A COPY of the LETTER FROM His Excellency the Lord Generall CROMWELL SENT TO THE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT Called to take upon them the Trust of the Government of this Common-wealth WHICH Began on Munday the Fourth of June 1653. The day appointed by the Letters of Summons from his Excellency the Lord Gen. Cromwell for the meeting of these GENTLEMEN With the severall Transactions since that time LONDON Printed by M. S. for Tho Jenner at the South-entrance of the Royall Exchange 1656 A COPY of the LETTER From his Exccellency the Lord Generall Cromwell sent to the Members of Parliament called to take upon them the Trust of the Government of this Common-wealth FOrasmuch as upon the dissolution of the late Parliament it became necessary that the Peace Safety and Goverment of this Common-wealth should be provided for and in order thereunto divers persons fearing God and of approved fidelity and honesty are by my Selfe with the advice of My Counsel of Officers nominated to whom the Charge and Trust of so weighty Affaires is to be committed And having good assurance of your love to and courage for God and the interest of his Cause and of the good people of this Common-wealth I Oliver Cromwell Captain Generall and Commander in Chief of all the Armies and Forces raised and to be raised within this Common-wealth do hereby summon and require you being one of the persons nominated personally to be and appear at the Counsell Chamber commonly known or called by the name of the Councell Chamber at White Hall within the City of Westminster upon the fourth day of July next ensuing the date hereof then and there to take upon you the said Trust unto which you are hereby called and appointed to serve as a Member for the County of And hereof you are not to fail Given under My hand and seale the day of June 1653. O CROMWELL Monday June 4. 1653. This being the day appointed by the Letters of Sâ—mmons from his Excellency the Lord General Cromwell for the meeting of those Gentlemen that were called to the Supream Authority they met accordingly in the Councell Chamber where being entred the Room above one hundred and twenty in number and being set round about the Table the Lord Generall standing by the window opposite to the middle of the Table and having as many of the Army-Officers as the room could well contein on his right hand and on his left his Lordship made a very grave Christian and seasonable speech and Exhortation wherein he breifly recounted the many great and wondrous mercyes of God towards this Nation and the Series of providence wherein the presence of God did wonderfully appear in carrying on this Cause and bringing affaires into the present condition beyond all expectation ascribing the glory of all to God alone He set forth also in particular the progresse of affaires since the famous victory at Worcester wherein that Arch Enemy of this nation was wholly subdued He likewise laid down the actings of the Army there upon after divers applications to the Parliament and much being wanting and forbearance together with the grounds and necessity of their dissolving the said Parliament which his Excellency declared to be for the presevation of this Cause and the interest of all honest men who have been ingaged therein Moreover he very amply held forth the clearenesse of the Call given to the present Members to take the Supream Authority and did from the Scriptures exhort them to their duties and incourage them therein desiring that a tendernes might be used towards all godly and conscientious persons of what judgment and under what form soever Which being ended his Lordship produced an instrument under his own hand and seale wherby he did with the advise of his Officer devolve and entrust the Supream Authority and Government of this Common-wealth into the hands of the persons then met who or any forty of them are to be held and acknowledged the Supream Authority of the Nation unto whom all persons within the same and the Territories thereunto belonging are to yeild obedience and subjection And they are not to sit longer then the 3 day of November 1654. Three months before their dissolution they are to make choyce of other persons to succeed them who are not to sit longer then a twelve month but it is left to them to take care for a succession in Government which Instrument being delivered to the persons aforesaid his Lordship commended them to the Grace of God This being done his Excellency and his Officers withdrew and the said persons so met having the Supream Authority put into their hands after some short space adjourned till the next morning eight a clock and appointed to meet in the old Parliament House there to seek God for direction in this great work and for his presence and blessing therein Hereupon without doing any further businesse they all departed The Names of the Members of Parliament which began June 4. 1653. With the respective Counties for which they serve Berks. SAmuell Dunch Vincent Goddard Thomas Wood Bedford Nathaniell Taylor Edward Cater Edward Cater Buckingham George Fleetwood George Baldwin Cambridge John Sadler Thomas French Robert Castle Samuell Warner Chester Robert Duckenfield Henry Birkinhead Four Nothern Counties Charles Howard Robert Fenwick Henry Dawson Henry Ogle Cornwall Robert Bennet Francis Langdon Anthony Rous John Bawden Derby Jervas Bennet Nathanael Barton Devon George Monke one of the Generalls at Sea John Carew Thomas Sanders Christopher Martin James Erisey Francis Rous Richard Sweâ—â— Dorcet William Sydenham John Bingham Essex Joachim Matthews Henry Barington John Brewster Christopher Earle Dudley Templer Goucester John Crofts William Neast Robert Holmes Southampton Richard Norton Richard Major John Hyldesley Hertford Henry Lawrance William Reeve Hereford Wroth Rogers John Herring Huntington Edward Montague Stephen Phesaunt Kent Lord Viscount Lisle Thomas Blount William Kenrick William Cullen Andrew Broughton Lancaster William West John Sawrey Robert Cunl ffe Leicester Henry Danvers Edward Smith John Prat Lincoln Sir William Brownelow Richard Cust Barnâ—by Bowtell Humphrey Walcot William Thompson Middlesex Sir Willam Roberts Augustine Wingfield Arthur Squib Monmouth Philip Jones Northampton Sir Gilbert Pickering Thomas Brook Norfolk Robert Jermy Tobias Fecets Ralph Walmer Henry King Willam Burton Nottingham John Oddingsels Edward Chid Oxon Sir Charles Wolsley William Draper Dr. Jonathan Goddard Rutland Edward Horseman Salop. William Botterel Thomas Baker Stafford George Bellit John Chetwood Suffolk Jacob Caley Francis Brewster Robert Dunkon John Clark Edward Plumstead Somerset Robert Blake one of the Generalls at Sea John Pine Dennis Hollister Henry Henly Surrey Samuel Hickland Laurence March Sussex Anthoney Stapley William Spence Nathanaell Studely Warwick John St. Nicholas Richard Lucy Wilts Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper Nicholas Greene Thomas Eyre Worcester Richard Salway John James Yorke George Lord Evrâ— Walter Strikland Francis Lassols Iohn Anlaby Thomas Dickenson Thomas St. Nicholas Roger Coats Edward Gill London Robert Tichborn John Ireton
that they should receive no harm in their own persons After that they had taken from the Judges their Paroll they let out the prisoners some for debt as Mr. Gokin who was in for 1000 l. and others and all the Theeves and malefactors with their Irons upon them mounted those that would joyne with them and went out after they had proclaimed Charls Stewart King being about 200. And from thence went to Blanford incouraging their followers that their chiefe Leader was comming from France to head them with 10000 men for they began to be discouraged that the Country people did not rise and joyne with them as was expected so that some of them have left them among which some of them are come to Whitehall to beg pardon They went from thence towards Dorchester The chief are said to be M. Gen. Sir Joseph Wagstaffe Sir Henry More of Berkshire John Penruddock Esq Maj. Henry Clark Esq Thomas Mumparsons Lieut. Col. Boll Capt. Hugh Grove Two of the Joneses c. There are divers of them taken Col Penruddocke Col Jones Mr. John Dean And Mr. Lucas Were Executed at the appointed places on Thursday and Friday last at Salisbury and Excester being the 3 and 4 of this instant May 1655. Sir William Ingram Sir Walter Vavasor Sir Hen Slingsby and divers other Gentlemen are suspected to have had an hand in the businesse a party of horse is gone this morning to secure such as can be found Sir William Ingram is brought in already Part of the Instructions and Orders given to the Major Generalls for preserving the Peace of the Common-wealth are as followeth THey are to endeavor the suppressing all Tumults Insurrections Rebellion or other unlawfull Assemblies which shall be within the said Counties as also all Invasions from abroad and to that purpose shall have power to draw together the said Forces or Troops and march into such places as they shall judge convenient in England and Walâ—s They are to take care and give order That all Papists and others who have been in Armes against the Parliament or assisted the late King or his Son in the late Wars as also all others who are dangerous to the peace of the Nation be disarmed and their Arms secured in some adjacent Garrisons or otherwise disposed of as may be for the publick service And to the end that the Highways and Roads may be more safe for Travellers and the many Robberies and Burglaries daily commâ—tted may be prevented They with the said Captains and Officers shall use their best endeavors to find out all such Thieves Robbers Highway-men and other dangerous persons as lurk lie hid in any place within the several Counties and the houses and places which they frequent and usually lodge in and take such course for the apprehending of them and also for the prosecuting them and their Receivers as is agreeable to Law And they have hereby power to appoint such reward not exceeding ten pounds to such person as shall discover and apprehend any such Thief Highway-man or Robber to be paid unto them after the conviction of the party so discovered and apprehended which the Sheriff for the time being shall pay and which shall according to an Act of Parliament entituled An Act for the better and more effectual discovery and prosecution of Thieves Highway-men be allowed to him upon his account They are to have a strict eye upon the Conversation and carriage of all Diaffected persons within the several Counties And they shall give the like direction to all the said Captains and Officers at their Meetings to be watchfull and diligent in the same kind As also that no Horse-races Cock-fightings Bear-baitings Stage-plays or any unlawfull Assâ—mblies be suffered or permitted within their Counties Forasmuch as Treason and Rebellion is usually hatched and contrived against the State upon such occasions and much Evill and Wickednesse committed They and the aforesaid Officers shall labor to informe themselves of all such idle and loose people that are within their Counties who have no visible way of Livelihood nor calling or imployment and shall consider by what means they may be compelled to work or be sent out of the Common-wealth As also how the poor and impotent of those Counties may be imployed and better provided for then now they are and certifie the same to us and the Councell for our further Direction thereupon And in the mean time shall endeavor as far as in them lies that the Laws in such cases made and provided be put in effectuall Execution They shall in their constant Carriage and Conversation encourage and promote Godlinesse and Vertue and Dâ—scourage and Discountenance all Prophanesse and Uâ—godlinesse and shall endeavor with the other Justices of the Peace and other Ministers and Officers who are intrusted with the care of those things that the Laws against Drunkennesse Blaspheming and taking of the Name of God in vaine by swearing and cursing Plays and Interludes and prophaning the Lords day and such like wickednesse and abominations be put in more effectuall execution then they have been hetherto They shall take an exact account of what proceedings have been upon the Ordinance for Ejecting of Ignorant Insufficient and Scandalous Ministers and Schoolmasters and take care that the same be effectually put in Execution for the time to come in all the Counties aforesaid and that from time to time they give an accout to us and our Councell All those that had any way assisted the King were Decemated that is they were to pay the tenth part of their Estate to the bearing of the charges of the Army which was setled in every County throughout the Land A Perfect LIST of the Names of the Persons returned to serve in this Parl. 1656. For the severall Counties and Corporations within the Common-wealth of England Scotland and Ireland and the Dominions thereunto belonging Bedford WIlliam Butler Kt. John Harvey Richard Wagstaffe Samuel Bedford Richard Edwards Bedford Town Thomas Margets Berkes William Trumball John Southby Edmond Dunche John Dunche William Hide Abington Thomas Holt Reading Sir John Barkstead Daniel Blagrave Buckingham Lord Whitlock Sir Richard Piggot Richard Grenvile Richard Ingoldsby Richard Hamden Buckingham Town Francis Ingoldsby Alisbury Thomas Scot Chipping Wiccomb Maj. Gen. Tobias Bridge Cambridge Ely Sir Francis Russell Bar. Robert Castle Henry Pickering Robert West Vniversity Lord Richard Cromwell Cambridge Town Alderman Richard Tymbes Ely John Thurloc William Fisher Chester Sir George Booth Bar. Thomas Marbury Richard Leigh Peter Brook Chester City Edward Bradshaw Cornwall Francis Rous John St. Aubin Anthony Rous Anthony Nicholl Richard Cartar Thomas Câ—ely William Braddon Walter Moyle Launceston Thomas Gewen Truro Walter Vincent Penryn John Fox Eastlow Westlow John Buller Cumberland Maj. Gen. Charls Howard William Briscee Carlisle Scoutmaster Gen. Downing Derby John Gell Sir Samuel Sleight Thomas Saunders German Pole Derby Town Gervase Bennet Devon Sir John Northcot Bar. Sir John Young Robert Rolle Arthur Upton Thomas
Reynell William Morrice Henry Hatsell Edmond Fowell John Hale John Dodderidge Thomas Saunders Excester Thomas Bampfield Thomas Westlake Plimouth John Maynard Timothy Alsop Darmouth Clifton Hardnes Edward Hopkins Totnes Christopher Maynard Burnstaple Sir John Coppleston Tiverton Robert Shapcot Honyton Samuel Searle Dorcet Col. William Sydenham John Bingham Robert Coker John Fitz-James James Dewey John Trenchard Dorchester John Whiteway Weymouth Melcomb-regis Dennis Bond Lyme-regis Edmond Prideaux Poole Edward Butler Dirham Thomas Lithame James Clavern Dirham City Anthony Smith Yorke East-Riding Sir William Strickland Hugh Bethel Junior Richard Darley Henry Darley West-Riding Lord Lambert Francis Thorpe Henry Tempest Henry Arthington Edw Gyll John Stanhop North-Riding George Lord Evre Col. Robert Lilburne Luke Robinson Francis Lassels Yorke City Lord Widdrington Thomas Dickenson Kingston upon Hull William Lyster Beverley Francis Thorpe Scarborough Edward Salmon Richmond John Bathurst Leeds Francis Alanson Senior Adam Baynes Hallifax Jeremy Bently Essex Sir Thomas Honywood Dionysius Wakering Henry Mildmay Carew Mildmay Sir Rich Everard Bar. Robert Barrington Dudley Templer Oliver Raymond Edward Turnor Sir Tho Bowes Hezek Hains John Archer Sir Harbottle Grimstone Colchester Henry Laurence L. Presid John Maidstone Maldon Joachim Mathews Gloucester George Berkley John Howe John Crofts Baynham Throckmorton William Neast Gloucester City Generall John Disbrow Thomas Pury younger Tewksbury Francis White Cirencester John Stone Hereford Maj. Gen. James Berry Edward Harloe Bennet Hoskins Benjamin Mason Hereford City Wroth Rogers Leompster John Birch Hertford William Earl of Salisbury Sir Richard Lucy Bar. Sir John Wittronge Sir John Gore Rowland Litton St. Albanes Albon Cox Hertford Borough Isaac Puller Huntington Gen. Edward Mountagu Henry Cromwell Nicholas Pedley Huntington Borough John Barnard Kent John Dixwell Wiliam James Henry Oxinden Sir Thomas Style Bar. John Boys Lambert Godfrey Richard Beale John Seyliard Ralph Welden Richard Meredith Daniel Shatterden Canterbury City Thomas St. Nicholas Vincent Denn Rochester City John Parker Maidstone John Banks Dover Maj. Gen. Kelsey Sandwich Mr Firâ—erne Quinborough Gabriel Livesey Leicester Thomas Beaumont Francis Hacker William Quarles Thomas Pochen Leicester Borough Sir Arthur Hasterig William Stanely Lincoln Thomas Hall Thomas Lister Thomas Hatchet Edward Rossiter Charles Hall William Wolley Francis Fiennes William Savile William Welby Charles Hussey Lincoln City Original Peart Humphrey Walcot Boston Sir Anthony Irby Grantham William Ellis Stamford John Weaver Great Grimsky William Wray Middlesex Sir John Barkstead Sir William Roberts Challenor Chute William Kiffen Westminster Col. Edward Grosvener Edward Cary London Thomas Foot Alder Sir Christopher Pack Thomas Adams Alder Richard Brown Theophilus Biddolph John Jones Monmouth Maj. Gen. James Berry John Nicholas Edward Herbert Norfolke Charles Fleetwood Sir John Hobart Bar. Sir William Doily Sir Ralph Hare Barronet Sir Horatio Townshend Phillip Woodhouse Robert Wilton Robert Wood John Buxton Thomas Sotherton Lyn-Regis Gen. John Disâ—row Maj. Gen. Skippon Guibon Goddard Norwich City Bernard Church John Hobart Great Yarmouth Charles George Cock William Burton Northampton Sir Gilbert Pickering Bar. Lord Cleypool Maj. Gen. William Boteler James Langham Thomas Crew Alexander Blake Peterburge Francis St. John Northampton Town Francis Harvey Nottingham Maj. Gen. Edw Whalley Edward Clud Edward Nevill Peniston Whalley Nottingham Town Col. James Chadwick William Drury Alderman Northumberland William Fenwick Lord Widdrington Robert Fenwick Newcastle upon Tine Walter Strickland Berwicke Col. George Fenwick Oxford Charls Fleetwood William Lenthall Robert Jenkinson Miles Fleetwood Sir Francis Norris Vniversity Nathanael Finnes Oxford City Richard Croke Woodstock Maj. Gen. William Packer Rutland William Shield Abell Barker Salop. Thomas Mackworth Phillip Young Samuel More Andrew Lloyd Shrewsbury Col. Humphrey Mackworth Samuell Jones Bridgnorth Edward Waring Ludlow John Aston Stafford Sir Charls Wosley Thomas Crompton Thomas Whitgreave Litchfield Thomas Minors Stafford Town Martin Noell Newcastle on the Line John Bowyer Somerset Generall Disbrow John Buckland Alexander Popham Robert Long. John Gorges Francis Luttrell John Ash John Harrington Lislebone Long William Whindham Francis Roll Taunton Robert Blake Tho Gorges Bath James Ash Wells John Jenkyn Bridgwater Gen. Disbrow Bristoll Robert Aldworth John Doddrige Southampton Lord Richard Cromwell Maj. Gen. William Goffe Robert Wallop Richard Norton Thomas Cole John Bulkley Richard Cob Edward Hooper Elder Winchester John Hildesley Southampton Tomn John Lisle Lord Com. Portsmouth Thomas Smith Isle of Wight William Sydenham Thomas Bowreman Andover Thomas Hussey Suffolk Sir Henry Felton Sir Thomas Barnidston Henry North Edmond Harvey Edward Wineve John Silkmore William Bloys William Gibbs Robert Brewster Daniel Wall Ipswich Nathanael Bacon Francis Bacon Bury St. Edmonds Samuel Moody John Clark Dunwich Francis Brewster Sudbury John Fothergill Surrey Sir Richard Onslow Arthur Onslow Francis Drake Lewis Audley George Duncomb John Blackwell younger Southwarke Samuell Highland Peter De La Noy Guilford Maj. Gen. Thomas Kelsey Rigate John Goodwin Sussex Herbert Morley Sir John Pelliam John Flagg John Stapley Anthony Sherly George Courthoppe Sir Thomas Rivers Bar Sir Thomas Parker Chichester Hen Peckham Lewis Anthony Stapely Rye Mr. Hayes Arundel Sir John Trevor Warwick Richard Lucy Sir Roger Burgoyne Edward Peyto Joseph Hawksworth Coventry City William Purefoy Robert Beake Warwick Borough Clement Throckmorton jun. Worcester Maj. Gen. James Berry Sir Thomas Rous Bar. Edward Pitt Nicholas Lechmore John Nanfan Worcester City Edmond Giles William Collins Wilts Sir Anthony Ashly-Cooper Sir Walter St. John Bar. Alexander Popham Thomas Grove Alexander Thistlewaite John Bulkley Richard Grubam-how William Ludlow Henry Hungerford Gabriel Martyn New Sarum William Stone James Hâ—ely Marlebrough Charls Fleetwood L Gen Devises Edward Scotton Lancashire Sir Richard Houghton Col. Standish Col. Holland Westmerland Christopher Lister Thomas Burton WALES George Twisleton Oriffith Bedwrda Col. Phillip Jones Evan Lewis Col. John Clark James Phillips Lord Cleypool Maj. Gen Rowland Dakins John Glyâ— Robert Williams Col. John Jones Col. John Cartar John Trevor Edmond Thomas John Price Hugh Price Charls Lloyd John Upton George Gwyn Henry Williams SCOTLAND Col. Mitchell Col. David Barclay Col. Winthrope Sir John Weyms L of Boghe Sir Edward Rhodes Godfrey Rhodes Col. Talbot John Lockhart Lord Cocktum Mr Disbrowe Judge Swyntoun Mr. Kerr Judge Advocate Whalley Judge Smith Col. Salmon Sir James Mac-dowell The Earle of Tweeddale Robbert Woossey Sir Alexander Wedderburn Col. Henry Markham Col. Whetham Lord President Broghill Lord Provost Ramsey Commissary Lockhart Scoutmaster genâ— Downing Alexander Dowglas IRELAND Lord Broghill Maj. Gen. Jephson Vincent Gookin Sir John Reynolds Col. Abbot Mr. Halsey Col. Sadler Maj. Redman Maj. Owen Sir Theophilus Jones Sir Hardresse Waller Maj. Morgan Mr. Bisse Mr. Tigh Col. Fowke Maj. Aston Mr. Blagny Lieut. Col. Newborough Lieut. Col. Berisford Ralph King Col. Cooper Lieut. Col. Tragle Col. Ingoldsby Walter Waller Sir Robert King Col. Bridges John Davis Maj. Potter Maj. Ratlife Col. Suttleworth FINIS
and coats of Male or Armour some one thing some another to preserve their bodies from swords entring upon them They had also two or three Coaches that brought Ammunition in which were hand Granadoes and Bottles and some little barrells of powder and bullets and other necessaries if occasion was They had also some Boats ready to attend them at the water side if occasion was for them also Thus they came with a resolution to fall upon every English Gentleman they should find in or about the Exchange and entring in with this equipage the people were exceedingly frighted For first came in the Captaine in the Buffe who led them and after him the Portugall Ambassadors brother and the Knights of Malta and so the rest all with drawn swords and in so furious a posture as if they intended to kill every body they met with that stood before them Hereupon the people fled into the shops in the Exchange to shelter themselves and all that did not so they fell upon though no man gave them the least affront yet they pistol'd and cut and wounded many Mr. Greneway a Gentleman of Grayes Inne Son to the Lady Greneway was there with his Sister and a Gentlewoman whom he was to have married who desired them two to staâ—d up in a shop where he saw them safe and they would have had him to have staid with them but he said he would onely goe see what was the matter but he was no sooner parted from them but immediately the word being given by the Portugall Captaine in Buffâ— which was Safa which was the word when they were to fall on without any affront offered towards them one of them pistol'd him and shot him in the head and he is dead of his wounds and many others tâ—ey have dangerously wounded Col. Mayo had twelve upon him at once yet drew his sword and fought with them as long as he was able to hold his sword in his hand which being cut he was forced to let his sword fall and then cut and wounded him in many places Mr. Tho Howard Mr. Carter and divers others were wounded passing by The Horse at the Muse had taken alarm before they returned and returning home passing by the Muse some of the Horse mo ing towards them some of them discharged pistols towards the Horse and the rest run home to the Ambassadours house but the Horse guards took some of them and carried them into the Muse and sent word thereof to the Lord Generall and a party of horse pursued them and beset the Ambassadors house And Commis Gen. Whalley sent into the Ambassador acquainted him with this horrible attempt and bloody murther of his Followers and shewed him his men they had taken prisoners and required the chiefe of the rest of them to be delivered in the hands of Justice which the Ambassador was loath to doe But seeing he could not baffle them to stop the course of justce in so horrible a bloody businesse as that had been he delivered up his brother and one of the Knights of Malta and some others such as they had then information was chiefe and promised to secure the rest to be forth-coming any of them when they should be demanded After which the Ambassador made his Addresse to the Lord Generall and chiefly for his brother but his Excellency told him that it did concern the publick and therefore his Addresses must be to the Parliament and Councell of State It is such a horrible businesse that his Excellency would not meddle with him in it The Portugals that are in custody are prisoners at Jameses and the businesse is under Examination before the Councell of State For his Highness the Lord Protector of the Common-wealth of England Scotland and Ireland The Declaration with the humble Addresse of the Generalls and the severall Commanders present in the Fleet by them severally subscribed THat these Nations of England Scotland and Ireland having been for some years like the Bush which burned but is not consumed And though the Nations round about us stand gazing on to see us made a desolation as well as a hissing unto them yet we are hitherto by the mighty power of the Lord and his wonderfull out-goings amongst us made rather an astonishment in our preservation then a reproach by our ruine and devastation In which great Work of the Lord we acknowledge with thankfulnesse your Highnesse hath been a glorious Instrument and hath undergone many hardships and hazard of all that was near and dear unto you even to life it selfe and understanding by providence your Highnesse is intrusted with and hath excepted of the Protection of this Common-wealth in the Government thereof We are in hopes that the Lord intends a settlement of Peace to these poor distracted Nations and that our selves with all the people of the Lord shall enjoy and partake of the same under your Highnesse Protâ—ction according to the Rule of the Lord Jesus And therefore we have thought it necessary as a duty incumbent on us to Declare that we shall willingly be obedient and faithfull to your Highness in performance of your great Trust and also in the utmost hazzard of our lives with what else is near and dear unto us be serviceable unto you in the station the Lord hath placed you against yours and the Common-wealths Enemies in our severall places and capacities during our Employments And having had good testimony of your great affection and earning bowâ—â—ls after the weale of Gods people wee are emboldned anâ—â—ncouraged in all humility to make this following Addrâ—â—â— That your â—â—â—hnesse will be pleased to have a more speciall eye of faâ—â—â—â— unto them above all others in regard they are near and dear unto him who is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings even our Lord Jesus For which cause he is ashamed to call them brethren And doe humbly apprehend that their priviledges will be your priviledge And to account of them as of your greatest Jewells which will doubtlesse turne to your great advantage And hereby you will for time to come not onely ingage their hearts unto you who in times past have not stood at a distance from you but your Highnesse will also ingage the great Jehovah your and their Father to be be a refuge shield and defence unto you as well as an everlasting rest for you when all the storms of this Common-wealth shall cease which is and shall be the unfeigned prayers of Your Highnesse most humble and faithfull Servants Signed by the Generalls and the severall Commanders present in the Fleet. Monday Dec. 12. 1653. It being moved That the sitting of this Parliament was not for the peace of the Common-wealth and that therefore it was requisite to deliver up unto the Lord Generall Cromwell the powers which they received from him and seconded by severall other Members and the Speaker with many of the Members departed to Whitehall being the greater number and did by a writing under their
the Secretaries of the Councell After which the Lord Commissioner Lisle read a Parchment in the nature of an Oath to engâ—ge his Excellency to perform on his part according to the Government before mentioned During which tâ—me his Excellency held up his hand and having beard it read accepted thereof and subscribed thereto in the face of the Court. Then the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal and the Judges c. invited him to take possession of the Chair as Lord Protector of England Scotland and Ireland which he did and sate down with his head covered the Court continuing all bare The Lord Commissioners delivered up to his Highnesse the Purse and Seals and the Lord Mayor of London his Sword which were presently delivered to them back again by his Highnesse and then after a salute the Court rose First came the Aldermen and Councell before his Highnes from the Court to Westminster-hall Gate where the Coaches were after them the Judges then came the Commissioners of the Great Seal one of them bearing the Purse and Seals and before his Highnesse caâ—e the Life-Guard then four Serjeants of Arms with their Maces one being the Mace of the City of London the second of the Chancery the third of the Councell and the other of the Parliament born by the sword bearer of London Serjeant Middleton Serjeant Dendy and Serjeant Berkehead and the Lord Mayor of the City of London went before his Highnesse with the Sword and the Officers of the Army about his person and in the Pallace they took Coach at the Hall Gate and returned to White-hall in the same equipage they went the Lord Mayor rid bare with the Sword in the Boot of the Coach with his Highnesse and there were great Acclamations and shoutings all along the streets as they passed His Highnesse the Lord Protector being returned to Whitehall he went with his Attendants to the Banqueting House where they had an Exhortation made by Mr. Lockier Chaplain to his Highnesse which bing ended they were dimissed with three Vollies of shot by the Souldiers between four and five a clock at night Decemb. 19. 1653. His Highness the Lord Protector met with those named of his Councell in the Councell Chamber at White-hall it being the place where the Councell of State used to sit and severall things were Transacted in order to a settlement and this following Proclamation was ordered to be Printed and published on the Monday following This day this Proclamation following was published at Westminster and in the City of London by divers Serjeants at Arms with their Maces The Lord Mayor and Aldermen being present at the Exchange c. By the Councell A Proclamation WHereas the late Parliament dissolvâ—ng themselves and resigning their Powers and Authorities the Government of the Common-wealth of England Scotland and Ireland by a Lord Protector and successive Trienniall Parliaments is now established and whereas Oliver Cromwell Captain Generall of all the Forces of this Common-wealth is declared Lord Protector of the said Nations and hath accepted thereof We have therefore thought it necessary as we hereby doe to make Publication of the Premises and strictly to charge and command all and every person and persons of what quality and condition soever in any of the three Nations to take notice hereof and to conform and submit themselves to the Government so established And all Sheriffs Mayors Bailiffs and other Publick Ministers and Officers whom this may concern are required to cause this Proclamation to be forthwith published in their respective Counties Cities Corporations and Market Towns to the end none may have cause to pretend ignorance in this behaâ—fe Given at Whitehall this 16 day of Decem. 1653. December 21. 1653. His Highnesse the Lord Protector and the Councell being thirteen in number sate in the Councell Chamber at White-hall where his Highnesse in a sweet Speech to them pressed the Councell to act for God and the peace and good of the Nations and particularly recommended to them to consider and relieve the distresses of the poor and oppressed And severall things were Transacted in order to a quiet and peaceable settlement of these three Nations The Names of the Councell Mr. Lawrence the President L. Viscount Lisle Maj. Ge. Lambert Maj. G. Desbrow Maj. Ge. Skippon Col. Jones Col. Sydenham Sr Gilb. Pickering Sr Charls Wolsley Sir Anthoney Ashley-Cooper Mr. Rous. Mr. Strickland Mr. Major A Declaration for alteration of severall Names and Forms heretofore used in Courts c. OLIVER Lord Protector of the Common-wealth of England Scotland and Ireland and the Dominions thereunto belonging having the exercise of the chief Magistracy and the administration of Government within the said Common-wealth invested and established in his Highnesse assisted with a Councell who have power untill the meeting of the next Parliament which is to be on the third of September next to make Laws and Ordinances for the peace and welfare of these Nations where it shall be necassary which shall be binding and in force untill order shall be taken in Parliament concerning the same And the said Lord Protector finding it to be most necessary that some speedy and effectuall course be taken for setling the Names and Forms to be used in Patents Commissions and proceedings in Courts of Justice the said L. Protector by and with the advise consent of his said Councell and in pursuance of and according to the power and trust reposed in him and them doth declare and ordain and be it by the Authority aforesaid declared and ordained That in all Courts of Law Justice or Equity and in all Writs Grants Patents Commissions Indictments Informations Suits returns of Writs and in all Fines Recoveries Exemplifications Recognizances Proces and Proceedings of Law justice or equity within the said Common-wealth of England Scotland and Ireland and the Dominions thereto belonging instead of the Name Stile Title and Teste of the Keepers of the Liberty of England by Authority of Parliament heretofore used that from and after the 26 of Decem. 1653. the Name Stile Title and Teste of the Lord Protector for the time being of the Common-wealth of England Scotland and Ireland and the Dominions thereto belonging shall be used and no other and the date shall be in the year of our Lord and no other And that all Duties Profits Penalties Issues Fines Amercements and Forfeitures whatsoever which heretofore were sued for in the Name of the Keepers of the Liberty of England by Authority of Parliament shall from and after the said 26 of Decem. be prosecuted sued forth and recovered in the said name of the Lord Protector for the time being of the Common-wealth of England Scotland and Ireland and the Dominions thereto belonging and no other And in all or any of the proceedings aforesaid where the words were The Jurors for the Common-wealth or The Jurors for the Keepers of the Liberty of England by Authority of Parliament do say or present from and after the 26 of
Decem. it shall be The Jurors for the Lord Protector of the Common-wealth of England Scotland and Ireland c. doe say present and no other c. And it is further Ordained by the Authority aforesaid That in all Oaths to be given to any Grand or Petty Jury or to or for any Witnesses to give in Evidence to any such Jury or Juries and all other Oaths wherein the name of Keepers of the Liberty c. was wont to be used the same shall be given in the name of the Lord Protector instead of the name of the said Keepers c. any Law Usage or Custom to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding And it is lastly Ordained by the Authority aforesaid That such Forms and course of proceedings as was heretofore used in the name and time of the Keepers of the Liberty c. in Causes criminal or civil of which no alteration is made in this Ordinance shall stand and continue to be so used and observed as formerly that all Indictments Presentments Inquisitions Commissions Captions made with such Alterations Additions or Omissions as aforesaid or with such other Omissions Additions or Alterations as shall be proper and necessary for making good of Indictments Presentments Commissions Captions Inquisitions and supplying the sence and meaning thereof according to the present Government of this Common-wealth under the Lord Protector as aforesaid shall stand and be good and effectuall in Law to all intents and purposes as if the same had been particularly herein named any Law Custom or Usage to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding The Oath taken by his Highnesse Oliver Cromwell LORD PROTECTOR WHereas the major part of the last Parliament judging that their sitting any longer as then constituted would not be for the good of this Com did dâ—ssolve the same and by a writing under their hands dated the 12 day of this instant Dec. resigned unto Me their powers and Authorities And whereas it was necessary thereupon That some speedy course should be taken for the settlement of these Nations upon such a Basis and foundation as by the blessing of God might be lasting secure Property and answer those great ends of Religion and liberty so long contended for And upon full and mature consideration had of the Form of Government hereunto annexed being satisfied that the same through divine assistance may answer the ends aforementioned And having also been desired and advised as well by severall persons of Interest and Fidelity in this Common-wealth as the Officers of the Army to take upon Me the Protection and Government of these Nations in the manner expressed in the said Form of Government I have accepted thereof and do hereby declare My acceptance accordingly And do promise in the presence of God that I will not violate and infringe the matters and things contained therein but to My power observe the same and cause them to be observed And shall in all other things to the best of My understanding Govern these Nations according to the Laws Statutes and Customs seeking their Peace and causing Justice and Law to be equally administred O. CROMWEL OLIVER CROMWEL Captain Generall of all the Forces of this Common wealth and now declared Lord Protector thereof did this 16 day of Decem. 1653. sign this Writing and solemnly promise as is therein contained in presence of the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal of Engl. who administred the same Oath and of the Lord Mayor and Alderm of the City of London divers of the Judges of the Land the Officers of State and Arâ—y and many other persons of Quality His Excellencie Oliuer Cromwell Generall of all the Foâ—der of England Scotland Ireland Chancelour of the Vniuersity of Oxford 〈◊〉 Lord Protector of Eng Scot Ire Tho Ienner fecit The Government of the Common-wealth of England Scotland and Ireland 1. THat the Supreâ—m Legislative Authority of the Common-wealth of England Scotland and Ireland and the Dominions thereunto belonging shall be and reside in One Person and the people assembled in Parliament the Stile of which person shall be Lord Protector of the Common-wealth of England Scotland and Ireland 2. That the exercise of the chiefe Magistracy and Administration of the Government over the said Countries and Dominions the people thereof shall be in the Lord Protector assigned with a Councell the number whereof shall not exceed 21 nor be lesse then 13. 3. That all Writs Proces Commissions Patents Grants and other things which now run in the name and stile of the Keepers of the Liberty of England by Authority of Parliament shall run in the Name and Stile of the Lord Protector from whom for the future shall be derived all Magistracy and Honours in these three Nations and shall have the power of Pardons eâ—cept in case of Muder and Treason and benefit of all Forfeitures 〈◊〉 â—he publick use And shall Govâ—â—◠〈…〉 â—â—tions in all tâ—â—â—gs by the 〈…〉 to these presents and the 〈…〉 4. 〈…〉 sitâ—â—â—â—â—all dispose an◠〈…〉 â—â—th by Sâ—â— and Land for the 〈◊〉 and goodliâ—â—◠〈…〉 consent of Parliament And 〈…〉 advice and consent of the maâ—â—◠〈…〉 dispose and order the Misitia for the 〈…〉 â—he Intervaâ—â—â— of Parliament 5. That the Lord Protector by the advice aforesaid shall direct in all things concerning the keeping and holding of a good correspondency with Forreign Kings Princes States and also with the consent of the major part of the Councell have the power of war and peace 6. That the Laws shall not be altered suspended abrogated or repealed nor any New Law made nor any Tax Charge or Imposition laid upon the people but by common consent in Parliament save onely as is expressed in the thirtieth Article 7. That there shall be a Parliament summoned to meet at Westminster upon the third day of Septemb. 1654. and that successively a Parliament shall be summoned once in every third year to be accounted from the dissolution of the preceding Parliament 8. That neither the Parliament to be next summoned nor any successive Parliaments shall during the time of 5 months to be accounted from the day of their first meeting be adjourned prorogued or dissolved without their own consent 9. That as well the next as all other successive Parliaments shall be summoned and elected in manner hereafter exprest That is to say the persons to be chosen within Engl Wales the Isles of Jersey and Guernsey and the Town of Berwick upon Tweed to sit and serve in Parliament shall be and not exceed the number of four hundred The persons to be chosen within Scotland to sit and serve Parliament shall be and not exceed the number of thirty And the persons to be chosen to sit in Paâ—liament for Ireland shall be and not exceed the number of thiâ—ty 10. That the persons to be Elected to sit in Parliament from time to time for the severall Counties of Engl Wales the Isles of Jersey and Guernsey and the Town
Parliament shall as often as such failer shall happen assemble and be held at Westminster in the usuall place at the times prefixt c. 21. That the Clerk called the Clerk of the Commonwealth in Chancery for the time being and all others who shall afterwards execute that Office to whom the Returns shal be made shall for the next Parliament the two succeeding Trieniall Parliaments the next day after such Return certifie the names of the several persons so returned and of the places for which he and they were chosen respectively unto the Councel who shall peruse the said Returns and examine whether the persons so Elected and Returned be such as is agreeable to the Qualifications not disabled to be Elected And that every person and persons being so duly Elected and being approved of by the major part of the Councell to be persons not disabled but qualified as aforesaid shall be esteemed a Member of Parliament and be admitted to sit in Parliament and not otherwise 22 That the persons chosen and assembled in manner aforesaid or any sixty of them shall be and be deemed the Parliament of England Scotland Ireland and the Supream Legâ—slâ—tive power to be and reside in the Lord Protector and such Parliament c. 23. That the Lord Protector with the advice of the major pa t of the Councel shall at any other time then is before exprest when the necessities of the State shall require it summon Parliaments in manner before exprest which shall not be adjourned prorogued or dissolved without their own consent during the first three months of their sitting And in case of future war with any Forreign State a Parliam shall be forthwith summoned for their advice concerning the same 24. That all Bills agreed unto by the Parliament shall be presented to the Lord Protector for his consent and in case he shall not give his consent thereto within twenty dayes after they shall be presented to him or give satisfaction to the Parliament within the time limited That then upon Declaration of the Parliament that the Lord Protector hath not consented nor given satisfaction such Bills shall passe into and become Laws although he shall not give his consent thereunto provided such Bills contain nothing in them contrary to the matters contained in these presents 25. That Phillip L. Viscount Lisle Charls Fleetwood Esq John Lambert Esq Sir Gilbert Pickering Baronet Sir Charls Woolsley Bar. Sir Anthony Ashley-Cooper Bar. Edw Montagu Esq John Desbrow Esq Walter Strickland Esq Henry Lawrence Esq William Sydenham Esq Phillip Jones Esq Rich Major Esq Francis Rous Esq Phillip Skippon Esq or any seven of them shall be a Councell for the purposes exprest in this Writing and upon the death or other removall of any of them the Parliament shall nominate six persons of Ability Integrity and fearing God for every one that is dead or removed out of which the major part of the Councell shall elect two and present them to the Lord Protector of which he shall elect one c. 26. That the Lord Protector and the major part of the Councell aforesaid may at any time before the meeting of the next Parliament add to the Councell such persons as they shall think fit provided the number of the Councell be not made thereby to exceed 21 and the Quorum to be proportioned accordingly by the Lord Protector and the major part of the Councell 27. That a constant yearly Revenue shall be raised setled and established for maintaining of ten thousand Horse and Dragoons and twenty thousand Foot in England Scotland and Ireland for the defence and security thereof and also for a convenient number of Ships for guarding of the Seas besids two hundred thousand pound per annum for defraying the other necessary Charges for administration of Justice and other expences of the Government which Revenue shall be raised by the Customs and such other wayes and means as shall be agreed upon by the Lord Protector the Councel and shall not be taken away or diminisht nor the way agreed upon for raising the same altered but by the consent of the Lord Protector and the Parliament 28. That the said yearly Revenue shall be paid into the publick Treasury shall be issued out for the uses aforesaid 29. That in case there shall not be cause hereafter to keep up so great a Defence at Land or Sea but that there be an abatement made thereof the mony which will be sav'd thereby shall remain in bank for the publick Service and not be imployed to any other use but by consent of Parliament or in the intervals of Parliament by the Lord Protector and major part of the Councell 30. That the raising of money for defraying the charge of present extraordinary Forces both at Land and Sea in respect of the present wars shall be by consent in Parliament and not otherwise Save onely that the Lord Protector with the consent of the major part of the Councell for preventing the disorders and dangers which may otherwise fall out both at Sea and Land shall have power untill the meeting of the first Parliament to raise money for the purposes aforesaid and also to make Lawes and Ordinances for the peace and welfare of these Nations where it shall be necessary which shall be binding and in force untill Order shall be taken in Parl. concerning the same 31. That the Lands Tenements Rents Royalties Jurisdictions and Hereditaments which remain yet unsold or undisposed of by Act or Ordinance of Parliament belonging to the Common-wealth except the Forrests and Chases and the Honors and Mannors belonging to the same the Lands of the Rebels in Ireland lying in the four Counties of Dublin Corke Kildare Katerlaugh the Lands forfeited by the people of Scotland in the late wars and also the Lands of Papists and Delinquents in England who have not yet compounded shall be vested in the Lord Protector to hold to him and his Successors Lord Protectors of these Nations and shall not be aliened but by consent in Parliament And all Debts Fines Issues Amerciaments penalties and profits certain and casuall due to the Keepers of the Liberties of Engl by Authority of Parliament shall be due to the Lord Protector and be payable unto his publick Receipt and shall be recovered and prosecuted in his Name 32. That the Office of the Lord Protector over these Nations shall be Elective and not Hereditary and upon the death of the Lord Protector another fit person shall be forthwith Elected to succeed him in the Government which Election shall be by the Councell c. Provided that none of the Children of the late King nor any of his Line or Family be Elected to be Lord Protector or other chief Magistrate over these Nations or any the Dominions thereto belonging And untill the aforesaid Election be past the Councell shall take care of the Government and administer in all things as fully as the Lord Protector or
Samuell Moyer John Langley John Stone Henry Barton Praise-God Barboue Wales Bushy Mansel James Philips John Williams Hugh Courtney Richard Price John Brown Scotland Sir James Hope Alex Bredy John Swinton Will Lockart Alex. Jefferies Ireland Sir Robert King Col. John Hewson Col. Henry Cromwel Col. John Clark Daniel Hutchinson Vincent Gookyn Called in by the Parliament since they sate Lord Gen Cromwell Maj. Gen. Lambert Maj. Gen. Harrison Maj. Gen. Desborough Col. Mat. Tomlinson Councell of State THe Lord Generall Maj. Gen. Desbrow Maj. Gen. Harrison Mr. Major Col. Sydenham Sir Anthoney Ashley Cooper Ald. Tichbourne Sir Charles Wolsley Sir Gilbert Pickering Mr. Carew Col. Jones Lord Viscount Lisle Mr. Lawrence Col. Mountague Mr. Strickland Cap. Howard The Lord Eyre Sir William Roberts Mr. Sadler Sir Robert King Col. Henry Cromwell Dr. Goddard Col. Barton Sir William Brownlow Cap. Stone Col. George Fleetwood Col. James Mr. Anlaby Mr. Bennet Col. Rous Col. Bingham An ACT Declaring what Offences shall be adjudged Treason BE it Enacted by this present Parliament and by the Authority of the same That if any person shall maliciously or advisedly publish by writing Printing or openly declaring that the said Government is Tyrannicall usurped or unlawfull Or that the Commons in Parliament assembled are not the supream Authority of this Nation or shall plot contrive or endeavour to stir up or raise force against the present Government or for the subversion or alteration of the same and shall declare the same by an open deed that then every such offence shall be taken deemed and adjudged by Authority of this Parliament to be high Treason That if any person shall maliciously and advisedly plot or endeavour the subversion of the said Keepers of the Liberties of England or the Councell of State and the same shall declare by an open deed or shall move any person or persons for the doing thereof or stir up the people to rise against them or either of them they or either of their Authorityes every such offence shall be taken deemed and declared to be high Treason If any person not being an Officer Souldier or member of the Army shall plot contrive or endeavour to stir up any mutiny in the said Army or withdraw any Souldiers or Officers from their obedience to their Superiour Officers or from the present Government as aforesaid or shall procure invite aid or assist any Forreigners or strangers to invade England or Ireland or shall adhere to any Forces raised by the Enemies of the Parliament Common-wealth or Keâ—per of the Liberties of England or if any person shall counâ—efeit the Great Seale of England for the time being used and appointed by Authority of Parliament every such offence shall be taken to be high Treason and also forfeit unto the use of the Common-wealth all and singular his or their Lands Tenements and Heriditaments Goods and Chattells Provided alwayes that no persons shall be indicted and arraigned for any of the Offences mentioned in this Act unlesse such Offenders shall be indicted or prosecuted for the same within one year after the Offence committed That if any person shall counterfeit the money of this Common-wealth or shall bring any false money into this Land counterfeit or other like to the money of this Common-wealth knowing the money to be false to merchandize or make payment in deceit of the people of this Nation Or if any person shall hereafter falsly forge and counterfeit any such kind of Coyn of Gold or Silver as is not the proper Coyne of this Common-wealth and is or shall be currant within this Nation by consent of the Parliament or such as shall be by them authorized thereunto Or shall bring from the parts beyond the Seas into this Common-wealth or into any the dominions of the same any such false and counterfeit Coyne of money being currant within the same as is above said knowing the same to be false to the intent to offer or make payment by merchandize or otherwise or shall impaire diminish falsifie clip wash round file scale or lighten for wicked lucre or gaines sake any the proper moneys of this Common-wealth or any other Realm allowed and suffered to be currant All such Offences adjudged high Treason their counsellours procurers aiders and abettors being convicted shall suffer paines of death It shall not extend to or be adjudged to make any corruption of blood to any of the Heires or to make the wife to forfeit her Dour or her title action or interest in the same July 17. 1649. A Relation of the Mutiny on Tuesday the 22 of Nov 1653. in the New Exchange of the Portugall Ambassadors Followers c. THis night was a great Mutiny at the New Exchange in the Strand such as hath scarce ever been the like The businesse upon the best information that I can have from those who were present in part of the businesse and have conferred with others upon the whole is this On Munday night which was the night before three of the Portugall Ambassadours family whereof his brother was one being at the New Exchange they talking in French spake of such discourse of Transactions of some English Affaires which Col. Gerhard Sir Gilbert Gerhards brother understanding the French Tongue hearing told them very civilly that they did not represent the stories they spake of right whereupon one of the Portugalls gave him the lie upon that they began to justle and all three fell upon Col. Gerhard and threw him down and got upon him but tho he be but a little man yet he threw him off that was upon him and so was bustling with him a good while there were some Gentlemen there but knew not who it was they so assaulted and so ne'r medled with them and yet one of the Portugalls with his Dagger stab'd Col. Gerhard in the shoulder and hurt him sore but afterwards Mr. Anfrazer spake to the Portugalls that it was not civill nor handsome for so many to fall upon one three to one being very unequall and endeavoured to pull one of them off and so to perswade them to cease and thereby he came to see who it was they had assaulted who finding it to be Col. Gerhard which he knew well and seeing them still pursue their rage upon him he drew to relieve him and after some bustle the Portugalls went away one of them having a cut upon his cheek and that night afterwards near twenty of their Attendants came to the Exchange and would have quarrel'd with any body and some cuffing there was by some but not much more that night for it was late and they returned home On Tuesday night came about fifty of the Portugalls againe to the New Exchange of which number were the Ambassadours brother and two Knights of Malta and they were led on by a Portugall in Buffe whom they call Captaine one well known to some in the Exchange and they had generally double Arms all or most part of them swords and pistolls