Answer to this Article and to the same Letters the said Earl referreth himself The said Earl upon sight of this and Sir Jacob Ashley's Letter had reason to believe that all fitting preparation was made and then understanding that if the Scotish Army should pass the River not only New-Castle altogether Unfortified on the South part would be lost but the said Army of 11000 Foot and 2000 Horse endangered and hearing that the Scotish Army were distressed for want of Victuals and knowing the advantage that was in opposing the passage of such a River Hereupon the said Earl by a Letter dated the 27th of August advised the Lord Conway with all the Horse and at least 8000 Foot and all the Cannon to March and Fight with them upon the passage of the River at which time the said Earl had no Charge of the Army but the truth is the Lord Conway having not with him all the Horse and not above 1500 Foot and only some part of the Cannon was in a posture to fight for the passage before the said Letter of advice came which he received not half an hour before the Fight began and proceeded according to his own judgment and His Majesties said general Direction and afterwards that is about the 30th of August and not before the said Earl took upon him the Charge of the Army at Darlington and brought it to York to be supplied with Necessaries that they wanted and purposed to have staid where they were quartered But hearing from many hands that there was a purpose to question him in Parliament and His Majesty having given him Liberty of staying there or coming away he left the Charge of the Army with the Lord Conway and other Officers as His Majesty had directed and came to London on Monday the 9th and the 11th of November was put under Restraint and so hath ever since remained And saith That the Town of New-Castle was no way under his Care and as to other matters whereto by Law he ought to answer and hath not answered he saith He is not Guilty of them or any of them in such manner and form as in the said Article is expressed and humbly prayeth a convenient time for making his Proofs and to justifie and maintain his Actions in Ireland by sight of His Majesties Warrants Records and Witnesses in that Kingdom and that if any mistake be in this Answer it may be amended And this the said Earl hopeth that upon equal Construction of his Words and Actions he shall appear free from any great and hainous Offences wherewith he is Charged and howsoever it shall please God to dispose of him he shall ever pray that by their Lordships great Wisdoms and Prudence the Affections of His Majesty and Duty of His Subjects may this Parliament be so surely knit together as may by God's blessing lastingly tend to the Prosperity and Flourishing Estate both of King and People Mr. Whitlock was Ordered to go to the Lords with this Message Saturday March 6. That the House of Commons have considered of the Earl of Strafford's Answer and do aver their Charge of High Treason against him and that he is guilty in such manner and form as he stands Accused and Impeached and that the House will be ready to prove their Charge against him at such convenient time as their Lordships shall prefix and intend to manage the Evidence by Members of their own After many Debates and Conferences preparatory to the place and manner of the Trial between the Two Houses Saturday March 13. they came to these Determinations First Determinations between the Lords and Commons about the Earl of Strafford's Trial. As to the Place it was agreed That it should be Westminster-Hall and the King to be made acquainted with it by the Lord Great Chamberlain Secondly For Persons the Lords agreed That the House of Commons should be present as a Committee of the whole House for this time with a Salvo jure to the Lords House either according to Law or Parliamentary proceedings and that this shall not be drawn into President hereafter on either side Thirdly For the Members of the House of Commons managing the Evidence the Lords granted it wholly Fourthly For the Earl's Councel That they should not speak nor interrupt the matter of the House of Commons until all the Evidence is finished That they shall not stand at the Barr but in some other convenient place where they may hear That they may speak to matter of Law only and not to matter of Fact and not unless the Lords shall think fitting and give permission Upon Monday Monday March 15. the King having been made acquainted with these Resolutions of the Two Houses was pleased to assent unto them and to appoint Monday the 22. of March 9. of the Clock for the Time of the Trial and accordingly the necessary preparations for the Tragical Solemnity were provided and the Earl had Notice of the Time and Place to prepare himself The Commons ordered the affair of the Trial in this manner Saturday March 20. First That the Members of their House shall sit together without any intermixture of others in the place prepared for them Secondly That the Members shall not meet at their House on Munday but come directly to the place of Trial. Thirdly That for the better ordering of the Business the Committee with the addition of Mr. Peard shall be at the several Doors by Six of the Clock and shall admit none into the place prepared for the Commons but such as shall bring Tickets of their Names and the Places for which they serve and no Members to be admitted till the Committee appointed to attend the Doors be come if any either Stranger or Member Offend this Order the Committee to report it to the House all the Members to be there by 8. of the Clock Fourthly That the Serjeant at Arms shall attend within the Court and his Men without to be imployed in such Service as they who manage the Evidence shall appoint Those who were appointed by the Commons to Manage the Evidence against the Earl were George Lord Digby John Hampden Esq John Pym Esq Oliver St. The Managers of the Evidence against the Earl of Strafford John Esq Sir Walter Erle Knight Jeoffry Palmer Esq John Maynard Esq John Glyn Esq In the Hall there was a Throne Erected for His Majesty On each side whereof was a Cabinet inclosed with Boards and before with Arras Before that were the Seats for the Lords and Woolsacks for the Judges below ten degrees of Seats extending further than the Middle of the Hall for the Gentlemen of the House of Commons at the End of all was a Desk closed about and set apart for the Earl and his Councel The Theatre being thus prepared whereupon this Noble Earl was to act his Tragedy Upon Munday March the 22. the Trial began Munday March 22. About 7. of the Clock in the Morning the
took Exception at their Petitioning for a Parliament and said Leaving out that Clause he would joyn with them in that Petition Sir Henry Cholmley deposed Sir Hen. Cholmley That informing my Lord that notwithstanding the Warrants Mony came not in and that unless he had money shortly the Regiment of which he was Colonel would disband his Lordship told him he would send a Levy on the Goods of those that refused but knows not whether such Levies were sent Sir John Hotham deposed much to the same Effect Sir John Hotham Sir Philip Stapleton deposed Sir Philip Stapleton That the Gentry upon the King's Summons being met drew the Petition to which there were 100 hands and that the Earl refused to deliver it unless the concluding clause were left out but most of them resolved to stand to that Petition and many went out of Town not doubting the delivery of it My Lord put it to the Vote where there were many Papists and on the Vote delivered an Answer what he knows not for he stayed behind to draw another Petition and humble Protestation to his Majesty that this Petition was the Answer of the Countrey Lord Wharton deposed Lord Wharton That attending my Lord Strafford with this Petition he refused to deliver it upon the Exception before mentioned that divers of the Gentlemen that were there would not go back from that with which so much humility and reason they thought was desired thereupon my Lord went to the King but they who thought not fit to alter the Petition went not with him and what he said he knows not Then this following Warrant of Sir William Pennyman's was produced and he owning it and it being not in Accusation of himself but grounded on my Lord Strafford's Command for Levying money it was read To the Constable of Sergeant-Major Yaworthe's Company WHereas the Lord Lieutenant-General of his Majesties Army Sir William Pennyman's Warrant by His Majesties Command sent forth Warrants to the Constable of this Weapontake of Longborough for Collecting and Paying the Soldiers of my Regiment Six weeks pay to be delivered from my hands which is not yet received from c. These are therefore once more in his Majesties Name to Will and Require you forthwith to pay or cause to be paid to the said Sergeant-Major the several Rates and Proportions both of the First and Second Contribution Assessed on your Town c. And if any Person or Persons shall refuse so to do you are instantly on receit hereof to bring him or them c. to serve in their own Persons for the defence of this County as the necessity of this Cause requires And hereof c. fail not 19 Octob. 1640. William Pennyman To this Sir William deposed That he cannot say whether the first Warrant was issued by the Vice-President or whether any was issued by my Lord Strafford 's direction And being again and again urged to speak positively and Categorically he said he did verily believe the ground of the Warrant of the Deputy-Lieutenants to Levy money on the Countrey was That my Lord told them That he had acquainted the Lords of the great Council and his Majesty and that he did it by their consent but he was out of the room when it was drawn only Mr. Rockly a Deputy-Lieutenant told him so Sir Henry Griffin deposed That he heard my Lord say Sir H. Griffin That he had direction from the great Council to Levy money for Sir William Pennyman and Sir Thomas Danby's Regiments and that by a clause in the Order the Refusers were to be compelled to serve in person Sir Robert Strickland sworn deposed the same Sir John Burroughs sworn deposed That upon the 20th of October Sir Robert Strickland Sir John Burroughs Mr. Robert Strickland and Mr. Mallard coming as he thinks to tender their services to the Lords among other discourse mentioned some Order concerning the relieving the two Regiments for the Guard of Richmonshire and that thereupon themselves my Lord Strafford and the rest of the Deputy-Lieutenants had granted Warrants for the assessing Money at this the Lords were startled and commanded him to inform them if there were any such Order he told them being Clerk That he remembred none nor drew up any The Lords desired those 2 Gentlemen to give them Copies of those Warrants they had sent out and that Sir John should take their Testimony which he did My Lord of Strafford did take notice that some such thing had been done at Rippon and said then to the Lords That he did conceive he had the King's Order and their Lordships approbation for the issuing out of this Warrant but since he conceives their Lordships disliked it and had taken Copies of it he was very willing to withdraw these Warrants And this was on the last day of the great Council but that my Lord-Deputy appealed to the King and the King said he did acquaint him with it before the Lords but that the Lords absolutely declined the making any such Warrants and were generally against it Mr. Henry Cholmley sworn Mr. H. Cholmley deposed That my Lord said That the Custom was that private men should serve in Person in the Trainbands or maintain the Charge of them and the Common-mens Charge is born by the Constables of the Town whence they come and told the King Sir if you please Mr. Vice-President may or shall send out Warrants to this purpose William Dowsen deposed Will. Dowsen That Mr. Yaworth Sir William Pennyman's Major came with 4 Musketeers to Egton sent for the Assessors who being unwilling to assess he told them they should answer it before my Lord General and shewed a Warrant from Sir William Pennyman but he did not see it but 2 Musketeers went with each Constable to Levy the money William Pierson deposed the same Will. Pierson And that he saw Sir William Pennyman 's name to the Warrant and that in the Town 4 Musketeers went with the Constable Sir William Ingram deposed Sir William Ingram That inquiring of my Lord Strafford how the Soldiers must be maintained my Lord told him the private men must maintain their Soldiers at 8 d. per diem or else he would commit them and the Soldiers should be maintained at that Rate out of their Estates and if any refused to pay their Assessment they should be committed to Prison and lye there and he would have all men to know that refused to pay such Contribution that they were in little better Condition then guilty of High Treason Sir Henry Griffin deposed Sir Henry Griffin That his Regiment advancing he received 300 l. on the Assessment by virtue of this Warrant but more they could not nor would not pay upon which complaining to my Lord he told him he would take a Course and my Lord did grant forth his Warrant and sent a Messenger from Constable to Constable and all was paid and for ought he knows
and Deputy-Lieutenants how affected to the Religion and to present their Names to the House and that where there is want that Arms and Ammunition may be supplyed By this Means they got a true account of all those who were their Friends and who their Enemies who were therefore to be displaced as disaffected to Religion and Popishly inclined as all those who were for Episcopacy were vogued to be and besides hereby they gave a General Alarm and Amazement to the Whole Nation to believe that those Fears and Jealousies with which they bewitched the People into Rebellion were grounded upon the foundations of Truth and real Danger which was the Occasion of this Inquiry into the state of the Militia Upon this a Message was sent to the Lords to acquaint them with a dangerous Conspiracy to seduce the Army against the Parliament and to increase the Fears and Jealousies among the People Message to the Lords about the Conspiracy to seduce the Army an Order was sent from the Commons to the Lord Mayor of London to take care of the City Guards The Message to the Lords was in haec verba Mr. Hollis who carried up the Message read it in these words Message about the Conspiracy of the Army That the House of Commons hath received such Information as doth give them just cause to suspect that there have been and still are secret practices to discontent the Army with the proceedings of Parliament and to ingage them in some Design of dangerous Consequence to the State and by some other mischievous ways to prevent the happy success and conclusion of this Parliament And because the timely discovery and prevention of these dangerous Plots doth so nearly concern the safety both of * Yet afterwards they did all that was possible to persuade the People that the King was in this Conspiracy King and Kingdom they desire your Lordships would be pleased to appoint a select Commitee to take the Examinations upon Oath of such persons and Interrogatories as shall be presented unto them by the Directions of the House of Commons and in the presence of such Members of that House as shall be thereunto appointed with Injunction of such Secrecy as a business of this nature doth require They have Ordered That such Members of their House as shall be thought fit shall upon notice be ready to be Examined and they desire your Lordships would be pleased to order the like for the Members and Assistants of your own House And further it is desired That your Lordships will forthwith send to his Majesty to beseech him in the Name of the Parliament upon this great and weighty occasion that no Servants of his Majesties of the Queen or Prince may depart the Kingdom or otherwise absent himself without leave from his Majesty with the humble advice of the Parliament until these Examinations be perfected Whereupon it was Ordered That this House will joyn with the House of Commons in all that they desire and these Lords following were Deputed to take the Examinations Earl of Bath Earl of Essex Earl of Warwick Earl of March Viscount Say and Seal Lord Wharton Lord Paget and Mr. Serjeant Glanvile and Mr. Attorney General to write and set down the Examinations There being never a Bishop in the Committee A Salvo for the Bishops a Memorandum was entered in the Journals MEmorandum Whereas none of the Lords the Bishops are joyned with the aforesaid deputed Lords it was declared by the House that it should be no prejudice to the Lords the Bishops This being done the Lord Great Chamberlain the Lord Steward the Lord Chamberlain the Earl of Dorset and the Earl of Newcastle were appointed to wait on his Majesty with the aforesaid request of the Parliament to which they brought this Answer THat his Majesty hath willingly granted it The Kings Answer concerning his Servants and gave a present Command to the Lord Chamberlain the Earl of Newcastle and the Earl of Dorset to give notice hereof to all under their Charge that none do depart the Kingdom without the King's License but to be forth-coming upon demand which accordingly they have already done After which the Oath of Secrecy was given to Serjeant Glanvile and Mr. Attorney in these words YOV shall Swear The Oath of Secrecy given by the Lords to Serjeant Glanvile and Mr. Attorney assistant to the Committee of Lords to Examine the Conspiracy The Persons accused That in your writing and setting down of the Examination of the Witnesses to be produced before the Lords deputed to take Examinations upon Interrogatories to be produced by the House of Commons concerning the English Army in the North and in all things concerning the same You shall well truly and faithfully behave your selves and not discover the same before the end of this Parliament or Publication granted or leave of this House first obtained The Persons Accused of this Design of seducing the Army against the Parliament were Sir John Suckling Mr. Henry Percy Brother to the Earl of Northumberland Mr. Henry Jermyn Colonel Goring Mr. William Davenant Captain Palmer Captain Billingsley and Sir Edward Wardourn and Warrants were issued out against them to bring them under the Examination of the House of Commons This day there passed little of Moment Thursday May 6. the Commons being taken up with Reading several Bills one for the security of the True Religion the Safety and Honour of his Majesties Person the just Rights of the Subject and the better discovering and punishment of Popish Recusants as also another Bill for Subsidies With which guilded baits they not only Angled for Popular Favour but also endeavoured to hide their Antimonarchical Designs against his Majesty by these specious pretences of endeavouring to study his Safety and Honour The House was this day informed That the Persons against whom the Warrants were Issued upon the Accusation of their endeavouring to seduce the Army were not to be found whereupon at a Conference it was desired that all the Ports might be stopped upon which the Lords made this Order Ordered The Order of the Lords for stopping the Ports That all the Ports of England shall be forthwith stopped until the pleasure of this House be further known and none to depart the Kingdom except Sir Thomas Roe and such as he will be answerable for who is to give in their names to this House And in particular stay is to be made of Henry Percy Esq Henry Jermyn Esq Sir John Suckling Knight William Davenant and Captain Billingsly that they depart not out of this Kingdom but are to be apprehended and safely conducted with all speed unto this House Directed To the Right Honourable Algernon Earl of Northumberland L. High Admiral of England To James Earl of March Lord Warden of the Cinque-Ports To Jerom Earl of Portland Captain and Governour of the Isle of Wight To George Goring Esq Governour of Portsmouth After which Sir Philip Carteret Lieutenant
Governour under Sir Thomas Jermyn of the Isle of Jersey having given an Account of the state of the Isle was Ordered to repair to his Charge there and if Mr. Percy Mr. Jermyn c. were there to apprehend them and cause them to be safely conducted to the House of Lords A Conference was this day appointed to be had with the Lords Fri day May 7. Heads of a Conference about the present dangers of Portsmouth and the French to acquaint them that divers persons who were suspected to have a hand in the Conspiracy and that in order to the discovery of it should have been Examined were gone that new Informations were brought to the Commons of several French Forces lay in Piccardy to be Transported into England probably into Portsmouth and to desire their Lordships to joyn with this House for the Discovery of these Practices and that some Forces may be drawn out of Wiltshire and Barkshire for securing of Portsmouth Sir Walter Erle was also ordered to go down into Dorsetshire to take care of the preservation and safety of that County Sir Hugh Cholmley to go to the Lords to desire them to move his Majesty that the Earl of Essex in this time of danger may be made Lord Lieutenant of Yorkshire A Proclamation was drawn to bring in Mr. Percy c. WHereas Henry Percy Esq Henry Jermyn Esq Proclamation to bring in Mr. Percy Sir John Suckling Knight William Davenant and Captain Billingsly being by order of the Lords in Parliament to be Examined concerning designs of great danger to the State and mischievous ways to prevent the happy Success and Conclusion of this Parliament have so absented and withdrawn themselves as they cannot be Examined His Majesty by the advice of the said Lords in Parliament doth strictly charge the said Henry Percy Esq Henry Jermyn Esq Sir John Suckling William Davenant and Captain Billingsly to appear before the said Parliament at Westminster within Ten days after the Date hereof upon pain to undergo such forfeitures and punishments as the said Lords shall order and inflict upon them The Earl of Bristol Reported to the Lords House Earl of Bristols Report about disbanding the Irish Army May 7. That his Majesty had taken a resolution for the disbanding of the new Irish Army to that purpose an estimate hath been given in to the King of the Charges that 10000 l. will now do it Whereupon there is order taken for the speedy Raising and Returning of Moneys to that intent And Sir Adam Loftus Vice-Treasurer of Ireland hath engaged himself to repay in September next those Monies shall be disbursed by the Earl of Cork and others in the interim for that purpose That likewise there is care taken how to dispose and imploy the said Soldiers that they may not be troublesome to that Country to that purpose there are Eight Colonels and Captains Nominated who will take off these Men and Transport them to Forreign Parts which his Majesty will give way unto if it be to a Prince that he is in Amity with provided that these Commanders do give the King and Parliament an Account both of their Persons and their Imployers before they have the Command of the Soldiers Mr. White Chair-man of the Committee for Scandalous Ministers Saturday May 8. Reports the matter of Complaint exhibited against Edward Finch Vicar of Christ-Church London Upon which these Votes passed Resolved c. Votes about Mr. Finch Vicar of Christ-Church London That the said Edward Finch is guilty of practising Innovations in the Church Non-Residency foul Extortion neglect of the Duty of his Function and prophaning the Sacrament a Man of prophane Life scandalous in his Doctrine and Conversation and a hinderer of preaching Resolved c. That the said Edward Finch is a man unfit to hold any Benefice or Promotion in the Church Mr. White is Ordered to transmit this Case to the Lords that the Parish may be eased of him Thus early did they begin to strike at Root and Branch of Episcopacy for all those who were obedient to their Governours in the Church or thought God Almighty ought to have bodily Worship and Adoration in those places where he has put his Name and made them Houses of Prayer all those who thought kneeling at the Receiving the Holy Sacrament necessary or any other decent Postures Gestures or Vestments that might outwardly signifie inward Veneration and Homage Lawful and Expedient were upon the slightest Accusations voted Guilty of Innovation Prophaneness and unworthy of any Promotion in the Church And as Mr. Symmons Vindicat of King Charles p. 73. Symmons in his Vindication of King Charles who was an Eye-witness of this terrible Persecution informs us All Accusations against any though the best Ministers by the most malicious and lewdest persons were invited by Ordinance incouraged and admitted of without any proof at all And it can be no wonder that the Orthodox Clergy suffered so deeply both in their Reputation and Estates when not only their Accusers which mostly were the several Sectaries in their Parishes or such others as went about to defraud them of their just Dues were their most inveterate Enemies but their Judges too were frequently both Parties in promoting and managing those Accusations and by their open favouring their Accusers shewed the partiality of Enemies The Faction saw the absolute necessity of getting the power of the Sword into their hands both to justifie what they had already done and to support them in what they intended by their pretended Reformation which was totally to abolish Episcopacy in the Church and to clip the Wings of Prerogative if not wholly to take away the Government of Monarchy it self Now to the accomplishment of this design upon the Militia Navy Forts Magazines and Strength of the Nation all Arts imaginable were used to gain the People the great pretences were Liberty Property and Religion for as Mr. Hambden one of the principal Grandees of the Faction told a private friend without that they could not draw the People to assist them The great Rubb in their way to the gaining of the People they knew would be the Loyal and Orthodox Bishops and Clergy these therefore were to be removed that so Creatures of their own might be introduced into Corporations and especially into the City of London who might from the Pulpit preach the Oracles of Sedition and Rebellion delude the People animate and incourage them to assist the Parliament in this Glorious Reformation by putting the power of the Sword into their hands That they might effect this they did not only obtrude Lecturers by order of the House upon most Churches of Note in London and elsewhere but by their means and the restless malice of the Sectaries were perpetually Petitioning and Articling against the Episcopal Clergy And to encourage this Trade of Parson-hunting as the factious Sectaries called it and which did extreamly tie them to the Parliament a pretended Order of the
Mr. D'avenant was before Col. Goring went to Portsmouth Whensoever Sir John Suckling spake with him concerning any particular Intimations to the Army though Mr. D'avenant was then present he whispered yet he spake some Generals openly That the French would assist That the Clergy would maintain 1000 Horse That part of the Commons House was much distasted with the Letter that came from the Army The only Proposition was to know their Inclinations for their accepting Col. Goring for their Lieutenant General Mr. Wilmot Mr. Ashburnham and Mr. Pollard told him That the House of Commons had real Intentions towards the Army and that they should have Martial Law if it would stand with the Conveniency of the Common-wealth and this they spake with much Earnestness Sergeant Major Willis told him upon the Way That the Clergy would furnish a Thousand Horse Saturday August 14. A Letter was Ordered to be sent to the Lord General about the Affairs of the Army which was as followeth May it Please your Excellency Letter to L. General from the Lords about the Scots marching by Barwick THe Treaty of Pacification between the Two Kingdoms of England and Scotland being come to a Happy and Peaceable Conclusion and a Day prefixed for the Scottish Army to March over the Tweed for the more Expedition thereof the Scottish Commissioners have made their Request to the Parliament that they might be permitted to pass with their Army Munition and Artillery over Barwick Bridge To which desire both Houses of Parliament have consented to be in such sort as shall be agreed and settled there by the General and Governor of Barwick Wherefore the Lords have commanded me to recommend the Manner and Way thereof to your Excellency's Care and Judgment not doubting but your Excellency will give such Directions to the Governor of Barwick both for the number of Soldiers that shall March in a Company together as also how to preserve his Majesties Ordinance and Munitions there and secure the safety of the said Town And so I humbly remain Your Excellency's Servant to Command John Banks Speaker of the Lords House A Complaint having Yesterday been made by the House of Commons that the Capuchin Friers in Denmark House Capuchin Friers at Denmark House to keep in were very active in Preverting the Kings Subjects from the True Religion the Earl of Dorset was Ordered to attend the Queen and move her Majesty from this House in it and humbly to desire her Majesty That the said Friers may be kept in and not suffered to go abroad to pervert the People and draw them to be reconciled to the Church of Rome And further That the Earl of Dorset do send for the Chief of the Capauhins and give him warning that he obey this Command Upon reading the Petitions of the Lord Major of London Order about L. Major and Citizens for a Reference and the six Persons chosen by the Commonalty of the said City It is Ordered That both sides shall give Copies to each other of their Petitions and attend the Lords Committees appointed to compose the Differences between them on Munday next in the Afternoon at Two of the Clock in the Painted Chamber A Message was brought from the House of Commons by Mr. Message that a convenient number of Lords may stay in Town Hotham to desire That a convenient number of Lords may be kept together in this House until the Armies be disbanded and the necessary Defence of the Kingdom settled The Answer hereunto was That their Lordships will take Care as is desired WHereas this House hath been Informed That Thomas Bushell Esq Undertaker of His Majesties Mines Royal in the County of Cardigan by his great Charge and Industry in cutting Additts hath gained His Majesties old drowned and forsaken Works of Talabant The Order of the House of Lords about Mines Royal in Wales Aug. 14. 1641. and other Works and made new Discoveries of Royal Mines there which are already very Considerable And whereas divers Persons of Quality encouraged by His Majesties Letters to them directed do intend to adventure great Summs of Money in the said Work which in time if well incouraged may prove of great consequence both for Honor and Profit to His Majesty and this Kingdom And whereas also it appeareth unto this House by divers Affidavits and Certificates of Credit that some Persons ill affected to these Honourable and Publick Services who in time may receive deserved Punishment have disturbed the possession of the said Thomas Bushell in some of His Majesties Mines Royal and Edifices appertaining to the Royal Work and have plucked up divers Pumps cast in the Rubbish and drowned and so much as in them did lie destroyed the said Works so as it hath been a labour of 4 Years Night and Day to recover the same and that the said Thomas Bushell hath been disturbed in the getting of Turf and Peate for the Service of His Majesties Works being an invention of his own very commendable and commodious for the preserving of Wood which hath been heretofore by the former Undertakers much wasted in those Parts Now for the Remedy of such mischiefs and that the said Thomas Bushell and his Assigns and such Persons as are or shall be Undertakers and Adventurers with him in the said Service may receive a due encouragement and assistance in these chargeable Undertakings It is Ordered by the Lords in the upper House of Parliament now Assembled That the Speaker of this House in the Name and by the Authority of the same shall direct his Letters unto the Judges of Assizes and Justices of the Peace of the said County of Cardigan requiring them that they do in all Lawful things endeavour to advance and encourage the said Service in His Majesties Royal Mines and assist the said Thomas Bushell and other Undertakers in all things so far as Lawfully they may for the continuance of his Lawful Possession and the quiet and peaceable Working of the said Mines until he shall be ejected by due Course of Law as also for getting and working of Turf or Peate according to his Legal Right upon His Majesties Wasts and other places Lawful and all other Lawful accommodations of necessary passages and other Legal things which may any ways advance His Majesties Service in the said Royal Mines Commissioners to attend the King in Scotland It was this day Ordered by the Commons That two Members only of this House shall go Commissioners into Scotland with the Earl of Bedford and Mr. Hambden and Sir Philip Stapleton to be the Persons A Committee was also appointed to draw Instructions for them Petition against the Minister of St. Ann's Aldersgate A Petition was read against the Minister of St. Anns Church near Aldersgate for speaking Words against the Parliament for so they called the House of Commons saying It would not last alwayes but they would hereafter be questioned for some things they have done
disguising himself yet he could not get forth of the City so surely Guarded were all the Gates There was found at his Lodging hidden some Hatchets with the Helves newly cut off close to the Hatchets and many Skenes and some Hammers In the end the Sheriffs of the City who were imployed in a strict search of his Lordship found him hidden in a Cock-loft in an obscure House far from his Lodging where they apprehended him and brought him before us He denied all yet so as he could not deny but he had heard of it in the Country though he would not tell us when or from whom and confessed that he had not advertised us thereof as in duty he ought to have done But we were so well satisfied of his Guilt by all Circumstances as we doubted not upon further Examination when we could be able to spare time for it to find it apparent Wherefore we held it of absolute necessity to commit him close Prisoner as we had formerly done Mac-Mahon and others where we left them on the 23 of this Month in the morning about the same hour they intended to have been Masters of that Place and the City That morning we laid wait for all those strangers that came the night before to Town and so many were apprehended whom we find reason to believe to have hands in this Conspiracy that we were forced to disperse them into several Goals and since we found that there came many Horsemen into the Suburbs that night who finding the Plot discovered dispersed themselves immediately When the hour approached which was designed for the surprising the Castle great numbers of Strangers were observed to come to the Town in great Parties several Ways who not finding admittance at the Gates stayed in the Suburbs and there grew so numerous to the Terror of the Inhabitants We therefore to help that drew up and instantly Signed a Proclamation Commanding all Men not dwellers in the City or Suburbs to depart within an hour upon pain of Death and made it Paenal to those that should harbour them which Proclamation the Sheriffs immediately Proclaimed in all the Suburbs by our Commandment which being accompanied with the Committal of those two Eminent Men and others occasioned the departure of these multitudes and in this case all our Lives and Fortunes and above all His Majesties Regal Power and Authority being still at stake we must vary from ordinary Proceedings not only in Executing Martial Law as we see Cause but also in putting some to the Rack to find out the Bottom of this Treason and the contrivers thereof which we foresee will not otherwise be done On that 23 of this Month we conceiving that as soon as it should be known that the Plot for seizing the Castle of Dublin was disappointed all the Conspirators in remote Parts might be somewhat disheartned as on the other side the good Subjects would be comforted and would then with the more Confidence stand on their Guard did prepare to send abroad to all Parts of the Kingdom this Proclamation which we send you here inclosed and so having provided that the City and Castle should be so well Guarded as upon the sudden we could we concluded that long Council On Saturday Twelve of the Clock at night the Lord Blaney came to Town and brought us the ill news of the Rebels seizing with two hundred Men his House at Castle-Blaney in the County of Monoghan as also a House of the Earl of Essex's called Carrick-Macross with 200 Men and a House of Sir Henry Spotwood's in the same County with 200 Men where there being a little Plantation of British they plundered the Town and burnt divers Houses and since it appears that they burnt divers other Villages and robbed and spoiled many English and none but Protestants leaving the English Papists untouched as well as the Irish On Sunday morning at three of the Clock we had intelligence from Sir Arthur Terringham that the Irish in the Town had that day also broken up the King's Store of Arms and Munition at Newry where the Store for Arms hath been ever since the Peace where they found 70 Barrels of Powder and Armed themselves and put them under the Command of Sir Con Magenis Knight and one Creedly a Monk and plundered the English there and disarmed the Garrison And this though too much is all that we yet hear is done by them However we shall stand upon our Guard the best we may to defend the Castle and City principally those being the places of most importance But if the Conspiracy be so universal as Mr. Mahon saith in his Examination it is namely That all the Counties of the Kingdom have Conspired in it which we admire should so fall out in this time of universal Peace and carried with that secresie that none of the English could have any Friend among them to disclose it then indeed we shall be in high Extremity and the Kingdom in the greatest danger that ever it underwent considering our want of Men Mony and Arms to enable us to encounter so great multitudes as they can make if all should so joyn against us the rather because we have pregnant cause to doubt that the Combination hath taken force by the incitement of the Jesuits Priests and Friars All the hope we have here is That the English of the Pale and some other Parts will continue constant to the King in their Fidelity as they did in former Rebellions And now in these straits we must under God depend on Aid forth of England for our present supply with all speed especially Mony we having none and Arms which we shall exceedingly want without which we are very doubtful what account we shall give to the King of this Kingdom But if the Conspiracy be only of Maguire and some other Irish of the Kindred and Friends of the Rebel Tyrone and other Irish of the Counties of Down Monogham Cavan Fermanagh and Armagh and no general Revolt following thereupon we hope then to make Head against them in a reasonable Measure if we be inabled with Money against them in a reasonable Measure if we be inabled with Money from thence without which we can raise no Forces so great is our want of Mony as we formerly have Written and our Debt so great to the Army nor is Money to be borrowed here and if it were we would Engage all our Estates for it neither have we any hope to get in his Majesties Rents and Subsidies in these Disturbances which adds extremely to our Necessities On Sunday Morning the 24th we met again in Council and sent to all parts of the Kingdom the inclosed Proclamation and Issued Patents to draw hither seven Horse Troops as a further strength to this Place and to be with us in case the Rebels shall make Head and march hitherward so as we may be necessitated to give them Battel We also then sent away our Letters to the Presidents of both the
part ought to give Denomination to the Whole and that in that great Defection the Protestant Nobility Gentry and Commonalty and even some of the Ancient Native Irish Nobility to their Immortal Glory persevered in their constant Loyalty and Fidelity to their Lawful Soveraign and did not amidst so many Hazards and Hardships Difficulties and the most pressing Dangers relinquish the gasping Interests of their Royal but Unfortunate Master till after they saw both Him and All their Hopes notwithstanding their most Vigorous and Generous Attempts and Endeavours Breathless and Deplorate and that nothing less than a Miracle of Providence was capable of giving them a Resurrection and even then when they submitted their Necks to the Iron Yoke of the prevailing Usurpers who had Murthered and Dethroned the Father and Banished his Son and Successor our now Gracious Soveraign it was not without a Wise Prospect which the Illustrious Prince James then Lord Marquiss now Duke of Ormond and by that Noble Title as a mark of his Majesties Favour and for his Extraordinary Merits Conduct and Sufferings created a Peer of the Realm of England even then had that it might be to his Majesties Advantage and that reserving themselves to a better Fortune they might upon any Turn of Affairs be in a Capacity to Exert that Loyalty which under all their Pressures lay still warm in their Dutiful Hearts and Willing Inclinations And this I find justified by the Lord Brohall late Earl of Orrery in a small Treatise written in answer to a Printed Letter of P. W's where his Lordship to shew how much the Protestants Exceeded the Papists in Loyalty and Duty to the King hath this Remarkable Passage IN the Year 1650 The Earl of Orrery's Answer to P. W. printed at Dublin 1662. p. 27. saith he speaking of his Grace the Duke of Ormond then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland he permitted all those worthy Protestants which till then had served under him to come off to the rest of the Protestants though then headed by Ireton Esteeming them Safer with that Real Regicide so accompanied than with those pretended Anti-Regicides the Papists so Principled And adds he if so Faithful and Wise a Servant to His Majesty as the L. Lieutenant had had any Hopes that the Irish Papists would ever have returned to their Loyalty doubtless he would never have sent away from them so many Powerful Helpers of it and Friends unto it and if he had not had more than Hopes that the English Protestants would return to their Obedience as soon as they had Power The Wisdome of his Grace's foresight has been happily Justified in the Result For all the Protestants which then came off were Eminently Instrumental and Concurring in the Duty of accomplishing that happy Event speaking of his Majesties Restauration I dare as truly as confidently say That most of the Protestants of Ireland only served under the Vsurpers but to bring the Irish Papists to those Terms which without the force of English Swords they would never have been brought to it being too Evident that nothing could bind them but Steel and Iron So far his Lordship But still I am to inform the Reader That the name Protestant whether his Lordship intended that limitation or no I know not and this fair Character ought to be under the restriction of being only applied to those Loyal Protestants who firmly adhered with his Grace the Duke of Ormond to their Duty and Allegiance to his Late Majesty for there were another sort of People who glory much in the Title of Protestants the Covenanting Presbyterians and Schismaticks who were all along as bitter Enemies to his Majesty and his Interests and who by their refusing to submit to his Majesties Authority vested in the Lord Lieutenant did as considerable Mischiefs to the King's Affairs and were in reality no less Rebels than the Papists against whom they fought Nor is it only to gratifie the Curiosity of the Inquisitive that I think it necessary to give this Preliminary account of the state of the Irish Affairs some time preceding and to shew the probable Reasons that occasioned this Great Revolt and Insurrection but also to wipe off the stains which some mens Tongues and Ink have maliciously fixed upon the most Innocent Reputations in the World And indeed such is the Nature of those Corroding Vices of Envy and Detraction that the most polished and brightest Integrity is not Armor of Proof sufficient against the Rust of Time and Popular Calumnies however it is a Duty we ow to Posterity to transmit to them the clearest Accounts we can of Truth and not to suffer the Illustrious Fame of Great and Worthy Men to lie Buried under the Rubbish which prevailing Faction and the accumulated Malice of those who wrought their Ruin hath heaped upon them though to Ingenuous and unprejudiced Persons the greatest Vindication that they are Capable of is the Consideration that they were Enemies who raised those Calumnies and therefore not worthy to be Credited or Regarded It was one of the Common Topiques of those wicked Miscreants the late Usurpers and Regicides who made a Trade of Slandering the Foot-Steps of the Lord 's Anointed constantly to insinuate into the Minds of the People that his late Majesty was the Occasion of the Irish Rebellion and that it was not suppressed was perpetually charged to his Score as the Reader will hereafter have frequent Opportunity to observe but that the direct contrary was the most evident Truth I doubt not but from many clear and undeniable Testimonies I shall be able in the following Collections to Evince even beyond all possibility of Doubting The Irish Rebels indeed at first made his Majesties Authority a pretence for their Treasonable Rebellion as in due time we shall see and the English Rebels as greedily laid hold upon that wicked and groundless Pretension as if it had been the greatest Reality but to manifest how false both the one and the other Calumny was I will give a short hint out of the abovementioned Book of the Earl of Orrery where I find these Words In the Year 1641 speaking of the beginning of the Rebellion the Irish Papists saith he pretended His Majesties Authority the pretending whereof Earl of Orreries Answer to P. W. p. 29. having been so horrid a Sin for it was no less than to have Intituled His Sacred Majesty to all their unparalell'd Crimes nay to have made him the Author of them I think it a Duty to the memory of that Glorious MARTYR to present the Reader with what will clearly Evince their Malice to be as great as His Majesties Innocence I will therefore only cite the Preamble of their own Remonstrance delivered by the Lord Viscount Gormanston Sir Lucas Dillon and Sir Robert Talbot Baronet to His Majesties Commissioners at the Town of Trim in the County of Meath on the 17th of March 1642. In which Remonstrance of Grievances for so they called it after they had taken
That by the Words Irish Papists We intended only such of the Old meer Irish in the Province of Ulster as have Plotted Contrived and been Actors in this Treason and others who adhere to them and that We did not any way intend or mean thereby any of the old English of the Pale nor of any other Parts of this Kingdom We being well assured of their Fidelities to the Crown and having experience of the good Affections and Services of their Ancestors in former times of Danger and Rebellion And We further require all His Majesties loving Subjects whether Protestants or Papists to forbear upbraiding Matter of Religion one against the other and that upon pain of His Majesties Indignation Given at His Majesties Castle of Dublin 29. Oct. 1641. R. Ranelagh R. Dillon An. Midensis Ad. Loftus Geo. Shurley Ger. Lowther Jo. Temple Fr. Willoughby Ja. Ware God save the King With this the Lords and Gentlemen of the Pale seemed extreamly well satisfied and the Lords Justices and Council were so far from suspecting them guilty of the Conspiracy The Lords and Gentlemen of the English Pale supplied with Arms and Ammunition or that they would perfidiously renounce their Allegiance and fall in with the Rebels that they immediately supplyed them with a Convenient proportion of Arms and Ammunition to inable them to defend themselves and those Counties of the English Pale against the attempts and incursions of the Rebels To the Lord Gormanstone were delivered 500 Arms for the County of Meath Arms for 300 men for the County of Kildare Arms for 300 for the County of Lowth Arms for 300 for the County of West-Meath Arms for 300 for the County of Dublin And so assured did they seem to be of the Fidelity of these Lords and Gentlemen that several Commissions whereof that before inserted to the Lord Gormanstone was one and was found in his Study after he had quitted his House were issued out to the Roman Catholiques Borlase Hist p. 28. viz. To the foresaid Lord Gormanstone for Meath To the Lord Mountgarret in Kilkenny Nicholas Barnewell in Dublin Walter Bagnal in Caterlagh Lord Lowth in Lowth Sir Thomas Nugent in West-Meath Sir Robert Talbot in Wickloe the two Sir James Dillons in Longford and several others in Munster Connaght and Vlster who not long after most treacherously turned those Arms they had received to defend the Government and Protestants against them and basely joyned with the Rebels It seems by comparing several past and future Transactions of these Lords and Gentlemen of the Pale with some of the Examinations and Depositions taken about the Rebellion that if they were not in the Conspiracy yet they had a great inclination to promote rather than suppress it though after all the indiscreet Zeal of the then Chief Governors by putting their Agent Sir John Read to the Rack gave them but too great a pretence and colour for their Revolt and I know nothing that can be sufficient to palliate much less Excuse Rebellion upon any pretences whatsoever till St. Paul's holy Rule be reversed and that Men may do Evil that Good may come of it The Principal of the Rebels that at first appeared in the Execution of this detestable Conspiracy The Names of the Chief Rebels which broke out first in the Province of Vlster were Sir Phelim O Neal Turlogh O Neal his Brother Roury Mac-Guire Brother to the Lord Mac-Guire Philip O Reley Mulmore O Reley Sir Conne Mac-Gennis Col. Mac-Bryan and Mac-Mahon These having got together according to their Assignation did at one and the same time treacherously Surprize the Town and Castle of the Newry Several Places surprized by the Rebels the Fort of Dongannon Fort Montjoy Charlemont Tonrages Carick Mac-Rosse Clough-Cuter Castle Blaney Castle of Monaghan being all of them Places of considerable Strength and besides these many other Castles Towns and Villages so that before the End of October they had gotten into their Possession all the Towns Forts Castles and Gentlemens Houses within the Counties of Tyrone Donegal Fermanagh Armagh Cavan Londonderry Monaghan and half the County of Down except the Cities of Londonderry and Colraign the Town and Castle of Encekillin and some other Places which were for the present bravely defended by the British Undertakers though afterwards for want of Relief they were surrendred also into the Hands of the Rebels Nor will it appear at all strange The strange Secresy of the Conspiracy that they made so great Progress in so little time when it is considered that the Conspiracy was so secretly carried among them as that except the Information given to Sir William Cole it was not known to any of the English or British Inhabitants till they felt the Effects of it They Lived in the greatest seeming Friendship together with the Irish which brought them into a Security that proved so fatal to them And like People who are surprized in their midnight Sleep with their House blazing about their Heads when they had not seen the least Sparks of Fire at their lying down so it happened to these miserable Creatures who upon the first Risings about them put themselves their Wives and Children into the Protection of such of the Irish whom they had most Obliged and from whose Friendship they promised themselves Security and Preservation but these Perfidious and Inhumane Wretches too frequently either betrayed them into the Hands of the Rebels their Associates who Murdered and Destroyed them or at least Stript and Despoiled them of all they had or else having them and their Goods and Money in their Power basely did it themselves and it is almost a shame to Humanity Sir John Temple Irish Rebellion p. 70.71 et passim alibi to repeat the Cruelties which as the Writers of that time relate from the Depositions of those who escaped the Fury of the Irish were acted upon the Innocent English and British Inhabitants of that Island but it will be a greater and eternal Reproach and Infamy to the Priests and those who call themselves the Religious of the Romish Persuasion that they were the Actors and Instigators of the deluded People to commit those Execrable and Savage Cruelties as if they were Meritorious and Acceptable Services to God Almighty which far surpass the most Sanguinary Hecatombs that were ever offered to the Devil by the Blind and Pagan Idolaters and yet it is but too evident it must be placed to the account of those of the Popish Clergy for it seems before the Plot was come to Maturity there was a Consultation held at the Abbey of Multifernan in the County of Westmeath Borlase Hist p. 25. Dr. Jones's Deposition where among other things the Question was debated What Course should be taken with the English and all others that were found in the whole Kingdom to be Protestants some were only for expelling them as the King of Spain did the Moors out of Granada others disliked that Lenity urging that they might
sorry for having administred unto their Lordships any Occasion of so high an Offence by letting fall Words touching the Bible of the Church of England and protesteth that his Design was not to affront their Lordships or the professed Religion of this Kingdom and he did assure their Lordships That as all Catholick Subjects have ever done so he did neither refuse to swear upon the English Bible nor held himself disobliged to Answer truely whatsoever was Demanded He therefore humbly beseecheth their Lordships to Pardon his great Offonce upon this his humble Submission and Acknowledgment and to grant his Inlargement assuring their Lordships he is most willing and ready not only to depose the Truth as by his Oath he is bound in whatsoever shall be Interrogated in this particular Cause but also shall ever Pray c. Upon which their Lordships sent a Message to the Commons giving them an account of this Petition and to let them know that having given this Satisfaction they were inclined to Pardon him but will not release him out of his Imprisonment before they had acquainted them therewith according to their Lordships former Ingagement Sir Henry Vane brought up a List of the Names of such Papists as the House of Commons desired should be secured as also an Order for the Lord Admiral to set forth 4 Ships for the Service of Ireland in which they desired the Lords to joyn with them Then were read two Letters from the Lords Justices in Ireland Letters from Ireland dated Nov. 13th 1641. the one to the Lord Keeper the other to the Lord Lieutenant the Purport of which was That some Ships may be appointed to Guard the Coasts of Ireland That the Rebels have taken divers Houses and Castles That they have spoiled the County of Cavan and have made a Remonstrance of the Ground of their Revolt They desire that 10000 Foot and 1000 Horse with Arms and Munition and 100000 l. be presently sent them with a Supply of Victuals and Oats for Horses And lastly they presented an Examination of one William Shales taken the 10th of November upon Oath ministred by the Clerk of the Council of Ireland by Direction of the Board which Examination was read in the House as followeth WIlliam Shales Shales's Accusation of Sir Henry Beddingfield of Oxborough Hall in Norfolk Sergeant of the Foot Company under the Command of Sir Arthur Loftus Knight saith That about the latter End of April last he being then in Norfolk at Oxborough Hall in the House of Sir Henry Beddingfield the said Sir Henry hearing that this Examinant was lately come out of Ireland sent for him in to his Garden whither when he came he found the said Sir Henry walking with one Poole whom this Examinant supposeth was a Priest and saith That as soon as he came into the said Garden the said Sir Henry asked him whether he knew how the state of Ireland then stood To which the Examinant said That he thought that all things were quiet and at Peace there Why quoth Sir Henry doth the Army there do nothing To which the Examinant Replied That they carried themselves quietly and that any man might walk in Ireland with a Thousand pounds and a Wand only in his hand He saith also That the said Sir Henry told him That he was about to take a House in Kilkenny of one of the Butlers for that there was no safety in England for any of his Religion and asked of the Examinant Whether there were any good Hawking thereabouts To which the Examinant said That there was Then the said Sir Henry said That now his Mind was altered and that he meant to stay in England and added That he did believe that before Christmass Day next there should be seen such Combustions in England and Ireland as the like were never seen before and thereupon Cursed the Scots as Authors of these Troubles Jurat Coram nobis Ja. Ware Rob. Meredith William Shales Whereupon it was Ordered That Sir Henry Beddingfield should be sent for in safe Custody by the Gentleman Vsher of the House and none permitted to speak with him but in the presence of the Messengers and that his Study should be sealed up by the two next Justices of the Peace till the further Pleasure of the House be known Sir Thomas Barington brought up a Message from the Commons to desire that Phillips the Priest may not be released of his Imprisonment until they be first made acquainted with it To which the Lords assented and appointed the Earl of Dorset the Queens Chamberlain to give her Majesty an account of these proceedings The List of the Prime Papists who were desired to be secured by the House of Commons Next the List of Recusants Names were read which the House of Commons desire may be secured which were as follows In the County of Lancaster Mr. Preston of the Mannor Mr. Clifton of Litham Mr. Chorley Sir William Gerrard Mr. James Anderton of Clayton Sen. Mr. Blundel of Crosby Mr. Robert Cranfield of Robbs Hall Sir John Talbott Sir Cecil Trafford Mr. Hugh Anderton of Eurton Sir Alexander Barlow In the County of Stafford Sir Richard Fleetwood Baronet Mr. Jo. Wells of Horecross Mr. Dreycott of Painsley Mr. Peter Gifford of Chillington Mr. Tho. Leveson of Ashburn Mr. Francis Harcott In the County of Southampton Lord Stourton Mr. Gage of Bawbridge Mr. John Bishop of Pilewell Lord Baltimore Mr. William Owen of Abberston John Arundell Esquire In the County of Sussex Lord Viscount Mountague In the County of Warwick Robert Throgmorton Esquire Mr. Morgan of Weston Mr. William Sheldon of Weston Sir Charles Smith In the County of Montgomery Sir Piercy Herbert Knight In the County of Worcester The Earl of Shrewsbury Francis Hanford Esquire Mr. Walter Blunt Edward Sheldon Esquire Mr. William Abbington Jun. In the County of Chester Mr. Poole of Poole Mr. Starkey of Darley Mr. Stanley In the County of Monmouth The Earl of Worcester Sir Charles Sommersett Mr. Morgan of Llantern In the County of Pembroke Sir Nicholas Lewis In the County of Suffolk Sir Robert Rookwood In the County of Salop. Thomas Vnton Esquire In the County of Northumberland Roger Widdrington Esquire In the County of Northampton The Lord Brudnell Mr. Poulton Mr. Sanders In the County of Dorsett John Webb of Cansford In the County of Lincoln Sir John Thimbleby Knight Ralph Evers of Washingborough Mr. Townley of Norton Edmond Thorold of Hough Esq Anthony Mounson The Lord Harris Lord Arundel of Wardour Sir Kenelm Digby Sir John Symonds Sir John Winter Sir William Mounteth Lord Herbert Sir Robert Lyme Sir Basil Brook Sir Alexander Gordon Sir William Mounson Sir Henry Gifford After which it was Ordered That the Consideration of this List should be debated upon Munday following In the House of Commons they were still upon the great work of the Declaration of the State of the Kingdom which was not so smoothly carried but that it met with great Opposition even
part Succesless our dangers grown upon us by iterated Plots Priests and other Delinquents unpunished to the Encouragement of others Ireland lost by protracted Councels while thousands are there Butchered by many Cruelties and to cut off all hopes of future Reformation the very being of our Parliaments endangered by desperate and unexampled breach of Priviledges which by our Protestation lately taken we are bound with our Lives and Estates to maintain And in respect of that late attempt upon the Honourable House of Commons we are now come to offer our service to that end and resolved in their just defence to live and die And therefore humbly Pray that this most Honourable House will Cooperate with the House of Commons in most Speedy perfecting the most necessary work of Reformation bringing to condign and Exemplary Punishment both wicked Councellors and evil Plotters and Delinquents that Ireland may have speedy relief the Priviledges of Parliament fortified against all future Attempts and the whole Kingdom put into sure and present Posture of Defence that we may live both Safe from all Practices of the Malignant Party at home and the endeavours of any ill affected States abroad And Your Petitioners shall ever Pray c. The Petitioners were called in again and told That this House takes well their coming hither with their Petition and their Care of the Priviledges of Parliament and the Kingdom of Ireland for which this House gives them thanks and their Lordships will take their Petition into consideration The Lord Keeper acquainted the House that he had received a Command from his Majesty to attend him at Windsor he received the permission of the House to do it and was ordered to acquaint his Majesty with the Order concerning Hull and likewise to move his Majesty from both Houses for his Royal Assent to three Bills which have passed both Houses one for Pressing of Marriners another concerning Redeeming of Captives at Algiers and the third concerning the Power of both Houses to Adjourn the Parliament The Lord Kymbolton moved Lord Kymbolton moves to be Tryed That if the House thought the Proceedings against him Legal that Mr. Attorney might be Commanded to Prosecute the Accusation against him for that if Mr. Attorney be ready to make good the Charge against him he is ready to answer it and that he desired no further time His own Innocency making him thus Confident as he said though it is shrewdly to be suspected he had other Motives and Reasons drawn from the Power and Prevalency of the Faction which gave him this assurance However Mr. Attorney was sent for who informed the House That what he had done was by the Express Command of the King his Master and not done by his Advice that he had attended the King to receive his Majesties further directions therein who told him when he went out of Town he would leave something with the Lord Keeper to acquaint this House further with concerning this Business And that he had attended the Lord Keeper to know whether the King had left any directions with him who told him he had received none from his Majesty but that he was Commanded to attend his Majesty Speedily Hereupon the Lord Kymbolton desired the House That some speedy Course may be taken that his Life Estate and Honour may be Secured A Message was brought from the House of Commons Message concerning the Tower to remove Sir John Byron by Sir Henry Vane Junior to let their Lordships know That in regard of the great Jealousies and Distractions of the City of London by Sir John Byron 's being Lieutenant of the Tower of London as appears by the Citizens shutting up their Shops and giving over Trade and in regard of the good Affections Expressed this day to the Parliament the House of Commons desires their Lordships to joyn with them to Petition the King that Sir John Byron may be forthwith removed from being Lieutenant of the Tower and that Sir John Conyers may be recommended to his Majesty for that Place After much Debate of this Message it was put to the Question Lords Dissent and it was Resolved c. That this House thinks it not fit to joyn with the House of Commons in an humble Petition to his Majesty for removing of Sir John Byron Knt. from being Lieutenant of the Tower and placing of Sir John Conyers there The Bishops were also ordered to put in their Answers to the Commons Impeachment of High Treason Bishops to put in Answer on Friday next The Lord Chamberlain then acquainted the House That the King hath sent Command to his Lordship and the Earl of Holland to attend his Majesty at Hampton-Court but before they went they desired to know the pleasure of this House being bound by their Writs to attend the business of the Kingdom Whereupon the House Commanded the Lord Chamberlain Lords sent for by the King not permitted to go by the House and the Earl of Holland to attend this House and would not dispense with their Absence in regard of the many great and urgent Businesses depending in this House It was the strangest fortune in the World certainly that these Men of the Faction had that when ever they stood in need of a Plot to countenance their designs and to stir up the People to Sedition some kind Person or other was sure to furnish them with one or more as there was occasion for this day in the very Critical Juncture of time a Letter was produced in the House of Commons and there read and immediately Communicated to the House of Lords The Letter were as follows To the Worshipful and my much honour'd Friend Orlando Bridgman Esq a Burgess of the Parliament at his Chamber in the Inner Temple these present SIR WE are your Friends Two Letters of a strange Plot strangely discovereâ— to the Commons these are to advise you to look to your self and to advise others of my Lord of Strafford 's Friends to take heed lest they be included in the common Calamity Our advice is to be gone to pretend business till the great hubbub be past withdraw lest you suffer with the Puritans We intreat you to send away the inclosed Letter to Mr. Anderton inclosed to some Trusty Friend that it may be carried safely without suspicion for it concerns the common safety So desire your Friends in Covent-Garden January 4th The inclosed was directed To the Worshipful and my much Honour'd Friend Mr. Anderton these SIR ALthough many Designs have been defeated yet that of Ireland holds well and now our last Plot works as happily as that of Ireland We must bear with something in the main His Will is strong enough as long as he is fed with Hopes the Woman is true to us and real her Council about her is very good I doubt not but to send you by the next very joyful News For the present our Arch-Enemies Pym Hampden Strode Hollis and Haslerigg are blemished
removed and that Sir John Conyers may be recommended to his Majesty for that Place But before the House of Lords would give any Resolution herein it was Ordered That the Common-Council of the City of London the Merchants that have Estates in Bullion the Minters and all others concerned shall be inquired of whether there be a stay of the Mint or any forbearance of bringing in of Bullion into the Tower of London and if there be whether it proceeds in respect of Sir John Byron 's being Lieutenant of the Tower and hereof speedy Certificate to be made to the Lords in Parliament A Message was then brought from the House of Commons by Denzil Hollis Esquire 1. He brought up the Bill for the Relief of his Majesties distressed Subjects of Ireland 2. To desire the Lords to join with them in an Ordinance to secure 50000 l. borrowed of the Merchant Adventurers for the Affairs of Ireland 3. To move the King to concur with both Houses in the Order made giving Power to Sir John Hotham for securing the Town of Hull and the Magazine there for his Majesties Service To which the Answer was That their Lordships will take the particulars into Consideration this Afternoon The Ordinance for securing the said Merchant Adventurers was read in these words THe Lords and Commons in this present Parliament Assembled Ordinance of the Lords and Commons for securing the Merchant Adventurers 50000 l. having a due Regard to the good Affections of the Governors Assistants and Fellowship of Merchant Adventurers of England expressed in the present advancing and lending of 30000 l. of Lawful Money and forwardness to advance and lend the foresaid Sum of 20000 l. more of like Money if their Affairs will admit the same for the security of this Common-wealth in the supply of the present Affairs in Ireland which the said Lords and Commons do take in very good part and being resolved to make a full and just satisfaction for the same do hereby declare that the said Sum of 30000 l. and such Sum and Sums as they shall further advance and lend as aforesaid shall be fully satisfied and paid unto the said Company of Merchant Adventurers into the hands of their Treasurer for the time being with Interest after the Rate of 8 l. per cent for a Year out of such Moneys as shall be next raised by Authority of Parliament To which Ordinance the Lords agreed Then the Lord Keeper informed the House The Act for the Captives at Argiers and for pressing Marriners passed by Commission That the Commission was come signed by his Majesty for giving the Royal Assent to two Bills one for pressing of Marriners the other against Pyrates Then the Lord Keeper the Lord Great Chamberlain and the Earl of Cumberland three of the Commissioners being sate upon a Form for a-cross the House between the Chair of State and the Lord Keeper's Wool-sack the Gentleman-Usher of the Black-Rod was commanded to go for the House of Commons who being come with their Speaker the Lord Keeper acquainted the Lords and Commons That his Majesty having such occasions as he could not come to this House to give his Royal Assent to the Two Bills in Person hath given a Commission under the Great Seal of England the Contents whereof was read openly which being done the Clerk of the Crown was commanded to read the Titles of the Bills severally in haec verba viz. An Act for the freeing of the Captives of Argier and to prevent the taking of others An Act for pressing of Marriners and Soldiers for the present Guarding of the Seas and the defence of his Majesties Dominions Which being done the Clerk of the Parliament pronounced the Royal Assent to them particularly and severally in these Words Le Roy le Veult And then the Commons returned to their House After this the Lord Keeper Reported the Conference yesterday to this Effect The L. Keeper's Report of the Conference concerning Bagshaw's Information That the House of Commons received Information concerning divers Forces of Horses and Armed Men in a Warlike manner which have been seen at Kingston and afterwards at Windsor and now gone towards Farnham and that Yesterday about 100 Men were met going from London towards Windsor Armed with Pistols and Waggons were going towards Windsor laden with Ammunition The House of Commons say this causeth much wonder at this time all at Peace and a Parliament sitting that such Forces should be Levied therefore they desire that it may be declared by both Houses That whosoever shall raise Forces at this time without Consent in Parliament may be esteemed Enemies and Disturbers of the Peace of the Kingdom and that both Houses will take care to suppress them and likewise the House of Commons desire That a Message be sent to the King to this purpose and to acquaint his Majesty that both Houses of Parliament will be very careful of the Publick Peace and that they hold it against the Law any Forces should be so levied And further the House of Commons acquaints their Lordships That the Lord Digby hath been with the Soldiers at Kingston and given them thanks in the King's Name and told them That his Majesty came out of London to keep them from being trampled in the dirt therefore they desire that the Lord Digby may be summoned to attend this House forthwith Hereupon it was Ordered Order to Summon the Lord Digby to attend the House of Lords That the Lord George Digby shall be Summoned forthwith to attend this House as a Peer of this Realm and hereof he is not to fail Directed to the Gentleman-Usher attending the House of Peers It will be worth the Readers while to cast his Eye a little back upon the Information of Bagshaw of Windsor upon which Foundation all this Conference was built and as there is little doubt but Bagshaw saw double so the Commons looked through their usual Multiplying Glass and saw his single Waggon of Ammunition turned into Waggons and those few Soldiers which he only by Report heard to be at Windsor were Multiplied into an Army But they had a Design now behind the Curtain of seizing the Militia into their Hands either with or against the King's Consent to which this noise of raising Forces by the Lord Digby was to contribute by heightning and swelling the Peoples Fears and Jealousies throughout the Nation in order to smooth their Way to this great Design upon which these Criminals of the Faction built their own Security though they pretended the Safety of the Nation But that I may give all the light I can possibly into this Affair which filled the City and Nation with Terror and Amazement I will present the Reader with the Lord Digby's Apology which besides the clear account it gives of this Kingston Army will also let in some light into other dark and obscure passages both before and after this time and will set the Arts and Intrigues of the
May it please your Lordships WE have received your Letters of the third of this Instant The Answer of the Lords of the Pale to the Lords Justices Dec. 7. 1641. intimating that you had present occasions to confer with us concerning the present State of the Kingdom and the safety thereof in these times of danger and requiring us to be with you there on the eighth day of this Instant we give your Lordships to understand that we have heretofore presented our selves before your Lordships and freely offered our advice and furtherance towards the particulars aforesaid which was by you neglected which gave us cause to conceive that our Loyalty was suspected by you We give your Lordships further to understand that we have received certain Advertisement that Sir Charles Coot Knight at the Council Board hath uttered some Speeches tending to a purpose and resolution to Execute upon those of our Religion a general Massacre by which we are all deterred to wait on your Lordships not having any security for our safety from these threatned Evils or the safety of our Lives but do rather think it fit to stand upon our best guard until we hear from your Lordships how we shall be secured from these Perils Nevertheless we all protest that we are and will continue both Faithful Advisers and resolute furtherers of his Majesties service concerning the present State of the Kingdom and the safety thereof to our best Abilities and so with the said tender of our humble service we remain Your Lordships humble Servants Fingale Slaine Netterville Lowth Gormanston Dunsany Oliver Trimbleston Decemb. 7. Received 11. 1641. To the Right Honourable our very good Lords the Lords Justices and Council of Ireland For much about this time the Lords of the Pale had entered into a Combination with the Vlster Rebels as appears by the Deposition of Edward Dowdall Esq a Gentleman of the Pale who was present at the whole Management of this Affair and deeply concerned in all their Councels and Actions who Deposed before Sir Rob. Meredith Chancellour of the Exchequer as followeth HE Deposeth The Deposition of Mr. Dowdall concerning the Treaty between the Lords and Gentlemen of the Pale and the Ulster Rebels That some four or five days after the defeat of the English Souldiers at the Bridge of Gellianstown there Issued a Warrant from the Lord of Gormanston to the Sheriff of the County for a general Meeting of all the County of Dulick But the Place of Meeting was afterwards changed to the Hill of Crofty where all the Lords and Gentry of the Country met viz. The Earl of Fingale the Lord Viscount Gormanston the Lord of Slaine the Lord of Lowth the Lord of Dunsany the Lord of Trimblestone the Lord Nettervile And of the Gentry Sir Patrick Barnwall Sir Christopher Bellow Patrick Barnwall of Kilbrew Nicholas Darcy of Plattin James Bath of Acharn Garret Ailmer the Lawyer Cusake of Gormanston William Mallone of Lesmullin Sedgrave of Kileglan Linch of the Knos Lynam of Adamstown Laurence Doudal of Athlumney Nicholas Doudal of Brownstown this Examinates Brother and him this Examinate with a Multitude of others to the number of 1000. Persons at the least whose names he this Examinate cannot for the present call to mind And after about two or three hours spent upon the said Hill of Crofty by the Lords and Gentry aforesaid There came towards them Collonel Mahowne Philip O Rely Hugh Boy Rely Roger Moore Hugh Birne and Captain Fox attended on with a Guard of Musqueteers And this Examinate saith That as soon as the Parties drew near unto the said Hill the Lords and Gentry of the Pale rode towards them and the Lord of Gormanstone being one of the first spake unto them and demanded of them Why and for what reason they came Armed into the Pale Vnto which Roger Moore made present Answer That the Ground of their coming thither and taking up Arms was for the Freedom and Liberty of their Consciences the maintenance of his Majesties Prerogative in which they understood he was Abridged and the making the Subjects in this Kingdom as free as those in England were Whereupon the said Lord of Gormonston desired to understand from them truly and faithfully whether those were not pretences and not the true ground indeed of their so doing and likewise whether they had not some other private ends of their own which being by all denyed upon profession of their sincerity his Lordship the Lord Gormanston then told them Seeing these be your true ends we will likewise joyn with you therein unto which course all agreed And thereupon it was publickly and generally declared that whosoever should deny to joyn with them or refuse to assist them therein they would account him as an Enemy and to the utmost of their Power labour his Destruction And this Examinate saith That after the agreement so made as aforesaid There issued another Warrant to the Sheriff of the County of Meath to Summon all the Lords and Gentry of the County of Meath to be at the Hill of Taragh about a week after and accordingly there met at the same place the Earl of Fingale the Lord of Gormanston and the rest of the Lords and Gentlemen aforenamed together with Sir Thomas Nugent and Nicholas Plunket the Lawyer Birford the Lawyer and a multitude of others and the work of that day was first to make Answer to a Summons made by the State for the calling of the Lords unto Dublin which Answer was brought ready drawn by the Lord of Gormanston and presented by his Lordship and being perused by the said Council at Law was Signed by the Lords The Board having Information that Luke Netterville Esquire George Blackney of Richenhore Esquire George King of Clantarf and others were Assembled at Swoords they sent to charge them upon their Allegiance forthwith to depart and not to unite any more in such a manner as by the following Order from the Board appears By the Lords Justices and Council William Parsons John Borlase WHereas we have received Information An Order of the Lords Justices and Council to dissolve an unlawful Assembly at Swoords Dec. 9. 1641. that Luke Nettervile Esq George Blackney of Rickenhore Esq and George King of Clantarfe Gentleman and other Gentlemen of the County of Dublin with great numbers of Men are Assembled together in a Body at Swoords and thereabouts within six Miles of this City for what intent we know not but apparently to the Terror of his Majesties good Subjects and though considering the unseasonableness of this time chosen for such an act without our privity whatsoever their pretence is a construction might be made thereof to their disadvantage yet we being willing to make an Indulgent Interpretation of their Actions in regard of the good opinion we have of the Loyalty of those Gentlemen who it seems are principals amongst them in that Assembly and conceiving there may be some mistaking in that enterprise we have
Linnen rather than of Woollen-Cloth which might prejudice that Trade here he bought Flax-seed in the Low-Countries and sold it at the same Rate to such as desired it they making their Cloaths not above a Foot broad and winding 8 or 10 threads from several bottoms together the contrary was twined their Flax formerly not above a Foot became a yard in length and that soil is fit to bear it and the People love such easie Works He hath set up many Looms made much Cloth and sold it to the loss of some Thousands of pounds but when the State saw the Natives would not change their old Courses for new and better the Proclamation was declined What he did was for the Publick Good and had nothing from them that was not fully paid for To the Fourteenth he saith He refers to the Oath and Proclamation which was set forth by the said Earl and Council of State there at the instance of the Farmers of the Customs towards the defrauding of the King's Duties being in France whereof His Majesty had five eight parts He never heard any Complain of the Oath or of any that refused to take it and conceived it to be lawful divers of the Council approving it being Learned Judges of the Law to whose judgment for the legality he submitted as well in that as to other matters of like nature To the Fifteenth He denieth what is in the Article Objected but saith That about the Year 1626. certain Agents authorized in Ireland were sent into England and offered and agreed to pay to His Majesty 120000 l. in Six Years towards the maintenance of his Army and a like payment of 20000 l. per annum was after agreed and continued for Three Years longer the Assessments were made and it was shortly after by them and the Lord Faulkland then Deputy agreed in Ireland that the Money should not be charged upon Record but levied by Captains by Paper-Assignments upon Warrants from the Lord Deputy and this course was held four Years in the Lord Faulkland's time and the four years wherein the Lord Loftus and the Earl of Cork were Lords Justices there and it held for the remaining year only after the Earl of Strafford came thither but the Earl of Cork having spared those Towns for the benefit of himself and Tenants during the time of his being Justice The Earl of Strafford reduced the Assessments to what it was made by the Lord Faulkland and gave way that Sir William St. Lieger Lord President of Munster to take the same Arrerages in satisfaction of a Debt due unto him by His Majesty and he is confident no force was used in levying the same It hath been usual to lay Souldiers to levy that Contribution to send Souldiers to apprehend Contemners of Orders made at Council-Board and the like and when Out-Laws and Rebels have been in the Woods no Souldiers have in his time been laid but by the Advice of the Council there Touching the Castle-Chamber it 's a parcel of the Territory of Ideough whereto the King was Intituled by Inquisition and the Possession established in a Legal way when the said Earl was in England and no Souldiers were sent but only 12 at the intreaty of Mr. Wanesford for security of his Houses and Plantations against Rebels that then were out and burned and spoiled Houses thereabouts and neither Richard Butler's or any other Family were thence expelled by the said Earl from their Estates To the Sixteenth he saith There was such a Proposition which was just to prevent clamorous Complaints here which there might be redressed but conceives that by the Laws there and the Articles known since by the name of the Articles of Grace made about Fourteen Years since none ought to depart that Kingdom without Licence Thereupon the Advice of the State the Proclamations were set forth but not with such intent as in the Article He denied Licence only to Three the Earl of Cork the Lord Mount-Norris and Sir Frederick Hamilton To the two former in regard of Criminal Suits then against them in the Castle-Chamber To the other by special Command from His Majesty but so soon as Sir Frederick said he would Complain of the Earl he made Suit to His Majesty That Sir Frederick might come over which was granted He conceives such restraint to be necessary and if that it be not continued it will prove of Evil Consequence to that Kingdom Parry was questioned at the Council-Board for Misdemeanors and to avoid Sentence secretly went out of the Kingdom and at his return for that and other Offences was Fined and Imprisoned to the Sentence thereof he refers and knows of no other that were Imprisoned as by the Article is Charged To the Seventeenth he saith It 's like he might say for the better encouragement of the Officers and Souldiers of the Old Irish Army in discharge of their several Duties that His Majesty was so well satisfied in the way and pains they took in using and practizing of their Arms that in that Point he would set them as a Pattern to be imitated and conceives it would not be ill if they were so they being in the Opinion of those that have seen them Exercise very Able and Expert Souldiers he spake not other words or to other purpose To the Eighteenth he saith When the Earl of Cork was one of the Lords Justices he seized some Houses in Dublin pretending they belonged to Jesuits and Fryers without Legal Proceedings which upon Suits prosecuted at Council-Board were according to Justice restored to the Owners but how since imployed the Earl of Strafford knoweth not but endeavoured the utmost he could to maintain that Seizure Touching the 8000 men he saith They were raised according to the King's Warrant and that the said Earl left the Care thereof to the Earl of Ormond and others and what number are Protestants what Papists he knoweth not but believeth such a Body cannot be there raised without many Papists the greatest number of the Captains and Officers are Protestants chosen by the said Earl The 1000 man were drawn out of the Old to make Officers for the New Army and believeth the 1000 put to the Old Army are Protestants in regard by his express Order no Papist is to be admitted there a Common Soldier He never preferred any Captain Lieutenant or Ensign to be of that Army that was a Papist and conceives they are duly paid and believes those newly raised exercise the Religion no otherwise than was practised before the Earl's coming thither He was a Commissioner to Compound with the Recusants for their Forfeitures and endeavoured to be informed of the utmost value of their Estates in four years he brought that Revenue from 2300 l. to be between 11 and 12000 l. per annum more than ever was raised formerly in so short a time by which faithful dealings for His Majesty he procured the hard Opinion of the Recusants throughout the Kingdom that out of those
true I confess I think Bishop Atherton was unknown to His Majesty and that I my self recommended him to the Bishoprick and at that time I thought the Bishop a Person fit for that Charge But suppose he had a secret fault of his own God knowes it was unknown to me may not a man be deceived in his Judgment of a man but this shall be turned against him It is a very easie thing for a man to cover his faults from the eye of the World I thought him not a Vicious man he proved so and he had his merit he suffered for it And unless I had the Inspection of Almighty God I suppose this cannot be laid to my Charge if any private End or Respect should appear in the doing of it I desire no more of Your Lordships Favour and I profess I had rather be out of the World than not have the Favour of Your Lordships and the Honourable House of Commons of whom I desire that they would hear me with that Equity that they hear every thing For the Bishop of D. all that is mentioned against him is That he is Impeached of High Treason by the Commons House of Parliament in Ireland And how the Bishop will acquit himself I know not but for that the Bishop must Answer for himself not I. This Bishop hath lived in my House a long time as my Chaplain and I humbly recommended him to that Bishoprick taking him and I hope he will so approve himself to be a very Learned man and that I think no body will deny certainly he hath the Elements to make him a very Worthy Church-man as most I know For that Gwyn I profess I never heard of him before nor do I know him But recollecting my thoughts I think he was recommended to me by my Lord of D. for in Matters of the Church I did use that Gentleman and if I were to begin the World again I would use him still holding him a very honest Worthy Man And I think there was some Rectory or Impropriation that the Earl of Corke had possession of which was restored to the Church and it was of so small and trivial a value that they knew not who to get to serve the Cure and on that occasion this man was recommended to it And I think that if it shall come to be examined Thirty pounds a Year will go far in his Preferment And if such a thing should happen and miscarry in his hands it is no such hainous Crime as is objected But I desire leave to shew what I have done in this kind instead of this Mr. Gwyn and Your Lordships may see a List of those I have preferred to the Church of Ireland and perhaps they may be known to some of Your Lordships and to many Gentlemen of the House of Commons And first I say I preferred Mr. Gray and have done for him according to the means I had by the Favour and Goodness of the King perhaps he hath that which is worth 3 or 4 or 500 l. a Year by my Gift And this Mr. Gray if I be not mistaken was sometimes Chaplain to a Noble Person that sits on the Earls Bench and if it were material further to enquire of him I might give satisfaction what he is I likewise brought into that Kingdom Mr. Tilson now Bishop of Elphin and sometimes Fellow of Vniversity Colledge of Oxford a most Worthy Honest Religious Person he is and those that know him I am sure will give him that Testimony I likewise preferred Dr. Margetson Dean of Christs Church he was of Cambridge and a Worthy man Mr. Forward Dean of Drummore an Oxford man who if he were known would appear worthy of that Preferment Mr. Dean Cressy an Oxford man Mr. Roade Dean of Derry a Cambridge man of Sydney Colledge Dr. Wentworth Dean of Armagh of Oxford Dr. Price Dean of Conaught of Christs Church in Oxford Mr. Thorpe a Cambridge man I preferred likewise one Mr. Parry whom I found in Ireland but all the rest I brought and sent for out of England Nay I sent for them and did those things for them before they did ask the Question or knew of it That being a means under Gods Blessing to conform that Kingdom to the Church of England And these and far greater numbers than these to my best Judgment and Understanding I made use of as Instruments to Gods Glory His true Service and the reducing of the People to the Profession of the same Religion that 's here in England and for no other end But concerning my Carriage of the Trust reposed in me by the King touching these Ecclesiastical Preferments I desire no other Testimony or Witness for me but the Lord Primate of Ireland who is sick and cannot come hither To whom I will appeal whether I have not in my preferring to the Church Preferments carried my self with all clearness and care I could possibly To the point of increasing of Protestants if Your Lordships please to hear any thing in that kind I shall call my Lord Dillon and Sir Adam Loftus who if they should be asked Whether there be more Protestants in Dublin now than when I first came thither I doubt not but they would give an account of a greater number My preferring of none but Protestant Officers if I mistook not E. of Strafford the Noble Gentleman did acknowledge meaning Mr. Pym. To the disposing of the Army without Grievance to the Subject I leave that Billetting of Soldiers in Dublin which was spoken with so much Advantage and Ability above any thing that from such a poor man as my self could be expected and proceed to that which was proved observing That one only Testimony was produced viz. Alderman J. who said they have a special Charter at Dublin to exempt them from Billetting of Soldiers But whether it be so or no it hath ever been denyed by the Deputies And by his own Confession the Foot-Companies of my Lord of Faulkland were Billetted in Dublin And whereas it was said they had Lodgings not Money That was altered upon a Composition with the Soldiers who can expect only Lodging but if for the Ease of the Town they will allow the Soldier Money and leave him to provide for himself it is all one For the Horse Troops My own is and ever since I was there hath been Billetted in Dublin And it is in the power of the Deputy to Garrison part of the King's Army where he pleases and without controversie hath been so at all times And I desire that my Lord Ranulagh may be asked Whether the Soldiers of the Company he hath be not Billetted in Athlone at least some part of it It is true my Lord of Faukland's Troop was not Billetted in Dublin but they were in the Counties round about which was more chargeable And besides here is produced but one single Witness and I hope my own Answer may stand equal and in as much Credit as a
the Kingdom depends on this Fail not in the speedy execution thereof as you will answer to the contrary on peril of your life Dated the last of August 1640. Mr. Glyn then said The 28 Article being still behind they are not yet resolved whether to proceed or not but they desire another day to be heard having something more to say And then the Court was adjourned and the next day appointed at 8 of the Clock Thus far in the Trial of this Noble Lord I have followed the traces of the Journals the Printed Trial by Mr. Rushworth and a Manuscript which I have by me which was found in the Chamber of a Worthy Gentleman a Fellow of Queens College in Cambridge being in the times of the Persecution hid there for upon taking up the boards to new lay the floor of the Room the Work-men found it the Author who ever he was saith he was an Eye and Ear-Witness to the whole Transaction and averrs his account in the Matters of Fact to be just and Faithfull And therefore Mr. Rushworth having not done intire right to the Memory of that Great Man wholly omitting the further proceedings till the summing up the Evidence by my Lord and the Replies upon it together with many Remarkable Circumstances conducing to the better understanding of the Management of that affair I thought my self obliged out of the Justice that is due to truth to supply those Omissions from the Relation of the said Manuscript and the concurrent Testimonies of the Journals and other Papers written and printed at that time upon this Occasion Upon Thursday the Committee of Managers having declared Thursday April 8. that for some private Reasons they would wave the Debate of the 28th Article Sir Walter Earle offered some observations upon the 22d Article and desired to be heard by their Lordships conceiving they would do much to strengthen the Evidence whereby they had endeavoured to prove that the Earl of Strafford had real designs of Landing the Irish Army in England in Order to prove what was charged upon him to the subduing of this Kingdom Though as my Author sayes had Sir Walter consulted his own Reputation which by so weak a Charge suffered more then the Earl's against whom it was intended he might with more advantage both to himself and the cause he managed have better spared his endeavours His Reasons were these First that it appears by the Earl's Commission and Instructions that he had power to Land his Army either in Wales or in any part of England or Scotland according to his Discretion and from thence he inferred that this Clause was wholly superfluous unless there had been some such Purpose or Design intended Secondly That two dayes before the Date of the said Commission Letters were dispatched to the Earl's of Bridgwater and Pembroke from Sir Francis Windebank Secretary of State to assist my Lord of Worcester in Levying Forces for the King's Service and these might well be supposed to have been intended to joyn with the Irish Army upon their Landing Thirdly That my Lord Ranulagh at the raising of the Irish Army had expressed some fears of such a design and Intention for the imploying of that Army Fourthly That the Town of Ayre in Scotland where the Lord Strafford pretended to Land the Irish Forces was fortified with Bullwarks a Garrison and a Block-House which would prohibit his landing there and that the Barr or entrance into the Haven was very dangerous and shallow That the Earl of Argyle 's bounds were a great way distant and divided from thence by the Sea The only proof of this was the reading of the Commission granted to the Earl of Strafford To this the Earl replied That his Commission was the same verbatim The Earl's Defence with my Lord of Northumberland 's for England that it was drawn up by the Council-Board here and sent over to him so that it could be no worse design in him then in the Earl of Northumberland Lord General of the English Army nor any larger Power given him by it then to my Lord General That as to the Letters to the Earl's of Pembroke and Bridgwater this was the first time that he ever heard of such Letters nor did they concern him more then any other Member of the House and for my Lord Ranulagh he was not bound to purge him of all his fears that he had his own fears too which God forbid should be evidence of Treason against any person whatsoever That it seemed the Gentleman had better information from the Kingdom of Scotland than himself yet he would be confident to say there was never such a thing as a Block-House nor then any Garrison at Aire but to remove all Scruples for indeed the Road or Landing place is not there safe he declared that it was his Intention to have Landed some Miles above Aire and to have made himself Master of the Town and then to have made it a Magazine and for the Earl of Argyle 's Bounds he hoped the Gentlemen knew that they were not to come on foot out of Ireland but had Ships to waft and transport themselves and that one of the Earl of Argyle 's prime Houses at Rosneth was within some few Miles of the same Frith The Lord Digby seeing Sir Walter Earle on ground did handsomly bring him off and told the Lords That all their proofs for that Article were not yet ready and that this was only a Superfaetation of the Charge and that in such a matter of Treason they must sometimes content themselves to make use of dark Probabilities Mr. Glyn then moved That the Earl might resume his Defences and summ up the Charge that so the Process might be closed as to matter of Fact To which the Earl replyed That in his Circumstances all slackness was speed enough that the matter touched him narrowly in no less then his Life and Estate and which he valued much above them his Honour and Posterity and he confessed he had no desire to ride Post in an Affair of that Nature and Consequence to him and that he did verily believe that the Gentlemen at the Bar if they were in his Case would think all the time they could obtain little enough except their greater Abilities and abler Judgments could sooner dispatch the matter then he found himself able to do and therefore he humbly applyed himself to their Lordships that the Remainder of that day might be granted him to recover his wasted strength and recollect his Thoughts and Spirits and that to morrow he would make his last Reply for himself This was opposed by the Committee as very prejudicial Expensive of time and that it was only to spin out unnecessary Delayes but after above an Hours debate the Lords thought it convenient to grant his Lordship that Liberty and it was Ordered he should appear the next Day Upon Friday morning about 8 of the Clock the Lieutenant of the Tower Friday April 9. and
be an endeavourer to Subvert the Fundamental Lawes of the Land in this kind I beseech your Lordships call to mind what hath been proved that at all Publick Debates at Council and Privately apart I have humbly represented to His Majesty from time to time That Parliaments are the Only Way to Settle Himself in Quietness in the Kingdom and to acquire Prosperity and Happiness to Himself and His People And when you shall hear them press upon me that I have endeavoured to Subvert the Fundamental Laws of the Land I beseech your Lordships to call to mind how frequently and fervently I have advised the King to call for Parliaments which under God is the great Protection and Defence of the Fundamental Laws of the Kingdom To the 25th I have Answered already and to the 26th likewise The next is the 27th and for that I can say no more then that your Lordships have heard the Proofs for the Levying of Money it hath been cleared to your Lordships that nothing was done by me but by Consent of the Country with their Unanimous good liking and for their benefit and advantage Being done so and for so good ends as I trust that shall not be enforced against me and it is very strange to me why it should be expected that if two Armies be in the Field one against the other as there was at York that they should be Govern'd with as much quietness as an Atturney walking with his Writs at his Girdle betwixt the King's Bench and the Common-pleas For Armies cannot be Govern'd without some Latitude in this kind Inter arma Silent Leges rightly applyed there is truth in that But I did nothing in the Business I did nothing by Compulsion but by the voluntary liking of the Parties themselves and therefore I conceive that shall not be Charged upon me as Treason There remains now the 28th Article and that is the onely Bloody Article if it had been or could be made good that is in the whole Charge for there I am Charged out of ill and wicked purposes and indeed What can be worse than Treason to have Betrayed Newcastle into the power of the Scotch Army and likewise to have betrayed the King's Army at Newburn to a dishonourable Retreat My Lords if either of these had been true I should have saved your Lordships the labour I would have given Judgment against my self that had been certain But my Lords never was any Man more Innocent therefore they may very well wave it Have I been all this while Charged as an Incendiary and Am I now come in the Conclusion to be charged as a Confederate it is wonderful strange certainly your Articles fight one against another in this for How can I be an Incendiary in one part and a Conspirator with them that Charged me to be an Incendiary in the other part In good Faith I have not been very kindly dealt withal by my Confederates if they be Confederates to Charge me as an Incendiary that did them that Service and Help as to deliver into their hands a Town of such Consequence as that is No my Lords I wish all happiness to the Nation but I can never wish so to it as that they should take one of the King's Towns in England if I could have helped it My Lords it was lost before I had the Charge of the Army I had nothing to do in the business nor am I to give any Accompt of it nor is any thing proved And as to the Defeat at Newburn you yet fight one Article with another methinks in that too for I am charged to be the Man that delivered up Newcastle and yet all the World knows that nothing could save it from being lost but taking away from the Scots the Passages at that time So that I should use all means to prevent Men from doing that which I meant to do for them is verye all strange to me Here is no Probability and certainly little truth in the whole business as concerning my Confederating with the Scots either for the one or the other And so my Lords I am come to the end of these 28 Articles that were for my further Impeachment I have gone over them all and out of these now there remains that other Second Treason that I should be guilty of endeavouring to Subvert the Fundamental Laws of the Land in the first of those Seven Articles My Lords That those should now be Treason together that are not Treason in any one part and Accumulatively to come upon me in that kind and where one will not do it of it self yet woven up with others it shall do it Under favour my Lords I do not conceive that there is either Statute-Law or Common-Law that hath declared this endeavouring to Subvert the Fundamental Laws to be High Treason I say neither Statute-Law nor Common-Law Written that I could hear of and I have been as diligent to enquire of it as I could be And your Lordships will believe I had reason so to do And sure it is a very hard thing I should here be question'd for my Life and Honor upon a Law that is not Extant that Cannot be Shewed There is a Rule that I have read out of my Lord Cook Non apparentibus non existentibus eadem est Ratio Jesu My Lords Where hath this Fire lay'n all this while so many hundred years together that no Smoak should appear till it burst out now to consume me and my Children Hard it is and extream hard in my Opinion that a Punishment should Precede the Promulgation of a Law that I should be Punished by a Law Subsequent to the Act done I most humbly beseech your Lordships take that into Consideration for certainly it were better a great deal to live under no Law but the Will of Man and Conform our selves in Humane Wisdom as well as we could and to Comply with that Will then to live under the Protection of a Law as we think and then a Law should be made to punish us for a Crime precedent to the Law then I conceive no Man living could be safe if that should be admitted My Lords it is hard in another respect that there should be no Token set upon this Offence by which we may know it no manner of Token given no Admonition by which we might be aware of it If I pass down the Thames in a Boat and run and Split my self upon an Anchor if there be not a Buoy to give me warning the Party shall give me Damages but if it be Marked out then it is at my own peril Now my Lords Where is the Mark set upon this Crime Where is the Token by which I should discover if it be not Marked if it lie under-Water and not above there is no Humane Providence can prevent the Destruction of a Man Presently and Instantly Let us then lay aside all that is Humane Wisdom let us rely onely upon Divine Revelation for
against the will of the Subject and he doubts not but the Parliament would give What Twelve Subsidies and your Lordships very well remember Twelve were propounded but I beseech you observe the coherence of all the Parliament must be called they must be tryed if they deny there is necessity and this necessity is a Warrant for the King to proceed so that my Lord of Strafford must be judged to be either a Prophet or to have this design beforehand in his thoughts Now the Parliament being broken before answer to the Demand given he vents his Counsel in the Three and twentieth Article and how far it is proved your Lordships have heard Now comes the Bullion to be seized the Copper-money to be advised and now comes he to tell the King that the Aldermen of London must be put to Fine and Ransome and laid by the heels and no good would be done till some of them be hanged so you hear his advice I beseech your Lordships observe what success this advice took Four Aldermen were instantly committed and then the Counsel of the Three and twentieth Article is fomented First He foments the War then there is a necessity the defection of the Parliament must set the King loose from rules of Government and now see whether the occasion of the War the calling of the Parliament the dissolving of it be not adequate to what he propounded to himself namely to set up an Arbitrary Government Your Lordships remember how fresh my Lord of Bristol's memory is touching my Lord of Strafford's opinion upon the dissolution of the Parliament how he declared unto my Lord of Bristol instantly within three or four dayes after That the King was not to be mastered by the frowardness of his people or rather of some particular persons and your Lordships remember Sir George Wentworths words spoken the very day of dissolving the Parliament which may be very well applyed as a concurrent proof to his intentions of bringing the Army into England He was my Lord 's own Brother that knew much of his Counsel and his words are That the English Nation would never be well till they were conquered over again So my Lords put all together if he declared his own intentions if actions in executing this Tyrannical and Arbitrary Power if Counsels of as dangerous consequence in as high a strain as can be be not a sufficient Evidence to prove an intention and desire to subvert the Law I know not what can prove such an interpretation and now I refer it to your Lordships judgments whether here be not a good proof of the Article laid to his Charge My Lords in the Seven and Twentieth Article he is charged with levying of War upon the King's People by forcing them in Yorkshire to pay Money to prove they were so forced you have heard by two Witnesses that Sergeant-Major Yaworth by Musquetiers four together in the Town and one by one out of the Town did compel them to pay the fortnights contribution else they were to serve in person That he did this by Warrant is likewise confessed by Sir William Pennyman and whether this were an authority derived from or commanded by my Lord of Strafford that is the question and my Lords it is plainly proved that it was commanded by my Lord of Strafford for Sir William Pennyman himself being examined alledged that the Warrant was made in pursuance of the relation and direction made by my Lord of Strafford Your Lordships heard what my Lord of Strafford did say before-hand as is proved by two Witnesses Sir William Ingram and Mr. Cholmley that this Money should be paid or levyed on the Subjects Goods Then his Declaration to Sir William Pennyman in pursuance of which he made his Warrant that it was the assent of the Lords of the great Council that this Money should be levyed and taking all together whether it fixes it not upon him to be the Author and Instrument it rests in your judgments in point of Fact and so I suppose the Seven and twentieth Article rests on him and so I shall conclude the Evidence produced on the behalf of the Commons And now give me leave to put your Lordships in mind of some Evidences offered by my Lord Strafford himself in his Answer and in the passages of his Defence for his clearing and justification but tending directly to his condemnation I will enter upon some passages he mentioned to day and often before When he is charged with invading the Estates of the Peers of the Kingdom of Ireland and determining them upon Paper Petitions in an Arbitrary way your Lordships have heard him speak it before and repeat it this day That he did it out of Compassion for the more expeditious proceeding on behalf of the poor against these mighty But then my Lords I beseech you compare some other part of his Proceedings Your Lordships remember the business of the Flax which concerns the poor wholly and universally and if compassion had been the rule and direction of his Actions towards the poor surely this would have been a just cause to have commiserated them in this case but he exercised his power over them and over them wholly and over them universally and therefore it shews it is not his compassion to the poor nor respect to the rich or mighty that will any way restrain or obstruct his ways to his own Will And therefore you may see what truth there is in his answer by comparing one part of the Charge with another when the business of the Flax brought that calamity upon the King's Subjects that Thousands of them perished for lack of Bread and dyed in Ditches Secondly Your Lordships have often heard him use a Rhetorical insinuation wondring that he should be charged with words and they strained so high as to be made Treason to question his Life and Posterity though the words might be spoken unadvisedly or in discourse or by chance Your Lordships remember the Fifth Article touching his proceedings against my Lord Mountnorris where words were spoken in an ordinary discourse at dinner and slight ones God knows of no consequence at all such as another man would scarce have hearkened after and yet my Lord extends them to the taking away of my Lord Mountnorris his life gets a Sentence of Death against him and that against Law with a high hand in such a manner as I think your Lordships have not heard the like and therefore I beseech you compare one part of his Answer with another and see how ready he is to make use of any thing that may excuse himself and yet when he comes to act his power you see his exercise of it You have heard how he magnifies his Zeal for advancing the King's Benefit and Revenue and his care of his Service and would shelter and protect himself under it to justifie an exorbitant action but if your Lordships call to mind the business of the Customs for Tobacco which in truth
200 l. These if done upon these private ends alone had not been a Treason as appears by the very words of the Statute of 25 Edw. 3. before mentioned of marching openly or secretly But my Lords these of Cambridge and Bridgewater they were of the conspiracy with the Villains as appears in the Parliament Roll of the First year of Richard the 2d Number 311. and 32. where the Towns of Cambridge and Bridgwater are expresly excepted out of the general Pardon made to the Villains this being done in reference to that design of the Villains of altering the Laws this was that which made it Treason If the design went no further than the enforcing Obedience to these Paper-Orders made by himself it was sufficient it was to subvert one fundamental part of the Law nay in effect the whole Law what use of Law if he might order and determine of Mens Estates at his own pleasure This was against the Law notoriously declared in Ireland In the close Roll in the Tower in the 25th year of Edward the 1. a Writ went to the Justices in Ireland that Kingdom at that time was governed by Justices declaring That upon Petitions they were not to determine any Titles between party and party upon any pretence of profit whatsoever to the King In the Eight and twentieth year of Hen. the 6th Chap. 2. Suits in Equity not before the Deputy but in Chancery Suits at Common-Law not before him but in cases of Life in the Kings-Bench for Title of Lands or Goods in the proper Courts of the Kings-Bench or Common-Pleas This declared in the Instructions for Ireland in the latter end of King James His time and by the Proclamation in His Majesties time my Lord took notice of them called the Commissioners narrow-hearted Commissioners The Law said He should not thus proceed in the subversion of it he saith he will and will enforce Obedience by the Army this is as much in respect of the end as to endeavour the overthrow of the Statutes of Labourers of Victuals or of Merton for Inclosures here is a Warrant against the King in respect of the end Secondly In respect of the Actions whether there be either a Levying of War or an open Deed or both My Lords There was an Army in Ireland at that time of Two thousand Horse and Foot by this Warrant there is a full designation of this whole Army and an Assignment of it over to Savil for this purpose The Warrant gives him power from time to time to take as many Soldiers Horse and Foot with an Officer throughout the whole Army as himself shall please here is the terror and awe of the whole Army to enforce Obedience My Lords If the Earl had Armed two thousand men Horse and Foot and formed them into Companies to this end your Lordships would have conceived that this had been a War It 's as much as in the Case of Sir Thomas Talbot who armed them in Assemblies This is the same with a breach of Trust added to it That Army which was first raised and afterwards committed to his Trust for the Defence of the People is now destined by him to their destruction This assignation of the Army by his Warrant under his Hand and Seal is an open Act. My Lords Here 's not only an open Act done but a Levying of War Soldiers both Horse and Foot with an Officer in Warlike manner assessed upon the Subject which killed their Cattel consumed and wasted their Goods Your Lordships observe a great difference where six men go upon a design alone and when sent from an Army of six hundred all engaged in the same service so many were sent as were sufficient to execute the Command if upon a poor man fewer more upon a rich if the six had not been able the whole Army must make it good The reason that the Sheriff directed alone or but with one Bayliff to do execution is because he hath the Command of the Law the King 's Writ and the Posse Comitatus in case of resistance Here 's the Warrant of a General of an Army Here 's the Posse Exercitus the Power of the Army under the awe of the whole Army six may force more then sixty without it and although never above six in one place yet in several parts of the Kingdom at the same time might be above sixty for sessing of Soldiers was frequent it was the ordinary course for execution of his Orders The Lord-Lieutenant of a County in England hath a design to alter the Laws and Government nay admit the design goes not so high he only declares thus much he will order the Freeholders and Estates of the Inhabitants of the County at his own will and Pleasure and doth accordingly proceed upon Paper-Petitions foreseeing there will be disobedience he grants out Warrants under his Hand and Seal to the Deputy-Lieutenants and Captains of the Trained-bands that upon refusal they will take such number of the Trained-bands through the County with Officers as they shall think good and lay them upon the Lands and Houses of the refusers Soldiers in a Warlike manner are frequently sessed upon them accordingly your Lordships do conceive that this is a Levying of War within the Statute The Case in question goes further in these two Respects That it is more against the declared Law in Ireland not only against the Common-Law but likewise against the Statute of 28 Hen. 6th against the Acts of the Commissioners against Proclamations in persuance of the Law against that himself took notice of narrow-hearted Commissioners In this that here was an Army the Soldiers by profession Acts of Hostility from them of greater terror than from Freeholders of the same County My Lords I have now done with the First of Levying of War The Second is the Machination the advising of a War The Case in this rests upon a Warrant to Savile and the advice in the 23 Article The Warrant shews a resolution of imploying the old Army of Ireland to the oppression of his Majesties Subjects and the Laws In the 23d Article having told his Majesty that he was loosed and absolved from Rules of Government and might do every thing which Power might admit he proceeded further in Speech to his Majesty in these words You have an Army in Ireland you may employ to reduce this Kingdom My Lords Both being put together there 's a Machination a practise and advice to Levy War and by force to oppress and destroy his Majesties Subjects It hath been said the Statute of the 25 Edw. 3. is a penal Law and cannot be taken by equity and construction there must be an actual War the Statute makes it Treason to counterfeit the King's Coin the conspiring the raising of Furnaces is no Treason unless he doth Nummum percutere actually Coin My Lords This is only said not proved the Law is otherwise the 19th Hen. 6. fol. 49. there adjudged That the conspiring and aiding to
Necessity therefore to be used being lawful L. L. Ireland Commission of Array to be put in Execution They are to bring them to the Borders In reason of State you have power when they are there to use them at the King's Pay if any of the Lords can shew a better let them do it Town full of Nobility who will talk of it Obser he will make them smart for it Thus did Ambition and private Revenge disguise themselves under the popular pretence of publique Justice and tenderness for the safety of the Common-wealth The truth is Power and Greatness do always render the Great Ministers of State Criminals to Malice and Envy and of this I will give two remarkable Instances out of the above mentioned Memoirs of the Earl of Manchester When saith he The reason why the Marquess Hamilton and the Lord Cottington escaped the fury of the Faction strickt Scrutiny was made into the Councils and Actions of those who were in greatest Power and Credit with the King divers of the Privy-Council most of the Judges came under the Debate of a Capital or Criminal Impeachment and the very Order of Episcopacy with all its Hierarchy incurred the Odium of Superstitious Pride and Oppression But they who were looked upon as the principal Instruments of those Mischiefs which threatned the Ruine of the Three Kingdoms of England Scotland and Ireland were the Archbishop of Canterbury the Earl of Strafford the Marquiss Hamilton and the Lord Cottington these were of the Juncto where all things of consequence and privacy had been consulted and resolved and these were designed first to be questioned But the Marquiss Hamilton seeing a dark Cloud gathering over his head thought it necessary to seek a timely Shelter and upon consultation with his Friends about the most probable way for preventing of the Clamour of the Commons which might prove a fatal Vote against him he was advised to improve his Interest in the Commissioners of Scotland for he had personally obliged some of them and the rest could not but acknowledge that he had Expressed a great care of his Nations happiness in all those imployments wherein he had been trusted by his Majesty for though he often shewed a great Aversion and activeness against them in their Cause and Quarrel yet in all their Extremities they found him a Friend intending their good He therefore pressed them to intercede for him which they did with earnest solicitations They likewise gave such Engagements for his future Compliance with the Parliaments Designs as he was not only Exempt from all fear of Accusation but he became a Confident in all their private Designs against others and employed his Credit with the King for the obtaining many and great concessions The Lord Cottington could not hope for so powerful an intercession neither durst he rely on his Innocency as Parliament-proof therefore he had recourse to that prudent if not subtle way by stripping himself of his Skin to save his life He knew the Mastership of the Wards was a place of that value and power as probably it might stop the Mouths of his greedy Enemies or else open the hearts of some towards him in a way of Protection and Friendship He therefore declared to the King his condition and propounded the making the Lord Viscount Say and Seal to be his Successor This proved a very successful policy for as soon as this was made known to those who were concerned in their hopes of his place all Criminal Aspersions were laid aside and he gained the advantage of a retired and quiet being Thus far the said Earl in his Memoirs who was no Stranger to the most private transactions of those persons and times The Fall of this lofty Cedar gave not only a general consternation to all the Kings Friends but the greatest encouragement imaginable to the whole Faction who could not dissemble their satisfaction at their having gained so important a point but that it boyled over at the Mouths of the less cautious and more warm of the Party insomuch that I have heard one who was inwardly acquainted among them affirm that one of them as I think Mr. Pym was heard to boast of their success in words to this effect Have we saith he speaking of the Kings passing the Bill of Attainder against the Earl of Strafford got him to part with Strafford then he can deny us nothing And certainly nothing could be of greater disadvantage to his Majesties Affairs then this sacrificing a Great Court Favourite to their Wills rather then to Law or Justice For the whole Nation knew how dear this Great Man was to his Master and the great struglings which the King made if possible to save him and the reluctancy with which he seemed to resign him rather to necessity then reason as it made the victory appear greater so it taught all others of the Kings Friends the greatness of their danger and the impossibility of stemming so strong a Torrent as had wrackt so brave a person as the Earl of Strafford Nor did they think it any disparagement when they saw the King himself stoop to such compliances for them also to bend their Necks And doubtless as nothing can more encourage the Servants and Ministers of any Prince in circumstances and difficulties of this nature than the courage and resolution of the Prince himself so nothing can depress their Spirits comparably to the fear of seeing themselves deserted and left to the Fury and Rage of their Enemies for adhering faithfully to and vigorously prosecuting the Interests of their Master And had his Majesty made use of his Royal Prerogative and refused to Pass the Fatal Bill it could not have happened worse to him then afterwards it did but it might have proved better because they were not then in a condition to Levy a Formal War against him as afterwards they did his Majesty having a very good Army in the North to have Opposed them and had the Earl saved his a Noble and Valiant General to have been at the head of them But to return to the Parliamentary Affairs the Tumults were grown so insolent that his Majesty being sensible of the danger of them sent a Message to the Lords about them Upon which the Lords desired a Conference with the Commons the heads of which the Lord Privy-Seal delivered as follows THat he was commanded from the King to declare to both Houses at a Conference Conference about the Tumults that the People do assemble in such unusual numbers that his Majesty fears the Council and the Peace of the Kingdom may be interrupted and therefore as a King that loves Peace takes care that all Proceedings in the Parliament may be in a fair temperate and peaceable manner It being now time of Parliament his Majesty will not of himself prescribe the way but expects that both Houses upon mutual Conference will advise such a course which may best preserve the quietness of the Kingdom That their
it took air and so fired the Faction that they presently blew it up into a flaming Conspiracy against the Parliament some sparks of which flew into the City which was all in a hubbub by a false report that the Parliament-House was on fire a Plot there was to be that was certain but it seems they were mistaken in the Nature of it however for the present the House of Commons writ to the Army the Letter being directed to Sir John Conyers and Sir Jacob Ashley to look to their Charges and keep the Army in Good Order The Letter follows SIR The Speaker's Letter to Sir Jacob Ashley May 4. 1641. WEE have had Cause to doubt that some ill-affected persons have endeavoured to make a mis-understanding in the Army of the Intentions of the Parliament towards them To take away all mistaking in that kind the House of Commons have Commanded me to assure you That they have taken the Affairs of the Army into their Serious Care And though for the present their Monies have not come as they wished and as was due by reason of the many Distractions and other Impediments which this House could no wayes avoid yet they would have them rest assured that they shall not only have their full pay but the House will take their merits into their further Consideration in regard they take notice that notwithstanding their want and endeavours of those ill-affected persons they have not demeaned themselves otherwise then as men of Honor and well affected to the Commonwealth which this House takes in so good part that we have already found out a Way to get Money for a good part of their Pay and will take the most speedy Course we possibly may for the rest So I remain From my House at Charing-Cross the 4th of this present Month of May 1641. Your very Loving Friend c. Sir 'T is the Pleasure of the House that this Letter be communicated to the Army to the end their Intentions may be Clearly understood by them This day a Letter from the Scotish General Lesly to Sir John Lowther and the Gentlemen of Cumberland was produced and twice read in the House Wednesday May the 5th It was this day Ordered also Protestation ordered to be Printed and sent down into all Counties That the Protestation should be forthwith Printed and sent down into all Counties Corporations and Burroughs to all Sheriffs and Justices of the Peace and to intimate to them with what Willingness the Members of the House took it and as they justifie the taking it in themselves so they cannot but approve it in them that shall likewise take it And for the promoting of the taking of it these following Directions were Printed together with the said Protestation and dispersed throughout the Kingdom this was intended for a fatal Shibboleth to know the strength of the Faction and to be a Mark of Discrimination between their Friends and Enemies and was more particularly designed for a Snare for the Orthodox and Episcopal Clergy and that Clause in the Directions to return the Names of those who refused to Enter into this Confederacy against the Church made many timerous persons doubtless do an Action for the justifiableness whereof they had no great Assurance The Directions were these IT is thought fit that the Protestation which the Parliament lately made be taken by the City of London in the several Parish Churches Printed Directions for taking the Protestation in the afternoon of some Lords Day after Sermon before the Congregation be dissolved by all Masters of Families their Sons and Men-Servants in manner and from following viz. First That forthwith Notice of this Intention be given to the Minister Church-Wardens and some other meet persons of each Parish in London Liberties and adjacent Parishes and some of them to give notice to the rest of the Parishioners Secondly That the Minister be intreated to acquaint his Parish in his Sermon either Forenoon or Afternoon with the nature of the business more or less as he shall think fit for the better and more solemn taking of the said Protestation or if the Minister refuse it that some other be intreated to Preach that will promote the business or if neither of these may be had that some other convenient course be taken by some well affected to the business to stay the Parish and communicate the matter to them Thirdly That the Minister or Ministers of every Congregation first take it in his or their own person reading the said Protestation in so distinct a Voyce that all present may conveniently hear it and that all the Assembly present do make the same Protestation distinctly after this manner every man taking this Protestation into his hand I A. B. do in the presence of Almighty God freely and heartily promise vow and protest the same which the leading person took naming the person Fourthly That there be a Register Book wherein every man taking this Vow or Protestation subscribe his Name with his own hand or mark and that the Names be taken of such as do refuse the same Fifthly That all the Parishioners abovesaid whether in Town or out of Town be earnestly requested to be present at their own Parish Church in the Afternoon of that Lords Day whereon it shall be taken that every man may take it in their own place and if any be necessarily absent that they may be desired to take it the next Lords Day after or so soon as may be with Conveniency Sixthly and lastly That all whom it doth not immediately concern be earnestly requested to depart It was further Ordered That all Members about Town be warned to appear at 8. of the Clock to morrow and non-appearance to be accounted a Contempt of the House upon which the House will proceed as against persons not worthy to Sit in the House and that none go out of the Town without special Leave from the House The Earl of Holland signified to the House of Lords Earl of Newport made Constable of the Tower That he was Commanded by his Majesty to let their Lordships know that he hath made the Earl of Newport Constable of the Tower of London They began also now to cast an oblique Aspect upon the Sword as hitherto they had done upon the Scepter and Royal Prerogative as appears by this following Vote and Order which was a necessary Preliminary Point to their wresting the Militia Forts and Castles from the King as afterwards they did for well they knew that without the power of the Sword they could never hope to mate the Scepter It was therefore Ordered That the respective Knights Order to Enquire into the Condition of the Forts c. and to take Account of the Militia and to arm the Countries Citizens and Burgesses give an Account of the state of the Shires Cities and Burroughs for which they serve for Arms and Ammunition Castles and Forts and of the Governors Lord Lieutenants
the Commons House Thursday June 17. by which it will appear at what a Rate the Reformation was to be purchased when the first Account Run so high  l. It appeared that there was due to the Kings Army The State of the Account of the Armies 462050 There hath been paid to the Kings Army 150000 Rests due to the Kings Army 312050 There is due to the Scottish Army 216750 Due to the Scots for Shipping 4000 Total due to the Scots 220750 There hath been paid to the Scots 105000 Rests due to the Scots 115750 Total due to English and Scots 427800 Brotherly Assistance to be paid presently 80000 To pay this there is in View  Due from the Customers upon Composition 150000 Due from the Petty-Customers Composition 15000 From the City promised to be Lent 40000 Total 205000 To be provided more 302800 Off the Old Subsidies 300000 New Subsidies 400000 Customers 165000 Total raised and to be raised 865000 The Debate about the Poll-Bill was this Day agitated in the House of Commons whereupon it was agreed Friday June 18. That every Duke shall pay 100 pounds Every Marquess 80 pounds Votes and Rates of the Poll-Bill Every Earl 60 pounds Every Viscount 50 pounds Every Lord 40 pounds Every Bishop 60 pounds Every Dean 40 pounds Every Canon Residentiary 20 pounds Every Prebendary 10 pounds Every Rector for 100 l. per annum 5 pounds Every Baronet and Knight of the Bath 30 pounds Every Knight 20 pounds Every Esquire 10 pounds Every Gentleman of 100 l. per annum 5 pounds Aldermen of London the same Rate with Knights And for other Persons all above the Age of 16 Years Except such as receive Alms to pay 12 pence per pole Recusants of all Ranks to pay double Lord Mayor of London 40 pounds Aldermen Knights 20 pounds Aldermen Deputies 15 pounds Common Council men 5 pounds Master and Wardens of the 12 Companies 10 pounds Every one of the Livery 5 pounds Master and Wardens of the other Companies and such as have fined for Master or Wardens 5 pounds Every one of the Livery 50 shillings Every Freeman of the 12 Companies 20 shillings Every Freeman of the other Companies except Porters and Watermen 20 shillings Every Merchant Stranger being a Knight 40 pounds Every Merchant Stranger at Sea 10 pounds At Land 5 pounds English Merchants in Land not Free 5 pounds Factors 40 shillings Handicrafts-men Strangers 2 shillings per pole If House-Keeper or Papist 4 shillings Widows according to the Degrees of their Husbands Serjeants at Law 20 pounds Kings Serjeants 25 pounds King Queen and Princes Council 20 pounds Dr. of Law and Physick 10 pounds If Papists 20 pounds Arch-Deacons 15 pounds Chancellors and Commissaries 15 pounds Every man of 100 pounds 5 pounds Every man of 50 l. per annum 50 shillings Every one that can dispend 20 pounds per annum 5 shillings Saturday June 19. Bill against Pluralities and Non-residence passed the Commons The Bill against Pluralities and Non-Residence was this day read the third time in the Commons House and being passed was carried up to the Lords for their Assent By this Act it was provided That whosoever had two Livings should before the 21 of September next following resign one of them And that if any Clergy-man should be absent at any time 60 days from his Living he should ipso facto forfeit it A Message was brought from the House of Commons by John Hampden Esq The Bill a-against Pluralities brought up to the Lords who brought up a Bill which had passed the House of Commons Entituled An Act against the enjoyment of Pluralities of Benefices by Spiritual Persons and Non-residence And desires that their Lordships would give such dispatch to the Three Bills lately sent up 1. Concerning the Star-Chamber and the Privy Council 2. Concerning the High Commission Court The Third Concerning disarming of Recusants as may stand with their Lordships conveniency Upon which the said Bill was read the first time Bill against Ship-Money read a second time The Bill of Tonnage and Poundage passed the Lords House The Bill against Ship-mony was also read a second time This day was read the third time the Bill Entituled An Act of a Subsidy granted to the King of Tonnage and Poundage and other Sums of Mony payable upon Merchandzie Exported and Imported And being put to the Question it was Resolved Nemine Contradicente to pass as a Law and the L. Great Chamberlain L. Steward L. Chamberlain E. Holland were appointed from this House to move his Maiesty to appoint a time to give his Royal Assent This day Colonel Goring was again Examined by the House upon several Interrogatories Monday June 21. Goring further Examined upon which he deposed That Sir John Suckling first told him of that design about the middle of Lent last and that afterwards meeting with Mr. Jermyn he desired that he would meet him at White-hill on the Queens side for that he was to speak with her Majesty and would confer with him concerning the Army where meeting at the Queens drawing Chamber her Majesty told him the King would speak with him whereupon meeting with the King his Majesty told him that he was minded to set his Army into a good Posture being advised thereto by my Lord of Bristol as he said and his Majesty then commanded him to joyn with Mr. Percy and some others in that business Now because hereafter when the Faction flew out into open Rebellion they did endeavour to improve this into a scandal against the King as if he were in the design to bring up the Army against the Parliament thereby to render him odious to his Subjects and especially the Nonconformists who made the House of Commons their great Idol the Reader is desired to compare this Passage of Goring's Deposition wherein he tacitly seems to bring the King in as the Author of his entring into the Confederacy whereas in that first confession of his he gives an account that he fell in among them upon the account of the Discourse of endeavouring the redress of the Grievances of the Army and that thereupon finding them full of discontents and as he thought entring upon Resolutions of dangerous Consequence to the Common-wealth and his Majesties safety he continued his Correspondency with them and took the Oath of Secrecy purposely with an intention to disclose the matters and discover them to the Parliament in proof of which original intention of his Confederating with them he tells us He had before-hand provided for his own security by imparting the matter to some great Lords telling them that in a little time he should have occasion as he thought to acquaint them further with some things of great importance The House was this day Resolved into a Grand Committee of the whole House upon the Debate of the Root and Branch Bill Monday June 21. upon which occasion Sir Edward Deering made this following Speech as I find
and Commons Is not this an offence punishable out of Parliament Answer We conceive this also to be an Offence punishable out of Parliament Quere VII If Two or Three or more of the Parliament shall Conspire to defame the King's Government and to deter his Subjects from Obeying or Assisting the King Of what nature this Offence is Answer The Nature and Quality of this Offence will be greater or lesser as the Circumstances shall fall out upon the Truth of the Fact Quere VIII Can any Priviledge of the House Warrant a Tumultuous Proceeding Answer We humbly conceive That an earnest though a disorderly and confused proceeding in such a Multitude may be called Tumultuous and yet the Priviledge of the House may Warrant it We in all humbleness are willing to satisfie Your Majesties Command but until the Particulars of the Fact do appear we can give no directer Answers then before And particularly as to the Second Quere about the King's Power of Adjourning as well as Calling and Dissolving of Parliaments these following Parliamentary Precedents were given in Mercur. 4. Aprilis 1. Jac. Sess 1. Mr. Speaker pronounceth His Majesties Pleasure of Adjourning the House till 11th Parliamentary Presidents about Adjournments by the King of April and it was so done Jovis 18. Dec. 1606. The Lords by their Messengers signified the King's Pleasure that the Session should be Adjourned till the 10th of February following Upon this Message Mr. Speaker Adjourned the House according to His Majesties said Pleasure Martis 31. Martii 1607. The Speaker delivered the King's Pleasure that the House should be A journned till Munday 20. April following Mercurii 20. Maii 1607. Mr. Speaker signified the King's Pleasure about Nine a Clock to Adjourn the House till the 27th of the same Month. And 27th of May he being Challenged for Adjourning without the Privity of the House he excuseth it and saith as the House had power to Adjourn themselves so the King had a Superior Power and by His Command he did it Veneris 30 Martii 1610. His Majestie 's Pleasure to Adjourn from Tuesday till Munday Sevenight 11. July The King by Commission Adjourneth the Lords House Messengers sent to the Commons They send by Messengers of their own to the Lords that they use to Adjourn themselves The Commission is sent down Mr. Speaker Adjourneth the House till the first of August 26. Febr. 4. Car. Mr. Speaker signifieth His Majestie 's Pleasure that the House be presently Adjourned till Munday next and in the mean time all Committees and other proceedings to cease And thereupon Mr. Speaker in the Name of the House Adjourned the same accordingly And for a short Account of this Affair take this out of Crook's Reports Cro. 3. Part The King versus Sir John Elliot Denzill Hollis and Benjamin Valentine fol. 181. Hill Term. 5 Car. AN Information was exhibited against Sir John Elliot Sir John Elliot's Case c. about the business 3 Car. out of Crook's Reports Denzil Hollis and Benjamin Valentine by the Attorney General c. To which the Defendants appearing pleaded to the Jurisdiction of the Court That the Court ought not to have Conusance thereof because it is for Offences done in Parliament and ought to be there Examined and Punished and not elsewhere It was thereupon demurred and after Argument adjudged That they ought to Answer for the Charge is for Conspiracy Seditious Acts and Practices to stop the Adjournment of Parliament which may be examined out of Parliament being Seditious and Unlawful Acts and this Court may take Conusance and punish them Afterwards divers Rules being given to Plead and they refusing Judgment was given against them viz. Against Sir John Elliot that he should be committed to the Tower and should pay Two Thousand Pounds Fine and upon his Inlargement should find Sureties for his Good Behavior And against Hollis That he should pay a Thousand Marks and should be Imprisoned and find Sureties c. And against Valentine That he should pay Five Hundred Pound Fine be Imprisoned and find Sureties Note That afterward in the Parliament 17 Car. It was resolved by the House of Commons That they should have Recompence for their Damages Losses Imprisonments and Sufferings sustained for the Services of the Common-Wealth in Parliament of 3 Car. Note In the Session of Parliament Anno 19 20 Car. 2. a Motion was made by a Commoner to have this and some other like Resolutions expunged out of our Law-Books that Students might not be poysoned therewith and a Committee was accordingly appointed to inspect them And accordingly upon Report made by Mr. Vaughan from the Committee about freedom of Speech in Parliament it was Resolved among other Votes That the Judgment given 5 Car. against Sir John Elliot c. in the Kings-Bench is an Illegal Judgment and against the Freedom and Priviledg of Parliament The Concurrence of the Lords was desired and their Lordships Concurred with the Commoners Upon the Petition of Commissary Wilmot and Colonel Ashburnham Commissary Wilmot and Colonel â—shburnham Bailed it was Resolved c. That Commissary Wilmot and Colonel Ashburnham shall be bailed in the same manner that Captain Pollard was Resolved c. That a Warrant shall issue under Mr. Speaker's hand to the Lieutenant of the Tower to deliver them into the Serjeant's hand It was further Ordered That Colonel Goring Commissary Wilmot and Colonel Ashburnham shall not offer any violence one to another Colonel Goring being present in the House promised to observe the Injunction and Commissary Wilmot and Colonel Ashburnham were ordered to give satisfaction to the House under their hands that they will observe this Command of the House Upon his Petition it was likewise Ordered That Mr. Mr. William Davenant Bailed William Davenant should be bailed upon such Security as the House shall allow of Dudley Smith Esq and William Champneys Esq Sewers to the King were also admitted to Bail 2000 l. the Principals and 1000 l. the Sureties William Williams was this day called in to Answer the Breach of Priviledge committed in entring upon the Freehold of the Lord Bishop of Lincoln Breach of Priviledge and disquieting the possession of his Lordships Lands in Carnarvan-shire The said Williams consess'd he had entred upon the Lands of the Lord Bishop of Lincoln at May last was Twelve Months The House thought fit to Release him upon Bail Then Johannes Maynard Mil ' Balniae Single Bail taken in the Lords House Recogn ' se debere Domino Regi ducent ' libras levari ad usum Domini Regis ex Terris Tenementis Catallis The Condition of the abovesaid Recognizance is That if William Williams shall appear before the Lords in Parliament and abide the Order of Parliament then this Recognizance is void or else it is to remain in full Power and Force This day there was a Conference between the Lords and Commons concerning the Case of the Palatinate and the King 's Manifesto
and misdemeanors before expressed and do therefore pray that they may be forthwith put to their answers in the presence of the Commons and that such further proceedings may be had against them as to Law and Justice shall appertain Whether the Lords were satisfied with this Declaration of the Commons Reasons about the Protestation is uncertain but however they were satisfied that the Commons were Resolved to have it so with or without their Consent month August 1641. and possibly they saw that had they opposed a thing then so Popular as this was the inraged Commons would have impeached the greatest number of them who had opposed it as well as they did the Bishops or at least have exposed them to the Popular Rage of the Tumults as they did the Straffordians and by that means have excluded them the House without the help of either a Votâ— or Bill And from this Speech I am assured the most Partial Reader may easily satisfy himself what was the Original Design and Intention of this Solemn Protestation which at first appeared so harmless and Innocent that even many of the Bishops themselves took it For that it was not Religion but a perfect Politick Stratagem to enable the Faction to accomplish their long intended Design of altering the Government this Speech makes evident beyond the Possibility of Doubting it was to be the Shibboleth of the Party and the Character of Persons fit to be trusted with Offices and Power both in Church and State Thus did these Politicians stalk with Religion and make use upon all Occasions of that Sacred and Venerable Name the better to gain the Esteem of the People and to be able by their power more effectually to accomplish their own Designs Mr. Pym Reports the Conference with the Lords about disbanding That the Earl of Bristol was pleased to say Report of the Conference about disbanding That the Business he was to speak of was of great Importance and that no other Business but would be delayed at less Charges then this might be That the Lords Commissioners propounded to the Scots Commissioners to march homewards the 9th of August but many of them being then out of Town their Answer was uncertain but now my Lord of Lowdon being returned out of Scotland the Commissioners met yesterday and they gave this Answer It is impossible for them to return the 9th of August or any other prefixed Day because the removal of their Army depends upon the whole Arrears due to them from Vs and of 80000 l. part of the Brotherly Assistance which was promised by Vs they should receive and without this they could not disband their Army yet undertake that though there be no prefixed Day yet within 48 Hours after Payment of the Monies at New Castle they would not stay under any Roof till they were out of the Kingdom It was proposed to them to receive the 80000 l. the 10th of September My Lord Lowdon returned this Answer That there is an absolute impossibility to give Satisfaction to their Army to march away unless they have with their Arrears the 80000 l. for that they are in debt to their own Army 30000 l. which must be paid now And he further added That nothing but an impossibility should make them stick at any thing the Parliament doth desire My Lord of Bristol said further in his own Name and the Name of the Lords Commissioners for England That it was fit for both Houses to joyn together to pluck up this Business by the Roots He said That whereas there is about 28000 l. Debt due from the Scots to the County Palatine of Durham and New-Castle Certified under the Commissaries Hands that they would be content that that Summ might be deducted out of the 80000 l. here if the Country will be Content to be paid by the Parliament and desired that a Letter might be sent to the Commissioners of those Counties to treat with the County to get their consent accordingly He said further That this matter did not stand upon one string there is another matter which is concerning the Treaty the Commissioners being now returned have brought word that the Parliament in Scotland have viewed and passed the Treaty only some few things of Explanation altered some other things there were wherein they were not fully satisfied â—n their demands yet have declared this should breed no difference but would leave it to be settled by Commissioners at better leizure And so they have agreed this day to meet to Collate the Treaty and have resolved to draw it into the form of an Act of Parliament and they hope to finish it within a day or two The next thing was for the Security of the 220000 l. behind of the Brotherly Assistance and this was yielded to in the general having formerly signed this therefore desire this House to hasten the Bill for the Security for the payment of this Mony and that some 5 or 6 be named of the Commissioners to whom they might resort for the same and the rather to hasten this because the King takes his Journey on Monday for Scotland This being after the Conference debated in the House of Commons Sir William Darcy Sir John Conyers Mr. Hallyman Mr. Selwin and Mr. Lilburn undertake that the Country would not only accept payment of the Billet from this House but will thank this House if they shall please to appoint any such Course for the payment of the Billet Whereupon it was agreed That the House will undertake it and pay 28000 l. in November next or sooner Mr. Speaker to write Letters to this purpose for the consent of those Counties It was also Ordered That the Knights Citizens and Burgesses endeavour to expedite the gathering in of the Poll-mony in their respective Counties and Places and the sending up what is received Upon the Petition of the Lady Margaret Wotton Baroness of Marleigh Order about the Lady Wotton a Recusant Peeress complaining of an Indictment and Conviction of Recusancy prosecuted against her contrary to the Priviledges of Parliament It is Ordered That a Certiorari do issue forth to Return the Indictment into this House and that a Writ of Errour may also be brought to Reverse the Conviction if any Error shall be found therein whereupon their Lordships will proceed according as they shall think fit The Report of the Conserence about the Impeachment of the Judges The Lord Bishop of Lincoln reported the Conference with the Commons concerning the Judges to this effect That the House of Commons had formerly brought up six Impeachments against six several Judges one whereof was for High-Treason the proofs of which Impeachment will not arise from Witnesses but out of Records which have been Voted by this House already to be illegal c. It was further said That the House of Commons do understand that several Commissions are lately made to these several Judges who are Impeached for several Misdemeanours to go Circuits in several
Act declaring Vnlawful and Void the late Proceedings touching Ship-Money and for Vacating of all Records and Process concerning the same 4. An Act for the Certainty of Forrests and of the Meers Meets Limits and Bounds of the Forrests The Private Acts were these 1. Private Bills passed An Act for the Settling of Certain Mannors Lands Tenements c. on Katharine Countess Dowager of Bedford William now Earl of Bedford John Russell and Edward Russell Esquires Sons of Francis Earl of Bedford deceased 2. An Act to Enable Sir Alexander Denton to sell Lands to pay Debts and provide for his Younger Children 3. An Act to Settle the Mannor of Belgrave c. upon William Byarley Esquire c. to pay the Debts of William Davenport Esquire deceased 4. An Act for John Eggar 's Free School in Alton in Com. Southampton 5. An Act for the Alteration of the Tenure of certain Lands in Fulham Middlesex held of the Lord Bishop of London as of the Mannor of Fulham 6. An Act for making the Chappel of Hool in Com. Lancaster a Parish Church 7. An Act for Confirmation of his Majesties Letters Patents to the Town of Plymouth and for dividing the Parish and Building of a New Church To which the Clerk of the Parliament pronounced the Royal Assent in these words Soit fait comme il est desire After which his Majesty made a short Speech touching the Necessity of his going to Scotland adding That he had given Order to the Lord Keeper for the further declaring of his Mind therein Upon which the Lord Keeper spake Expressing his Majesties great forwardness hitherto in so readily and graciously complying with his Parliament in gratifying them in all their Requests more than any of the Kings his Royal Predecessors had ever done before him instancing in the several Bills for taking away the Star-Chamber Regulating the Council Board taking away the High Commission Court Ship-Money and the passing the Bill for the Judges to continue quam diu se bene gesserint and several other things After which his Majesty spoke some few words acquainting them That he had received an Account by a Nobleman lately come from Scotland of the absolute Necessity of his Journey and that it was impossible for him without great Inconvenience to his Affairs in that Kingdom to defer his Journey and so he took his Leave of their Lordships and bade the Parliament Farewell and so departed But the House of Commons returning to their House fell immediately upon the Debate of it and sent a Message by Mr. Hollis to the Lords Earnestly desiring the Lords to joyn with them to Petition his Majesty either to Substitute a Locum Tenens during his Absence or to stay 14 dayes Longer in regard it so nearly concerned the Quiet and Peace of the Kingdom The Lords sent them in Answer That they would move his Majesty to defer his Journey for two dayes longer but this gave the Commons little Satisfaction In this Debate both Houses sate till Ten of the Clock at Night but could not come to any Resolution but in the Commons House it was moved That in respect the Necessity was so great and his Majesty so firm in his Resolution to set forwards on Monday that both Houses might meet and Sit upon Sunday and a Message being sent up to the Lords to desire their Concurrence it was accordingly agreed There being many of the Members of the Commons House absent Order for the absent Members to repair to the House It was this day also Ordered by the Commons That all the Members of the House in regard of the Great and Weighty Affairs that import the Safety of the Kingdom do repair hither to attend the Service of the Common-wealth with all possible speed upon pain of incurring the Displeasure of this House for their neglect And it is further Ordered That the Knights of the several Counties and the Burgesses and Barons of the several Burroughs and Cinque-Ports that are now in Town shall send Copies of this Order to the Sheriffs of the several Counties to the End it may be published with all Care and Speed By Six of the Clock in the Morning there was a Sermon at St. Sunday August 8. Margarets Westminster before the Commons after which both the Houses Sate and the time was wholly spent in the morning in Debates Messages and Conferences between the Two Houses about Petitioning the King to stay yet 14 dayes longer the Lords inclining not to press his Majesty further in it and the Commons insisting upon their former Votes to that purpose The Earl of Bath reported the Conference with the House of Commons as follows Aug. 8. 1641. The Report of the Conserence about staying the Kings Journey 14 dayes THat the House of Commons gave their Lordships thanks for joining with them humbly to Petition His Majesty for deferring his Journey into Scotland for 14 days And to the end that it may be no prejudice to the Parliament of Scotland the House of Commons desires that some of the Lords Commissioners may acquaint the Scots Commissioners with these particulars following and desire their Answers 1. Propositions to the Scots Commissioners about the Kings stay 14 dayes That the Houses of Parliament have commanded them to express to the Scots Commissioners the great care that they have to keep a good Correspondency betwixt the Two Nations of England and Scotland and to take away the Objections which may be made in respect of the Publick engagements to submit to His Majesties pleasure in his present intended Journey 2. That they take notice of the often Meetings and Adjournments of the Parliament of Scotland and lest it might be a great inconvenience the States being now met there if they should stay long there together without doing any thing both the Houses of Parliament have Resolved that for the better satisfaction of the Parliament of Scotland they will humbly Petition His Majesty to send a Commissioner to Edinburgh that if there be pressing Occasions to dispatch any of their Publick Affairs there may be Authority for the same and if they think good to stay His Majesty's coming to them in Person the Houses of Parliament do hope that it will be within 14 days of that time wherein His Majesty was expected there and they shall take their consent thereunto as a great Argument of their Affection to this Kingdom 3. That the Houses likewise do intend to send Commissioners from hence to the Scottish Parliament to declare to them the great Reasons which moves them to Petition His Majesty's stay for 14 days which are such as do very much import the Peace and Safety of both Kingdoms as also their care to move His Most Excellent Majesty to send His Commissioner that the Parliament of Scotland may not be disappointed in respect of the dispatch of their own great Affairs in that Kingdom in the mean time 4. And lastly That the Houses do desire the
of Parliament and is a restraint to the proceedings of other inferior Courts but is no restraint to the proceedings of Parliament and therefore seeing it may without in justice be denied this being the Case of the Common-wealth they conceive it ought not to be granted Whereupon it is desired that their Lordships will declare that all Priviledges shall be void in case of the Conviction or Disarming of Recusants and that all their Certioraris out of the King's Bench to hinder the Conviction of Recusants may be Superseeded That this direction may extend to Lords as well as to other Common Persons there being more cause of fear from them in regard of their Power and Greatness then from others That if any Popish Recusant of Quality shall be found not to be Convicted that such Pesons be commanded forthwith to attend the Parliament The Opinion of the House of Commons is That Popish Recusants as this Case is may be Disarmed by the Common-Law being Persons justly to be suspected for some dangerous design and that where there is cause of fear this may be extended to such Persons as have Wives Recusants or Children or any but considerable number of Servants as may give good Cause of Suspitions That in ordinary Cases if there be a Combination to do any mischief to commit a Riot Rob a House or hurt any private Person the Justices of the Peace may take security to prevent such damages much more in the Case where the danger of the Common-wealth is to be prevented Divers Presidents were remembred for the Disarming of Lords of Parliament the Marquess of Winchester Lord Peter Lord Vaux Lord Arundel of Wardour and divers others Then after some Consideration of this Conference It is Ordered That this House doth joyn with the House of Commons to send Commissioners to Disarm Recusants according to Law for the other part of it their Lordships will take it into consideration Sir William Armyn brings this Answer to the Message to the Lords The Lords Answer about the Commissioners for Scotland concerning the Commissioners designed for Scotland That the Lords are of Opinion that the Commission and Instructions be presently prepared together with a Petition to his Majesty and that this be sent away with all Speed and in the mean time the Commissioners may be going their Journey and those Instructions and Commission may meet them on the Way if this House thinks fit Mr. Pym reports the Petition and Instructions to the Commissioners for Scotland To the King 's Most Excellent Majesty The Humble Petition of your Majesties Loyal Subjects the Lords and Commons now Assembled in Parliament Most Gracious Sovereign YOur Majesties Absence at this time the Parliament sitting The Petition to the King concerning the Commissioners for Scotland doth not only afflict us with much Grief but hinders us in making such Provision for the Public Necessities and Dangers of the Kingdom as we desired to do for the Safety whereof We shall be often forced to resort to your Majesties Wisdom and Goodness Whereupon both Houses of Parliament have agreed to send William Earl of Bedford Edward Lord Howard Nathaniel Fiennes Esquire Sir William Armyn Baronet Sir Philip Stapleton Knight and John Hambden Esquire to attend your Majesty to convey to us your Majesties Commands and Directions and to present to your Majesty our Humble Petitions and Desires and likewise to see the Expediting of such Acts in the Parliament of Scotland and other Affairs as by the late Treaty or otherwise concern the Kingdom Wherefore our most Humble Suit to your Majesty is That you will be graciously pleased to admit the said William Earl of Bedford Edward Lord Howard Nathaniel Fiennes Sir William Armyn Sir Philip Stapleton and John Hambden Esquire to be your Majesties Commissioners for the dispatch of the Affairs aforementioned according to such Instructions as they have now received or shall from time to time receive from both Houses of Parliament with your Majesties Consent and Approbation The Instructions for the said Commissioners follow I. YOV shall take care that all those Acts that concern both Kingdoms of England and Scotland The Instructions for the Commissioners and are already agreed upon in the Treaty between the Commissioners of both Nations and which are Confirmed by an Act of Parliament passed in this present Session shall likewise be confirmed and ratified in the Parliament in Scotland and You shall take an authentique Exemplification thereof to bring home with you II. You are to take Care that the Commissions agreed upon in the same Treaty concerning the Trade of both Kingdoms and concerning the Publique Peace and Correspondency betwixt the Two Nations may be settled and dispatched accordingly III. You are to demand Satisfaction of such Debts as shall remain due to the Northern Counties of England for any Money or Provision taken up by the Scottish Army IV. You shall be Careful to clear the Proceedings of the Parliament of England towards the Scots if you find any false Reports or Imputations cast on those Proceedings by persons ill-affected to the Peace of both Kingdoms V. You shall upon all fit Occasions assure the Parliament of Scotland of the good Affections of his Majesties Subjects of the Parliament of England and all things which shall concern the Service of his Majesty and the Peace and Prosperity of both Nations VI. You shall be Careful to certify the Lords and Commons in this present Parliament from time to time of all Proceedings therein and of all Occurrences which shall concern the good of this Kingdom VII You shall put in Execution such further Instructions as you shall receive from the Lords and Commons in this present Parliament with his Majesties Approbation and Consent signified under his Royal Hand It was Ordered Mr. Nichols to go with the Petition c. 1000 l. advanced for the Charges of the Commissioners That Mr. Anthony Nichols a Member of this House shall go to his Majesty from this House with the Petition and Instructions It was likewise Ordered That a Thousand pounds shall be advanced by Sir Robert Pye Mr. Wheeler and the Treasurers of Money for Westminster for the Commissioners Charges and their Acquittance or any two of them to be a Discharge Sir Philip Stapleton and Mr. Hollis were also Ordered to attend Her Majesty Sir Ph. Stapleton and Mr. Hollis to attend the Q. before they go for Scotland to know what Commands her Majesty will lay upon the Members of this House that are to go to His Majesty in Scotland The Lord General as indeed any person moderately skilled in Martial Affairs would have done made some difficulty it seems of letting so powerful an Army though of our Dear Brethren of Scotland March through so Important a Pass as the Town of Barwick and upon this wrote to the Parliament concerning it Whereupon the Lord Keeper Littleton returned this Answer My Lord I Have received your Letter dated the 16th of this
Parliament was not only thought unnecessary but themselves involved in a general distrust That neither the Parliaments nor the Marquess of Ormond 's offer to suppress the Rebellion would be accepted That the inforced complying of the Nobility and Gentry of the Pale with a powerful Army which was Master of their Lives and Fortunes was imputed to them as a malicious aversion from the English Government That the blood of Innocent Husband-men was drawn and the heads of Men were grown an acceptable Spectacle in Dublin That the Publick Faith was broken and Mens Houses particularly inabled to claim benefit by it pillaged and burnt That all ways were obstructed by which they might implore His Majesties Mercy and represent their Conditions That the Favourable Intentions of the Parliament of England and His Majesties Gracious Pardon which was meant should extend to all save such as were guilty of blood was so limited by them as no estated man could receive benefit by it That those who notwithstanding these Restrictions cast themselves freely upon His Majesties mercy were Imprisoned Indicted and some of them Rack't That the Earl of Castlehaven might have found it a Capital Crime to mediate in their behalf if he had not made his Escape after Twenty Weeks Imprisonment That the King 's Sworn Servant was Rack't and his Ministers whose Duty it was to have been Zealous for the honour of their Master endeavoured to asperse it and render him and his Royal Consort odious to his People by striving to Extort from a tortur'd man some Testimony by which they might be accused of raising and Fomenting that Rebellion When these and many other Arguments of this kind which for fear of prolixity are omitted had convinced the Catholiques of Ireland that the Lords Justices and that part of the Council which adhered to them became unfaithful to His Majesty and had designed the Ruine of that Nation and the Extirpation of their Religion that Law which moves the hand by interposing it self to bear off a stroak aimed at the Head Convened an Assembly of these who were exposed to those so eminent dangers in which they modelled a Government in order to their Natural defence obliging themselves by such an Oath to His Majesty his Heirs and Successors as well shewed their affection to the Crown and their unalterable resolutions to maintain His Majesties Rights and to follow his Fortune Between these divided Governments there have been Battels fought Cities and Forts besieged and much Christian Blood spilt which will one day lye at some Mens doors And who those are the Eternal Wisdom best knows and the Reader is left free to determine Thus far the said Narrative Printed and Published at London in the Year 1660 And which I find in P. W's Reply to the * Earl of Orrery Person of Quality's Answer c. Pag. 7. By which it appears That the Lords Justices used some indiscreet as well as unjust Severities which did not a little contribute to the inflaming of the Rebellion but still it was a Rebellion which is a Crime so black and horrid in the sight of God and all good Men that no excuses can Palliate or Extenuate nor any Circumstances of Hardships or Oppressions Injustice or Wrongs can justifie since it is utterly inconsistent with not only all the Rules of Civil Polity but the Divine Rules of Christianity which teaches us not to resist the Powers which are ordained of God under a penalty of Damnation which is a danger and a loss of so vast Extent as that the loss of Liberty Goods and even Life it self which are the utmost we can suffer from unjust Men are but trifles if compared with it and the Method is Extravagant to the very last Degrees of Folly and Madness which applies a Medicine Ten Thousand times worse then the Disease and is such a piece of discretion as for a Man to leap into the Sea to avoid a shower which would wet him to the skin Without all Controversie the Progress and Growth of this Horrid Rebellion as before was observed must be attributed in a great Measure to the Misfortune Untimely Death of that Great Man and Wise Governor the Earl of Strafford For upon his quitting of Ireland the Nation which before seemed to do and really injoyed a most Serene and Quiet Calâ— of Peace began to be over-cast and clouded with Discontents Grievances Fears and Jealousies which notwithstanding all the Power of the Beams of his Majesties Grace and Favour which were so warmly bestowed upon them were so far from being thereby dissipated that they still Encreased until at length those black and sullen clouds discharged themselves in the most dismal Tempest of Fire and Blood that any Age or almost any Nation under Heaven hath beheld And this will most Evidently appear by the Consequences which immediately followed upon the Earl of Strafford's parting with the Rains of that Government Christopher Wendesford Esq Mr. of the Rolls in Ireland made Lord Deputy there April 3. for upon his coming for England Christopher Wendesford Esq Master of the Rolls was the 3d. of April 1640. sworn Lord Deputy He was a Person of great Abilities and one with whom the Earl of Strafford had even from their Early Years contracted an Intimacy and Friendship which Ended not but with their Lives and so great was his Fidelity to this Noble Earl that perceiving the Parliament of Ireland who not long before had sung such Hosanna's to the Earl of Strafford in the Peamble to the Bill of Subsidies now running as fast down the Hill in joyning with his Enemies in England to procure his Ruin and Destruction he Adjourned the Parliament in November following to the 26th of January hoping by that means to prevent the Blow which he saw they were levelling at that Wise and Illustrious Head but notwithstanding all that he could do the Earl's Enemies made a shift before they broke up to frame a Remonstrance against the Earl and though he used his utmost Endeavours to stop the Committee of the Parliament from carrying into Englund yet was he not able to prevent it nor their passage but that all the Ports being open four Lords and 12 Commoners the greatest part of which were Papists passed over into England and Exhibited their Remonstrance and did the Earl all the Ill Offices they were able for which they were then Highly Countenanced and Caressed by the Faction in the English Parliament who together with the Scottish Rebels then at London to finish the Treaty between the Two Kingdoms pursued the Life of that Great Man with the Utmost Vigor and Animosity that Malice and Power would suggest unto them The Names of the Irish Committees were The Nomes of the Irish Committee The Lord Viscount Gormanston Lord Kilmalloc Lord Castiloe L. Baltinglass Of the Commons For Lemster Nich. Plunkett _____ Digby Richard Fitz-Garret Esquire Munster Sir Hardress Waller Sir Donnogh Mac-Carti John Welsh Esquire Conaght Robert Linch Geffry
which by reason of his Majesties absence out of the Kingdom cannot be done by His Majesties immediate Warrant so speedily as the imminent danger and necessity of that Kingdom doth require and for that His Majesty hath especially recommended the Care of the Preservation of that Kingdom unto both the Houses of Parliament It is Ordained by the Lords and Commons in Parliament That Mountjoy Earl of Newport Master of His Majesties Ordnance shall deliver to the Earl of Leicester Lord Lieutenant of Ireland or to such other person or persons as he shall appoint to receive the same the full number of 1000 Arms for Horse-men and 8000 Arms for Foot and the quantity of 10 Last of Powder and such other Munition Tents and Provisions of all sorts as shall be needful for this Service according to a List to be agreed upon and allowed by the said Lords and Commons hereunto annexed out of His Majesties Stores and Magazines in the Tower of London the City of Carlisle the Town of Hull or elsewhere and for so doing this shall be a sufficient Warrant as well for his Lordship as for any of his Deputies or Vnder-Officers in that behalf An Ordinance also for providing Shipping for Transportation of Men and Munition was read and passed in haec verba WHereas by Order of Parliament Men Arms The Ordinance of the Lords and Commons to impower the L. High Admiral to provide Shipping c. Munition and other Provisions are suddenly to be transported from several Ports in this Realm viz. Bristol Chester and others for which Service it will be requisite that Ships be provided with all expedition It is this day Ordered by the Lords and Commons in Parliament that the Lord High Admiral of England be desired to take care that Ships be accordingly provided in the several Ports respectively within this Kingdom from whence the aforesaid Men Arms Ammunition and other Provisions are Ordered to be Transported into Ireland which is to be done with all expedition the Parliament having resolved to see Moneys supplied for the performance of this Service After this the Lord Keeper reported the Conference with the House of Commons to this effect That the House of Commons have presented to their Lordships some Propositions which have been Voted in their House The Report of the Conference about Capuchins c. and desires their Lordships to take them into Consideration and join with them therein 1. Concerning the Dissolving the House of the Capuchins and the speedy sending them away according the former desires of their House 2. That the Ambassadors may be sent to from both Houses to deliver up such Priests of the King's Subjects as are in their Houses 3. That a List may be brought in of the Queens Priests and other her Servants and that a List may be likewise brought in of the Prince's and other of the King's Childrens Servants 4. That a Proclamation may issue for the Commanding that all Strangers that are not of the Protestant Religion except such as are Men of Rank and Quality and live here in such a publick way whereby notice is taken of them and of the Cause of their aboad in this Kingdom do deliver in Tickets of their Names and an account of their stay here within two days after the issuing forth of the Proclamation or else depart the Kingdom forthwith And likewise requiring that all Inn-keepers or others that entertain Lodgers to give Tickets of the Names of such as lodge in their Houses within two days likewise after the issuing forth of the said Proclamation and that these Tickets be given by those in the City of London to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of the Wards respectively where they reside and by those of Middlesex and Surrey and other Places within 10 Miles of London to the Justices of the Peace next adjoining to the place of their Residence and this Order to extend to the City of London and Ten Miles about 5. That the House of Commons had presented their Lordships with some Scottish Papers being Examinations concerning the late Design against the Lord Marquess Hamilton Earl of Arguile and the Earl of Lannerick Likewise they produced written from their Committees at Edinburgh Letters dated the 27th of October with an enclosed Paper containing as follows viz. The Paper of the 5th of October Exhibited by the English Committee October the 7th 1641. THE Committees of the Parliament of England have now sent down sufficient Moneys for the Total Disbanding of the Garrisons of Barwick and Carlisle Some Transactions between the English Committee at Edinburgh and the Scottish Parliament and have Ordered That it shall be Effected by the 10th of this present Month And have likewise taken a Course for removing the Ammunition and Ordnance and for slighting of the Works according to the Treaty We desire therefore That that part of the Army which is yet on foot may be forthwith Disbanded and that what new Fortifications have been made in Scotland by occasion of the late Troubles may be presently demolished according to the same Treaty The Answer to the Paper delivered in by the English Committees to the Committee of the Army Exhibited 7. Octobris 1641. THat the Regiments which are yet on foot may be speedily Disbanded they are drawn according to the Order already given near towards Edenburgh to the Effect they may with greater Conveniency be Mustered and thereafter money may be given for their Pay and forthwith disbanded And any new Fortifications which have been made in Scotland by Occasion of the late Troubles shall presently be demolished that every Condition on our part may to your full Satisfaction be performed according to the Treaty And we do no wise doubt to find mutual performances and that the Garrisons at Barwick and Carlisle according to the Orders of the Parliament be totally Disbanded which being shewn to the Parliament of England we hope will give them Satisfaction 22 October 1641. Produced by the Lord Chancellor and read in Audience of his Majesty and the Parliament who nominates the Lord Burgley in place of the Earl of Argyle to be upon the Committee for providing Money to pay the Regiments And also Ordains An Order to be given to the Lord General for causing the demolishing the Fortifications at Mordington which was accordingly done Alex. Gibsone 6. Concerning the putting the Custody of the Isle of Wight into another hand as formerly was desired 7. Concerning the securing of the persons of Papists upon the former Propositions 8. That the Earl of Essex may have Power from both Houses to Command the Trained Bands on this side Trent upon all Occasions for the Defence of the Kingdom and that this power may continue until the Parliament shall take further Order This Report being Ended the House caused those particulars to be distinctly read again and gave these Resolutions upon them Resolved upon the Question Nemine Contradicente That the House or Covent of Capuchins here
appeared without all doubt to be universal in all the Northern Parts and it was dangerously to be suspected that this impetuous Torrent would not be contained within those Bounds but that the other Parts of the Kingdom would by their Example and Incouragement break all the Banks of Obedience and Loyalty so that an universal Deluge of Rebellion was hourly expected And to add to the misfortune there was no Mony in the Exchequer to raise Men to oppose the Progress or crush the first beginnings of the Conspiracy the veterane Army which was kept a foot was very inconsiderable and dispersed into several distant Quarters and Garrisons and if they had been together not much above 3000 Foot and Horse as appears by this following List A List of his Majesties Army in Ireland 1641. before the Rebellion A List of the Officers and Army in Ireland when the Rebellion brock out The Foot Companies consisting of 6 Officers viz. Captain Lieutenant Ensign Chyrurgeon Sergeant and Drum and 44 Soldiers each Company were under these following Commanders Lord Lieutenant's Guard 45 Sir Robert Farrar 44 Sir Thomas Wharton 44 Sir George St. George 44 Captain Francis Butler 44 Lord Docwra 44 Sir Robert Steward 44 Lord Viscount Baltinglass 44 Captain George Blunt 44 Sir Frederick Hamilton 44 Sir Lorenzo Cary 44 Sir John Gifford 44 Sir John Nettervile 44 Sir Arthur Tyringham 44 Captain Charles Price 44 Capt. Thomas Games 44 Sir John Borlase 44 Sir Arthur Loftus 44 Lord Esmond 44 Sir George Hamilton 44 Sir William Stewart 44 Sir John Sherlock 44 Captain John Ogle 44 Sir William St. Leger 44 Lord Blaney 44 Lord Viscount Rannelagh 44 Sir John Vaughan 44 Sir Henry Tichbourn 44 Lord Castle Stewart 44 Capt. Chichester Fortescue 44 Captain John Barry 44 Capt. Thomas Rockley 44 Capt. Philip Wenman 44 Sir Charles Coote 44 Sir Francis Willoughby 44 Capt. Robert Bailey 44 Capt. William Billingsley 44 Lord Lambert 44 Lord Folliot 44 Captain Robert Biron 44 Earl of Clanricard 44 These 41 Foot Companies contain Officers 246. In all 2297. Soldiers 2051. In all 2297. The Horse Troops consisting of Captain Lieutenant Cornet and Horsemen The Lord Lieutenants 108. Earl of Straffords 58. Lord Wilmots 58. Lord Viscount Moors 58. L. Viscount Cromwel of Lecale 58. Sir George Wentworths 58. Sir Adam Loftus 58. The Marquess of Ormonds 107. Lord Dillons 58. Sir William St. Legers 58. Lord Viscount Grandisons 58. Captain Arthur Chichesters 58. Lord Viscount Conways 58. These 13 Troops contain Officers 42. In all 943. Horse and Foot 3240. Soldiers 901. In all 943. Horse and Foot 3240. A very inconsiderable Army had they been altogether in a Body The only thing which was of considerable advantage was That the Magazines were well stored with Arms and Ammunition For besides several Pieces of Artillery most of them fit for present Service there was Arms for 10000 Men 1500 Barrels of Powder with Match and Ball proportionable in the Castle of Dublin but this Store was owing to the Care and Prudence of the Wise thô Unfortunate Governor the late Earl of Strafford whose Providence even after his Death became thus Serviceable towards the preservation of that Kingdom However in this Extremity of Affairs the Lords Justices and Council set themselves with all possible application to provide against this threatning Tempest Sir Francis Willough by Governor of the Castle of Dublin And in the first place they Constituted Sir Francis Willoughby Governor of the Castle of Dublin placing such a Number of Men in Garrison there as might be able to defend a Place of so great Importance as that then was by reason of the Stores of Arms and Ammunition there deposited that from the surprizing of it the Rebels had promised themselves the greatest advantages in their Wicked Enterprizes and thô Providence had discovered and disappointed that part of their Design yet it might reasonably be suspected that they would not give over that attempt the accomplishment of which either by force or fraud would of necessity so much facilitate all their other Intentions Letters and Expresses were dispatched unto the Presidents of Munster and Connaght Letters sent to the Nobility and Gentry to inform them of the discovery of the Plot. and to diverse of the Principal Gentlemen in those two Provinces as also to those of the Province of Lemster giving them an Account of the Discovery of the Plot that so they might stand upon their Guard and take the best Measures they could for their own and the Security of those Countries where they Inhabited an Express was sent to the Earl of Ormond then at his House at Carick with Letters to the same Effect and also to desire his Lordship with all possible Expedition to advance with his Troop of Horse to Dublin They sent Commissions to the Lords Viscounts of Clandeboys and of Ardes for Raising and Arming of the Scots in the Northern Parts as also soon after to Sir William Steward and Sir Robert Steward and several other Gentlemen of Quality in the North which they were forced to send by Sea the Rebels having cut off all intercourse to those Parts by Land The Letter to then Earl now his Grace the Duke of Ormond was as followeth AFter Our very hearty Commendations to your Lordship by this Proclamation your Lordship will find the Condition of Affairs here Our haste admits not long Discourse upon this Subject A Letter from the Lords Justices and Council to the Earl of Ormond of the discovery of the Pot Oct. 24. 1641. only we pray and require your Lordship to give Order that it be published there We having also directed this Bearer to leave one Proclamation at every market-Market-Town in his Way thither for the more speedy Publication of the disappointment of their Design In the weighty Consultations now requisite here your Lordship's Presence with us is so necessary as we must pray and require you to repair speedily hither where your stay shall not be longer than of necessity shall be requisite And so We bid your Lordship very heartily Farewel From his Majestie 's Castle of Dublin 24 October 1641. Your Lordships very loving Friends Will. Parsons John Borlase Rob. Dillon Rob. Digby Ad. Loftus John Temple Fra. Willoughby Ja. Ware Rob. Meredith The Plot was to Surprize all the Forts of the Kingdom yesterday at one Hour and they have taken Castle Blaney and Neury but yet we hear of no more The Lord Macguire Captain Mac-Mahon and several others We have Committed to the Castle Your Lordship is also required to bring your Horse Troop hither To our very good Lord James Earl of Ormond c. Upon which Summons from the Lords Justices and Council his Lordship did with all the haste and diligence imaginable march with his Troop to Dublin there to receive their Commands and give Testimony of that Courage and steady Loyalty which will for ever Record his Name in the Memoires of Time for one of the most
this present of 1000 Men only to be Raised in Scotland to be sent into Ireland The Lord-Keeper being so indisposed that he was not able to come to the House Saturday Novemb. 13. the Lord Privy-Seal was appointed to be the Speaker of the House for this day The Lord Kymbolton then reported some Propositions from the Committees of both Houses for the Irish Affairs which were read as followeth 1. That Officers for 2000 Foot shall be sent c. ut supra in the Votes 2. That it shall be referred to the Lord Lieutenant to make a List of those Officers and to appoint of what numbers each Company shall consist of 3. That the 1300 Arms that are in Carlisle shall be sent away presently to the North Parts of Ireland and Arms for one Troop of Horse 4. That the Forty old Foot Companies be recruited unto 100 Men in a Company 5. That the Recommendation of Sir John Clotworthy to some honourable Entertainment in Ireland be proposed to the Lords 6. That the like Recommendation be for the Lord Dungaruan and for the Command of Youghal this request the Lord Dungaruan desires may be left to the Lord Lieutenant 7. That Officers be sent into Munster for 1000 Foot and 1 Troop of Horse and this was the easier yielded unto because the Lord Dungaruan informed that the Soldiers should receive no Pay till they were ready to March against the Enemy 8. That present Order be taken for securing the Port Towns of Munster as Cork Waterford Limrick Kynsale Youghal Baltimore Slego and Gatway in Connaght because these Towns lie on the South-West of Ireland near Spain 9. That the Officers may be speedily sent for Dublin 10. It is thought fit by the Committees that Sir Simon Harcourt should have the Sallary of 20 s. per diem above the rest for his Command of Dublin 11. That the Entertainments of every Regiment of Foot and the Pay of the Officers of the Army shall be from the Date of their Commissions and Sir Simon Harcourt to go away presently to all which the Lords assented The Lord Newnham reported Lord Newnham's Report of the Venetian Ambassadors receiving the Message from the Lords That himself and the rest of the Lords appointed by this House repaired to the Venetian Ambassador and delivered unto him the Paper Translated into Italian touching the excuse for opening his Letters and after he had read it he presented unto the House great thanks for sending persons of such great place in this State unto him and promised he would represent the same to the State of Venice with as much respect as he could But desired that the Kings Ambassador may be sent away as speedily as may be to Venice in the nature of a special Ambassador to make excuse for this particular Business before he Treat of any Publick Affairs and for prevention of any Accident for the future he desires to have an Order to the Post-Master that his Letters may be speedily sent him Whereupon the House thought fit That the first desire concerning the Ambassador be left to the Pleasure of His Majesty and for the other it was Ordered That such Pacquets and Letters as are or shall be directed to the Venetian Ambassador shall be forthwith delivered up to the said Ambassador's own hands It was this day Ordered That the Earl of Newport Order for bringing up the Ammunition from Hull Master of the Ordnance shall have power by Virtue of this Order to send his Commands and Issue forth Warrants for the bringing up the Magazine of Arms and Ammunition remaining now in Kingston upon Hull unto the Tower of London for the securing of the Kingdom It was also Ordered Order about the L. Lieutenant of Ireland That because the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland hath not been invested in the Formality of his Place by the receiving of the Sword in Ireland That his Lordship shall have power by Virtue of this Order to give Command to the Lords Justices of Ireland to seize upon the persons of any that are suspected until they shall clear themselves unto the said Lords Justices there At a Conference this day the Commons desired That the first six Articles of Instructions to the Commissioners in Scotland to which the Lords had already agreed with some little Alterations as that 10000 Men might be raised in Scotland for the service of Ireland might be speedily sent away by Mr. Pickering and for the remaining Articles touching ill Counsels and Counsellors they desire their Lordships would joyn therein and they will tarry four or five days for their Lordships Resolutions Whereupon the 6 Articles were dictinctly read over again and the House agreed to them all and Resolved to take the rest into Consideration hereafter Then the Petition which was to go along with the Instructions was read in haec verba To the King 's Most Excellent Majesty The Humble Petition of the Lords and Commons in Parliament Most Gracious Soveraign WHereas this Messenger Mr. The Petition to the King in Scotland sent with the Instructions to the Committees Pickering is imployed with Instructions to your Parliament of Scotland our desire of some Aids from that Kingdom for the suppressing of the Rebels in Ireland if it fall out that your Majesty shall be come out of Scotland or our Committees before the Arrival of this Messenger there We humbly beseech your Majesty to give Authority to the said Mr. Pickering to present the said Instructions to the Parliament of Scotland and to bring back their Answer to the Parliament of England Which being read was Approved by the House In the Commons House Sir Thomas Barrington Reports the Answer of the City The Answer of the City about lending Money That the Committee who were Ordered to carry the Letters which came last from Ireland to the City to stir them up to lend Money found a great deal of willingness and readiness in the City to do it the Lord Mayor desired to know the particulars we had in Charge for their security which being made known unto them together with the miserable condition of Ireland Mr. Recorder did very much promote the Business and pressed them to give their Votes but before they did that they desired by way of Prepositions to offer something not by way of Contract to this Honourable House 1. That the Money should be paid as the Act was passed 2. That by reason of the Privilege of the Members of both Houses and by reason of the Protections granted especially by the Lords a vast Sum of Money is detained from them so that Trade cannot be driven nor are they so enabled to lend Money as they desire for the service of the Common-wealth 3. They said they were sensible of the miseries of the Protestants in Ireland and of the Power of the Papists there and therefore did press with much earnestness That the Persons of the Popish Lords and other Persons of Quality here in England
Nature to reveal concerning some Lords and Members of the House of Commons Upon this the House sent forth some Members to speak with the Man who acquainting the House with some Discourse they had with him the Commons sent for him in who beginning to relate the Business the House of Commons would not suffer him to name any Person lest the Parties hearing of it should Fly And because it concerned some Peers of this House the House of Commons have sent the Man who is now at the Door ready to be Examined openly or in what manner else their Lordships in their Wisdom shall think fit Then Thomas Beal a Taylor dwelling in White-Cross Street was called in and made a Relation of the whole Matter with all the Circumstances which was as follows THat this day at Twelve of the Clock Beal's Narrative before the Lords he went into the Fields near unto the Post-House and walking on a private Bank he heard some talking but did not see them at first but finding them by the Voice he coming within hearing of them understood they talked of State Affairs and going nearer them he heard one of them say that it was a wicked thing that the last Plot did not take but if this goes on as is in Hand and intended they shall be all made And also heard them say That there was 108 Men appointed to kill 108 Persons of the Parliament every One his Man some were Lords and the others were to be Members of the House of Commons all Puritans and the Sacrament was to be Administred to the 108 Men for performing of this and those that killed the Lords were to have 10 l. and those that were to kill the Members of the House of Commons 40 s. That Gorges being the 37th Man Very notable Rewards had taken the Sacrament on Saturday to kill one of the House of Commons and had received 40 s. That one Phillips coming to London on Sunday Night late was charged to be at my Lord's Chamber where was only my Lord Father Jones and Father Andrews he also had his Charge and five more with him he being the 108 man and the last as he thought That Phillips had been in Warwick-shire and in Buckingham-shire with Letters and that he delivered Letters to Mr. Sheldon who gave him his Dinner and a Piece for his Pains charging him to make haste to London again and giving him Letters to deliver to my Lord. That Dick Jones was appointed to kill that Rascally Puritan Pym and that 4 Tradesmen were to kill the Puritan Citizens which were Parliament men That on the same day being the 18th of this Month when the City shall be in a Tumult there shall be Risings in Six several Parts of this Land by the Papists viz. in Warwick-shire Worcester-shire Buckingham-shire Lancashire and Two other Places which he remembers not That those that were to kill the Lords were brave Gallants in their Scarlet Coats and had received every man 10 l. a piece and when that was gone they might come and fetch more That this was to be done either coming down Stairs or taking their Coaches or entring into their Lodgings or any other way as they should see opportunity That although all were not killed yet the Tumult would be so great that it would prevent sending to Ireland and that was Father Andrews his Wit to prevent sending thither because if they prevailed there they should not have Cause to fear here This Relation being made Beal was commanded to withdraw and the House took into serious Consideration what Course was fit to be speedily taken in this Business And the House being informed That there is one Father Brown a Priest in the Gate-House who is a likely Man to give Information and Descriptions of Jones and Andrews mentioned by Beal the Lord Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas and Mr. Justice Reeves were appointed to go presently to the Gate-House to take his Examinations It was also Ordered That the Justices of the Peace Order to Apprehend Priests and Jesuits of the City and Liberties of Westminster the Justices of Peace for the County of Middlesex and the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs of London do presently make speedy and privy Search this Night for Father Jones and Father Andrews Priests and for all other Seminary Priests and Jesuits and to cause them to be forthwith Taken and Apprehended and put into safe Custody until the further Pleasure of this House be known and that their Names be returned to this House and that any Man that shall discover any Popish Priest or Jesuit and procure them to be Apprehended shall be rewarded by the Parliament It was further Ordered That the Gentleman Vsher attending this House or his Deputy shall repair unto Edward Sheldon Esquire the Elder Order to seize the two Mr. Sheldons upon Beal's Discovery and Edward Sheldon the Younger his Son and bring them unto the Lords in Parliament with a safe and Strong Guard upon them if there shall be Cause and that the Sheriff of the County wherein the said Mr. Sheldons now Reside shall Aid and Assist the said Gentleman Vsher or his Deputies for the safe bringing up of the said Mr. Sheldons to the House if the said Gentleman Vsher or his Deputies shall desire it And that the said Gentleman Vsher or his Deputies shall call in two of the next Justices of the Peace and Seal up their Study Doors and make search for Priests and Jesuits and bring them up that they may be Proceeded against as this House shall direct Ordered That Mr. William Sheldon now in Town be forth-coming at such time as this House shall send for him and in the mean time his Study to be sealed until further Order Ordered That all Lords Recusants being Members of this House and Peers of Parliament being now in Town shall come to this House on Tuesday the 16th of this Instant November by Nine of the Clock in the Morning Ordered That strict and near Search shall be made with all possible Speed in all Parts in and about the City of London and the Liberties thereof for one called or known by the Name of Richard Jones who being Apprehended shall be forthwith brought before the House And it was also Ordered That the Deputy Lieutenants of the Counties of Worcester Lancashire Warwick-shire and Buckingham-shire have a Charge to secure the said Counties The Lord Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas Reported Thnt he hath Examined Father Brown whether he knows any such Men as Father Jones and Father Andrews and his Answer is he knows no such In the Commons House a Committee was appointed to prepare a Draught of an Ordinance of Parliament for the putting the Trained-Bands into a readiness and posture of Defence upon all Occasions and likewise for securing the Persons of the Prime Papists and the Knights Citizens and Burgesses to bring in Lists of the Prime Papists in their several Counties Tuesday Novemb 16. Mr.
Trevor of Council for the Bishops Order for Security of the Merchants at Venice and to present a List of their Names to the House It was this Day Ordered That Mr. Arthur Trever shall be Assigned to be of Council with the Lords the Bishops that are Impeached It was moved That least the Merchants at Venice may suffer for the opening of the Venetian Ambassador's Letters here that a Committee might be appointed to consider of some Dispatch to be sent to the King's Agent at Venice to let him know what Satisfaction hath been given by the House of Lords to the Ambassador here that so he may be the better enabled and Instructed how to apply himself to the State there to give them Satisfaction And the same Lords that went to the Ambassador were appointed to do it Then the Lord Privy Seal reported the last Conference That the Commons had given in a List of the Prime Papists Nobility Knights and Gentlemen in the Counties of Warwick Southampton Dorset Worcester Bucks Lancaster Pembroke and Stafford which they desired might be secured for the Safety of the Kingdom in this time of Danger Then was read an Ordinance which the Commons desired the Lords to joyn with them in which was as followeth THe Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament having received Informations of dangerous Designs and Practises An Ordinance Issue out upon Beal's Information by Priests and Jesuits and Ill-Affected Persons to disturb the Peace of this State and the Proceedings of Parliament and to attempt upon the Persons of many of the Members of both Houses And well knowing That there is no way to prevent the Mischief which the Malice of such Men may suddainly bring upon the Realm to the utter Subversion of our Religion Laws and Liberties but by putting the Kingdom into a Posture of Defence and so to be ready upon all Occasions to oppose Force to Force They the Lords and Commons have thought fit to Appoint and Ordain and do hereby Appoint and Ordain the Earl of Essex to have the Trained Bainds of the several Counties in readiness and do hereby give him Power to command them whensoever there shall be need to March and Gather themselves into a Body and to oppose and set upon all those who shall attempt or do any thing which may be prejudicial to the Publick Peace or Dangerous to the Parliament in General or to any of the Members of Parliament in particular and they the said Lord and Commons do likewise hereby and injoyn all the Trained-Bands of the several Counties and every particular Person who is Officer or Soldier of the Trained-Bands to be obedient to the Commands of the said Earl as they will Answer the contrary at their Perils A Message was brought from the House of Commons by Sir William Armyn Baronet A further Account at a Conference of Beal's Plot. to desire a free Conference by a Committee of both Houses touching the safety of the Kingdom At which the Commons acquainted their Lordships That they have discovered some things further concerning the Plot which was related by Beal for upon Examination they are informed That there are two such Priests as Father Jones and Father Andrews Jones they understand is here in Town at the Earl of Worcester 's House and Andrews is described to be near 50 Years of Age and uses to come much to Sir Basil Brook 's House And they let their Lordships know That the House of Commons have caused a Guard to be set about the Earl of Worcester 's House and have Ordered That his House shall be searched but because he is a Peer of this House they have first acquainted their Lordships therewith This Information was given to the Commons by one Mr. Wadsworth The House of Commons further thinks fit that a Declaration be made That whosoever of the 108 Men designed to do this mischief shall come in and discover the same both Houses will be humble Suitors to the King that they may be Pardoned and they shall be well Rewarded They also desired That the Lords would be pleased to joyn with them in the Ordinance concerning the Earl of Essex and the like Ordinance they desire may be for the Earl of Holland that he may Command the Trained Bands on the North side the Trent and that they may Nominate particular Men of Trust in every County to take care of the Militia that the People may know whom to resort unto That the Isle of Wight may be secured by sequestring it into another hand for the present That the Forts and Castles of this Kingdom may be secured Lastly That search may be made in the City and the Liberties for all Priests and Jesuits and for all suspected Persons and that their Names and Conditions may be delivered in to the Parliament Hereupon it was Ordered That James Maxwel Esq Gentleman Vsher to the Lords should joyn with any such as the House of Commons shall appoint and imploy for the Searching of the Earl of Worcester 's house and any other Recusants houses being the King's Subjects for the apprehending and taking of any Romish Priests and Jesuits whatsoever It was also moved from the Committee of the House of Commons That Monsieur St. German and Peter de Chair may be Sworn and afterwards Examined by the deputed Lords And it was Declared That any Peer of this House may be present at the said Examination if he please To swell the Tide of Fears and Dangers Information of dangers in Lancashire the Lord Wharton informed the House That he had received a Letter from the Lord Strange Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire which had some particulars in it fit for this House to know The Letter was read wherein it was said That his Lordship was upon his Guard that some in that County were stronger than he and that if ever need was to look to Lancashire in our time it was now Upon which the Lord Wharton was commanded to give thanks from the House to the Lord Strange for his timely Information of the danger of that County Thomas Wall Wall committed to the Fleet for disobeying the Order of the House one of the Door-keepers of the House being called in to give an account of the delivery of the Order to the Justices of Middlesex and London for the searching for Priests and Jesuits last night confessed That he did not deliver them the last night but early this morning for which neglect of his in a matter of that Consequence he was committed to the Fleet until the pleasure of the House be further known and never to attend upon the House any longer The Lord Strange's Letter being sent to the Commons Conference about the L. Strange's Letter they deâ—â—red a Conference which the Lord Keeper Reported to this Effect That they give their Lordships thanks for Communicating to them the Lord Strange 's Letter by which and other Relations from Members of their House they hold that there
to the Custom of that Nation he told him that he had not deserved to be distrusted by him who could not but remember that when he was accused to him of High Treason yet he permitted him even then to lye in his Bed Chamber this made Hamilton outwardly appear much troubled for having given the King so just occasion of Displeasure but his great Interest in the Faction formerly mentioned out of the Earl of Manchester's Memoires notwithstanding all that hath been said by an able Pen in vindication of him seems not able to guard his Innocence from the common Fame which went of him that he betrayed the greatest Secrets of the King to the Junto which managed the two Houses of Parliament and that by the opportunity of being of the Bed-Chamber he took the Letters out of the King's Pockets and from them gave Informations of several things to the Party much to the disadvantage of the King's Affairs There is another thing which I cannot omit which is a Letter of His Majesties to Mr. Nicholas Clerk of the Council from Edinburgh which I found in the Paper Office which was as follows I Hear it is reported That at my Return The King's Letter to Mr. Nichols Clerk of the Council of his Resolution to maintain the Church of England I intend to alter the Government of the Church of England and to bring it to that Form as it is here Therefore I Command you To assure all my Servants that I will be constant to the Discipline and Doctrinâ— of the Church of England Established by Queen Elizabeth and my Father and that I resolve by the Grace of God to die in the maintenance of it Edinburgh Oct. 18. 1641. Charles R. Having made this little Holiday with the short gleam of Sun-shine in His Majesties Affairs we must now return to the old Trade again of diging the Quarries of Rebellion The King having sent for the Lord Keeper Friday Novemb. 26. the House gave him leave to attend upon his Majesty and appointed the Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas to be Speaker of their House till he returned Upon his return he informed the House That his Majesty had Commanded him to let their Lordships know That whereas he intended this day to have come to this House his Majesty is diverted upon some important business at this time and withal he is very hoarse with a Cold but his Majesty intends very shortly to come to this House The Lord Chamberlain signified to this House E. of Essex delivers up his Commission of Cap. General on the South-side of Trent That the King being returned home his Lordship hath delivered up his Commission of Captain General of the South Parts of this Kingdom into his Majesties Hands so that his Lordship cannot now take any Order for the Guarding of the Parliament as was Ordered by the Parliament therefore he desired their Lordships to consider of what Course is fit to be taken herein he having now no Power to obey their Commands Hereupon it was Resolved to communicate the matter to the House of Commons at a Conference which was done accordingly The Lord Keeper declared A Message from the King concerning Guards of the Parliament That he had received a Command from the King that the Houses should be made acquainted That His Majesty hearing that the Parliament have appointed Guards for securing the Houses he presumes they did it upon some Reasons but his Majesty not knowing any Reasons It is his Majesties Pleasure That the said Guards be dissolved for now his Majesty hopes that his Presence will be a Protection to the Parliament But if there be Occasion and his Majesty sees Reasons for it he will be very forward to take Care there be sufficient Guards to secure the Parliament Which was also ordered to be added to the Conference which was to be with the Commons In the Commons Journal there is the same Message with this addition That if need be to have a Guard hereafter his Majesty will be as glad to have a Guard as any other A Message was also sent by George Goring Esq To let their Lordships know That the House of Commons desire their Lordships would be pleased to send some few Lords to Petition his Majesty in the name of both Houses That the Guards may be continued still and they will within a few dayes bring up some Reasons to satisfie his Majesty for the same For the debating of this the House was adjourned into a Committee during pleasure and the House being Resumed it was put to the Question Whether this Question should be put viz. Whether this House shall joyn with the House of Commons to Petition the King that the Guards may be continued for some few dayes within which time there may be some Reasons given for the further continuance of them And it was Resolved upon by the major part in the Negative Then the House agreed That the Message brought from the House of Commons should be the Question â—â—d be put in Terminis as it came up from them and the Lord Keeper was appointed to write as near as he could remember the very Words of the Message which his Lordship having read the House did conceive some words were Dubious for the satisfying whereof the Messengers of the House of Commons were called in and the Lord Keeper sitting in his place upon the Woolsack told them That there was some doubt of some Words in the Message which the House desired to be satisfied in and then the Lord Keeper going down to the Barr as Usually he does when he receives Messages the Messengers of the House of Commons repeated their Message again and the L. Keeper being returned to his place as Speaker reported the said Message in these Words viz. That the House of Commons desired that their Lordships would send some Lords to the King in the Names of both Houses To beseech his Majesty to continue the Guards till they may satisfie his Majesty of the Reasons why they conceive it necessary to have a Guard which they intend to do within a few dayes And then it was Resolved upon the Question by the Major part That this House doth joyn with the House of Commons in their desire And the Earl of Warwick and the Lord Digby were Ordered to attend his Majesty to move him in it according to the Message Saturday Novemb. 27. Reasons against single Troops for forming the Cavalry into Regiments The Lord Kimbolton Reported from the Committee for Irish Affairs a Paper containing the Reasons of the Assistants to the Committee for the Forming the Troops of Cavalry into Regiments under Colonels and Sergeant Majors 1. By reason of the continual Debate that would otherwise arise among the Officers and their want of Obedience of one to another 2. For the more speedy way as well in issuing as receiving the Orders for the better Executing of any Commands whatsoever 3. For the Exact
Government and Ordering of the Troops as well upon Service as at other times 4. For the better Encouragement of Worthy Men to undertake the Service in hope of Advancement and that at this very Instant Men of Merit that have had better Commands would be unwilling to serve in a more Inferior Condition than they have already 5. Though it be said That in Ireland Regiments will seldom come to fight in a Body yet it may fall out otherwise and then the inconvenience might prove of greater Consequence then the Charge 6. In Holland whilest their Troops were all single yet for the time they were to render Service in the Field they formed Regiments of them which had their Colonels and Majors appointed for that time which though they had no certain Pay by those Places Yet they had other Advantages by Governments Commanderies Companies of Foot Quarters and such like things to better their Condition and at last the Prince of Orange found it more convenient to settle the said Commands to Colonels and Majors although it were to the greater Charge of the State 7. Finally The General Practice of all Nations as the Germans Swedes French c. which have tryed all manner of wayes have for greater conveniency certainly formed their Cavalry into Regiments and most of them also allow a Lieutenant Colonel to every Regiment The Earl of Warwick and the Lord Digby Reported to the House the King's Answer touching the Petition of both Houses for continuing the Guards Viz. I Did Command the Guards to be dismissed The King's Answer concerning the Guards because I knew no Cause the Parliament had of Fears but I perceived the Molestation that the keeping of them would bring upon those Subjects of mine which were to perform that Service besides the General Apprehensions and Jealousies which thereby might disquiet all My People and I do Expect that when the Parliament shall desire of Me any thing like this Extraordinary and that which appears of ill consequence that they will give me such particular Reasons as may satisfie My Judgment if they expect I should grant their Desire Yet I am so tender of the Parliaments Safety to secure them not only from real but even imaginary Dangers That I will Command my Lord of Dorset to appoint some of the Train-Bands only for a few dayes to wait on both Houses in which time if I shall be satisfied that there is Just Reason I will continue them and likewise take such a Curse for the Safety of My Own Person as shall be fit of which I doubt not but that they have as Tender a Care as of their own It was then Ordered That this Answer shall be communicated to the House of Commons at a Conference An Order was this day made to put off all private business till the first day of Hillary Term Private Business set aside by Order of the House of Lords and to be Printed and Published to prevent the Charge and Trouble which otherwise Petitioners who have Causes depending might be put to in attending the House of Lords This day William Shelden Esquire Monday Novemb. 29. The two Sheldens acquitted of Beal's Plot. and Edward Shelden his Brother who had been taken up by virtue of an Order of the 27th of Novemb. upon suspition about Beal's Information of the 108 men who were to Kill the Parliament-Men appearing before the Lords and nothing of Complaint being against them It was thought fit and so Ordered That they should be forthwith discharged of any further attendance and be freed from any further Restraint Then a Letter was read written to the Lord Chamberlain from the Earl of St. Albans dated the 14th of November 1641. from Ireland the Principal Contents whereof were these THat the Town of Gallaway in Ireland is well Fortified Letter from the E. of St. Albans in Ireland and in Command of Mr. Willoughby That the Province wherein his Lordship lives doth utterly mislike the proceedings of the Rebels That the County of Mayo is quiet That 2000 Rebels are out in Levain but 4 Towns stand out That it is a thing of Consequence that Brian O Rourk here in England should be secured as conceiving him to be a dangerous person in this time of Rebellion in Ireland if he should Escape That the whole Province of Munster is yet quiet And lastly his Lordship ended with a Protestation of his Faith and Loyalty to the Crown of England while he lives and will dye in the same and will imploy all his Strength and Endeavours to assist the King for the Suppression of the Rebels Whereupon the Lord Chamberlain was Ordered to return him the Thanks of the House and the Letter to be communicated to the House of Commons The Bill for securing Recusants with amendments as also the Order for securing to the City the two fifty thousand pounds were carried up to the Lords In the House of Commons they were very busie upon a new Bill for Tonnage and Poundage for the Reader is to take notice that the Bills before mentioned were but from two Months to two Months It was also Voted That the Lords should be desired to move the King that the Earl of Salisbury may be Lord Treasurer and the Earl of Pembroke Lord High Steward of His Majesties Houshold The Amendments and Alterations in the Bill concerning the securing of Popish Recusants Tuesday Novemb. 30. were this day read and it was in the Debate taken into consideration whether the first Clause should stand which was That the Persons of Recusants should be restrained as the Lords in Parliament should think fit or whether it should be altered according as the House of Commons desired which was That the Lords should have power to dispose of the Persons of Lords and the Commons of Commoners And in conclusion it was agreed upon That for the alterations of the Names of the Persons in the Bill and the places of Dwellings and the Alterations of time this House agrees and consents to but for the rest the House adheres to the former Clause in the Bill The Bill for Tonnage and Poundage brought up from the Commons by Mr. Solliciter was read three times Successively Bill for Tonnage and Poundage passed the Lords and upon the Question it was Resolved to pass as a Law Nemine Contradicente The Order for securing the Mony borrowed of the City was likewise read and assented to which was as follows THe Lords and Commons in this present Parliament Assembled The Order for securing the Money borrowed of the City for the Northern expedition and Ireland having a due regard to the good Affections of the City of London expressed upon sundry Occasions by the advancing and lending of great Sums of Money for the service of this Common-wealth and particularly the Sum of 50000 l. for supplying the present Affairs in Ireland all which the said Lords and Commons do take in very good part and being resolved to make
there had been some late disorders at Westminster They disavow the Tumults among some People met there That their Majesties would not impute this to the Body of the City or to the better sort of Citizens That they held it a Misfortune aâ—d a Scandal unto them that when those Disorders were mentioned the City was named with it and that their desire was to vindicate themselves and in some sort redeem their Credit by publiquely disavowing it To which the King was pleased graciously to Answer THat he was very well pleased with the Hearty and Loyal Affections of the Citizens for which he gave them great Thanks and though He and the Queen had before purposed to Winter at Hampton-Court yet being now fully persuaded that the Lord Mayor and Aldermen and the most considerable Citizens of London had not any hand in the Disorders and Tumults at Westminster The King promises to keep his Christmas at White-Hall he intended and so he knew Her Majesty would to alter his Resolution and with all convenient speed repair to White-hall there to keep their Christmas and be ready to do any thing else that might promote the Trade of the City hoping they would joyn with him in taking some Course for prevention of the like Disorders for the future After which the Recorder and Sir George Whitmore having kissed his Royal Hand Several Aldermen of the City of London Knighted the next Alderman in Seniority kneeled down to receive the same Favour when his Majesty instead thereof drawing a Sword conferred the Honor of Knighthood upon Five of them and the two Sheriffs the Recorder and Sir George Whitmore having received that Favor before After which they were nobly Entertained by his Majesties Command by the Earl of Dorset and Mr. Comptroller at Dinner and His Majesty and the Queen sent two Gentlemen to let them know That they had remembred the Health of the Lord Mayor and the whole City And so to the Mutual Satisfaction both of his Majesty and the City to whom they were to carry this account they returned to London But all these fair hopes were quickly blasted in the bud and that Loyal Party of the City were deprived by the Envy of that Domineering Faction who dispossessed them not long after by Force and Tumults not only of all Power of Assisting his Majesty but of protecting themselves from most Barbarous Outrages and Violences Mr. Pym and others were this day appointed to be a Committee to prepare Heads for a Conference with the Lords and to acquaint them what Bills this House hath passed and sent up to their Lordships which much concern the Safety of the Kingdom but have had no Consent of their Lordships unto them and that this House being the Representative Body of the whole Kingdom and their Lordships being but as particular Persons and coming to Parliament in a particular Capacity that if they shall not be pleased to consent to the passing of those Acts and others necessary for the Preservation and Safety of the Kingdom That then this House together with such of the Lords that are more sensible of the Safety of the Kingdom may joyn together and represent the same to his Majesty They are likewise to take into Consideration some Course for the Guarding of the Towns of Hull and Newcastle Thus early did the Democratique spirit begin to shew it self and their telling the Lords that they came to the Parliament and sate there only as particular persons that is in a private Capacity is a clear Testimony what a Mean Esteem they had of that Honourable and Supream Court of Judicature and what little Interest they thought they had in the Management of Publique Affairs and in Effect a plain intimation what they were to Expect if they did not joyn with the Faction in what ever they should Vote was for the Good the Preservation and Safety of the Kingdome The Faction indeed now began to be so Rampant in the Commons House they Encouraging the Tumults and the Tumults Enlivening them that Speaker Lenthall either grew weary of the Chair or at least in hopes of getting something for holding it longer to pretend so and I find in the Paper-Office two Letters of his to Sir Edward Nicholas bearing date as this day to that purpose had he then had the good Fortune to quit that Seat he might have Escaped the Brand of Infamy which to the Worlds End will lye upon his Name for being the Mouth of that House which pronounced so many Miseries Murders Warrs Destructions Desolations and Dismal Events to the English Nation The Letters were in these Words Right Honorable most Noble Sir Speaker Lenthall's Letter to Sir Edward Nicholas to be quit of the Chair THE Assurance of your Noble Favours imboldens me to commit to your Care the greatest Concernment that ever yet befel me the Desire being inforced by an unavoydable Necessity I have now in this Imployment spent almost 14 Months which hath so Exhausted the Labours of 25 Years that I am inforced to fly to the Sanctuary of His Sacred Majesty's Mercy Could I suppose that my humble Suit grounded on the full Expression of Duty and Obedience should have other interpretation or seem unfit in the deep Judgment of his Sacred Majesty I should then desire my Thoughts might perish in their first Conception so willing am I to offer my Self and Fortune a Sacrifice for his Royal Service but in that I hope it cannot I must humbly desire your Honor on my behalf in the lowest posture of Obedience to crave of his Sacred Majesty his Royal Leave that I may use my best Endeavours to the House of Commons to be quit of this Employment and to retire back to my former private life that whilst I have some ability of Body left I may endeavour that without which I cannot but Expect a Ruin and put a badge of Extream Poverty upon my Children The apprehension of my speedy Ensuing misery is that hath begot this most humble Request but still with that due regard of my Obedience and Duty that no Earthly consideration shall ever Encourage the least of Thoughts that may tend to the retardment of his Royal Commands Sir This being presented to your Honourable Care assures me of such a Successful way as shall ever become the Duty of me his meanest Subject in all humility to beseech Thus am I imboldened humbly to declare the Resolution and Desires of Your Honors most Obedient Servant William Lenthall Decemb. 3. 1641. But his Heart misgiving him it seems and for fear the King should take him at his Word and leave him to his Liberty to propose to the House the choice of a new Speaker he inclosed in the former another Paper in these words Right Honourable MAY it please your Honor if this other Way do not take if you may find opportunity without prejudice to your self let me intreat you to incline his Majesty to recommend me to the
enter into the hearts of this Wise and Honorable Assembly We will not presume to dispute the Right of Episcopacy whether it be Divine or not it sufficeth us to know That the Church Government by Bishops is ancient even near to the Apostles Days and that it hath pleased God from time to time to make them most Glorious Instruments for the Propagation and Preservation of Christian Religion which with their Blood they have frequently sealed to Posterity And how much this Kingdom in particular is indebted to them for their Piety their Wisdoms and Sufferings we trust shall never be forgotten Our Hearts desire therefore is That the Precious may be separated from the Vile that the Bad may be rejected and the Good retained Furthermore having heard that our Common Prayer hath been interrupted and despised of some mis-understanding or mis-led People to the Great Scandal of the Religion professed in our Church We humbly beseech you to take into your Care the Redress thereof as of an Impiety not to be endured as also to take Order for the severe punishment of those Men if they may be discovered who frequently publish Pamphlets under a Veil of Religion yet conducing to Confusion and Rebellion All which we humbly offer to your Wisdoms as the thoughts and desires of this County and as we are persuaded of multitudes of sound Members of the Church of England and his Sacred Majesties most Loyal Subjects Beseeching God to direct and prosper your Counsels and ye to pardon our Errors we rest At your Commands Knights Esquires Divines Gentlemen Free-holders Inhabitants of the County of Somerset none of them Papists but all Protestants of the Church of England and his Majesties Loyal Subjects 14350. Whereof Knights Esquires and Gentlemen 200 Divines 221 Jo. BrowneCler Parliament After which the Huntingtonshire Petition to the same Effect which had been tendred to the House upon Wednesday the 8th of December but then laid aside was also read This being done the High Constable The High Constable and Sheriff questioned concerning the Guards who was sent for to attend the House was brought in and asked by what Authority he gave Order for the Watchmen to Guard this House Who answered That he received Order from the Justices of the Peace Then the Under-Sheriff of Middlesex was called in and demanded by what Warrant the Watch-men are here he said he had received a Warrant from the Justices of Peace of Middlesex which they sent forth by virtue of the Kings Writ directed to them for preventing of Riots Routs and unlawful Assemblies according to the Statute of 2 H. 5. Whereupon the House appointed the Lord Chamberlain Lord Wharton Lord Brook and Lord Roberts to go into Westminster-Hall and other places near this House to see what Company there is whether any unlawful Assemblies or Routs there and these Lords Reported That there was no Face of any Routs or Assemblies nor any greater Number of People then Vsually Whereupon the House discharged the Guards in the King's Name And in regard it appeared that it was the precipitation of the Justices that Caused these Men to come by virtue of their Warrants It was Ordered That those Justices of the Peace for Middlesex and Westminster that subscribed the Warrant be sent for to attend the House to morrow to give a Reason why they sent forth those Warrants and what induced them to believe That there would be a Tumult this day in Westminster This day Inigo Jones Esq appeared before the Lords according to an Order of their Lordships to hear the Declaration read which was brought up against him from the House of Commons which was read in his presence in haec verba The Declaration of the Commons upon the Complaint and in thebehalf of the Parishioners of St. Gregories London against Inigo Jones Esquire THE Parish Church of St. Gregories The Declaration of the Commons against Inigo Jones concerning St. Gregories Church by St. Pauls adjoyning to the Cathedral Church of St. Paul's in London aforesaid is and from the time whereof the Memory of Man is not to the contrary hath been the Parish Church for the Inhabitants of that Parish lately computed to be 3000 persons for the administration of Divine Service and Sacraments The said Inigo Jones being Surveyor of His Majesties Works and particularly those to be designed for the re-edifying of the said Church of St. Pauls would not undertake the Work unless he might be as he termed it the Sole Monarch or might have the Principality thereof conceiving that the Work would not well be done without pulling down the said Church of St. Gregories presented a Plott to his Majesty accordingly The said Inigo Jones having presented the said Plott his Majesty hereupon signified his Pleasure and in pursuance thereof several Orders also were made at the Council-Board That the said Church should be taken down by the Parishioners for the more convenient Repairing of the Cathedral Church of St. Pauls which the Parishioners refusing to obey as was lawful for them to do the said Inigo Jones in Execution of the Plot and Design by him presented as aforesaid and of his Majesties signification and the Orders at the Council-Board thereupon had in or about March 1639 did pull down and caused to be pulled down part of the said Church and did also threaten That if the Parishioners would not take down the rest of it then the Galleries should be sawed down and with Skrews the Materials of the said Church should be thrown down into the Street And the said Inigo Jones did further threaten the Parishioners That if they did not take down the said Church they should be laid by the Heels Whereby the Parishioners being thus affrighted and to save the Materials which not long before had cost them 1500 l. were inforced to take down some part of the said Church insomuch as it thereby was made altogether useless and the said Parishoners to that great number have been wholly destitute of any Place within their own Parish for the Publick exercising of Religion The Damages the Parishioners have hereby sustained is very great and the Charge of Re-edifying the said Church and restoring it to as good plight as it was in before it was so wrongfully taken down will amount at the least to 3000 l. all which the said Parishioners are ready to prove and Maintain For Remedy therefore and Redress herein and chiefly to the end that the said Church of St. Gregories may be fully repaired and restored to the Plight and Condition wherein it formerly was by and at the Charge of him and them by whose undue Means it was in part taken down or caused to be taken down as aforesaid It is desired That such Proceedings may be used and had against the Offenders herein as to Right and Justice doth appertain This being read the said Inigo Jones desired That he might have some time to answer by his Councel Whereupon It was Ordered That he
of Guns and Carriages and such like one Ingineer or two to attend our Army and that some hand-Mills be provided for the Companies in Marches 3. That Horses be provided for the Baggage of the Army and Train of Artillery and Carriages for Carriage of Bread and other Provisions for the Mouth and that to make Draggooners every 100 Men have 10 Horses appointed for them 4. That the Inhabitants of any Towns or Villages in any Province where our Army shall be for the Time be appointed to receive Orders from our Commanders and to bring in Victuals for Money in an Orderly Way as shall be directed by them with Provisions of Oats Hay and Straw and such other Necessaries and that when it shall be found for the good of the Service the Country People which are not levied in Regiments be ordained to rise and concur with our Troops and receive Commands and Directions from our Commanders 5. That the Troops of the Kingdom of Scotland go in the Way and Order of an Army under their own General and Subaltern Officers and that they have a Circle or Province appointed them which they shall fall upon and assail wherein they shall prosecute the War as in their own Judgment they shall think Expedient for the Honor of the King and Crown of England and that they have Power to give Conditions to Towns Castles and Persons which shall render and submit themselves as they shall find for the good of the Service wherein they are imployed which they shall oblige themselves faithfully to do and perform to the uttermost of their Power and shall be answerable to his Majesty and the Parliament of England for their whole deportment and Proceedings whereof they shall from time to time give them an Account That such Towns and Places as shall be recovered from the Rebels by our Army be at the disposing of our Commanders during their aboad there and when it shall please God that the Rebellion shall be suppressed in the Circle assigned to our Army they shall be ready to do Service in any other Place which shall be appointed to them And if it shall be found for the good of the Service that our Army joyn with the King's Lieutenant and his Army that our General shall only * * Give Place Cede to the King's Lieutenant of Ireland and receive in a Free and Honorable Way Instructions from him or in his absence from the Lord Deputy or any other who shall have the Government of that Kingdom by authority derived from the Crown of England and shall precede all others and only give Orders to the Officers of his own Army and that the Armies the Right and the Left hand Van and Rear Charge and Retreat successively and mix not in quartering nor marching And if it shall be found fit to send Troops out of either Army that the Persons to be sent out of our Army be appointed by their own General the Lieutenant of Ireland prescribing the Number which shall not Exceed the fourth part of our Army whereunto they shall return after the Service is done And that no Officers of Ours be commanded by one of his own Quality and if the Commanders of the Troops so sent out of either Army be of one Quality that they Command the Party by turns 6. That our Army be assured of three Months Pay to be put in the hands of the Treasurers and Commissaries appointed by us at their Rendezvouz in Ireland and that before that time expire there be a Months Pay put in their hands and so from Month to Month and that in this our Brethren of England may be put to no more charge then is just and necessary and that it may appear that we offer our Assistance for Love only We do desire that there may be a Muster-Master appointed to make strict and frequent Muster of our Troops and that their ways bâ—â—â— looked unto that they make no such unlawful advantages 7. Seeing we have voluntarily and freely made offer of our Forces to this Service and to transport them to Ireland upon our own Charges and will be subject to all Hazards which may follow thereupon and will have the same Friends and Enemies with England in this Employment and must therein stand and fall with them We expect and desire that the King and State of England will take us into the same consideration and Reward our Service with the like Honours Recompences and Plantations as they shall do the English or Irish who shall deserve well in this Business for if we shall with the Hazard of our Lives do good Service to his Majesty and the Crown of England it is most agreeable to Reason that we be sharers of the Fruits of our Pains the persons so rewarded being always tyed to the same Conditions and being subject to his Majesty and Crown of England as the English are and shall be Sic Subscribitur Ja. Primrose Whereupon it was Ordered Letters from Ireland That the Propositions be debated to Morrow Then Letters from the Lords Justices of Ireland were read the Contents whereof was That they understand that there are Ships laden with Armes and Ammunition at Dunkirk to be carried to the Rebels in Ireland and that the Rebels are on both sides of Tredagh which makes that Town in great want for Victuals The Lord Admiral acquainted also the House that he had received Information of 4 Ships that are at Dunkirk with Arms and that Men are providing there to be Shipped for Ireland Whereupon it was Ordered That his Lordship be desired by the next Pacquet-Boat that goes for those parts to send over some discreet Man to give true Information of the Preparations there The Commons having by a Message acquainted the Lords that they are willing to joyn with them in searching into the business about the Lord Newport and to Petition his Majesty to discover who informed him the Lords resolved to joyn with them in it and the Lords appointed to draw heads for the Conference were appointed to joyn with a proportionate number of Commons to make a draught of a Petition to be presented to his Majesty about this Business The Gentleman Usher was sent again to the People gathered together about the Parliament Houses Tumults and was to let them know That this House dislikes their coming in such Multitudes and Commands them to be gone and if they have received injury or hurt by any body if they represent their Names to this House their Lordships will see that Justice be done But this would not do the Lords were no terror to them so long as they were assured of the favour of the Factious Party of the Commons A Message was therefore sent to the Commons for a Conference concerning the Tumults upon these Heads 1. To desire the House of Commons to joyn with this House in a Declaration to be Printed and Published of their dislike of the Assembling of the People in such Companies
the Lords Committees to joyn with them to consider of a Way for Securing of both Houses by Guards as aforesaid that they may come and return and remain in safety Hereupon the Lords Committees have Voted That it is fit and necessary that there should be strong and sufficient Guards from the City of London and adjacent Parts for the securing of both Houses that they may sit in safety Secondly Their Lordships have Voted That it is a legal way for the Houses to require the Sheriffs of Middlesex and London to attend for that purpose with the Posse Comitatus and that they will Report these Votes to the House of Commons accordingly And the Lords Committees meeting with the Committee of the House of Commons the 10th of this instant January were of Opinion That Guards are necessary to be placed before the Committee for Irish Affairs do sit at Westminster and for the manner of ordering of the Guards they referred it to the Common-Council of the City of London And their Lordships will Report to the House of Lords That the placing of those Guards for the safety of the Irish Committee is in their Opinion an acceptable service to the Common-wealth Which Report being made it was confirmed by the House and the several Votes approved and Ordered accordingly Then the Lord Steward Reported the Kings Answer touching the desire of both Houses concerning Guards which Answer was read in these words WE having considered the Petition of both Houses of Parliament concerning a Guard do give this Answer That We will to secure their Fears Command the Lord Mayor of London The Kings answer concerning Guards to appoint 200. Men out of the Train'd Bands of the City such as he will be answerable for to Vs to wait on the House of Parliament that is to say one hundred on Each House and to be Commanded by the Earl of Lindsey it being most proper to him as being Lord Great Chamberlain who by his Place hath a particular Charge of the Houses of Parliament and of whose Integrity Courage and Sufficiency none can doubt But the Faction of the Commons were resolved to have no Guard of the Kings but one of their own appointment Order for a Guard of the Train'd Bands to be Commanded by Major Skippon for upon a Vote of the Commons to this purpose it was Ordered That the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex be hereby required to send two Companies of the Train'd Bands of the City of London and County of Middlesex under the Conduct of Serjeant Major Skippon to attend both Houses of Parliament every day for security of the Parliament until both Houses do give order to the Contrary Directed to the Sheriff of the City of London and Middlesex A Message was brought up by Sir Philip Stapelton who brought up a Bill which had passed the House of Commons Intituled An Act declaring That the Lords and Commons may Adjourn themselves respectively to any Place 2. To let their Lordships know that the House of Commons are informed that there is at Hull a Magazin of Arms of the Kings for 16000. Men and proportionable Ammunition But in regard no great strength is in the Town and that the Countrey about is full of Papists ill affected The House of Commons desires their Lordships to joyn with them that some Companies of the Train'd Bands next adjoyning to Hull be forthwith put into that Town for the Safeguard of that Town and the Magazin there and the said Train'd Bands to be under the Command of Sir John Hotham Knight who hath the Command of that Town already by Patent from the King Whereupon it was Ordered Order for Sir John Hotham to keep the Town of Hull That some of the Train'd Bands of Yorkshire nearest to Hull in the said County under the Command of Sir John Hotham Knight shall with all speed be put into the Town of Hull for the securing of the Kings Magazin there and the said Town and hereof the said Sir John Hotham is by Virtue of this Order Commanded to perform accordingly And the said Sir John Hotham is to Command the Town and Forces therein and all Parties whom it concerns shall give their Obedience unto the said Sir John Hotham and his Ministers And lastly That Sir John Hotham or whoever he shall appoint under him shall not deliver up the Town of Hull or Magazin there or any part thereof without the Kings Authority Signified unto him by the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament Directed to Sir John Hotham the Elder The Vizor now began to drop off apace for the plain English of this and the former Order for a Guard was that the King was only to have the Name but the two Houses were to have the Substance of the Royal Authority And certainly no men ever moved by more Regular Steps towards Rebellion they had pretty well Exhausted his Majesties Stores for the Service of Ireland and now they were resolved to Secure the Rest The Tower of London hung still mightily in their Light and though the King had Displaced Lunsford yet Sir John Byron the present Lieutenant who was a Person of great Loyalty Courage and Gallantry was by no means agreeable to their Liking or Designs and therefore the next attempt was to get quit of him and a Confiding man a Creature of the Faction placed in that Important Command as we shall presently see Then the Act An Act for the Lords and Commons to adjourn themselves to any place passed the Lords declaring that the Lords and Commons may Adjourn themselves respectively to any Place was read twice and after a short debate a third time and upon the Question it was consented to to pass as a Law From whence it is observable that even this Parliament who had gotten an Act that they should not be Prorogued or Dissolved without their own Consent yet did not think they had Power without the Royall Assent to an Act of Parliament to Adjourn themselves to any other Place from Westminster whither they were by Writ Summoned to Assemble and Sit and which likewise is a Concession that it was so solely in his Majesties Power though not to Dissolve them yet to have Adjourned them to some other Place less Factious and Troublesom then at that time London was A Petition was presented this day to the Lords from the Inhabitants of Bucks as follows To the Right Honourable the House of Peers now Assembled in PARLIAMENT The humble Petition of the Inhabitants of the County of Bucks Bucks Petition to the Lords Jan. 11. 1641. SHEWETH THat whereas we hoped upon the happy Assembling of this present Parliament we should have had a speedy Redress of those Pressures we have for many Years been under but have been hitherto in great Measure Frustrated of your hopes by the strong Counter-working of a Malignant Faction whereby the perfecting of Reformation is hindred the endeavours of the House of Commons in great
desire the Lieutenant may be sent for to give an Account of these things Which the Lords agreed to and immediately sent for the Lieutenant and Captain Connisby to atttend both Houses of Parliament presently But this was not satisfactory enough for Mr. Pym came with a second Message to the same Effect And that therefore the House of Commons desire that Directions may be given to the Lieutenant of the Tower and the Master of the Ordnance That no Provisions or Ammunition whatsoever shall be sent out of the Tower without the King's Authority signified by both Houses of Parliament and that no extraordinary quantity of Provisions be brought into the Tower without his Majesties Pleasure signified by the Houses of Parliament For the putting this in Execution the House of Commons desire that a convenient Guard may be put about the Tower by Land and by Water and this Guard to be appointed by the Sheriffs of London and to be under the Command of Sergeant Major General Skippon and that the Care of the Parliament herein may be intimated to the Common Council of London Whereunto the House of Lords immediately agreed Thus did they exactly follow the Example of their Brethren of Scotland who in the beginning of the Rebellion there laid a Blockade to the Castle of Edinburgh till they got it into their Power and a Creature of their own placed in it which was the Design now upon the Tower of London And these Messages produced the following Order Ordered by the Lords and Commons in Parliament Order of Lords and Commons to set a Guard upon the Tower That the Earl of Newport Master of the Ordnance and the Lieutenant of the Tower for the time being their Deputies or other Officers shall not permit or suffer any Ordnance Ammunition or other Provisions whatsoever to be carried out of the Tower nor permit extraordinary Increase of Waiters or any Provision of Victuals in any extraordinary Quantity or Proportion to be brought into the Tower without the King's Authority signified to both Houses of Parliament And for the better Safeguard of the Tower It is further Ordered by both Houses of Parliament That the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex shall appoint and place a sufficient Guard about the Tower both by Land and Water under the Command of Sergeant Major General Skippon Commander of the Guards of the Parliament and that these Guards be careful to see the former Order observed And the said Sheriffs are required to intimate to the Common Council of London in what manner the Lords and Commons have provided for the Safety of the Tower Order to stay 4 Dunkirkers with Ammunition c. for the Rebels Then an Order was directed to the Lord Admiral to stay four Ships lately come from Dunkirk with Arms and Ammunition for the Rebels in Ireland also the like Order to the L. Duke of Richmond Constable of Dover-Castle and Lord Warden of the Cinque-Ports and to the Earl of Portland Captain of the Isle of Wight The House was informed that the Lieutenant of the Tower was served with the Order and after he had read it he said Lieutenant of the Tower's answer to the Order to attend the Parliament That he was very desirous to attend the Houses of Parliament according to the Order but conceived he could not come without his Majesties leave first obtained in respect he hath received a Warrant from his Majesty with a Command not to depart out of the Tower without his Majesties leave but to reside there A Copy of which Warrant the Lieutenant sent to the Parliament and Captain Conisby was called in and attested the same producing this following Warrant CHARLES R. TRusty and Well beloved We greet you well The King's Warrant to Sir John Byron Lieutenant of the Tower Forasmuch as in these Tumultuous times We have thought it necessary that the Tower of London where remains not only Our Principal Magazine of Arms and Munition but also Our Records and other Matters of great Importance should be always very well Ordered and that all the Officers and Guard there should be all Resident to perform their Duties Our Will and Command therefore is That you fail not to reside constantly in Our said Tower to see the Guard there to perform their several and respective Duties and that you at no time go out of Our said Tower upon any occasion whatsoever without first acquainting Vs therewith and receiving Our leave and Order for the same and herein We expect that you fail not as you tender Our displeasure and will Answer the contrary for which these shall be your sufficient Warrant Given under Our Signet at Our Court at White-Hall the 10 th day of January in the 17 Year of Our Reign To Our Trusty and Well-beloved Sir John Byron Knight of the Bath Lieutenant of Our Tower of London Whereupon the House conceived That the Lieutenant of the Tower had committed a high Contempt to the Order of this House in not coming notwithstanding the King's Warrant because the King's Command is always supposed to be in an Order of this House And after much debate a Message was sent to acquaint the Commons with the whole Matter A Message was then brought up from the Commons by Mr. Nathaniel Fines Information against Lord Digby Col. Lunsford That whereas the House of Commons hath been informed That Collonel Lunsford and the Lord George Digby Son to the Earl of Bristol with others have gathered together Troops of Horse and have appeared in a Warlike Manner at Kingston upon Thames within the County of Surrey where the Magazine of that Part of the Countrey lies to the Terror and Fright of his Majesties good Subjects and Disturbance of the Publick Peace of the Kingdom the House of Commons hold it fit that particular directions be sent to the Sheriffs of Surrey and Middlesex Bucks and Berks for the suppressing of such Assemblies being contrary to Law and to take some Course for the securing of those four Counties and the Strand and Westminster and the Magazines thereof and for the suppressing of all unlawful Assemblies that are gathered together to the disturbance of the Peace of the Kingdom and they to be required to call in the Justices of the Peace and Train'd Bands of the Counties for their Assistance herein and to give a speedy account of their Proceedings therein to the Parliament The House of Commons do also desire their Lordships to take Order That the Lord Digby a Member of this House be required to give his Attendance here Portsmouth And further they desire That an Order may be sent from both Houses to the Governor of Portsmouth requiring him that he do not deliver up the Town nor receive any Forces into it but by his Majesties Authority signified by both Houses of Parliament And Lastly Common-Council Whereas the Common Council of London hath appointed a Committee to consider of the defence and safety of the
Lords concerning Kymbolton and the five Members 848. to both Houses concerning Breach of Priviledge 858. Message of the Queen to the House of Commons about her Journey 405. Message of either House to the King upon occasion of his Letter about the Earl of Strafford 197. to desire him to stop some Allowances 368. of the House of Commons to the House of Lords about a Conspiracy to seduce the Army 231. about restraining Ecclesiastical persons from medling in secular affairs 242. about paying the brotherly assistance to the Scots 315. about the Charge and Trial of the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury 318. to the Lord Keeper that the Judges travel not on the Lords day 325. about three Bills 331. concerning Disbanding the Army 424. about making the Earl of Pembroke Lord Steward and the Earl of Salisbury Lord Treasurer 437. about the Impeach'd Bishops 439. desiring that a convenient number of Lords stay in Town 445. concerning the desperate condition of the Kingdom 447. Message from the House of Lords to the House of Commons by one person only gives offence 474. Message of the House of Commons to the Queen about the Prince 597. to the House of Lords about Philips the Priest ibid. to Forraign Ambassadors not to harbour English Priests 652. to the House of Lords to press expedition for Ireland 750 761 768 769. concerning a Declaration to suppress Tumults and a Guard 789. concerning the Lord Digby 791. to revive the Bill against Bishops Votes 800. that the Kings Queens and Princes Servants take the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy 814. to the Gentlemen of the Inns of Court and to the Common-Council of London 817. about the Kings coming to the House 822. their Message about the Tower rejected 835. concerning the Prince and Marquess of Hertford 657. concerning the adjournment to Grocers Hall c. 879 880. Message from the Scots Commissioners about the Kings Journey into Scotland 318. of the Venetian Ambassador to the House of Lords 655. Michaelmas Term abbreviated 238 243. Militia enquired into by order of the House of Commons 230. Mines Royal Order about them 446. Scandalous Ministers a Committee about them 233. Factious Ministers their Petition to the House of Commons 764. Money borrow'd of the Londoners by the House of Commons 236. desired to be continued 255. more to be borrowed 407 411 595 597 644. an Ordinance for securing Money lent by the City 621 687. Money to be conveyed to the Army an Order for its safety 415. Colonel Monk his Letter to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland 919. Earl of Monmouth 's Speech concerning fears c. 849. Sir James Montgomery a Witness against the Earl of Strafford 64 77. Lord Morley Ordered to be Tryed by his Peers for Murther 307. Earl of Morton a Witness in the Case of the Earl of Strafford 82. Lord Mountnorris a Witness against the Earl of Strafford 36 39 59 63. Lord and Lady Muskerry Irish Papists kind to the English 635. N. NAmes of the persons who made the several motions towards the Declaration of the State of the Kingdom 615. of the chief Irish Rebels 632. Narrative of a Plot by Beal a Taylor 647. James Nash a Witness against the Earl of Strafford 874. Nash and Kynaston 's Case 258. Navy the State of it 460. Debated 757. Order of the House of Commons about it 787. Sir Paul Neal a Witness for the Earl of Strafford 95. Lord Nettervile 's Son ordered 〈◊〉 be brought before the House of Lord â—77 Lord Newark his Speech about the â—â—â—rage of Bishops 251. concerning their medling in secular Affairs 252. Lord Newburgh a Witness in the Case of the Earl of Strafford 83. New castle an Order to the Major to take care of it 753. Earl of Newport made Constable of the Tower 230. enabled as Master of the Ordnance to deliver Arms c. for Ireland 606 desired by the House of Commons to reside in the Tower 780. inform'd against for a design to seize the Queen c. 781. discharged of his Constableship of the Tower 785. Petition of both Houses about him 786. Non-Residence a Bill against it 293. Earl of Northumberland a Witness in the Case of the Earl of Strafford 82 86. O. OAth of Allegiance and Supremacy by Order of the House of Commons to be tendred to Irish Recusants and others in the Inns of Court 613. and to the Kings Queens and Princes Servants 814. the Oath for Ireland an Act of State and Petition about it 79. Oath of Secrecy administred to persons concerned in preparing for the Tryal of the Earl of Strafford 11. Officers of the Army Petition for Pay 660 757. Ordered a Moiety 772. those in Ireland commanded to their Charges 594. and in the examination of the Army Conspiracy 232. O Neal a Serjeant Major sent for 286. Committed 490. Ordered to be examined 492 625 714. Voted to be impeach'd of High Treason 754. committed to the Gate-house 757. Sir Phelim O Neal his Execution 529. his Letter to Sir William Hamilton 895. Opinion of the Judges upon an exception of the Earl of Strafford 101. upon the Bill of Attainder 192. in the Case of Ship-money 338. in answer to some Quaeries concerning matters in Parliament 374. concerning a Custos Regni 430. Opinion of the House of Lords about a Commission for Commissioners to attend the King in Scotland 448. 451. Opinion of a City Divine about Episcopacy presented to the House of Commons 302. Orders of both Houses relating to the Trial of the Earl of Strafford 28. for the payment of the Poll-Money to expedite disbanding 458. for declaring the Scotch Rebels to be loyal Subjects 467. for securing the Money borrowed of the City 687. for a Guard upon the Tower 844. Orders of the House of Lords concerning new Proofs against the Earl of Strafford 102. to stop the Ports 232. to pillory two Persons for a contempt 238. about Tumults 246 388 468 476 603 692 856 484 495 691 718. about Ship-Money in the Sheriffs hands 264. against formal Speeches 265. about Writs of Error 272. for Provision for Sisters by a Brother 367. for relief of Wife and Children against a Husband refusing to cohabit 381. concerning a Vicarage between Sir Peter Osborn and Thomas Joice 382. concerning the Arch-Bishops Poll-Money 387. for securing Money carried to the Army 415. for the Lady Wotton 420. 457. for exemplifying the Acts for Pacification and Brotherly Assistance 439. for examining Witnesses about Incendiaries 444. for referring the Election of Sheriffs of London 445. 456. about Mines Royal 446. concerning the impeached Bishops 449 484 495 691 718. search under the Parliament House 450. to quicken the disbanding 457. concerning a Guard about the Parliament House 487. concerning the relief of Ireland 601 603 626. to expel Romish Recusants out of Inns of Court 613. for bringing Ammunition from Hull 643. about the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland ibid. for apprehending Priests and Jesuites 647 648. for putting the Laws in execution against Romish Recusants 653.
might be secured lest the same Design might be intended by them here which they have cause to fear Next That there were divers Laws and good Motions sent up to the Lords for the good of this Church and Common-wealth and that the great Impediment which did arise there that they passed not was from the Bishops and they did conceive that so long as their Votes was in the Parliament it would be a hindrance to the Progress of all good Laws and Motions and therefore they desired a further endeavour to take away their Votes This being thus said by them they put it to the Vote for lending Money and not one Hand or Vote against it And they did further declare That if the Lord Mayor would send to every Ward they would presently pay the Money or subscribe to do it in a short time The Reader may now observe That the City began to Dance after the Pipe of the Faction at Westminster and to load the poor Bishops with being the Cause of the stoppage of the intended Reformation They had wrested the Lord Mayor's Prerogative from him in the Election of one of the Sheriffs as before was shewn and did with great industry endeavour to get the Government of the City out of the hands of those who were of known Loyalty to the Crown and Affection to the Church The Faction in the Commons House needed not this Spur to quicken the Career of their Animosity against the Lords the Bishops however it was extream welcome to them and an usual Artifice by their Agents to put both the City and Country upon Directing and Petitioning what they had a mind to bring to pass this gave a great colour to their proceedings as being agreeable to the desire of the Nation the mind of the People of England and the wishes of the City for those of their Tribe though not the 40th part of the City Nation or People yet they took upon them these great Names And this Arrogant Usurpation of making themselves the Representatives of the good People of England was a vanity which was inseparable to the Party and which we shall find them making Use of upon all occasions The House of Commons thereupon fell briskly upon the Plea and Demurrer of the Bishops which was read twice The Bishops Plea and Demurrer voted Dilatory and then it was Resolved c. That this Plea and Demurrer of the Bishops is Dilatory and insufficient This Vote seems to be given at all adventure for after the Vote a Committee was appointed to consider of the Plea and Demurrer and to present their Opinion what they think fit to be done upon it and after some time Serjeant Wild Reported That after a long Debate in the Committee and variety of Opinions they came at last to this Conclusion That this Plea and Demurrer is Dilatory and insufficient just as the House had Voted before and without shewing any Reasons why but that these 12 Bishops have made no Answer and therefore to desire the Lords That they may put in a peremptory Answer such as they will stand unto There is not the meanest Freeholder in England but by the Common Law of England ought to have had the Liberty to have a Demurrer argued and unless it could be over-ruled by sound Reason and Law it must have been allowed a good Plea and yet these venerable Men who had all the security that the Magna Charta the Common and Statute Law could afford them for their Right of Peerage and Voting in Parliament could not be allowed that Common Right but without the least shadow or Error in the Plea and Demurrer assigned must be obliged to give another Answer This was the Justice of those Men and Times But it was no wonder to see them violate the Laws of Reason Religion and their own Nation for even the Law of Nations as you have seen before in the Venetian Ambassadador's Case whose Letters were opened at their Instance and Direction was not able to preserve its Sacred Power For a Complaint was brought to the Commons House by Segnior Amerigo the Agent of the Duke of Florence that under pretence of searching for Priests his House was broken open by Persons who shewed their Authority for it And hereupon even shame The Agent of Florence outraged lest Foreign Nations should withdraw all Commerce and Correspondence from them who violate the Common Law of all Nations obliged them to appoint a Committee To consider of the Outrages these are the words of their own Journal offered to Segnior Amerigo Agent to the Duke of Florence and likewise to consider of the Abuses of those Men that are imployed by this House for apprehending of Priests and they are to consider of some fit way of Reparation to be made to Segnior Amerigo and to present them to the House This day a Petition of the City of London was read Monday Novemb. 15. Touching the abuse of many Protections which was to the stopping of Trade c. but because the Petition was too General it was agreed it should be delivered back again to be mended and then their Lordships will consider further of it A Message was sent from the House of Commons to desire That the Examinations taken by the Lords Committees concerning the Plot of the Army may be sent down to the House of Commons to be made use of The Examinations were delivered Sealed to the Clerk of the Parliament and it was Debated Whether they should be openly read in the Lords House before they were sent down and upon the Question it was Resolved That they should and thereupon they were opened and read acccordingly They had now a Necessity to revive the Business of the Design of bringing up the Army that by the Assistance of that which they made a mighty Plot they might inforce the great Necessity of the King 's parting with all his Friends in Power and Trust under the Notion of Evil Counsellors with which Debate the House of Commons was in a manner now wholly taken up but sure they were the most Fortunate Persons in the World to be upon all Occasions furnished with the discovery of fresh Plots to carry on their Designs and give them countenance among the Amazed and Affrighted People and one lies under the Temptation of believing that they were the Contrivances of the Faction rather than Realities when it is observed how luckily the Discoveries happened to fall in with their other Designs For in the very nick of time when they were at a dead-lift to get the House of Lords purged of the Popish Beal's Plot. and Popishly Affected Lords and Bishops up starts one Beal a Taylor and Discovers a mighty Plot. For this Day a Message was brought from the House of Commons by John Hampden Esq to let their Lordships know That this Day there came a Man to the Door of the House of Commons and sent in Word That he had Matters of a high