goodness of Almighty God Accusing that Malignant party to poison the hearts and corrupt the Allegeance of his Subjects by a false Imputation of his favouring Papists imploying them in his Army when he saith that numbers of Popish Commanders and others serve in the Army of the Earl of Essex being privately promised that if they would assist against the King all the Laws made in their prejudice should be repealed Another Scandal he mentioneth to be very senseless that the King should raise an Army against the Parliament to take away their priviledges when in truth it is raised to have some particular Members of this Parliament to be delivered up to Iustice. He being as tender of their priviledges and conform thereto which his Army never intends to violate That the Parliaments Army is raised to Murther and depose the King to alter the frame of Government and the established Laws of the Land That the greatest part of the Parliaments Members are driven away from their Houses by violence That the Book of Common Prayer is rejected and no countenance given but to Anabaptists Brownists and such Schismaticks That the contrivers hereof endeavour to raise an Implacable malice between the Gentry and the Commonalty of the Kingdome A common charge upon the King it had been and so continued to the end of his publique Actings That he favoured Papists and entertained them in his Army and so they were and might be in both subtilly and cunningly by practice on both sides conveyed thither under the masque and profession of Protestants which is a truth of no great wonder and yet in general those of Lancashire Recusants petition the King That being disarmed and so not able either to defend his Royal Person according to their duties nor to secure themselves and families they may be received into his gracious protection from violence being menaced by all kindes of people to whose malice they are subject and must submit And indeed great and heavy pressures were put upon them by both Armies notwithstanding Orders and Declarations to the contrary had been published by either Army And hereupon the King had given Warrant to Sir William Gerard Baronet Sir Cicil Trafford Knight Thomas Clifton Charls Townby Christopher Anderton and Io. Clumsfield c. Recusants in the County of Lancaster That although by Statutes all Recusants convict are to be disarmed to prevent danger in time of peace but now Armies being raised against the King and his Subjects are by them plundered and robbed and their Arms taken and used offensive against his Person His will and command therefore is and they are charged upon their Allegeance and as they tender the safetie of his Person and the peace of the Kingdom with all possible speed to provide Arms for themselves servants and Tenants during the time of open War raised against him and no longer to keep and use for his defence Yet the Parliament prepare Heads of an humble Address unto his Majesty for composing difference and â—â—â—ling a Peace but withall to prevent mis-constructions whereby their just defence may be hindered they do declare That their preparations of Forces for their defence shall be prosecuted with all violence And accordingly Letters are directed from the Lords To the Right Honourable the Lord Viscount Faulkland principal Secretarie to his Majestie or in his absence for Mr. Secretarie Nicholas or any of the Lords or Peers attending the King Grey of Wark My Lord I am commanded by the Lords the Peers and Commons assembled in Parliament to address by you their humble desires to his Majestie that he would â—e pleased to grant his safe Conduct to the Commiâ—tee of Lords and Commons to pass and repass to his Majestie that are directed to attend him with an humble Petition from his Parliament This being all I have in Commission I rest Your assured Friend and Servant Grey of Wark Speaker of the House of Peers pro tempore Westminster Nov. 3. 1642. Which is granted so as the said Committee consist not of persons either by name declared Traitors or otherwise in some of his Declarations or Proclamations excepted against by name as Traitors and so as they come not with more than thirty persons and give notice before hand upon signification they shall have safe conduct Your Lordships most humble Servant Edward Nicholas Reading Nov. 4. Hereupon these Names are sent Algernon Earl of Northumberland Philip Earl of Pembroke and Montgomerie and four Members of the Commons Mr. Perpoint the Lord Wainman Sir Iohn Evelin of Wilts and Sir Io. Hippislie being the Committee of both Houses and desire his Majesties Pass and Repass under his Royal Hand and Signet Nov. 5. The safe Conduct is inclosed for all but Sir Io Evelin who is excepted being proclamed Traitor at Oxford and that if the Houses will send any other person not so excepted in his place His Majesty commands all his Officers to suffer him to pass as if his Name had been particularly comprised herein Reading Nov. 6. To recruit the Parliaments Army it is declared That all Apprentices that will list themselves in their service for the publick cause shall be secured from indemnitie of their Masters during their service and their time included to go on towards their Freedom and all their respective Masters are to receive them again when they shall return This Liberty made Holy-day with the Prentices and they were listed thick and threefold and now spoiled for being Trades-men ever after But it is time to consider what out dear Brethren of Scotland intended to do in this Distraction and therefore they are put in minde by a fresh Declaration of the Parliament How and with what wisdom and publick affection our Brethren of Scotland did concur with the desires of this Kingdom in establishing a peace between both Nations and how lovingly they have since invited the Parliament into a nearer degree of union concerning Religion and Church-government wherefore as the Parliament did for them a year since in their Troubles so now the same obligation lies upon our Brethren by force of their Kingdom to assist us Telling them that Commissions are given by the King to divers Papists to compose an Armie in the North which is to joyn with foreign Forces to be transported hither for the destruction of this Parliament and of Religion and Liberties of the people That the Prelatical partie have raised another Armie which his Majestie doth conduct against the Parliament and Citie of London And hereupon this Parliament desire their Brethren of Scotland to raise Forces for securing their own Borders and to assist here against the Popish and Foreign Forces according to that Act agreed upon in the Parliaments of both Kingdoms for the comfort and relief not onely of our selves but of all the Reformed Churches beyond Seas Nov. 7. 1642. The King as quick sends his Message to the Lords of his Privy Council in Scotland stating the condition between him and the
Band made by King Iames the sixth 1580. obliging those mutually to assist one another at the Kings command but this Band of theirs made without the Kings consent and excepting him is a cunning Combination against and to abuse the People as if by it they were tied by Oath to joyn in Arms or Rebellion No Covenant in the whole World that ever had left out the Head or had not a Negative voice except in cases of Rebellion as this is Then they were told of their treasonable actions Their provisions of Arms. Their levying Taxes of ten Marks per centum every Mark a Hangmans wages in England thirteen pence half penny publishing seditious Papers burned by the Hangman refusing the Lord Estrich sent by the King to be Governour of Edinburgh Castle committing Outrages upon the Garrisons there Raised Fortifications against the Castle and Inchgarvy imprisoned the Lord Southeck and others for their fidelity to the King delivered up the power of Government of several Towns to a Committee which is High Treason and then to fill up the measure to the brim the King produces their own Letter to the French Kirk to call in forreign aid So then the Covenant the Articles of Perth the scandalous Paper burnt and this Letter is to be particularly expressed and somewhat to be said concerning them This Covenant was accompanied with a Supplication or Imprecation upon Record and witness to posterity against them That we the General Assembly acknowledg that there resteth nothing for crowning of his Majesties incomparable goodness towards us but that the Members of this Church and Kingdom be joyned in one and the same Confession and Covenant with God with the Kings Majesty and amongst our selves and do even declare before God and the World that we never had nor have any thought of withdrawing our selves from that humble and dutifull subjection and obedience to his Majesty and his Government which by the descent and under the Reign of an hundred and sevâ—â— Kings is most chearfully acknowledged by us and our Predecessors That we never had nor have any intention or desire to attempt any thing that may tend to the dishonour of God or diminution of the Kings greatness and authority but on the contrary acknowledg all our quietnes stability and happiness to depend upon the safety of his Majesties person and maintenance of his greatness and Royal authority as Gods Vicegerent set over us for the maintenance of Religion and Ministration of Iustice. We have solemnly sworn and do swear not onely our mutual concurrence and assistance for the cause of Religion and to the utmost of our power with our means and life to stand to the defence of our Dread Sovereign his Person and Authority in the preservation and defence of the said true Religion Liberties and Laws of this Church and Kingdom but also in every cause which may concern his Majesties honour shall according to the Laws of this Kingdom and the duty of good Subjects concurre with our Friends and Followers in quiet manner or in Arms as we shal be required of his Majesty his Council or any having his authority and therefore being most desirous to clear our selves of all imputation of this kinde and following the laudable example of our Predecessors 1589. do most humbly supplicate your gracious Majesty and the Lords of his Majesties most honourable Privy Council to injoyn by Act of Council that this Confession and Covenant which as a testimony of our fidelity to God and loyalty to our King we have inscribed be subscribed by all his Majesties Subjects of what kinde and quality soever The thirtieth of August 1639. How they have faithfully observed this National Profession let the World judg and how they have grounded their Covenant which follows God will judg of their Oath It was presented to his Majesties Commissioners by this assembly That besides many other the true and real causes of so many evils which hath troubled this Kirk and Kingdome might appear First the pressing of this Kirk by Prelates with a Service-book or Common-prayer without direction or warrant from the Kirk and contayning besides the Popish frame thereof divers Popish Errors and Ceremonies and the seed of manifold gross superstitions and Idolatry with a Book of Canons without warrant or direction from the general Assembly establishing a Tyranical power over the Kirk in the persons of Bishops and overthrowing the whole discipline and Government of the Kirk by Assemblies with a Book of consecration and ordination without warrant or authority civil or Ecclesiastical apointing Offices in the house of God which are not warranted by the word of God and repugnant to the discipline and acts of our Kirk and with the High-commission erected without the consent of this Kirk subverting the Iurisdiction and ordinary Iudicatories of this Kirk and giving to persons meerely Ecclesiastical the power of both swords and to persons meerly civil the power of the Keyes and Kirk-censâ—res A second cause was the Articles of Perth viz. The observation of festival daies kneeling at the Communion confirmation administration of the Sacraments in private places which were brought in by a Null Assembly and are contrary to the confession of faith as it was meant and subscribed anno 1580. and divers times since and to the order and constitution of this Kirk Thirdly the change of the Government of this Kirk from the assemblies of the Kirk to the persons of some Kirkmen usurping priority and power over their brethren by the way and under the name of Episcopal Government against the confession of faith 1580. against the order set down in the Book of Policy and against the intention and constitution of this Kirk from the beginning Fourthly The civil places power of Kirkmen their sitting in Session Councell and Exchequer their riding sitting voycing in Parliament and their sitting on the Bench as Iustices of peace which according to the constitutions of this Kirk are Incompatible with their spiritual function lift them up above their brethren in worldly pomp and do tend to the hindrance of the Ministry Fiftly their keeping and authorizing corrupt assemblies in Linlithgow 1606. and 1608. at Glascow 1610. at Aberdine 1616. at Saint Andrews 1617. at Perth 1618. Which are null and unlawful as being called and constitute quite contrary to the order and constitution of this Kirk received and practized ever since the reformation of Religion and withal labouring to introduce novations in this Kirk against the order and Religion established A sixt cause is the want of lawfull and free assemblies rightly constitute of Pastors Doctors and Elders yearly and oftener pro ne nata according to the liberty of this Kirk expressed in the Book of Policie and acknowledged in the act of Parliament 1592. After which the whole assembly with one heart and voyce did declare that these and such other proceedings from the neglect and breach of the Nationall
Majesties person and Right against all Forces whatsoever and in like manner the Laws Liberties and Privileges of Parliament and of this Kingdom And I shall to my utmost power preserve and defend the peace of the two Counties of Devon and Cornvvall and all persons that shall unite themselves by this Protestation in the due performance thereof and to my power assist his Majesties Armies for reducing the Town of Plymouth and resistance of all Forces of Scots Invaders and others levied under pretence of any Authority of two Houses of Parliament or otherwise without his Majesties personal consent And hereupon they agreed upon several Articles in reference to the taking of this Protestation directed to all Sheriffs Constables Ministers of every Parish Church at the next general Meeting That the Army be governed according to his Majesties Articles That all such persons slain or as shall be slain in this VVar or die in the Service by whose life any other person held any other Lands or Rents the said other person shall grant an Estate or pay such Rents for life under such Covenants c. as to the person so slain and the Refusers to lose double value one half to the King the other to the party and to be imprisoned till payment That if any Minister shall refuse or neglect his particular duty in his Service or not reade the Kings Declarations or do any thing contrary to â—is Majesties Instructions to be secured and his Estate sequestred That there be provided a thousand Barrels of Powder and ten thousand Fire Arms at the charge of both Counties whereof Devon three parts and Cornvvall to be a fourth according to the proportion of the grand Subsidy The Earl of Manchester for the Parliament is as active in his Association having gone over all vvith a high hand came to the University of Cambridg being not yet resolved vvhether the Colleges and Halls be vvithin his Commission for Sequestration for clearing vvhereof the Parliament sent out their Ordinance That the Estates Rents and Revenues of the Colleges and Halls in the University of Cambridg are in no wise to be seized on but shall remain and be to the same University Colleges and Halls as if the Ordinance of Sequestration had never been made Which is most nobly done like true Patriots of Learning but then the next Proviso marrs all That if any part portion or dividend be due to any Head Fellow or Scholar in the said University being or which hereafter shall be a Malignant or Delinquent within any of the Ordinances of Sequestration then they shal be excepted from receiving any part or portion of his Allowance but shall be dealt with as it shall be ordered by the Earl of Manchester and none to be Receiver Treasurer or Bowser but such as shall be approved by him Sir Richard Byron Governour of Newark for the King understanding that the Adversaries vvere quartered at Harmiston and VVaddesdon three Miles from Lincoln sent out tvvo hundred and fifty Horse and some Dragoons under command of Sir Gervase Eyre vvho beat up their Quarters and took kill'd some but the reason having Quarter he carried avvay above three hundred Prisoners Horse and Arms. The King at Oxford vvith sufficient Friends to finish his civil affairs considered of the fitness and conveniency to assemble the Members of both Houses of Parliament at Oxford and having to that purpose the tvvo and tvventieth of December last by his Proclamation summoned them for this day the tvvo and tvventieth of Ianuary vvhere novv they met in the great Hall at Christ's Church vvhere his Majesty declared the occasion of his calling them together to be witnesses of his actions and privy to his intentions Telling them That if he had the least thoughtâ— disagreeing with the happiness of this Kingdom he would not advise with such Counsellors as they are And so they went to the publick Schools the Lords in the upper Schools and the Commons in the great Convocation-house Indeed he having renounced those Members that sate at Westminster he thought it fit to assemble such as he might confide in to vote and act as his proper Parliament countenanced with able Members the most ancient and most honourable Peers and very worthy Gentlemen not amiss to record them The Names of the Lords and Commons in the Assembly of the Parliament at Oxford Ianuary 22. 1643. Charls Prince Duke of York Cumberland Edw. Littleton C. S. Fr. Cottington Treasurer Duke of Richmond Marquess of Hertford Earls Lindsey Dorset Shrewsbury Bath Southampton Leicester Northampton Devonshire Carlile Bristol Barkshire Cleveland Rivers Dover Peterborough Kingston Newport Portland Visc. Conway Lords Digby Mowbray and Matravers Lords Wentworth Cromwell Rich. Paget Chandos Howard of Charlton Lovelace Savile Mohun Dunsmore Seymour Piercy VVilmot Leigh Hatton Iermin Carington Knights and Gentlemen Sir Iohn Fettiplace Sir Alexander Denton Sir Iohn Packington Thomas Smith Francis Gamul Iohn Harris Ioseph Iane. Richard Edgcomb I. Raleigh G. Fane P. Edgcomb VVilliam Glanvile Robert Hâ—burn Sir Ralph Sidenham Sir Fr. Godolphin Ger. Parry Ambrose Manaton Sir Richard Vivian Io. Palewheel Io. Arundel Thomas Lower Edward Hide VVilliam Allestry George Stonehouse Edward Seymor Peter St. Hill VVilliam Pool Roger Matthew Richard Arundel Ro. VValker Giles Strangways Io. Strangways Sir Thomas Helâ— Geraâ—d Nape Samuâ—l Turner VVilliam Constantine Henry Killegrew R. King Io. Dutton Henry Bret. VVilliam Chadwell Theo. Gorges Io. George Thomas Fanshaw Humph. Conningsby Richard Seaborn Arthur Ranelagh Thomas Tomkins Sampson Evers Io. Culpeper Ieffrey Palmer Io. Harison Thomas Fanshaw Roger Palmer Sir Orlando Bridgman VVilliam VVatkins Iohn Smith Sir Thomas Bludder Edward Littleton Harvie Bagot Richard Leveson Sir Richard Cave Sir Richard VVeston Richard Lee. Thomas VVhitmore Edward Acton C. Baldwin R. Goodwin Thomas Howard Thomas Littleton Robert Howard Io. Meux Matthew Davis Fr. Cornwallis Thomas Germin Io. Tailor VVilliam Basset VVilliam Pateman Edw. Ridney Thomas Hanham Edw. Philips Io. Digby Edw. Kirton Chr. Lewkin Edw. Alford Io. VVhite Io. Ashburnham VVilliam Smith Thomas Leeds I. Thin VVilliam Pledel Ro. Hide Edw. Griffin VValter Smith George Lowe Richard Harding Henry Herbert Endimion Porter Samuel Sandys Iohn Bâ—dvil William Morgan William Thomas Iohn Mistin Henry Bellasis Knights and Gentlemen George Wentworth William Malory Richard Aldbury Io. Salisbury William Herbert William Price Io. Price Knights and Gentlemen R. Herbert Charls Price Philip VVarwick Thomas Cook Herbert Price Io. Whisler These Peers then disabled by several Accidents appeared since Viscount Cambden Lord Abergaveny Lord Arundel Lord Capel Lord Newport Peers imployed in his Majesties Service Marquesses Winchester VVorcester Newcastle Earls Darby Huntington Clare Marlborough Viscount Falkonbridg Lords Morley Lords Darcy and Coniers Sturton Everâ— Daincourt Pawlet Brudenel Powesse Herbert of Cherbury Hopton Loughborough Byron Vaughan VVithrington Peers absent beyond Seas Earl of Arundel Earl of Saint Albans Lord Viscount Mountague Viiscount Strafford Lord Stanhop Lord Coventry Lord Goring Lord Craven of Hamsted Lord Craven of Ryton Peers
Merits The Queen began her Journey this day from Oxford towards the West of England those parts the most free from the poweâ— of her Enemies and more peaceable for her quiet rather than Oxford where though she were safe yet not secure from noise and business not much though regarding their Forces nor much troubled at the falsities for which the Parliament at VVestminster had voted her a Traitour besides the vain Libells that were let loose from Press and Pulpit in much plenty against the honour and dignity of Majesty and so she was conducted by the King Prince and Duke of York waited on with the chief Nobility and Gentry the first days Journey The King in presence of his Peers before they parted from Oxford received the holy Eucharist at Christ's Church from the hands of the Arch-bishop of Armagh used these publick Expressions immediately before his receiving the blessed Elements he rose up from his knees and beckning to the Arch-bishop for a short forbearance made this Protestation My Lord I espie hâ—re many resolved Protestants who may declare to the world the Resolution I do now make I have to the utmost of my power prepared my Soul to become a worthy Receiver and may I so receive comfort by the blessed Sacrament as I do intend the Establishment of the true Reformed Protestant Religion as it stood in its beauty in the happy daies of Queen Elizabeth without any connivence at Popery I bless God that in the midst of these publick Distractions I have still liberty to communicate and may this Sacrament be my Damnation if my heart do not joyn with my lips in this Protestation The King had caused a Garison in South Wales at Swansey a Town of good note in the County of Glamorgan under command of the high Sheriff residing there in person and were summoned from a Ship-board by Captain Molton To the Mayor and Gentlemen of Swansey Gentlemen these are to will and require you in the Name of the right honourable Robert Earl of Warwick Lord high Admiral of England Wales and Ireland and his Majesties Navy Royal at Sea that you forthwith yield the Town and Garison to the King and Parliament c. And this is the advice of your Friend who endeavours to preserve you if not I shall keep you without Trade till your forced obedience bring you to the mercie of him that tendereth to you grace and favour Milford-haven from the Ship called the Lion Ro. Molton This Lion-like sawcy Paper the high Sheriff received and suddenly sends Answer To Robert Molton Subscriber unto the Paper directed to the Mayor and Gentlemen of Swansey We cannot understand how we may with any justice or loyaltie return you the name of a Gentleman in answer to your rude and rebellious Paper in the front whereof you have the boldness and presumption in the Name of the right honourable as you term him whom we account otherwise Robert Earl of Warwick by you styled high Admiral of England and his Majesties Navie Royal which he hath illegally possessed to will and require us forthwith to yield the Town and Garison of Swansey into the obedience of the King and Parliament c. In defiance of which your traiterous Summons under a spurious shew of your loyalty and subjection to his Majestie We will not yield Town nor Garison nor any the least interest we hold of Life or Fortune under protection of his sacred Majestie but will defend the same against your proud and insolent Menacingâ— wherein your proper Trade is exhibited and in the account of a Rebell and Traitour we leave you to your self May 14. Subscribed by the high Sheriff and Gentlemen of Glamorganshire Certainly this Frolick for a Ship Captain to attach a Land Garison was not with any assurance to master it by his great Guns or that he could imagine so great fear in Master Sheriff to quit his trust upon a weak Summons rather it was with an intent to answer that Knack of a Troop of Horse in the North who finding some Sailers drinking in an Ale-house seized their Ship and Goods hard by in a blinde Creek If Captain Molton could have done so by Swansey he needed the less to give warning by Summons but he left it as he found it in the Sheriffs command Latham house was sore beset with a Siege against that noble Countess of Derby for above three Moneths by these Commanders Ashton Moor and Rigby nay by the power of Sir Thomas Middleton and Sir William Fairfax addition upon whom the besieged have sallied out and killed many at several times Colonel Moor's men erected a Breast of Mutton on a Pikes point held it up to the hunger-starved Rascals within daring them to come out and dine and the Countess was called to by name a young Gentleman Captain Chisnall desired my Lady that he might sally out ere the Table should be taken away which he did ere they had dined forced into their Trenches took divers Prisoners and some Colours which instantly they carried to the back Gates of the House opened them and shewing these Colours cried out A Latham a Latham the House is taken hereupon the Enemy being ignorant of this Deceit concluded it to be taken and advancing in a Body came in speed to the Gate where they were welcomed with three Pieces of Cannon and much execution and thus this Lady held out Latham till Prince Rupert came to her Relief For on Tuesday May 21. he marched on his way towards Lancashire and the five and twentieth towards Stopwash a border Town of Cheshire seated on the Banck of the River Mersey dividing these two Counties here the Parliament had a strong Garison who drew out with three thousand Horse and Foot and faced Rupert's Horse but at the coming up of his Foot in the Evening about six a clock the other side withdrew to the Hedges and lining them shot through which he must pass and therefore he commands Colonel Washington with some Dragoons to scowre the Hedges and forced them to the Town whom the Prince followed so close that he entered with them and took the Town Cannon Army and Amunition and many Prisoners Then being so near he sends Relief to the Countess of Derby who had now opposed a strong Siege of eighteen Weeks but her Adversaries were rising and going in fear to stay for Prince Râ—pert yet not without some Farewell therefore the Garison sallied out fell upon the Enemies Rear killed some and took Prisoners and so way was given for the Earl of Derby to return home to his own house The King having drawn out all his Forces from several Garisons to meet at Goring Heath in Oxfordshire the Parliament at Westminster was much troubled ordering that their General Essex the Earl of Manchester and Lord Grey with what Forces could be raised at London with the Garisons of Windsor and Alisbury and all to meet at the general Rendezvouz Alisbury in the
remember my Father moved by your counsel and won by your perswasions brake the Treaties in these perswasions I was your instrument towards him and I was glad to be instrumental in any thing which might please the whole body of the Realm nor was there any then in greater favour with you then this man whom you now so traduce And now whâ—n you finde me so sure intangled in war as I have no honourable and safe retreat you make my necessity your priviledge and set what rate you please upon your supplies a practise not very obliging towards Kings Mr. Coke told you it was better to dye by a foreign enemy then to be destroyed at home Indeed I think it is more honourable for a King to be invaded and almost destroyed by a foreign enemy then to be despised at home This was sharp and sowre yet the Câ—mmons kept close to their custom and reply with a Remonstrance That with extream joy and comfort they acknowledge the favour of his Majesties most gracious expressions of affection to his people and this present Parliament That concerning Mr. Coke true it is he let fall some few words which might admit an ill construction and that the House was displeased therewith as they declared by a general check and though Mr. Coke's explanation of his minde more cleerly did somewhat abate the offence of the House yet were they resolved to take it into further consideration and so have done the effect whereof had appeared ere this had they not been interrupted by this his Majesties message and the like interruption â—efel them also in the businesse of Doctor Turner As concerning the examination of the Letters of his Secretary of State as also of his Majesties own and searching the Signet Office and other Records they had done nothing therein not warranted by the precedents of former Parliaments upon the like occasions That concerning the Duke they did humbly beseech his Majesty to be informed that it hath been the constant and undoubted usage of Parliaments to question and complain of any person of what degree soever and what they should do in relation to him they little doubted but it should redound to the honour of the Crown and safety of the Kingdom Lastly As to the matter of supply That if addition may be made of other things importing his service then in consultation amâ—ngst them they were resolved so to supply him as might evidence the truth of their intentions might make him safe at home and formidable abroad The King tired with pro and con Petitions Answers Speeches Remonstrances was resolved to reply to them in brief That he would have them in the first place to consult matters of the greatest moment and that they should have time enough for other things hereafter But their designes were otherwise and the Important business to them was an Inquisition against the Duke and Incourâ—gement to the Parliament to any Informations The Earl of Bristow being excluded the House petitions them to prefer his Accusation which was soon admitted whom the Duke necessarily incounters and begins the charge against him But it is some Scandal to vertue to say that many good men were passing jocund at the contest Indeed the Lower Members might make it their mirth to finde the Upper Ones so malitious and imprudent to persecute each other being a presage of ruine by degrees and time to them all when as the policy of the Commons would not suffer one of theirs to be questioned till themselves considered of their Crimes which kept them close together Imboldned thus to preserve themselves to the last But the Duke ptocures the King by his Attorny Generall to summon Bristow to the Lords Bar as a grand Delinquent and to his face accuses him of High-Treason To which he Answers That he was a fâ—ee man and a Peer unattainted and had somewhat to say of high consequence Being bid to proceed Then saith he I accuse that man the Duke of Buckingham of High Treason and will prove it And forthwith produceth twelve Articles of his Charge May the second 1 That the Duke did secretly conspire with the Conde of Gondamâ—r Ambassador of Spain before the said Ambassadors last return into Spain 1622. to carry his Majesty then Prince into Spain to the end he might be enforced and instanced in the Romish Religion and thereby have perverted the Prince and subverted the true Religion established in England 2. That Mr. Porter was made acquainted therewith and sent into Spain and such message framed at his return as might serve for a ground to set on foot the conspiracy which was done accordingly and thereby both King and Prince highly abused 3. The Duke at his arrival in Spain nourished the Spanish Ministers not onely in the beleef of his own being Popishly given by absenting himself from all exercises of our Religion then constantly used in the Earl of Bristows house and conforming himself to please the Spainard by kneeling to and adoring their Sacraments but gave them hope also of the Princes conversion which caused them to propound worse conditions for Religion then had been formerly setled and signed by the Earl of Bristow and Sr. Walter Aston 4. That the Duke did many times in the presence of the Earl of Bristow move his Majesty at the instance of the Conde of Gondamar to write a letter to the Pope which the Earl utterly disswaded and that although during the Earls abode in England he hindred the writing any such letter yet the Duke after the Earls return procured it wrot 5. That the Pope being informed of the Dukes inclination in point of Religion sent him a particular Bull in parchment therein perswading him to pervert his Majesty 6. That the Duke in Spain did abuse the King of Spain and his Ministers so as they would not admit of a Reconciliation with him whereupon seeing the match would be to his disadvantage he endeavoured to break it not for any service to this Kingdom nor dislike of it in it sâ—lf nor for that he found as since he hath pretended thâ—t the Spaniard did not really intend it but out of his particular end and indignation 7. That he intending to cross the match made use of Letters of his Majesty then private to his own ends and not to what they were intended as also concealed many things of great importance from his late Majesty thereby overthrowing his Majesties purposes and advancing his own ends 8. That for the foresaid ends he hath abused both Houses of Parliament by a sinister relation of the carriage of affairs as shall be made appear in every particular of that relation 9 That he imployed his power with the King of Spain for the procurement of favours and offices which he bestowed upon unworthy persons for the recompence and hire of his lust which is a great infamy and dishonour to our Nation that a Duke a privy Counsellor and Ambassador eminent in his Majesties favour and
my Religion The Earl replying desired the Prince to pardon him if he had offended him saying It was but out of his desire to serve him Whereas it had been the duty of a faithful servant to God and his Master to have disswaded the Prince from it had he found him staggering in his Religion Eighthly That he afterward having Conference with the Prince about the Romish Religion trayterously endeavoured to perswade him to turn Romish Catholique using an Argument to that end That the State of England never did nor could possibly do any great thing but when obedient to the Pope of Rome Ninthly That during the time aforesaid the Prince advising with the Earl about a new Offer by the King of Spain That the Prince Palatine should marry the Emperours Daughter â—e brought up in his Court and so should be restored to the Palatinate The Earl said It was a reasonable Proposition And when the danger of changing his Religion was objected the Earl replyed That without some such great Act the peace of Christendom could never be procured Tenthly That the Prince departing from Spain and leaving the Powers of Disposorios with the said Earl to be delivered upon the return of his Dispensation from Rome the Prince fearing lest after the Dispensation the Infanta might be put into a Monastery wrote a Letter back to the Earl commanding him not to make use of those Powers untill he could give him assurance that a Monastery should not rob him of his Wife which Letter the Earl receiving returned an answer disswading that Direction Shortly after which the Prince sent another Letter discharging him of his former Command But his late Majesty by the same Messenger sent him a more express Direction Not to deliver the Disposorios until a full conclusion had concerning the Palatinate adding this expression That he would never joy to marry his Son and to leave his onely Daughter weeping In which Dispatch though there was some mistake yet in the next following it was corrected and the Earl tied to his former Restrictions which he promised punctually to observe Neverthelesse contrary to his Duty and Allegiance he after set a day for the Disposorios without any assurance or so much as treating of those things to which he was restrained and that so short a day that if extraordinary diligence with good successe in the Journey had not concurred the Princes hands might have been bound up and yet he never sure of a Wife nor the Prince Palatine of Restitution Lastly That in an high an contemptuous manner he hath preferred a scandalous Petition to this Honourable House to the dishonour of the late King and his now Majesty especially one Article of that Petition wherein he gives his now Majesty the Lye by denying and offering to falsifie what his Majesty had affirmed There needs no strain of partiality to implead the difference of these charges assuredly if the Earls charge against the Duke could have served the turn It might have spared the Commons Impeachment the other comming far short of the designe which was to do it to the purpose And therefore This weighty Cause was managed by six Members Mr. Glanvil Mr. Herbert Ma. Selden Mr. Pim Mr. Wans ford Mr. Sherland to them was added Sr. Dudly Diggs as Prolocutor and Sr. Iohn Elliot brought up the Rear And so though the matter of the Prologue may be spared being made up with Elegancy yet rather then it shall be lost you may please to read it at this length My Lords THere are so many things of great importance to be said in very little time this day that I conceive it will not be unacceptable to your Lordships if setting by all Rhetorical affectations I onely in plain Country language humbly pray your Lordships favour to include many excuses necessary to my manifold infirmities in this one word I am commanded by the Knights Citizens and Burgesses of the Commons house to present unto your Lordships their most affectionate thanks for your ready condescending to this Conference which out of confidence in your great wisdoms and approved Justice for the service of his Majesty and the welfare of this Realm they desired upâ—â— this occasion The House of Commons by a fatal and universal concurrence of complaints from all the Sea-bordering parts of this Kingdom did find a great and griâ—vous interruption and stop of Trade and Traffique The base Pirats of Sally ignominiously infesting our Coasts taking our ships and goods and leading away the Subjects of this Kingdom into barbarous Captivity while to our shame and hinderance of Commerce our enemies did as it were besiege our Ports and block up our best Rivers mouths 〈◊〉 Friends on flight pretences made embargoes of our Merchants goods and every Nation upon the least occasion was ready to contemn and slight us So great was the apparent diminution of the ancient honour of this Crown and once strong reputation of our Nation Wherewith the Commons were more troubled calling to remembrance how formerly in France in Spain in Holland and every where by Sea and Land the Valours of this Kingdom had been better valued and even in latter times within remembrance when we had no Alliance with France none in Denmark none in Germany no Friend in Italy Scotland to say no more ununited Ireland not setled in peace and much less security at home when Spain was as ambitious as it is now under a King Philip the second they called their wisest the House of Austria as great and potent and both strengthened with a malitious League in France of persons ill-affected when the Low-countreys had no being yet by constant counsels and old English wayes even then that Spanish pride was cool'd that greatness of the house of Austria so formidable to us now was well resisted and to the United Provinces of the Low countreys such a beginning growth and strength was given as gave us honour over all the Christian World The Commons therefore wondring at the Evils which they suffered debating of the causes of them found they were many drawn like one Line to one Circumference of decay of Trade and strength of Honour and of Reputation in this kingdom which as in one Centre met in one great man the Cause of all whom I am here to name the Duke of Buckingham Here Sir Dudly Diggs made a stand as wondring to see the Duke present Yet he took the Roll and read the Preamble to the charge with the Dukes long Titles and then went on My Lords This lofty Title of this mighty Man me thinks doth raise my spirits to speak with a Paulo majora canamus and let it not displease your Lordships if for foundation I compare the beautiful Structure and fair composition of this Monarchy wherein we live to the great work of God the World it self in which the solid body of incorporated Earth and Sea as I conceive in regard of our Husbandry Manufactures and Commerce by Land and Sea may
his late Majesty and his Majesty that now is warranting the payment of great sums of money by him as if such summes were directed for secret service of the State when as they were disposed of to his own use and hath gotten into his hands great sums which were intended by the late King for the furnishing and victualling of the Navy-Royall to the exceeding diminution of the revenues of the Crown to the deceiving and abusing of his late and now Majesty and detriment of the whole Kingdom That he doth humbly and with all thankfulness acknowledge his late Majesties bountifull hand to him and shall be ready to render back into the hands of his now Majesty whatsoever he hath received together with his life to do him service But for the value suggested in the charge he saith there is a great mistake in the calculation as he shall make evident in a Schedule annexed to which he referreth himself Nor did he obtain the same by any undue solicitation or practice nor yet a Release for any sums so received But having severall times and upon severall occasions disposed divers sums of his late and now Majesty by their private directions he hath Releases thereof for his discharge which was honourable in them to grant and not unfit for him to desire and accept for his future indemnity XIII Reply 13. Lastly That he being a sworn servant of the late King did cause and provide certain Plaisters and Potions for his late Majesty in his last sicknesse without the privity of his Majesties Physicians and that although those Plaisters and Potions formerly applied produced such ill effects as many of his sworn Physicians did dis-allow as prejudiciall to his Majesties health yet neverthelesse did the Duke apply them again to his Majesty Whereupon great distempers and dangerous symptomes appeared inhim which the Physicians imputed to those administrations of the Duke whereof his late Majesty also complained which was an offence and misdemeanour of so high a nature as may be called an act of transcendent presumption And the said Commons by Protestation saving to themselves the liberties of exhibiting hereafter any other accusation or impeachment against the Duke and also of replying unto what the Duke shall answer unto the said Article do pray that the said Duke may be put to answer all and every the premises and that such Proceedings Examinations Tryals and Judgements may be upon every of them had as is agreeable to Law and Justice That his late Majesty being sick of an Ague a disease out of which the Duke recovered not long before asked the Duke what he found most advantagious to his health the Duke replied a Plaister and Posset-drink administred to him by the Earl of Warwick's Physician whereupon the King much desired the Plaister and Posset-drink to be sent for And the Duke delaying it he commanded a servant of the Dukes to go for it against the Dearnest request he humbly craving his Majesty not to make use of it without the advice of his own Physicians and experiment upon others which the King said he would do and in confidence thereof the Duke left him and went to London And in the mean time he being absent the said Plaister and Posset drink were brought and at the Dukes return his Majesty commanded the Duke to give him the Posset-drink which he did the Physicians then present not seeming to mislike it Afterward the Kings health declining and the Duke hearing a rumour as if his Physick had done his Majesty hurt and that he had administred Physick without advice the Duke acquainted the King therewith who in much discontent replied They are worse then Devils that say so This being the plain clear and evident truth of all those things which are contained in that Charge He humbly referreth it to the judgements of your Lordships how full of danger and prejudice it is to give too ready an ear and too easie a beleef unto a Report or Testimony without Oath which are not of weight enough to condemn any Also he humbly acknowledgeth how easie it was for him in his young years and unexperienced to fall into thousands of errours in those ten years wherein he had the honour to serve so great and so open-hearted a Soveraign Master But the fear of Almighty God his sincerity in the true Religion established in the Church of England though accompaninied with many weaknesses and imperfections which he is not ashamed humbly and heartily to confesse his awfulnesse not willing to offend so good and gracious a Master and his love and duty to his Countrey have restrained and preserved him he hopeth from running into any hainous misdemeanours and crimes But whatsoever upon examination and mature deliberation they shall appear to be least in any thing unwittingly within the compasse of so many years he shall have offended He humbly prayeth your Lordships not onely in those but to all the said misdemeanours misprisions offences and crimes wherewith he standeth charged before your Lordships to allow unto him the benefit of the free and general Pardon granted by his late Majesty in Parliament in the one and twentieth year of his Reign out of which he is not excepted And also of the gracious Pardon of his now Majesty to the said Duke and vouchsafed in like manner to all his Subjects at the time of his most happy Inauguration and Coronation which said Pardon under the Great Seal of England and granted to the said Duke beareth date the tenth day of February now last past and so here shewed forth unto your Lordships on which he doth humbly relie And yet he hopeth that your Lordships in your Justice and Honour upon which confidence he putteth himself will acquite him of and from those misdemeanours offences misprisions and crimes wherewith he hath been charged And he hopeth and will daily pray that for the future he shall by Gods grace so watch all his actions both publick and private that he shall not give any just offence to any However that that an Authour hath descanted on this defence It doth really appear prudential modest and humble and no doubt a Reply might be intended In the interim the Kings affaires requiring a quicker supply for the publique than these lingring proceedings could admit he demands the speedy producing their Bill of Subsidy to be passed to which they were forced suddenly to conform not unlikely to prevent their present dissolution which otherwise they suspected And resolving to make work they were hammering a tedious Declaration of Grievances which was allowed by the House before the Bill of Subsidy Whereupon with huge indignation the King the very next day Iune 15. dissolves them with this positive answer to some Lords that were sent to intercede for longer sitting not a minute And the same day Bristow was committed to the Tower and Arundell confined to his House with a Proclamation for burning all Copies of the Commons Declaration which was
confirmed by Parliament did after add two shillings per pound without leave of the Parliament We began to be great Practitioners in the School of Revolting in Tumults and Insurrections following the Rules of our Neighbour Brethren in their pretences of Liberty and as it is truly brought into parallel with the Scots former Proceedings in their Discipline of Reformation even from their first Murder upon their Arch-bishop of Saint Andrews Anno And so by that and other Examples we are set on work to begin violation upon our Arch-bishop of Canterbury A Paper being poasted up at the Old Exchange the ninth of May exhorting Prentices to rise and â—ack the Arch-bishop house at Lambeth the Munday following when in the dead time of Night the number of five hundred beset his Palace and endeavour to force their Entrance but were repulsed by such power as he had prepared to oppose them who parted without more hurt than the Glass Windows for which attempt many of them the next day being narrowly observed were seized and sent to Prison to the White-Lion but three days after some of their former Companions in the open day-time beset the Prison force the Doors and delivered them to liberty for which and for Example onely one of them a Captain Cobler was apprehended tried in Southwark and condemned and hanged drawn and quartered and his Limbs set upon London-bridg The King in very great earnest for his Expedition to the North cals a Iovento of select Counsellors where Secretary Vane was conceived so trusty as not to be left out who yet took such Heads of the Debate as he and his Son made use of afterwards towards the destruction of the Earl of Strafford The Heads were thus in brief as they are recorded No danger in undertaking this War Whether the Scots are to be reduced or no To reduce them by force as the state of this Kingdom stands If his Majesty had not declared himself so soon he would have declared himself so no War with Scotland they would have given him plentifully The City to be called immediately and questioned to lend an hundred thousand pounds The Ship-money to be put rigorously upon Collection and by these two ways will furnish his Majesty plentifully to go on with Armies and War against Scotland The manner of the War Shipping of the Trade of Scotland to be detained prejudice so they had the Trade free with England for their Castle A defensive War to sally against offensive War into the Kingdom his opinion is that few Moneths will make and end of the War do you invade the Scots strongly If no more Money than what proposed how then to make an offensive War a difficulty Whether to do nothing or to let them alone Or to go on with a rigorous War Go on rigorously or let them alone No defensive War love of Honour and reputation the quiet of England will not hold out long your might will languish as betwixt Saul and David Go on with an offensive War as you first de signed loose and absolute from all Rulers and Governments being returned to extreme necessity every thing will be done as power will admit and that you are to do They refused you are acquitted towards God and Man you have an Army in Ireland you may imploy it to reduce the Kingdom I am confident as any thing under Heaven Scotland shall not hold out five Moneths One Summer well imployed will do it I venture all I have I would carry it or lose all Whether a defensive War as impossible as an offensive or whether to let them alone Tried always Refused always By the Laws of God you should have subsistence and ought to have it and lawfull to take it Leagues they make abroad and we will do so for the defence of this Kingdom The Lower House are weary both of King and Church Commission of Array to be put in execution they are to bring them to the Borders In reason of State you have power when they are to use them at the Kings pay If any of the Lords can shew them a better way let them do it The Town full of the Nobility who will talk of it he will make them smart first These were the Notes taken thus by Vane and to the Design and general opinion for War the Londoners are summoned to lend Money but the Citizens were sullen indeed no Trading made them poor they who had injoyed such a length of time in peace and commerce just fourty years as never any City could boast of more happiness nor truly of more wealth their bliss Luxury and Pride and Plenty with all Vices answerable unfaithfull to their Sovereign unstable in Religion ungratefull to their own Members and Friends We cannot finde other than this the onely cause that this City might justly regret upon unkindness from the King was the account of their Plantation of London Derry in Ireland a slender occasion their usurpation of more liberty than their Patent would impower was here questioned in Star-chamber and sentenced to be forfeited to the King and Fines imposed upon the Undertakers which though very justly deserving correction yet they proposed reasonable overtures of satisfaction and more honourable for the King to have accepted which was to have contributed a very ample Sum of Money by way of Composition towards the erecting of a Royal Palace for his Majesties Court in Saint Iames's Park according to a Model drawn by Inigo Iones his excellent Architectour and to have taken down White-hall towards the Thames carrying the common way in the room thereof directly from Charing-cross straight through Cannons-row to Westminster-hall leaving the River-side an open Wharf quite along And although their offer in Money came short of the Sum to finish such a Fabrick yet so noble a Design might have found many well-affected to have offered to the supply besides sundry other occasions of raising Money sufficient to have perfected that Work whereas this Fine producing a considerable Sum was begged and squandred away to the Kings small advantage But neither the City nor Nation could pretend to want the Kingdom became the envy of Europe Mollia securae peragebant otia Gentes The Court never so glorious the Gentry no where more gallant the Citizens so abounding with Treasure Bullion and Buildings that no Age can parallel Commerce inward and outward never at that height before the Custome increasing to admiration the Narrow Seas never better guarded with braver Ships nor the Navy Royal for number of Vessels and Magazine the Vniversity replenished with learned men and for the Church among all the Reformed she was esteemed as in truth she was justly stiled the Church Triumphant And Ireland was arrived almost to the like degree of prospertiy All the Arrerages of the Crown were paid there without a Penny sent from hence for some years past to maintain that standing Army Traffique there to that
height as the Crown-customes increased five times greater in fine not onely to subsist of our self but to contribute to the English Exchequer and to make some retribution of those vast expenses from hence for four hundred years past The main assistance to this War came from the Gentry of England all Knights and Gentlemen holding Lands in capite of the King were to send Horse and Men answerable to their abilities so that the Aids completed the royal Army where of the Earl of Northumberland was appointed General and the Earl of Strafford his Lieutenant General but in truth Northumber land fell extreme sick and therefore not to disorder the form of the other Officers the King took the Command upon himself Generalissimo for I never read of a Royal Army and the King present but himself was chief the Earl of Northumberland his General and the Earl of Strafford Lieutenant General and having seen the Queens safe delivery of a Son born the twentieth of Iuly and christened Henry after created Duke of Glocester He hastens his Rendezvouz and the twentieth of August takes leave of London Two days after he declares the Scots to be Rebells by Proclamation That by all ways of mildness and clemency he hath endeavoured to appease the rebellious courses of his Subjects of Scotland who upon pretences of Religion have sought to shake off his Regal Government and now do take up Arms and invade his Kingdom of England and therefore his Majesty doth now declare that all those who have already entered or shall presume to enter in war like manner in any part of England and their Adherents and Assistants shall be adjudged and are hereby denounced Rebels and Traitours against his Majesty nevertheless if they will yet acknowledg their former crimes and crave pardon and yield obedience for the time to come he tenders them his gracious pardon they retiring home and demeaning themselves as loyal Subjects for the future August 22. 1640. And a Prayer is published for the Kings Majesty in his Expedition against the Rebells of Scotland to be said in all Churches c. viz. O Eternal God and mercifull Father by whom alone Kings reign thou Lord of Hosts and Giver of all Victory we humbly beseech thee both now and ever to guide and preserve our most gracious Sovereign Lord King Charls to bless him in his Person with health and safety in his Counsels with wisdom and prudence and in all his Actions with honour and good success especially against those his traiterous Subjects who having cast off all obedience to their Anointed Sovereign do 〈…〉 His Army was marched before hastening to meet the Scots who were entered England already for being come to North-alerton in the way to New-castle he was met by the Lord Conway with the ill News of a Defeat at Newburn upon Tine the Day before which was thus The Lord Conway Commander there in chief advising to secure the most considerable Passes had upon August 27 drawn out 1200. Horse and 3000. Foot placing the Infantry under shadow of a Breast-work to gall the Scots in theirâ— Pass over the River Tine near Newburn but their General Lesly over night had planted nine Pieces of Ordnance on his side of the River and blinded them with Bushes from sight of the English and in the morning craves leave of the Lord Conway to pass with his Petition to his Majesty he was admitted to pass with a considerable number but not with his Army but Lesly must not divide his Forces and so fords over 300. Horse which were by those behinde the Breast-work enforced to retire and Lesly to acquit them plaid his Cannon from the Blinde so furiouâ—ly as drove them from their Poast and like raw Souldiers cast down their Arms and fled Then their Cavalry re-advanced upon Mr. Wilmot Commissary General of the Horse accompanied with prime Gentlemen and stood to the Charge of Horse and Cannon also which so galled them and over powred by number as they retired in disorder 300. slain and imprisoned and Conway fain to retreat with this ill News to the King and because New-castle was not tenable against the Scots Army Sir Iacob Ashley the Governour was forced to desert it and two days after they possessed Durham And now comes the Earl of Strafford who brought up the Rear of the Army retreating to York whom the King staid and where there was time afforded to examine and conclude this Miscarriage upon Conway notwithstanding his best art of flourish and stout animosity to vindicate his either Cowardice or Treachery or both for so he was accused During this time the English Garison at Barwick issued out and recovered some Pieces of Cannon which had been left by Lesly at Dunse as over-usefull for his Train which gave Allarm to the Earl of Hadington commanding in Loâ—thian and the Merse with two thousand Horse and 〈◊〉 to pursue and rescue the Cannon and carried them to Dâ—nglass but the next day Hadington and twenty more â—nights and Gentlemen in an instant were all slain by an accident of â—ire which blew up the Magazine of Vaâ—lt that lay in a 〈◊〉 on the other side of the Court twelve score from his Lodging not slain therein very frolick and merry but were come out into the midst of the Court and there killed by the Stones that flew from the Vault which made it the more miraculous but whether by Accident or Design was never known But during these military actions the Scots gaining ground upon the English and now â—eated where they would be in warm Quarters with New-castle Coal good Fires Meat Drink and Lodging of the best and all these in great plenty They now take time to petition the King intâ—tuling it The humble Petition of the Lords of the last Parliament and others his Majesties loyal Subjects of Scotland Complaining in general of their sufferings for relief whereof they are constrained to come without prejudice to the peace of England or any the Subjects therein untill they are pressed with strength of Arms to oppose their Passage at Newburn and now present themselves to his Majesties goodness for satisfaction of their full demands and repair of their wrongs and losses with the advice of the Parliament of England to be convented To all the King answers by his Secretary of Scotland the Earl of Limrick that the King expects their particular Demands having already summoned the Peers of England to meet at York September 24. and commands them to advance no farther York September 5. LIMRICK Three days after comes their Demands directed to the Earl of Limrick in terms humble enough but very peremptory as to the Points Right Honourable As nothing on earth is more desired of us than his Majesties favour so we shall desire nothing herein but what may suit to his Majesties honour and peace of his Dominions The Particulars we should have expressed in our Petition but that they
taken a latitude in affirming that the whole Book of Articles of Ireland was called in and in the place thereof the Articles of the Church of England confirmed by Parliament in that Kings name Anno. 1634. whom the Observator hath followed in the like terms pag. 241. and so both imagined to be from the same Person for there was no such motion made and indeed no likelyhood to have taken place there being then so many Papists of both Houses who would have received neither For the further clearing of which this part of a Letter will evidence being written by the late Primate in Answer to an Honourable person of this Kingdom upon the first coming forth of that Book As for Dr. Heylens relation concerning our Articles of Ireland it is much mistaken For first where he saith they did pass when his Majesties Commissioners were imployed about the settling of the Church Anno. 1615. and chargeth them with this strict aâ—sterity as he termeth it in the prescript and observation of the Lords day he sheweth himself very weak there having been no such Commissioners here at that time and our Articles having been published in Print divers years before that the Commissioners whom he meaneth came hither as Sir Nathaniel Rich who was one of them himself can sufficiently inform you Secondly where he saith he is sure that till that time the Lords day had never attained such credit as to be thought an Article of faith he speaks very idely He that would confound the ten Commandements whereof this must be accounted for one unless he will leave us but nine with the Articles of the faith had need be put to learn his Catechism again and he that would have every thing which is put into the Articles of Religion agreed upon in the Synod for the avoyding of diversity of opinions and for the maintenance of peace and uniformity in the Church to be held for an Article of the faith should do well to tell us whether he hath as yet admitted these two here instanced were not by way of diminution for he did highly approve of both as being most excellent composures but because they are either for the most part to be reckoned among the Agenda rather than the Credenda or that in both there are some circumstantials observed and exhorted unto onely for decency and order according to the wisdom of the Church which come not within the compass of the Creed as upon the view of them without descending to Particulars may easily appear the Book of the Ordination of Bishops and the two volums of Homilies into his creed for sure I am he shall finde these in the Articles of Religion agreed upon in the Synod held at London 1562. To which Dr. Heylin himself having subscribed I wonder with what face he can oppose the conclusion which he findeth directly laid down in the Homily of the time and place of prayer in the fourth Commandement God hath given express charge to all men that upon the Sabbath day which is now our Sunday for these are the plain words of the Homily which the Doctor with all his sophistry will never be able to elude they shall cease from all week-day labour to the intent that like as God himself wrought six daies and rested the seventh and blessed it and Sanctified it and consecrated it to quietness and rest from labour even so Gods obedient people should use the Sunday and rest from their common and dayly business and also give themselves wholly to heavenly exercise of Gods true Religion and service By the verdict of the Church of England I am sure the Lords day had attained such a pitch of credit as nothing more could be left to the Church of Ireland in their Articles afterward to adde unto it Thirdly he shameth not to affirm that the whole book of the Articles of Ireland is now called in which is a notorious untruth and lastly the Articles of the Church of England were confirmed by Parliament in this Kingdom Anno. 1634. which it is well known that they were not so much as once propounded to either house of Parliament or ever intended to be propounded the truth is that the house of convocation in the beginning of their Canons for the manifestation of their agreement with the Church of England in the confession of the same Christian faith and the Doctrine of the Sacraments as they themselves profess and for no other end in the world did receive and approve of the Articles of England but that either the Articles of Ireland were ever called in or any Articles or Canons at all were ever here confirmed by act of Parliament may well be reckoned among Dr. Heylins fancies who sheweth how little credit he deserveth in his Geography when he bringeth us news of the remote parts of the world that telleth us so many untruths of things so lately and so publiquely acted in his neighbour nation Now although this of that most Reverend Primate writ many years since with the said Certificate of Dr. Barnard and Dr. Pullein may be satisfactory that the said Articles were not repealed or abrogated for we must keep the Authors own terms who is so precise that he hath at large contended for it yet I shall further confirm it by this brief Narrative of the whole matter as I had it from such as were present First in the house of the Clergie which was then in the Cathedral of St. Patricks Dublin there was a motion made for the reception a new of the Articles of Ireland and all unanimous were for the affirmative excepting two who went out Another time the whole house of the Clergie being called into the Quire where the Bishops sat and the same thing again propounded to them they all stuck to their former vote excepting seven The intent of the whole Clergie being by this sufficiently understood and it appearing there was no need of any such confirmation having been Anno. 1615. fully and formally established that motion was no more repealed only the Primate was consulted conâ—erning the approving and receiving of the Articles of England also to which he readily consented therein being no substantial difference between them which he had subscribed himself voluntarily long before in England and conceiving it to be without any prejudice to the other Hereupon the first Canon being all that was done in relation to them was drawn up the Primate approved it and proposed it himself as president of the Synod in the House of the Bishops commended it to the House of the Clergie where by his motion many assented the more readily they all gave their Votes man by man excepting one person who suspended his out of the suspition that some might make that construction which is the Observators conclusion to whose Arguments somewhat may be answered His chief is from the words of the Canon where they do not onely approve but receive the Articles of England from this must infer a super inducing
against their House and Privileges and the Vindication also of divers Members thereof in this Declaration Whereupon we declare that if any person shall arrest either of them or any Member of Parliament by any Warrant from the King onely is guilty of the Breach of the Privileges of Parliament And whereas by several Examinations taken the seventh of this instant January before the Committee in London it did appear that many Souldiers and Papists to the number of five hundred armed came with his Majesty on Tuesday last the fourth of this present to the House c. We do declare that it was a traiterous Design against the King and Parliament And whereas they the said Members did with approbation of the House absent themselves since which time a printed Paper in the form of a Proclamation dated the sixth of this instant issued out for their apprehending and Imprisonment We do declare that the said Paper is false scandalous and illegal and that notwithstanding they may and ought to attend the service of the House And we do declare that the publishing of several Articles of High Treason against them was a high Breach of the Privileges of Parliament a Scandal to his Majesty and Dishonour to the said Members which cannot be sufficiently vindicated unless his Majesty discover the Names of such persons who advised him thereto that they may receive condign punishment This House declaring that all such persons c. are declared publick Enemies to the State c. During these passages a tumultuous Number of common persons came to Westminster out of the City offering violence upon the persons of sundry Bishops going and coming out of the House of Peers which extremely deterred them from their future attendance there whereupon they petition the King and protest That whereas the Pâ—titioners were called up by Writ to attend in Parliament and have a clear and indubitable Right to vote in Bills and other matters debated and ought to be protected They protest before God that they are most willing to do their Duties there accordingly That they abominate all Actions or Opinions tending to Popery all Propensions or Inclinations to any Malignant party or any other partie to which their Consciences sâ—all not move them to adhere That they have been many times menaced affronted and assaulted by Multitudes of people in their coming to do their service to the Parliament and lastly chased away in danger of their Lives without any redress of their Complaints to both Houses c. They do therefore in all Duty and Humility protest before your Majesty and the Peers in Parliament against all Laws Orders Votes Resolutions and Determinations as in themselves null and of none effect which in their absence since the seven and twentieth of December have already passed as likewise against such as shall hereafter pass in that most honourable House during the time of this their forced and violent absence c. and humbly beseech his Majesty to command the Clerk of that House of Peers to enter this their Petition and Protestation Signed John Ebor. Thomas Duresm Robert Covent Lich. Jos Norwich John Asaphan Gul. Ba. Wells Geo Hereford Rob Oxon. Mat Ely Godfr Glouâ— Jo Peterburgh Mar Landaff This fell out as many would have it a leading case to their confusion wherefore the Lords on the thirtieth of December desire a Conference touching matters of high and dangerous consequence where the Lord Keeper told them That this Petition and Protestation of the twelve Bishops is extending to the deep entrenching upon the Fundamental Privileges and being of Parliaments And therefore it was resolved hereupon to accuse them of high Treason and Master Glyn sent of the Arrand to the Lords and to sequester them from Parliament and to be put in safe custody to make good their Answer to the Commons charge and so they were instantly by the Black Rod to be apprehended and were all by eight a clock at night brought on their Knees to the Lords Bar and ten of them committed to the Tower and two of them in regard of their age and the worthy parts of one of them the learned Bishop of Durham were committed to the Black Rod. Then the House of Commons pretending hazzard to their persons upon the late Assault of the King and his Retinue they sent a Message to the King for a Guard To present to his Majesty the just Fears of Designs and Practises to destroy them by a Malignant party in the Face and at the Doors of the Parliament and at your Majesties own Gates c. They humbly desire therefore to have a Guard out of the City of London commanded by the Earl of Essex Chamberlain of your Majesties Houshold And to this end they humbly desire a gracious and speedy Answer because theirs and the Kingdoms safety depends upon it and will not admit of any Delay The King gives Answer That with great grief of heart after their twelve Moneths sitting wherein they have obtained those things for their security and happiness as no Age can equal they should now be disturbed with Ielousies Distrusts and Fears protesting before God that had he any knowledg or belief of the least Design in any of violence against them he would pursue them to condign punishment with the same severity as the greatest Attempt upon his Crown Engaging solemnly the Word of a King that their security from violence shall ever be his care as the Preservation of Himself and Children And if this general Assurance shall not suffice He shall command such a Guard to wait upon them as he shall be responsible for to God who hath encharged him with the Protection of his Subjects There the City taking heart and hands with the House of Commons summon a Common Council where they debate the Jealousies and Fears possessing them and draw up a Petition To the Kings most Excellent Majesty Wherein they represent their Dangers and Distractions by the bloudy Rebellion in Ireland fomented and acted by Papists and of their Designs foreign and at home tending to the ruine of the Protestant Religion The putting out of persons of honour from being Constable of the Tower and the preparations there made the fortifying of White-hall the late Discovery of divers Fire works in the hands of a Papist His Majesties late manner in the House of Commons The effects of which just Fears overthrow the Trade of this City to the utter ruine of the Protestant Religion and the Lives and Liberties of the Subject And pray that by the Parliaments advice the Protestants in Ireland may be relieved the Tower be put in the hands of persons of trust a Guard appointed for the safety of the Parliament and that the late five Members may not be restrained nor proceeded against but by the Privileges of Parliament The King wondring at the wisdom of the City to be lead into the conceit of Fears and Jealousies upon such slender devised Grounds having
the other now formed into force sufficient to advance towards the King as yet aâ— York where he summons all his loving Subjects on this side Trent to come to his aid the Rendezvouz being at York Thursday the fourth of August 1642. And to begin the quarrel Sir Iohn Hotham had on Wednesday before sallied out of Hull with forty horse and fell upon one hundred and fifty of the Kings party whom they called Cavaliers and so shall we stile them for distinction throughout them intrenched at Anlaby and surprized shifted away but their two Centinels slain which flesht the other in blood galloping after the Foot seized their Colours and seveâ—ty Muskets with some prisoners burned the poor Barn which Sir Iohn named a â—arison and so returned Victor The next news comes from Portsmouth The County bands â—ntending to surprize that Town which was kept for the King by Colonel Goring who having timely notice met them by the way two miles off where he skirmished and retyred But the Assaylers gave Intelligence into the Town to their faction of their design and were promised connivance whilst the Parliament espousing the quarrel Sir Iohn Merricks Regiment and a Troop of Horse were suddenly sent thither to joyn with the Trained bands of Hampshire who began the Siege which Marquess Hertford hastens to remove The Kings Forces were at first formed at York then the Rendezvouz to Nottingham where he sets up his standard and there increasing he Marches Westward to Stafford then to Leicester and so passing by the Earl of Essex house Chartâ—ey without other pressure upon that place than as if he were the Kings General nay the Kings express pleasure was to restrain the Souldiers Liberty who otherwise would have rased it to the ground and ruined his Estate about it from thence he Marches towards Wales and settles at Shrewsbury where he gathers into a body capable to March Southward and to meet his Enemy The Parliaments Forces formed at London Rendevouz at St. Albans marching Northwards to Attach the King and to take him from his Cavaliers and bring him home to his Parliament and henceforward we shall finde the effects of both Armies And the Parliament to bound and limit their General prescribe to him directions in effect 1. To restrain all prophaness in his Army 2. To March and fight with the Kings Army and by Battel or otherwise to rescue his Majesties person the Prince and Duke of York out of the hands of those now aâ—out him 3. To take his opportunity in some honourable way to cause the Petition of Parliament to be presented to his Majesty who if he be pleased to withdraw himself from his forces and to resort to his Parliament you shall cause those forces to disband and shall serve and defend the King with sufficient strength in his retâ—rn 4. To declare that if any will within ten daies after publication withdraw from Assisting the King and return to the Parliament shall have pardon Except Delinquents already voted or to be voted or Impeached or who stand impeached of High Treason or have been eminent or active against the Parliament And except the Duke of Richmond The Earl of Cumberland Newcastle Rivers and Carnarvan Viscounts Newark and Falkland principal Secretary to the King Secretary Nicholas Mr. Endimion Porter and Mr. Edward Hide 5. To receive the Loans or contributions of Money Plate or Horses for the support of the Army certifying the sums of money weight of Plate and value of Horses that the parties may thereby be repaid upon publique faith 6. To protect the good people from violence of the Cavaliers and to restore to them their losses 7. To apprehend all persons Impeached as Traytors or other Delinquents and secure them to the Parliament 8. To observe such further directions as he shall receive from the Parliament He had a Committee or any four of them whereof the General to be one from time to time to consult and to acquaint the Parliament with their Resolutions for both houses to proceed thereupon as to them shall be thought fitting And to take subscriptions for any Money Plate or provisions and their Testimony shall be sufficient warrant to be repayed at 8. per cent by publique faith And to have power to examine apprehend and punish or discharge malignants as they shall think fit Sir Iohn Byron having raised some Troops in the County of Oxford for the Kings service and Marching towards Northampton refreshed himself and horses at Brackley and there unexpectedly was assaulted by sundry Troops of the Parliaments party from Northhampton and indeed treacherously set upon by the Town of Brackley and forced to retreat to the Heath in which confusion his servants were surprized in the Town some carriages and his Cabinet of papers seized Of which he complains to Mr. Clark at Craughton neer Barkley to be in his Custody to whom he sends a Messenger with a letter for the restitution and tells him which if you do I shall represent it to his Majesty as an acceptable service If not assure your self I shall finde a time to repay my self with advantage out of your estate and consider That as Rebellion is a weed of a hasty growth so it will decay as suddainly and that theâ—e will be a time for the Kings Loyal Subjects to repair their losses sustained by Rebels and Traytors Oxford the first of September Yours John Byron This Letter Craughton remits to the Parliament upon which they declare Byron and his Associates Rebels encourage the other parties as good Subjects and acceptable to the Parliament and shall be so justified and all others taking part with them The Marquess Hertford and his Forces seized Sherborn Castle which the Earl of Bedford was ordered to besiege but staied so long at Dorcester for Forces from about Plimouth that this Marquess took his leave Marching over Serdown towards Shrewsbury and after him followes Bedford Sir Iohn Byron marches to Worcester and takes it for the King intending to garison there but to prevent any Forces to joyn with him Mr. Fines is sent from his Father with some Dragoons to stop the passage and to prepare for a Siege At this time arrives two of the Elector's Brothers Rupert and Maurice and no sooner come to the King but are entertained presently with power and authority and put into action fatal Assistants they were to their Uncle the King in these unhappy proceedings The ninth of September sets forth the Earl of Essex out of London towards St. Albans and his Army in way of triumph he went out waited on by the Parliament and millions of people laning the high way throughout attended with the gallantry of his great Commanders and accompanied with such of the Nobles and Gentry who favoured his Design the multitude crying out Hosanna others muttering That even so was done and said to his Father in his Expedition towards Ireland who returned back a Traitor and lost his head
negotiate the introducing by His Uncle the King of Denmark a foreign power to settle His affairs and under that pretext have given large Commission and particular instructions to the Fleet to visit search and intercept all such Danish ships as they should meet and to fight with sink or destroy all such as should resist them not permitting the same or to take and detain them having any arms or ammunition on board according to which they have searched visited and detained divers to the great prejudice and interruption of the Norway trade driven commonly in this Kingdom in their own Bottoms And that they did prepare force against others whom they permitted not to water nor any other accommodation being bound for the West-Indies and put in by stresse of weather in the West of England That in pursuance of their great design of extirpating the Royal blood and Monarchy of England they have endeavoured likewise to lay a great blemish upon His Royal Family endeavouring to illegitimate all derived from His Sister at once to cut off the interests and pretensions of the whole Race which their most detestable and scandalous design they have pursued examining witnesses and conferring circumstances and times to colour their pretensions in so great a fault and which as his sacred Majesty of England in the true sense of honour of his Mother doth abhor and will punish so he expects his concurrence in vindicating a Sister of so happy memory and by whom so near an union and continued League of amity hath been produced between the Families and Kingdoms That the particulars in which His Majesty doth desire his assistance are in the loan and raising of Men Money Arms and Ships all or such of them as may consist best with the conveniences of his own affairs and of such iu the first place as may be most requisite and are wanting to his Majesty That to set His levies on foot and to put him in a posture to protect his Subjects in all places that adhere to him and receive their contribution a hundred thousand pounds will be necessary for him which his Majesty desires by way of loan And for the restitution of it besides his Kingly word and solemn engagement upon this treaty he is contented of such his Crown Iewels as are in his disposure to leave His Royal pledge if it shall be desired The particulars of arms that he desires are six thousand Musquets fifteen hundred Horse-arms and twenty pieces of Artillery mounted Assistance of men he desires only in Hâ—rsmen and to know in what time thâ—y may be ready and how many That the Holy Island or Newcastle are designed for the landing of the said Horse and Magazin of the said provisions for reception likewise and protection of such his ships as he shall think fit to imploy for the countenance and security of those his Subjects that shall trade upon these Costs and for ascertaining the correspondency and intelligence between the two Kingdoms in which the number is left to be proportioned as may best sort and agree with his own affairs And for which the Holy Island is conceived one of the aptest Harbours in all his Majesties Dominions being capable of any ships whatsoever in a very great proportion an excellent rode at the entrance a ready out-let and a strong Fort under his Majesties command That in lieu of this assistance contributed by the King of Denmark his Majesty will oblige himself and ratifie in expresse Articles to restore into the Magazins of Denmark a like proportion of Arms and amunition to repay and defray the charges of the money leâ—t and levies of Horse and as soon as his affairs shall be setled and himself in a condition to do it upon all occasions to contribute the assistance of his Fleet in maintaining his Right and title to the Customs of the Sound against all persons whatsoever and to ratifie the Treaty thâ—â— was last made by Sir Thomas Roe to enter into a League offensive and defensive against intestine Rebellions In pursuance of which Treaty while the Negotiations and Articles may be severally perfected his Majesty doth expect this first Supply of Moneys and Arms present affairs not admitting a Delay in the same That in case the King of Denmark will lend Money upon Iewels there is in Holland a great Collar of Rubies and another of Rubies and Rearl that may be sent to him or delivered to his Agent here who may have order to pay the Money here or any other Iewels That there have been in Discourses several Propositions of Accommodation made by them to the King to which the King hath at all times made more Advances on his part than in reason could have been expected from him and the Difficulties have still risen on theirs And that whereas his Majesty doth understand that a person is addressed to the King of Denmark from his Parliament to insinâ—ate misunderstandings abroad with his Majestie 's Allies as they have done at home among his People his Majesty expects that he be neither received nor permitted to remain within his Dominions to become an Intelligencer and Spy upon the Treaty and Negotiations between their Majesties but that he be dismist and sent away so soon as ever he shall arrive These Instructions intend to state the affairs between the King and his Parliament which how truly rendered the History before doth express in particular The Parliament observe from hence that the King solicites Denmark making not onely Papists the Parliaments Enemies for Religions sake but all Princes though Protestants for Monarchies sake rather than fail of aid from thence And concerning the Rumour of his Mothers Queen Ann's chastity it is most true they did therein examine Witnesses upon Interrogatories most abusive base even to an Impossibility which yet was rumoured whispering to the great dishonour if possible of the memory of that virtuous noble Lady whom all Historians crown with glory and honourable Fame and which scandal I have not hitherto touched in this History nor would till now I finde his Majesty so sensible thereof that he signifies so much in private to the King of Denmark her Brother But the Parliament publish it in print to the World with their Paraphrase not to palliate the Injury but to increase the Scandal Sir William Waller had lain long at London for compleating his new Levies into a pretty Army and now he marches Commander in chief and as it was gotten without the Gen. Essex his good will so is he left at liberty without dependence on his direction And when he set forth from London his Expedition was accompanied with Fasting and Prayers and five several Sermons in one Church one day evermore recommending him The Servant of the State now going out to fight the Lords Battles against the Enemies of God And lest he should want Pay the Citizens will pinch their Bellies for the Parliament had put them by Ordinance to afford him one Meal a VVeek
likeness and both Root and Branch feel the effects This difference of intentions among themselves begets fears and jealousies of their dearest servants Sir Philip Stapeleton and Sir Iohn Merick and others whose former merits cannot easily be satisfied and yet are rendred so suspected that lately the Parliament had commanded them up to London and would lop them off from their General Essex but they did not come and so Impeachments were talked of to frighten them to obedience Middleton a Scotish man Lieutenant General to Sir VVilliam VValler came before Dennington Castle near Newburie in Barkshire August 1. with three thousand Horse and Foot the Forlorn Horse he sends before who took some Stragglers next day their Horse surrounded the Castle and the next day after gained a Barn from the Garison and instantly summons the Castle and sends to Sir Iohn Bloys thus For the Governour of Dennington Castle Sir I demand you to render to me Dennington Castle for the use of the King and Parliament If you please to entertain a present Treatie you shall have very honourable conditions My desire to spare bloud makes me propose this I desire your Answer Jo. Middleton Which was For Lieutenant General Middleton Sir I am intrusted by his Majesties express command and have not as yet learned to obey any other than my Sovereign To spare bloud do as you please but my self and those that are with me are fully resolved freely to venture ours in maintaining what we are here intrusted with which is the Answer of Aug. 1. Jo. Bloys The Assailants advanced with their Foot and Scaling-Ladders into three Divisions and fell on in three places with much resolution and gallantry and so were received the Fight lasting six hours but having no hopes now to do their work they make a Retreat to their Body of Horse on the top of a Hill himself seeing his men bleeding on the ground One Colonel eight Captains one Serjeant Major Ensigns and others fourscore and seven common Souldiers and many wounded And it is confidently printed and as seriously attested That in all this hot and lasting Storm the Garison lost not more than six men The Governour Blois sent this Message For Lieutenant General Middleton Sir Christian charitie requires me to give you notice that I have here many Bodies of yours which I cannot accommodate with Christian Burial and many wounded whom I know not how to dispose you may and therefore I desire your Answer Your Servant Jo. Bloys Who answers Sir I conceive no inherent holiness to be in any place or Burial for all Earth is fit for that use for our wounded men your Prisoners if you please to exchange them for their qualities it shall be taken for a courtesie so done to Sir Your Servant Jo. Middleton And so Middleton marches Westward after the General Essex and at Bridgwater encounters Sir Francis Dorington and Sir William Courtney these men knew of Middleton's coming and lined certain Hedges and afterwards sent some Carriages towards the King in Cornwall slenderly guarded as a Bait which were soon seized and with them hastning through a long narrow Lane five Miles from Bridgwater where receiving the Shot from the Hedges he faced about in some disorder and fell into the hands of the two Knights who broke his party killed many and divers Prisoners Middleton retreats to Sherburn in Dorsetshire whereabouts he fell upon a Troop of the Kings Horse and beat them all which makes the News at London so cross and contrary Middleton was beaten Middleton won the Victory and both true in several places Then comes Colonel Horton Septemb. 29. who writes himself Adjutant General to Serjeant Major General Brown who sent this Summons To the Governour of Dennington Castle Sir I demand the Castle now in your possession for the use of King and Parliament which if you denie at your peril Sept. 29. 1644. Jer. Horton The Governour Lieutenant Colonel Blois answers Sir I have received your Summons I shall keep this place wherein I am intrusted by his Majestie in despite of â—ll your Forces contemning the peril you mentioned and should be ashamed were I in extremitie to render this Castle to so inconsiderable a partie Septemb. 29. 1644. Jo. Bloys Upon which Horton makes his Approach on that side next Newburie making his Battery from the foot of the Hill with store of Shot for twelve days and nights almost without ceasing with their great Shot above fourscore Shot a day and beat down three Towres with a part of the Wall and withall having received two Regiments of Foot and one Regiment of Horse from the Earl of Manchester he sends his second Summons to which by the Answer you may suppose what he said Sir neither your new addition of Forces nor your high threatning shall deter me nor the rest of those honest men with me from our Loyaltie to our Sovereign but do resolve to maintain this place to the uttermost of our powers and for the matter of our Quarters yours may expect the like Octob. 7. Jo. Bloys Then comes the Earl to Newburie in whose Army was the Governour 's Brother who writes to the Governour and hath this Answer That neither the Earl of Manchester nor all his Forces should ever deter him from his fidelitie to his Sovereign nor would he entertain any Parley with his Brother nor any other This not prevailing the Besiegers plyed their Artillery and afterwards removed their Battery on the other side making their Approaches by way of Saps Against whom the Garison sally out and removed them from their Trenches killed a Lieutenant Colonel and some others with their Cannonier and returned with Booty and yet they continued battering for two days after and so nineteen days being spent with loss of some hundreds and then took leave the Earl to Reading Windsor Forces to Newburie and Horton back to Abington The Church Reformation at London was commended to the diligent care of that zealous Member Sir Robert Harloe who had finished all abroad but did not meddle with the Kings Houses till now he enters VVhite-hall and by the help of a Ladder he ends his Reformation of the Chapell Figures Pictures Carvings I mean and paid the Windows for being painted breaks in pieces the Communion Table because it was called an Altar and the Rails went to rack against which for haste he broke his Shins Then he proceeds to the visitation of the Kings Galleries and Rooms removing away the most rare and excellent pieces pictures paintings of the most famous Artizans But of such what ere was vendible though in his sence abominably superstitious the Parliament was pleased to preserve until a good customer would purchase them for any use he pleased The King had for security of the Queens person removed her Majesty April 17. from Oxford towards the West guarding her Progresse with sufficient Forces to Exceter where she was brought to Bed of a fair Princesse the 16. of Iune from
and the Officers of the Army were upon some under-hand Contract or Bargain with the King and from thence occasion is taken to slander our integrities and endeavours a misunderstanding betwixt the Parliament and Army the fidelitie of which to the Parliament and Kingdom and their affections to it are the great objects of many mens envies because they see nothing so likely to settle Right and Freedom with Truth and Peace to us and Posterity and to hinder their designs against the same as an Harmonie and good accord between the Parliament and Army which is the joy of good men and it shall be our study to preserve against all Designs and Designers to the contrary To prevent therefore all misunderstandings of that kind I thought fit with all clearness to declare unto you that we have done nothing nor shall doe any thing which we desire to hide from you or the world or shall not avow to the faces of our greatest Adversaries Our desires concerning a just consideration and settlement of the Kings Right his Majestie first giving his concurrence to settle and secure the Rights and Liberties of the Kingdom we have already publickly declared in our Representation and Remonstrance since the first of these Papers sent to the Parliament there have been several Officers of the Army upon several occasions sent to his Majestie the first to present to him a Copy of the Representation and after that some others to tender him a Copy of the Remonstrance upon both which the Officers sent were appointed to clear the sence and intention of any thing in either Paper whereupon his Majestie might make any question since then also there have been some other Officers at several times sent to his Majestie about his remove from Hatfield to disswade if possibly from Windsor or any place so near London to some place of further distance answerable to what we had desired from the Parliament In all which Addresses to his Majestie we care not who knows what hath been said or done for as we have nothing to bargain for or to ask either from his Majestie or the Parliament for advantage to our selves or any particular party or interest of our own so in all these addresses to his Majestie we have utterly disclaimed and disavowed any such thing But the only intent and effect of those addresses hath been to desire his Majesties free concurrence with the Parliament for establishing and securing the common Rights and Liberties and setling the Peace of the Kingdom and to assure him that the publick being so provided for with such his Majesties concurrence it is fully agreeable to principles and should be desirous and indeavour that with and in such setling of the publick the Rights of his Majesties Royal Family should be also provided for so as a lasting Peace and agreement might be setled in this Nation And that as we had publickly declared for the same in general terms so if things came to a way of settlement we should not be wanting in our Sphere to own that general desire in any particulars of Natural or Civil Rights to his Majesties Person or Family which might not prejudice or again indanger the publick And in the mean time that his Majestie should finde all personal Civilities and respects from us with all reasonable Freedom that might stand with safety and with the trust or charge lying upon us concerning his person You have here the utmost sum of what hath past from us to his Majesty and we could wish that all men did rightly understand without misrepresentation every particular wherein as we know nothing not agreeable to Reason Iustice Honesty or Conscience so we thought our selves concerned the rather to say and doe as we have towards his Majestie since he came within our Quarters because of those common prejudices suggested against us as if we were utter Enemies to Monorchy and all civil Order or Government And for that particular of the Duke of Richmond and the two Chaplains Dr. Hamond and Dr. Sheldon lately admitted to attend his Majestie it was not done without much reluctancie because therein we doubted we might be misunderstood by the Kingdoms best friends But upon his Majesties continuing importunity for it as a thing very nearly concerning his inward and outward contentment and concieving those persons such as we hoped would not doe ill Offices to prejudice the Peace of the Kingdom we did give way to it and the persons before they came had notice of the permission And as we then thought so we still doe think to allow him such company of persons least dangerous whom former acquaintance may make him take pleasure in and the allowance of some such Chaplains of his own are things both reasonable and just and the debarring of that Liberty in the latter we doubt will but make him the more prejudiced against the Ministers In general we humbly concieve that to avoid all harshness and afford all kinde usage to his Majesties person in things consisting with the Peace and safety of the Kingdom is the most Christian Honourable and most prudent way and in all things as the Representation and Remonstrance of the Army doth express we think that Tender Moderate and Equitable dealing both towards his Majestie his Royal Family and his late party so far as may stand with safety to the Kingdom and security to our common Rights and Liberties is the most hopeful course to take away the seeds of War future Fewds amongst us for posterity and to procure a lasting Peace and Agreement in this now distracted Nation to the effecting and setling whereof with a secure provision first to be made for the Common Rights and Liberties of the Kingdom and a due care to propagate and preserve the Gospel of Faith and Peace amongst us we shall hope that neither the Parliament nor his Majestie will be wanting And if God shall see it good to make us any way Instrumental thereunto or that we may otherwise see the same accomplisht we shall then think our selves indeed discharged from the publick ingagements we have been called out unto more clearely and effectually then before such things were setled we could have thought our selves to be and to demonstrate our clearness from seeking self Advantages in what we did we shall thenceforth account it our greatest happiness and honour if God see it good to be disingaged and dismist not only from our Military charges but from all other matters of Power or publick imployment whatever I have in these things spoken not in my own name only but in the name because I finde it to be the clear sence of the Genrality or at the least of the most considerable part of the Army and I am cofident that you and the Kingdom will never finde it otherwise I shall leave it to your favourable construction and commit all to the goodness of God for an happy issue I remain Your most humble servant Thomas Fairfax Reading July 8.