a Burrough the successe of these practises did not so well please him but that when they assembled Sept. 17. 1656. above seven score of the returned Members were excepted against by the Protector and when they addressed to the rest that were admitted into House to have their Elections examin'd the Parliament unworthily betray'd their own Priviledges and referr'd them to Cromwel's Council Sir Thom. VViddrington was chosen Speaker After this beginning they proceeded to make the following Acts. I. An Act for disannulling his Majestie 's Title to the Government of the three Nations pass'd nemine contradicente II. An Act making it Treason for any to attempt compasse or imagine the Protector 's death and appointing such Offenders to be tryed not by a Iury of 12. sufficient men but by a High Court of Iustice This Act was occasion'd by a Plot of one Syndercomb who had designed to murther the Protector and was therefore try'd at the King's Bench Bar his accuser being one Toope of Cromwel's Life-guard and condemned to be hanged drawn and quarter'd But the night preceeding the day appointed for his execution he was poysoned either by himself or some others III. An Act for an Assessement for 60000 l. per mensem for 3. years IV. An Act for continuing Tonnage and Poundage V. An Act for preventing multiplicity of Buildings in and about the Suburbs of London This Act concerned not onely such as were to be built hereafter but also those that had been reared upon new Foundations for almost 40. years before for which the owners were fined one year's Rent to Cromwel and it extended to buildings ten miles round about London VI. An Act for Excise of Merchandise imported Hobby-horses horses Children's Rattles and old shirts not exempted But the great Act of all was called An Humble Petition and Advice in which the Government was settled upon Cromwel for his life and upon whom he should nominate to succeed him While it was in agitation it was mov'd in the House by Alderman Pack a Knight of Cromwel's making that he might be desir'd to take upon him the Title of King The Iunno who knew his mind in part before presently prosecuted the motion and appointed St. Iohn Glyn VVhitlock Lisle Fines Lenthall and others of the like stamp to be a Committee to attend him to that purpose These men courted him very eagerly to accept of that Title nor did he seem much averse yea it is more then probable he thirsted after it that the design was fram'd by himself for Thurloe his Secretary openly promoted it Nevertheless he shuffled off and on in many conferences with them at VVhite-Hall till at length being deterr'd by the non-compliance of the Army he answer'd that he could not undertake the Government with the Title of King Whereupon it was resolved he should be still term'd Protector By this Petition amongst many other things it was enacted there should be an Other House consisting of 70. persons to be nominated by Cromwel himself and summoned thither by writs as the Peers of England were wont to be And this was design'd by Cromwel as a way to gratifie his great Officers whom he intended by this means to make Lords as also to the end that having effected his desires by this Iunto who both establish'd him in his Government and gave him 1900000 l. per annum besides all Crown Lands unsold with all other Emoluments to maintain it for his life if after Parliaments should attempt to rescind these Acts his other House might perpetually check them by their negative voice These Acts being past by him he was on Iune 26. 1657. solemnly sworn and invested with Robes of Purple Velvet by the Speaker of the Iunto in Westminster-Hall having also a Sword a Scepter and a Bible deliver'd to him In which formalities he return'd home and the Iunto prorogued their sitting to the 20. of the next Ianuary In the Spring of this year Cromwel according to agreement made with the French King sent over 6000. Foot under Col. Reynolds into Flanders to assist him there against the Spaniard these Auxiliaries did the taking of Montmedi and St. Venant two very advantageous places and also not long after of the strong Fort of Mardike Which the Spaniards looking upon as a place of great importance to the keeping of Dunkirk resolv'd to employ their utmost efforts to regain His Majesty of Britain had an Army at that time consisting of 2000. English Scotch and Irish reformadoes which despairing of any other occasion to employ as yet he permitted upon request to be made use of by the King of Spain They were commanded by the Duke of York and amongst other Forces appointed for the attempting of Mardike Accordingly an assault was made upon the place by night with much resolution and courage but the assailants were forc'd after six hours conflict to retire The English and French hereupon forthwith begirt Dunkirk with a straight siege the former being commanded by Col. Lockhart and the latter by Marshall Turenne To oppose this design Don Iohn of Austria the Duke of York the Prince of Conde and the Marquis of Caracene assembled 7000. Foot and 9000. Horse and brought them to Fuernes Fort. The besiegers were indeed more numerous and therefore left sufficient Forces to secure their Trenches and drew forth the rest to encounter the Enemie's Army The first onset was made by a Forlorne hope of above three hundred English Foot who were seconded by the rest of their Country-men under Lockhart They charged with such fury upon the Spanish Foot who had advantageously drawn up upon a Sand-Hill that notwithstanding that difficulty they totally routed the whole Body Whereupon the Spanish Horse also seeing their Infantry put to the rout betook themselves to flight nor could by any indeavours be perswaded to make a stand Upon which occasion the French Horse who had stood spectators onely of the conflict fell in upon pursuit of the flying Enemy from whom they found little opposition but what was made by the Duke of York's Regiment who put such a stop to the impetuous career of the whole French Army as conduc'd much for the safety of the routed Spaniards who otherwise had in all probability been totally cut off Neverthelesse at length the numerousness of the pursuers overpowred the valour of these Resisters so that being much tyred with the violence of the encounter and no relief coming they were enforc'd to desert their station and betake themselves to flight Few of them escaped among which were the Dukes of York and Glocester though the first was not heard of till three dayes after which gave occasion to a general suspicion that he was taken by the French Forces and secretly dismiss'd at a fit opportunity by the Marshal of Turenne In this battle of the Spaniards 800. Officers were taken prisoners and 2000. private Souldiers the number of slain was uncertain The consequence of it was the losse of Dunkirk the Marquis of Leyda
for a Treaty with the King the honester and greater part take heart again recall the Votes of Non-Addresses Vote a Treaty send Commissioners with Propositions to the King All which his Majesty fully consented to and there was no difference between him and the Houses but concerniâ—g Presbytery which he granted should be established for three years All men now hoped for a happy settlement But alas now begin the greatest of our woes The Army who could not think their greatness and power would be durable if the King liv'd draw nearer to London petition for their Arrears and for Justice upon the King as the Capitall cause of the Evils of the Civil War to which effect also they publish a Remonstrance requiring withall that a peremptory Day be set for summoning the Prince of VVales and Duke of York and if they refuse to declare them incapable of Government or succession and to stand exiled as Traytors and if they render themselves yet they to be proceeded against for satisfaction with other damands of the like strain To bring their accursed design to passe Fairfax commands Colonel Hammond to deliver up his charge to Colonel Ewer by whom the King is conveyed out of the Isle of VVight to Hurst Castle Novemb. 30. contrary to the intentions and consent of the Parliament as they declar'd And thus the Treaty was violenty broken off Yet the Lords Vote the King's concessions a sufficient ground for Peace and so do the major part of the Commons But the Army march up to London discharge the Trained Bands from guarding the Parliament and order Pride's and Rich's Regiments to supply their places by whom above fourty Members are seiz'd on and confin'd Major General Brown ninety odde Members excluded the House Then the Army form a new Model of Government which they stile The Agreement of the people destructive to all the Fundamental Laws of the Land which was presented to the new molded House by Sir Hardres VValler and 16. Officers The House hereupon annull the Votes against Non-addresses and exclude all Members that will not joyn with them in this proceeding They then proceed to order the Tryall of the King and remove him though the Lords refus'd to concurre and declare no act of the Commons binding without their consent However force overcomes all Right Reason A pretended High Court of Iustice is erected of which Iohn Bradshaw newly created Serjeant at Law is made President The King is brought before them upon Saturday the 20 of Ianuary 1648. on Monday the 22. on Tuesday the 23. and on Saturday the 27. of the same moneth where persisting with magnanimity and reason to deny the power of the Court and being most impudently and insolently treated by Bradshaw he is condemned to be beheaded for Tyranny Treason and Murder According to which sentence having taken leave of his Children here is England and sent his blessing to his son in Holland he was put to death before White-hal Gate upon Tuesday the 30. of Ianuary the Dutch and French Embassadours in behalf of his Majesty made intercession for his life The Scottish Parliament publish'd a Remonstrance against the Parliaments Proceedings The Ministry of London declar'd their disallowance before God and Men The House of Peers offer'd themselves as pledges for his Sacred Majesty but all prevailed nothing The barbarous Iuncto are inexorable being made so desperate by their own guilt that they thought nothing could secure their former crimes but this impious detestable and unparallel'd murther of their Sovereign During his Majesties tryall which was carried on with all expedition and speed the Prince who could not be satisfi'd of that strange turn from a Treaty to a Tryall writ the following Letter to his Father by the Lord Seymour SIR HAving no means to come to the knowledge of your Majestie 's affairs but such as I receive from the Prints or whiâ—h is as uncertain reports I have sent this bearer Seymour to wait upon your Majâ—sty and to bring me an account of it and that I may withall assure your Majesty I do not only pray for your Majesty according to my duty but shall alwaies be ready to do all which shall be in my power to deserve the blessing which I now humbly beg of your Majesty upon Sir Your Majestie 's most humble and most obedient Son and Servant CHARLES Hague Ian. 23. 1648. But alas Sad were the tydings the Lord Seymour return'd with into Holland the most inhumane illegall and barbarous murther of the King of Great Britain by the hands of his English Subjects An Act which struck all Europe with horror and amazement and which certainly our Posterity will eternally detest To represent the sorrow and affliction of our Illustrious Prince with his Royal Brother the Duke of York and his Sister of Orange without doubt surpasses all the power of words No Prince ever lost a Father whom he was to succeed in Royalty with greater regret and indeed all circumstances consider'd I conceive no mortal man had ever greater occasion of grief Certainly had not the extraordinary grace of God supported him he could never have borne up against it I know not how better to resent his passionate resentment then by imitating the old Grecian Painter who being to pourtray Agamemnon present at the sacrifice of his Daughter represented all his followers weeping and lamenting but drew a veil over the Father's face as hiding the transcendent passion his Pencil was unable to expresse A few dayes before the King's death the Commons voted the style in Writs and all Judicial proceedings to be altered from Carolus Dei gratia c. the Great Seal with the Royal Scutcheon of England to be broken and a new one made with the Armes of England the Harp of Ireland with these words The Great Seal of England engraven on one side and on the Reverse the picture of the House of Commons sitting with these words In the first year of Freedome by God's blessing restored 1648. On the evening of that black day on which his Majesty suffered a Proclamation was set forth by the Iuncto prohibiting all persons upon pain of High Treason to presume to declare or publickly to promote Charles Stuart styled Prince of Wales eldest son of the late King or any of the rest of his Children to be King of England In pursuance of which determination having taken their King out of the way they proceed against Kingship and constitute a select Number of themselves joyn'd with the General and chief Officers of the Army in the Supreme authority The House of Peers is voted dangerous and unnecessary and an Act pass'd and proclaim'd in the City of London for the abolishing of Kingly Government and settling these Nations in way of a Free State It was also published 1. That it should be Treason to speak against this Form of Goverment 2. That it should be Treason for any to endeavour the exercise of Kingships in these Nations in his
it for a greater to have his head stand on the Prison gate for this quarrel then to have his P cture in the King's Bed-chamber And least his Loyalty should be forgotten they had highly honoured him in designing lasting monuments to bear up his memoriall to all posterity wishing he had flesh enough to have sent a piece to every City in Christendome to witnesse his Loyalty to his King and Countrey The next day having prepar'd his soul for Heaven he marcht magnanimously to the Scaffold and notwithstanding all the interruptions of the bitter spirited Priests having made a sober speech to the people underwent the cruell sentence with all the ignominious circumstances to his owne perpetuall glory and the everlasting reproach of his Enemies Thus dyed this incomparable Marquis of immortal fame a great example of unfortunate Virtue whose barbarous murder I have more particularly related because it discovers the temper of that Covenanted party who put him to death Posterity certainly will esteem his memory and account his Iudges deserving a more exquisite punishment for this and other their inhumane actions then that they inflicted on him if it be possible for the quintessence of malice to invent a greater Within a few dayes after four other Noble Gentlemen suffer'd for the same cause Sir Iohn Vrr y notwithstanding he pleaded the benefit of quarter Col. Spotswood Laird of Darcy Sir Francis Hay and Col. Sibbald though they had the favour to be beheaded Such was the fate of his Majestie 's affairs in Scotland and the brave persons that manag'd them and such was the unparallel'd insolence of the Scots who dar'd to murther his best friends while they were in Treaty with him upon a base and ungenerous presumption that the lownesse of his condition would enforce him to put up patiently so high and detestable an indignity Which indeed he was constrain'd to doe as his affairs then stood When the newes was brought to his Majesty at Breda he was much stâ—rtled at it and exprest his Resentment of their proceedings by a Message sent them by Mr. Murrey That he was griev'd to hear it credibly reported that notwithstanding those hopefull overtures of Peace lately made between him and them they had shed the blood of some of his best Subjects of the Kingdome of Scotland and that the manner thereof according to Reports did extremely trouble him But that he might understand the Particulars more certainly he desir'd an account of the business from themselves In answer to this they profess'd their affections were still reall to him and their Hearts much joy'ed to hear of his willingness to concur with them in a happy agreement And desir'd him not to stumble at some seeming Obstacles as the Death of Montrosse or their reducing of his Forces Assuring him there was nothing in what they did but to accomplish his Ends and promote his Interests to his best Advantage This zealous Nation do's God and the King good service when they illegally and inhumanely murder their fellow-Christians and Subjects These actions of the Scots and the business of the Covenant were the main impediments of the Treaty But the murder of Montrosse though it might justly have deterr'd his Majesty from trusting himself into those hands which reak'd with his best servants Blood could not be redress'd and his necessities enforc'd him to dissemble all further resentment of it As for the Covenant he argu'd that it was the Subjects Covenant to bind them to their King and not for him to swear to and therefore he thought it sufficient to passe an Act for his People to take it He likewise offered to confirme the Presbyterian Government in Scotland Provided that himself might have alwaies three Chaplaines of his own Election As also to confirm the Militia in the Hands of the Estates for five years Provided that afterwards it might return to himself These particulars were agreed to so a conclusion put to the Treaty The newes whereof being carry'd to Edenburgh the Parliament forthwith met and the fourth Faction which I mention'd viz. such as corresponded with the Sectarian Iunto of England were so strangely and ridiculously impudent as to put it to the Vote whether any more Adddresses should be made to the King it seemed they desir'd to ape the abominable Monsters at Westminster who pass'd a Vote of Non addresses after his late Majesty had consented to all their demands there were 32. of these malevolent Negatives but the major part carried it in the Affirmative Whereupon a Message was resolv'd upon to be sent to him wherein they invited him To make all possible speed to come to his Kingdome of Scotland and protested They would assist him with their lives and fortunes to establish him in all his Dominions Yet withall they forbore not to advertise him they had Testimonies to produce of his actings by Letters to Montross having belike intercepted 3. or 4. contrary to his promise to them at the Treaty at Breda as they pretended However they were willing out of speciall grace to dispense with him for what was past so that he would without delay according to the Articles of Agreement come over into Scotland and comply with the Parliament and the Kirk After this they betook themselves to make preparations for his Reception Two of the chiefest Houses in Edenburgh were richly furnisht and the Parliament took into consideration the nominating Officers for his Majesties Household which they did with much arrogance not permitting those to wait upon him whom he chiefly favoured whom he judg'd best affected towards him and by Proclamation prohibiting severall great Scotch Lords as Duke Hamilton the Earls of Louderdale and S aforth with many other persons of Quality who had constantly attended on him in Iersey and Holland from returning into Scotland Thus we have seen the deportment of the Covenanters towards his Majesty and Friends during his absence we now come to relate their actions after he took possession personally of the Kingdome of Scotland Which after the conclusion of the Treaty he did not delay to doe but about the beginning of Iune he left the Hague and took shipping at Scheveling in Holland By the way he was in some danger by reason of a tedious storm and certain English ships which ply'd about the Coast to way-lay him but with some difficulty he escaped both and arrived safe at a place called the Spey in the North of Scotland whither some Lords were sent to receive and accompany him to Edenburgh All the way he was entertain'd with the generall joy and acclamations of the people At Dundee new Propositions were by Commissioners from the Parliament and Kirk presented to him to sign which after some reluctancy he performed The town presented him of Aberdeen with 1500. l. But the Committee of Estates sent to severall places who had the same intentions enjoyning them whatever Plate or mony they had to bestow to bring the same into such a Treasury as they
told them with what regret he had executed their late Orders in relation to the Chaines Posts and Gates of the City which he fear'd would be so far from answering the expected end that it would rather encrease the discomposure of mens spirits in the Nations minding them also That the ground of his coming into England was not only to return them to their trust but also to vindicate the Liberties of the People c. He also complain'd That Lambert Vane and others impeached of Treason that had acted in the illegal and tyrannical Committee of Safety were yet suffer'd to continue in and about the City and some too in the House and in the Army c. That they were contriving to take away the maintenance of the Ministry That they were framing another Oath to impose upon the people and to that purpose had countenanced a bold and dangerous Petition from the Fanatick Party And lastly he desir'd That by the Fryday following they would issue out VVrits for filling up the House upon due and reasonable Qualifications and put a certain and speedy period to their sitting according to their frequent Declarations This Letter produc'd not greater regret in the Rump then it did joy to the City and whole Kingdome which was testifi'd at night by Bone-fires and ringing of Bells c. The time set for filling the House being expir'd and nothing done by the Rump in order thereunto the formerly secluded Members upon addresse to the General and engageing to him not to be against a single person were on Feb. 21. permitted to take their seats in the House after 11. years exclusion The House now augmented by above a 100. Members take care for settling the Nations and first they constituted General Monck Commander in chief of all the forces of England Scotland and Ireland Sir VVilliam VValler Lieutenant General Colonel Rossiter General of the Horse General Montague Admiral af Sea Then they appointed a New Council of State consisting of Gen. Monck the Lord Fairfax Mr. Annesley Sir VVilliam VValler Mr. Hollis Gen. Montagu and others to the number of 30. And with all speed they released severall Gentlemen imprison'd by the Rump and amongst others Sir Geo. Booth ordering also the City Gate to be repaired at the publick charge And lastly having made provision for settling the Militiaa of the Kingdome and calling a new Parliament to convene at Westminster April 25. they dissolved themselves by Act on Friday March 16. And thus ended that unhappy Long Parliment after almost 19. years from their first assembling having been interrupted for 5. years together by Cromwel and for ten weeks by Lambert His Majesty in the mean time remov'd from the Spanish Court at Brussels to Bruges in Flanders and resided there for a good space but being now in fair hopes of restitution to his Dominions departed from thence toward the latter end of March to Breda a handsome Town scituate in Brabant about 10. leagues from Antwerp and belonging to the Prince of Orange In this interval the Council of State prudently manag'd affairs proclaiming against all disturbers of the peace under whatsoever pretence and tendring an engagement for peaceable demeanour to be subscrib'd by such as they suspected of disturbance which Lambert refusing was committed to the Tower The General also purg'd his Army of Fanaticks both Officers Souldiers sent down two Colonels to displace Overton from the Garrison of Hull which he pretended to keep till the coming of Iesus Christ But about the midst of April a great disturbance had like to have hapned For Lambert having made an escape out of the Tower appear'd in armes about Northampton in the head of a party many cashier'd souldiers and fanaticks repairing to him But this danger was timely remov'd by Col. Rich. Ingoldsby who without fighting took Lambert with his own hand and sent him up to London prisoner together with a son of Hasilrig's Col. Cobbet and Major Creed They were brought by Coach through Hide Park on April 24. at which time 20000. Horse and Foot of City Regiments and Auxiliaries were training there The Parliament according to appointment assembled at VVestminster chose Sir Harbottle Grimstone Speaker the Nobility also taking their places in the upper-upper-House by virtue of their Peerage choosing the Earle of Manchester Speaker Within a few dayes after their meeting the Lord Viscount Mordant and Sir Iohn Greenvile one of the Gentlemen of his Majestie 's Bed-chamber arrived at London with Letters from his Majesty dated at Breda April 4 14. One was to the House of Peers another to the House of Commons another to Gen. Monck and his Officers and another to the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common Council of London These Letters were accompanied with a Declaration and delivered accordingly on May-day The two Houses received them with great joy and loyal affection so did his Excellency and the City from whom Sir Iohn Greenvile receiv'd 200 l. and 500 l. from the Parliament as a gratuity to buy him a Iewel The Letters were full of very gracious expressions and in the Declaration his Majesty offer'd I. A Free and General Pardon to be passed under the Great Seale to all persons whatsoever who within 40. dayes after the publication thereof shall sue it out Excepting such as should be excepted by the Parliament II. A liberty to tender consciences in matters of Râ—ligion so as the peace of the Kingdome be not disturb'd and to pass such an Act to that effect as the Parliament should think fit to offer III. The determination concerning Sales and Purchases to the Parliament IV. And lastly satisfaction of Arrears to the Officers and Souldiers of Gen. Monck 's Army and reception of them into his own service upon as good pay and conditions as they now enjoy Hereupon the House of Commons Vote his Majestie 's Letters and Declaration satisfactory and the Government to be in King Lords and Commons soon after which both Houses ordered a certain number of their Members to go to his Majesty with Letters and to invite him to his Kingdomes also 50000 l. was ordered to be immediately sent to him 10000 l. to the Duke of York and 5000 l. to the Duke of Glocester The City also deputed several worthy Members to wait upon his Majesty with a Letter and 10000 l. as a present Moreover Admiral Montague was commanded to attend him upon the coasts of Holland with a squadron of Ships But the General first of all dispatcht away his Brother Sir Thom. Clerges with a Letter to his Majesty wherein was enclos'd an Addresse of the Officers professing their Allegiance to his Majesty On Tuesday May 8. his Majesty was solemnly proclaimed in London and soon after in all Counties Cities and Borroughs of England and that with greater transports of joy then had ever been known upon the like or any other occasion In the mean time great numbers of persons of quality daily flocked over to Breda to his
and their Army an accommodement of which is undertaken by Commissioners chosen on both sides But the Army judging it would be advantageous for their concernments to get the King into their hands sent Cornet Ioyce to Holmby with 500. Horse upon the fourth of Iune who took the King from thence by night without the privity and consent of the Parliament or the General himself as he profess'd in a Letter to them And now the damnable Mysterie of Iniquity begins to work they march up to S. Albans against the Parliaments order refuse to deliver the King's person to their Commissioners and mongst other insolencies impeach eleven members of the House of Commons The Speaker though he had the day before protested against such a dishonourable Act in the Abbey Church at Westminster flyes to the Army with several Members The City stick to the remaining part of the Parliament for the restoring of the King and declare against the Army Fairfax marches up to London which prepar'd to oppose him enters the City with 20000. Horse and Foot upon the 6. of August re-establishes the Members receives their thanks puts Tichbourn into the Tower of London as Lieutenant takes up his Head-Quarters at Kingston and places the King Hampton Court Within a few dayes after several members of the House are accused of Treason as Sir Iohn Maynard Denzil Hollis Sir William Waller Major General Massey c. Sir Iohn Gayer and four Aldermen Culham Bunce Langham and Adams are committed to the Tower and the Earles of Suffolk Lincoln Middlesex with the Lords Berkley Maynard Hunsdon and VVilloughby of Parham to the Black Rod. All the Works of the City are voted to be cast down upon pretence of bringing in the King but indeed according to the design of the Army sutably to whose pleasure they acted to disable it from resistance Propositions are sent to the King the same in effect with the former of Newcastle Agitators are set up by the Souldiers amongst themselves to carry on their Interests The Scots Commissioners send a Letter to the Speaker of the House of Commons for a personal Treaty between his Majesty and the Commissioners of both Nations But whil'st new Propositions are preparing the King being inform'd of designes against his Life escapes from Hampton-Court with intent to go to the Isle of Iersey where the Prince still lay At his coming to the sea-shoar he found himself disappointed of a ship and therefore goes with Col. Legg to Tedsworth to the Countess Dowager of Southampton's house and sends Sir Iohn Berkley and Mr. Ashburnham which three accompanied him in his escape to the Isle of Wight to L.G. Hammond of whom he had with no great reason entertain'd some hopes Hammond goes with them and fetches the King to Carisbrook Castle Hence he sends a Letter to the Parliament the Scots Commissioners granting all they could desire Whereupon new propositions are sent to him which the Scots protest against as too derogatory to his Honour and therefore they are refused Hereupon the incensed Commons vote no further Addresses to him which presently endears them to the Army again Affairs standing in this ill posture the Prince with the Duke of York who had escaped in woman's apparel from S. Iames's and landed at Dort in Holland by the help of Col. Bampfield sent over purposely on that design by the Queen Prince Rupert the Lords Hopton Wilmot VVilloughby Brainford Culpepper Ruthen Sir Henry Palmer c. in his own ships and those that had revolted in all twenty sail with 2000. men mov'd to and fro in the Downes and upon the southern Coast to lay hold of any opportunity that might present it self for the service of his Father sending forth several Commissions to that purpose to persons of honour and trust who might promote his affairs by land and to the Marq of Ormond the Lord Inchequin and Montgomery in Ireland to the Committee of States in Scotland and their Officers to the Lord Goring in Kent and the Lord Capel in Essex to Sir Thomas Glenham and Sir Marmaduke Langdale in the North to Col. Poyer Laughorn and Powel in Wales as also to Sir Edw. Hales Sir Charles Lucas the Duke of Buckingham the Earles of Holland and Peterborough Letters of correspondency passe mutually between him and the Scots his Father and the City whereof some are intercepted in which the City the Lord and some Commons are intimated ready to contribute all assistance possible For the better satisfaction of the World his Highnesse was pleased to publish a most gracious Declaration which consisted of the ensuing Particulars 1. For the establishment of Religion according to his Majesties agreement of the 26. of December last viz. That Presbytery should be continued for Three yeares and a free debate to be had between the Divines assembled at Westminster and twenty whom his Majesty should appoint about the settlement of Church Government for the future 3. For the performance of the said Agreement and pursuance of the concessions on the King's part which were That the Parliament should dispose of the Militia and have the choice of his privy Counsellors during his Reign c. That the Arrears of the Army be pay'd c. 3. For restoring the King to a personal Treaty 4. For the just Priviledges of Parliament 5. for an Act of Oblivion 6. For the Liberty of the Subject and the abolishing Excise Taxes and Free Quarter c. 7. For disbanding of all Armies and setling of Peace 8. For the defence of the Narrow Seas securing of Trade support of the Navy and Seamen c. This excellent Declaration was seconded with a Letter from his Highnesse to the House of Peers desiring 1. That a Personal Treaty be had in such place and manner as may consist with the King's Honour Safety and Freedome that the Treaty be not blemish'd with any appearance of a restraint 2. That Scotland be included 3. That in the mean time there be a cessation of Armes and an orderly moderate subsistence agreed on for Forces on Foot on both sides by land and sea to the Souldiers content and the Subjcts ease Hereupon within a short time severall attempts were made for the King's service April the 9. 1643. the London Apprentices made an insurrection but were supprest by Fairfax the next day Soon after Colonel Poyer and Major General Laughorn and Powel revolted and reduc'd South-wales to his Majesties service Sir Iohn Owen also got together a party but they were all routed and enforced to surrender the places they had seis'd and themselves prisoners In behalf of the two former the Prince under whose Commission they acted desired Generall Fairfax that they might have the terms and usage of souldiers of war as those had whom the fortune of war had made prisoners to his Highnesse But the General answer'd It was not in his power to act further the Parliament ordering their tryal he dar'd not interpose against their justice So that they were
and in such Counties as had rais'd most men against him in this unfortunate expedition He I say that shall consider no more but this will no doubt think himself oblig'd to adore the Divine Providence which never own'd the Royall Cause more apparently then in this Deliverance and which at the same fastned the yoak of slavery upon the necks of these Nations and by an extraordinary goodness preserv'd the Person from destruction by whom alone their lost Estate was possible to be restor'd Many are the relations of the manner of his Majestie 's escape and at this day almost as various and different in publisht Histories as the conjectures and rumours of people were immediately after it I shall endeavour to offer what the most credible authors and reports have deliver'd concerning this particular for obtaining the exact knowledge of which I have omitted no industry that might gratify the curiosity which possesses all the World touching so extraordinary a Providence It seems not yet convenient to a Noble Person instrumental in it to discover all the circumstances of it though she is pleas'd to put us in hopes of obtaining that favour from her after some short time In the mean while it is desired the Readers would receive at least with alike candour what we have taken pains to find out for their satisfaction as the relation of theirs who make truth the least of their care and promiscuously take up any slight reports upon trust But to returne to our purpose His Majesty having kept the field till all was lost and being pursu'd to the Town-Gâ—tes while the victorious Enemies were disputing Sudbury-street in Worcester with the Earle of Cleveland Sir Iames Hamilton Col. William Carlis and some other resolute and couragious Royalists he marched out at St. Martin's Gate about six a clock in the evening with his main body of Horse which had not engag'd to any purpose but yet were in much confusion When he was come to Barbon's bridge about half a mile out of Worcester he made severall stands and mov'd the Lords and Officers with him that they might rally and try the fortune of another Fight But many of the Troupers being observ'd to throw off their Armes and shift for themselves there was no encouragement to proceed in that course Whereupon the chief and onely care was to preserve his Majestie 's Person from the hands of those blood-thirsty Sectaries who accounted it the interest of their Religion and new State to murder him To which purpose it was resolved to march for Scotland and one Walker formerly Scoutmaster to Col. Sands undertook to be the guide but being come as farre as Kniver-heath not far from Kederminster and day-light being gone the guide was at a losse which way to go Upon which his Majesty making a stand and being almost spent with his extraordinary action in the field and the wearisomness of his flight advis'd with some Lords whether he might march onely to take some few houres rest The Earle of Derby told his Majesty that in his flight from Wiggan to Worcester after he had been defeated by Lilburn he had met with a very faithfull person and great convenience of concealment at a place called Boscobel-house This House is seated in Shropshire but upon the consines of Staffordshire and lyes between Tong-Castle and Brewood it is a very obscure habitation though a fair building and standing in a very lovely grove was therefore so called from Bosco bello which in Italian signifies Fair-wood it belongs to one Mr. Fitz-Herbert though himself liv'd not in it at that time Thither his Majesty resolved to go being accompanied by the Duke of Buckingham the Earls of Derby and Lauderdail the Lords Talbot and VVilmot the Colonels Thomas Blague Edw. Roscarrock Mr. Marmaduke Darcy Rich. Lane VVill. Armorer since Knighted Hugh May Peter street and Charles Giffard who undertook to conduct them by the assistance of Francis Yates his servant and one very expert in the wayes of that Country Lieut. Gen. Lesley with his Scotch Horse in the close of the evening took the direct way Northward by Newport His Majesty and his Train upon deliberation marched through Sturbridge a considerable Town in Staffordshire but the better to prevent discovery order was given for all persons to speak onely the French Language Boscobel was the place intended but that the Company might not know so much his Majesty was conducted by Mr. Giffard to a House within half a mile of it called VVhiteladies which name it ha's retain'd ever since it was a Monastery of Cistertian Nuns who were habited in white Here they arriv'd about 3 a clock in the morning having rid 26. miles from VVorcester and being enter'd into the House which was kept onely by Servants a consultation was held how to escape the fury of the blood-thirsty Enemies the result of which was that all possible care should be taken for his Majesties concealment in that place till he could have a safe opportunity to waft over into France and that his Retinue of loyall Lords and Gentlemen should shift for themselves some other way In the mean time the Servant that kept Boscobel House called VVilliam Penderel was sent for and a brother of his nam'd Richard Penderel who liv'd near hand at Hobbal Grange Who being come and conjur'd to fidelity the next course taken was to disguise his Majestie 's Person This was done by blacking his face and hands cutting of his haire exchanging his Buffe Coat and gray breeches richly lac't for a Doc-skin doublet and green breeches of Richard Penderels His Majesty as he undress'd himself gave a Spanner string being a gold chain worth 300 l. to a servant of his then ready to depart His cloaths were buried under ground for a long time after And now it behov'd his loyall followers to forsake him which they did with sad hearts being more sensible of his Majestie 's hard fate then solicitous what destiny attended themselves only the L. Wilmot stay'd was convey'd by Io. Penderel to Mr. Whitgreaves Time it was for them to depart for within half an hour after some of Col. Ashenhurst's Troop who quarter'd at Cotsal 3. miles distant came to the House But before that Richard Penderel had conducted his Majesty out at a backdore into a wood belonging to Boscobel house called Spring Coppice in the borders of which William Humphrey and George 3. of Richard's brothers scouted about to bring intelligence The Lords and their company being about 40. Horse of which number his Majestie 's pad-nag was one and ridden by Mr. Lane one of the Bedchamber took the North road to Newport in hope to have overtaken or met General Leslâ—y who was gone that way with the main body of Scotch Horse But they had not travell'd far before a party of the Parliamentarians who were in pursuit of the Lord Leviston Captain of his Majestie 's Life-guard overtook them The Lords resolutely fac'd about and stopt their speed some
of the pursuers being slain the rest put to flight Neverthelesse they had no long contentment in this good successe for a little beyond Newport some of Col. Lilburne's men met them in the Front and another party of Parliamentarians from Worcester fell in upon their Reare so that themselves and horses being extremely tir'd with the former dayes service and the long and hasty march of the night without the least refreshment or succour the Noble Earle of Derby and the Earle or Lauderdail with Mr. Giffard their guide and some others were taken prisoners The Earle of Derby was carried to Chester and there tryed by a Iunto of Officers and sentenced to be beheaded at Bolton in Lancashire The Earle of Lauderdail was carried to VVindsor-Castle and there kept prisoner for many yeares Mr. Giffard escap'd not long after from an Inne in Bunbury in Cheshire In this conflict the Duke of Buckingham with the Lord Leviston Col. Blague Mr. Darcy and Mr. May fled into a by road and got into Chessardine woods near Newport and there the Duke by the assistance of two honest Labourers put himself into a disguise and was by one Nath. Matthewes a Carpenter convey'd to the house of a loyall Gentleman Mr. Hawley at Bilstrop in Nottingamshire from whence he went to that Lady Villiers house at Brooksby in Leicestershire and at length after various difficulties got secure to London and pass'd into France The Lord Leviston and the other 3. Gentlemen having quitted their horses were conceal'd in little cottages by some loyall Country-men till they had means to escape beyond the Seas The Lord Talbot after the routing of the Noble Company hasted towards his Father's house at Longford near Newport where he was by providence preserv'd in an Out-house from being discover'd by some of the Enemies forces who had pursu'd him thither searcht the house four dayes together These were the severall fates of those noble persons that accompanied his Majesty in his flight let us now return to the place where we left his sacred person in the midst of Spring-Coppice near Boscobel house on Thursday morning Sept. 4. having a wood-bill in his hand and accompanied only with Richard Penderel three other of the brothers being vigilant to descry the approach of passengers It hapned to be a very rainy day so that the Trees afforded not sufficient shelter to keep his Majesty from the inconvenience of the wet nor was there any thing for him to sit on till Richard stept to a neighbours for a blaâ—â—â— which serv'd for both uses 〈◊〉 â—lso caus'd the wife of Francis Yates above mentioned to provide something for his Majesty to eat and bring it into the Wood. The fare was such as the place and time afforded A messe of milk and sugar some Eggs and a Dish of Butter His Majesty being something surpriz'd at the presence of the Woman that brought his Dinner said to her Good woman Can you be faithful to a distressed Cavalier To which she answer'd very heartily Yes Sir I will rather die then discover you which words gave his Majesty great satisfaction When night was come his Majesty went with these Corydons to Richard's house at Hobbal-Grange where their old mother was overjoy'd to see his Majesty in safety that her sons had the happinesse to be instrumental to it Further care was forthwith taken to disguiâ—e his Majesty and he took upon him the name of VVilliam Iones and pretended to be a Wood-cutter newly come thither to work and this to the end he might be unsuspected by the rest of the family The good mother prepar'd his Majesty a cleanly Fricasse of Bacon and Eggs part of which being eaten by him and the rest by the Rusticks his Majesty set forth with Richord Penderel on foot for VVales intending to goe that night to the house of an honest Gentleman of Richard's acquaintance at Madely in Shropshire 5. miles from VVhiteladies When they had gone about 2. miles an accident befell them wherewith they were in some fear For as they were passing Evelin Mill the Miller who had then in his custody some considerable Royallists hearing some persons passe by came out and demanded who is there To which no answer was given but his Majesty and his conducter immediately left the way and waded through a Brook which something asswag'd the galling of his feet and so they got free of the Miller who was on the other side no lesse fearfull of them As they pass'd through the Water his Majesty was in some danger of loosing his guide had he not been directed by the rusling of his Calve-skin breeches as he afterwards pleasantly observ'd it being an extreme dark night At mid-night they got to Mr. VVoolf's house and were by him heartily entertain'd But the frequent passing of the Enemies forces through that Town and consequently the likelyhood of their coming quarter at that house made this Gentleman apprehend it unsafe for his Majesty to lodge in it and therefore he secur'd him and his servant Richard in a hay-mow During their stay Mr. VVoolf had intelligence brought him by a trusty servant sent abroad to that end that all the bridges over Severne were kept by guards of the Enemies and all the passage-boats seised on Whereupon by his advice having spent all that day Fryday in the barne and being refresh'd at evening in the house where Mrs Woolf also made him a lotion for his hands with boyl'd Walnuttree-leaves he departed about 11. a clock at night for Boscobel house where he arriv'd about 3. on Saturday morning Col. Carlis whom we formerly mention'd with honour for susteining the brunt of the enemies in Sudbury street in Worcester till his Majesty got out of the Town was fled into these parts near which he was borne namely at Bromhall in Staffordshire within two miles of Boscobel and having lain in the wood for some time was come that morning to the said house to get some relief of his old Acquaintance William Penderel and by this meanes his Majesty and the Colonel met together there where congratulations being pass'd they were entertain'd with rustick fare as bread cheese and a Posset and care taken for refreshing his Majestie 's feet which were much surbated and galled with travell After which his Majesty and the Colonel conceiving the house lesse safe then the wood accordingly betook themselves thither and by the help of the Corydons climb'd into a large Oake the thickness of whose leaves sufficiently conceal'd them from being discern'd by any spectator from below Upon this Oak being accommodated with two pillowes some mean fare they continued all the day his Majesty leaning in the Colonel's lap and taking some slumbring rest of which he had had little or none the two preceeding nights and in the mean time some of the loyall hearted Country people hover'd near the place and others went abroad to get intelligence During his Ma estie's journey to Mr. Woolfs at Madely the
Lord VVilmot understanding his departure from White-ladies removed from Mr. Whitgreaves house at Mosely to that of Col. Iohn Lane at Bently near VValsal South-East from Mosely about 4. miles and intended to make use of an offer made him by Mrs Iane Lane the Colonel's Sister to accompany her to Bristol in order to his escape beyond Sea she having by accident procured a Passe from a Parliamentarian Officer for her self and a man to go thither to see her sister who was then near her time of lying in His Majesty and the Colonel descended from the Oak at evening entred into Boscobel house where VVilliam Penderel shew'd his Majesty the secret place in which the Earl of Derby had been conceal'd after his overthrow at Wigan which the King lik'd so well that he resolv'd to make his abode in it till further opportunity were offer'd for his escape beyond Sea and not to go more to the Royall Oake which afforded lesse convenience Humphry Penderel the miller having been that day at Shefnal a Town a few miles distant where he was examin'd by a Parliamentarian Colonel who had heard of the Kings having been at White-ladies and threatned with the penalty of concealing his Majestie 's Person which was death without mercy and withall inform'd that the Iunto propounded 1000 l. for a reward to any that should discover him But this true-hearted person was proofe against all temptations to disloyalty and related this passage to his Majesty at night Who having been entertain'd with a dish of chickens took up his lodging upon a Pallet in the secret place On the Sunday morning his Majesty being desirous of some mutton for that dayes food all other wayes being dangerous Col. Carelis with the help of William Penderel borrow'd a sheep out of the neighbouring flock part of which his Majesty and the Col. together cut into collops and cookt it in a frying pan for their own repast after which his Majesty spent some part of the day in reading in a handsome tetir'd arbor in the garden the loyall Brethren in the mean time scouting abroad for intelligence And whether it were through particular providence or for that it was known that onely some servants kept Boscobel house the same was never searcht all the time of his Majestie 's aboad there but VVhiteladies upon a credible report his Majesty had been there often On the same day his Majesty sent to inform the Lord VVilmot where he was who thereupon desir'd to meet his Majesty that night at a place appointed in a field near Mr. VVhitgreave's house at Mosely which lay in the mid-way viz. five miles on the one side from Boscobâ—l and five miles on the other from Colonel Lane's house at Bently His Majesty being disabled by his former travel on foot was forc'd to make use of Humphrey Penderel's Mill horse which was suitably accoutred to go thither leaving behind him the faithfull and renowned Colonel Carlis who heartily pray'd for his Majestie 's preservation Upon the way his Majesty was attended by the five loyal Brothers VVilliam Iohn Richard Humphrey and George Penderel and Francis Yates each of them being arm'd with a good Bill or Pike staffe and some with pistols intending to have us'd the same in case they should have met with a number not too great Two of them march'd before and one on each side of his Majestie 's horse the other two at a distance behind and they took all the by-wayes they could His Majesty being arriv'd at the place appointed met one Mr. Huddlestone an honest Gentleman there ready to conduct him into Mr. VVhitgreave's house But before he entred he gave VVilliam Humphrey and George the honour to kisse his hand and thanking them for their fidelity with promises to reward it if it pleased God he dismiss'd them with the horse My Lord Wilmot testified extreme joy at the sight of his Majesty who also embraced him and after some refreshment given to his Majesty and civill expressions which he was pleased to use towards the two loyal Gentlemen Mr. Whitgreave and Mr. Huddlestone he was conducted to the secret place intended for his lodging which was more secure then commodious for his rest Before the Lord Wilmot betook himself to his repose he consulted with the two Gentlemen concerning the watching of all avenues that timely notice might be given of the approach of any souldiers And if it should so fall out said he the Rebels have intelligence of your harbouring any of the King's party and should therefore put you to any torture for confession Be sure you discover me first which may perhaps stop their further search and preserve the King Such was the Heroical generosity of that noble Lord and his superlative affection to his Prince On the afternoon of the next day notice was given to Mr. VVhitgreave that some souldiers were in the neighbourhood with intention to apprehend him for having been with his Majestie at VVorcester This was a very surprising alarm But Mr. Whitgraeve forthwith secured his Royall Guest who was laid upon Mr. Huddlestone's bed and the Lord Wilmot in the secret place and then setting open all the chamber-doors went boldly down to the Souldiers convincing them by the testimony of his neighbours that he had not been from his own house in the last fortnight Wherewith the Souldiers being satisfi'd went not up staires at all and so this imminent danger was escaped The same night the Lord Wilmot repair'd to Col. Lane's at Bently in order to his Majestie 's going thither also and during his absence his Majesty spent the next day in conversation with Mr. Huddlestone in which he intimated to him that his Councils had been by some treacherous instruments very often discover'd to the Rebels before they were put in execution by his loyall Subjects At midnight Col. Lane came from Bently to attend his Majesty thither whereupon he took leave of Mrs Whitgreave saluting her and giving her thanks for his entertainment He exprest himself also with much gratitude to Mr. Whitgreave and Mr. Huddlestone advising them to be very carefull of avoiding the dangers which might ensue to them in case they should be discover'd to have been instrumental in his concealment and therefore directed them to a Merchant in London to receive moneys for their transportation beyond Sea if they thought fit And lastly he promis'd them to remember their civilities and fidelity to him when ever it should please God to restore him to his Dominions Such was the goodnesse of this excellent Prince and his care for the preservation of his preservers After this his Majesty gave them his hand to kisse and they return'd him their zealous prayers and wishes for his safety His Majesty being safely arriv'd at Bently staid there but a short time but took the opportunity of Mrs Iane Lane's Passe and rode before her to Bristol in the quality of her Servant the Lord Wilmot riding for the most part at some distance from
Montrosse the Lord Lorne Sir Arthur Forbes and Sir Mungo Murrey having gather'd together several parties of Horse and Foot and making severall irruptions upon the English in the Low-lands whereby they much molested them in their new possessions sometimes taking considerable booty and sometimes being worsted and flying into the Mountains where the pursuers could not follow them And thus they continued in expectation of greater Levies and the arrivall of Lieut. Gen. Middleton with supplyes out of the Low-Countryes But in the mean time the English met with the most considerable party under the Earle of Glencarn and defeated them the Earle himself hardly escaping other like successe also befell severall other parties so that they could not unite into one Body as they intended At length Lieut. Gen. Middleton arrived out of Holland with the expected provisions of War and a Commission to be General and Monroe to be his Lieut. Gen. This disposing of Commands so incensed Glencarne who had been imploying his utmost interest in levying Forces which he now saw must be commanded by others that instead of conspiring together against the common Enemy these great Officers quarrell'd among themselves Glencarne was contented to be Lieut. Gen. but Monroe would not agree to it whereupon a single combate ensued between them in which the Earle having wounded and disarmed his Adversary deserted the service with about 500. Gentlemen and made composition with the Governour of Dunbarton to live peaceably at home The same course was also taken by others by degrees However Middleton stood out still with much resolution till at length being set upon a great disadvantage by Gen. Monck and Col. Morgan first in Arguyl and then at Loughary about the midst of Iuly he was wholly overthrown Nevertheless he continued in the High lands with some Foot for some time after till he saw most of the Nobility were either taken or made their submissions and then he retir'd back into Holland The Kirk of Scotland was likewise concern'd in the publick desolation being broken up by Col. Morgan and the petulant Ministry reduc'd to subjection As for Ireland it was by the English Armes brought to such a condition as there was no fear of disturbance for the future onely some few Tories that kept themselves in inaccessible places sometimes made irruptions to steal and plunder The Parliament also erected a High-Court of Iustice there of which Cook so infamous for being an instrument in the murder of his late Majesty was President By whose sentence a great number of the Natives and amongst them many of the ancient Irish Nobility were sentenced and executed for being found guilty of the bloody Massacre committed upon the Protestants in the beginning of the Rebellion and about 14000. were sold to the King of Spain and many transported into other foreign parts who had rendred themselves upon Proclamation the rest were all driven into the Province of Cormaught and there circumscribed to inhabit The other three Provinces Vlster Munster and Leimster were allotted to the English and all forfeited Lands divided among such Adventurers as had advanced money towards the management of the Irish affairs and the souldiers for satisfaction of their Arrears In the room of Deputy Ireton who had succeeded Cromwell in the chief Command of that Nation and died of the pestilence at Limerick Cromwell constituted Lieutenant General Fleetwood who was become his son in-law by the marriage of his eldest daughter Bridget Ireton's Widow His Majesty having for some moneths resided at the Spaw where he enjoy'd the company of his Royall Sister the Princesse of Orange and having recived 200000. Ryxdollers from the Emperour and the Imperiall Colledge who also enacted that no scandalous book publish'd against him should be bought or sold in Germany under pain of death departed from thence to Collen where he arriv'd with his Royall Sister on the sixt of October the great Guns being discharged at their entrance and the Deputies of the City going forth to meet them in solemn manner and conducting them to the Palace provided for them by the chief Magistrates On the 28. of the same moneth the said Magistrates exprest their affections to his Majesty by entertaining him and the Princesse with a sumptuous collation who also the next day upon invitation went to Dussel-dorp where the Duke of Newburgh treated them with all possible magnificence for some dayes After which the Princesse Royall took her journey towards Holland and his Majesty having accompanied her on the way as far as Bedinguen return'd to Collen At his Majestie 's departure out of France he was over-intreated by the Queen his Mother to permit the Duke of Glocester to stay with her at the Palace Royall but with condition that no attempt should be made upon him to pervert him from his Religion But shortly after by the instigation of the French Court and some English Catholicks about her the Queen was willing he should be solicited to turn Catholick and for that purpose permitted him to be carried to Pontoise where some bad Instruments taking advantage of Mr. Lovell his Tutor's absence at Paris set upon him with all motives they could invent both spirituall and temporall to incline him to the Popish Religion But the former kind of Arguments were refell'd by his Highns with greater reason resolution then could probâ—bly have been expected from a person of his years and for the temptations of worldly advancement he rejected them with contempt and the danger of his Majestie 's displeasure urging withall the Queen's promise to the King before his departure in this very particular and complaining of this unworthy advantage taken against him in the absence of his Tutour who was fittest to judge of their proposals Wherefore he was removed to Paris to the House of Mr. Crofts from thence to Pontoise again the instruction of Mr. VValter Montagu Abbot of Nanteul and his former Tutor dismiss'd Of these attempts some cordial Protestants certifi'd his Majesty at Colen with all possible speed who resented them so highly that being ready to goe to dinner when the intelligence was brought him he would not think of eating till he had dispatcht Letters away to Paris In the mean time his Highnesse was restlessely importun'd with perswasions to return to the True Ancient Apostolical Roman Church to embrace the Religion wherein most of his Ancestours liv'd and di'd and most of the Christian world together with the King of France his Royal Mother and her Alliance profess'd which were also back't with the allurements of the greatest Church-Dignities and Revenues and the Honours which that whole Nation would be ready to pay his Highnesse c. All which he declin'd with very ingenious answers and shortly after a Gentleman went to his Highnesse with a Letter from his Majesty and was admitted to his presence but not being able to deliver the same privately he caus'd it to be deliver'd by another hand In that Letter his Majesty minded him of the
Safety consisting chiefly of Army-Officers and some Members of the dissolved Iunto who cided with them as Vane Salwey c. The council of Officers also for satisfaction of the people put forth a Declaration concerning their late proceedings charging the Rump with high Crimes and making void their late pretended Acts. Moreover they appointed certain persons to frame a Model of Government which no question would have prov'd an excellent one when onely Sword-men and Tradesmen were to be the contrivers But that which check'd their contentment in these courses was the dissatisfaction of Gen. Monck in Scotland Letters of expostulation past to and fro between the General and Fleetwood but the English Army in the mean time prepar'd to march against him forthwith and was led towards the North by Lambert consisting of about 12000. men The General seeing them thus beforehand with him sent Commissioners to Westminster to treat yet with all march'd Southward with what Forces he could raise and fortifi'd Berwick upon Tweed The Commissioners going beyond their Instructions the General was not satisfi'd with the Treaty and therefore soon after desir'd another at New-Castle during which he call'd a Convention of Estates in Scotland who not only approved his undertaking but assisted him in it While things stood thus the City of London though they well enough lik'd the turning out of the Rump would by no means join with the Army But about the beginning of December the Apprentices and some others fram'd a Petition to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen for a Free Parliament the Souldiers understanding it interpos'd and a great hurly burly thereupon arose in the City some being slain and others wounded Fleetwood was therefore desir'd to draw his Forces out of the City but instead of doing that he placed Garrisons in several parts of it threatning to fire it if the Citizens stir'd At the same time Haselrig Morley and some other Rumpers seis'd on Portsmouth and declar'd against the Army and part of the Navy under Vice-Admiral Lawson did the like and blockt up the Thames The City in this condition would declare neither for Parliament nor Army but still desired a free Parliament which at last was consented to upon divers enslaving qualifications and proclaim'd by the Committee of Safety to begin on Ian. 24. Upon the borders all this while nothing was done the Treaty took no effect neverthelesse Gen. Monck kept from engaging nor was it possible for Lambert to draw him to it whose Forces quartered in a cold barren Country unable to march by reason of the hardnesse of the weather At length Fleetwood having treated with Lawson to no effect and his souldiers being ready to mutiny for want of pay was forced out of apprehension of worser consequence to give over ruling and the Rump slipt into the House again on Decemb. 26. late in the evening by Torch-light Upon the news hereof Lambert's Army deserted him and General Monck enter'd into England with his about the 6. of Ian. Whilst affairs were thus turbulent in England his Majesty being at Diepe in Normandy receiv'd an invitation from Don Lewis de Haro the great Spanish Minister at the Frontier of Spain Which his Majesty accepting rid post incognito through France being accompanied onely with the Lord Marquis of Ormond and the Earl of Bristol Upon information of his approach to Bayonne the Spanish Favourite went forth with a splendid Traine to meet him and upon the first sight of him alighted from his Horse and notwithstanding the inconvenience of the place in a very humble posture embraced his Majestie 's knees from whence also he conducted him riding all the way bareheaded to the best lodgings the place afforded On the next day his Majestie was visited by Mazarini whom he entertain'd with that discreet warinesse that he let him know he sufficiently understood his projects The result of his Majestie 's consultations with Don Lewis was that the Favorite in his Masters name promised him all assistance both of men and mony assoon as the conclusion of the French peace permitted Whereupon his Majesty after high caresses and treatments returned privately by Post to Paris where staying with the Queen his Mother some few dayes he departed to his former residence at Brussels This private journey occasion'd so certain a belief in the Sectarians here in power that his Majesty and the Duke of York who lay at Calis were come over into England that many persons were apprehended for them and particularly one Mr. Colt was taken and imprison'd for the Duke of York and others also for his Majesty We left Gen. Monck upon his march out of Scotland all parties had their hopes fixt upon him the Rump presuming by his assistance to quell the refractory City and the Citizens that he would enforce the Rump either to call in the Members secluded in Dec. 1648. or to fill up the House with new Elections yet none knew certainly his intentions During his March he was address'd to by several Counties for the same things that the City desir'd who also sent their Swordbearer as far as New-Castle to congratulate his coming and tender the respects and affections of the City to him Yet he gave such answers as were not satisfactory to any The Rump also sent two of their Members Robinson and Scot to wait upon him but indeed rather as spies to watch and observe him At St. Albans some Aldermen and Common-Council men of London were sent to him from the City to court him but were return'd as all others only with thanks for their respects On Friday Feb. 3. he marched into London and was lodg'd at White-hall being much caress'd by the Rump and receiv'd their thanks in the House The City continuing still their refractoriness to the Rump and perceiving they so delay'd the filling up of the House as if they never intended it on VVednesday Feb. 8. pass'd a Vote in Common Council not to pay or levy any Taxes until such time as they might have a full free Parliament This so enrag'd the Rump that they order'd the General to march with his Army into the City pull up the Chains and Posts break down the Gates and Portcullis and imprison divers Aldermen and Commissioners Which was accordingly executed the next day to the great terror and amazement not onely of the City but of the whole Nation when they heard the report of it But this consternation did not last long for the General reflecting on the odious service the Rump had put him upon and apprehending their intentions to retrench his power which indeed his Commission being that day expir'd they did accordingly joyning him with some of their Members and Officers in the supreme command of the Army on Saturday Feb. 11. drew his Army into Finsbury fields and presently after upon some conference with the Lord Mayor and some chief Citizens writ a Letter to the Iunto as from VVhite-Hall subscribed by Himself and 14. of his chief Officers wherein he
Majesty who stay'd not long there but removed to the Hague where himself and the English Gentry were splendidly entertain'd at the charge of the States who also presented him with gifts of great value From thence the Queen of Bohemia with the Princesse of Orange and the young Prince accompanied his Majesty and the two Dukes to the Sea-side where they were entertain'd in the Naseby with a magnificent collation and so his Majesty took leave of them and set sail for England At his landing at Dover he was met by the General who immediately kneel'd to kisse his Royal hand but his Majesty embraced him graciously and took him with his two Brothers into his Coach to Dover where after a Treatment by the Magistrates he rid to Canterbury where he was met by the Mayor and Citizens who presented him a golden Cup full of gold and the Ministers who presented him a Bible Having rested there on Sunday the next day he went to Cobham-House and on Tuesday May 29. being his Birth-day he came towards London attended by the Duke of Buckingham the Earles of Northhampton Norwich Shrewsbury Litchfield Cleaveland the Lord Mordant and Sir Iohn Robinson with their several Troops of the chiefest Nobles and gentry of the Kingdome and the General with ten Regiments of his best horse besides innumerable companies of people that flock'd from all the adjacent Counties On Blackheath near Greenwich he was met by Major Generâ—l Brown with a gallant Company of young Citizens and others c. and at Southwark he was met by the Lord Mayor Aldermen 300. Citizens in Velvet Coats and Gold Chaines representing the several Companies and entertain'd with a Collation in a Tent erected on purpose and from thence about 5. a clock in the afternoon he rode into the City between his two Brothers the streets being on one side beset with the several Companies in their Gownes and on the other with Souldiers the windowes adorn'd with Tapistry and other hangings the Conduits running with Wine and the people testifying their joy with incessant shoutings and Acclamations Arriving at White-Hall the Speakers of both Houses congratulated his return in two solemn Speeches to which his Majesty answer'd that the People's acclamation together with his journey though gratefull to him as demonstrations of affection had so disordered him that he could not give such an answer as he desir'd But they should find him a sincere Defender of the Lawes and Liberties of the people and the Parliament should not be more ready to ask his consent to any thing fitting to be done then he would be to grant it After which he retir'd out of the Banquetting House to his Lodgings Thus we have trac'd out all the principal actions of this great King's Life in his Infancy Youth and Manhood to this present as well in his own Territories as beyond the Seas and withall given an account of the most considerable events here in England during the Oligarchy of the late long Parliament and the Tyranny of Ol. Cromwel In all which we have endeavour'd to give an impartiall Relation with as much brevity as the smalness of this Volume containing more strange occurrences then have hapned in some Ages would permit May the God of Heaven who of his infinite and undeserved mercy towards these poor Nations hath restor'd his Majesty to his Dominions long preserve his Sacred Person for the good both of Church and Commonwealth and multiply the years of his Reign in Honour and Prosperity Glory be to God on High and on Earth Peace and good Will towards Men. FINIS ERRATA Pag. 118. l. 11. read greater honour Pag. 273. l. 8. for at Salisbury read at Exeter Pag. 320. l. 24. read Commoners