presbyterian Government to be settled as to the Religious service of God 10. The Treaties betwixt England and Scotland be confirm'd as it is now agreed 11. Justices of peace and Sheriffs to be Chosen by Grand Jury men 12. That his Majesty restore all such servants to their places as have been put out for adhering to the Parliament 13. That his Majesty passe an Act for the sale of Deane and Chapters Lands and the money to be dispos'd of as both Houses of Parliament shall think fit 14. That his Majesty shall not give pardon of Life to seven excepted persons 15. That his Majesty passe an Act for the dis-forresting all the Forrests and Chases in England 16. That his Majesty passe an Act for securing the arreares of the Souldiers of the Army and all other Souldiers that have serv'd the Parliament and those arreares to be payd out of the Remainder of Bishops Lands 17. That the Count of Wards be null and that his Majesty have 50000 l. per Annum in lieu of it 18. A period may be set to this Parliament All which being Granted His Majesty the Queene and Prince to Enjoy their revenues and the King to Governe The Commons order diverse of his Majesties old servants be discharg'd and that there be a stricter Guard then usuall The Scotch Commissioners sent a Letter to the House of the deep sense of his Majesties Imprisonment withall desiring his Majesty may come to London to treat with Honour Freedome and Safety and advise that it would withall be the most profitable and effectuall meanes for attaining of a happy peace and setling Religion the Restoring of his Majesty to his just Rights and continuing and strengthning a good understanding with both Nations Which Letter was layd aside News was brought to the House that his Majesty had made an escape out of his restraint from Hampton Court The manner thus November 11. 1647. He according to his custome withdrew himselfe to be private a little before Evening prayer staying somewhat longer then was usuall it was taken notice of yet at first without suspition but he not coming forth suddenly there were feares which increased by the Crying of a Grayhound severall times within in the room and upon search it was found that the King was gone and by the way of Paradice a place so call'd in the garden much about the close of the Evening He left on the Table three Papers one to the Parliament one to the Commissioners and a third to Colonell Whaly one of them was as followeth Liberty being that which in all times hath been but especially now is the condition the aym and desire of all men common reason shews that Kings lesse then any should endure captivity yet I call God to witnesse with what patience I have endur'd a tedious restraint which so long as I had any hopes that this sort of my suffering might conduce to the peace of my Kingdomes or the hindring of more effusion of blood I did willingly undergoe but now finding by too certaine proofes that this my continued patience must not onely turne to my personall ruine but likewise be of more prejudice then furtherance to the publique good I thought I was bound as well by naturall as politicall obligations to seeke my safety by retiring my selfe sometime from the publique view both of my friends and enemies and I appeale to all indifferent men to judge if I have not
prevent his ruine they therefore desire his Majesty may come to London to treate with Honour freedome and safety and that neither he nor his Parliament be Inviron'd with Souldiers that so their consultations being free all differences may be ended by a personall Treaty the best way to settle a sure and lasting peace See the uncertainty of men in the world that those very Scots that had not long before declared that it was altogether Inconvenient for the Parliament to admit his Majesty to come to London untill he had given satisfaction to their just and reasonable desires should now desire the King to come to London which at that time swarm'd with Malignants apt for any tumult nay the Parliament it selfe at that time could not sit with safety without an Army to guard them On the 23 of November 1647. both Houses Voted not to have any personall Treaty with his Majesty Yet after three dayes debate in the House they conclude that foure Propositions be drawne up in forme of Acts to be sent to his Majesty to signe which when he had signed they would admit a personall Treaty at London The Propositions were as followeth 1. That a Bill may be past into an Act by his Majesty for setling the Militia of the Kingdome 2. A Bill be past by his Majesty calling in all his Declarations Oathes Proclamations against the Parliament and those that have adhered to them 3. To passe an Act that those Lords who were made after the Great Seale was carried to Oxford may be made uncapable of sitting in the House of Peeres thereby 4. That power may be given to the two Houses to adjurne as the two Houses of Parliament shall thinke fit On the 30 of November the King sent a Letter to the Generall and Army by Sir John Barkley desiring their furtherance of a personall treaty with a promise of Recompence when all should be setled To which answer was return'd that they had wholly left it to the Parliament and that they would be passive The Army sent a large Declaration to both Houses taxing them with neglect contrary to promise and laying forth the wants of the Army by reason they had not expedited their pay which must necessitate them to take free quarter and be burthensome to the subjects if not by them timely prevented His Majesty sent another Letter to the Lords wherein he expresseth himselfe that if any thing had been of more concernment then the peace of this Kingdome he would with patience have expected an answer to his former Letter but his tender affection to his subjects welfare hath prevalency with him to presse a personall Treaty and Intimates that if the Houses please that he come among them it will no doubt speed a good end The Lords and Commons according to their former order Vote the Lord Qenbigh and the Lord Mountague for the Upper House Mr Lisle Mr Goodwin Mr Kemp and Mr Bulncley for the Commons to carry the four Propositions to his Majesty which if he signe they will admit of a personall Treaty The Scots Commissioners likewise went to his Majesty and after some conference with him declare against the four Bills to this effect That they had endeavour'd by all wayes and meanes with the Parliament of England for the furthering of a happy peace but having seene the Propositions now brought to his Majesty they apprehend them to be prejudiciall to Religion the Crowne and the Vnion betwixt both Kingdomes and therefore in the name of the Kingdome of Scotland declare their dissent Colonell Hamond wrote a Letter to the Parliament that he could not secure his Majesty unlesse they would allow him more strength there being so great a concourse into the Isleland upon which the Commons order that his Majesties person be secured and more Forces be sent for the security of the Island The Commissioners return'd with a large Message from his Majesty shewing the Grounds and reasons why he cannot passe any thing till the whole Treaty be concluded on professing he is willing to give any reasonable satisfaction to whatsoever shall be requir'd He now againe earnestly presses for a personall Treaty of which he will not despaire there being no visible way left for the Kingdomes peace but by it However his Majesty is at peace and quietnesse within himselfe in having fulfild the offices both of a Christian and a King and will patiently waite the good pleasure of Almightie God to incline the hearts of his two Houses to consider their King and compassionate their fellow subjects miseries It s very observable that his Majesty received the Parliaments Commissioners very gratefully desiring them all to be assistants to him in promoting a wel = grounded peace the expression he said was theirs but it was a very good one he tould them there were many Interests to be considered of Viz. the Parliament Army and Scots he desir'd all might be considered but when he was inform'd of a dissenting Declaration of the Scots he tould them he was very sorry for it and he hoped they might agree in the maine though they might differ in circumstances His Majesty deliver'd his Message to the Commissioners open with Injunction to keep it secret till they had deliver'd it to the Parliament There hapned a tumult at Newport in the Isle of Wight diverse declaring for the King and one Captain Burleigh caused a drum to be beaten up for the service of his Majesty the Mayor and others that came to his assistance fell upon them disperst them took the Captain who was afterwards executed This tumult caused the Governour of the Island immediately to discharge all such as had ayded and assisted his Majesty in the late War against the Parliament Munday the third of January 1657. The Commons tok into consideration his Majesties Message and finding the same as it appeares to them not satisfactory nor that he hath any Inclination to a composure it was put to the Question Whether any addresses should be made hereafter after many houres debate it was Resolv'd That 1. No addresses shall hereafter be made to him by the Parliament of England 2. That none shall on paine of Treason make any addresse without leave from the Parliament 3. That no written Paper Message or Declaration be received from his Majesty on penalty of Treason They likewise Vote that Colonel Hamond and Sir William Constable shall have power to displace any man from his Majesty whom they shall thinke fit Immediately they take care for the managing of the affaires of the Kingdome by compleating the Committee of Darby-House who were to transact the whole businesse of the Kingdome they Vote the Earle of Kent in the roome of the Earle of Essex who was dead Mr Nathaniell Fines and Mr John Evelin in the roomes of Sir Philip Stapleton dead and Mr Glin who was sequestred the House Sir William Waller was continued The Committee being compleated were 21 in number Viz. the Lord of Northumberland Earle of Kent
Earle of Warwick Earle of Manchester Vicount Say and Seale Lord Wharton and Lord Roberts For the Commons Mr Perepoint Mr Nathaniell Fines Sir Henry Vane senior Sir Arthur Haslerig Sir Gilbert Gerard Sir William Ermine Sir John Evelin Sir Henry Vane junior Sir William Waller Mr Crew Mr Soliciter St John Mr Wallop Mr Samuel Browne Lieutenant Generall Cromwell A Generall Councell of the Army being met at Windsor they were very Joyfull and unanimously approv'd of the Votes of the House touching his Majesty and ordred two Declarations to be drawne up one to shew their good liking of the Houses proceedings with promise to ayd and assist them in setling the Kingdome yea without the King or against the King the second for the maintenance of the Peerage of England with Resolution to stand by Lords and Commons to the last man On the 17 of January the Votes for non-addresses past the Lords House They Ordred Colonel Barksteds Regiment to quarter in White Hall Colonel Rich his Regiment of Horse to quarter in the Mews His Majesty having heard of the Resolves of both Houses continues very chearfull and is much retired The Scots Commissioners desire leave to Returne The House of Lords added four of their order to the Committee of Darby-House Viz. the Earle of Salsbury the Lord Mograve Earle of Denbigh and Lord Howard The Earle of Pembrooke was Voted Chancellor of Oxford Both Houses Vote that the Committee of Darby-House have plenipotence to order the dispose of the Army Commanded by Sir Thomas Fairfax as they shall thinke fit The Commons consider'd of Commissioners to goe to Scotland to acquaint the Parliament of Scotland with the miscarriages of their Commissioners here And Order Mr Goodwin Mr Ashurst Mr Brian Stapleton and Colonel Birch to receive their Instructions from the Committee of Darby-House The Lords joyne the Earle of Nottingham and the Earle of Stamford to goe with them The second of February the Commons past an Order that all the servants lately made by the Commissioners attending his Majesty be removed and that the Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax place such about his Majesty as he should thinke fit provided they exceed not thirty They likewise order'd a Declaration to be drawne up to satisfie the Kingdome of the Grounds and Reasons of their passing the Votes for non-addresses The 21 of February Judge Jenkins was brought to the Bar of the House where he refused to kneele a Charge was read against him That he had condemn'd or pasT sentence upon men to be hang'd drawne and quarter'd for not assisting against the Parliament That he tooke up Armes himselfe that he stir'd up others to levy war and assist against the Parliament that he accused the Parliament and charg'd them with counterfeiting the Great Seale and bein requir'd to speak what he had to say for himselfe he answer'd that they had no power to try him he assur'd with confidence the Militia was in the King alone he said Kings did not formerly covenant to maintaine the Law but onely to be mercifull to the people He endeavoured to terrifie the Parliament with his Majesties numerous Issue in Geniollogy he pray'd the Laws might be protected he saith there can be no Laws without a King and that there is none in Venice nor the Vnited Provinces for his ill deportment and words which were indeed a breach of the priviledge of the House he was fined 1000 l. and the House Voted a Charge to be brought in against him His Majesty at Caresbrooke Castle is very much dejected and discontented at his confinement and the removall of his old servants he will not permit his haire nor beard to be medled withall but by a Barbar of his own choosing by which meanes he is growne very hairy The Scots Commissioners Report to their Parliament much to the prejudice of the Parliament of England touching their proceedings with the King The Lords and Commons Concur that no forces be raised in London nor ten miles round but by speciall warrant from the Committee of Darby-House The House being Inform'd that one Colonell Poyer Governour of Pembroke Castle had refused to deliver it up being required thereunto by Letters from the Generall Order that if the said Colonell Poyer shall not within twelve houres after notice hereof surrender the Castle with all the Armes and Ammunition therein that then the said Colonell Poyer and all that shall adhere to him are hereby declared Traytors and Rebells and the Generall is hereby required to reduce the said Castle and to bring the said Colonell Poyer and his adherents to Justice and the Generall was requir'd to send this Order that the Colonell might not plead excuse Colonell Langhurne likewise raised a body of men and came to the assistance of Colonell Poyer and had gathered together a considerable body of men neere 2000 Horse and foote They publish a Declaration of their Resolutions to establish his Majesty in his full power and dignity The Generall Order'd thirty Companyes of Horse and foote to suppresse them under the Command of Colonel Horton The King though set aside and confin'd to the Isle of Wight was more formidable this Summer then ever he was since the beginning of the late troubles for the very name of a King was now grown into great credit with the people throughout the Kingdome and by it not onely tumults but Armyes were raised A mutiny hapned at Bury about a Maypole some discontented persons declare for the King the House order the Generall to send some forces who besieged it and after some time was delivered up to mercy Chepstow was likewise surprized for the King On the 22 of Aprill the Earle of Northumberland Inform'd the House of the escape of the Duke of Yorke from St James's The manner thus The Earle went as his custome was to attend the Duke at eight a clock at night after some stay the Duke came from his brothers Chamber when the Earle was gone the Duke went out againe as his manner was in way of play to obscure himselfe that his Gentlemen might seeke him which accordingly they did but could not find him upon search they Informe the Earle who upon enquiry dilcovers that he had borrowed the Key of the Garden doore the day before of the Gardner as also there was discovery made of his footsteps The Parliament in Scotland order a Committee for safety who advise that an Army of 40000 men be forthwith Levied for the preservation of his Majesty and Kingdome of Scotland notwithstanding diverse Lords Knights and Gentlemen Members of the Parliament Remonstrate of their utter dislike of it Immediately the Parliament of England Order the fortifying of Newcastle and Hull to prevent the Scots Invasion The Parliament men being summon'd to attend the House were cald over and found to be neere 320 men A Petition was presented to the Parliament from the City Requiring the Armyes removall from the City and that the Posts and Chaines may be put up for the
the stoutest men of the Enemies Army Apprentices and Seamen and such as had been in Armes for the King The fight continued for six houres they valiantly disputed in every streete at last the Towne is taken with the loss of sixty men in it were taken 1300 prisoners diverse of quality 400 Horse eight pieces of Ordinance with good store of booty The Generall shewed personall Valour by Charging in his slippers Many of the Kentish forces march over Rotchester bridge toward London where on Black heath they muster a considerable Army whither many apprentices and resolute persons repaire under the Command of old Goring The Essex men had by this time secured the Committee men and sent to require an answer to their Petition to which the Parliament speedily send an answer The Sea-men likewise Revolt and refuse to receive the Earle of Warwick but upon their own tearmes they likewise sent Vice-Admirall Rainsborough on shoare and unanimously declare for the King Whilst the Earle of Warwick shews his affection for the Parliament his brother the Earle of Holland unfortunately riseth in armes with the Duke of Buckingham and the Lord Francis who with 500 Horse at Kingston take the advantage of the Armyes dividing But by the care and industry of Sir Miles Livesey who fell on them they were put to flight The Lord Francis refusing quarter was kild Major Dalbere and diverse others were kild the Earle of Holland fled to St Needs where he was totally subdued and taken by Colonell Scroope and immediately sent prisoner to Warwick Castle While the Essex men were requiring an act of Indempnity Sir Charles Lucas was come to Chensford with a party of 2000 Horse and foote Colonell Whaly was orderd to goe against them Those with Goring being denied a passage over London bridge come over on Essex side secure Bow bridge with a small party whilst the rest march further into the County Sir John Owen in North-Wales endeavours to raise forces for the King which the Sheriffe of a County Indeavoured to impede but being too weake was taken prisoner and his party supprest a second time severall partyes well affected to the Parliament joyne together and with contrary successe to the former fell upon Sir John Owen tooke him prisoner and totally disperst his forces Pomfret castle is likewise surprized by one Morrice The Generall spared what forces he could over into Essex with the assistance of the well affected of the County who pursued the Enemy till they came to Colehester which Towne they closely begirt but diverse times sallyes were made out to fetch in provisions The Lieutenant Generall having laine long before Pembrooke Castle and hearing of the Scots on their March for England and the Report of the Prince Duke of York being at Sea thought fit to give Conditions to Poyer and Langhorne for the delivering up of the Towne and Castle that thereby he might have Liberty to advance Northwards which Conditions were accepted And to say truth as things then stood it was of a considerable value as to the service of the Parliament On the 13 of July Marquesse Hamilton enterd England with an Army of 9000 Horse and foote the Generality of the people of Scotland were wholly averse to it the Ministers every where exclaiming against the Duke The Duke immediately sent a Letter to Lieutenant Generall Lambert of the Grounds and Motives of their coming into England which the Lieutenant Generall as speedily answer'd The Parliament immediately Vote that those Scots that enter England in a Hostill way with authority of Parliament are enemies to the Kingdome of England and shall be proceeded against as such July the 17. the Commons debate to what place his Majesty shall come and concluded the King name three places two whereof within twenty miles of London and one within ten and the Parliament to make choice of one of the three Mr Ashurst comes from Scotland with a Declaration of the Councell of Estate in which they declare that they were Invited in upon which the Parliament Vote all those hat Invited them in to be traytors On the 18 of July the Commons consider'd of a personall treaty with his Majesty and having duly weighed all the Inconveniences that might arise by his Majesties coming to London and duly considerd all the objections against his Majesties granting the three Propositions before the Treaty they resolv'd that the Treaty should be in the Isle of Wight and that it be with Honour freedome and safety they appointed a Committee to consider of time manner and place July 30 they Vote to send to his Majesty to nominate a place in the Island to trat in two of the Commons were orderd to goe to his Majesty to that purpose They likewise order the Earle of Warwick to fight with the Revolted ships notwithstanding their specious Declaration Information was brought to the Parliament that Colonel Bourton Governour of Scarborough Castle had declar'd for the King Major Huntington left the Army having taken distast at the proceedings of some Grandees The Prince from aboard in the Downs sent a Letter to the Speaker of the House of Peeres relating to a Treaty with his Majesty and diverse other particulars which was laid aside On the same day a Petition was presented from the Court of Aldermen and Common Councell of the City of London for a personall Treaty his Majesty to be freed of his restraint Church Government to be setled according to the Covenant all Acts of Hostility to sease to which the Commons promised a speedy and satisfactory answer Lieutenant Generall Cromwell being joyn'd with Lambert their force is 5000 Horse and Dragoones and 7000 foote he sent a Letter to the House giving them an account of his proceedings with a returne of thanks for their care in providing for his Army Tinmouth Castle Revolted but was suddenly retaken The Lieutenant Generall immediately marches to Pomsret assaulted the Towne with much Resolution kild thirty and took an hundred prisoners The Lorch of Middlesex return'd from his Malesty with his answer which was to this effect That if the peace of his Dominions were not dearer to him then any Inlerest he had too much reason to take notice of severall Votes that past against him with his sad condition seven moneths together and sets down what soever he conceives is necessary to so blessed a worke professing he can no more treat in this condition then a blind man judge of colours or that he can run a race whose foote is tyed and therefore desires the recalling of those Votes that bar mean from coming to him and that all that he shall send for for necessary use may have leave to come unto him and waite on him in this treaty the place Newport and that he may be in the same condition that he was in at Hampton Court conceiving he cannot treat in honour so long as men are afraid to come to him for safety he mentions not as not fearing his person
serve for a speciall Order was signed for their departure and sent the Lord Charlton to give his Brother a true account of that action The French King being informed of his Message would not permit him audience but sent Monsieur the Marshall de Bassom Pierre as extraordinary Ambassadour to demand their Restitution who might as well have saved the labour for it was in vaine the King would by no means permit it all the Merchants Ships were stopt by an Imbargo at Burdeux which incenst the King so high that he resolv'd on open wars with France And accordingly in October a Fleete of thirty sail under the Command of the Earle of Denbigh and the Lord Willowby set out which by a violent storme were very much damaged and forc't to return Anno 1626. dyed the Reverend Prelate Bishop Andrews a man very well skil'd in the Orientall Languages truly pious and devout Three hundred thousand pound was borrowed by Loane toward the Reliefe of Rotchell which was then intended to be besieged by the Duke of Guiz. On the 27 of June the Duke with six thousand horse and foote and ten of the Navy Royall assisted with ninety Merchant men set sale for Portsmouth and published a Manifesto of the Kings undertaking for the reliefe of the Protestants Sir John Burroughs with divers Gentlemen of quality and 1200 Souldiers landed in the Isle of Rhe who were received by the French valiantly which by their valour made it hard to distinguish who had the better The Duke perceiving the backwardnesse of the French to engage lands his horse and sends Sir William Beecher with 500 foote and some horse to the reliefe of Rotchell Upon their approach to Sr Martins Towne the Inhabitants immediately fled into the Castle The Duke being possest of the Towne raised batteries against the Castle where after he had laine before it two moneths without doing any considerable hurt and by poysoning their springs had almost inforc't them to yield had not Monsieur Balon at high water by twelve Pinaces in the dead of the night supplyed their necessities and on the 29 of October Marshall Schomberg at Port dela Pree landed 4000 foote and 200 horse who facing the besiegers put them to a great fright whereupon they resolve to rise be gon and in their retreat had diverse skirmishes The French with fury fell in on the reare of my Lord Mountjoys Troops who endeavouring to fly routed our own party which the Enemy perceiving pursue with violence We lost in that Encounter neere 2000 common Souldiers and 50 Officers prisoners of note 35. besides 100 common Souldiers which the King dismist out of respect to his Sister But the Duke being returned with those few scattered Troops the King resolves speedily to besiege Rotchell endeavouring to gain the Towne by famine built three Forts and drew a line toward the Land with many Redoubts within Musket-shot of the Town and by the Advice of Cardinall Ritchlew made a Huge Boone or Barachado a-crosse the Chanell almost 1500 yards in length leaving a small space for the ebbing and flowing of the Sea The Rotchellers perceiving their utter ruine approaching send over Deputies into England to solicite the King in their behalfe who promised what assistance he could The Kings necessities were at that time very great wanting almost what ever was necessary for a warre He resolves to summon a Parliament to meete on the 17th of March 1627. March 17. 1627. the Parliament met Sir Jo. Finsh was chosen Speaker And thus the King speaks to them My Lords and Gentlemen The times are for action for action I say not for words therefore I shall use but a few and as Kings are said to be exemplary to their subjects so I wish you would imitate me in this and use as few falling upon speedy consultation No man is I conceive such a stranger to the common necessities as to expostulate the cause of this meeting and not to thinke supply to be the end of it and as this necessity is the product consequent of your advise so the true Religion the Laws and Liberties of this state and Just defence of our freinds and allies being so considerably concern'd wil be I hope argument enough to perswade supply for if it be as most true it is my duty and yours to preserve this Church and Common-wealth this exigent time certainly requires it In this time of common danger I have taken the most antient speedy and best way for supply by calling you together if which God forbid in not contributing what may answer the quality of my accasions you doe not your duties it shall suffice I have done mine In the conscience whereof I shall rest content and take some other course for which God hath impowred me to save that which the folly of some particular men might hazzard to lose Take not this as a menace for I scorne to threat my inferiours but as an admonition from him who is tied both by nature and duty to provide for your preservation and I hope though I thus speake your demeanour will be such as shall ablige me in thankfulnesse to meet you oftner then which nothing shall be more pleasing to me Remembring the distractions of our last meeting you may suppose I have no confidence of good successe at this time but be assured I shall freely forget and forgive what is past hoping you will follow that sacred advise lately inculcated to maintaine the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace The Parliament being deeply affected with the necessities of our neighbour Protestants and freinds in eminent danger forthwith granted five subsidies with unanimous consent Secretary Cooke brings the news to the King who wept for joy and bid him tell them he would deny them nothing of their just liberties Immediatly the House fall upon the peoples libertyes and vote that no freeman be imprisoned by King or Councell without legall cause alledged They draw up a petition to this effect 1. That no person be compeld to make give or yeild any gift loan benevolence tax but by common consent of Parliament 2. That no freeman be imprisoned or detained of his liberty but by the Laws of the Land 3. That the souldiers and mariners be removed from billiting and the people eased for the time to come 4. That martial Law be revoked Which petition was presented to which his Majesty gave a speedy answer with plenary satisfaction and withal told them he having done his part if the Parliament have not a happy conclusion the sin was theirs he was free Which answer was received with great acclamation and Joy The House having fared so well fall a ripping up of old fores and drew up a Remonstrance which reflected upon the Duke at which the King stood amazed They likewise were drawing a Bill against Tunnage and Poundage which the King would by no means permit On the 26 of June the King prorogued the Parliament to the 20 of
October and in his speech made an ample illustration of his concessions to the petition of right which by some was accounted a great failing And now a 3d Fleet is reasdy at Portsmouth for the releif of Rotchel The Duke was very diligent in preparation when on the 23 of August 1628. the Duke having prepared himselfe to wait on the King who made that in his progresse cal'd for his breakfast the Duke comes downe from his chamber to a lower parlour where taking leave of Sir Tho. Frier one of his Colonels Just as he was going in one Felton stabd him to the heart with a knife which the Duke took out but the effusion of the blood was so great that he died instantly the Earl of Cleveland and others that were within hearing reported that the murtherer seconded his blow with these words The Lord have mercy upon thy soul The murtherer imediatly went into the Kitchin the report throughout the house was wher 's the murtherer which he misconstrued her 's the murtherer suddenly starting cried I am he who was imediatly secured and hardly escaped the fury of the servants The King was at his devotion when the news was brought who was not in the least startled at it The commons rejoice at it and by this means hoped of a freer and more permanent correspondency betwixt the King and people which the event suddenly shewed The Dukes body was inter'd the 25 of September at Westminster at the charge of his Executors Felton was arraigned at the Kings bench-bar who upon examination confest That the only motive that induced him to the fact was the late Remonstrance of the Commons and that he could not sacrifice his life to a nobler cause then by delivering his Country from so great an enemy He being found guilty was hanged at Tiburne and his body afterwards sent to Portsmouth to be hanged in Chaines This tragicke act nothing hindred the Fleets motion which by the personal industry care of the King set fail from Portsmouth the 8 of September 1628. the Earl of Linsey being Admiral and being arived at the mouth of the haven found that monstrous Boone and Baracado finished which was designed by Cardinal Ritchlew a cross wind suddenly arose beat them back with great confusion which the Rotchellers beholding from the bulwarks imediately set open the gates and submitted themselves wholly to the King who entred the 8 of October and found onely four thousand remaining of twenty two thousand the Fleet upon the news returned home safe A Proclamation was proclaimed against Papists The 20 of October the Parliament met divers complaints and petitions were exhibited touching the seising of marchants goods for Tunnage and Poundage The King had notice of it summons them to the banquetting house and thus speaks The occasion of that meeting was a complaint made in the lower House for staying some merchants goods for denying Tunnage and Poundage which difference might be soon decided were his words and actions rightly understood for if he did not take these duties as appendixes to his hereditary prerogative and had declared he chalenged them not of right and onely desired to enjoy them by the gift of his people why did they not passe the Bill as they promised to him to clear his by-past actions and future proceedings especially in this his time of so great necessity Therefore he did now expect they should make good what they promised and put an end to all questions emergent to their delay Two Committees were appointed one for Religion the other for civil affairs that for Religion report that upon due inspection they find it in a very tottering and declining condition The other report that many marchants had had their goods seised for not paying the customes of Tunnage and Poundage being then against the Petition of Right and priviledge of Parliament for which Sr Jo. Worsham M. Daws M. Carmarthen Farmers of the Customes were required to give an account The King intervenes and tels the Parliament that what they did was as men addicted to his command neither were they commissionated to take it as a due debt but he presumed the Parliament would performe their large professions and grant it by bill They replyed the Farmers did it without warrant the warrant being only to levy and collect not to seize for the Bill they desired his pardon being to insist on matters of Religion first The King requests them to forbeare prosecuting these men and intimated that what they did was by his warrant The House in great discontent adjourned for some few dayes and being met again they resolved upon a Remonstrance which the Speaker refusing to read and offering to rise Mr. Hollis held him and swore he should fit there so long as they pleased which not prevailing Mr. Hollis read these ensuing Articles as the Protestation of the House 1. Whosoever should bring in Innovation of Religion or by favour seek to introduce Popery or Arminianism or other opinions disagreeing from the true and orthodox Church shall be reputed a Capitall enemy to the Kingdome and Common wealth 2. Whosoever shall councell or advise the taking and levying the subsidies of Tunnage and Poundage not being granted by Parliament or shall be an actor or instrument therein shall be reputed a Caitall enemy to this Common-wealth 3. If any man shall voluntarily yeild or pay the said Subsidies of Tunnage and Poundage not being granted by Parliament he shall be reputed a beirayer of the Liberties-of England and an enemy to the Common-wealth At which the House gave a great shout The King advised of it sent the Usher of the blacke rod to dissolve the Parliament who would not be admitted Sir Miles Hobert lockt the door The King incensed at their contempt sent for the Captain of the Pensioners and the Guard to force a passage the members fearing the issue slunk away The King went presently into the House of Lords and delivered his mind as followeth My Lords I never came here upon so unpleasing an occasion it-being the dissolution of a Parliament therefore you may have some cause to wonder why I should not rather choose to doe this by Commission it being a generall Maxim of Kings to leave harsh commands to their Ministers themselves onely Executing pleasing things yet considering that Justice consists as well in reward and praise of vertue as punishment of vice I thought it necessary to come here to day to declare to you and all the world that it was meerely the undutifull and seditious carriage of the Lower House that hath made the dissolution of this Parliament and you my Lords are so far from being causes of it that I take as much comfort in your dutifull demeanour as I am justly distasted with their proceedings yet to avoyd mistakings Let me tell you that it is so far from me to adjudge all that House guilty that I know there are many there as dutifull subjects as any in the World it being but
some few Vipers among them that cast this mist of undutifulnesse over most of their eyes yet to say truth there was a good number there that could not be infected with this contagion in so much that some did expresse their duties in speaking which was the Generall fault of the House the last day To conclude as these Vipers must look for their reward of punishment so you my Lords must justly expect from me that favour and protection that a good King oweth to his loving and dutifull subjects And now my Lord Keeper doe what I command you who in the Kings name dissolv'd the Parliament The Parliament being dissolv'd the King sets forth a Declaration of the Causes Grounds and Motives that caused him to dissolve them together with an account of all the Transactions of this and the last Parliament Not long after the King sent for ten of the last Parliament to appeare at the Councell Table viz. Mr. Hollis Sir Miles Hobert Sir John Eliot Sir Peter Hayman Mr. Selden Mr. Stroud Mr. Correton Mr. Valentine Mr. Long Mr. Kirton who having been examin'd by the Lord Treasurer some were sent to the Tower some to the Gate-House others to the Fleete which afterward begot a very high controversie in Law The Queen being affrighted was before her time delivered of a Son who was baptized Charles which lived not above two houres The States of Venice sent over an Ambassadour to mediate for a peace betwixt us the French which was concluded in eight Articles and confirmed with solemn Oaths on both sides Two great Reasons were given for the Kings suddaine consent to a peace the one was the ill successe and bad fortune that alwayes attended his warlike designes the other and maine the sinews of war being dried and shrunk up the Exchequer was very barren Peter Reuben the famous Painter of Antwerp came over into England and made overtures of a peace with Spaine by offering the restitution of the Palatinate then which nothing was more desirable of the King but he had not full power to performe On the 29 of May 1630. the Queen was deliver'd of her second Son who was baptized the 27 of June at St James's with all Princely ceremony and named Charles which caused great rejoycings and acclamations among the people excepting the Puritan party At his birth a Star appeared visibly at noone day just as the King went to St Pauls Church to give thankes where he was presented with these Verses When to Pauls-Cross the Gratefull King draw nere A shining Star did in the Heavens appeare Thou that consults with divine Mysteries Tell me what this bright Comet signifies Now is there borne a valiant Prince i' th West That shall Eclipse the Kingdoms of the East The King being deeply sensible of his brothers miseries and being informed of a Diet at Ratsbone sent Sir Robert Anstruther Ambassadour to the Emperour and Estates in Germany to mediate in his brothers behalfe to which the Emperour return'd Answer that no forraine businesse was to be medled withall at the Diet but as soone as possibly he could he would doe that which might be for his Honour and he hoped to his Majesties content upon which the Ambassadour returnes One Layton a Rigid Presbyter who published a book call'd Zions Plea in which he excited the Parliament and People to kill all the Bishops Very abusive also to the Queene calling her the Daughter of Heth a Canaanite an Idolatresse was sentenced in the Star-Chamber to have his nose slit his eares cropt and stigmatized in the forehead which he for some time prevented by an Escape out of the Fleete but being taken underwent it The Peace betwixt England and Spaine was at last concluded the Articles being the same in effect with those that were betwixt King James and Philip the Third excepting that the King of Spaine should dispose of all his Interest in the Emperour toward the restitution of the Palatinate which was proclaimed Sunday the 27 of November 1630. with Great solemnity Aprill the 25. 1631. Mervin Lord Audley Earle of Castle-Haven was arraigned at the Kings-Bench Bar before Thomas Lord Coventry who for that day was appointed Lord High Treasurer of England he being found Guilty of Rape and Sodomy was by his Peeres condemned and Executed the 14 of May at Tower hill And on the 27 of June following Mr. Broadway and Fitz Patrick servants to and concriminaries with the Lord Audley were tryed at the Kings-Bench-Bar and being found Guilty the one of Rape the other of Sodomy were condemned and on the sixt of July were executed at Tyburne The Queene was the 4th of November 1631. deliver'd of her eldest Daughter who was baptized Mary December 2d 1632. The King was visited with the small Pox but by Gods blessing soone recovered Anno 1632. The Church of St Paul which by the pious zeale of our Auncestors was raysed to that huge bulke that all Christendome was not able to paralell being through age decayed was by the piety of his Majesty the Bishops the Nobility Gentry and Commonalty of the Nation begun to be repaired and a very great progresse was made therein but the unhappy differences of the Nation ensuing caus'd its obstruction Anno 1633. The King having been often solicited to goe into Scotland in order to his personall Coronation on the 13th of May he sets forward with a Princely Traine most of the English Nobility all the Scots that attended here and on the way was very Nobly treated by diverse of the Nobility and Gentry ospecially by the Earle of Newcastle at Welbeck On the 10 of June he came safe to Edenborough where he was Crowned with all outward seeming affection and on the 20 of July return'd safe to the Queen at Greenwich In the beginning of August dyed the Reverend Prelate George Abbot Archbishop of Canterbury William Laud then of London immediately succeeded him October the 13th 1633. the Queen was delivered of her second Son who was baptized James and on the 24 of the same moneth was by Letters pattent created Duke of York The King taking into his Princely care the Irreverend and remisse service of God in the Kingdome of Scotland sent Orders to be observed by the Deane of his Chappell as in England 1 That prayer be said twice a day according to the English forme 2 The Sacrament to be administred once a moneth and to be received Kneeling 3 That he which Officlates on Holy dayes doe it in his Surplice Which though backt with a Letter requiring exact obedience the Deane durst not performe for feare of discontenting the people The King by the Advice of the Bishops and Councell Reviv'd his Fathers Declaration for tolerating Lawfull Sports on the Sunday which gave great distast to the people especially to the puritanicall party On the second of February being Candlemas day at night the King and Queene were entertained at White Hall with a Mask of the Gentlemen of the Inns of Court The
where it was resolv'd that a Parliament should assemble the third of November following and to desire a speedy Treaty with the Scots at Yorke the Scots replied it was no way safe for them by reason that my Lord of Strafford Generall of the Kings Army had proclaimed them traytors in Ireland before the King had done it in England he being an utter Enemy to them and one whom they did Intend to Impeach At last Rippon is the place agreed on The Commissioners on both sides are Chosen The Scots present their demands to this purpose 1. To confider how their Army should be maintain'd till the Treaty be ended and their peace secured 2. If more Commissioners be required they may be convai'd with safety 3. All Intercourse of Letters betwixt them and the Parliament to be convai'd with safety 4. That there may be a free correspondency of Commerce with Newcastle especially for Victualls Which Proposalls at first seem'd very hard to the English who thought it more reason first to provide for their own Army but the Conquering sword decides the Controversie The English must yeeld to the Scots unreasonable demands After many meetings of the Commissioners at last in thirteen Articles they agreed upon a cessation which was signed by the King the 16 of October but the Grand Treaty was by their supplication to the King appointed at London and in the meane time all acts of Hostility to cease At that time the Earle of Montrosse who had acted all along with the Covenanters began to discover the treacherous Designes of the Scots and now plainely saw that they meant nothing lesse then what they pretended viz. The Honour of his Majesty and the preservation of Religion as alwayes the vilest actions are covered with the most specious pretences yet was so wise as not presently to discover himselfe but from time to time advertiz'd his Majesty of the proceedings which Letters by Hambiltons advice were taken out of the Kings pockets transcribed and sent to the Covenanters who dissembled it to the Earle but cast durt in his face raising frivolous aspersions endeavouring to make him odious to the people Great was the Expectation of the whole Kingdome for the happy meeting of the Parliament and every small obstruction was lookt on as a great Impediment many Good men hoped for the redresse of Grievances others waited to spit that venom which they had a long time contracted In November 1640. the Parliament began where the King in a Gracious Speech declared his earnest desire for the happinesse and prosperity of the Kingdome giving an account of the Scotch war and desired them as he promis'd he would to lay aside all prejudice and he would now clearely and freely put himselfe upon the love and affection of his English subjects desiring them to consider the best way for the safety and security of the Kingdome of England and in order to it for satisfaction of their just Grievances wherein he would heartily concur that the world might see his Intentions were to make this a Glorious and flourishing Kingdome freely leaving it to them where to begin and concluding That it should not be his fault if this were not a good and happy Parliament Many Members made long Speeches about Grievances as Sir Ben Ruddier Mr. Grimston Mr. Pim Sir John Clotworthy and others which were backt by diverse other Members Their first businesse was to Vindicate distressed Ministers diverse were inlarged and restored to their former Livings Many Petitions were presented from most parts of the Kingdome for Redresse of Grievances The Lords complaine that the priviledges of their House were broken because the Earle of Warwick and the Lord Brooks had their Studies and Cabinets searched The House discharged Mr. Prin Mr. Burton and Dr Bastwick out of prison and Voted Mr. Burton 6000 l. damage Mr. Prin and Dr Bastwick 5000 l. a piece Mr. Denzill Hollis not many dayes after was sent from the Commons to the Lords to Impeach the Earle of Strafford of High Treason Mr. Pim made a report to the House what Capitall Crimes were objected against him upon which in fourteen Articles he is Charg'd by Mr. Pim. The Earle is forthwith sequestred the House and committed to the Black Rod. On the 18 of December Bishop Wren and Bishop Laud are Voted by the Commons Guilty of High Treason and a Charge was immediately brought in against Bishop Laud upon the Reading of which he is order'd to the Tower but upon his request was respited for two dayes Sir Francis Windibanke principall Secretary of State fled and not long after him my Lord Finsh one that had been very Active for Ship-money which was then Voted Illegal and most of the Judges were Voted Delinquents The Parliament began to strike a terror into all that had any way offended or had been violent in action both in Church and State In December Alderman Penington with a great multitude out of London for now it was customary for Petitioners to come in great numbers Petitioned the House against Episcopall Government and other Ceremonies of the Church of which a Committee was appointed to consider The Armies in the North lay heavy upon the Kingdome which moved the House to allow 100000 l. toward their present pay and the money to be borrowed of the City of London untill the same be raysed by subsidy The King summons both Houses together to the Banqueting House and declares himselfe not satisfied with their slow proceedings and the Great Charge of maintaining two Armyes next of the low condition of his Navies and Forts whereby his enemies are encouraged and his friends disheartned and likewise tooke notice of diverse strange Petitions presented to the House against the Government of the Church he told them he was content with a Reformation not an alteration of Church-Government He tooke notice of a Bill preparing in the House for frequent Parliaments to be elected by the Sheriffes without his consent which he could by no means admit of it being an Inseparable right of his Crowne and did freely confesse that frequent Parliaments were the best means for preserving a right understanding betwixt him and his subjects These were the two principall rocks he would have them avoyd Not long after arrived the Dutch Ambassadour to negotiate in behalfe of a Match betwixt the Prince of Orange and the Lady Mary the Kings eldest daughter which the King thought fit to Impart to the Parliament they for the present doe nothing in it but proceed to the drawing up the Bill for a Trienniall Parliament which being past by both Houses was the 16 of Feb. presented to his Majesty for his consent To whom he declares himself reminding them that this was one of the two rocks which he formerly tould them of and that the Consequence of it was such that never Bill past the House of more favour to the subject then this minding them that by reason of their proceedings he might justly question the doing it
and took notice how they had taken the Government all in pieces how that a skilfull Watch-maker to clense his Watch will take it asunder and when it is put together it will goe better provided no pin be omitted Now I have done this on my part you know what to doe on yours reposing Great Trust and confidence in your affection The passing of this Bill was by wise men thought to be none of the least of his failings Judge Barkly was by the Usher of the black Rod arrested as he sat on the Kings Bench for high treason Thomas Earle of Strafford was next brought upon the stage the Articles exhibited against him were from 14 made 28. and on the 22 of March 1640. his Triall began The place appointed was Westminster-Hall where scaffolds were raised on both sides nine degrees in height The two uppermost for the Scotch Commissioners and the Irish Lords In the midst in a lower ascent sat the Peeres of the Realme a Throne also was erected for the King but he never appear'd publiquely but was every day of the Triall in a Close Gallery to heare and observe the whole proceedings and took notes The Earle of Arundell was Lord High Steward and the Earle of Linsey Lord High Constable The Charge was principally managed by Mr. Glin and Mr. Maynard both Members of the Commons House fifteene dayes together was the Earle arraigned and gave in his answer to every particular Charge The Commons Charge him afresh by Mr. Pim concerning some Notes taken by Secretary Vane which were discover'd by his son of his telling the King be had an Army in Ireland which his Majesty might Imploy to reduce this Kingdome to obedience He is againe call'd to the Barre and Mr. Glin and Mr. Pim endeavour to prove him Guilty by Law They extend his Crimes and make him as Odious as possible they can The Earle moves for Councell which the Peeres could not in reason deny The Commons oppose but after three dayes contest the Peeres prevaile Councell is assign'd him viz. M. Lane The Princes Atturney Mr. Gardner Recorder of London Mr. Loe and Mr. Lightfoote and Saturday the 17 of Aprill was appointed for him and his Councell to appeare where his Councell argued his case in Law that day they adjourn not appointing any time for their next meeting The Commons House Vote him Guilty of high Treason upon the evidence of Sir Henry Vanes notes which Bill of Attainder was sent up to the Lords which in their House was much opposed Some few dayes after Mr. St John The Kings Soliciter was sent by the Commons to the Lords to Justifie the Bill by Law which accordingly was by him performed in Westminster-Hall The Earle being present and The King in his accustomed place The Peeres in their House proceed to Condemnation The King having notice of it on the first of May Calls both Houses together where he declares that he had been present at the whole Triall and that in Conscience he could not condemne him of high Treason He likewise in Vindication of the Earle declares 1. That he never had any Intention to bring over the Irish Army nor ever was advised by any body so to doe 2. That there never was any debate before him either in publick Councell or private Committee of the disloyalty of his English subjects And that though he could not in Conscience condemne him of high Treason yet he could not cleare him of misdemeanours He desired them to consider what a tender Conscience was and that to satisfie his people he would doe much but in this of Conscience neither fear nor any other respect should make him goe against it He desired them to find out some middle way and was of opinion that for misdemeanours he thought him not fit to serve him or the Common-wealth in any place of trust no not a Constable This speech gave much discontent to both Houses Sunday May the second The Prince of Orange was married to the Lady Mary at White Hall with Great solemnity and triumph The next day diverse seditious persons had stirred up the multitude to the number of 5000 or 6000. who in a Tumultuous manner came arm'd to Westminster crying out for Justice to be executed on the Earle committed outrages on divers Lords but by faire promises of my Lord Chamberlain they were appeased They likewise posted at Westminster Hall Gate and the Exchange a Catalogue of those that opposed the Bill of Attainder under the title of Strafordians The fift of May a Motion was made in the House for a loan of 650000 l. to be Lent till it was Levied by Subsidy provided the King would pass a Bill not to adjourne prorogue or dissolve this Parliament without the consent of both Houses upon which Motion a Bill was order'd to be drawne up The Lords by advice of the Judges Vote the Earle Guilty of the 15 and 19 Articles And at a Conference of both Houses it was ordred That some Lords be sent to the King with the two Bills one for executing the Earle The other for continuance of this Parliament which accordingly was done on Saturday and The King promised his answer on Monday All the Sabbath day he was much perplext within himselfe The Clamours of the multitude were great he sends for the Judges to advise summons the Privy Councell and with them spends much time in arguing the Case sends for five Bishops viz. London Lincolne Carlile Durham and Bishop Vsher who for Law wholly remit him to the Judges and for Conscience he having heard the whole proceedings if he conceiv'd him Guiltlesse he ought not to condemne him The Judges in part satisfie the King by declaring that he was Guilty of high Treason The Earle himselfe that day writ a Letter with his own hand To set his Majesties Conscience at Liberty humbly requesting him to prevent such mischiefes as might ensue upon his refusall to pass the Bill and That his consent herein should acquit him to God more then all the world beside Munday the 10th of May his Majesty being wearied with complaints granted a Commission to the Earle of Arundell Lord Privy Seale Lord Chamberlain and others to pass the two Bills The next day being much afflicted in his spirit he wrote to the Lords and sent it by the Prince wherein he requests That although he had past the Bill of Attainder against The Earle yet desir'd to shew mercy by letting that unfortunate man to end his life in Close Imprisonment but if no lesse then life can satisfie my people I must say Fiat Justicia The Postscript was If he must die it were Charity to reprieve him till Saturday The House returnd answer that his request could not possibly be admitted without apparent danger to Him his Wife and Children On Wednesday the 12 of May he was brought from the Tower to the scaffold on Tower-hill attended by Bishop Vsher where he made his last Speech to the people Protesting his Innocency in
that for which he was condemned acquitting all the world and desired God to forgive them wishing presperity and happinesse to the Kingdome and desired they would seriously consider whether the Reformation of a Kingdome should be written in Letters of blood much fearing they were in the wrong way professing he died a true sonne of the Church of England wherein he was borne and in which he was bred addressing himselfe to his brother Sir George Wentworth desired to be remembred to his Wife and Children willing him to Charge his Son never to meddle with the patrimony of the Church for it would prove a Canker to his estate and after a short time spent in prayer he submitted his neck to the Block which was struck off by the Executioner at one low There was at that time a discovery made of diverse persons that had endeavour'd the Earles escape out of the Tower diverse Gentlemen of worth were engaged in it but the timely discovery prevented its execution Upon which the House oderd some Lords to be assistant to the Lievtenant of the Tower for the safety of the City Severall Great persons were displaced as The Earle of Essex made Lord Chamberlain in the roome of Pembroke The Marquesse of Hartford Governour of the Prince in the roome of the Earle of Newcastle Dr Juxon Lord Treasurer resigned his Office to five Commissioners The Lord Cottington Master of the Wards was displaced and the Office conferd on the Lord Say In May last the Parliament to engage the people to stick close to them framed an Oath or Protestation which was by them taken and sent through England to be taken by the people The Parliament being secured for their everlasting sitting began to consider of the raising of moneys for the payment and disbanding of the two Armies much Plate was melted downe and the Earle of Holland was by joynt consent of King and Parliament order'd to goe downe as Generall to disband the English Army The House in February following Voted 300000 l. for the Scots and dayes of payment to be appointed For the Levying of this money a Bill was brought into the House for Pole-money Viz. a Duke 100 l. a Marquesse 80 l. Earles 60 l. Vicounts and Baronets 40 l. Knights of the Bath 30 l. Knights Bachelours 20. l. Esquires 10 l. every Gentleman able to expend 100 l per annum 5 l. and so every one according to their degree no person exempted every Head paid six pence which Bill with two other were offerd to the King one for putting downe the Star-Chamber another for putting downe the high Commission at which the King was a little startled The House Voted he should signe all or none which notwithstanding he past that for Pole-money and tooke time for the other two and not long after with much Importunity he past them also Sir Thomas Roe was sent in the quality of an Ambassadour to the Emperour to solicite the restoration of the Prince Elector which after much stay and nothing effected he returnes The Parliament considering the heavy burdens of the Northern Counties Order 100000 l. part of the 300000 l. to be paid to the Scots and in August following both Armies were quietly disbanded and departed to their own homes Bishop Wren is committed to the Tower for misdemeanors amounting to treason The Judges that gave their opinion for Ship-money are questioned and severall Charges drawne up against them The King having Inform'd the House of his resolutions to take a Journey to Scotland on the tenth of August set forward out of London towards Scotland but that very Morning came to the House and past diverse Bills and likewise sign'd a Commission for the passing of Bills in his absence the Commissioners appointed were the Lord Keeper the Lord Privy Seale Marquesse of Hartford Earle of Lindsey Earle of Essex Earle of Dorcet Earle of Bath He likewise signed another Bill constituting the Earle of Essex Generall of all the Forces on this side Trent by which he had power in case of necessity to Levy an Army The Parliament adjourned from the eight of September till the 20 of October and appointed a standing Committee of fifty Members to act in the Intervall The Parliament being adjourn'd and the King gone to Scotland every one tooke advantage to vent the humour of his own braine many using Irreverend behaviour during the time of divine service many outrages and riots were committed against Clergy-men and the Prelaticall party as they cald them strange and unheard-of practices were used as tub-preaching and that openly in the streets which gave occasion to many sober minded men to thinke evill of the Parliament as though it was their contrivance During the Kings being in Scotland a Letter was sent from the English-Committee in Scotland to the standing Committee at Westminster discovering a plot against the lives of Marquesse Hamilton and others the greatest Peeres in Scotland the Earle of Craford and others being the Conspirators which occasioned the standing Committee to prevent the like here to appoint strong guards in severall parts of the City and so to continue till the next meeting of both Houses Before the King return'd from Scotland about the end of October 1641. brake out the most barbarous and inhumane Rebellion in Ireland that ever was heard of in any age of the world The Innocent Protestants turn'd out of their estates and above two hundred thousand persons men women and children most barbarously and cruelly murdered But we will leave Ireland weltring in her blood and look home Where in November 1641. we find the King return'd from Scotland and was by the City of London feasted and in Great State conducted to Hampton Court with much seeming expressions of Joy some few dayes after the King Invites the Aldermen and principall Citizens to Hampton Court where they were sumptuously feasted and diverse Aldermen were Knighted During the Kings residing at Hampton Court the Commons present the King a Remonstrance of the state of the Kingdome with a large recitall of all the Grievances and oppressions that the people had groaned under since the beginning of his Raigne Upon which within few dayes the King published a Declaration in answer to their Remonstrance And now began visibly to appeare the sad breach betwixt the King and his Parliament which did daily increase untill the Kingdome was involved in a sad war Great endeavours are used to stir up the Common people with a dislike of the Kings actions to which purpose freedome was given to every party without contradiction to write and publish many bitter and Invective Pamphlets against the Bishops and their Government and all the ill actions of the Kings Ministers were laid upon him and not content with that they came downe in Great multitudes to Westminster and by the way gave uncivill and threatning Language to diverse Gentlemen at Whitehall-Gate Which caused the King to send to the Lord Major to summon a Common Councell to receive his
resorting to Westminster every day caused the King for his own safety to repaire to Hampton Court with the Queen and Prince for which by many good men he was much blamed The next day after the King went to Hampton Court many Citizens with a great company of boats with Guns and flags Guard the five Members in Triumph to Westminster which gave occasion to the King to dislike the City The House of Commons Petition the King for the Militia To which he gives a speedy answer though not satisfying to them They likewise Petition that the five Members may be estated and cleared of that Imputation of Treason To which he answered That he had ground and proofe enough to accuse them but he is willing to forbeare prosecution if that will not doe to satisfie the people he will pass a free and Generall pardon as they shall think fit The King after he had been at Hampton Court some small time sends for the Earle of Essex then Lord Chamberlain and the Earle of Holland Groom of the Stoole to attend him but they refused rather choosing to obey his Writ upon which he sends a Messenger for the Staffe and Key the Ensignes of their Office which they willingly resign'd The Queen having receiv'd a Message from both Houses by the Earle of Newport and the Lord Seamor that they intended to charge her with Treason She answered she never saw any Articles in writing and therefore gave little credit and she hop'd they would lay no aspersions upon her that never mistrusted the actions of one single person much lesse the whole House and that she ever wisht a happy and right understanding betwixt the King and his people In February the King and Queen went to Canterbury and so to Dover with the Princess Mary wife to the Prince of Orange The Queen went along with her into Holland and some affirme carried the choicest Jewells of the Crown with her to pawn During the Kings stay at Canterbury he signed the Bill to take away Bishops Votes in Parliament The King came back to Greenwich and sends for the Duke of York to attend him in his going to York where he intended to reside From Greenwich he removes to Theobalds where he is presented with a Petition for the Militia and likewise to reside neer London and not to take his Son with him The King refused to give any other answer to the Militia then what he had already done and that he should take such care of his Son as should justifie him to God as a Father and to his Dominions as a King and that he conceiv'd himselfe not safe neer London The House immediatly Vote That his Majesties answer was a flat deniall and likewise Order The Earle of Northumberland Lord High Admirall to take care for the providing and rigging of the Royall Navy for the service of the Kingdome The House seeing they could not prevaile with the King for the Militia past an Order for setling the Militia throughout England and Wales in confiding persons hands From Huntingdon the King sent a Message to both Houses shewing the Grounds and Reasons of his removall to York desiring them to expedite the necessary supplyes for Ireland and forbids them by any pretence of Order or Ordinance to meddle with the Militia or to doe or execute any thing against Law he being tyed up by the Law as well as his subjects and must obey Upon which the House drew up a Declaration of their utter dislike of his proceedings The King at Stamford puts forth a Proclamation for putting in execution the Laws against Papists And being at York puts forth a Proclamation for Tunage and Poundage The eight of Aprill 1642. the King sends a message to both Houses declaring his Intentions to goe himselfe in person to chastize the bloody rebells and that he intended to raise forthwith by Commission a Guard for his own person consisting of 2000 foote and 200 horse and to arme them from his Magazine at Hull Upon which the Houses Petition to remove the Magazine from Hull The Gentry Ministers and Freeholders of the County of York Petition the King to which his Majesty gives a speedy and gracious answer The House again Petitions that the Magazine at the Tower of London being much drained that from Hull may be brought up to which his Majesty answered That for the Charge of Locking to the Magazine at Hull as it was by them at first voluntarily undertaken though unnecessarily yet you may free our good people of that Charge and leave it to Vs to look to who are the proper owners of it The Parliament though they could not prevaile by Intreaty resolve to doe it by possicy for they had sent to keep out the Earle of Newcastle and committed the Towne and Fort to a faithfull Friend of theirs Sir John Hotham The County of York petition the King that the Magazine may remaine there for the security of the Northern Countyes and during the Contests the Parliament went on might and maine setling the Militia in many Countyes and by Reason the Earle of Northumberland was indisposed in health and could not attend the Sea-service they petition that the Earle of Warwick may be Admirall The King utterly refuses the Earle of Warwick yet notwithstanding the Earle of Warwick being Encouraged by some Votes of the House though with some opposition got possession of most part of the Navy The King attended by many of the Nobility a great number of Gentlemen and some Souldiers came before the walls of Hull but found the Gates shut and the Bridges drawne up by the Command of Sir John Hotham a Member of the Commons House Sir John Hotham appeared on the wall Kneelling downe Intreating his Majesty not to command that which he must be inforc't at that time to deny and that he could not admit him in without breach of trust to the Parliament craving leave that he might have time of acquaint the Parliament The King being very wrath desired to know if he had any Order in writing expressly to deny his entrance And after some houres stay Proclaimed Sir John Hotham a Traytor after he had received The Duke of York and the Prince Elector out of the Town who had been there one day The King forthwith sends a Message to the Parliament accusing Hotham for a traytor and likewise sent a Letter to the Mayor of Hull to take care that no part of the Magazine should be conveyd away without his consent there were Scouts appointed to Intercept all Letters between London and Hull and a Letter accordingly was Intercepted going from the Parliament to Hull giving encouragement to Sir John to continue firme nothing doubting but they would stick by him The House being Informed of the Intercepting of their Letter Voted it a high breach of the priviledge of Parliament and that what Sir John had done was in obedience to that House and that the proclaiming him a traytor without due process of Law
is a breach of their priviledge against the Laws of the Land and the liberty of the subject They likewise past an Order to prevent the Levying any Souldiers in Yorkshire or Lincolnshire to force a passage into the Towne of Hull and the more to enrage the King Hotham is ordred to Levy The trained bands which being come into the Towne he disarmes and dismisses them There was a select Committee appointed to goe to Hull with Instructions for the safety of the Counties of York and Lincoln to whom all Sheriffs Justices of the peace Constables and other Officers are requir'd to be ayding and assisting Things began to grow very high The King summons the Gentry of the County of York where he gave them a large account of all the messages and replyes touching Hull and the Reasons why he did not signe the Bill for the Militia To be short You see my Magazine is going to be taken from me directly against my Will The Militia against the Law and my consent is going to be put in execution and lastly Sir John Hothams Treason is countenanced all which being considered none can blame me to apprehend dangers and upon this reall Ground to tell you that I am resolv'd to have a Guard onely to secure my person In which I desire you assistance that I may be able to protect you the Laws and the true Protestant Religion from any affront or Injury Which speech was by them received with great affection The Parliament being inform'd of the Kings Speech to the Yorkshire Gentry declare that it is against the Laws and liberties of the Kingdome that any of the subjects thereof should be commanded by the King to attend him at his pleasure and that whosoever upon pretence of his Majesties command shall take up Armes in a warlike manner shall be esteemed disturbers of the peace and to be proceeded against accordingly and likewise signed an Order to the Sheriffe of that County to take care to suppresse the raising of the trained bands upon the Kings Command But the Parliament Issue out Commissions to all parts of the Kingdome appointing certain dayes for all the trained bands to be exercised in each County and that severall Members be sent into the severall Counties to see the Commissions put in execution and all the Magazines in the severall Counties to be put into the hands of their confiding friends Which Commissions were answered by Proclamation from the King forbidding the trained bands and all others to rise or muster on pretence of any Ordinance of Parliament without his consent The breach was now growne wide the Parliament still opposing and thwarting the King on all occasions moved diverse of the Members to desert it and repaire to the King so that in a small time the Lords at York were more in number then those at Westminster The names of those that went were the Marquesse of Hartford the Earle of Lindsey Cumberland Huntington Bath Southampton Dorset Salisbury who presently return'd Northampton Devonshire Bristoll Westmerland Barkshire Munmouth Rivers Newcastle Dover Carnarvan Newport the Lord Howard Charlton New-wark Pawlet Paget Matreverse Willowby Rich Fawconbridge Chandois Coventry Lovelesse Savill Seymor Mohune Dunsmore Lord Capell Gray of Ruthen Together with above fifty of the Commons House whose departure startled the active men of the House who notwithstanding having gone so far proceed and Vote That it appeares that the King being seduced by evill Councell Intends to make war against the Parliament and that when he doth it is a breach of trust reposed in him and likewise that whosoever shall ayd or assist him in the said war are traytors by the fundamental Laws of the Kingdome And on the 30 of May by Vote summon nine of those Lords that went to returne but they utterly refused which the House deemed a sleighting of them which occasioned Mr. Hollis after a long Speech to Impeach them of high treason which the Peeres afterwards confirm'd in Voting them never to sit in the House more and to be uncapable of any priviledge of Parliament And not long after the Lord Keeper Littleton sent away the Great Seale to the King and immediately followed it which put the House to a great plunge for the present In June 1642. The two Houses sent a Petition with 19 Propositions to the King to which he reutrn'd a smart answer taxing them that they had contrary to law pressed their Ordinances on the people wrested from him the command of the Militia countenanced the Treason of Hotham and had directed to the people Invectives against his Government asperst him with the favouring of Papists and with an utter dislike of the Propositions protested that if he were vanquisht and a prisoner in worse condition then any the most unfortunate of his predecessors had ever been reduced unto he would never stoop so low as to Grant those demands and to make himselfe of a King of England a Duke of Venice And now both sides prepare for war The Parliament the 10 of June 1642. past an Order for bringing in money and plate to maintaine horse and foote for defence of the publick peace for which they did engage the publick faith The King on the other side receives advice by Letters from Amsterdam of a considerable quantity of Armes and Ammunition which was provided upon some Jewells pawned by the Queen he likewise sends Commissions of Array with Letters to the Lieutenants of the severall Counties making use of the Parliaments Vote and declares That the Kingdome being in danger of Enemies abroad and a Popish party at home it is necessary to put the people in a posture of defence that you immediately cause to be restored all the ancient trained bands and free-hold bands and to appoint Collonells and Captaiens and other Officers to command them The Parliament Vote the Commission to be against Law and the actors therein to be esteemed disturbers of the peace Whereupon the King summons the Lords of the Councell with the rest of the Nobility at York and declares that he requires no obedience of them but what shall be according to law and requires them to yeeld to no commands Illegally Imposed by any other and that he will not Ingage them in any war against the Parliament except for necessary defence against such as shall Invade him or them Upon which with unanimous consent they all freely engag'd to him their duty and allegiance The King sends a Letter to the Lord Mayor of London Aldermen and Sheriffes forbidding any contribution of money and plate toward the raising of any Armies whatsoever for the Parliament By this time the Armes were arrived from Holland but the King wanted men to weild them yet by his Speeches and Declarations had gained the affections of many of his people and a considerable number was got together and from Beverly he sends a Message and Proclamation to the Parliament of his Intentions to goe against Hull requiring it might be delivered up to him
which they answer'd with a Petition moving him to accord with his two Houses they likewise set out a Declaration for the safety of Hull promising satisfaction for all damages sustained On the 11 of June 1642. The Parliament Vote that an Army shall be raised for the defence of King and Parliament and the Earle of Essex to be Generall The King according to his former Intentions with an Army of 3000 foote and 1000 horse Intends to besiege Hull by Land and made Proclamation that none on paine of death carry any provisions into Hull Hotham being Inform'd of the Kings advance summons a Councell of War which resolve to hold the King play with their Ordinance till the tide came in and then to draw up their sluces which accordingly was performed with much damage to the Kings Souldiers Hotham likewise sends to the Parliament requiring 500 men for the safety of the Towne and provisions Upon which by command of the Parliament Drums are beaten p in London and other adjacent Counties for Volunteers to goe immediatly to Hull and within a week 500 men and more were sent by Sea under the command of Sir John Meldram to assist Sir John Hotham The King calls a Councell and resolves to break up the siege By this time the Earle of Warwick was possest of most of the Fleete for the service of the Parliament and they were in a considerable way to raise an Army by the assistance of that mass of money and plate that was brought in for it is almost Incredible with what zeale and affection by the Ministers perswasions the people were willing to be rid of their Treasure every one vying who should contribute most nay the women and maidens spared not their Rings Thimbles and Bodkins for the advancement of the cause The Earle of Essex with much prudence raiseth a considerable body of horse and foote The Earle of Bedford was Voted to be Generall of the Horse Collonell Goring eldest Son to the Lord Goring was sent down to Portsmouth by the Parliament but suddenly he declares for the King The King being return'd to York summons the Gentry and requires their assistance for the raising of a Regiment for the Princes Guard to be commanded by the Earle of Cumberland The Parliament declare against the Commission of Array Vote it Illegall on the other side the King being Inform'd of the Earle of Essex his raising an Army proclaimes hm a Rebell and a Traytor to the King and his Crowne and that all Collonells and other Officers under his Command that shall not Instantly lay downe their Armes are Guilty of High Treason And likewise Commands the Marquesse of Hartford to raise what Forces he could to suppresse him Great was the Contest almost in every County betwixt the Parliament Commissioners and the Commissioners of Array In some Counties the Kings party prevailed in others the Parliaments London the Great Metropolis was not exempted for Sir Richard Gurney then Lord Major was committed to the Tower for causing the Kings Commission of Array to be read and was by the Lords deprived of his Majoralty never to beare Office in City or Common-wealth and to continue prisoner during the pleasure of the House The King being at York publisheth a Grand Declaration of all the proceedings from the beginning of this Parliament to this present time concluding with a solemn Protestation of his affections to Parliaments and the peace and happiness of the Kingdome and within few dayes sends a Message to the Parliament taxing them with borrowing 100000 l. out of the Adventures money for the reliefe of Ireland to which they returne a speedy answer The King in person moveth from place to place On the 22 of July he made a Speech to the Gentry in Leicestershire on the 4th of August to the Gentry in Yorkshire and that war might not want its solemnity on the 20 of August he sets up his Standard Royall at Nottingham and by Proclamation requires the ayd and assistance of all his Subjects on the North side Trent and within twenty miles Southward thereof for his just defence and that whosoever shall supply him with money and plate he as God shall enable him will repay and reward accordin gto the measure of their love and affection to him and their Country On the 25 of August 1642. from Nottingham the King sends a Message to both Houses by the Earles of Southampton and Dorset and Sir John Culpepper for a treaty of peace and that an equall number may be chosen to meet where they should appoint that there may if possible be an accommodation out of a deep sense of the Calamities that attend the Kingdome To which they answer That untill he recalls that Proclamation which proclaimes them Rebells and takes down his Standard they will by no meanes heare of it To which he replyes That to remove all scruples that may hinder the Treaty by him so much desired so that a day be appointed by the Parliament for revoking their Declarations against all persons as traytors assisting him he will with all chearfulness on the same day recall his Proclamations and take down his Standard and likewise promised to grant any thing that should be for the good of his subjects assuring them that his greatest desire was to get a right understanding To which they humbly answer and petition that his Majesty would take down his Standard withdraw his Declarations and leave his Forces and returne to the Parliament and receive their faithfull advice of whose reall affection he need not to doubt Within few dayes the King sends a second reply That he could neither doe nor offer any more then he had already and that he should think himselfe cleare fromany blood that might be spilt in this quarrell The Parliament give encouragement to the well affected that what moneys they should lend should be satisfied out of Delinquents estates and declare that whosoever shall returne from the King to the Parliament within ten dayes shall be pardoned excepting the Duke of Richmond the Earles of Newcastle Cumberland Bristoll Rivers and Carnarvan Mr. Edward Hide Endimion Porter Secretary Nicholas Vicount New-wark Vicount Haltland The Parliament being Inform'd that the Queen was soliciting the States of Holland to contribute Armes and Ammunition for the King send Mr. Walter Strickland a Member of the House over into Holland with Credentiall Letters They likewise drew up a Declaration to the States of Holland to satisfie them of their whole proceedings Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice in September arrive in England and offer their service to their Uncle who were immediatly put into Command Prince Rupert with a small body of Horse flew up and downe through diverse Counties and gained a considerable body together The King himself moves though with a slower pace and had gotten a great number together marches to Shrewsbury a place of great concernment as being the Inlet to Wales where he orders a Mint to melt down the plate which
in danger requiring the assistance of the Scots and that he hath fully accepted of the treaty proposed and gives it all the furtherance that lies in him by demanding the necessary meanes of effecting not doubting of the Parliaments ready compliance He conjures them is Christians and good Patricts that they will make all possible expedition by hasting downe their Commissioners praying the God of peace to blesse all endeavours that all his Dominions may enjoy a safe and happy peace A designe was laid for the betraying of Stafford for the King but by the Industry of Captain Stone it was prevented The Commons upon the City Petition Order a Bill to be brought in that Major Generall Skippon lift no more but by speciall Order of the House The Earle of Pembrooke was made Constable of Windsor-Castle in the roome of the Earle of Holland The Lords communicate to the Commons their Votes touching the Kings Letter which were to this purpose That the four Votes of non-addresses formerly made by both Houses be null And 1. That his Majesty may have all such to come to him as are necessary for the carrying on of the Treaty on his part 2. That he have such servants as are needfull to attend his person 3. That the Treaty be at Newport 4. That his Majesty may also invite the Scots to the Treaty to treat on the Propositions at Hampton Court wherein they concur'd 5. That the number of Lords to treat be five and the Commons to appoint ten 6. That his Majesty may have as much Liberty as at Hampton Court Lastly That all possible expedition may be made therein this being apprehended to be the most necessary for the setling of a peace Tinmouth Castle at that time Revolted and retaken the manner thus The Governour being absent the Deputy-Governour sends all the old Souldiers abroad in parties he suddenly declares for the King Armes all the prisoners Invites Seamen and other discontented persons to his assistance one making an escape over the walls Informes Sir Arthur Haslerig of it who immediately sent a party under the Command of Colonell Alhfeild also 100 Dragoones who with what Ladders could be got scaled the wall Major Cobbet led on the forlorne after a very hot Encounter enterd the Castle put all in armes to the sword The Deputy-Governour was found dead The Prince having laine long in the Downs and effected nothing resolves upon Laud service to which purpose they land eight hundred on the Kentish shoare diverse of which were Resormades and persons of quality Colonell Hewson being orderd for the security of the Kentish forces draws together what force he could which were betwixt three and four hundred who together with the assistance of Major Husbands with 100 Horse fell upon them kild many totally disperst them took diverse prisoners In Herefordshire 200 Horse were got together Commanded by Sir Henry Lingen for the King who suddenly surpriz'd the County troop and destroyd them The Commons fell into debate of the Heads of the Kings Letter concerning a treaty they agreed to all excepting their calling the Scots to their assistance who had broke the peace and enterd England in an hostile manner secur'd the townes of Barwick and Carlile but after a long debate they assented that the King should Invite any of the Kingdome of Scotland to come and treate in the behalfe of that Kingdome and that they should have safe conduct They likewise orderd Instructions for Colonell Hamond and order that he so deport himselfe as that the King may be in the same condition as at Hampton Court viz. with freedome Honour and safety The Lieutenant Generall and Lambert being Joyn'd the whole Army was concluded to be 12000 fighting men The Army march of Gisburne where there was a skirmish betwixt Major Righy and some part of the Enemy The next day the Army marcht to Stonyhurst a great house in the way to Preston a party was drawne out commanded by Major Sanders who fell on the Enemies out-guards and took the Earle of Connought a Scotchman and six others prisoners The next morning early the Army marcht to Preston where the whole Army of the Enemy both English and Scotch lay which by computation could be little lesse then 24000 fighting men a forlorne was commanded out by Major Smithson consisting of 500 foote 200 Horse and two Troops of Dragoones who charg'd furiously upon the Enemy pursuing them from lanes and Villages with great resolution which so allarm'd the whole Army and caus'd them to draw up upon a More two miles East of Preston out forelorne notwithstanding the deepnesse of the wayes behaved themselves with much Gallantry who after they had cleared the lanes our foote drew up the Van consisted of Colonell Bright The Lord Generall and the Lancashire Regiments The Reare of Colonell Overtons Deane and Prides Regiments The Battle of a suddaine was very hot and there was a fierce dispute for two houres the enemy having lined the hedges did much mischiefe both to Horse and foote but by the Courage of our men they quickly clear'd the Hedges and forc't them to retire The enemy still gave ground and we still pursuing from hedge to hedge our Horse pursue them through Preston Towne the enemies Army divides and retreats two severall wayes A body of 3000 Horse move toward Lancnster the rest of their Horse and foote retreat over the river Ribble our men follow and pursue them severall wayes Colonell Twissleton and Colonell Thornelow pursue them Northward overtook Rout scatter and took multitudes prisoners But the maine of our Army followed that part that went Southward there was a very hot dispute over Ribble birdge which they Gallantly defended for two houres at length a body of our Pikes runs furiously upon their Muskets and forced them to retire we kild and took many of them but night approaching hinderd the pursuit The next morning the Enemies whole body was drawne up upon a hill on the side of Preston our men fall on with courage and forced them to retire in disorder we kild and took many and that night they fled to Wiggon which they plunderd The next morning the Enemy came within two miles of Warington where they drew up in a very strong field which had high banks like fortifications where O swold King of the Northumbers was formerly slaine We fell upon them though with very great disadvantage our Horse Charge Resolutely The dispute was long and sharp untill such time as the foote could come up to engage which no sooner came but they retire and we pursued them to Warington bridge there was kild of the Enemy above a thousand and above two thousand taken prisoners the rest fled over Warington bridge where the foote were left by the Horse who fled upon our advance they sent a parly and above 4000 well accoutred men with the Lieutenant Generall laid downe their Armes and submitted to mercy Those that went with Duke Hamilton move up and downe in Cheshire
the Country people in Armes on their own defence seaze on diverse straglers many expecting no good leave him at last he moves toward Staffordshire Severall parties of Horse were sent after them one meets with Middleton who commanded 400 Horse falls on him disperst his company and took him prisoner Sir Marmaduke Langdale is appareheded in an Inne The Duke sent to the Lord Gray for a Cessation and to render himselfe prisoner to him which accordingly he did Immediately Commissioners are appointed by the Parliament to examine him Colonell George Monroe being newly come into England with a considerable body for a reserve understanding the totall defeat of Hamilton returnes back into Scotland and not long after came the Marquesse of Argile Lord Louden Leaven and other of the Nobility to Lieutenant Generall Cromwell to manifest their utter dislike of Hamiltons coming with an Army and Monroes endeavours to Levy Forces for the prosecution of the War and to desire his assistance against him To which the Lieutenant Generall return'd answer of his wiilingnesse to assist them and to joyne with them to subdue Monro and that he did really believe that God gave the Dukes Army into the hands of those under his Command to make way for the reliefe of the faithfull in Scotland he forthwith communicates it to the House who accordingly Vote that they approve of his Entring Scotland for the assistance of those that endeavour'd to oppose Hamiltons Levies The Parliament Orders so many of the Scots prisoners being in all 15000 that were forc't away be sent home in regard of the dearnesse of provissions The rest to be sent to severall parts abroad The King from Caresbrooke August 28. 1648. sent a Letter to the Speakers of both Houses thus My Lord and Mr Speaker I have receiv'd your Letter of the 25 of this moneth with the Votes that you sent me and though they are not so full as I could have wisht to the perfecting of a Treaty yet because I conceive by what you hav done that I am in some measure fit to begin on such is my uncessant and earnest desire to give a peace to these my now distressed Kingdomes as I now accept the Treaty therefore desire that such five Lords and ten Commons as my two Houses shall appoint be speedily sent fully Anthorized and Instructed to treat with me not doubting but what is now wanting will at our meeting upon debate be fully supplied not onely to the furtherance of this Treaty but also to the Consummating of a safe and well-grounded peace So I rest your good Friend Charles R. Indorsed For the Earle of Manchester Speaker of the House of Peeres pro tempore and William Lenthall He likewise Inclosed the Names of those persons which he desir'd might attend him most whereof were Granted him The Towne of Colchester having held out the longest siege of any Towne in England since the first beginning of the troubles in Expectation of Relief from the North but the Scots Colours being brought before the Towne totally disappointed them of their Expectation and being by famine the sorest of Calamities compeld to deliver the Towne up to mercy they having sed neere ten dayes together on Hors-flesh The Great ones endeavouring to escape were turn'd back by their own men The Towne was deliver'd up on these Conditions The Generall permitting the Common Souldiers to depart with life and the Officers to remaine at his disposall he to exempt from mercy whom he pleased the remainder to be remitted to the mercy of the Parliament The Towne to Rayse 14000 l. to preserve it from plunder And accordingly August 27. they marcht out on the Conditions above exprest The miseries of the Towne were great there being hardly so much as Hors-bread lest to have preserv'd them alive one day On the 28 of August at a Councell of War it was resolv'd that Sir Charles Lucas Sir George Lisle and Sir Barnard Jaskin a Papist be shot to death And accordingly Sir Charles Lucas was brought out into the Castle yard where he insisted upon an appeale but being deni'd he took Courage and looking death in the face with an undaunted resolution submitted himselfe Sir George Lisle was next brought forth who Kist Sir Charles being dead and after private prayer desir d a speedy death more desperate then many of the ancient Romanes on Record It s Credibly reported by Eye-witnesses that upon the very place where they were executed there groweth no grasse notwithstanding all the ground thereabout is very fertill Sir Barnard Jaskin was reprieved The Generall sent immediately a Letter to the Commons giving them an account of the whole proceedings as to Colchester as likewise certified the names of those Officers prisoners which were neere two hundred and to know their pleasure withall Telling them that to satisfie the Souldiery and to take vengeance he had caused to be shot to death Sir Charles Lucas and Sir George Lisle the first having contrary to promise falsified his word with him the second directed the shooting of poysoned bullets both being against the Law of Armes August the 31. the Commons took into Consideration the Kings Letter and those persons that he had nominated And by reason that some of them were exempted persons others prisoners or under bail they were not all allowed The rest that his Majesty had nam'd had freedom to goe The next day the Lords and Commons nominated their Commissioners to treat with his Majesty viz. The Earle of Northumberland the Earle of Pembrooke Lord of Salsbury Lord of Middlesex Lord Say and Seale for the Commons Mr Hollis the Lord Wainman Mr Perepoint Sir Harbottle Grinastone Sir Henry Vane Junior Sir John Corbet Mr Crew Mr Samuel Browne Mr Glin and Mr Bulkley The Commons order a Letter to be sent to his Majesty with the names of the Commissioners withall letting him know how far they had proceeded in the Treaty They further considered of Instructions for the Treaty and require money of the City to defray the Charge The Prince Riding in the Downs with the Revolted ships sent a summons to the Earle of Warwick to tender and submit himselfe to the Kings Majesty for the better security and settlement of the Kingdome The Lord Admirall returnes answer that God-willing he will performe the trust reposed in him and for setling the Kingdome he leaves that to the Parliament September 11. a Petition was presented to the Commons entituled The humble Petition of thousands well affected in the City of London giving diverse Reasons why they assisted them in the war with their lives and fortunes giving them to understand that they expected other meanes for a settlement then a personall Treaty as likewise taking particular notice of the severall wants and necessities of the Nation concluding that they had laid to heart the blood and losse of the people and wisht them seriously to consider whether an act of oblivion will satisfie Gods Justice and appease his wrath Which Petition