Damages and on the 18 th of November Mr. Rosewel was Trayed and sound Guilâ—y of High-Treason for Speaking words in a Meeting-house at Rederiff and on the 20 th Elias Best received Judgment for speaking certain words and was Fin'd 1000 l. Ordered to stand Twice in the Pillory and to find Sureties for good Behaviour during Life and a Rule was made for all Clerks of the Peace and common Clerks of several Cities Towns and Burroughs for Extracting the Names of such as had been Defaulters in refusing to go to Church into the Exchequer On the 24 th of November Dr. Mew was Translated from the See of Bath and Wells to that of Winchester vacant by the Death of Dr. Morley In this Month several desperate Persons in the Kingdom of Scotland affixed in the Night time a Paper on divers Crosses in the Towns and Villages and doors of Churches declaring War against the King under the Name of Charles Stuart and their Resolution to kill and destroy all that Served and Adhered unto him and in Pursuance thereunto about 36 Footmen and 16 Horse coming in the Night time to a Country Inn called Swiney Abby Seized on Two of the Kings Horse-Guards in their Beds and cuting them in peices carryed away a great deal of their Flesh as in Triumph On the 2 d. of December the Artillery Company kept their Anual Feast at Merchant Taylors-Hall where their Royal Highnesses the Duke of York as their Captain General and the Prince of Denmark were present with many of the Nobility and other Persons of Quallity and were Splendidly Entertained And the Duke of Albemarle being made Recorder of Colchester was received there on the 20 th with great Splendor and the Earl of Bath was Constituted Governour of Plymouth to whom the Inhabitants of several Corporations delivered up their Surrenders and Charters desiring him to lay them at His Majesties Feet which he performed with a Petition on their behalf the King accepted them with demonstrations of his Favour saying he very well remembered the Duty and Loyalty of that Country viz. Cornwall and was very well pleased with this fresh demonstration of it by them and for the better securing the Roads a Proclamation was put forth for the Apprehending Highway-men with the Reward of 10 l. upoâ— Conviction And in Scotland on the 23 d. of December Robert Baily was Tryed and found Guilty of endeavouring to stir up Rebellion in the Kingdom and in the Afternoon was Executed as in Case of High-Treason and his Head and Quarters set up in divers places and now many of the Cities and Corporations of England having delivered up their Charters had the same or new ones Restored as Leeds Carlisle Lincoln c. and an Order of the Courts of Kings-Bench and Common-Pleas was Published that all Clerks and Attorneys should Enter themselves in one of the Inns of Court or Inns of Chancery or dwell as near as possible leaving word with the Buttler of the places of their Aboads upon pain of being put out of the Roles of Clerks and Attorneys On the 13 th of January the King sent to the Lord Mayor of the City of London a Silver-Box Sealed up with his own Seal in which was Inclosed the Receipts of the several Cements used by the Pattentees of making Sea water fresh as also the Receipt of the Metalline Composition and Ingredients certified under the Hand of the Honourable Mr. Robert Boyle to be kept so Sealed up by the present and Succeeding Lord Mayors least a Secret of so great Importance to the Publick might come to be lost if lodged only in the knowledge of a few Persons herein Concerned On the 25 th of January Dr. Thomas Kenn was Consecrated Bishop of Bath and VVells by the Lord Arch Bishop of Canterbury and other Assistant Bishops the next day did Homage to the King but now to the Grief of all Loyal English Men the Life of this Great Monarch who had Tryed the Smiles and Frowns of Fortune and seen her in all her shapes grew to a Period for on the Second of February he was taken as he was rising with a violent fit of the Appoplexy and it was given out by some that he was Dead which caused the Councel on the Fourth to publish the following Notice viz. At the Council Chamber White-Hall the 4 th of February 1684. at Five in the Afternoon The Lords of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council have thought fit for the preventing false Reports to make known that His Majesty upon Monday Morning last was seized with a most violent Fit that gave great Cause to fear the Issue of it but after some hours an Amendment appeared which by the blessing of God being improved by the Application of seasonable and proper Remedies is now so advanced that the Physicians have this Day as well as Yesterday given this account to the Council viz. That they conceived his Majesty to be in a Condition of Safety and that he will in a few Days be freed from his Distemper but they were deceived in their Account for on the Sixth of February he Dyed having been pestered and tormented at his Death by the impertinency of Father Hudleston and other Popish Priests who now growing bold as perceiving this Monarch past Recovery had the Impudence to bring their Trumpery about him and after his Decease to give out that he Dyed a Roman Catholick and Wrote several Pamphlets and Libels to justifie their Assertions Upon the Death of this Prince his Brother was immediately Proclaimed King by the Stile of James the Second c. at White-Hall-Gate Temple-Bar and before the Royal-Exchange with the usual Solemnity having caused all the Lords and Others of the Deceased King's Privyvy-Council that were present to be Sworn of His Privy-Council and an Order was Published for all that were in Places of Trust to continue them till further notice there being a Clause in the Order viz. Reserving in his own Judgment hereafter the Reformation and Redress of any abuse in Misgovernment upon due Knowledge and Examination thereof Notwithstanding which the Popelings who knew this was their time to play their Cards soon undermined a great many Worthy Persons and got them out of their Employments but the Church of England being at present look'd upon as the main Pillar of the Throne the King spared not to give that Church especial promises of his Favour c. in the following Speech made at his first Sitting in Council My Lords Before I enter upon any other Business I think sit to say something to you since it hath pleased Almighty God to place me in this Station and I am now to Succeed so Good and Gracious a King as well as so Kind a Brother I think fit to Declare to you That I will endeavour to follow his Example and most especially in that of his great Clemency and Tenderness to his People I have been reputed to be a Man for Arbitrary Power but that is not
the only Story that has been made of me And I shall make it my endeavour to preserve this Government in Churcb and State as it is now by Law Established I know the Principles of the Church of England are for Monarchy and the Members of it have shewed themselves Good and Loyal Subjects Therefore I shall allways take Care to defend and support it I know too that the Laws of England are sufficient to make the King as great a Monarch as I can wish and as I shall never depart from the Just Rights and Prerogative of the Crown so I shall never invade any Man's Property I have often ventured my Life in Defence of this Nation and I shall still go as far as any Man in preserving it in all its Just Rights and Liberties Upon this fair promising Speech the Lords of the Council became Humble Suitors to the King that it might be Printted and Published for the Satisfaction of the People which was accordingly done and although some People as yet doubted of K. James's being a Roman Catholick he now put them out of doubt by going publickly to the Chappel so that these Protestant Lords that waited on him thither would not enter with him but attended his coming out c. On the 9 th of February a Proclamation was Exhibited for continuing the Collection of Customs and Subsidies of Tonage and Poundage and Orders were taken for the Funeral Solemnity of the Deceased King and every one that appeared or attended at Court were commanded by an Order of the Earl Marshal to be in the deepest Mourning except Long Cloaks and that as well the Lords as Privy Councelloâ— and Officers of his Late Majesties as of the present Houshold should cover their Coaches and Chairs and cloath their Livery Servants with Black Cloath and that none presumed to use any Varnish or Bullion Nails to be seen on their Chairs or Coaches except his Majesty the Queen Consort Queen Dowager and their Royal Highnesses and the Proclamation Ceremony was upon notice performed in all the chief Cities Towns and Places of the Three Kingdoms c. and a great many Addresses of Condolence and Congratulation were presented from the Societies and Inns of Court and from divers parts of the Kingdom before the Funeral of Charles the Second was performed to particularize which would be too tedious to the Reader and swell this Book at too large a Price nor was Scotland behind in these Proceedings for the Lords Spiritual and Temporal and others of the Council proceeded in their Formalities to the Market Cross and made the Solemn Publication and returned a suitable Answer to the Letter the King had sent them to give notice of what had happened an other was sent in the Name of the Arch-Bishops and Bishops of that Kingdom of Congratulation and Condolence Ireland appeared not behind Hand for his Grace the Duke of Ormond Lord Lieutenant of that Kingdom having received the News on the 10 th of February in the Evening The next Day the Ceremony of Proclaiming was performed and a Proclamation was issued forth on the 16 tb directing the payment of the Duty arising by Excise and the Right Honourable Lawrence Earl of Rochester Lord President of the Council was appointed Lord High-Treasurer of England the King Declaring the Lord Marquess of Hallifax Lord President of the Council in his stead Likewise the Earl of Clarendon Lord Privy Seal and the D. of Beaufort Lord President of Wales who were sworn accordingly The Lord Godolphin was appointed Chamberlain to the Queen and Henry Bulkly Esq Master of his Houshold Sir Stephen Fox eldest Clark of the Green Cloth Sir William Boreman second Clark Sir Winston Churchil Eldest Clark-Comptroller and Sir Richard Mason Youngest Clarkâ—Comptroller being in the same Places during the Reign of King Charles the Second And for some time an industrious Party laboured to accost the Court with Addresses being the prime subject of publick Papers and the great Business of the Lord Chief Justice Jefferys at this time was against Higlers and Carryers for carrying Letters some of which were tryed and fined at the Kings-Bench Bar Westminster Many Forreign Ambassadors arrived with Complements of Condolance and Congratulation and the Solemnity of the Coronation being appointed on the 23d of April being St. Georges day a Proclamation was issued forth bearing date the sixth of March in order to the Preparation on that occasion and the King resolving to call a Parliament to sit at Westminster on the 19th of May great Preparations were made upon the Writs being issued out in order to Elect Members for the Shires Cities Boroughs c And an Order bearing date the 20th of March was Published for the Apprehending of Highway-men and Robers any Person so doing before that Order should be recalled upon Conviction to have Ten Pounds as a Reward And a great many Officers were changed in the Kingdom of Ireland whereupon sundry Addresses ensued On the 14 th of April 1685. the Ambassadors of the States General of the United Provinces made their Publick Entery and had a House made Ready for their Reception in St. James's Square and had their first Publick Audience on the 20 th being Conducted to it by the Lord North and Sir Charles Cotterel Master of the Ceremonies And the 23 d. of April being come the Proceeding of the Coronation Set in Order passed from VVestminster Hall to the Abby and there was performed with the usual Ceremonies very Splendid and Magnificent which ended it returned to the aforesaid Hall where a Royal Entertainment was prepared and the King's Champion came in on Horse-Back and made his Challenge c. and most of the Towns throughout England were that Night filled with Bone-Fiers And on the same Day the Parliament of Scotland met at Edenburg and passed on the 28 th Two Acts one for settlâ—ng the Protestant Religion and the other for settling the Excise of Inland and Foreign Commodities upon the King and his Lawful Heirs and Successors for ever On the 30 th of April Sir Roger Le' Estrange Author of the Observatâ—r was Knighted in the King's Bed-Chamber and on the 6 th of May his Grace the Duke of Norfolk was Elected Knight Companion of the Noble Order of the Garter and invested with the George and Garter having first been Knighted by the Soveraign The Enemies of Dr. Oats having by this time prevailed against him he was tryed on the 8 th and 9 th of May upon Two Informations of Willful Perjury at the Kings-Bench Bar Sir George Jefferys being Lord Chief Justice and after a long Hearing a Verdict passed against him upon either Indictment and his Sentence proved very severe and was put in Execution with all manner of Rigour yet he lived contrary to the Expectation of Many to weather that Storm and see the short Triumph of his Enemies On the 28 th of May a Proclamation was Published in Scotland for the stirring up the several Counties and Shires for
Gracious Letter into our Consideration hoping shortly by the Blessing of God to fall upon such Resolutions as may be Acceptable to Your Majesty secure the Protestant Religion and Establish the Government Laws and Liberties of this Kingdom upon solid Foundations most agreeable to the General Good and Inclination of the People As for the Proposals of the Union we doubt not but Your Majesty will so dispose the Matter that there may be an equal Readiness in the Kingdom of England to Accomplish it as one of the best means for the securing the Happiness of these Nations and setling a lasting Peace we have hitherto and still shall endeavour to avoid Animosities or Prejudice which might disturb our Councils that as we Design the Publick Good so it may be done with the General Concurrence and Approbation of the Nation and in the mean time we Desire the Continuance of Your Majesties Care and Protection towards us in all our Concerns whereof the kind Expressions in Your Gracious Letter has given us full Assurance Signed c. On the 31 st of March Dr. Gilbert Burnet Bishop Elect of Salisbury was Consecrated according to the Form prescribed in the Book of Common-Prayer in the Chapple in the Pallace of Fullham by the Bishops of London Lincoln Landaff St. Asaph and Carlisle by vertue of a Commission granted them by his Grace the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and now by Reason of this great Revolution Hillary Term being omitted an Act was passed for renewing of Actions and Processes lately depending in the Courts at Westminster and discontinued by the not holding the said Term and for supplying the defect relating to proceedings at Law an Act for exhibiting a Bill in the present Parliament for the Naturalizing the most Noble Prince George of Denmark and an other for punishing Officers or Soldiers that shall Mutiny or Desert their Majesties Service On the 3 d. of April at a Chapter held of the most Noble Order of the Garter Duke Frederick Mareschal d' Schomberge General of his Majesties Forces and Master General of the Ordinance and the Right Honourable William Earl of Devonshire Lord Steward of his Majesties Houshold were elected Knights Companions of the Noble Order and were invested with the Garter and George having been first Knighted by the Sovereign with the usual Ceremonies and the Lord Bishop of Salisbury was sworn and admitted Chancellour of the Order A great many Arms being imbezled by the Soldiers that had formerly been disbanded or were diserted a Proclamation was Published for their Discovery commanding the Delivery and bringing in such Arms and other Matters relating thereto with a value set to such as should bring them in or Discover them On the 5 th of April his Grace the Duke of Ormond was Installed in St. Georges Chapple at Windsor Knight and Companion of the Noble Order of the Garter with the usual Ceremonies and about this time the King published a Declaration to assure such English as were in his Service in the Low-Countries of full English pay upon the English Establishment as full to all Intents and Purposes as any other Regiment of his Subjects remaining within the Kingdom of England and proceeded to make many Creations of Honour conferring them on worthy Patriots of their Country and on the 9 th of April coming to the Parliament House He passed an Act for the Establishing the Coronation Oath an Act for Naturalizing the most Noble Prince George of Denmark and settling his Precedence an Act for Naturalizing Frederick Count Schomberge and others and Two Regiments were Embarqued for Ireland under Collonel Coningham and Collonel Richards and other Preparations made to follow them in order to relieve the Protestants that yet held out The Convention of the Estates of Scotland for several Reasons mentioned in an Act for that Purpose declared King Iames to have forefaulted the Right of his Crown and that the Throne was became Vacant and thereupon Voted and Ordered that the Committee for setling the Government should bring in an Act for setling the Crown upon their Majesties William and Mary King and Queen of England and to consider the Terms of Destination of Heirs of the Crown and likewise to prepare and bring in an Instrument of Government to be offered with the Crown c. And about this time a Barbarous Murther was committed upon the Person of Sir George Lockheart President of the Sessions in that Kingdom one Cheesely shooting him through the Back as he was going from Church because he had compelled Cheesely to allow his Wife and Children Maintenance for which the Murtherer was tortured to oblige him to confess his Accomplices but he accused noman whereupon he was sentenced to have his Hand cut off and nailed to the Gallows and then to be hanged and afterward hanged in Chains which was accordingly Executed The 11 th of April being appointed for the Day of their Majesties Coronation at Westminster great were the Preparations and their Majesties being come from White-Hall to Westminster the Nobility c. being put in order by the Heâ—aulds they came down into Westminster Hall where the Sword and Spurs were presented to them After which the Dean and Prebendaries of VVestminster having brought the Crowns and other Regalia presented them sevarally to their Majesties which with the Sword and Spurs were delivered to those Lords that were appointed to carry them Then the Procession began in this manner Drums and Trumpets six Clerks in Chancery two a Breast as all the rest of the Proceeding went Chaplains having Dignities Aldermen of London Masters in Chancery Solicitor and Attorny General Gentlemen of the Privy-Chamber Judges Children of Westminster and of the Kings Chapple Cheair of Westminster Prebands of Westminster Master of the Jewel-house Privy-Councellors not Peers Two Pursuivants Barronesses Borons Bishops a Pursuivant a Viscountess Viscounts twoâ—Heraulds Countesses Earls a Herauld a Marchioness two Heraulds Dutches Dukes two Kings of Arms the Lord Privy-Seal Lord President of the Council Arch-Bishop of York his Royal Highness the Prince of Denmark two Persons Repesenting the Dukes of Aquitain and Normandy Then the Lords who bore Their Majesties Regalia viz. The Earl of Manchester St. Edwards Staff the Lord Grey of Ruthin the Spurs the Earl of Clare the Queens Scepter with the Cross the Earl of Northampton the Kings the Earls of Shrewsbury Pembroek and Derby the Three Swords Then Garter King at Arms between the Usher of the Black-Rod and the Lord Mayor of London the Great Chamber-Lain single the Earl of Oxford with the Sword of State between the Duke of Norfolk Earl Marshal of England and the Duke of Ormond Lord High Constable for the Day then the Earl of Bedford with the Queens Scepter of the Dove and the Earl of Rutland with the Kings the Duke of Boulton with the Queens Orbe and the Duke of Grafton with the Kings the Duke of Somerset with the Queens Crown and the Earl of of Devonshire who was made High Steward of England for
many and perhaps their own were found not Guilty For as soon as they were at Liberty they went to visit other Countries John Evans and William Lloyd Two Popish Priests were condemned at the Assizes holden at Cardriff About the latter end of August the King fell sick at Windsor and had divers dangerous Fits of a Tertian Ague and continued for many days indisposed insomuch that People began to be in doubt of his Recovery The News of which being speedily conveyed to the Duke his Brother in Flanders he hasted over and on the 2 d. of September contrary to the Expectation of many arrived at Windsor and told the King ' that hearing of his Indisposition he thought he could do no less then come to wait upon him and see how he did adding he was ready as soon as his Majesty pleased to return into Flanders or any other part of the World he should Command him to go to ' It having amongst other things been discovered that Four Ruffians were hired to kill the King at Windsor He put forth his Proclamation for Apprehending them but they made their escape till the storm was over and now the Duke of Monmouth upon some Matters suggested falling into the King's Displeasure had many of his Great Offices and Places of Trust taken from him and Ordered to leave the Court Whereupon he passed the Seas for Holland but finding in his Progress into other Parts that it was not safe for him considering the Attempts that might be made upon his Person of which he had warning through the many Affronts he had given him he returned soon after without being sent for And Writs being issued out for the Calling a Parliament to Sit at Westminster On the 7 th of October a Proclamation was Ordered to be issued out to Prorogue the Sitting to the 30 th of the said Month And the Duke and Dutchess of York had Leave to go to Scotland whither upon her Arrival from Holland they departed in few Days and a Commission was Ordered for the Prorogation of the Parliament till tthe 26 th of January and the Earl of Shaftsbury was removed from being President of the Council and the Earl of Radnor was appointed President and Sir William Jones getting leave of the King to quit his Place of Attorney General Sir Creswel Levins was appointed to that Station Sir Robert Clayton having been chosen Lord Mayor for the City of London he on the 29 th of October was sworn at Westminster before the Barons of the Exchequer and returning went to Guild-Hall with the accustomed Splendor and Magnificence where the Judges and a great many of the Nobility accompanied him at a Sumptuous Entertainment And this Month the King Ordered a Proclamation to be issued out for the more effectual and speedy Discovery and Prosecution of the Popish Plot for now the Papists growing more confident began to ply their Instruments for shaming their Plot upon the Protestants and some dangerous Papers were found in the bottom of Mrs. Celliers Meal Tub for which she was committed Prisoner to New-Gate especially upon Thomas Dangerfield's making his Discovery as likewise one Mrs. Rugaut and John Gadbury was committed to the Gate House the Earl of Castlemain to the Tower and other Persons accused were taken into the Custody of the King's Messengers one great Matter was that Dangerfield had been hired or induced to Plant several Treasonable and Dangerous Papers in Collonel Roderick Mansel's Chamber importing a designed Insurrection of divers Protestants with a List of some designed for Officers c. And the Countess of Powis being likewise accused by Dangerfield was committed to the Tower and divers Persons being examined before the Council acknowledged several Circumstantial Matters that strengthened Dangerfield's Evidence whereupon he had his Pardon as likewise had one Serjeant a secular Priest whom the King on this Occasion had sent for out of Holland And another Proclamation was put forth for the more Effectual Discovery of Jesuits and of the Estates belonging to them or to any Popish Colledge Seminary or other Popish and Superstitious Foundation And the King about this time granted a General Pardon to those concerned in the Late Insurrection in Scotland except some of the Ring-leaders and particularly the Murtherers of the Arch-Bishop of St. Andrews in case they Signed a Bond upon Condition never to rise up in Arms against Him or His Authority the which Five taken at Bothwell-Bridge were so obstinately Foolish as to refuse and to justifie their Proceedings Likewise to declare the Murther of the Arch-Bishop no Sin whereupon after Tryal they were Sentenced by the Lords Justicers to be Hanged in Chains at the place where the Murther was committed which was put in Execution and on the 24 th of November the Duke and Dutchess of York arrived at Edenburg and were received by most of the Nobility residing in those Parts and he soon after Received into the Privy-Council of that Kingdom On the 12 th of December a Proclamation was Issued out for the prorogation of the Parliament of England to the 11 th of the ensuing November and the King appointed a Committee of the Lords of His Privy Council to consider the most effectual means for putting the Laws in Execution against Papists and the suppression of Popery and other matters tending to that Affair and that the Justices of Peace should be permitted to Search Somerset-House at any time in the Queens absence as also St. James's for Priests and Papists And in January David Joseph Kemish William Russel alias Nap Henry Starkey William Marshal James Corker Lionel Anderson alias Munson Charles Parris alias Parrey and Alexander Lundsden were Arraigned at the Old Baily for High Treason upon the Statute of the 27 th of Elizabeth who being born Subjects of the King of England and having taken orders of Priest-hood by the authority derived from the See of Rome had come and remained in England contrary to the Statute and all but Keemish whose Sickness rendered him incapable of it were Tryed and six Convicted of High Treason and afterwards by Judgment attainted according to the Statute but a special Verdict was found for Lundsden he being a Scotch man and a Question arising whether he was within the purvey of the Statute or no but however being Convicted only as Priests none of them suffered but after a long Imprisonment in Newgate got their Liberty On the 9 th of February amongst other Matters Gadbury pleaded his Pardon at the Kings Bench Bar Westminster and Sir Thomas Gascoin a Roman Catholick having been accused by one Baldron and Mobray he was Tryed upon an Information of High Treason but was acquitted Sir Lionel Ienkins upon Mr. Secretary Coventry's request to leave that Station was appointed Secretary of State On the 24 th of February the Duke and Dutchess of York arrived from Scotland and were received by the King with much Joy and Satisfaction And the King having released a Judgment obtained upon a Quo
time together with some Examples made of Kidnappers detered those Leud People from puting so great a Wickedness in Practice The Earl of Murray being Appointed the Kings High-Commissioner in Scotland the Parliament of that Kingdom according to Adjournment met the 29 th of April where the High Commissioner let them know the Kings Esteem of their Loyalty and what was further to be done and Expected c. And now the French Protestants coming over in great Numbers a Book was Published of the Cruelties acted by the French King and his Ministers towards his Subjects of the Reformed Religion at which the French Ambassador Residing at the English Court found himself much Agrieved pretending it Reflected upon his Master whereupon an Oâ—der was put out to Supress it and to Discover the Translator and Printer that they might be Prosecuted and that a Printed Copy in French and another in English should be Burnt by the Hands of Common Hang-man which was accordingly done before the Royal Exchange On the 10 th of May the Parliament meeting at Westminster and some Debates Arising about Papists and other unqualified Persons who had got into Offices of great Trust without taking the Oaths Test or Sacrament according as the Law Required under a Penalty of 5000 l. They were further Prorogued to the 22 d. of November and a Proclamation was published forbiding all Persons from using the Trade of a Pedler or Petty Chapman unless such as should be Licensed or Authorized and Offices were appointed for that purpose but the Countries as well as a great number of poor people finding the In-convenience of it it soon fell and came to nothing On Wednesday May the 13 th Her Royal Highness the Princess Ann of Denmark was Delivered of a Daughter at Windsor which was Christened by the Lord Bishop of Duersem being Named Ann Sophia On the 14 th of May Miles Prance commonly called the Brass Siver-smith a person who had been Instrumental in the Discovery of the Death of Sir Edâ—mund Bury Gâ—dfry was brought to the Kings-Bench-Bar and an Information there Exhibited against him for Wilful and Malicious Perjury as to the Evidence he gave at the Tryal of Green Bury and Hill who were Executed at Tyburn for the aforesaid Murther where upon the Information being Read after some preamble he Pleaded Guilty and declared his Sorrow for what he had done Aledging he had falsly Sworn against those persons though but a very few believed but that fear of Punishment and hopes of Reward made him go backâ— and deny what not only in Courts but other places he had so frequently Avered and being brought up the last day of the Term he was Fined 100 l. and ordered to Appear before the Courts of Westminster with a Paper on his Head Declaring his Offence and that he should stand in the Pillory before Westminster-Hall the Royal Exchange and at Charing Cross and moreover be Whiped fron New-gate to Tyburn yet the Fine and Whiping were afterwards Remitted On the 21 th of June Mr. Samuel Johnson was Tryed at the Kings-Benchâ—Bar upon an Information of High-Misdemeanour for Writing and Publishing a Paper Advising the Protestant Soldiers and Seamen not to joyn with the Papist to ruin the Protestant Religion for which a Verdict was given against him and he received a very severe Sentence which was executed with great Rigour for about this time the Council of the Priests began openly to prevail and they gloried to exert the Influence they had over some Magistrates to Rigour and Cruelty against such especially as had opposed their Practices and proceeded to set up and build Chapples and places for publickly Celebrating Mass and divers were troubled for opposing them though the Law was expresly against their proceedings A great Robbery having in the Kentish Road been committed on the Holland Mail and as much Dust Gold taken out as came to about 3000 l. Richard Alborough Oliver Haly John Conde who were concerned in the Robbery were brought to the Kings Bench Bar where the first confessed the Fact and the two others were found Guilty and received Sentence as in case of Fellony and Robbery c. The Charter of New-England about this time was proceeded against and Judgment obtained upon Scire Faciâ—s whereupon followed many Alterations in that Collony Sir Edmond Andrews being appointed Governour and divers that had formerly held places were dismissed On the 22 th of August the King Named Dr. Cartwrite Dean of Rippon to be Bishop of Chester and Dr. Samuel Parker Arch-Deacon of Canterbury to be Bishop of Oxford those Sees being Vacant by the Death of Dr. John Pearson and Dr. John Fell And the King began his Progress into the VVest where he Conferred the Honour of Knight-hood on divers Persons and laboured to settle the Minds of the People which were disturbed by the bold attempts of the Popish Clergy and the continuing many in Office that were no ways Favourers of the Protestant Religion and Visited Marleborough Badminster Bristol Bridgwater VVillton Southampton Portsmouth c. and was very splendidly entertained On the 8 th of October the Earl of Tyrconnel was Sworn of the King 's Privy Council and took his Place at the Council-Board at VVhite-Hall accordingly and the Parliament was Prorogued to the 15 day of February by Proclamation and the 14 th of October the King's Birth-Day by an express Command was kept with great strictness in London VVestminster c. and on the 17 th Dr. John Lloyd Bishop of St. Davids Dr. Samuel Parker Bishop of Oxford and Dr. Thomas Cartwrite Bishop of Chester were Consecrated at Lambeth c. On the 29 th of October Sir John Peak was sworn Lord Mayor of the City of Loâ—don before the Barons of the Exchequer at VVestminster and the City received him with the usual splendour and magnificence and on the 22 th of November the Parliament meeting was further Prorogued as specified by Proclamation to the 15 th of February And in the beginning of January the King appointed the Lord John Bellasis Sidney Lord Godâ—lphin Henry Lord Dover Sir John Earnly and Sir Stephen Fox Commissioners for executing the Office of Lord High Treasurers of England and the Parliament by Proclamation was further Prorogued to the 28 th day of April 1687. On the 2 d. of February the Lady Anne Sophia youngest Daughter to their R. Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Denmark dyed after about a Fort-nights Illness and on the 4 th privatelyâ—Interâ—ed in the Vault of the Royal Families in K. â—Henry the VII Chapple and unhappily to second this misfortune the Lady Mary Daughter to their Royal Highnesses dyed the 8 th of February in the Evening after an Illness of 3 Weeks and was privately Interred as the former on the â—0 th And about this time the Right Honourable the Earl of Clarendon being re-called the Earl of Tyrconnel to the little satisfaction of the Proteâ—â—ants was appointed Lord Deputy of the Kingdom of Ireland where after
and should be Recommended by the Lord Lieutenants On the 30 th of September divers of the Bishops were sent for to White-Hall and received into Favour and the King let them know that he would signifie his pleasure for taking off the Suspension of the Lord Bishop of London which was done accordingly and a Proclamation was Published giving notice of the suddain Invasion expected from Holâ—and and the Writs that had been Issued out for Election of Members to sit in Parliament were by this Proclamation re-called and discharged and all People Commanded to be in a readness foâ— Defence and charged on pain of High Treasâ—â— noâ— to be Corresponding Aiding 〈◊〉 or Countenancing any of the Inâ—aders 〈◊〉 And hereupon the Dukâ—â— of 〈…〉 â—erwick were Elected Knight◠〈◊〉 of the Order and 〈…〉 the â—arter and George having 〈◊〉 first Knighted by the Soveraign and 〈◊〉 â—ew Commissions were given out to raise Men in divers Counties whâ—lst some â—oble Men came in to offer their Service And now the Church of England came again into the Thoughts of the Court the King being pleased to declare in Council on the 5 th of October That in pursuance to his Intention and Resolution to Protect the Church of England and that all Suspitions and Jealousies to the contrary might be removed He thought fit to dissolve the Commission for Causes Ecclesiastical c. And accordingly gave Directions to the Lord Chancellour that it might be forth-with done And his Grace the Duke of Newcastle was appointed Lord Lieutenant of the Three Ridings of the County of York On the 6 th the City of London had re-restored to her all her Ancient Franchises and Priviledges as fully as she injoyed them before the Judgment upon the Quo Warranto and the Lord Chancellour Jefferys brought an Instrument of Restitution and Confirmation under the great Seal of England and Sir John Eyles who by appointment succeeded Sir John Shorter he Dying before the expiration of his Mayoralty had his Quietus Sir Iohn Chapman being by this Instrument appointed Lord Mayor until the Feast of Simon and Jude and was Sworn in the Guild-Hall with the usual Solemnity and the Aldermen that were in being at the time of the said Judgment were restored to their places and the Vacancies left to be supplyed by Election according to the Ancient Custom And from this Message no doubt the Chancellor took a presage of his falling Greatness for instead of being received with Shouts and Acclamations he was affronted in his return by several Inferiour Persons and took it very patiently contrary to his wonted fiery Humour yet the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Sheriffs Addressed the King upon this occasion as likewise did the Lieutenancy of the City And the Lords of the Privy Council of Scotland sent a Letter signed by many of them to let the King know into what a Postuâ—â— they had put that Kingdom for Defence On the 10th of October the King was pleased to signifie That having received several Complaints of great Abuses and Irregularities committed in the late Regulations of Corporations He thought fit to Authorize and Require the Lords Lieutenants of the several Counties to inform themselves of all such Abuses and Irregularities within their Lieutenancies and to make forthwith Report thereof to himself together with what they conceived fit to be done for redressing the same and that then be would give such further Orders as should be requisite And hereupon some few Addresses followed and the Lord Bishop of Winchester was impowered as Visitor of St. Mary Magdelens Colledge in Oxford to settle the Society regularly and statutably whereupon the Popish Tribe was turned out and those worthy Persons who had been causelesly dismissed restored to their fellowships c. and had power to chuse themselves a President On the 13 th of October Sir John Chapman was Elected Lord Mayor for the enâ—suing Year and Sir Humphry Edwin and Mr. John Fleet afterwards Knighted by the King were Elected Sheriffs and Siâ— Peter Rich Chamberlain And a Proclamation bearing Date the 〈◊〉 was puâ—lished for restoring Corporatione to theâ— ancient Charters Liberties Râ—ghts and Franchises and to displace many of those who bore Offices or haâ— plâ—ces of Truff unduly obtained by the taking away such Charters or put in by the Regulators and leave for 〈◊〉 aâ— had been wrongfully 〈…〉 though late this 〈…〉 he had been abâ—â—ed and Imposed on by such as sought their own advantage and revenge before his â—rue Interest and the well-fare of the Kingdoms And now the Infant having before been privately Christened was Solemnly named at the Chapple of St. James's amidst the Ceremonies and Rites of Baptism as used in the Church of Rome viz. James Francis Edward the Pope by his Nuncio standing for God-Father and the Queen Dowager as God-mother and divers new Lord Lientenants were appointed in the Countys c. And a Proclamation bearing date the 20 th of October was published for driving all Cattle of Draught Oxen c. 20 Miles from the Shoar and that the Coasts should be diligently Guarded which was given in charge to those that were in power in the respective Counties as well Civil as Miâ—itary And although a considerable Army was on Foot under the Command of the Earl of Feversham as also a Fleet at Sea under the Command of the Earl of Dartâ—outh yet such parâ—â—ck â—ear had seized the Priests and such Ministers of State as wore 〈◊〉 of evil Practices that they were prâ—parâ—â— to be on the Wing and made it a great part of theâ—â— Business to gaze upon the Weather-Cocks and observe which way the Wind stood and to that end a Vane was placed on the highest part of the Banquetting-House where it yet remains and Sutlers were Incouraged more than ordinary to follow the Army with Provisions and other Necessaries And now the Legality of the Birth of the Infant being much discoursed of abroad an Extraordinary Council was called on the 22 th of October where by the King's desire and appointment the Queen Dowager and divers of the Peers as well Spiritual as Temporal that were about the Town as also the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London and the Judges with several of the Kings Council at Law the Ladies Lords and others that were present at the time the Queen was held to be in Labour did likewise appear and Declare upon Oath what they knew concerning or relating to the Biâ—th c. which was afterward published at large and soon after Theirs and other Deâ—ositions were by the Kings Order Inrolled in Chancery and about this time the Eaâ—l of Sunderland was removed from being principal Secrecary of State and the Lord Viscount Preston appointed to take that Office upon him and the Wind for the most part continued at S. W. and by S. so that though all things were in a readiness and the Dutch Fleet labouring to get to Sea it was for a time obstructed which made the Priests Insinuate into the
best men On the 16 th of December the King went to the House of Lords at Westminster attended with the usual Solemnity and gave the Royal Assent to An Act granting to their Majesties an Aid of two Shillings in the Pound for one Year An Act for Declaring the rights of the Subject and settling the Succession of the Crown And some other Acts for Naturalizing Persons c. On the 23 th of December the King passed an Act to prevent Doubts and Questions concerning the Collection of the Publick Revenue An Act to punish Officers and Soldiers who shall mutiny or desert their Majesties Service and for punishing false Musters And a private Act for settling a Joynture c. On the first of January a Chapter being held by the Soveraign and Knights Companions of the most Noble Order of the Garter Frederick Elector of Brandenburgh was chosen a Knight Companion of the Order into the Stall of the Late Elector of Brandenburgh his Father The King of Denmark having sent about 6000 Horse and Foot to assist their Majesties of Great Britain Shipp'd in a very considerable Fleet they notwithstanding the projects of the French to disappoint it arrived safe in England and Scotland and were kindly received and care taken for passing them into Ireland to which Service they were chiefly designed being all well Disciplin'd and well Accourtred Men. On the 16 th the King came to the House of Lords and being Seated on the Throne the Commons attending gave the Royal Assent to An Act for a Grant to Their Majesties of an additional Aid of 12 d. in the Pound for one Year An Act for the Charging and Collecting the Duties upon Coffee Tea and Chocolate at the Custom-House and a private Act. And for the firmer settlement of the Kingdom of Scotland by putting the places of greatest Trust in confiding Hands His Majesty has been pleased to Constitute Lords Commissioners For the Great Seal The Duke of Hamilton the Earl of Argyle and the Earl of Southerland For the Privy Seal The Earl of Forfar the Earl of Kintore and the Lord of Carmichael For the Treasury The Earl of Crawford the Earl of Cassels the Earl of Tweddale the Lord Ruthuen and Mr. Melvil For the Clerk Register's Office The Lord Betheaven the Master of Burleigh Sir Duncan Campbell of Auclimbreak Sir Thomas Burnet of Lays and John Hay of Park Sir George Campbell of Cesnock Lord Justice Clerk On the 27 th of January His Majesty being seated on the Throne in the House of Lords sent for the Commons and gave the Royal Assent to An Act for the renewing of the Poll Bill and for an additional Poll. An Act to prevent Vexations Suits against such as acted in order to the bringing in their Majesties and Four private Acts. And then proceeded to make the following Gracious Speech My Lords and Gentlemen I Am very sensible of the readiness you have shewed to supply me with Money for the carrying on the Wars I am engaged in That I am glad of this occasion to give you Thanks for your careful dispatch of that matter which was absolutely necessary for the common safety The best return I can make your Kindness is to assure you that as far as it will goe it shall be imploy'd to the purposes it was given It is a very sensible Affliction to me to see my good People Burthened with heavy Taxes but since the speedy recovering of Ireland is in my Opinion the only means to ease them and to preserve the Peace and Honour of the Nation I am resolved to go thither in Person and with the Blessing of God Almighty endeavour to reduce that Kingdom that it may â—o longer be a Charge to this And as I have already ventured my Life for the Preservation of the Religion Laws and Liberties of this Nation so I am willing again to expose it to secure you the quiet enjoyment of them The Spring draws on and it being Requisite I should be early in the Field I must immediately apply my Thoughts to give Orders for the necessary Preparations which that I may have the more leisure to do I have thought convenient to put an End to this Sessions Then Mr. Speaker by His Majesty's Command said My Lords and Gentlemen IT is His Majesties Pleasure that this Parliament be Prorogued to the second Day of April next And this Parliament is Prorogued to the second Day of April next And thereupon His Majesty returned to his Palace FINIS