there at that time the Assailants were with great slaughter repulsed and beaten down the Cannon in the mean time from the English Fleet in the Splinter firing their broadsides upon them being directed by four great Torches set up at the four corners of the Fort how to avoid damaging it Yet about four a Clock in the morning the D. of York commanded the assault to be renewed which was done with greater fury but to as little purpose or advantage as before so that day light approaching they were forced to retreat carrying away the dead in Waggons which were judged to be some hundreds though the number was not certainly known Since force would not prevail the Duke designed to attempt the regaining this important place by stratagem to which purpose he imployed a Scotch Knight who was well acquainted with General Reynolds to represent to him the advantages he might obtain by serving the King and promoting his Interest and Restoration which it seems so far prevailed that Reynolds agreed to give the Duke a meeting betwixt Dunkirk and Mardike with a party of Horse on either side At their approach Reynolds shewed much respect to the Duke and some private discourses passed between them which were never made publick and then the General returned to the Fort and 〈◊〉 Duke to Dunkirk The Protector having Intelligence of this Enterview dispatcht away a messenger to command General Reynolds instantly to London which he with Coll. White and the Generals Secretary readily obeying and taking the first ship that was ready and would venture to go off which was a Dutch Pink of 100 Guns in a stormy Night Dec. 12 a Frigate offering to wait upon him the next morning he was cast away the same Night on the back of the Goodwin-sands his Chest Sword and Belt being found thereabout and Coll. Morgan commanded in his place About this time there happened Wars between the two Northern Crowns and the Danes having attacked Bremer-warden a very strong place and soon after master'd it the Protector sent Sir Philip Medows Envoy to the K. of Denmark and Coll. Jephson to the K. of Sweden then journying out of Poland where he was ingaged in War likewise to meet this new Enemy They were both well received and during this Mediation the Protector sent supplies of 2000 men and arms to his Ally the K. of Sweden Mean while the protector at home was swearing his Privy Council persuant to one of the Arricles of the humble petition and advice and his Son Richard was made one and also Chancellor of the University of Oxford His Son Henry was constituted Lord Deputy of Ireland and his Son-in-law the Lord Fleetwood was designed to be Lord Commissioner of Scotland where General Monk at present commanded He likewise in this interval of Parliament made choice of several persons to fill up the other House or House of Lords according to the fourth Article of the Petition and Advice being sixty two in number many of whom refused to appear or act with them their Names were these Lord Rich. Cromwel L. Henry Cromwel L. Commissioner Lisle L. President Lawrence Lt. Gen. Fleetwood Robert E. of Warwick Edw. E of Manchester L. Say and Seal L. Viscount Lisle L. Viscount Howard Philip L. Wharton L. Falconbridge L. Ewers John Cleypool John Desborough General Montague Bulstrode Whitlock William Sydenham Sir Charles Woolsey Sir Gilb. Pickering Maj. Gen. Skippon Walter Strickland Francis Rous John Jones Sir Will. Strickland Sir Francis Russel Sir Tho. Honeywood Sir Arth. Haslerig Sir John Hobard Sir Rich. Onslow Sir Gilb. Gerrard Sir William Roberts John Glyn Oliver Sr. Johns Will. Pierepoint John Crew Alex. Popham Philip Jones Sir Christopher Pack Sir Robert Tichbourn Edward Whaley John Berkstead Sir John Hewson Sir Thomas Pride Sir George Fleetwood Richard Ingoldsby James Berry William Goff Thomas Cooper Edmund Thomas General Monk David Earl of Cassills Sir VVilliam Lockhart Lord VVarreston VVilliam Steel Roger Lord Broghill Sir Matt. Tomlinson VVilliam Lenthall Richard Hamden He likewise made three Commissioners of the Great Seal Nath. Fiennes John Lisle VVilliam Lenthall Master of the Rolls Judges of both Benches Of the Hoper Bench John Glyn L. C. Justice Philip-VVarlinton Richard Nudigate Oliver St. John Of the Common Bench Edward Atkyns Matchew Hale Hugh VVindham Barons of the Exchequer Attorney General Robert Nicholas John Parker Roger Hill Erasmus Earl Edmund Prideaux Sollicitor General VVilliam Ellis The time of the prorogation of the parliament being expired they make their appearance again and the persons above-named met in the House of Lords where the protector coming he sends to the Commons to tell them that he desired their attendance in the House of Peers wither the Speaker and the Members go to whom he makes a very pleasing speech concluding That if they would go on to prosecute what they had begun they should be called the blessed of the Lord and the Generations to come would bless them After which the Lord Commissioner Fiennes spake to them declaring what occasions the Government had for money and that the money already granted though it was thought sufficient yet fell much beneath the expence and necessity of the state especially that Tax upon the new buildings falled altogether of what was expected and intended by it and so recommended the whole affair to their consideration Being sate in their Houses the other House sent to the Commons by two of their Members a message for a day of Humiliation and were returned with this answer The House will consider of it and then they Voted that for two months time liberty should be given to exhibit any petitions against undue Elections and consented to a Fast which was kept within the walls of both Houses by Dr. Reynolds Mr. Caryl Mr. Calamy and Mr. Griffith The parliament according to the fourth Article of the Petition and Advice which says That no Members legally chosen should be excluded from performance of their duty but by consent of parliament immediately proceed to the calling over and re-admitting those members which had formerly been secluded by the Protector to His Highness great discontent The House being now full began to flight the other House which they said being a power created by a part of a parliament ought not to have a Negative Voice over a full House and at length they proceeded to question the protectors power in calling and authorizing them to sit as an House of Peers The protector doubting to what height these debates might arise Feb. 4. 1657. he goes to the House of Lords and by the Usher of the black Rod sends to acquaint the Commons of his being there so the speaker and members coming to the Bar His Highness sitting under a Chair of State made a long speech and in conclusion told them That it did concern his Interest as much as the publick peace and tranquillity of the Nation to dissolve this parliament and therefore he did now put an end to their sitting So
Protector All the great Offices of the Common-wealth such as Chancellor Keeper of the Seal Governor of Ireland Admiral c. if they become void in parhament time to be supplied by their approbation or in intervals of parliament with the approbation of the Council The Christian Religion as it is contained in the Holy Scriptures to be the publick profession of the Nation and those that administer it to be maintained by the publick but by some way more convenient and less liable to envy than Tythes None are to be compelled to consent to the publick profession by fine or any punishment ever but only by perswasion and arguments None that profess Faith in Jesus Christ are to be prohibited the exercise of their Religion provided he do not quarrel with nor disturb others except the papists and prelatists who are debarr'd that License All Sales of Estates made by parliament to stand good All Articles of War to be made good And lastly the protector and his successor upon entring that charge to swear to procure by all means the peace quiet and welfare of the Common-wealth to observe these Articles and to administer all things in his power according to the Laws Statutes and Customs of England After this Dec. 16. 1653. the protector came from White-Hall to the Chancery Court at Westminster attended by the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal of England the Barons of the Exchequer and Judges in their Robes the Council of the Common-wealth the L. Mayor Aldermen and Recorder of London in their scarlet Gowns and many of the chief Officers of the Army A Chair of State being set the Protector stood on the left hand thereof uncovered till the Instrument was read which he subscribed in the face of the Court and then swore to perform as follows I promise in the presence of God not to violate or infringe the matters and things contained in the Instrument but to observe and cause the same to be observed and in all things to the best of my understanding will govern these Nations according to the Laws Statutes and Customs and to seek their peace and cause Justice and Law to be equally administred Hereupon he sate down covered in the Chair the Lords Commissioners then delivered him the Great Seal of England and the Lord Mayor his Sword and Can of maintenance which he instantly returned Then the Court rose and the Protector was attended back as before to the Banquetting House at White-Hall the Lord Mayor bare headed carrying the Sword before him where an exhortation being made by Mr. Nicholas Lockier one of his Chaplains the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Judges departed And thus was the Protector confirmed in this high Dignity tho' many of his Officers and former admirers were much discontented thereat but to command obedience the Council emitted the following Proclamation which was published in England Scotland and Ireland Whereas the late Parliament dissolved themselves and resigned their powers and Authorities the Government by a Lord Protector and successive elective parliaments is now established And whereas Oliver Cromwel Captain General 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 do 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 said three Nations totake notice hereof and to conform and subject themselves to the Government so established And all Sheriffs Mayors Bayliffs c. are required to publish this proclamation to the end that none may have cause to pretend Ignorance in this behalf The Protector began his reign with seeming serenity and when the different parties in Religion made their complaints to him against each other he usually told them That his power was no greater in the Nation than a Constables which was to keep peace and quietness among all parties And persuant to the power given him by the new Instrument he supplies the several Courts at Westminster with the ablest Judges and Lawyers and the City of London to shew their concurrence to this great change invite the Protector to Dinner at Grocers-Hall Feb. 8. being Ashwednesday the Streets were railed to Temple-bar the Livery men standing in their Gowns he was met at Temple-bar by Alderman Vyner Lord Mayor who delivered him the Sword and receiving it again bore it on Horseback bare-headed before him all the way After a Noble enterrainment he was served with a Banquet in the conclusion whereof he Knighted Sir Tho. Vyner and would have done the same to the Recorder Steel but he declined it The Hollanders being weary of the Wars which they had maintained with such little success and so great cost send commissioners to treat with the pretector for a peace between both Nations which at length was concluded both with the King of Denmark and the Dutch who were to pay the charge of the War money being very necessary in his new Government and in April following it was proclaimed with great solemnity in London the two Dutch Ambassadors making magnificent Treatments and Fire-works to demonstrate their satisfaction therein The Protector now sends his eldest Son Henry into Ireland of which he was made Lord Deputy soon after and General Monk was sent into Scotland Likewise the Lord Whitlock who was sent Ambassador by the last parliament to the Q. of Sweden had now a new commission sent him from the Lord protector in whose Name he continued the Treaty with that Crown and afterward finished it In March following Monsieur Bordeux was sent Ambassador to England from the French King and Sir Anthony Ashly Cooper Coll. Sydenham and Mr. Strickland were appointed Commissioners by the protector to treat with him so that he was owned abroad as well as at home King Charles was then in the French Court who finding that notwithstanding his own and his Mothers endeavours to the contrary the Treaty between France and England was vigorously prosecuted by Cardinal Mazarine and foreseeing that if the peace were concluded he and his party must be obliged to depart France he thought it more Honourable voluntarily to leave that Kingdom than to stay till he were forced out by a complement so the King with his Brother the Duke of York and his Cousins Prince Rupert and Edward retired to Chattillon a House of the Prince of Condes from whence soon after the King and Prince Rupert went into Germany and indeed it happened as they suspected for one of the Articles of the French King with the protector was That none of the Royal Family of England should reside in the Dominions of France In Feb. 1654. several persons were committed to the Tower about a conspiracy against the protector the chief whereof Sir Gilbert Gerrard Coll. John Gerrard his brother the E. of Oxford Mr. Philip Porter Mr. Vowell a School-master at Islington and in June following an High Court
Trained Bands and with sâ—ones beat the Captain out of the Fields taking away his Colours with which they marched in the head of a disorderly Rout increasing continually by the way to Westminster crying out They were for King Charles but by a Troop of Horse out of the Mewse were soon dispersed yet running back into the City and others joining them they remained all Night in a body to the great terror of the Citizens so that the Lord Mayor who was for the Parliament escaped privately out of his House and went to the Tower In the morning Fairfax sent part of his Army into the City who drove them into Leaden-Hall taking some prisoners and scattered the rest so that this Tumult was instantly suppress'd for which service he had the thanks of the Parliament and some of the principal Citizens and a thousand pound gratuity to his Souldiers May 26. about three hundred came out of Surry to Westminster with a Petition to the Parliament wherein they demand That the King should be presently restored to his former Dignity and come to Westminster with honour freedom and safety to treat personally there about all Controversies That the Army should presently be Disbanded and the free people of England be governed by their known Lâ—ws and Statutes These Petitioners were so earnest for an answer that they would not stay â—â—ll the Parliament could debate it but set upon the Souldiers that guarded the House of whom some they hurt and killed one Whereupon some Horse and Foot were sent from the Mewse who gave them a feeling answer killing some and scattering the rest so that they were utterly vanquished At the same time the Kentish-men were coming with a Petition and a formidable Army to back it being inraged at the death of their Companions who raised a Tumult at Canterbury to prevent their arrival Gen. Fairsax was sent with seven Regiments to Black-Heath In the mean time some small Insurrections happened in Suffolk at Stamford and in Cornwall but were soon suppress'd by Coll. Wait Sir Hardrefs Waller and others Sir Thomas Glemham had seized upon Carlisle and Sir Marmaduke Langdale upon Berwick and fortified it and the Royalists had taken the strong Castle of Pomfret To manage these Wars in the North Coll. Lambert was left with some Regiments of Fairfaxes Army but the most formidable danger seemed to be in Wales where Poyer Powel and Langhorn three Parliament Collonels had raised an Army of eight thousand men by a Commission from Prince Charles but Collonel Horton with three thousand ingaged them near Peterstone and totally routed and put to flight their whole Army A great slaughter was made and about three thousand prisoners taken equal to the number of the Victors among whom were one hundred and fifty Officers many Colours a great quantity of Arms with all their Cannon Langhorn and Powel escaped with Poyer into Pembrook-castle Cromwel himself about the beginning of May was sent into Wales with some Regiments who coming to Chepstow-castle resolved to besiege it but hastening to Pembroke he left Coll. Ewer at Chepstow who within fifteen days took that Castle and klled Kemish to whom the Governour had treacherously surrendred it May 20. Cromwel came to Pembrook of which Collonel Poyer was Commander who relying on the great strength of the place refused all conditions being sensible that time was very precious with the Parliament who were surrounded with so many difficulties at once but Cromwel to whom despair was altogether a stranger prepared for the Siege being much furthered in his work from the Sea by the great Industry of Sir George Ayscough who continually furnish'd him by the assistance of a Squadron of Ships with great Guns and Provisions of all sorts from Bristol Having taken a full survey of the strength of the Castle he resolves to batter it with his Cannon because he had notice their Powder and other provisions would soon be spent and that the divisions he heard were among them might occasion them to yield and so save the loss of his men of whom he was very careful since so much Work lay upon their hands In the mean time he strictly guarded the Trenches to prevent them from coming out which had the effect he expected Hunger if not breaking through stone Walls yet occasioning them to deliver up the Town and Castle the Souldiers upon Quarter but Langhorn Poyer Powel and some others upon mercy which the rest found but Poyer was shot to death While Cromwel was acting these things in Wales Fairfax with his seven Regiments marched from Black-Heath toward Rochester and about Gravesend a great number were got together and among them above twenty Knights Esquires and Gentlemen of the County with several of the Kings old Commanders but they durst not ingage Fairfax though more numerous some marching to Maidstone a few to Rochester others to Dover to besiege that Castle but were soon removed by Coll. Rich and Sir Mich. Livesey About two thousand were got to Maidstone and resolved to defend it which they did with such obstinacy that the valour of Fairfax and his Souldiers were never tryed so much before nor a Victory got with greater danger for after they had broke into the Town with much difficulty they found a War in every Street and Cannon planted against them so that they were forced to fight for every corner of it but at length with the loss of forty men it was taken two hundred of the Royalists being slain and fourteen hundred made prisoners four hundred Horse and two thousand Arms taken and it was remarkable that at the same time another Army of many thousand Kentish-men coming from Rochester to aid their Friends yet when they came near durst not assist them but stood in sight while Fairfax took the Town Kent seemed now to be quiet when the Lord Goring with the remains of the Kentish-men being about two thousand marched as far as Greenwich sending to see how the Citizens stood affected to the business but while he staid expecting an answer some Troops of the Army came in sight upon which Goring and all his company fled the Horsemen persuing took some Booty and the Kentish-men generally went home to their own Houses but the Lord Goring with about five hundred Horse coming to Greenwich they got Boats and passed over into Essex and the Lord Capel with Forces out of Hartford-shire and Sir Charles Lucas with a body of Horse joined him at Chelmsford with several of the Kings Souldiers and many Londoners who flock'd to them The General followed them crossing the Thames at Gravesend and at length drove them into Colchester where after near three months Siege being reduced to that extremity as to live several VVeeks upon Horse-flesh despairing of relief they at length yielded themselves prisoners Sir Charles Lucas and Sir George Lisle being shot to death At this time Cromwel marches Northward to endeavour to prevent the danger from Scotland from whence D. Hamilton was marching
the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London and other persons of Quality all expressing the sence of their obligations Soon after he took his place in parliament and received the thanks of the House from the Speaker and then gave them a full account of the present condition of Ireland At this time Virginia and the Caribbee Islands revolt from the parliament and cry up the Monarchy and Liturgy who thereupon prohibit all Nations to Trade with them and in a few months they are wholly subdued by a Fleet sent thither under Sir G. Ayscough Prince Rupert infests the English Coasts from Scilly Jersey Ireland and France with the States revolted Ships to the great loss of the Merchants whereupon a Fleet well equipt is set forth against him who block him up in Kinsale which Town being taken by Cromwel they were forced to hasten away leaving three Ships behind and sailed to Lisbon where they were protected by the King of Portugal which caused a difference between that King and the English Republick About the same time that is May 3. 1649. Dr. Dorislaus who drew up the charge against King Charleâ— being sent as an Envoy to the States of Holland was treacherously murdered at the Hague by persons in disguise that broke into his Lodgings and afterward made their escape And not long after Mr. Anthony Ascham the English Agent in Spain was stabâ—d in his Inn in his way to Madrid and the murderers taking sanctuary in a church the King of Spain by all his authority could not bring them to Justice But the greatest danger to this new Common-wealth though victorious in Ireland seemed to be from Scotland for King Charles II. being in the Isle of Jersey and having notice of the great factions and differences in that Kingdom between the Covenanters and the Royalists he gives a commission to the Marquess of Montross who in the year 1645. was so successful for a time that the whole Kingdom of Scotland may be said to have been won and lost in one month by which commission he was to raise Forces in Holland and other parts wherewith if possible to abate the power of the Covenanters so that the King might be able to treat with them upon better terms He accordingly in a short time sends some Forces into the Isles of Orkney and a few more under Sir James Mongomery to the North of Scotland These the Committee of Estates resolve to oppose though raised for the Kings service and send propositions to him to Jersey which being granted they would enter into a Treaty to restore him to that Kingdom the substance whereof were That he would sign the solemn league and covenant and oblige all persons to take it To confirm all Acts of parliament in the two last Sessions and to have no Negative voice in their parliament and would appoint some place about Holland to treat in The King consented and promised in the word of a Prince to perform them and Breda a Town in Holland belonging to the Prince of Orange was the place appointed where the Scots Commissioners meet him and the Treaty in a short time was fully concluded wherein one Article was That the Marquess of Montross and his adherents be prohibited access into that Kingdom During this Treaty Montross being commissioned by the King fearing he should have an express command to desist and himself be banish'd his country landed as you heard at Orkney and in the North with some inconsiderable supplies of men and money against whom the parliament then sitting send an Army of seven thousand Foot and three Troops of Horse who utterly defeat his Forces which were only twelve hundred of whom two hundred were slain and all the rest taken except one hundred who made their escape and Montross himself who being three or four days in the open Fields without meat or drink with only one man discovered himself to the L. Aston but the pronused reward or fear of concealing him caused this Lord to send him to Edenburgh and he was soon after condemned and hanged upon a Gallows thirty foot from the ground and a few days after Sir John Urrey Sir Francis Hay Collonel Sâ—bald and Collonel Spotswood were beheaded for the same cause the last at his death confessing he was an actor in the death of Dr. Doritâ—aâ—s The King was somewhat startled at these proceedings but the Scots Commissioners desired him nor to stumble at these matters since they were all designed to promote his Interests so that finding it could not be redressed he was forced to conceal his resentments and the Treaty being finished the King prepared for his Voyage to Scotland The parliament of England having exact Intelligence of all these proceedings it was debated whether the War which was inevitable between them and the Scots should be Offensive or Defensive at length being sensible what desolations they brought along with them when they came in as Friends and afterwards as Enemies in Duke Hamiltons Invasion it was concluded to make Scotland the seat of the War and accordingly they Order the Army to march Northward but General Fairfax as well as some others being dissatisfied about the obligation of the National Covenant entred into between both Kingdoms which he conceived would not permit us to make War on Scotland desired to be excused and delivered up his commission which at first was a little startling but the parliament soon found another General of whose valour and conduct they had large experience which was Cromwel who accepted of the charge and had a commission to be General of all the Forces that now were or hereafter should be raised by the Common-wealth of England and all commissions formerly granted to Sir Tho. Fairfax were made void June 28. 1650. Cromwel with his Army marched toward Scotland and was received at York by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen with great respect The report of his coming surprized the Committee of Estates who sent a Letter to the Parliament That they admired the English should advance toward them and that many of their Ships were seized contrary to the Act of pacification which allowed three months warning and that the Forces they had raised were only in their own defence defiring to know whether those of the English were designed to guard their own borders or to invade Scotland The parliament by their Declaration declare the reasons of their proceeding and among others That the Scots endeavour to seduce the people of the Common-wealth of England from their affection and duty to the parliament and to promote the laterest of the late King under pretence of the Covenant and though they could claim no authority or dominion over us yet in Scotland they proclaimed Charles Stewart to be King of England and Ireland and since that promised to assist him against the Common-wealth and had declared against the English parliament and Army ranking them with malignants and papists These with many others were such intolerable provocations and no satisfaction being
and both marched in sight of each other a great Bog between only hindring their Engagement though the Cannon plaid on both sides Cromwel drew forth a forlorn to charge them leading them on in person and coming near their body one that knew the General fired at him with a Carbine but timerously which Cromwel observing called out and told him That if he had been one of his Souldiers he would have cashiered him for firing at such a distance This action of his was thought to have more of courage in it than discretion the Scots unwilling to ingage returned back to their Quarters Next day Aug. 28. the great Guns from the English Camp plaid hard upon the Scots and greatly annoyed them all which could not provoke them to fight but still kept within the protection of their Bog the English being in some want of provisions marched to their old Quarters at Pencland-hills and from thence with much difficulty to Muscleborough to recruit and then drew off their Forces quitted their Garrisons and marched to Hadington The Scots attending on their right wing fell into their Quarters with a resolute party and were as valiantly repulsed by a Regiment of Foot commanded by Collonel Fairfax Sept. 1. The Scots being advantagiously drawn up at the West-end of the Town the English drew Eastward into a fair and Champion ground fit for both Armies to ingage in but after several hours expectation of the Scots approach finding they would not follow them but only watched their advantage they marched towards Dunbar the Scots moving apace after them and at a pass attempted 〈◊〉 fall upon the Reer which the English perceiving faced about to fight them whereupon the Scots drew off to the Hills to endeavour to hinder the English at the pass at Copperspeth which they accordingly effected and then boasted they had the English in Essex's pound as King Charles the First had that General at great disadvantage in Cornwal in 1644. this pass being a place where ten stout men may obstruct the passage of forty thereby to hinder them from any relief from Berwick or perhaps to keep the English from running away so confident were they of victory being lately reinforced with three Regiments and from the Hills that incompassed this sickly remnant look'd down on them as their sure prey And indeed the English were invironed with all manner of apparent dangers their Forces were lessened their Bodies weakned with Fluxes their strength wasted with Watchings in want of drink always troubled with wet and cold weather and much impaired in point of courage two thousand at least being disabled for present service were sent to Berwick On the other side the Scots were stout and hearty in their own Country and upon advantagious ground and double the English in number they being six thousand Horse and sixteen thousand Foot whereas the other were but seven thousand five hundred Foot and three thousand five hundred Horse General Cromwel and his Council of Officers finding the Army unfit for further delays resolved the next morning Sept. 3. to force a passage through the Scots right wing or perish in the attempt and being in Battalia by break of day they fell unanimously upon the enemy with Horse and Foot who to hinder the English at a pass drew up all the Horse upon their right wing and valiantly received the Onset The word of the English was The Lord of Hosts that of the Scots The Covenant The English prest forward vigorously and resolved to vanquish or dye After one hours dispute the Scots were wholly routed the Horse fled and left the Foot exposed to all dangers who were most of them slain or taken prisoners the pursuit continuing eight miles from the Field of Battel Of the Scots were slain about three thousand and ten thousand taken prisoners many desperately wounded among whom were ten Collonels twelve Lieutenant-Collonels nine Majors forty seven Captains seventy two Lieutenants eighty Ensigns besides Cornets and Quarter masters with two hundred Colours twenty two Cannon several Field-pieces and fifteen thousand Arms. Those of Quality taken were the Lord Libberton and his Son the Lord Cromstown Sir James Lansdale Lieutenant-General of the Foot and divers others and the Purse to the Great Seal of Scotland The prisoners were so numerous that it seemed troublesome to keep as to take them so the General discharged near five thousand most sick and wounded the rest being about the same number were conveyed to Berwick by four Troops of Collonel Hackers Horse General Lesley escaped by flight to Edenburgh by Ten a Clock that morning the fight happened and carried the news of his own defeat to his Masters which so daunted them that Edenborough was presently deserted by its Garrison and Leith resolved to receive the Conquerors because they could not keep them out Sept. 7. Four Regiments of Foot marched into Leith where they found thirty seven Guns mounted on Platforms some Shot and Ammunition with store of Wealth The same day Cromwel drew the rest of his Army both Horse and Foot into Edenburgh without any loss save the Arm of a souldier taken off by a Cannon bullet from the Castle After which the Lord General sent a Trumpeter into the Castle to invite the Ministers to come and preach in their Churches which they refusing the English supplied their places He then caused a protection for Markets and liberty of Trade in Edenburgh and Leith to be proclaimed by Drum and Trumpet and marehed thence with his Army to Linlithgow leaving Collonel Overton with his Brigade behind and came within a miâ—e of Sterling from whence Cromwel sent a Letter to that Garrison expressing the Armies constant affection and tenderness to the people of Scotland which though hitherto ineffectual yet being so far advanced into their country desired them to consider of it and deliver up that place to the Common-wealth of England The Trumpeter that carried the Letter was met by a Gentleman on Foot with a pike in his hand who told him They would not let him come into the storm nor receive his Letter In the Afternoon came a Trumpeter from the Scots desiring release of prisoners to which Cromwel answered That they came not thither to make Merchandize of men or to make gain to themselves but for the service and security of the Common-wealth of England The same day a storm was designed upon Sterling but it not being thought practicable the Army marched back to Linlithgow which they fortified and made a Frontier Garrison being in the heart of the country leaving there five Troops of Horse and six Companies of Foot and Cromwel with the rest returned to Edenburgh where the General and Officers kept a Fast The Kirk party also about this time appointed a solemn Fast declaring the occasion of it to be 1. To humble themselves for their too much confidence in the arm of flesh 2. For the malignity and prophaness of their Army 3. For the plundrings and wickedness of their
which the English had taken near Burnt Island after he had delivered his message he confidently told the souldiers their General was dead and that they did well in concealing it but he would never believe otherwise nor could he be convinced till the General ordered him to be brought into his presence who was now somewhat recovered so that upon his return this false rumour vanished But the Parliament of England hearing that he had a relapse afterward and a violent Ague they sent him two eminent Physicians Dr. Wright and Dr. Bates to use their utmost Art for his reâ—overy with an Order that gave him liberty to repair into England for recovering his health To which he made a return of Thanks by a Letter to the Lord President in which among others are these unusual expressions My Lord my sickness was indeed so violent that my Nature was not able to bear the weight thereof but the Lord was pleased to deliver me beyond expectations and to give me cause to say once more He hath plucked me out of the Grave So that now by the goodness of God I find my self growing to such a stare of health and strength as may yet if it be his good will render me useful according to my poor ability in the station wherein he hath set me I wish more steadiness in your affairs here than to depend in the least upon so frail a thing as I am indeed they do not nor do they own any Instrument this Cause is of God and it must prosper Oh that all that have any hand therein being so perswaded would gird up the loins of their minds and endeavour in all things to walk worthy of the Lord. So prays my Lord Your most humble Servant O. Cromwel Edenburgh June 3. At this time Ambassadors came to the Parliament of England from Spain Portugal and Holland the first was reminded of delaying execution on the Assassinates of the English Resident at Madrid The second not having full power to give satisfaction for the expences of the state and loss of the Merchants Goods by means of that King was quickly dismiss'd The Hollander kept at a distance rather wishing prosperity to the Royal party than heartily desiring peace with the Common-wealth of England Soon after Oliver St. John and Walter Strickland were sent Ambassadors Extraordinary to the States and were received with great splendor and having audience of the States-General at the Hague the Lord Ambassador St. John made a learned and elegant speech declaring That they were sent over to the High and Mighty States of the Netherlands from the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England to make a firm League and Confederacy between the two Republicks if they think fit notwithstanding the many injuries the English have received from the Dutch Nation Likewise to renew and confirm the former Treaties and Agreements of Trade and Commerce made between the two Nations wherein he shewed them the notable advantages of England in respect of its commodious scituation for advancement of Trade and all other benefits Lastly That he was commanded to let them know how highly the Parliament resented the murder of Dr. Dorislaus their Agent not doubting but they would do their utmost to discover the Authors thereof After which the Ambassadors Gentlemen receiving several affronts from the Royal party there the States published a Proclamation to prevent it yet these abuses continued and no punishment being inflicted on any though the common people often swarm'd about the Ambassadors Gates and assaulted their Servants and the States evading any Treaty till they saw how matters would succeed in Scotland the Parliament highly resenting these proceedings suddenly recalled their Ambassadors to the great surprize of the States Who thereupon endeavoured by frequent visits to them to insinuate their amicable Intentions but the Ambassadors returned to England And that which gave some jealousie to the Parliament of their designs was Because Admiral Van Trump with a Fleet of Ships lay hovering upon the Coasts of Scilly as though he would attempt something against it and the occasion of it being demanded of the States they replied They had no other intent but to demand the restitution of such Ships and Goods as the Pirates thereof had taken from their people With which answer the Parliament were somewhat satisfied yet to prevent the worst April 18. 1651. Sir George Ayscough with a Squadron of ships designed for reducing the Caribbee-Islands was sent thither and landed three hundred Seamen besides souldiers and soon became masters of the Islands Tresco and Briers taking therein one hundred and fifty prisoners and killing twenty They took also two Frigates of thirty two and eighteen Guns and secured the best Harbour belonging to those Islands Hence the Enemy fled to St. Maries their chief strength which yet was soon surrendred Cornet-castle in the Isle of Guernsey was at this time attempted but through mis-information of the weakness of the place the design miscarried with the loss of many Officers and souldiers About this time Brown Bushel a very earnest stickler for the Royal party both by Sea and Land and who when in the service of the Parliament had delivered up Scarborough to the King was taken and beheaded at Tower-hill The Parliament of Scotland having adjourned during the Coronation of the King met again in March and some differences arose about restoring several Lords of the Royal party to their seats in the House which yet the Assembly would not admit of till they had passed the stool of Repentance which Duke Hamilton did with some kind of splendor having a Table placed before him with a black Velvet cover and a Cushion of the same and making a great Feast that day The King having now got some power endeavoured to regain reputation among his subjects by putting all the Garrisons of Fife into a posture of defence against the landing of the English drawing what Forces he could spare both Horse and Foot from Sterling and joining them with the new Leavies which for better security he Quartered on the Water side and then goes to the Highlands to compose all differences there and to incite them to rise and join with him from whence Midleten soon after brought a considerable body of Horse and Foot and the Town of Dundee raised a Regiment of Horse at their own charge and sent them with a stately Tent and six fine brass cannon for a present to the King then at Sterling whose Army now consisted in six thousand Horse and fifteen thousand foot but the Earl of Eglington being sent to the West with some other commanders to raise more forces coming to Dunbarton Collonel Lilburn upon notice sent a party of Horse who suddenly seized the Earl his Son Collonel James Montgomery Lieutenant Collonel Colborn and some others whom they carried prisoners to Edinburgh At the same time a design was discovered the English Covenanters intending a general rising in Lancashire to join with the Scots the chief
which news coming to London very much startled the Parliament and Cromwel was a little surprized thereat who by staying to reduce St. Johnstons had suffered the Kings Armâ— to get three days march before him which he excuses in a Letter to the Parliament and shews That the Army acted to the best of their Judgments Cromwel presently orders Lambert to march in the Reer of the Scots with a party of three thousand Horse and Dragoans Harrison was likewise commanded to attack them if possible in the Van and the General himself followed with about sixteen Regiments of Horse and Foot leaving the prosecution of the War in Scotland to Lieutenant General Monk with seven thousand Horse and Foot who presently took in the Town and Castle of Sterling with Aberdeen Abernethy Dundee Dimottercastle Dunbarton-castle and several others so that all Scotland was subdued to the Republick of England The King marched forward with his Army being proclaimed in all Towns as he went along and published a Declaration with a promise of pardon to all persons for all crimes except Cromwel Bradshaw and Cook A copy of the same Declaration was sent by the King in a Letter to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London but was by Order of parliament burnt by the Hangman at the Royal Exchange And a day or two after at a muster of the City Trained Bands at Bunhil-fields consisting of fourteen thousand men Lenthal the Speaker of the House came thither and caused a fellow with a Link to burn a copy of the Declaration at the head of every Regiment On the other side the Parliament pass an Act to make it High-Treason to correspond with or assist Charles Stewart with any relief whatsoever At length after many halts and skirmishes long and tedious marches of three hundred miles in three Weeks the Scots entred into Worcester Aug. 23. 1651. from whence the King sent his Letters Mandatory to Sir Tho. Midleton and Coll. Mackworth Governours of Shrewsbury to raise Forces for him but without success In the mean time the Parliament raised the Militia of the Counties and Cromwel and the rest of their Army coming up together they surrounded them on every side with their numerous Host it being never known before in England that so great Forces should be assembled in so short a time which in the whole were judged to be above fifty thousand and the Scots in Worcester no more than thirteen thousand The Earl of Derby about this time being landed as was expected at Wyewater in Lancashire with about three hundred Gentlemen and others endeavoured to raise the Country while the English were busied at Worcester and in a little time they increased to fifteen hundred Collonel Lilburn was sent thither to observe his motions and Cromwels Regiment of foot being at Manchester was appointed to join him at Preston To prevent which the Earl marched toward Manchester whereupon Lilburn endeavoured to flank them in their march so to join the foot which the Earl perceiving prest to ingage and Lilburn being over-match'd in foot the dispute proved tedious and difficult yet in an hour the Earl was totally routed and many persons of Quality taken and five hundred common souldiers with all their baggage arms and ammunition the Earl of Derbys George Garter and other Robes with the badges of the Order but he himself escaped and recovered Worcester There were slain the Lord Widdrington Sir Tho. Tildesley Collonel Matthew Boynton and other inferior Officers with about sixty private souldiers Of the parliaments party ten were slain but many wounded Cromwel having disposed the whole Army round about Worcester in order to a Siege the first remarkable attempt was possessing a pass upon the Severne at a place called Upton which was done by a party led by Lambert and Fleetwood who marched toward the River Teame over which was made a bridge of boats and another over Severn on the Generals side upon which the Kings party took the alarm and drew our Horse and Foot to oppose the Lieutenant Generals passage to whose relief Collonel Ingolsbys and Fairfaxes Regiment of foot the Generals Life-Guard and Hackers Regiment of Horse were all led on by Cromwel himself Then Collonel Goffe and Deans Regiments fell to scowring the Hedges which the Kings party had lined and beat them from Hedge to Hedge so that being seconded by a fresh supply they were forced to retreat to Powick-bridge where three Regiments of Scots more maintained another hot dispute but at length all retired into Worcester except some that were taken After which the Royalists renewing their courage drew out what Horse and Foot they could on Cromwels side the King leading them on they imagining most of his Army had been on the other side so that by this bold and resolute salley Cromwels men were forced a little to retire but after a fight of four hours wherein the King had his Horse twice shot under him the Works and Fort-Royal were taken and their cannon turned upon themselves and the English entred the Town upon which many of the foot threw down their arms which the King perceiving rode up and down among them sometimes with his Hat in his hand intreating them to stand to their Arms adding I had rather you would shoot me than keep me alive to see the sad consequences of this fatal day But all proving ineffectual the Earl of Cleveland and some others rallying some Forces put a small check to the Victors whereby the King had the opportunity to make his escape out of the Town which he did about seven a clock at Night in the dark with sixty Horse out of St. Martins-gate The whole Army now entring the City the souldiers furiously fly through all the streets doing such execution that nothing could be seen for some time but blood and slaughter till at last the plunder of the Town and the prisoners having a little satisfied their appetites they think of securing the rest Most of the Scots Foot were slain or taken but three thousand Horse made their escape The number of the slain and prisoners was about ten thousand Those of Quality taken were Duke Hamilton the Earles of Lauderdale Rothes Carnworth Shrewsbury Cleveland Derby and Kelby and several other Lords and Gentlemen six Collonels of Horse thirteen of Foot nine Lieutenant Collonels of horse eight of foot six Majors of horse thirteen of foot thirty seven Captains of Horse seventy two of foot fifty five Quarter-masters of Horse eighty nine Lieutenants of foot seventy six Cornets of horse ninety nine Ensigns of foot thirty of the Kings servants nine Ministers nine Surgeons one hundred fifty eight Colours the Kings Standard Coach and Horses with other rich plunder and his Collar of SS Many parties were taken in Warwickshire Shropshire c. so that few of that great body but were killed or taken M. General Massey being wounded surrendred himself and after made his escape M. General Midleton Lieutenant General Lesley were taken in
General Cromwel craving his protection in several publick Addresses who declining to meddle in this affair left him to the Law and he was committed to Newgate and the next Sessions being brought to the Old-Baily he first demanded Council which was granted him Next day he refused to put in his Plea unless he might have a Copy of his Indictment which was likewise admitted Next day he delivered in his Bill of Exceptions to the Indictment after that he demanded a Copy of the Judgment given against him in Parliament together with the Act Then he joined issue and made his defence for several hours and about twelve at Night the Jury brought him in Not Guilty but he was sent back to Newgate and thence to the Tower where he continued some time and then turned Quaker and dying soon after was buried from the Bull and Mouth Meeting place near Aldersgate with a numerous company of that party attending him to his Grave As to the condition of Scotland at this time the English had taken most of their strong Towns Forts and Castles in the Low-lands yet the High-landers made divers Incursions upon them robbing and killing many and then returned to their inaccessible Fastnesses where they could not be pursued being commanded by the Lords Glencarn Athol Seaforth and others the last of whom sent a summons to a Ship that lay at Anchor at Lewis-Island having before surprized seven or eight men that went ashoar for provisions a Copy of which follows Being incited not only by conscience but honour to stand firm to the principles of loyalty but also disdaining even in rational Interest to stoop to such a wavering and servile power as now Ruleth I have laid hold on those men come ashoar as promoting the same Wherefore I summon you to deliver your Vessel for His Majesties service and being certainly perswaded that all or most part of you are with grief of heart imployed in such service I assure all that will voluntarily shun the unnecessary effusion of blood by that surrender shall have such fair Quarter as is fitting for me to grant and as your several conditions do require and according to your demeanours herein you may expect to find me your friend accordingly Seaforth For the Captain Master and Mariners of the Fortune But the Captain did not think fit to obey this summons sailing away and leaving his men behind And thus they continued awhile in expectation of supplies of men from Lieutenant Gen. Midleton and the Low Countries but in the mean time a considerable party under the E. of Glencarn were defeated himself hardly escaping and afterward several other parties by the English so that they could not join At length Midleton arrived from Holland with the expected provisions of War and a Commission to be General and Monroe Lieutenant General which so incensed Glencarn that he who had imployed his utmost interest in raising men must now be commanded by others that they quarrelled among themselves Glencarn was contented to be Lt. General but Monro would not agree to it whereupon a Duel was fought between them in which Monro being wounded and disarmed deserted the service with about 500 Gentlemen and agreed with the Governour of Dunbarton to live peaceably at home others did the like yet Midleton stood out still till first in Argyle and then at Loughary he was by Gen. Monk and Coll. Morgan wholly overthrown and afterward returned to Holland the Assembly of the Kirk was likewise dissolved by Coll. Morgan and the Clergy subjected As for Irâ—land it was by the English arms brought to such a condition as there was no fear of disturbance for the future only some few Tories kept themselves in some inaccessible places and sometimes made irruptions to steal and plunder An high Court of Justice was erected there of which Cook was President by whom many Irish and some of their ancient Nobility were sentenced and executed for the bloody Massacre committed upon the Protestants in 1641. and about 14000 sold to the King of Spain and many transported into other Countries the rest being driven into the Province of Connaught out of which upon pain of death they were not to stir without leave The other three Provinces Ulster Munster and Lenster were allotted to the English and all forfeited Lands divided among such Adventurers as had advanced money toward the management of the Irish affairs and for satisfaction of the souldiers arrears General Fleetwood succeeded Ireton as Lord Governor of Ireland by order of Gen. Cromwel who had married his eldest Daughter Bridget the Widow of Ireton The Hollanders finding little advantage by the war with the English sent four Commissioners hither to begin a Treaty during which there was no cessation of arms for at the same time a remarkable battel happened between the two Navies July 29. 1653. The Scouts discovered a Dutch Fleet from the Wielings of about 95 men of War upon which the English made what sail they could after them which the enemy perceiving stood away yet about five in the evening near 30 of the English ingaged the rest of the Fleet being astern so that they bore the whole brunt of that days fight till Night parted them the Dutch were observed to send away their maimed Ships in the Night and in the dark got by with their whole Fleet in order to join 25 sail of stout ships more from the Texel which the English could not prevent because of the foul weather Next morning the Dutch with these new recruits fell upon the English Fleet in a gallant posture and fought couragiously from five in the morning till one after noon both Fleets passing through and endeavouring to burn sink and destroy each other At length the Dutch went off with the loss of some ships either sunk or burnt the Garland a stout man of War taken formerly by the Dutch from us was burnt by the VVorcester The Triumph and the Andrew were boarded by three Dutch Fireships and had some damage in their sails but were quickly cleared The Dutch observing themselves decline made away directly for the Texel and the English being somewhat disabled and not daring to venture too near the Holland Coasts it was resolved that the whole Fleet should sail for Sole Bay The English Admirals in this fight were Gen Blake and Gen. Monk Pen was Vice Admiral and Lawson Rere-Admiral VVhen Monk with the English Fleet set sail and stood out to Sea the Dutch supposed they fled for fear which made one of the Captains desire Van Trump to pursue For saith he these Skellums dare not stand one broad-side from your Excellency you may see them plainly running home and therefore my Lord miss not the opportunity But Trump who understood better gave this short reply Sir look to your charge for were the enemy but 20 sail they would never refuse to fight us The English had 300 slain in this battel whereof seven were Captains and 700 wounded five of them Captains The
Dutch had about 30 ships sunk and burnt and their renowned Lord Admiral Van Trump was slain in the midst of the fight and out of the Dutch maimed ships that lay floating on the Sea the English took six Captains and about 1000 other prisoners This was the bloudiest Ingagement that had yet happened between the two Nations and for their valour and conduct the Parliament ordered Gold chains to be given to Blake Monk Pen and Lawson as a mark of their favour and other chains were bestowed on the Flag Captains and Medals of silver to the Officers of the Fleet. It was after known by Letters from Holland that they lost near six thousand men in this battel The Parliament having sate about five months in which they made several Acts one for Marriages before a Justice of Peace another for relief of Prisoners another against the High Court of Chancerv another for a Tax for six months at 120000 l. per month at length they were consulting of an Act for taking away Tythes a Committee was appointed to consider of the matter who brought in their report Dec. 10. 1653. That they thought it convenient that Commissioners be sent into all the Counties and inabled to eject scandalous and unable Ministers and also be impowered to settle able Ministers in all void places That such as are or shall be approved for publick preachers of the Gospel shall have and enjoy such maintenance as is already settled by Law That upon hearing and considering what hath been offered to the Committee touching propriety in Tythes it is their opinion that they have a legal propriety in them The Parliament having spent several days in this report put the Question Whether the House doth agree with the Committee which was carried in the Negative whereupon several heats and divisions arose insomuch that Dec. 12. a Gentleman stood up and moved That the sitting of the Parliament as then constituted would not be for the good of the Common-wealth and that therefore it was requisite to deliver up to the L. Gen. Cromwel the powers which they received from him This motion being seconded by several others the House rise and the Speaker Mr. Rouse with the Majority of the Members did by a writing under their hands resign their powers to Gen. Cromwel at White-Hall by their Speaker who thanked them for the pains they had taken for the service of the Common-wealth though by a strange spirit and perverse principle in some of the Members they had missed of their good intentions Some of the Members continued still sitting in the House to whom Coll. White was sent with a Guard of souldiers and required them in the Name of the General to depart for the Parliament was dissolved who replying the contrary and that they were upon business and ought not to be interrupted he at length compelled them though unwillingly to leave the House The Parliament having thus resigned the power given them the whole Authority both Civil and Military of the three Nations was concluded to be devolved into the hands of O. Cromwel who calling a Council of Officers with some others to consult of the settlement of the Government they at length resolved to have a Common-wealth in a single person That the person should be O. Cromwel Captain General of all the Forces in England Scotland and Ireland alledging That it was not Monarchy which was quarrell'd at but the Male administration and abuses therein by its prerogative being unlimited and arbitrary all which would be avoided by circumseribing it in a Protector and his Council a new Instrument of Government and the supream power of a Triennial Parliament in whom during their sitting the Soveraign Authority should reside In pursuance whereof a Council was appointed him to consist of twenty but fourteen only were named at present Lord Lambert L. Viscount Lisle General Desborough Sir Gilbert Pickering Major Gen. Skippon Sir Anth. Ash Cooper Walt. Strickland Esq Sir Ch. Woolsey Coll. Phil. Jones Francis Rouse Esq Rich. Major Esq John Lamence Esq Coll. Ed. Montague Coll. Will. Sydenham And the Instrument of Government designed to be the foundation of this new settlement was to this effect That the Title of O. Cromwel should beford Protector of the Common-wealth of England Scotland and Ireland and the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging That all proceedings shall run in the name and style of the Protector and all Honours Offices and Titles to be derived from him That he may pardon all offences but Treason and Murder That the Militia during the Parliament shall be in his and their hands but in the intervals only in his and his Councils that he and his Council may make War and Peace with Foreign Princes No new Laws to be made nor old ones abrogated without confent of Parliament A Parsiament to be called within six months and afterwards every third year and if need be oftner which the Protector shall not dissolve without consent of Parliament till after five months The Parliament of English to consist of 400 to be chosen by more equal distributions in Counties and Burroughs Of Scotch thirty to be elected and of Ireland as many The Writs for Election to pass under the Seal of the Common-wealth to the Sheriffs and if the Protectoromit or deny it then the Commissioners of the Seal shall be obliged under pain of High Treason to issue out such Writs and in case of failure in them the High Sheriffs then to do it That such as are elected be returned into the Chancery by the chief Magistrates Mayor Sheriff or Bayliff twenty days before the Session If the Sheriff Mayor or Bayliff make a false return or any way procure an undue Election he shall be fined 2000 l. That none who have born arms against the Parliament Irish Rebels or Papists shall be capable of being elected and in case they be elected to forfeit two years Revenue and three parts of their Goods None are to be elected under the Age of 21 years nor unless he be a man of good conversation None to have Votes in Elections not worth 200 l. That sixty shall make a Qaorum The Protector if need be may call Perhements in the intervals of the Triennial ones Those Bills they make to be offered to the Protector who refusing to sign them in 20 days they are to pass into Acts without his consent The Protector with advice of his Council in case of death or breach of trust is to substitute new Privy Councellors A competent Revenue shall be settled for maintaining 10000 Horse and 15000 Foot and the Navy not to be altered or lessened without the advice of the Council and upon the disbanding of them the money to be brought into the Exchequer for sudden occasions No new Taxes nor â—aws to be made without consent in parliament All forfeited Lands unsold to belong to the Protector The Protectorate to be Elective but the Royal Family to be excluded Oliver Cromwel to be present
VVorlds great waste the Ocean we VVhole Forrests send to reign upon the Sea And every Coast may trouble or relieve But none can visit us without our leave Angels and we have this Prerogative That none can at our happy seat arrive VVhile we descend at pleasure to invade The Bad with Vengeance and the Good to Aid Mean while the Spaniards in America Near to the Line the Sun approaching faw And hoped their European coasts to find Cleer'd from our ships by the Autumnal wind Their huge capacious Gallions stuff'd with Plate The labouring winds drive slowly to their fate Before St. Lucar they their Guns discharge To shew their Joy or to invite a Barge This heard some ships of ours though out of view As swift as Eagles to the Quarry flew So harmless Lambs that for their Mother bleat VVake hungry Lyons and become their meat Arriv'd they roon begin their Tragick play And with their smoaky Cannon banish day Night horror slaughter with confusion meets And in their sable arms imbrace the Fleets Through yielding planks the angry Bullets fly And of one wound hundreds together dye Born under different Stars one fate they have The Ship their Coffia and the Sea their Grave Bold were the men that on the Ocean first Spread their new Sails when shipwrack was the worst More danger now from men alone we find Than from the Rocks the Billows and the VVind They that had fail'd from near th' Antartick Pole Their Treasure safe and all their Vessels whole In sight of their dear country ruin'd he VVithout the guilt of either Rock or Sea VVhat they would â—ave our fiercer art destroys Surpassing storms in terror and in noise Once Jove from Ida did both Hosts survey And when he pleas'd to Thunder part the fray Here Heav'n in vain that kind retreat would sound The louder cannon had the thunder drown'd Some were made prize while others burnt and rent VVith their rich lading to the bottom went Down sinks at once So Fortune with us sports The pay of Armies and the pride of Courts Vain man whose rage buries as low that store As Avarice had digg'd for it before VVhat Earth in her dark bowels could not keep From greedy hands lies safer in the Deep VVhere Thetis kindly doth from mortals hide Those seeds of Luxury debate and pride And now into our hands the richest prize Falls with the noblest of our eremies The Marquess glad to see the fire destroy VVealth the prevailing Foe were to enjoy Out from his flaming ship his children sent To perish in a milder Element Then laid him by his burning Ladies side And since he could not save her with her dy'd Spices and Gums about them melting fry And â—hoenix like in that rich Nest they dye Alive in flames of equal love they burn'd And now together into Ashes turn'd Ashes more worth than all their Funeral cost Than the huge Treasure which with them was lost These dying Lovers and their floating Sons Suspend the Fight and filence all our Guns Beuaty and youth about to perish finds Such noble pity in brave English minds That they the spoil neglecting and the prize All labour now to save their Enemies How frail 's our passion How soon changed are Our wrath and fury to a friendly care They that but now for honour and for plate Made the Sea blush with blood forget their hate And while their Foes from perishing they retrieve VVith greater danger than they fought they dive VVith these returns Victorious Montague VVith Lawrel in his hands and half Peru Let our brave Generals divide that bough Our great Protector hath such wereaths enow His conquering Head hath no more room for Bays Then let it be as the whole Nation prays VVith purple cloth'd and Ermine let him hold A Royal Scepter made of Spanish Gold The Protector was highly pleased at this succesns and great booty and a particular day of Thanksgiving was appointed by him for it and soon after Gen. Montague with the young Marquets and part of the Fleet to convoy the silver which amounted to two millions of pieces of Eight returned into England and delivered the Bullion into the Mint and the young Marquess and his Brother were set at liberty But the Spanish War being like to prove chargeable notwithstanding this present supply the protector being still necessitated for money and desiring to have his power confirmed to him by the people in hope the new Representative might grant him what the former denied he issues out Writs for the Election of a new parliament wherein much circumspection was used if possible to prevent some of the former House from being chosen Sept. 17. 1656. This parliament met at Westminster and had a Sermon preached before them at the Abbey Church by Dr. John Owen Dean of Christs-Châ—rch upon those words in Isaiah What shall one then answer to the messengers of the Land That the Lord hath founded Sion and the poor of his people shall rejoice After Sermon the members went to the House but found at the door a Guard and an Officer standing with a List in his hand demanding the Names of every one of them and such as were marked for non-admittance were turned back and a promise imposed upon every individual member before he should be permitted to fit in the House That he would not act any thing prejudicial to the present Government which many refused and returned home but the major part assenting to it entred the House and chose Sir Tho. Widdrington Speaker and not minding those that were excluded referred the approbation of them to the Protectors Council They then proceed according to the protectors desire making an Act for disanulling the Title of Charles Stewart to the Government of these three Nations nemine contradicente another for making it Treason for any to attempt compass or imagine the Protectors death and appointing such Offendors to be tryed not by a Jury of twelve sufficient men but by a High Court of Justice a third for an assessment upon England Scotland and Ireland of seventy thousand pound a month for three years an Act for preventing multiplicity of buildings in and ten miles about London a whole years Revenue to be paid for all dwelling or Out-houses raised upon any new foundation since 1620. An Act for Excise of merchandize imported An Act for punishing such as live at high rates and have no visible Estates and lastly for the observation of the Lords-day VVhen these Arts were ready for signing the Protector came to the painted chamber and sent for the parliament where the speaker tendring them to him at the signing them he speake thus Mr. Speaker I perceive that among these many Acts of parliament there hath been very great care had by the parliament to provide for the just and necessary support of the Common-wealth by these Bills for levying of money now brought to me which I have given my consent unto and understanding it hath been the practice
pretector might be desired to assume the stile of King as the most known and most agreeable Government This motion was seconded by several of the protectors Courtiers and April 9. the parliament having desired a meeting with him came to the Banquetting-house at White-Hall where-the speaker Sir Tho. Widdrington commended the Title and Office of a King as being settled in this Nation with Christianity it self approved by our Ancestors and consistent with our Laws and the temper of the people and then presented him the model of their humble petition and advice to that purpose His Highness in answer hereto said Mr. Speaker this is a weighty matter and therefore I desire space to seek God the charge that you would lay upon me being too heavy for me to bear without his assistance for the ENglish are the best people in the World and require all tenderness and consideration whatsoever to be used for preserving their liberties and properties The next day a Committee was appointed to wait upon him and receive his scruples and to offer reasons for his satisfaction The objections the protector made were First That the Title of a King is a Name of Office and any Name that may imply the supream magistrate hath the same signification and therefore there is no necessity of a change To this they reply That the Name of a King is only equal to and comprehensive of the Office of the supream magistrate It is a rule That the King of England cannot alter the Laws by reason of their Name and that there is no obligation upon any other that the very Title was declared necessary in the 9th of Edw. 4. in the controversie betwixt him and Hen. 7. and every action done by the King in possession was valid and that the Name King had beginning with our Laws and that new Laws must be made for settling the Government in a protector The other objection was the danger and difficulty of altering the same Government to a Common-wealth and the refusal of some Judges and acting of others upon that ground That another parliament might change those resolutions The dislike of the good people and Army that providence had laid aside the Title of King after seven years War and many of the chief of those who were Instrumental therein were dissatisfied These scruples the Committee endeavoured to remove by alledging That providence had now brought about affairs so that it seemed necessary for His Highness to comply with it and as for discontented persons they have been always found in the best of Governments But because this was a matter of consequence I shall repeat the speech made by the Lord Whitlock one of the Committee sent to the protector with his answer thereto who after several others had offered their sentiments summed up the most material reasons as followeth Sir I have but very little to trouble your Highness with so much hath been already spoken and so well that it will be hard for me or any other to undertake to add to it only the duty of my Imployment and something due to your Highness occasions me to speak a few words to acknowledge with very humble thanks the Honour and Right which you have done this Committee by the clear and free discourses and conferences which they have had with your Highness and for your frequent expressions and testimonies of affection and respect to the parliament whose-sense in this I may presume to speak That never any persons met their supream magistrate with more love duty and honour than the parliament have met your Highness with in their addresses which argument of love deserves that esteem and force which I doubt not but your Highness will put upon it I am fearful to be too tedious at any time especially at so late an hour and therefore shall speak but short to some things which I remember not to have been mentioned Your Highness was pleased at the last meeting to say That the original Institution of the Title King was by common consent and that the same common consent might institute any other Title and make it as effectual as that of King This must be acknowledged but withal you may be pleased to observe That the Title of King is not only by an original common consent but that consent also approved and confirmed and the Law fitted thereunto and that fitted to the Laws by the experience and industry of many Ages and many hundreds of years together whereas any other Title will be only by present common consent without that experience and approbation For that experience which your Highness mentioned to have been of other Titles and the due administration of Justice under them this experience is far short of the other and for the course of Justice we have cause to thank that care which placed so good Judges and Officers over us Yet give me leave to say That in private causes between party and party and in publick matters in nominal causes it was not easie to find Justice to be done by some Jurors and many questions have risen upon the occasion of those new Titles Concerning that tender point of good mens satisfaction I think it requires a very great regard from us and I doubt not but those good people will be fully satisfied if they consider the covenants promises and precepts which in the scripture are annex'd to the Name of King and although some have alledged that they belong to any chief magistrate as well as to King yet no man did ever read the original word translated otherwise than King Neither do I find the Title of Protector once mentioned in the holy Text. If the present Authority be a lawful Authority which I hope none of us will deny surely those good men who are so well principled in Godliness will not forget that precept of submission to Authority and to be satisfied with that which lawful Authority shall ordain their Rights and Liberties are the same with ours and the parliament cannot advise any thing for the preservation of the peoples Rights but these good men are included which I hope will be no dissatisfaction to them In all the changes which we have seen there hath been a dissatisfaction to some yet still the blessing of God hath gone a long through all these changes with those who carried on his Interest and the cause being the same the same mercies have been continued And I doubt not but if the intended change and restitution be made as I hope it will I doubt not but the same God will continue his blessings to that Good Old Cause wherein we are ingaged and that good men will receive satisfaction by it Your Highness hath been told That the Title of King is upon the foundation of Law and that a new Title must have a constitution to make the Laws relate unto it and that unto the Laws I shall only add this That a Title by Relation is not so certain and sale as a Title
is my answer That although I think the Government doth consist in very excellent parts in all but in that one thing the Title as to me I should not be an honest man if I should not tell you that I cannot accept of the Government nor undertake the trouble and charge of it which I have a little more experimented than every man as to what troubles and difficulties do befal men in such Trusts and in such Undertakings I say I am perswaded to return this answer to you That I cannot undertake this Government with the Title of a King and this is mine answer to this great and weighty business The Protector having refused the Title of King the Committee of Settlement was ordered to prepare an Explanatory Act to the humble petition and advice in respect of the Protectors Oath his Councils the Members of Parliament the other House which was to consist of about sixty Lords of the Protectors Electing and having Voted That Protector should be the Title of the chief Magistrate and the Petition and Advice being allowed accordingly the House desired a conference with His Highness who accordingly meets them May 25. 1657. in the painted Chamber where Sir Tho. Widdrington presents him with the humble Petition and Advice the substance whereof was 1. That His Highness Oliver Cromwel under the Title of Lord Protector would be pleased to execute the Office of chief Magistrate over England Scotland and Ireland and the Territories thereunto belonging and to govern according to all things in this Petition and Advice and also that he would in his life time appoint the person that should succeed in the Government after his death 2. That he would call a Parliament consisting of two Houses once in three years at farthest 3. That those persons who are legally chosen by a free Election of the people to serve in parliament may not be excluded from doing their duties but by consent of that House whereof they are Members 4. That none but those under the Qualifications therein mentioned shall be capable to serve as Members in Parliament 5. That the power of the other House be limited as herein prescribed 6. That the Laws and Statutes of the Land be observed and kept no Laws altered suspended abrogated or repealed or new Laws made but by Act of Parliament 7. That the yearly sum of a Million of pounds sterling be settled for the maintenance of the Navy and Army and three hundred thousand pounds for support of the Government besides other temporary supplies as the Commons in Parliament shall see the necessities of the Nation to require 8. That the number of the Protectors Council shall not be above twenty one whereof the Quorum to be seven 9. The chief Officers of State as Chancellors Keepers of the Great Seal c. to be appointed by Parliament 10. That his Highness would incourage a godly Ministry in these Nations and that such as do revile and disturb them in the worship of God may be punished according to Law and where Laws are defective new ones to be made 11. That the Protestant Christian Religion as it is contained in the Old and New Testament be asserted and held forth for the publick profession of these Nations and no other and that a Confession of Faith be agreed upon and recommended to the people of these Nations and none be permitted by words or writing to revile or reproach the said Confession of Faith c. The Petition and Advice being read was by the Protector passed into a Law though with much seeming reluctancy as the following Speech declared Mr. Speaker I am not come hither this day as to a Triumph but with the most serious thoughts that ever I had in my life being to undertake one of the greatest burthens that ever was laid upon the back of any humane creature so that without the support of the Almighty I must necessarily sink under the weight of it to the damage and prejudice of these Nations And this being so I must ask the help of the Parliament and the help of all those that fear God that by their prayers I may receive assistance from the hand of God seeing nothing but his presence can enable me to the discharge of so great a Trust And seeing this is but an Introduction to the carrying on the Government of these Nations and forasmuch as there are many things which cannot be supplied without the help of a Parliament I think it my duty to desire your help not that I doubt of it for I believe that the same spirit that led the Parliament to this will easily suggest the rest to them And truly nothing could have induced me to undertake this intolerable burden to flesh and blood had I not seen that it was the Parliaments care to answer those ends for which they have ingaged and I call God to witness that I would not have undergone it had I not seen it to be determined by the Parliament to make clearly for the Liberty and Interest of the Nation and preservation of such as fear God and if these Nations be not thankful to you for your care therein it will fall as a sin on their heads To conclude I would recommend to you the Reformation of the Nation by discountenancing Vice and giving encouragement to Good men and Virtue desiring that you would not be wanting in any thing that may make for the good of the Nations wishing the Lord to prosper all your aims and endeavours This Speech ended the Members return to their House and soon after the Protector sends them a Letter desiring their Adjournment till the Inauguration of the Lord Protector could be performed and accordingly they passed a Bill for adjourning from June 26. to Jan. 20. following June 26. being appointed for his Highness solemn Investiture and the same day a place being prepared in Westminster-Hall there were two Chairs set one for the Protector with a Canopy of State over it and another for the Speaker with seats built Scaffold-wise for the Parliament on both sides and places below for the Aldermen of London and others all which being ready the Protector came out of a Room adjoining to the Lords House and in this order proceeded into the Hall First went his Gentlemen then an Herald the Attorney-General then the Judges after them Norroy King at Arms the Lord Commissioners of the Treasury the Seal carried by Commissioner Fines then Garter and after him the Earl of Warwick with the Sword born before the Protector bare-headed the L. Mayor Tichburn carrying the City Sword by his left hand Being seated in the Chair on the left hand stood the L. Mayor and the Dutch Ambassador and on the right the E. of Warwick and the French Ambassador next behind him stood his Son Richard L. Fleetwood and L. Cleypool and the Privy-council upon a lower descent stood the Lords Montague and Whitlock with drawn Swords Then the Speaker Sir Tho. Widdrington in the Name
of the Parliament presented to him several things that were laid on the Table which were a Robe of purple Velvet a Bible a Scepter and a Sword on each of which the Speaker made a short Comment as he delivered them 1. The Robe of purple This is an Emblem of Magistracy and imports Righteousness and Justice when you have put on this Vestment I may say you are a Gown-man This Robe is of a mixt colour to shew the mixture of Justice and Mercy indeed a Magistrate must have two hands Plectentem Amplectentem to Cherish and to Punish 2. The Bible is a Book that contains the Holy Scriptures in which you have the happiness to be well versed This Book of Life consists of two Testaments the Old and New the first shews Christum Velatum the second Christum Revelatum Christ Veiled and Revealed It is a Book of Books and doth contain both Precepts and Examples for good Government 3. Here is a Scepter not unlike a Staff to the weak and poor it is of ancient use in this kind It 's said in Scripture That the Scepter shall not depart from Judah it was of the like use in other Kingdoms however the Greek Poet calls Kings and Princes Scepter bearers 4. The last thing is a Sword not a Military but Civil Sword it is a Sword rather of Defence than Offence not to defend your self only but your people also If I might presume to six a Motto upon this Sword as the Valiant Lord Talbot did upon his it should be this Ego sum Domini Protectoris ad protegendum populum meum I am the Lord Protectors to protect my people After this the Speaker returned again to the Chair and administred the Oath to the Protector in these following words I do in the presence and by the Name of Almighty God promise and swear that to the uttermost of my power I will uphold and maintain the true Reformed Protestant Christian Religion in the purity thereof as it is contained in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to the uttermost of my power and understanding and incourage the profession and professors of the same And that to the utmost of my power I will endeavour as chief Magistrate of these three Nations the maintenance and preservation of the peace and safety and Just Rights and Priviledges of the people thereof and shall in all things according to my best knowledge and power govern the people of these Nations according to Law The Oath administred Dr. Manton made a Prayer and then an Herald stood up aloft giving signal to a Trumpet to sound three times after which he did by Authority and Direction of Parliament publish and proclaim his Highness Lord Protector of the Common-wealth of England Scotland and Ireland requiring all persons to yield him due obedience This Proclamation ended the Trumpets again sounded and some Souldiers and other cryed out God save the Lord Protector Then was he again proclaimed by an Officer at Arms standing on the Stairs The Ceremonies ended the Protector attended by all the Officers of State went into the Palace-Yard in his Robes where entring his Coach he returned in State to White-Hall This year an Insurrection was designed by those called Fifth Monarchy men who had divers meetings in an House in Shore-Ditch several of them being discontented persons who had been formerly of the Army they had appointed to have Rendevouzed on Mile-end-Green and so have marched into other Countries to augment their party At length they were seized and some Arms and Ammunition taken with them and a Standard with a Lyon Couchant with this Motro Who shall rouse him up The Men taken were Venner a Wine-Cooper with their Scribe Grey Goaler Hopkins Ashton and others About them was sound a Declaration in print called The principle of the Remnant they were committed to prison but after released without prosecution Likewise M. Gen. Harrison Vice-Admiral Lawson Coll. Rich and Coll. Danvers were secured as Discontents About this time the victorious General Blake returning from the Coasts of Spain fell sick of the Scurvy and Dropsie and dyed just entring into Plymouth Sound where he passionately inquired for Land he was buried with an handsome Funeral from Greenwich and interr'd in Hen. 7. Chappel at Westminster The Protector to keep the Spaniards imployed every where makes a private agreement with France to fend a Brigade of his best Infantry which the French extreamly wanted to Flanders consisting of 6000 men and about May 4. 1657. they arrived in Picardy and joined with those Forces commanded by the Marshal Turein to which the protector was the more induced because the K. of Spain had invited K. Charles into his Dominions fince the breach with England and he was then at Bruges full of expectation of being restored by the power of that King and the Marquess of Ormond the Lord Wilmot the Lords Gerrard and Wentworth the Lord Twaf and General Middleton had their several Regiments Quartered about the Sea coasts in order to a Descent and the Dukes of York and Glocester had likewise commands in Flanders Sir John Reynolds one of Cromwels Knights formerly Commissary General of the Army in Ireland was General of the English Forces and coll Morgan Major Gen. Before their embarquement they Rendevouzed at Black-Heath where Mr. Hugh Peters gave them a Sermon for incouragement and were shipped with a months pay in hand and all new red coats About the middle of September the French and English Forces advance into the Spanish Territories and according to agreement sate down before Mardike a strong Fortress and put themselves between it and Dunkirk General Montague riding before the Splinter with a Fleet of War it was not long before a continued Battery made the besieged quit the wooden Fort which so incommoded them when taken by the English that they were obliged to yield to mercy Turenne not allowing them better terms because they had refused his first offers Mardike was presently put into the hands of the English according to agreement in consideration of our assistance and coll Morgan took possession thereof with several Regiments whom the Spaniards soon after endeavoured to remove by a sudden and fierce assault after the Armies were drawn into Winter Quarters since being only two miles from Dunkirk they were very fearful it might indanger that Town also Whereupon Don John of Austria resolved to hazard a Scalado and Attack by Night the Duke of York and the Marquess of Caravene managed the business and K. Charles and the D. of Glocester had conveyed themselves into Dunkirk to observe the success of it Oct. 22. About 4000 English Scots Irish and some Spaniards about Ten a Clock at Night began the storming of Mardike with Hand-Granadoes and all other Engines proper for an assault and were got into the Trenches and had mounted the Scaling Ladders but the English within being ready to receive them commanded by Reynolds Morgan and Lillingstone who were
of Justice being erected they were brought before them and charged to design the Assassination of the Lord protector and thereupon Coll. Gerrard and Mr. Vowell were sentenced to be hanged which was accordingly executed upon Mr. Vowell at Charing-cross and Coll. Gerrard was beheaded at Tower-Hill who expressly denied the intention of the fact With him upon the same Scaffold but not upon the like account suffered at that time Don Pantalion Sa brother to the Portugal Ambassador then Resident in England who upon conceit that he had received some affront upon the New-Exchange in the Strand came thither one evening with a crew of idle fellows Lacquies and Servants to himself and his brother armed with pistols swords and Hand-Granadoes and firing a pistol killed one â—â—r Greenway standing quietly at a Stall and had done further mischief if this Coll. Gerrard had not stop'd their fury and with his sword drawn driven them all down stairs upon hearing the matter the Protector resolved the murderers should suffer without respect of persons and it appearing that though the person who committed the murder was a Knight of Malta and had made his escape yet that this Noble-man and the rest were accessaries he and four more of the Ambassadors were tryed and found guilty with an Irish youth Don Pantalion was beheaded with Coll. Gerrard the Irish boy was hanged at Tyburn and the other four pardoned and peace being soon after concluded with the K. of Portugal the Ambassador sorrowfully departed In the same month a ship fell accidentally on fire on Southwark side as she lay at Anchor which being cut away the ship was driven by the flowing tyde upon a shelf near the bridge where she stuck and blew up her powder there were eight persons killed one a Draper upon his Leads by the plank of the Ship and had the blow been any nigher it might have indangered the bridge it self The Lord Protector in pursuance of the late Instrument resolved now to call a parliament and Writs were sent out for their meeting Sept. 3. 1654. at Westminster Being assembled accordingly the Protector went by Water from White-Hall to the Parliament-House and sending for the Members into the Painted-Chamber he desired their company to hear a Sermon at the Abby-Church the next day and afterwards he would impart his mind to them About Nine next morning His Highness rode in his Coach to Church with whom sate his Son Henry and the Lord Lambert The Pages went before and his Gentlemen in rich Liveries marched bare-headed On one side of the Coach walked Mr. Strickland one of the Council and Captain of the Guards together with the master of the Ceremonies On the other side was Capt. Howard Capt. of the Life-Guard These were followed by the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal the Commissioners of the Treasury and the Privy-Council in their Coaches and in the rere came the protectors Ordinary Guard As he entred the Church four maces the purse and a sword born by the Lord Lambert were carried before him Dr. Tho. Goodwin preached the Sermon which being ended the Protector and the Parliament went to the painted-chamber where there was an appearance of a number of grave judicious persons to whom the Protector spake to this effect Gentlemen The parliament that are here met this day are such a congregation of wise prudent and discreet persons that England hath never scarce seen the like and few could have thought of such a door of hope not many years ago and therefore it would have been very necessary and worthy such an Assembly to give a relation of the series of Gods providences all along to these very times but that being very well known to most of you I shall at present omit it and proceed to declare to you in what condition these Nations were when the present Government was erected It was apparent that every mans heart was against another and every mans interest divided against each other and we had then such different humours that every thing almost was grown arbitrary There was also grown up a general contempt of God and Christ and the grace of God was turned into wantonness and his spirit made a cloak for all manner of wickedness and profaneness Nay the Ax was laid to the root of the ministry and the fifth monarchy was highly cry'd up by persons who would assume the Government but that desired thing wants greater manifestation than has yet appeared before men ought to change the Authority to make way for it While these things were in the midst of us and nothing but confusion in the hearts and minds of some men swarms of popish Priests and Jesuites daily arrived here to raise and foment divisions against the peace and quiet of the Nation And at the same time the Nation was likewise ingaged in a deep War with Portugal Holland and France so that we were in a heap of confusion and it was absolutely necessary that a speedy remedy should be applied thereto and this has been in a great measure done since the settling of this Government which is clearly calculated for the peoples Interest let malignant spirits say what they will and therefore with humbleness toward God and modesty towards you I will recount something in the behalf of this Government For first It hath endeavoured to reform the Law It hath put into the seats of Justice men of known Integrity and Justice It hath settled a way for trial and probation of ministers to preach the Gospel And besides all this It hath called a Free parliament blessed be God that this day you see a Free parliament As for the Wars a peace is made with Sweden Denmark the Datch and Portugal and one likewise very near concluding with France yet these things are only entrances and open door of hope But now Gentlemen I make no question to inable you to lay the top stone of this work and I shall recommend this maxim to your consideration That peace though it be made is not to be trusted farther than it consists with Interest and one great work that at present lies before this Honourable Assembly is That the Government of Ireland may be settled in terms of Honour and that you would avoid confusions lest Foreign States should take advantage by them And as for my self I assure you I do not speak as one that would Lord it over you but as one that would be a fellow servant to you in this great affair and so to conclude I desire you to repair to your House and use your liberty in choosing a Speaker The Protector having concluded his Speech the members immediately repair to their House and there choose William Lenthal Esq master of the holls to be their Speaker after which they begin upon the Instrument of Government and the question is in the first place proposed Whether the Legislative power should be in a single person or a parliament Those of the protectors party endeavour by all means