complain of want of pay of the neglect of Church-Government and the Covenant The Parliament answered That in two years space they had received above two hundred thousand pounds for pay besides a vast sum of money which had been extorted from the weeping Inhabitants of the Northern Counties and that their Army had not answered expectation lying idle the best time of the year and if they were so precise in observation of the Covenant why contrary thereto had they put Garrisons into Newcastle Tinmouth and Carlisle Neither ought they to mention Religion being unsettled since the Parliament were consulting about it being a matter which requires time and mature deliberation From these dissentions the King expected some advantage but yet Oxford was already block'd up by Fleetwood and Ireton and Fairfax was daily expected to come and turn it into a close siege therefore before this should happen the King resolved to go out of the City and consulting with some of his inward Councellors it was concluded he should go to the Scots Camp then lying before Newark the King sent Montruel the French Ambassador before and himself soon after as Coll. Ashburnhams man who had a pass from Fairfax to go out of Oxford about some private business with a Cloak-bag behind him escaped unknown and came to Newark which when the besieged Newarkers had notice of being in great streights they upon conditions surrendred the Town The Scots seemed amazed at the Kings unexpected coming to them and so signified the matter to the English Commissioners then on the place Letters were instantly written to London and Edinburgh and the Parliament at Westminster required the Scots to detain the King at Southwell near Newark but contrary to this Order they carried him to Kelham where a greater part of their Army lay and soon after without further Order removed their Camp Northward and carried him away to Newcastle with them excusing their departure by alledging Newark being yielded no work was left for them but that as the King came to them of his own accord unexpected so he followed their Army neither being intreated nor forbidden by them but they seemed to hasten their departure by reason of a rumour that Cromwel with all his Horse was marching toward them This action much offended the English Parliament and they complain'd both of the Scots and the King In the beginning of May General Fairfax with his whole Army came before Oxford the City was very strong having been fortified according to the most exact rules of Art to make it Impregnable invironed with regular Forts and provided with a potent Garrison of five thousand valiant Souldiers having great stores of all manner of provisions and the Governour Sir Tho. Glemham a person who had sufficiently demonstrated his courage and conduct in holding out York and Carlisle to the last extremity The General disposing his Quarters round about the City summoned the Governour to surrender who returned That he would send to know the Kings mind and then act accordingly This answer was not satisfactory yet Fairfax and his Commanders doubting it would be a tedious Siege were put in hopes by some spies that it could not hold out long by reason of the divisions between the Nobility and Souldiers the first being for treating now and so obtain honourable conditions which they did accordingly and the Parliament decreed That the besieged should have the best conditions rather than waste their Army which might be more useful elsewhere for they designed to send them into Ireland against the Rebels there Thus was Oxford surrendred and the Garrison marched out in sight of Fairfax's Army with great quiet and modesty on both sides The D. of York was honourably conducted to London where two of the Kings Children remained thither also went all the Noble-men neither were any of the besieged denied to go to London but the Princes Rupert and Maurice who being commanded to go out of England prepared for their departure Prince Charles about this time sailed from Scilly with a few of his inward Counsellors to Jersey in order to go to his Mother in France which the King having advice of sent him this short Letter from Newcastle Charles I write to you only that you should know what I am and that I am in health not to direct you at this time in any thing for what I would have you do I have already written to your Mother to whom I would have you obedient in all things except Religion about which I know she will not trouble you and go no whether without her or my command Write often to me God bless you Your loving Father C. R. Soon after the surrender of Oxford followed the end of this fierce War for Worcester Wallingford Pendennis and Ragland yielded to the Victors Peace now seemed to be restored to England but they had no security the Parliament being grievously troubled with factions among themselves and divided under the Names of Presbyterians and Independants not only in matters of Church-Government but often in their Votes and in transacting almost all other business and this humour spread it self into the City Country and Camp and the Parliament doubting Coll. Masseys Forces might muriny upon that account sent Fairfax to Disband them being two thousand five hundred Horse which was quietly done in eight days time though they did not then receive their pay The Scots as you have heard carrying the King into the North the parliament Voted That the person of the King should be disposed of by the Authority of both Houses of the parliament of England But the Scots denied to deliver him up alledging That he was no less King of England than Scotland which caused great dissention between the two Nations But at length upon paying the Scots two hundred thousand pounds they agreed to deliver up Berwick Carlisle and Newcastle to the parliament of England and the Kings person also to the English Commissioners to be carried into the South who was received with great respect and honour by the Earls of Pembroke and Denbigh and the other Commissioners and by them waited on with much observance and an honourable Guard to his palace at Holmby in Northampton-shire But the Civil Wars being ended a dissention more than Civil arose among the Conquerors which still increased under the Names of Presbyterians and Independants and extreamly imbittered the minds of men against each other one party complaining That the Covenant was broken The other That it was not rightly Interpreted by them And on both sides were men of Reputation and several petitions were drawn up against the Army lately so much admired as maintainers of the Independent party who then lay about Saffron-Walden in Essex Yea it was debated in parliament whether they should be Disbanded or not which Cromwel who sided with the Independents having notice of he thereupon with Ireton insinuated into the common Souldiers That the parliament intended to Disband them without their Arrears or else to
with a potent Army Lambert was sent before to suppress Glemham and Langdale who with their Forces being about three thousand retired into Cumberland and Westmoreland expecting to join with the Seets which they did and fell upon Lambert at Appleby forcing him to retire out of the Town but Cromwel having received all necessary supplies from the Parliament came and joined him and observed the motions of D. Hamilton being both but eight thousand six hundred men against the Scots and English Army of twenty one thousand who were marched into England as far as Preston in Lancashire where Cromwel resolved to fight them his forlorn ingaging them first with two hundred Horse and four hundred Foot and he himself leading up the main body in the best posture the place would admit being a dirty lane and inconvenient for Horse where after four hours dispute he put them to the rout whom the Conquerours persued through Preston and having cleared the Streets followed them as far as Warrington about twenty miles killing many in the chase and taking Lieutenant-General Baily prisoner with the greatest part of the Scots Army granting them only Quarter for their Lives Three thousand Scots were slain and ten thousand taken prisoners with above one hundred colours and all their Baggage Duke Hamilton finding the service too warm retreats over the Bridge with a good party of Horse and Foot but Cromwel ordered his men to fall in among them pell-mell with their swords drawn at which desperate courage the Scots being amazed betook themselves to flight and the Duke with a body of Horse got to Utoxâ—â—â—r where he was taken prisoner by the Lord Grey and about three thousand Horse with him Langdale was also taken by a Parliament Captain Conspiracies by land though over the whole Kingdom seemed not enough but the Sea likewise revolted from the Parliament divers of the chief Ships in the Royal Navy in June 1648. set the Vice-Admiral Rainsborough ashoar declaring they would serve the King and P. Charles now coming from Holland with twenty sail of Ships and two thousand men The Parliaments Vice-Admiral joined with them and the D. of York who had made his escape from London being also aboard At which the Parliament were much disturbed and sent to the E of Warwick to command the remaining Navy which he readily undertook but his brother though no souldier by commission from the Prince assembles five hundred Horse and Foot about Kingston-Heath depending on the affections of the Citizens having with him the D. of Buckingham his Brother L. Francis Villiers and the E. of Peterborough but Sir Michael Livesey and others soon dispersed them The L. Francis Villiers was slain and the L. Holland flying with the remainder of his Horse to St. Needs was altogether subdued Dalbeer and some other Gentlemen slain and himself taken prisoner At the same time Rossirer obtained a great Victory over one thousand Horse who were pillaging the Country out of Pomfret-castle About the end of August Warwick was with a good Fleet in the River of Thames when P. Charles with a great Navy of twenty stout Men of War came up the River and commanded him to take down his Flag and yield Obedience to him as chief Admiral by the Kings Commission Warwick refused yet declined fighting in that narrow channel expecting to be joined by the Portsmouth Fleet commanded by Sir G. Ayscough which the Royalists reported was revolted also but though most of the Mariners were inclined to the Prince yet Sir George by his prudent managery at length confirmed them in their Obedience to the Parliament and failing by P. Charles in the Night brought all his Ships safe to the E. of Warwick who now resolved to ingage the Prince but finding he was gone back to Holland for want of provisions he followed him soon after with the whole Fleet to Goree upon that coast Cromwel after he had given that great defeat to Hamilton following his Victory marches toward Scotland to assist Argyle and Levens against the Forces of Monroe and Lanerick and to give them an account what was become of Hamilton but upon his approach without effecting any thing they withdraw their Forces back into Scotland and Cromwel in his way reduced Berwick and Carlisle into the Parliaments power Before he entred Scotland he Rendevouz'd his Army on the banks of the Tweed and caused proclamation to be made at the head of every Regiment That no man upon pain of death should take from the Scots either Cattel or Goods without Order He then marches directly toward Edinburgh to consult about the affairs of both Kingdoms many of the Scots Nobility and Gentry were sent from the Committee of Estates to meet him who after congratulatory Orations made conducted him to Edenburgh where Argyle Leven and other Lords treated him and the rest of the English commanders with a magnificent banquet in the Castle Thanks were given by the Ministers to Cromwel who was by them stiled The preserver of Scotland under God many of these having denounced the wrath of God against that Army of Hamilton which by the success they now thought fulfilled Such also was the Testimony of the Committee of Estates written to the English Parliament concerning Cromwel Presently after the Forces of Monroe and Lanerick were disbanded and all others except fifteen hundred Horse and Foot under the command of Leven for settling the Kingdom It was also decreed by the Committee of Estates and Assembly of the Hirk for preservation of Religion and brotherly love with the English Nation That no man who had joined with Hamilton in the late Invasion of England should be chosen for the new Parliament which was then called or into the Assembly of the Kirk as being enemies to Religion and both the Kingdoms A strange and sudden alteration this was That the English Army which but a year before were by the Kirk party of Scotland called a bundle of Sectaries and reviled by all manner of opprobrious names should now be acknowledged by the same Scots to be the Instruments of God and Vindicators both of the Church and Kingdom of Scotland And this great change in the Council of Scotland had been more to he wondred at if the change that then happened in the English Parliament were not much more surprizing for who can imagine that Cromwel for vanquishing a Scotch Army by which the Nation was delivered from plunder and many other mischiefs should be acknowledged there the preserver of Scotland and that the same Victory of his against the Scots should please the Presbyterian Scots for Religion sake and for Religions sake displease the Presbyterians in England for the face of the English Parliament was now suddenly changed and the Voâ—es that had passed the year before of making no more addresses to the King were annulled and made void upon which they had published a Declaration of the reason and necessity of their proceedings New addresses are now made to the King with more
motions We left Cromwel and his Army upon the very edge of Scotland who upon July 22. 1650. drew them forth to a Rendevoz upon an Hill within Berwick bounds from whence they had an exact view of the bordering parts of Scotland where they were to act their parts to whom the General made a short speech exhorting them to be faithful and couragious and then they need not doubt the blessing of Heaven and incouragement from himself Which they received with shouts of approbation After which he marches into Scotland quartering in the Field that Night near the Lord Mordingtonshouse where proclamation was made That none upon pain of death should offer any violence to the persons or goods of any in Scotland not in Arms and no souldier should dare to straggle half a mile from the Army without special license From hence they marched to Dunbar where they received some provisions from the Ships sent on purpose to supply them the people having left their Habitations and nothing behind them Thence they came to Hadington twelve miles from Edenborough without any opposition or sight of an enemy next day hearing the Scots would meet them at Gladsmeer they endeavoured to possess the Moor before them but no considerable party appeared whereupon M. Gen. Lambert and Collonel Whaley with fourteen hundred Horse were sent as a Van-guard to Mustleborough to attempt something upon the Scots and Major Hains commanding the Forlorn faced them in less than a mile of their Trenches Cromwel with the residue of the Army drew up before Edenburgh and some skirmishes happened about possessing King Arthurs Hill within a mile of the City which the English gained and likewise a Church and other Houses but the Scots not enduring the shock that Night the English withdrew and lay close Incamped at Muscleborough being wearied with constant duty and continual rain The Scots were within four miles of them Intrench'd within a line which flanked from Edenburgh to Leich and lay so strong that the English lay still that day in the rain without covert but were incouraged with hope of a sudden Ingagement Next day the ground being very wet and provisions scarce the English resolve to draw to their Quarters at Muscleborough which while they were doing the Scots fell upon their Reer and put them into some disorder but some bodies of English Horse coming up charged and beat them to their very Trenches Lambert in this encounter was run through the arm with a Lance and had his Horse killed under him and was wounded in his body and taken prisoner and rescued The Scots had several kill'd some of Note and a Lieutenant Collonel a Major and some Captains taken prisoners After which the English marched quietly to Muscleborough that Night but so harrassed with dirt and watching that they expected the Scots would fall upon them which accordingly they did for about four next morning fifteen select Troops of Horse and others to the number of fifteen hundred armed with Backs Brests Head-pieces Pistols Swords and Lances commanded by Major General Montgomery and Collonel Stranghan came on with such resolution that they beat in the Guards and disordered a Regiment of Horse but the English being alarm'd instantly fell upon them with such courage that they routed pursued and did execution upon them till within a quarter of a mile of Edenburgh taking and killing about two hundred with several Officers of Quality Cromwel to discover his generosity released the principal prisoners and sent them to Edenburgh in his own Coach which did very much rectifie the opinions of many who by reports were perswaded he was very cruel The Army having again spent their provisions marched for a supply to Dunbar where the parliaments Ships constantly attended them with all Necessaries and then returning toward Edenburgh they understood the Scots were keeping a solemn Thanksgiving for their deliverance supposing they were quite gone and would have come no more but found themselves much disappointed Whereupon the General Assembly sent Cromwel by David Lesley their General a Declaration of the state of the Quarrel wherein they were to fight which he desired might be published That the General Assembly considering their must be just grounds of stumbling from the Kings Majesties refusing â—o subscribe the Declaration concerning his former carriage and resolutions for the future in reference to the Cause of God the enemies and friends thereof doth therefore declare That the Kirk and Kingdom will not own any malignant party their Quarrel or Interest but that they will fight upon their former principles for the Cause of God and their Kingdom and therefore as they disclaim all the sin of the King and his House so they will not own him nor his Interest any further than he shall disclaim his and his Fathers opposition to the work of God and the enemies thereof and that they would with convenient speed consider of the papers sent to them from Oliver Cromwel To whom the English General returned this answer That the Army continued the same they had profest themselves to the honest people of Scotland wishing to them as to their own Souls it being no part of their business to hinder them in the worship of God according to their own Consciences as by his Word they ought And that they should be ready to perform what obligation lay upon them by the Covenant but that under the pretence of the Covenant mistaken a King should be taken in by them and imposed on the English and thus called The cause of God and of the Kingdom and this done for the satisfaction of Gods people in both Nations as alledged Together with a disowning of Malignants although the head of them be received who at this very instant hath a party fighting in Ireland and Prince Rupert at Sea upon a malignant account the French and Irish Ships daily making Depredations upon the English Coasts and all by vertue of his Commissions and therefore the Army cannot believe that whilst malignants were fighting and plotting against them on the one side and the Scots declaring for him on the other it should not be the espousing of a malignant Interest or Quarrel but a meer fighting on former grounds and principles If the state of the Quarrel be thus and you resolve to fight the Army you will have opportunity to do that else what means our abode here And our hope is in the Lord. Having thus stated the cause of the War in disputing with the pen they next resolve to try the force of steel and fight it out for the month of August was near done and little action performed save the taking of Collington-house and Red-hall by storm and in it the Laird Hamilton Major Hamilton and sixty Souldiers sixty Barrels of powder one hundred Arms great store of Meal Malt Beer Wine and other rich plunder The body of the English Army removed forthwith from Pencland-hills till they came within a mile of the whole Army of the Scots
which the English had taken near Burnt Island after he had delivered his message he confidently told the souldiers their General was dead and that they did well in concealing it but he would never believe otherwise nor could he be convinced till the General ordered him to be brought into his presence who was now somewhat recovered so that upon his return this false rumour vanished But the Parliament of England hearing that he had a relapse afterward and a violent Ague they sent him two eminent Physicians Dr. Wright and Dr. Bates to use their utmost Art for his reâ—overy with an Order that gave him liberty to repair into England for recovering his health To which he made a return of Thanks by a Letter to the Lord President in which among others are these unusual expressions My Lord my sickness was indeed so violent that my Nature was not able to bear the weight thereof but the Lord was pleased to deliver me beyond expectations and to give me cause to say once more He hath plucked me out of the Grave So that now by the goodness of God I find my self growing to such a stare of health and strength as may yet if it be his good will render me useful according to my poor ability in the station wherein he hath set me I wish more steadiness in your affairs here than to depend in the least upon so frail a thing as I am indeed they do not nor do they own any Instrument this Cause is of God and it must prosper Oh that all that have any hand therein being so perswaded would gird up the loins of their minds and endeavour in all things to walk worthy of the Lord. So prays my Lord Your most humble Servant O. Cromwel Edenburgh June 3. At this time Ambassadors came to the Parliament of England from Spain Portugal and Holland the first was reminded of delaying execution on the Assassinates of the English Resident at Madrid The second not having full power to give satisfaction for the expences of the state and loss of the Merchants Goods by means of that King was quickly dismiss'd The Hollander kept at a distance rather wishing prosperity to the Royal party than heartily desiring peace with the Common-wealth of England Soon after Oliver St. John and Walter Strickland were sent Ambassadors Extraordinary to the States and were received with great splendor and having audience of the States-General at the Hague the Lord Ambassador St. John made a learned and elegant speech declaring That they were sent over to the High and Mighty States of the Netherlands from the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England to make a firm League and Confederacy between the two Republicks if they think fit notwithstanding the many injuries the English have received from the Dutch Nation Likewise to renew and confirm the former Treaties and Agreements of Trade and Commerce made between the two Nations wherein he shewed them the notable advantages of England in respect of its commodious scituation for advancement of Trade and all other benefits Lastly That he was commanded to let them know how highly the Parliament resented the murder of Dr. Dorislaus their Agent not doubting but they would do their utmost to discover the Authors thereof After which the Ambassadors Gentlemen receiving several affronts from the Royal party there the States published a Proclamation to prevent it yet these abuses continued and no punishment being inflicted on any though the common people often swarm'd about the Ambassadors Gates and assaulted their Servants and the States evading any Treaty till they saw how matters would succeed in Scotland the Parliament highly resenting these proceedings suddenly recalled their Ambassadors to the great surprize of the States Who thereupon endeavoured by frequent visits to them to insinuate their amicable Intentions but the Ambassadors returned to England And that which gave some jealousie to the Parliament of their designs was Because Admiral Van Trump with a Fleet of Ships lay hovering upon the Coasts of Scilly as though he would attempt something against it and the occasion of it being demanded of the States they replied They had no other intent but to demand the restitution of such Ships and Goods as the Pirates thereof had taken from their people With which answer the Parliament were somewhat satisfied yet to prevent the worst April 18. 1651. Sir George Ayscough with a Squadron of ships designed for reducing the Caribbee-Islands was sent thither and landed three hundred Seamen besides souldiers and soon became masters of the Islands Tresco and Briers taking therein one hundred and fifty prisoners and killing twenty They took also two Frigates of thirty two and eighteen Guns and secured the best Harbour belonging to those Islands Hence the Enemy fled to St. Maries their chief strength which yet was soon surrendred Cornet-castle in the Isle of Guernsey was at this time attempted but through mis-information of the weakness of the place the design miscarried with the loss of many Officers and souldiers About this time Brown Bushel a very earnest stickler for the Royal party both by Sea and Land and who when in the service of the Parliament had delivered up Scarborough to the King was taken and beheaded at Tower-hill The Parliament of Scotland having adjourned during the Coronation of the King met again in March and some differences arose about restoring several Lords of the Royal party to their seats in the House which yet the Assembly would not admit of till they had passed the stool of Repentance which Duke Hamilton did with some kind of splendor having a Table placed before him with a black Velvet cover and a Cushion of the same and making a great Feast that day The King having now got some power endeavoured to regain reputation among his subjects by putting all the Garrisons of Fife into a posture of defence against the landing of the English drawing what Forces he could spare both Horse and Foot from Sterling and joining them with the new Leavies which for better security he Quartered on the Water side and then goes to the Highlands to compose all differences there and to incite them to rise and join with him from whence Midleten soon after brought a considerable body of Horse and Foot and the Town of Dundee raised a Regiment of Horse at their own charge and sent them with a stately Tent and six fine brass cannon for a present to the King then at Sterling whose Army now consisted in six thousand Horse and fifteen thousand foot but the Earl of Eglington being sent to the West with some other commanders to raise more forces coming to Dunbarton Collonel Lilburn upon notice sent a party of Horse who suddenly seized the Earl his Son Collonel James Montgomery Lieutenant Collonel Colborn and some others whom they carried prisoners to Edinburgh At the same time a design was discovered the English Covenanters intending a general rising in Lancashire to join with the Scots the chief
another place and soon after most of the Nobility and Gentry of Scotland were taken at a place called Ellet in that Kingdom where they were assembled to propagate the Royal cause namely Old General Lesley Earl Marshal Earl of Crawford the Lords Keith Ogilby Burgoiny Huntley Ley with many Knights Gentlemen and Ministers which soon after were ship'd and sent for England Such was the sudden change of the condition of the Scots and the King that he who a few days before was proclaimed King of Great Britain had now neither Camp nor Garrison to retire to five hundred pounds sterling being offered to discover him so that after travelling in disguise and through many dangers about England he at length found an opportunity to imbark at Shoreham in Sussex for Newhaven in France where he arrived Octob. 2. following Of the great number of prisoners taken none of Quality suffered but the Earl of Derby who was beheaded at Bolton in Lancashire and Sir Tim. Fetherstone Others of less note suffered at Chester Shrewsbury and other places Nor did many of the Royalists themselves expect any better fortune in this expedition than what happened as appears by Duke Hamiltons Letter to Sir William Crofts taken among other papers a few days before the fight to this purpose We are all laughing at the ridiculousness of our condition who having quit Scotland being scarce able to maintain it yet we grasp at all and nothing but all will satisfie us or to lose all I confess I cannot tell whether our hopes or fears are greatest but we have one stout argument and that is despair for we must now either shortly fight or dye All the Rogues have left us I will not say whether for fear or disloyalty but all now with His Majesty are such as will not dispute his commands So that we see this undertaking was not the product of deliberate counsel but of necessity and desperation This battel put a period to the Kings hopes of getting the Government by Arms and on the other hand secured to Cromwel all his former Conquests the influence whereof though acted in England was great in Scotland for their principal Nobility and souldiery being cut off they were no longer able to bear up but were soon reduced to the obedience of England And Cromwel giving an account to the Parliament of this great success he concludes his Letter by telling them That this was a crowning Victory which was afterward thought to proceed from the foresight of his future Greatness This fight happened Sept. 3. 1651. that very day twelve-month wherein the Scots received that fatal blow at Dunbar afore-mentioned After the battel Cromwel staâ—d no longer than to see the Walls of Worcester levelled to the ground and the Ditches filled up with earth to discover his aversion to the Inhabitants for receiving his Enemies into it and Sept. 12. came to London being met at Acton by the Parliament and their Speaker the Lord Mayor of London Aldermen and Recorder and hundreds of others to whom Steel the City Recorder made a Congratulatory Oration extolling all his Victories and Exploits with the highest flights of Rhetorick and applying to him the words of Psalm 149 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand to execute vengeance upon the Heathen and punishments upon the people to bind their Kings with chains and their Nobles with fetters of iron to execute upon them the judgment written this honour have all the Saints praise ye the Lord. After which he was conducted in triumph to his House near White-hall great number of Scotch prisoners coming after him through Tuthill-fields to Westminster as Trophies of his Victories and the Colours taken there with those at Dunbar Westminster Preston were hung up in Westminster-Hall After a short repose General Cromwel and Lieutenant General Lambert went to take their places in Parliament where they were entertained by the Speaker with a second Congratulatory Oration magnifying their courage and gallantry and acknowledging the great obligation which the people of England were under toward them The same day the Lord Mayor feasted the General and his Officers where mutual returns of kindness passed between them to the satisfaction of both parties Oct. 14. 1651. Collonel Hayn with two Regiments of foot and two Troops of Horse were shipp'd at Weymouth for reducing the Isle of Jersey in eighty Vessels under the command of General Blake who came to St. Owens Bay where the ships running aground the men leapt out some to the middle others up to the neck in water and ran ashoar the enemy playing hard upon them with great and small shot and gave a hot charge with their Horse yet after half an hours dispute they fled and left behind them twelve cannon and some colours After which the English marched further into the Island within sight of Elizabeth Castle under which was a Fort called St. Albans Tower where were fourteen Guns which upon summons was delivered and so was Orgueil castle and soon after Elizabeth castle upon very good terms to the Garrison and Governour Sir George Cartaret because of its great strength The Isle of Man was likewise reduced in a short time with the castles of Peele and Rushen both very strong and almost impregnable as well as Cornet castle in the Isle of Guernsey if the besieged had had resolution to defend them About this time died Admiral Popham and Henry Ireton Son-in-law to Oliver Cromwel at Lymerick which Kingdom in a little while after was wholly subdued and brought under the obedience of the Government of England The Parliament now passed two or three considerable Acts one for Incorporating Scotland into one Common-wealth with England another of Oblivion and free pardon a third to determine the Session of this Parliament on Nov. 3. 1654. a fourth for the increase of shipping and incouragement of Navigation wherein was enacted That no Goods or Commodities of the growth or manufacture of any places in Asia Africa America or Europe should be imported into England Ireland or any of the Territories thereof but only in English ships under the penalty of forfeiting the Goods and Ships And that no Goods whatsoever shall be brought in unless they be ship'd from the places of their growth and manufacture only Also that no Fish or Oyl made of Fish or Whale-bone shall be imported but only such as shall be caught in Vessels belonging to the English Lastly that no kinds of salted fish from Feb. 1. 1653. shall be exported in any other save English Vessels with several other exceptions and provisoes in reference to East-India Goods and of commodities from Turky Spain and Portugal This last Act was very grateful to the Merchants and Seamen but did extreamly surprize and disturb the Holl inders as judging it would cause a vast diminution in their Trade which with so much advantage they had long driven to the loss and detriment of the English Nation who
thereupon sent Ambassadors to desire it might be repealed but not succeeding herein they began to dispute our ancient right of the Flag in the British Seas by refusing to strike sail to our Men of War which occasioned a breach between the two Republicks for in May 1652. Admiral Trump with about forty two sail of Dutch ships was discovered on the back of the Goodwin Sands bearing toward Dover Road Major Brown being near with a squadron of English ships sent the Grey-hound frigate to speak with them to whom they struck their Topsail saying They came with a message from Admiral Trump to our commander in chief and coming aboard said That the great North winds had forced them farther South than they intended being compelled to ride some days off Dunkirk where they had lost divers Anchors and Cables professing they intended no injury to the English Nation General Blake who was Westward with the rest of the English Fleet having speedy advice of this passage hastened toward them and next morning May 19. saw them at Anchor in Dover Road and being within three Leagues of them they stood Eastward and received an Express from the States upon which they bore directly up to our Fleet Van Trump being headmost whereupon Blake shot three Guns without Ball at his Flag and Trump answered with a Gun on the averse side of the ship signifying a disdain and instead of striking his Topsail hung out a red flag which was the signal for his whole fleet and gave General Blake a broadside The fight continued four hours till Night parted them in which one Dutch ship was funk and another of thirty Guns taken with the Captains of both and about one hundred and fifty prisoners Of the English about ten were slain and forty wounded the English Admiral was much damaged in her Masts Sails Rigging and Hull but the rest of the Fleet had inconsiderable loss This attempt of the Hollanders while we were upon Treaty so incensed the Parliament that all the Addresses and Overtures of their Ambassadors and the sending hither two more could not appease them yea though they by several papers endeavoured to excuse it alledging That the unhappy fight between the ships of both Common-wealths happened without the knowledge and against the wills of the States taking God the searcher of mens hearts to witness the same and that with grief and astonishment they received the fatal News of that unhappy rash action and thereupon consulted about a remedy to this raw and bloody wound by appointing a solemn meeting of all the Provinces whereby they doubted not by Gods favour to remove not only the outward but inward cause of all further differences for the benefit of both Nations and to avoid the detestable shedding of Christian blood so much desired by their Enemies and therefore beseech the Council of State by the pledges of common Religion and Liberty to do nothing out of heat which afterward with vain wishes can never be recalled which they desire the more because their ships of War and Merchandize are detained in the English Ports To this the Parliament replied That calling to mind the demonstrations of friendship and good correspondence which they have always discovered toward the States General during all the troubles in England they are much surprized at such unsuitable returns especially at the acts of Hostility lately committed in the very Roads of England upon the ships of this Common-wealth and though they would willingly believe that the late Engaâ—ements of the Fleets happened without their knowledge or consent yet when they consider how disagreeable the actions of that State and their Officers at Sea have been in the midst of a Treaty offered by themselves and managed here by their Ambassadors and the extraordinary preparation of one hundred and fifty ships without any visible occasion and the Instructions given by the States to their commanders at Sea they have too much cause to believe that the Stares General design by force to Usurp the known Right of England in the Seas to destroy the Fleers that are under God their Walls and Bulwarks and thereby expose the Nation to be Invaded at pleasure as by their late action they have attempted to do Therefore the Parliament think themselves obliged to indeavour by Gods assistance to seek reparations for the wrongs already suffered and security against any such attempts for the future yet still desining that all differences if possible may be peaceably and amicably composed This answer quite broke off the Treatâ— and the Ambassadors having had audience of the Parliament took their leaves and departed And now these mighty States prepare to ingage each other and accordingly General Blake with a gallant Fleet advanced North towards the Isles of Orkney to seize all Vessels that were fishing there who took twelve Dutch Men of War that were guarding the Busses but discharged most of the Busses and Sir George Ayscough with his squadron being left to guard the narrow Seas discovered about thirty Dutch ships between Dover and Calice of which ten were taken and burnt the rest run ashoar on the Coasts of France Many other Dutch and French Prizes were daily taken Thence Sir George Ayscough sailed West to seek out the Dutch Fleer and Convoy home some Merchaur-men from Plymouth and being within seven or eight Leagues of Plymouth he had advice of them whereupon he resolved to stand over to the Coast of France and next day Aug. 16. 1652. had sight of them being about sixty sail of Men of War and thirty Merchant men the English were but thirty eight fail four Fireships and four Advice-ships yet they resolved to ingage the Enemy Sir George Ayscough and six other Frigates charged through the whole Dutch Fleet receiving much damage in their Masts Hulls Sails and Rigging yet they tack'd about and charged them all again till dark Night and had not some English Captains been deficient in their duty they had probably destroyed their whole Navy In this Ingagement some few English were slain and wounded and three Captains a Fireship of theirs was sunk with two other ships but the darkness of the Night concealed their other losses who stood away for the Coasts of France and the English for Plymouth to repair During this fight Blake came from the North into the Downs and took six rich Dutch Prizes sending some Frigates to reinforce Ayscough and soon after Captain Pen with his squadren hovering on the Coasts of France surprized six stout Men of War more now returned from the Venetian service and richly laden Sept. 5. General Blake riding in the Downs had notice of a French Fleet in Calice Road to whom he made up and chased them as far as they durst for the sands of Dunkirk taking most of them being ten Men of War between thirty one and twenty eight Guns and six Fireships This Fleet was to take in provisions at Calice for the relief of Dunkirk then besieged by the Spaniards who being
Dutch had about 30 ships sunk and burnt and their renowned Lord Admiral Van Trump was slain in the midst of the fight and out of the Dutch maimed ships that lay floating on the Sea the English took six Captains and about 1000 other prisoners This was the bloudiest Ingagement that had yet happened between the two Nations and for their valour and conduct the Parliament ordered Gold chains to be given to Blake Monk Pen and Lawson as a mark of their favour and other chains were bestowed on the Flag Captains and Medals of silver to the Officers of the Fleet. It was after known by Letters from Holland that they lost near six thousand men in this battel The Parliament having sate about five months in which they made several Acts one for Marriages before a Justice of Peace another for relief of Prisoners another against the High Court of Chancerv another for a Tax for six months at 120000 l. per month at length they were consulting of an Act for taking away Tythes a Committee was appointed to consider of the matter who brought in their report Dec. 10. 1653. That they thought it convenient that Commissioners be sent into all the Counties and inabled to eject scandalous and unable Ministers and also be impowered to settle able Ministers in all void places That such as are or shall be approved for publick preachers of the Gospel shall have and enjoy such maintenance as is already settled by Law That upon hearing and considering what hath been offered to the Committee touching propriety in Tythes it is their opinion that they have a legal propriety in them The Parliament having spent several days in this report put the Question Whether the House doth agree with the Committee which was carried in the Negative whereupon several heats and divisions arose insomuch that Dec. 12. a Gentleman stood up and moved That the sitting of the Parliament as then constituted would not be for the good of the Common-wealth and that therefore it was requisite to deliver up to the L. Gen. Cromwel the powers which they received from him This motion being seconded by several others the House rise and the Speaker Mr. Rouse with the Majority of the Members did by a writing under their hands resign their powers to Gen. Cromwel at White-Hall by their Speaker who thanked them for the pains they had taken for the service of the Common-wealth though by a strange spirit and perverse principle in some of the Members they had missed of their good intentions Some of the Members continued still sitting in the House to whom Coll. White was sent with a Guard of souldiers and required them in the Name of the General to depart for the Parliament was dissolved who replying the contrary and that they were upon business and ought not to be interrupted he at length compelled them though unwillingly to leave the House The Parliament having thus resigned the power given them the whole Authority both Civil and Military of the three Nations was concluded to be devolved into the hands of O. Cromwel who calling a Council of Officers with some others to consult of the settlement of the Government they at length resolved to have a Common-wealth in a single person That the person should be O. Cromwel Captain General of all the Forces in England Scotland and Ireland alledging That it was not Monarchy which was quarrell'd at but the Male administration and abuses therein by its prerogative being unlimited and arbitrary all which would be avoided by circumseribing it in a Protector and his Council a new Instrument of Government and the supream power of a Triennial Parliament in whom during their sitting the Soveraign Authority should reside In pursuance whereof a Council was appointed him to consist of twenty but fourteen only were named at present Lord Lambert L. Viscount Lisle General Desborough Sir Gilbert Pickering Major Gen. Skippon Sir Anth. Ash Cooper Walt. Strickland Esq Sir Ch. Woolsey Coll. Phil. Jones Francis Rouse Esq Rich. Major Esq John Lamence Esq Coll. Ed. Montague Coll. Will. Sydenham And the Instrument of Government designed to be the foundation of this new settlement was to this effect That the Title of O. Cromwel should beford Protector of the Common-wealth of England Scotland and Ireland and the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging That all proceedings shall run in the name and style of the Protector and all Honours Offices and Titles to be derived from him That he may pardon all offences but Treason and Murder That the Militia during the Parliament shall be in his and their hands but in the intervals only in his and his Councils that he and his Council may make War and Peace with Foreign Princes No new Laws to be made nor old ones abrogated without confent of Parliament A Parsiament to be called within six months and afterwards every third year and if need be oftner which the Protector shall not dissolve without consent of Parliament till after five months The Parliament of English to consist of 400 to be chosen by more equal distributions in Counties and Burroughs Of Scotch thirty to be elected and of Ireland as many The Writs for Election to pass under the Seal of the Common-wealth to the Sheriffs and if the Protectoromit or deny it then the Commissioners of the Seal shall be obliged under pain of High Treason to issue out such Writs and in case of failure in them the High Sheriffs then to do it That such as are elected be returned into the Chancery by the chief Magistrates Mayor Sheriff or Bayliff twenty days before the Session If the Sheriff Mayor or Bayliff make a false return or any way procure an undue Election he shall be fined 2000 l. That none who have born arms against the Parliament Irish Rebels or Papists shall be capable of being elected and in case they be elected to forfeit two years Revenue and three parts of their Goods None are to be elected under the Age of 21 years nor unless he be a man of good conversation None to have Votes in Elections not worth 200 l. That sixty shall make a Qaorum The Protector if need be may call Perhements in the intervals of the Triennial ones Those Bills they make to be offered to the Protector who refusing to sign them in 20 days they are to pass into Acts without his consent The Protector with advice of his Council in case of death or breach of trust is to substitute new Privy Councellors A competent Revenue shall be settled for maintaining 10000 Horse and 15000 Foot and the Navy not to be altered or lessened without the advice of the Council and upon the disbanding of them the money to be brought into the Exchequer for sudden occasions No new Taxes nor â—aws to be made without consent in parliament All forfeited Lands unsold to belong to the Protector The Protectorate to be Elective but the Royal Family to be excluded Oliver Cromwel to be present
encounter the Forlorn Hope and in an instant routed them forcing them through the next Regiment which they likewise put to flight and had slain most of them but that the whole Army came up to their relief After which the Spaniards marched back to their Fort in good order and with little loss but near fifty English were slain besides Captain Cox their Guide The General hereupon retreats to the River to refresh his men with water which caused their weakness resolving once more to attempt carrying the Town causing Scaling ladders to be made and two small Drakes with a Mortar-piece to be landed from the Fleet and conveyed by water near the Town All things prepared they march forward some guides undertaking to carry them a private way out of danger of the Fort but missing it they fell into the same path and into worse mischief than before for the Spaniards having notice of their march by the Negroes and Molattoes resolved to entertain them in their passage and April 25. the whole Army approaching near a brick Fort built by the Spaniards having nine good Cannon and 300 men they were suddenly charged by a party hid among the Trees who though not above seventy first fired a Volley of shot upon the Forlorn and thâ—n flew in upon the English already weary and near choak'd with thirst and with their Steel Lances routed in a moment both them and the Generals Regiment with near half the Army who flying back into the Rear possest them with such a pannick fear that every one shifted for himself the Spaniards pursuing with great slaughter finding no resistance but from M. Gen. Haines who sold his life at a dear rate fighting in the midst of his Enemies at length the Spaniards weary of killing retreated with seven English Colours Of the English 600 were slain on the place 300 wounded and 200 fled into the Woods to save themselves and were there knock'd on the head by the Malatto's and Negro's Upon this disaster the Army that Night drew up to the Spanish Fort and planted a Mortar conveniently against it all things being in readiness for a battery when on a sudden the Army was commanded to draw off and without doing any damage marched to their old watering place the Bay where being arrived and wanting Victuals they were forced to go out in patties to fetch it some never returning being 〈◊〉 by the Negroes till at last they were forced by famine to eat the Horses of their own Troop In this miserable state they continued some days at length it was resolved that May 3. they should all go aboard and in ten days they arrived in the chief Port of Jamaica called Oristano where they had better success soon possessing the Town and then the Army began to take up their Habitations and to plant This was the first planting of this gallant Island by the English which has since grown so rich and populous and of so great advantage to this Kingdom and they gained it the more easily because at their landing it was resolved by a Council of War that if any man turned his back to the enemy his bringer up should kill him And the Spaniards having no Intelligence of their late overthrow at Hispaniola nor indeed suspecting any Hostility fled away at the approach of this formidable Army and withdrew their Goods into the Woods by a pretended Treaty with the English whither parties were sent to follow them and to kill Cattel for the Army of which they found store of very good without fighting to their great relief Soon after the Generals Pen and Venables arrived in England and the protector in reward of their Services committed them both prisoners to the Tower A little to alleviate this misfortune Gen. Blake about this time being sent to the Streights with a gallant Fleet to scour the Seas of Turkish pyrates who had taken and destroyed many English Ships and enslaved their persons he first seeks them out at Sea but not finding them resolves to go home to them and March 10. 1655. arrives at Algiers and Anchored without the mold sending a messenger to demand satisfaction of the Dey for the depredations committed on the English and required the delivery of the Captives of our Nation immediately The Dey having provided a large present of Beef and Mutton and other fresh provisions alive returns the â—essenger with them and this answer to the General That the Ships and Captives already taken belonged to particular men and therefore it lay not in his power to restore them withou the general discontent of all his subjects yet as for the English Captives that were there if he pleased to redeem them he should and he would set a reasonable and indifferent price upon their heads and that if the General thought good they would conclude a peace with him and for the future offer no Acts of Hostility on their part to any of the English Ships or Natives This answer seemed satisfactory to the General and accordingly the captives were redeemed and a peace concluded Having thus dispatch'd the affair of Algiers General Blake sails next to Tunis where sending a summons to the Dey he received a very disobliging answer for having secured their ships as they imagined under their Castles they in scorn and contempt sent him word Here are the Castles of Goletta and our Ships and Castles of Porto Ferino do your worst but do not think that we are affrighted at the sight of your Fleet. This resolute reply exasperated both the General and Seamen who resolved to be revenged and a Council of War being called it was resolved to burn the nine ships that were in Porto Ferino which they accordingly effected for every ships Boat being manned with stout and resolute Mariners were sent into the Harbour to assault and fire the ships whilst the Admiral Vice-Admiral and Rere Admiral play broad-sides continually on the Castle to prevent their sinking the boats who after a brave assault burnt the ships and return back again only with the loss of 25 men and 48 wounded This daring action of General Blake resounded to the honour of the English Nation as far as the Grand Signiors Court at Constantinople But to digress a little about this time Christians Queen of Sweden to the admiration of all Europe resigned up the Crown and Kingdom to her Kinsman Carolus Gustavus being contented from a mighty Princess to put her self into the condition of a Lady Errant desiring only these conditions might be granted her from her successor 1. That she retain a good part of her Kingdom and the customs to her self 2. That she will be no subject but absolutely free without controul 3. That she will Travel whether she pleaseth To these Prince Charles made this reply 1. That he would not be a King without a Kingdom 2. That he will have no Rival nor Superior 3. That he will not hazard himself about her designs abroad However these differences were so
the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London and other persons of Quality all expressing the sence of their obligations Soon after he took his place in parliament and received the thanks of the House from the Speaker and then gave them a full account of the present condition of Ireland At this time Virginia and the Caribbee Islands revolt from the parliament and cry up the Monarchy and Liturgy who thereupon prohibit all Nations to Trade with them and in a few months they are wholly subdued by a Fleet sent thither under Sir G. Ayscough Prince Rupert infests the English Coasts from Scilly Jersey Ireland and France with the States revolted Ships to the great loss of the Merchants whereupon a Fleet well equipt is set forth against him who block him up in Kinsale which Town being taken by Cromwel they were forced to hasten away leaving three Ships behind and sailed to Lisbon where they were protected by the King of Portugal which caused a difference between that King and the English Republick About the same time that is May 3. 1649. Dr. Dorislaus who drew up the charge against King Charleâ— being sent as an Envoy to the States of Holland was treacherously murdered at the Hague by persons in disguise that broke into his Lodgings and afterward made their escape And not long after Mr. Anthony Ascham the English Agent in Spain was stabâ—d in his Inn in his way to Madrid and the murderers taking sanctuary in a church the King of Spain by all his authority could not bring them to Justice But the greatest danger to this new Common-wealth though victorious in Ireland seemed to be from Scotland for King Charles II. being in the Isle of Jersey and having notice of the great factions and differences in that Kingdom between the Covenanters and the Royalists he gives a commission to the Marquess of Montross who in the year 1645. was so successful for a time that the whole Kingdom of Scotland may be said to have been won and lost in one month by which commission he was to raise Forces in Holland and other parts wherewith if possible to abate the power of the Covenanters so that the King might be able to treat with them upon better terms He accordingly in a short time sends some Forces into the Isles of Orkney and a few more under Sir James Mongomery to the North of Scotland These the Committee of Estates resolve to oppose though raised for the Kings service and send propositions to him to Jersey which being granted they would enter into a Treaty to restore him to that Kingdom the substance whereof were That he would sign the solemn league and covenant and oblige all persons to take it To confirm all Acts of parliament in the two last Sessions and to have no Negative voice in their parliament and would appoint some place about Holland to treat in The King consented and promised in the word of a Prince to perform them and Breda a Town in Holland belonging to the Prince of Orange was the place appointed where the Scots Commissioners meet him and the Treaty in a short time was fully concluded wherein one Article was That the Marquess of Montross and his adherents be prohibited access into that Kingdom During this Treaty Montross being commissioned by the King fearing he should have an express command to desist and himself be banish'd his country landed as you heard at Orkney and in the North with some inconsiderable supplies of men and money against whom the parliament then sitting send an Army of seven thousand Foot and three Troops of Horse who utterly defeat his Forces which were only twelve hundred of whom two hundred were slain and all the rest taken except one hundred who made their escape and Montross himself who being three or four days in the open Fields without meat or drink with only one man discovered himself to the L. Aston but the pronused reward or fear of concealing him caused this Lord to send him to Edenburgh and he was soon after condemned and hanged upon a Gallows thirty foot from the ground and a few days after Sir John Urrey Sir Francis Hay Collonel Sâ—bald and Collonel Spotswood were beheaded for the same cause the last at his death confessing he was an actor in the death of Dr. Doritâ—aâ—s The King was somewhat startled at these proceedings but the Scots Commissioners desired him nor to stumble at these matters since they were all designed to promote his Interests so that finding it could not be redressed he was forced to conceal his resentments and the Treaty being finished the King prepared for his Voyage to Scotland The parliament of England having exact Intelligence of all these proceedings it was debated whether the War which was inevitable between them and the Scots should be Offensive or Defensive at length being sensible what desolations they brought along with them when they came in as Friends and afterwards as Enemies in Duke Hamiltons Invasion it was concluded to make Scotland the seat of the War and accordingly they Order the Army to march Northward but General Fairfax as well as some others being dissatisfied about the obligation of the National Covenant entred into between both Kingdoms which he conceived would not permit us to make War on Scotland desired to be excused and delivered up his commission which at first was a little startling but the parliament soon found another General of whose valour and conduct they had large experience which was Cromwel who accepted of the charge and had a commission to be General of all the Forces that now were or hereafter should be raised by the Common-wealth of England and all commissions formerly granted to Sir Tho. Fairfax were made void June 28. 1650. Cromwel with his Army marched toward Scotland and was received at York by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen with great respect The report of his coming surprized the Committee of Estates who sent a Letter to the Parliament That they admired the English should advance toward them and that many of their Ships were seized contrary to the Act of pacification which allowed three months warning and that the Forces they had raised were only in their own defence defiring to know whether those of the English were designed to guard their own borders or to invade Scotland The parliament by their Declaration declare the reasons of their proceeding and among others That the Scots endeavour to seduce the people of the Common-wealth of England from their affection and duty to the parliament and to promote the laterest of the late King under pretence of the Covenant and though they could claim no authority or dominion over us yet in Scotland they proclaimed Charles Stewart to be King of England and Ireland and since that promised to assist him against the Common-wealth and had declared against the English parliament and Army ranking them with malignants and papists These with many others were such intolerable provocations and no satisfaction being
to be had but by the sword the parliament resolve to vindicate the Nations honour and to secure it from the like Insolencies for the future The Army likewise publish a Declaration wherein taking notice of the practices of some in that Kingdom who endeavour by unjust reproaches and false slanders to make the Army odious and render them rather monsters than men they to clear themselves desire them to remember what their behaviour was when they were there before or what wrong or injury was then done either to the persons Goods or Houses of any and therefore they had no reason by false reports to affright the people from their Habitations Further assuring all persons who were not active against the parliament that they should not have the least injary done them either in Body or Goods but upon complaint should have present redress and that they might securely continue in their Habitations Copies of these Declarations were given to the country people at Berwick-market and others sent into Scotland which afterward had good effect After which Cromwel marches from York to North-Allerton and thence to New-castle where he was nobly treated by Sir Arthur Haslerig the Governor and after imploring the blessing of Heaven and having provided for future supplies he posts to Barwick and July 20. 1650. Rendevouzed his Army upon Hagerstone-moor four miles from thence where appeared a gallant body of Horse of five thousand four hundred and fifteen with valiant Riders to manage them ten thousand two hundred forty nine Foot with a Train of Artillery consisting of six hundred and ninety In all sixteen thousand three hundred forty five After which they were Quartered on the banks of River Tweed In England John Lilburn about this time was tryed at Guild-hall a man of a restless and invincible spirit who is charged with publishing Books wherein the parliament are termed Tyrants Traytors Conquering Usurpers c. and though it was generally thought they were of his writing and publishing yet he made such a subtile defence that the Jury brought him in Not Guilty and so he was released Not long after Collonel Eusebius Andrews being found with a commission from King Charles H. was condemned by an High Court of Justice and beheaded at Tower-hill And one Benson who was condemned with him was executed at Tyburn At the same time an Insurrection happened in Norfolk an Undisciplin'd company assembling and roaring about pretending they designed the abolishing of popery the restoring the young King to his Crown and to revenge his Fathers death and to suppress Heresie and Schism But two hundred Horse being sent against them from Lyn and three Troops from the Army soen dispersed them twenty of whom of no eminency were hanged Sir Henry Hyde being sent Ambassador from King Charles the Second to the Grand Seignior at Constantinople had some concest with Sir Tho. Bendish the parliaments Ambassador there whereupon they had a hearing before the Vizier Bassa and the result was That Sir Tho. Bendish should dispose of Sir Henry Hyde as he thought fit who presently sent him to Smyrna and thence to England where he was condemned and beheaded before the Royal Exchange in London Prince Rupert and his Fleer lying in the Haven of Lisbon as you have heard General Blake came before the City with the parliaments Fleet and after having destroyed several French Privateers and some rich Sugar-ships of the King of Portugals he was forced by storm and to re victual to go to some other Port upon which P. Rupert took the opportunity to sail thence with his Fleet to Malaga where they burnt and spoiled several Merchants Ships Whereupon Blake reduced his Fleet to seven stout nimble Sailors sending the rest home with the Prizes and with these sailed with all speed after Prince Rupert to Malaga but they being gone to Alicant he still followed them taking in his way a French ship of twenty Guns with the Roe-buck a revolted ship and the Black Prince another of Prince Ruperts Fleet to avoid being taken ran ashoar and blew her self up Next day four more of the Princes Fleet ran ashoar at Cartagena and were cast away the rest making their escape and so Blake returned again to England The Scots had now finish'd their Treaty with King Charles the Second he having promised to confirm the Presbyterian Government in Scotland for three years provided that himself might have always three Chaplains of his own Election As also to confirm the Militia in the hands of the Estates for five years provided it afterward should return to himself It was now resolved a Message should be sent to invite him to make all possible speed to his Kingdom of Scotland though it was opposed in the parliament at Edenburgh and put to the Vote whether any more addresses should be made to the King and thirty two were for the Negative but the Affirmatives being the major part the message was sent accordingly with a protestation That they would assist him with their Lives and Fortunes to establish him in all his Dominions yet withal forbore not to advertise him they had Testimonies to produce of his tramactings by Letters with Montross of which they had intercepted three or four contrary to his promise at Breda however they were willing to dispence with him for what was passed 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 which they prepared for his reception but prohibited Duke Hamilton the Earls of Lauderdail and Seaforth with many other persons of Quality who had constantly attended him in Jersey and Holland from returning into Scotland About the beginning of June 1650. he left the Hague and after a tedious storm and narrowly escaping some English Ships landed in the North of Scotland whither some Lords were sent to receive and accompany him to Edenburgh being entertained by the way with the acclamations of the people At Dundee new propositions from the Parliament and Kirk were sent him which with some seeming reluctancy he signed The Town of Aberdeen presented him with fifteen hundred pounds but the Committee of Estates sent to other places that designed the like enjoining them to bring whatever money and plate they had to bestow into the Treasury which they would appoint While they were in expectation of the Kings arrival the Committee of Estates and Parliament consulted about forming an Army for his service as they pretended and an Act was passed for Training every fourth man capable to bear Arms throughout the Kingdom and for raising sixteen thousand Foot and six thousand Horse the Earl of Leven to be General of the Foot Holborn Major-General David Lesley Lieutenant-General of the Horse and Montgomery Major-General the supream command being reserved for the King who arriving at Edenburgh was complemented with many congratulations and July 15. proclaimed King at the Cross and had a strong Guard to attend him and observe his