of Offices and desired the concurrence of the Commons to take away all Countrey Committees An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for an Assesment for the Garrison of Bristol and Glocester Vote for an Ordinance for fifty three thousand pounds per mensem assesment for the Army Debate touching the Confession of Faith An Ordinance past for constituting the three Commissioners of the Seal with a Provisoe that if any of them be chosen a Member of the Parliament he shall leave his place Vote for continuing the Seal-bearer The Ordinance past for sale of Bishops Lands and to secure the two hundred thousand pound to the Scots 14. The House sate in a grand Committee upon the Ordinance against Heresies Report of the Marquess of Ormond That he desired supplys and Moneys for the Forces with him and that he would either come to London or go beyond Sea or serve in Ireland as the Parliament pleased and surrender Dublin c. re-committed to treat further upon the surrender of Dublin and the other Garrisons A Letter from Ormond to the King and another to London laid aside not to be delivered The Ordinance for the Commissioners of the great Seal again presented to the Lords at a conferrence with some alterations as reserving power to make Justices of the Peace to present to Parsonages c. The House sent and seized at the Press the Papers of the Lord Chancellors Speeches then in Printing touching the disposal of the Kings Person and took the Printer and Bookseller into Custody for doing it without licence of the Houses though they had the warrant of the Scots Commissioners for it 15. A Pass from both houses to transport sixteen Naggs beyond Seas A Committee named to bring in an Ordinance for the Indemnity of Officers and Soldiers who have taken necessaries in the time of War and are now prosecuted for it at Law and the Committee to receive Complaints and give relief in the mean time A Letter from the Scots Commissioners desired the enlargement of the Stationer and Printer of their Speeches and the Printer and Stationer submitted referred to a further examination Ordinances sent up to the Lords for ten thousand pound for the poor Widows for four hundred pound for the poor Irish Protestants here for setling the Militia and for the Treaties with Scotland 16. A Committee named to consider of Printing the Septuagint Bible A Conference about the Printing of the Lord Chancellor of Scotland's Speeches An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for transporting of Persons to foreign Plantations The House sate in a grand Committee in the afternoon about the Assesments for the Army 17. Order that the Marquess of Hertford his Lady or others who had seized Money or Writings in Essex House should restore them to the Executors of the Earl viz. the Earl of Northumberland the Earl of Warwick and Mr. Sollicitor St. John A Committee named to whom the probate of this and all other Wills was referred and also a Petition of the Doctors of Civil Law concerning the probate of Wills Order that neither the Marquess of Hartford nor any other who had born Arms against the Parliament should go with the Corps of the Earl of Essex at his Funeral Vote for fifteen thousand pound for the Forces in Ireland and for five thousand pound for the Forces of Major General Pointz Sir Fr. Willoughby one of the Lord Ormonds Commissioners sent back to inform him what the Parliament had done 19. Debate about the Trustees for sale of Bishops Lands Order that all the Members of the House do attend the Funeral of the Earl of Essex and that the House be adjourned for that day as the Lords had done In the afternoon the House sate till six at night upon the Ordinance for sale of Bishops Lands The General with Major General Massey went to the Devizes where a rendezvous was appointed for the disbanding of such of Major General Massey's Forces as would not go for Ireland 20. One Arrested contrary to the Articles of Oxford the Serjeants sent for as Delinquents upon a certificate from Sir Tho. Fairfax Difference about the Commissioners of the Seal The Lords named four more to be added to the three named by the Commons they altered their former Vote for the three Commissioners and ordered an Ordinance to be brought in to establish the former fix Commissioners Members of both Houses Order that Col. Mitton offer resonable conditions to the Garrisons in Wales not yet reduced which if they refuse within twenty days that then they shall not be received to Mercy and referred to a Committee to consider of imploying those Forces for Ireland after the rest of the Garrisons should be reduced and a Letter sent to Col. Mitton to acquaint him with these Votes Votes for Mr. Bish to be Garter King at Arms and Mr. Bish to be Clarentiaux Mr. Riley to be Norwâ—y and a Committee to regulate their Fees Ordinance for sale of Bishops Lands The Money and Writings of the Earl of Essex taken away were restored Captain Betten voted to be Vice-Admiral of the Winter Fleet. Dunkirk was surrendred to the French upon Articles great solemnities of Thanksgiving great Guns and Bonefires for it in France 21. The House sate in a Grand Committee upon the Ordinance for Sale of Bishops Lands A Committee named to consider of regulating the Chancery and to receive complaints touching Fees of that or any other Court of Equity within the Kingdom Referred to the same Committee to consider who are fit to be Justices of the Peace and who not in all Counties The Funeral of the Earl of Essex was solemnized with great State All the Members of both Houses Sir Thomas Fairfax the Civil and Military Officers then in Town and the Forces of the City a very great number of Coaches and Multitudes of people present at it The General had been at the Devizes to disband the Brigade of Major General Massey which was done with little trouble and few of them listed themselves for Ireland From the Disbanding the General hasted up to London and was at the Funeral of the Earl of Essex 23. The old Commissioners of the Seal had been voted to be continued upon the constituting new Commissioners now the old Commissioners were voted down again and an Ordinance past and sent to the Lords to make the two Speakers Commissioners of the Seal till twenty days after this Term. This incertainty and change of Resolution in the House was much discoursed of by some who were not their friends they were reflected upon for it But they excused themselves by reason of the difference in Opinion from them by the Lords and now they began to be more apprehensive than formerly that so great a trust as the Custody of the Seal was most proper and fit to be only in their own Members Order for a Commission to enable the Master of the Rolls and the Judges to hear and determine for the
appointed for the two Ministers to attend the Commoners Sir Peter Killegrew was sent with the Letters to the King and was to bring back a List of the King's Commissioners for the Treaty and of their Attendants An Ordinance read and referred to a Committee of the whole House for laying the Assessment for the Armies upon the several Counties They appointed a day to consider of the business of Dunnington Castle and the Earl of Manchester The Lord Savile Earl of Sussex the Lord Piercy and the Lord Andover were consined at Oxford The business of Dunnington Castle and of the Earl of Manchester was taken into consideration and a weeks time given for the Earl to be heard therein if he please An affront done to the Commissioners of Excise in Lancashire was referred to examination and the House resolved to be severe in upholding the power of the Commissioners The Sergeant at Arms was sent to apprehend one as a Delinquent for serving of a Sub poena upon a Member of the House of Commons Goring with his forces coming before Christ-church were beaten back by Major Lower and many of them killed The Commons proceeded in the business of the new Model of the Army and nominated Sir Tho. Fairfax to command in chief and Colonel Middleton Holborn Fortescue and Barkley tobe four of the Colonels Then they appointed a Committee to consider what honour should be conferred on the Earl of Essex for his fidelity and good services to the publick the like for Sir William Belfour and to settle the payment of their Arrears to such as should not be employed in the new establishment The Commons proceeded upon the Ordinance for the new Assesment Colonel Lambert was ordered to speed down into the North to take care of the forces there he being Commissary General of the Lord Fairfax his Army when Sir Thomas Fairfax should come up Colonel Holborn took in the King's Garrison at Sydenham-house and therein about 100 Prisoners and the High Sheriff of Somersetshire and ten Commissioners of Array and after that he fell upon the Lord Hopton's forces going to joyn with Greenvile took some hundreds of them and drove the rest to Bristol The King made Prince Maurice General of Worcester Hereford and Shropshire and some of his forces began to fortifie Cambden-house Letters from Secretary Nicholas intercepted gave no hopes of Peace upon the intended Treaty Sir Peter Killegrew returned from Oxford with the King's Answer concerning the Treaty and the names of the King's Commissioners with a Safe Conduct and Propositions from the King to be treated on The Safe Conduct was inclosed in a Letter from P. Rupert to the Earl of Essex and was to this effect CHARLES REX Charles by the Grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland Defender of the Faith c. To our Generals Lieutenants General Commanders in Chief Generals of Towns Colonels Lieutenants Colonels Captains Officers and Souldiers belonging to any of our Armies or Garrisons and to all other our Ministers and loving Subjects to whom these presents shall come Greeting Our Pleasure and Command is that every of you permit and suffer that Algernon Earl of Northumberland Philip Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery William Earl of Salisbury Bazil Earl of Denbigh Thomas Lord Viscount Wenman Denzil Hollis William Pierpoint Sir Henry Vane Junior Oliver St. John Bulstrode Whitelocke John Crew Edmond Prideaux for the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament of England at Westminster and John Earl of Loudoun Lord Chancellour of Scotland Archibald Marquess of Argile John Lord Maitland John Lord Balmerino Sir Archibald Johnston Sir Charles Erskin George Dundas Sir Jo. Smith Mr. Hugh Kenedy and Mr. Robert Berkley for the Estates of the Parliament of Scotland together with Mr. Alexander Henderson and their Retinue mentioned in a List annexed together with the Retinue of the Scottish Commissioners not exceeding in all the number of 108 persons together with their Horses Coaches and all other Accommodations for their Journey may repair to Uxbridge from London stay there and return at their pleasure and that they and any of them be permitted freely and as often as they shall please to go themselves or send any of their Retinue to and from Uxbridge and London without any let hinderance interruption or molestation whatsoever and to these our Commands we require your due obedience as you tender our service and will answer the contrary at your utmost perils Given under our Signet at our Court at Oxford the 21. day of January 1644. By His Majestie 's Command Edw. Nicholas The King's Propositions were Signed likewise Edw. Nicholas The Names of the King's Commissioners appointed for the Treaty for whom Prince Rupert desired a Safe Conduct from the Parliament were these The Duke of Richmond Marquess Hertford Earl of Southampton Earl of Kingston Earl of Chichester Lord Seymour Lord Hatton Lord Capel Lord Culpepper Sir Orlando Bridgman Sir Edward Nicholas Secretary Sir Edward Hyde Sir Richard Lane Sir Thomas Gardiner Mr. John Ashburnham Mr. Geoffrey Palmer with Dr. Stewart Dr. Laney Dr. Shelden and their Attendants in all to the number of 108. They were to meet with the Parliaments Commissioners on Wednesday the 29. of January at Vxbridge upon the Treaty for Peace The States Ambassadours were satisfied with the Answer of the Parliament to their Papers and said they would acquaint the States therewith expressing their good affections to the Parliament The Commons in a grand Committee further debated the Ordinance for new Modelling the Army and inserted therein the names of Sir Thomas Fairfax and of Major General Skippon They proceeded upon the Directory for Church Government and voted that several Congregations be under one Classis and that the Church be governed by Congregational Classical Synodical Assemblies and that there shall be one at least in every particular Congregation to labour in the word and doctrine Both Houses referred the Papers of the Treaty to the Committee of both Kingdoms to consider what is fit to be done and ordered that the Ministers in their several Congregations on the next Wednesday the day of the publick Fast and of the beginning of the Treaty should pray to God for his blessing upon it Both Houses ordered that the Lord Macquire should come to his Trial in the King 's Bench. A difference was between the two Houses touching the Safe Conduct for the King's Commissioners the Committee of both Kingdoms having altered some of their Titles given them by the King since the Great Seal was carried away from the Parliament as the Earl of Chichester they called Lord Dunsmore Lord Culpepper Sir John Culpepper Lord Hatton Sir Christopher Hatton and the new made Knights they called Mr. Hyde Mr. Lane and Mr. Bridgeman The Lords gave their Reasons why the new Titles should be given in the Safe Conduct the Commons gave Reasons against it as contrary to one of their Propositions and at length the Titles were agreed to be
gratifying the Lord General and the Earls of Manchester and Denbigh for their faithfull Services and hazarding their lives and fortunes for the publick Some of Essex his Friends were against his laying down of his Commission but others told him that mischiefs and contests might arise if he kept it whereof himself was sensible and as he had great stoutness of spirit so he had great goodness of nature and love to the publick which perswaded him to lay down his Commission And here ended the first scene of our Tragick Civil Wars in the Exit of this brave person Essex who being set aside and many gallant men his Officers with him the King's party looked upon the new Army and new Officers with much contempt and the new Model was by them in scorn called the New Noddle An Ordinance ordered to be drawn to discharge from Wardships such Heirs whose Ancestours died in the Parliaments Service Ordered that the former Officers of the Army who are not now employed shall have their Arrears audited and signed and moneys allowed for their present maintenance The wants of Members of the House referred to be considered A Letter from Captain Legge that the Mayor Aldermen and others of York may have the benefit of the Propositions upon the surrender of York to which the Lord General was desired to write an Answer The Custome of the Parish of Tuitnam being that on Easter day two great Cakes should be broken in the Church and given to the young people was ordered to be forborn and instead thereof Bread to be given to the poor 3000 l. for Major General Langhern again ordered to be paid Debate again about the persons to be admitted to the Sacrament 500 l. ordered for the Assembly of whom many had their Livings sequestred by the King The Governour of Hereford promised the Club-men redress of their grievances and they went home shortly after the Governour having additional Forces sent out and plundered and killed divers of those Countreymen 3. Upon a Petition of the Mayor and Common Council of York an Ordinance was brought in for augmentation of the Ministers means in Yorkshire and the Northern Counties out of the Bishopricks of York Durham and the Deans and Chapters lands there A Declaration reciting P. Rupert's putting to death many Prisoners taken from the Parliaments Forces because they had served before in Ireland That if the like were done hereafter so many of his men taken Prisoners by the Parliament should answer the lives of the other The Committee of Accounts presented some accounts to the House and informed that their Sub-Committees in Rutlandshire and other Counties were discouraged by the County Committees which was referred to be examined and the Committee of Accounts had thanks given them An Ordinance passed for 1000 l. for Sir John Meldrum and for other monies Sir Thomas Fairfax went to Windsor where he appointed the general Rendezvous of his Army and caused Proclamation to be made in London that all his Officers and Souldiers should repair thither The Ordinance past both Houses for discharge of their Members from all Offices Military and Civil Waller's party was 8000 and Goring fell upon his quarters who forced him to retreat and pursued him 4. Mr. Gerrard readmitted into the House of Commons Huntingtonshire petitioned for a new Election of a Knight of the Shire in the place of Sir Sidney Mountague and a day was appointed for this and all other of the like nature Order about buying Horses for the Army whereby the State was couzened 2000 l. for the mutinous Horse that returned to obedience The Scots Commissioners desired to write into Scotland for the speedy advance of the Scots Army Southwards Orders for Money Mortarpieces and Fireworks for Abington and for Money for the Lancashire Forces 5. A Pass from both Houses for two Sons of the Lord Grey of Warke to travel beyond Seas The pay of 12 d. per diem more than ordinary allowed to 100 Troupers under Captain Knight who offered to find themselves Horses and Arms and to serve under Sir Tho. Fairfax Order for Captain Cannon to deliver the States Arms in his custody and if he refuse the Committee may imprison him Ordinance to put Hampshire into a posture of defence A party under Major Smithson fell on the King's Forces at Ridmore in Yorkshire killed four and took Captain Bainbrigge and forty seven Prisoners 7. Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax gave an account of his Army drawn together at Windsor and desires that Colonel Fleetwood's Regiment in Lincolnshire may be ordered to come to him and care taken of those parts this was referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms a Letter of thanks and encouragement was returned to Sir Tho. Fairfax At Reading five Regiments of the Earl of Essex his Army and five Companies of the Lord Roberts were drawn out into the Field and Major General Skippon in the head of each Regiment told them That it was the pleasure of the Parliament for the good of the Kingdom to have all their Armies reduced into one and that all ought to submit thereunto That such Officers who were left out should have a fortnights pay in hand and security for all their Arrears and the Parliament acknowledged their good service done and would be ready to shew them favour hereafter but at present had no occasion to employ them as formerly That such as were now taken on the service under that gallant person Sir Thomas Fairfax should be taken care of for all accommodations and that he as he had done would still adventure his life with them to the last drop of his blood All gave general Acclamations That they would live and die with Fairfax and Skippon and serve the Parliament and they were listed into several Regiments Many expected a great Mutiny upon this regulating of the old Army but it came off better than was expected and much therein was attributed to the prudence and gallantry of the Major General to whom the Commons sent a Letter of Thanks for this and his other good services Order for exchange of Sir John Harcourt a Member of the House for the Lord Brereton a Prisoner ofwar 2000 l. Ordinance for the discontented Horsesouldiers passed Another for associating the four Northern Counties with Yorkshire Debate touching some Officers of the Chancery and of the King's Revenue Captain Blundel with a party from Abington seised six Butts of good Canary carrying to Oxford and brought them to Abington After that within half a mile from Oxford he took several Horse-loads of Linnen-cloth and a Cart loaden with Sugar and Spicery-ware going to Oxford and brought them all to Abington A great affection was between the Horse and Foot of that Garrison that they would run out to assist one another The prizes of victuals grew dear at Oxford that the King intended to goe from thence Colonel Washburn with a party from Abington beat up the quarters of
were left out of the new Model should be equally provided for as the English Officers Order for Coat and Conduct money for those that were pressed for Souldiers Debate of non-admission to the Sacrament Letters from Gen. Leven certified that he had sent part of his Army to assist Sir William Brereton and would be ready to march Southwatds A Letter from Prince Rupert to the Earl of Essex in answer to his Letter touching the hanging up of the Parliaments prisoners full of haughtiness and that he would follow his own judgment without the Earl of Essex his advice Upon which the Commons ordered a Declaration to be drawn 24. Debate in a Grand Committee touching non-admission to the Sacrament An Ordinance past for pressing of Souldiers and that all repair to their Colours and none to depart from their Colours without licence and search for them that depart and to be punisht Letters from Abington certifie that Cromwel and others coming within a mile of Oxford hindred the King's remove towards Worcester Colonel West nominated by the Common-council to be Lieutenant of the Tower 25. Letters from Skippon informed that the discontented Horse came in and were reduced and promised faithful Service Ordinance committed for supply of the wants of Members of Parliament whose Estates were in the power of the Enemy Ordered that those late of the Lifeguard of the Earl of Essex shall have 3 s. a day above the allowance of a common Trouper and have Horse and Arms from the State and Sir Tho. Fairfax to appoint their Rendezvous This is to be one of the six Troups to attend the body of Sir Thomas Fairfax Ordinance for reimbursing monies raised for Sir William Brereton sent to the Lords and for other monies for Lancashire forces Ordinance past both Houses That none be admitted to preach but such as are ordained by this or some other reformed Church except persons permitted Colonel John Fiennes sent out a party near Newbury who took of the Enemy 17 Prisoners and Arms and all their Horse then they summoned Brocas House which the Enemy quitted and fled and Major Temple pursued and did executiou on them 26. The Mayor Aldermen and Common-council came into the House thanked them for the favour in admitting them to make choice of a Lieutenant of the Tower and presented Colonel West for that Service and desired care might be had of Gloucester and for bringing in the Arrears of London Colonel West was admitted Lieutenant of the Tower till further order of the Houses And an Ordinance to be brought in for raising a considerable force in Gloucestershire and for money to pay them Ordinance past for reimbursing monies for the Lifeguard Letters from Lieutenant General Cromwell informed that he had fallen upon a party of the King's Horse under the Earl of Northampton and part of the Queens Regiment near Oxford and took of them 400 horse 200 prisoners whereof many Officers and Gentlemen of quality and the Queens own Colours the rest fled to Bletchington where Colonel Windebank kept a Garrison for the King L. G. Cromwell pursued them thither and after some Treaty took the House also upon Articles and therein store of Arms and Ammunition and 72 horse more 28. After long debate the Commons resolved that the business of the Admiralty should be managed by Commissioners of both Houses consisting of three and those were the Earl of Warwick Mr. Bense and Mr. Pelham of the Commons House A thousand men of the King 's lost before Taunton and Col. Popham's House at Wellington being taken and the Siege of Taunton continuing very close it was ordered that Sir Thomas Fairfax and Skippon should advance into the West with the forces for relief of Taunton 8000 horse and foot and care taken for money and provisions for them Order for the Train of Artillery to be sent down to him A quarrel in Westminster-hall between Sir William Andrews and Col. Tyrrell informed to the House and that Tyrrell behaved himself discreetly in it he was called into the House and had their thanks for his carriage therein Sir William Andrews ordered to be taken into safe custody and when the House were not sitting Mr. Speaker was authorized to send his Warrants to prevent quarrels Letters from the North informed that the Scots were upon their march Southwards with 9000 foot and 3 Regiments of horse 29. Debate touching providing of Arms and Ammunition and 12000 l. allowed for it Sir Theodore Mayhernes Order to be discharged of Taxes was vacated The power of Marshal Law ordered to be given to persons in every County for suppressing and punishing of Insurrections Debauchery of some Officers of the Army occasioned an Order to Sir Tho. Fairfax That the Discipline of War be duly executed Lambeth Parsonage conferred on Mr. White one of the Assembly Two thousand pounds ordered for Taunton Proclamation for all Officers and Souldiers to repair to their Colours upon pain of cashiering for the Officers and death for the common Souldiers M. G. Brown with a party from Abington fell upon a party of the King 's near Farington took a Captain and other Officers and Souldiers Then upon Intelligence met with another party and took Col. Conquest M. Bamfield 3 Captains 3 Lieutenants and other prisoners Colonel Fiennes fell upon a party of the King 's near Witney and took from them 120 horse 3 Colours 40 prisoners and 50 Arms. L. G. Cromwell at Bampton Bush fell upon another party of the King 's surprized them all and took Col. Sir H. Vaughan 2 Lieutenant Colonels M. Lee 5 Captains 8 Lieutenants 8 Ensigns Dr. Dunse 20 Sergeants 230 Prisoners and Arms. May 1645. 1. Letters from Col. Massey certified that Prince Rupert with a party of about 6000 horse and foot intercepting his Scouts charged upon Massey into Ledbury who received him and beat his men back to a Retreat his horse made several charges till his foot got off 40 of the Prince's men were slain many of them Officers and the L. Hastings one That Massey lost about 7 men and some of the horse from the Countries not standing well to it the Enemy got in among the Foot and took divers prisoners whereof they sent a List to Massey of 110 but 80 of them were none of his men but country-people M. Bacchus was wounded and taken prisoner Major Harley wounded Captain Bayly and Captain Forster taken prisoners by the Prince's forces That Lydney House was fired and Sir John Winter left there 8 pieces of Ordnance An Ordnance ordered to be brought in for setling 1000 l. per annum upon Col. Massey for his gallant services for his life and 200 l. in present and a Letter of Thanks was sent to him The Resident of the States had a day appointed for his audience Debate touching non-admission to the Sacrament 2. The States Ambassadour had audience in the usual solemn way and he made demands for restitution of some ships taken
for 40 days notwithstanding the Self-denying Ordinance 7. The King's Forces under Goring Hopton Berkley and Greenvile and about 10000 in all joyned together the Forces at Taunton fought with them but being over powred with numbers and having lost many of their men they retreated into the Town where the King's Forces again besieged them Intelligence came that the Parliaments Forces at Pembroke beat off Gerrard's Forces that besieged them and routed his party Ordinance sent to the Lords for associating the Northern Counties Letters from Leicester informed that the Committee men and Scots there were not killed in cold bloud as was before reported but that the King's Forces killed divers who prayed Quarter and put divers women to the Sword and other women and children they turned naked into the streets and many they ravisht That they hanged Mr. Reynor and Mr. Sawer in cold bloud and at Wighton they murthred Mrs. Barlowes a Ministers wife and her children that in the storming of Leicester about 300 were slain on both sides and not more Order for exchange of Sir Rob. Pye for Colonel Tillier and others Sir T. Fairfax came to Newport Paganell Cromwel was by order coming up to him 9. Order for 500 l. to be raised by Coals for relief of the poor of Newcastle An Ordinance for Sir Tho. Peyton's fine to take off his sequestration Order for Captain Willoughby to Command Colonel Barker's Regiment Another to put Surrey into a posture of defence and for more Forces there and payment of the Garrison of Farnham sent up to the Lords An Ordinance passed for Sequestrations in Hampshire the money raised thereby to be imployed by the Committee for defence of that County Holland Ships taken by the Parliaments Navy and Order for a Declaration to the States about it Colonel Massey marched Westward The Common Council and others of London met and agreed voluntary Supplies and 4000 l. gathered for raising 1000 horse to joyn with Massey to relieve Taunton besides what the Parliament did send Sir Thomas Fairfax quartered at Brickhill thither Colonel Vermuden came to him with 2500 horse and Dragoons The Army was then 12500 besides Cromwel's Forces of 3000 foot and 1000 horse more drawing towards him The King was at Homeby-house four miles from Northampton and his Army marched towards Oxford Sir T. F. marched after him Upon the news of the two Armies being near one another Mr. William Lilly told one of his friends in London that If they did not engage before the 11. day of this month the Parliament would have the greatest Victory that they ever yet had and it proved accordingly as you will see by what follows The Scots Army were on their march Southwards as far as Borough-brigge but made no great haste till they saw what success the new Modelled Army would have 10. Letters from the chief Officers of Horse under Sir T. F. to the Parliament desiring that Colonel Cromwel might be Lieutenant General of the Horse under Sir Tho. Fairfax and after some debate the House ordered that Sir T. F. should appoint Cromwel to command the Horse under him as Lieutenant General if he thought fit Cromwel began to encrease in the favour of the people and of the Army and to grow great even to the envy of many Letters from the Committee of Kent of a Troup of horse and a Company of Dragoons raised by them to be under Massey for the relief of Taunton and had thanks for it The Ordinance for the Committee of Hampshire agreed unto An Ordinance past to impower Sir T. F. to press men for a month excepting Clergy-men Scholars and some others 100 l. ordered for Sir Robert Pye as a gratuity from the Parliament and in recompence of his losses at Leicester Sir T. F. and the King's forces were within six miles of each other Langdale's Regiment were in discontent near Leicester because they might not advance North-wards but the King quietted them with a promise that they should march thither within 15 days 11. Letters from Sir T. F. informing of his advance towards the Enemy and his resolution to engage them if they would stand the King's forces were about Daintree and they were there fortifying the Hills called Danes-hills The Commissioners in the Army sent for money and a months pay was ordered to be forthwith sent to the Army by the Committee of the Army Divers Officers left out of the new Army offered to list themselves as Reformadoes for relief of Taunton and the House ordered that such as should so list themselves should have a fifth part of their arrears paid them within a month after their advance and those that did not perform should forfeit all their arrears Informations against some Members of both Houses and Mr. Cranford a Minister committed for some words spoken by him in that business reference to a Committee to examine it Ordinance for 21000 l. for the Scots Army past and for 400 l. for Widows of Souldiers Letters from the West certified that Colonel Ingolesby fell upon the Enemies quarters near Taunton and slew divers considerable men Fasts in 12 Parishes to crave a blessing upon the Armies 12. Letters from Taunton That if Relief came not speedily to them they should be put unto great straits for Provisions and Ammunition they assured the House they never accepted of a parley from the Enemy but scorned it and they had left some Ammunition and resolved to feed upon their Horses they desired the House to take consideration of their condition and left all to God who they doubted not but would relieve them Orders for Letters to them That Relief should speedily come to them and what money they took up the House would pay and desired them to goe on in their vigilancy and valour and they should never want the encouragement of the Parliament Sir T. F. advanced near Tocester Three thousand Cattel driven by the King's forces towards Oxford which they had taken from the Countrey Letters from the North certified that the Scots were Southwards as far as Doncaster Letters written to Northampton Bedford and Bucks to bring in Provisions to Sir Tho. Fairfax his Army Ordinance for bringing in of money sent to the Lords Debate touching non admission to the Sacrament 13. Ordinance sent to the Lords to raise a Regiment of Dragoons for Taunton A Committee sent to the City to consider of raising a Months pay for the Scots Army Orders for exchange of Prisoners The Parliament forces sleighted the Garrisons of Cole-orton and Kirby and marched away 14. A Petition from the Scots Officers who had served the Parliament setting sorth their condition and want and praying to have money for their present necessity the House referred the auditing of their accounts to a Committee and to consider of some present Relief for them This was the day of the famous Battel at Naseby The King had drawn off from Borough-hill to Harborough purposing to march
King who had taken some of his men Major General Pointz wrote for supplies and five hundred Horse one thousand Dragoons were ordered to march forthwith to him Montross fled into the Mountains in Scotland and Lieutenant General Lesley pursued him Farlegh Castle in Somersetshire was surrendred by Colonel Hungerford to the Parliament Forces 4. The Composition of Sir John Borlace for his Delinquency was debated and not accepted by the House though two thousand four hundred pounds The House gave general Rules for Compositions Forces ordered to advance to Major General Pointz and to joyn with him One thousand pounds ordered for the Nottingham horse who fought gallantly at the late fight at Chester and other sums for other of his Forces Letters from Colonel Overton certified the surrender of Sandall Castle upon conditions to the Parliament with their Ordnance Arms and Ammunition 6. The Scots Army again ordered to be desired to sit down before Newarke and then to have thirty thousand pounds paid them Care for money for Lieutenant General Pointz his Forces Sir Thomas Fairfax advanced Westward Goring had about seven thousand horse well armed with Arms from France Votes for Compositions of Delinquents 7. Orders for money and recruits for the Army Letters brought by Mr. Peters from L. General Cromwell certified that after he had entred Winchester Town he summoned the Castle who denyed then he planted six Guns and after firing them round sent a second summons for a treaty which they refused that he made a breach with two hundred shot and then the Governour beat a Parley which was agreed to and Colonel Hammond and Major Harrison for Cromwell agreed upon Articles for surrender of the Castle Which was well manned with six hundred eighty horse and foot near two hundred Gentlemen Officers and their servants victualed with fifteen thousand weight of Cheese store of Wheat and Beer twenty Barrels of Powder seven peices of Connon The works exceeding strong eight hundred pound of Butter one hundred and forty quarters of Wheat and Meale seven thousand weight of Bisket great store of other Provision Arms and Ammunition The messenger of the good news had fifty pound given him An Ordinance read for borrowing forty thousand pound of the Gentry in London and Westminster and in the Adjacent Counties for pay of the Army and Orders for the recruits of it Mr. Peters was called in and made a particular Relation of the taking of Winchester Castle 8. Debate of the business of the Church Colonel Devereux Petitioned that he could not march to Major General Pointz according to the Orders for want of money and he was sent for up to the House Some papers from the King of Denmarke's Agent were received and laid by Orders touching Alderman Warner and about Compositions of Delinquents Votes That the General of the Scots Army in this Kingdom had no power to grant Commissions to any persons for raising Forces here That such Commissions were void and that no Englishman ought to take them Here the discontent towards the Scots began to grow among the Parliament men The King came to Newarke Colonel Web and Colonel Mainwaring with one thousand Horse and Dragoons joyned with L. G. Pointz Sir William Middleton and Lieutenant Colonel Mason fell upon a party of Prince Maurices horse in Montgomery-shire took Colonel Rowse other Officers twenty three Prisoners thirty horses and Arms. 9. The House ordered five hundred pound for Colonel Mitton in part of his Arears Order for a sequestred House for the Lord Mayor of London Intercepted Letters sent up by Major General Pointz Order for Forces to joyn with M. G. Pointz Ordinance sent up to the Lords for borrowing forty thousand pound of the Gentry c. Care for money for several Garrisons Lieutenant General Cromwell sate down before Basing-house and Colonel Pickering before Langford-house Major General Brown was chosen Burgess for Wicomb Longford house was deserted by the Garrison of the King Sir Thomas Fairfax advanced within twenty miles of Excester and Goring retreated further West The King went from Newarke over the Trent Colonel Rositer and Col Lidrot followed him 10. The House sate in a Grand Committee about the Scots papers and voted That the Scots Army not ingaging against the Enemy according to the desires of both Houses of Parliament was prejudicial to the Cause for which they desired their asistance with some other votes And thus the flame increased between them and the Parliament 11. The Grand Committee sate about the Scots Papers An Ordinance touching the Composition of the Earl of Devon Orders for money for Waggoners and for new Elections and for such as made their Compositions to pass their pardons under the Great Seal which was contrived by some of the Commissioners of the Great Seal 13. Debate about the Scots business and an Order for a Declaration to be drawn up for the clearing of all differences and preserving the Vnion of the two Kingdoms according to the Covenant And the House voted That if the Scots Army shall sit down before Newarke before the first of November next then thirty thousand pounds will be advanced for them They voted also in the business of one Mr. Case That the Scots Army had no power in this Kingdom to try an English-man by Marshall Law and that Mr Case Ought to have satisfaction herein Order for every Tuesday and Thursday weekly to be set apart to consider of Propositions of Peace The Ordinance past for forty thousand pounds for the Army Sir Thomas Fairfax by his Council of Warr resolved to block up the passages against Goring and to send forth parties to distrub him till Cromwell came up and then to proceed further The Scots Army were in the Bishoprick of Durham Pointz before Chester Rossiter attended the King's motions Wales generally declared for the Parliament Colonel Morgan took in Chepstow Town and besieged the Castle and upon refusing his summons planted his batteries made a Breach and then the Governour Colonel Fitz Morris yielded and left to Colonel Morgan seventeen peices of Ordnance store of Arms Ammunition and Provisions Sir Trevor Williams and divers Gentlemen of Glamorgan and Monmouth-shire raised fifteen hundred men for the Parliament 14. The Grand Committee sate about Propositions for Peace Letters from the King of Denmarke desiring to mediate a composure of the differences between the King and Parliament were considered and an order made That the same answer be returned to his Letters as was given to the King of France and to the States of Holland upon the like occasion Consideration of the difference between the Earl of Stamford and Sir Arthur Hesilrigge The Votes touching the Scots Army in the North and for their sitting down before Newarke sent to the Lords Orders for money for the Army and to discharge the promise of Sir Thomas Fairfax to his Souldiers that stormed Bridgwater of 6 l. and 10 s. a man and for
16. To establish the Declaration of both Kingdoms 30 June 1643. with the qualifications of exception from Pardon both English and Scots and the names of those made incapable of Office and such as have deserted the Parliament 17. To make void the Cessation in Ireland the War there to be left to the Parliament and the same Religion to be setled there as in England 18. The Militia and Tower of London to be in the Government of the City and their Charters to be confirmed 19. All grants and Process under the Great Seal here to be confirmed and all by any other Great Seal to be void and the like for Ireland and all Honours granted since the Cessation there to be void And all these particulars to be pass'd by several Acts of Parliament 14. Order for disposing and paying the Forces under Major General Massey Differences between the Soldiers and Towns-men of Exeter referred to a Committee to be composed and orders for pay of that Garrison Search ordered for Materials for coining in some Trunks The Commissioners set forth with the Propositions Letters informed that Montrill the French Agent came to New-Castle and brought letters from the Queen to the King advising him to make Peace upon any Terms at which the King was very joyfull That Montross desired liberty to go beyond Sea and that great levys of men were made in Scotland and the Garrisons of New-Castle Carlisle and Berwick re-inforced by the Scots who lay heavy upon Northumberland and the Bishoprick of Durham 15. An Ordinance committed for setling three hundred pound per An. on Mrs. Burghill whose Husband was slain in the Parliaments Service and upon their Heirs Upon Information of the Master of the Ceremonies an Order for the reception of the French Ambassador One Grady and Irish Rebels and other Papists apprehended and committed and orders for apprehending all of their condition and a day set for their departure out of London Orders for pay for several Forces The Kings answer to the Letters of both houses for delivery up of the Garrisons in Ireland into the the hands of such as the Parliament should appoint was read and was very General expressing great desires of Peace and that the Propositions for it might be speedily sent to him And that business being once well setled those Garrisons and all the rest of the Forces will be ordered for the publick good 16. Great complaints from Cumberland and Westmorland of the heavy pressures of the Scots Army Ragland Castle held out the Siege some of their Officers as M. Price and others were taken Prisoners by L. G. Morgan Major General Mitton Besieged Denbigh Castle Letters informed that the Rebels in Ireland were come within twenty miles of Dublin 17. Letters from Sir Tho. Fairfax gave an account to the House of the Treaty for surrender of Wallingford Castle and desired the direction of the House upon one Article insisted on by Col. Blagge That they might have no Oaths nor Covenants imposed upon them after the surrender The House ordered the General to continue his Siege of that Castle and would not allow of that Article Order that the Heads of Houses in Cambridge for bear cutting down of Timber in Colledg Lands till they had order from Parliament to do it An Ordinance sent up the Lords for fifty thousand pound for Ireland Monsieur Bellieure the French Ambassador was received in great State and usual Ceremonies in both Houses 18. A day of Thanksgiving appointed for the reducing of Oxford Litchfield was surrendred upon Articles to Sir Will. Brereton with all their Ordnance Arms and Ammunition 20 Montross demanded that his Son and the Gentleman with him might enjoy their liberty and Estates and he to go beyond Sea otherwise he resolved to hold out and not disband Letters informed great resort of Malignants English and Scots to the King The City of Worcester was agreed to be surrendred to the Parliament upon Articles 21. The day of publick thanksgiving for the surrender of Oxford 22. Debate of the French Ambassadors Message which was That he had in command from the Queen Regent and the King of France to interpose and endeavour a good reconciliation of the differences between his Majesty and the Parliament of England but seeing in what forwardness they were and the Propositions sent to his Majesty he had now nothing further to do but to take his leave and desired their Pass to go to the King and to the Estates of Scotland The Answer of the Parliament was That they took in good part and thankfully from the King of France his good affections and intentions to these Kingdoms and willingness to see their troubles over to end the which they had done and would continue to do their utmost But they could not agree that any Foraign State should interpose in the remaining Differences nor in particular the King of France by his extraordinary Ambassador And they agreed that he should have a Pass and be used with all respect and civility Mr. Herle voted to be Moderator of the Assembly Dr. Twist being dead Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax of the surrender of Worcester and thanks ordered to be sent to him and his Messenger had a gratuity Letters from the Northern Committees of the insupportable burden upon them by the Forces there and relief of those Counties A Letter from both Houses inviting the Duke of York to come to London Order for an Ordinance for the Government of North-Wales and for Committees there The Lords pass'd a Declaration for restraining Malignants from coming to the King 23. A Committee appointed to receive complaints against such as have been in Arms against the Parliament with power to imprison Order for re-imbursing Commissioners of Excise Some Forces of the Eastern Association met at St. Albans in a kind of mutiny the House ordered them to return to their several Counties Order for a new Election Goring House ordered for the Speaker The Ordinance for sale of Delinqueuts Estates sent up to the Lords 24. Letters informed the surrender of Wallingford with a Copy of the Articles Several Ordinances pass'd for Compositions by Delinquents Order for the slighting of all the Garrisons in Worcester-shire except Worcester City and all the Horse there to be disbanded except eighty to attend upon the High Sheriff An Ordinance appointed to be drawn for obedience to be yielded to Committees so long as they should be continued and no affronts to be offered to them or to any publique Officer Order for a Collection for the poor in the places in Devon-shire visited with the plague Order for all the Horse in Bucks to be reduced to eighty only 25. The House did not sit The Commissioners arrived with the propositions at New-Castle and the King seemed well pleased 27. The Houses sate not many Letters came from the Northern Counties of the Miseries and devouring Charge indured by them from the Scots Army and
King came to Sion and dined with his Children and removed to Hampton Court News of the Sudden death of Sir Philip Stapleton at Callis of the Plague 25. The Monthly Fast-day 26. Orders for a new Election and about the Excise and an Ordinance pass'd to make Mr. Langley Master of Pembroke Colledge in Oxford Referred to a Committee to consider what is fit to be done for the security of the Parliament when the Army shall withdraw A Petition of many Citizens in behalf of Lilburne referred to the Committee where Mr. Martin had the Chair Order to put off all private business for ten days In respect of the danger of infection the General was desired to give command to the Guards attending the House to keep the passages from Clamorous Women and to suffer none to disturb the House 27. The alterations in the Propositions for peace sent from the Lords to the Commons were with some other alterations made by the Commons agreed unto and returned to the Lords again who concurred in them and they were ordered to be communicated to the Scots Commissioners Debate touching the Election of Mr. D'oyley the House not satisfied but that he was within the Rule of those who by adhering to the Kings Party were uncapable to sit in Parliament 28. Letters from the General to the House That upon consideration of the present advantage that may be made through the goodness of God of the late success of their Forces in Ireland upon advice with his Council of War he finds that there will be in readiness six thousand Foot and two thousand Horse if they may have incouragement for the Service of Ireland He desires an effectual course may be taken for Moneys and Necessaries and to remove obstructions and saith he hath appointed a certain number of Officers to wait upon such as the House shall appoint to consult upon the whole business The General removed his Quarters to Putney and his Army into larger Quarters and further then before from London The Parliaments Commissioners went to the Army and had conference with the General and his Council of War touching the sending of Forces into Ireland and the General consulted about putting a guard of Citizens into the Tower and for guards for the Parliament The old Commissioners of the Militia of London met again The Common-Council sat about an Ordinance to be pass'd for calling in of clipped Money Col. Layton was committed Prisoner by the General Sir Robert Pye taken Prisoner by some of the Army was released again by the General 30. The Houses sat not but the Committee proceeded in the examination of the business touching the late Force put upon the Parliament An Ordinance pass'd both Houses for establishing the duty of Excise Letters from Col. Whaley that the King thought himself much wronged and abused by a Paper lately published as in his name intituled His Majesties Declaration which the King wholly disowne and dislikes and that to vindicate the King by discovering and punishing the Libeller would give great satisfaction to his Majesty That the King hunted in the great Park and dined with his Children at Syon c. 31. The day of thanksgiving for the Victory in Irland The Marquess of Ormond visited the King and afterwards visited the General at Putney and was received with great kindness The Council of War sat about sending the Forces into Ireland and about placing of Guards in the Tower and for Guards for the Houses September 1647. September 1. Letters ordered to the Commissioners in the Army to treat farther with the General and to expedite the sending away of Forces into Ireland and a Committee to consider of raising Money for them Debate about security for such as shall bring in Bullion and against transporting of it and for calling in clipt Silver Orders about stating the accounts of Officers and Soldiers and about Money for the maimed Soldiers and for Money for Plymouth Garrison Several Votes of both Houses about presenting the propositions of Peace to his Majesty Debate upon a Message from the Lords with a Letter from the Estates of Scotland and from the Scots Commissioners about the business of the Lord Lotherdale and the stay of Mr. Chiesely at Newcastle desiring reparations The Lords referred it to the Committee of both Kingdoms the Commons referred it to the Committee with the Army Col. Lilburne Governor of New-castle wrote a Letter to the States of Scotland excusing the stay of Mr. Chieseley at New-castle that he knew him not nor did Mr. Chiesely show any Pass from the Scots Commissioners or from Sir Thomas Fairfax and was stayed in the time when the Tumults were at London and intelligence of endeavours to engage a Party in Scotland against the Parliament of England but as soon as he knew who Mr. Chiesley was he discharged him freely 2. Both Houses passed the Ordinance for setling the Militia of London in the old hands and some of the Committee joyned with them They also pass'd a Declaration against the crowding of Soldiers and others at the doors of both Houses A Petition in the name of the Inhabitants of Bristol 1. For settlement of Peace and to prevent another War 2. To answer the Grievances of the Army and to Vindicate them 3. To preserve the just Rights and Liberties of the People from Tyramy 4. To free the People from unlawful Powers and endeavours to suppress their Petitions 5. To remove out of the House and places of Justice unfit and uncapable persons 6. That Faithful Persons may be trusted 7. For tenderness in imposing the Covenant 8. That tender Consciences may not be grieved 9. For an Act of Oblivion 10. For speedy tryal of Prisoners 11. Against long Imprisonments 12. To compassionate Widows and maimed Soldiers 13. That Accounts may be given 14. To find out a way that Suits of Law may be less chargeable and dilatory and the Laws in a less Volumn and in English The Petitioners were called in and told That the House could not approve of some things in their Petition but gave them thanks for their good affections Upon a Letter from the General Order for a Commission to determine differences in Jersey Both Houses agreed upon an answer to the Letter of the Scots Commissioners Vote That the works about London be demolished according to a Paper from the Army to ease the charge of maintaining and keeping them 3. Order That the propositions be presented to the King on Tuesday next by the Commissioners and that the ten days for receiving his Majesties answer be altered to six days Debate of making Col. Hammond Governor of the Isle of Wight and about an Ordinance for suppressing of scurrillous Pamphlets Mr. Bainton charged with signing a Warrant for raising Horse in the City to further the late tumults was suspended the House 4. The whole day spent upon the report concerning the late tumult and force upon the Parliament Voted That Summons be sent
provisions that they mutinyed crying out we shall be starved for two or three mens pleasures better it were that we should throw them over the Walls That they have taken away the Water from the Castle and that Poyer is in much danger of his own men that he endeavoured to Storm the Castle but the Ladders were too short and he lost some men That Poyer allows his men but half a Pound of Beef and as much Bread a day and hath promised not to hold out the Castle longer than the Town can hold out that he fired many Houses in the Town which much frighted them Letters from the leaguer before Colchester that the Parliaments Ships at Harwich took two Ships that lay to assist the King's Party at Colchester that they sent out Forces to assist their Ships but a Party from the leaguer fell on them and took fourty of them Prisoners that Lieutenant Gardiner was taken Prisoner by them That Sir Charles Lucas sent a Trumpet proposing an exchange of Prisoners but the General answered that Sir Charles Lucas had forfeited his parol his honor and faith being his Prisoner upon parol and therefore not capable of Command or trust in Martial affairs to this an answer and excuse was presently returned The Committee Sir William Masham and others under restraint in Colchester sent a Paper signed by them to the General Intreating him to enter into a Treaty for Peace and in the same Paper a line or two signed Norwich Arthur Capel Charles Lucas 21. Ordinance committed for setling the Presbyterian Government Additional Power given to the Committee who are to apprehend twenty of the King's Party in lieu of those detained in Colchester The Committee of Essex ordered to go down to Indeavour the securing of that County An Ordinance past for setling the Militia of Bristol and for a thousand Pounds for the fortifications and victualling of it Order for a demy-Culverin to be taken out of Arundell-Castle for the service of the Isle of Wight M r Doucet and others who indeavored the King's escape out of the Isle of Wight committed to Peter House Order for a thousand Musquets five hundred Case of Pistols with their furniture four thousand Pikes and five thousand Swords with ammunition for the Northern service Order for the Common Council to take care that at the Common hall for choosing of Sheriffs none be admitted but those of the Liveries Letters that those in Colchester are fortifying apace and getting in provisions and have imposed a fine upon the Town forcing all between sixteen and sixty years old to bear Arms and are preparing Horse and hand-Mills to grind their Corn. That the General began a work which his men maintained with great resolution that those in the Town sent a Trumpeter for a Treaty that they twice attempted the regaining of Marsy-Fort and Island but were beaten back that the Earl of Norwich perswades his men that London was plundered and that Langdale was coming with ten thousand men to fall upon the Generals Rear who was willing to draw off and had sent a Trumpet to the Town for that purpose The weather was strangely cold and rainy for this time of the year 22. Order for the General to proceed against Captain Vesey by Marshal Law he being a Captain of the Trained-bands in Essex that perswaded his Company to join with the Lord Goring and was since taken Prisoner by the General A Petition from the Contractors for sale of Bishops Lands touching obstructions in that business referred to the Committee of obstructions Debate of an Ordinance for setling the Militia of Westminster Ordinance past for discharging the Sequestration of Sir John Strangeways and his Son Debate of the State of the Navy and ordered that an Ordinance be brought in for Forty Thousand Pounds out of the Excise for the Navy Order for the Committee of the Army to pay two Thousand Five Hundred Pounds borrowed by them of the Committee of the Navy and that the Summers Fleet be fitted in order to the reducing of the revolted Ships Reference to the Committee of Derby-house to take care for the safety of the Isle of Wight both by land and Sea 23. Debate touching the Settlement of the Peace of the Kingdom and a Committee appointed to consider how far the Parliament have gone and what offers have been made by the King in order thereunto and what is fit further to be offered to him and of the place manner and circumstances relating to this business A question was proposed but not passed whether the King should be removed from Carisbrook Castle to Windsor Castle in order to a personal Treaty with both Kingdoms Order for Printing a Letter of Colonel Hamonds and a Charge by one Osborn against him and Captain Rolfe Order for the House to adjourn from every Friday till Tuesday after Letters from the Leaguer before Colchester that thirty Horse and forty Foot Sallied out of the Town to discover the new work that the General was making and were beaten back by fourteen of the Parliaments Musquetiers and that six Foot Souldiers went over the River and brought away six Cows whithin Pistol shot of the main work of the Town that some men were killed by the Cannon on both sides That the Suffolk Forces not being come up to the Leaguer the Enemy had free passage to Sir Harbottle Grimston's house at Bradfield Hall where they placed two hundred Musquetiers and two Troops of Horse and they sent a Summons to the Suffolk Forces at Cattaway Bridge That by Command of Sir Charles Lucas Commander in Chief of his Majesties Forces in Essex they desire to know the positive answer of the Suffolk men Whether they will declare themselves Enemies or not to those in Colchester who are come to preserve the Hundred from plunder and not to act any thing against those of Suffolk if they declare either to be friends or neuters and their intention to be only to secure their own County The General published a Proclamation that whereas he had offered liberty to all private Soldiers laying down their Arms and leaving the Party in Colchester to depart to their private homes and to be free from any violence of the Soldiers with conditions to persons of other Quality He Commands all his Officers and Soldiers to permit them so to do 24. Letters from Colchester Leaguer that the weather being extream wet some began to sally out of the Town but the Parliaments Soldiers and Horse of the Trained-bands notwithstanding the wet stood to their Arms with so much readiness and cheerfulness that the Cavaliers went in again That the Suffolk Forces made some scruple of marching out of their own County that the party in Sir Harbottle Grimston's house plundered it and turned out his Lady That the Suffolk Forces were come up to the Leaguer before Colchester two thousand Foot and five troops of Horse and had intrenched themselves before the East-gate and left
Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London visited and complemented his Excellence The Lord Lieutenant sate in Parliament and had the hearty thanks of the House for his great and faithful Services in Ireland Order for Letters to the Commissioners of the several Counties to hasten the collecting of the Assessement An Act passed to impower the Militia of London to raise 600 Horse An Act passed for the better Payment of Augmentations out of sequestred in propiations and Tithes An Account to the Parliament from Mr. Strickland their Agent in Holland and from Mr. Charles Vane their Agent in Portugal of their Transactions From Ireland of the taking two Ships with 500 Barrels of Powder bound for Lymerick That this Town hath sent two Aldermen forth to treat for its surrender That Kilmallock and another strong Place upon the news of Clonmel were quitted by the Enemy From Milford of Recruits shipping From Chester that Trecoghan holds out The Castle is much battered but the Place is reputed inaccessible That some of the Forces from Clonmel are attempting Catherlow That most of the Irish get to a head near Charlemont That Sir Luke Fitz-geralds Lady defends Trecoghan From Pendennis That there were 2 Dutch men of War with Commissions to take such Ostenders Jersimen and Scilly men and Irish men as had taken Ships belonging to their State 5 An Order from the G. forbidding any Souldiers to meddle with matter of title or holdding of Possessions From Plymouth of the Souldiers keeping a Fast day From Denbigh That the Commissioners for propagating the Gospel in Wales ejected many Malignant and Scandalous Ministers From Southamton of a Malignant Lancashire Minister who being cast out of his Living came and preached in those parts and endeavoured to promote the Princes Cause prophesying of his Legal Authority and the Glory of it and that he shall Govern this Nation with much more Glory than his Father did and that a great Plague should be this Summer 6 From Weymouth of a Fight at Sea close under Portland informed to be between one of the Parliaments Ships loaden with Amunition for the Fleet at Lisbon and 3 Irish men but who had the better of it they could not know From Coventry That C. Pride and his Regiment Quartering in the Town behaved themselves very civilly and orderly From the Fleet before Lisbon of a Designe by P. Rupert to fire the Admiral by sending a boat with 2 Negros and an English man in Portugese Habit under pretence to sel-Provisions to the Fleet and had a Device to have fired the Ship But the English man casting out by chance an English word they were suspected and apprehended the English man confessed all the business and that P. Rupert promised him 100 l. to effect it That P. Rupert standing on the Shoar to see this done when he perceived it was discovered and the men apprehended came to the Water side where some Seamen were filling Water and asked them who they were for they answered for the Parliament Whereupon the P. with his company calling them Doggs fell on them with Swords and Pistols killed 2 of them wounded 2 more and carryed away 3 of them Prisoners whom they keep in Chains and have killed and taken several other Seamen of the Parliaments Fleet there 7 From Dublyn That 120 of the Enemy came to relieve Trecoghan thinking by stealth to get over a Bogg but C. Hewson having notice of it sent out a Party of Horse and Foot who killed 60 of them and pursued the rest to a Bogg where they killed 16 of them and tooke 4 Prisoners That the Souldiers which were in Clonmel fled to Waterford and were there denyed entrance onely Hugh Boy Oneal and 2 or 3 more Commanders were admitted That the Plague is very hot there That the Parliaments Forces in the North recovered Tuum which was surrendred through the terrour of a Morter piece that made onely two Shots but none of the Shells lighted within 40 yards of the Place 8 From Edenburgh That Hamilton Calander Louderdale and other Lords are forbid to come into Scotland with the King That Calander offered submission to the Kirk but it would not do and he is to depart the Kingdom by a Day under pain of 100000 l. Scotch From Portugal That G. Blake had taken 5 of the K. of Portugal Ships loaden with rich Commodities from America and sent Word to the King that unless he will command P. Ruperts Fleet out from his River they will endeavour to seize upon the rest of his Fleet coming from America 10 From Berwick that the Parliament of Scotland sent a Letter to their King expressing their Affection to him and their rejoyceing at the Happy Agreement desiring him not to be discouraged at some seeming Obstacles as the Death of Montross c. they doing nothing therein but to accomplish his Interest That Hurrey and Spottswood were beheaded and an acknowledgement made That Spottswood a Bishops Son was one of those that murdered Dr. Dorislaus in Holland And that another Scots Man Prisoner now at Edenburgh was of his company That a French Marquess landed in the North of Scotland to assist Montross not knowing what was become of him but the Marquesse was secured and from him were taken many Letters from the King and from several Princes and great Men incouraging him in the business he had undertaken From York of a Fast Day kept there by the Officers and Souldiers and the like at New-castle From Dublin That Hewson from before Trecoghan writes that Ormond and all the Irish were drawing down towards them to raise the Seige and he sent for all the Horse of these Quarters G. Blake sent a Paper to the King of Portugal of the grievances declared to his Majesty by the Parliaments Fleet riding in the Bay of Wyers against Prince Rupert which themselves and others of their Nation had suffered and now desire Justice 11 The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland gave an Account to the House of the whole state of Affairs in Ireland in relation to their own Forces in Garrison and Field their present imployment and settlement and of the Forces of the Enemy and the Garrisons yet in their power He left Ireton his Deputy in Ireland to prosecute the Parliaments Interest there The L. Seaph Agent from the States of Holland had audience with great respect An Act passed for settling the Militia of Westminster in the same manner with that of London From Chester That Sir Charles Coot took from the Vlsters 2000 Cows That Sir Thomas Armstrong is come into Dublin with 250 Horse That the Lemster Army lay before Trecoghan and they were upon treaty of delivery That Ormond and Inchequin were come in and undertook that they and all the English and Brittish shall joyn with the Parliaments Forces against the Popish Army and they take 6 Months to make their Peace with the Parliament or to go beyond Seas That a strong Party of the Tories came
exercise and discharge of their Trust and we shall be ready in our places to yield them as becomes us our utmost Assistance to sit in safety for the improving present opportunity for setling and securing the peace and freedom of this Commonwealth praying for the presence and blessing of God upon their endeavours Signed by direction of the Lord Fleetwood and the Council of Officers of the Army Tho. Sandford Secretary May 6. 1659. â—ambert Berry Cooper Haslerigge Lilburn Ashfield Salmon Zanchey Kelsey Okey Blackwell Haynes Allen Packer and Pierson went to the old Speaker Lenthal with this Declaration to the Rolls and presented it to him and divers of the Members of the long Parliament came thither afterwards to advise with the Speaker and declared their willingness to meet again which they appointed to Morrow-morning in the Painted-Chamber 7. They met accordingly and in a body went together to the House Lambert guarding them with Souldiers Then they passed a Declaration touching their Meeting and their purpose to secure the Property and Liberty of the people both as Men and as Christians and that without a single Person Kingship or House of Peers and to uphold Magistracy and Ministry 8. A Sermon was Preached in the House by Dr. Owen 9. The House appointed a Committee of Safety most of them Souldiers except Vane and Scot and ordered that all Officers should be such as feared God and were faithfull to the Cause Letters of General Monk to Fleetwood of the Concurrence of the Army in Scotland with the Army at London Letters ordered to be sent to the particular Members of this Parliament to come and discharge their duty 11. An Act passed for the continuing of Sheriffs Justices of Peace c. in England and in Scotland and Ireland 12. An Address to the Parliament with their Desires in it from many in and about London and their Protestation to stand by this Parliament The like Address to this Parliament from the Officers of the Army These Passages gave the more hopes to many that this Parliament thus restored might be blessed of God for settling the Peace and Liberty of the Nation and the more because they were upon the first right foundation of that long Parliament which had done so great things and therefore divers were the better satisfied to go on with them 13. The Parliament named a Council of State and several Gentlemen not Members of the House were also of it their Names were as followeth Thomas Lord Fairfax M. G. Lambert Col J. Desborough Col. James Bury John Bradshaw Serjeant at Law Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper Sir Horatio Townsend Sir Arthur Haslerigge Sir Henry Vane L. G. Ludlow L. G. Fleetwood Major Salwey Col. Morley Mr. Scot Mr. Wallop Sir James Harrington Col. Wanton Col. Jo. Jones Col. Sydenham Col. Sydney Mr. Nevil Mr. Thomas Chaloner Colonel Downes Lord chief Justice St. John Col. Thompson Lord Commissioner Whitelocke Col. Dixwell Mr. Reynolds Josiah Barners Sir Archibold Johnson Sir Robert Honywood 14. An Act for a new Great Seal different from that whereof Fiennes L'Isle and Whitelocke were Commissioners and so their Office ceased 15. Newdigate Atkins Archer and Parker were made Judges and Easter Term was continued 16. An Act passed appointing Judges for Probate of Wills Applications from Mr. Nathaniel Bacon and his Brother about the payment of their Salary as Masters of the Requests to the Protector and Serjeant Lynne about his Arrears of his Salary Votes passed for Pay of the Army and Navy and for Sale of Whitehall and Somerset-house 17. Address to the Parliament from the Army in Scotland Right honourable THat a Nation may be born in a day is a truth which this days experience witnesseth unto us against all the dictates of humane Reason and that a glorious Cause whose Interest was laid low even in the dust should be in one day restored to its life and lustre when almost all the Asserters of it had so manifestly declined it by a defection of many years cannot be imputed to less than the greatest and most powerfull manifestation of the Arm of God that ever this or former Generations saw or heard of In the sense of this the greatest of our Temporal Mercies we now come to address to your Honours as those whose presence we have so long wanted that had you staid but a little longer it might have been left to be enquired what England was we mean what was become of that People by whom God for so many years filled the World with so much admiration and terrour But though this great Work be as most justly it ought to be wonderfull in our eyes yet when we consider its Author who calls things that are not as if they were bringeth down to the Pit and raiseth up again we see that nothing is difficult to Faith and the Promises of God are sure and stable even then when in the eye of man no less than impossible We cannot but acknowledge to our exceeding great sorrow and shame that our selves though we hope most of us through weakness and frailty not out of design have very much contributed to those Provocations which have caused God to depart from our Israel and we could hearâ—ily wish that even amongst those that help to make up your own number there had not been an helping hand to this sad and deplorable work But we see when God's hour is come and the time of his people's deliverance even the set time is at hand he cometh skipping over all the Mountains of sin and unworthiness that we daily cast in the way We are not willing to detain your Honours too long upon this subject and therefore besecching the God of all our Mercies to heal the backslidings of his people and not to charge unto their account in this his day of their deliverance their miscarriages whilst they were wandering in dark and slippery places after the imaginations of their own hearts we with all bumility and affection in the first place congratulate you in this your happy hestauration to the Government of these Nations which God was pleased once so to own in your hands as to make you both the praise and wonder of the Earth the glory and rejoycing of his People and the terrour of your Adversaries and we acknowledge it a singular condescention in you in this day of 〈◊〉 great difficulties to take upon you so heavy a burthen And sceing his late Highness hath been pleased to manifest so much self-denial and love to his Country in appearing for the Interest thereof against his own we humbly intreat that some speedy care may be taken for him and his family together with her Highness Dowager that there may be such an honourable Provision settled upon them and such other Dignities as are suitable to the former great Services of that Family to these Nations And in the next place we cannot but humbly beseech you now you
executed and the Soldiers committed great outrages Sir Randâ—l Crew Chief Justice not favouring the Loan was put out of his Place and Sir Nicholas Hide who drew the Dukes Answer in Parliament was preferred to be the Chief Justice The Bishop of Lineoln for speaking words against the Government and for countenancing Non-Conformists was complained of by Sir John Lamb and others and they Informed That Fasts were kept and Money Collected by the Puritans for the Palatinat and that the Bishop would not proceed against them The Bishop got a Copy of the Informations against him Bishop Laud was Jealous that Lincoln Endeavour'd to be reconciled to the Duke Six thousand English in service with the States were commanded thence under General Morgan to join with the King of Denmark Some who refused to lend Money to the King were forced to Serve in the Kings Ships then going forth and refusers in the Country were some of them Committed and the meaner sort pressed to serve as Soldiers Dr. Sibthorp published a Sermon Preached by him to Promote the Kings Affairs wherein he delivered his Opinion That the King might make Laws and do whatsoever pleaseth him Dr. Mainwaring Preached the same Divinity and highly against the power of Parliaments The Papists were forward in the Loan and the Puritans were Recusants in it Abount this time the Earl of Denbigh had one hundred Sayl of Ships under his command in our Seas but his Excellency having no Commission to Fight suffer'd divers English Vessels to be taken away by our Enemies in his view without Rescue by their Countrymen Some Ships taken for Prize being brought before him as Admiral it was wondred at that almost all of them were by him adjudged to be no Prize and so released but one Captain pursued a released Ship and took her again brought her to London and in the Admiralty she was adjudged Prize and he Enjoyed the benefit whatever the Earl of Denbigh did before Distastes and Jealousies were raised about the Government of the Queens Family wherein the King held himself traduced by some French Servants who said that the King bad nothing to do with them he being an Heretick The Queen was brought to Insist upon it as part of the Articles that She should name all Her Servants and some unkindness arose upon it The King was also distasted That her Priests made the Queen to walk to Tyburn on Pennance Upon these passages the King dismist and sent back into France all the Queens French retinue acquainting the French King with it and Excusing it to him but it was ill resented in France and by them held contrary to the Articles of Marriage The Jarring with France brake out to an open War which was fomented by an Abbot here in disfavour with Cardinal Richlieu to put an affront upon the Cardinal and Mr. Walter Mountague Endeavoured to further it and the pretence was to assist those of the Religion in France Our King took that ground and the denial of Count Mansfields Men to land in France and the influence of the Councils of the House of Austria upon those of France and the Imbargo of our Merchants Ships there sufficient causes for a War The Duke of Bucks is appointed Admiral and General of the Sea and Land Forces prepared against France And hath power to make Knights c. He comes before Rochel with one hundred Sayl of Ships and desires them to joyn with him in behalf of the Protestants in France but the Rochellers returning thanks to our King and to the Duke answered That they were bound by Vnion and Oath not to do any thing without the consent of the rest of the Religion The Duke was advised to land his Men at the Isle of Oleron which was weak and ill provided and not at the Isle of Rea which was strong and well provided but he altered his Design and Sailed to Rea and there landed Twelve hundred Men whom the French encountred but the English forced their way and all the Army was landed in the Island Yet did they not take their advantage against the French but suffered the Governor to have five days to recover his loss and to get in as he did new Forces and Provisions in the mean time the Duke published a Manifesto of the Causes of this War particularly the King of France his Imploying our Ships against Rochel contrary to his promise and agreement The Gentlemen here who refused to pay the Loan were confined into other Counties and in close Imprisonment and some of them in common Goals Sir John Elliot one of them in a Petition to the King sets forth the Illegality of the Loan or of any Tax without Parliament taking this way to Inform the King what his Councel did not and he alledgeth his Conscience not to submit to it and prays his liberty but could not obtain it Sir Peter Haiman another refuser was sent upon an Errand as far as the Palatinate The Arch-Bishop Abbot was suspended for refusing to licence Dr. Sibthorps Book a Sermon for Absolute Power and a Commission was granted to several Bishops to exercise the Archiepiscopal Jurisdiction Of all which proceedings touching himself the Archbishop left a grave and ingenious Narrative which may be read at large in Rushworths Collections Five of the Imprisoned Gentlemen by Habeas Corpus were brought to the Kings Bench and by their Councel Assigned took Exceptions to the Return for that it had not the cause of their Commitment but of their detainer in Prison per speciale Mandatum Regis which is no particular cause and the Law being most tender of the Subjects Liberty Noy Selden Brampston Calthrope and others who were of Councel for the Prisoners prayed they might be Released and Discharged Heath the Kings Attourney at another Day argued in Maintenance of the Return Hide chief Justice declared the Opinion of the Court That the Return was Positive and Absolute by the Kings special command and the signification of it by the Lords of the Council is only to inform the Court. And that the Habeas Corpus is not to return the Cause of the Imprisonment but of the detention in Prison that the matter of this Return is sufficient and the Court is not to examine the truth of the Return but must take it as it is So the Prisoners were Remaunded The Report of this Case may be found in Rushworths Collections Anno 1627 The King resolves to send supplies to the Isle of Rea and Souldiers and Mariners are press'd for that purpose but many of them not liking the business run away from their Conductors hereupon it was resolved by all the Judges That If one be retained to serve the King beyond Seas and press money deliver'd to him and by Indenture he be deliver'd to a Conductor to lead him to the Port where he is to be shipped and he run away from the Conductor that this it Felony by the Statutes 7 H. 7. ch
The day of the Assembly the Marquess his Commission was read and the next day a declaration and protestation was presented to the Commissioner in the name of the Archbishops and Bishops against the Assembly and containing a Nullity of it This was denyed to be read against which refusal The Commissioner entred a Protestation and took Instruments thereupon In the debate of Elections they left no man standing as a Commissioner who was not fully of their mind but the admission of Lay Elders past not without an high contest Many places protested against the Legality of their Session and the King having nominated six Lords of his Privy Council to be Assessors to his Commissioner in that Assembly they refused to entertain them or allow their suffrage affirming that If the King himself were present he should have but one Vote and that no negative one The Commissioner seeing no good likely to be done by continuing the Assembly and upon consultation the Council advising to dissolve it he went thither and caused a Paper to be read which was a Declaration the same in effect with the Proclamation discharging the Service Book Book of Canons c. After the Reading of it the Commissioner signed it and required it to be entred in the Books of the Assembly provided that the registring thereof be no approbation of the Lawfulness of the Assembly and protested that whatsoever should be done or said in it should not be obliging or reputed as an Act of a General Assembly The Commissioner assembled the Council to draw up a Proclamation for dissolving the Assembly which being agreed on was subscribed by all but the Earl of Argile who now began to shew himself for the Covenanters party The publishing of the Proclamation was Incountred with a Protestation of the Covenanters That is was lawful for them to continue the Assembly and that they would still adhere to all their former Protestations In pursuance hereof they presently declared six former General Assemblies which they thought would be against them to be null then they deprived all the Bishops and some they excommunicated and soon after they abolished Episcopacy it self as inconsistent with the Laws of that Church The Commissioner being returned in discontent for England the Covenanters began to levy Souldiers to impose Taxes to raise Fortifications to block up some and seise others of the King's Castles and to prepare for War This was the Fountain from whence our ensuing troubles did spring and therefore may deserve the larger Relation and tend the more to the full knowledge and understanding of our following story It was now 100 years since Calvin first set his foot into Geneva from whence the Bishop being expelled it was necessary to Institute some other Ecclesiastical Government Calvin being of great credit and esteem in that City the framing of this new Government was committed to his care he observing the civil state there to be Democratical he thought it must best suit therewith and with the liking of the People to frame the Ecclesiastical Government agreeable thereunto He therefore formed a Consistory of Elders a great part whereof were Lay men and they were to manage all matters Ecclesiastical This pleased the People of Geneva and some Entituled it to a Jus Divinum and it found good reception in the Gallican and Belgick Churches where it was generally setled The next design was to plant it in Britaine for which end Beza writes to Queen Elizabeth recommending this form to her as the onely thing to be desired in England ' s Reformation the Queen was loth to proscribe Episcopacy and to entertain this new model of Presbytery and therefore gave Beza his saying but not his desires and shortly after she and the Parliament whereof some Members inclined to this way were admonished in several treatises written and dedicated to them to abolish Episcopacy as Antichristian But the Queen and the Parliament stood fixed and could not be wrought to any unsettlement of the ancient discipline by Episcopacy In Scotland the new form prospered better for there about the year 1560. The Earl of Murray Prior of St. Andrews the Queen 's base Brother with his party Knox Buchanan and others gave such a shock to Popery as made every thing and by consequence Episcopacy which stood near it to Reel Yet in 20 years it could not be supplanted but it was gained upon by degrees first in an Assembly 1580. It was ordered that all Bishops on pain of Excommunication should resign up their offices and about three years after the Parliament the King being a minor annext their temporalties to the Crown of Scotland This was supposed to be Instigated from some of the Nobility and Ministers from England Whereupon the then Archbishop Whitgift by the Queen's command contrived three Articles in the late Canons to which all were to subscribe at their taking of holy orders 1. Acknowledging the Supremacy of the Queen 2. Professing conformity to the Book of Common Prayer and approbation of the Book of Ordering of Bishops Priests and Deacons 3. Assenting to the 39 Articles of the Church of England In Scotland the Hierarchy began somewhat to revive again by their Parliaments ratifying the Clergy as the third Estate 1584. But the other Party 1592. prevailed with that state to ratify their Discipline Thus Episcopacy and Presbytery took their turns of Government for about 30 years But about the year 1598. King James caused the Prelates in Scotland to be restored to their Votes in Parliament and in his Book Basilicon Doron he expressed no great affection to the Consistorian Government 1603. At his accession to the Crown of England he was urged by Petition of 1000 Ministers against Episcopacy but he slighted it and by several Acts of Parliament in Scotland he rescinded what had been formerly enacted there to the prejudice of Episcopacy and from that time till these commotions this year in Scotland the Presbyters did not appear in opposition In October Mary de Medices the Queen Mother of France came into England the people were generally discontented at her coming and at her followers which some observed to be the Sword or Pestilence and that her restless Spirit Imbroyled all where she came That her combining with Monsieur the Duke of Orleans and the ill success of that Enterprise made France too hot for her and drave her to Bruxells where the Cardinal Infanta carressed her a while but there she was pursued with such curses that for fear of violence to her person she quitted that Country and betook herself to the protection of the Prince of Orange where she stay'd not long but receiving an invitation from the Queen her daughter she repayred into England The King perceiving that the Scots intended nothing but War thought not fit to yield them the start but by advice of the Archbishop Laud and others he hastened his levies of men and money and because this was the Bishops War
Fortification at Leith and their meetings and Councils and inforce Subscription to the late Assembly at Glasgow contrary to the King's declaration they Brand those who had taken Arms for the King as Incendiaries and Traytors and null all the Acts of the College of Justice Matters being in this doubtful posture the King had little mind to see himself affronted and thought that these distempers might be better born and sooner quieted at a distance Therefore towards the latter end of July he returns to England This year was the great and strange Eruption of fire near the Ferrera Islands with a horrible noise and carrying a huge quantity of earth with it whereby became a new Island and continuing in burning The King being returned to London with his pacification the same was not well relished by many of his Subjects who held it dishonourable to him and to this nation especially having so brave an Army with him far exceeding the Covenanters forces both in Horse and Foot by whom he might have constrained them to reason but those who inclined to Presbytery or were discontented at some publick actions were the better pleased with this pacification August 6. According to the King's Direction the general Assembly â—ate at Edenburgh who abolished Episcopacy the 5 Articles of Perth the high Commission the Liturgy and the Book of Canons all this was assented to by the Earl of Trequayre the King 's new Commissioner The Marquess Hamilton having gotten himself out of this troublesome imployment The Assembly being risen the Parliament sate and highly debated about the choice of the Lords of the Articles in regard the Bishops were abolished The Ancient course was that the King first named eight Bishops they chose eight Noblemen who chose so many Barons and they the like number of Burgesses these thirty two with eight officers of the Crown made up fourty who were to consider upon such Articles as were to be brought to Parliament and this Committee were called Lords of the Articles The Commissioner demanded that the King instead of the eight Bishops whom he used to name might now in their place name eight Noblemen which for this time was consented to but voted that for the future every State should chuse their own Commissioner Anno 1639 Then they debated about constituting the third Estate and what to be brought in in lieu of the Bishops The Commissioner urged for the King to have 14 Laicks of such as were called Abbots and Priors to represent the third Estate but it was voted that the third Estate should be compleated by small Barons who represented the Commonalty Then they framed an Act rescissory touching the Exchequer Judicatory Proxies and Ward-Lands to the displeasure of the King who apprehending them to indeavour a new form of Government and to eclipse his Regal Power order'd his Commissioner to prorogue them Which being signified to the Parliament they made a Declaration that this Prorogation was of no force in Law being without consent of the Parliament that they might justify their continuance of sitting but in regard to his Majesty they would only at present make a Remonstrance to him of the reasons of their Propositions and Proceedings after which if their Enemies should prevaile by false suggestions that then it should not be to them an imputation that they were constrain'd to take such course as might best secure the Kirk and Kingdom from the extremity of Confusion and Misery Their Deputies the Earl of Dunferlin and the Lord Loudon came to the King with this Remonstrance and there was come the Earl of Trequayre the King's Commissioner a Committee of the Council heard both Parts and many passionate Expressions and Recriminations between them The Deputies justified the Acts of the Assembly and Parliament and desired they might be ratified the which the Committee thought not fit to be done as lessening the Sovereign Authority and that there was no way but by force to reduce the Covenanters The Scots had delivered a Paper to some of the English Lords intituled some Conditions of His Majestie 's Treaty with His Subjects of Scotland before the English Nobility The Privy Council judging this Paper to be false and scandalous to his Majesty and the late Pacification were suitors to His Majesty that it might be burnt by the hand of the Hangman and all Copies of it to be brought in for which a Proclamation was issued The Spanish Fleet of about 70 Saile bound for Dunkirke with recruits of Men and Money met with some of the Holland Fleet and sank two of them the rest made to Dunkirke where the Holland Admiral lay who came forth with his Fleet and joyning together betwixt Dover and Callice attacked the Spanish Fleet took two of their Gallions sunk another and shatter'd the rest though but 25 Saile and the Spaniard's 60 and having forced them upon the English Coast near Dover the Dutch fell off to Sea not willing to attempt any thing against the Spaniard within the Dominions of the King of England The Spanish Resident in London importuned the King to keep off the Hollanders for two Tides the Dutch Ambassador made application to him against the Spaniards the King in amity with both resolved to stand newter and forbids His Subjects to transport any of the Spaniards to Dunkirke but their Admiral by night conveyed away 14 Dunkirke Ships and 4000 men in them The King sent the Earl of Arundel on Board the Spanish Admiral Don Antonio D' oquendo to desire him to retreat upon the next fair Wind because he would not have any Ingagement upon His Seas but the Wind continued long contrary and the Dutch had great Supplies wherewith they encompassed their Enemies within Pistol-shot for some days At length Van Trump the Dutch Admiral ingaged them and by Cannon and Fire-ships forced them to cut their Cables and of 53 Spanish Ships 23 ran on shoar and stranded in the Downs of which three were burnt two sunk and two perished on the shoar the rest were manned by the English to save them from the Dutch With the other 30 Ships Don Oquendo put to Sea where in a Fogg the Dutch again ingaged them fired the Admiral of Portugal took 11 of their Ships three were lost upon the Coast of France one near Dover five sunk in the Fight and onely 10 escaped with their Admiral Oquendo into Dunkirke This Armado was believed by many to have been designed for an Invasion of England and many Discourses pro and con were vented about it The Prince Elector came into England by advice of the Prince of Orange to solicite his Uncle to procure him the command of the Army of Duke Bernard who was lately dead the King desired the French Ambassadour to move it to his Master who willingly undertook it and that Cardinal Richlieu would be ready to further it In the mean time the Prince by ill advice passed through France in disguise to
next day he was accused before the Lords but he got up earlier gave them the slip and escaped into Holland The House of Commons upon debate of the Inconveniences by the intermission of Parliaments they appointed a Committee to bring in a Bill for a Triennial Parliament This Committee met often and was much frequented by all the Grandees of the House then in most repute after diverse and great debates and consultations they agreed upon the frame of a Bill as the same is extant The King taking notice thereof and of the many Petitions from several Counties subscribed with multitudes of hands and presented by great numbers of people and all the Petitions mentioning the late exorbitances and concluding for frequent Parliaments and against the Hierarchy of the Bishops The King being informed thereof and mistrusting the Inclination of the Parliament speaks to both Houses Of their slow Proceedings and the Inconveniences thereby in maintaining two Armies in the Kingdom at excessive charges and of the weakness of his Navy and Forts He takes notice of the strange Petitions from Counties against the established Government of the Church tells them He makes a difference between Reformation and Alteration of Government that he is for the first but not for the latter He will not say but that the Bishops may have over-stretched their power and incroached upon the Temporal If they will reform the Abuse he is with them he will consent to take away some temporal authority if they have any inconvenient to the State and not necessary to the support of Episcopacy But he cannot consent to the taking away their Voice in Parliament which they have so anciently enjoyed even before the Conquest and since and which he conceives he is bound to maintain as one of the fundamental Institutions of this Kingdom He wishes them to eschew another Rock upon the Bill for frequent Parliaments which he likes well but to give power to Sheriffs Constables and he knows not whom to doe his Office that he cannot yield unto The King had reprieved one Goodman a Priest who was condemned at the Old Baily the Commons desire the Lords concurrence and both Houses Remonstrate to the King the danger thereof in these times and the increase of Popery and boldness of Papists in resorting to Mass in London the King leaveth him to the Parliament The Treaty with the Scots Commissioners proceeded at London and their Demands were in effect all yeilded unto Upon their Seventh Demand from the Justice and kindness of the Kingdom of Reparation for their Losses and Charges a long Debate was in the House of Commons about framing the Words of the Question and the stating of it The Question stated was to give them Three hundred thousand pounds as a brotherly assistance towards their charges and losses The House commanded Mr. Speaker to write to the City of London to advance Sixty thousand pounds upon Security out of the next Subsidies which was done accordingly and several other Sums were advanced by them upon Security of the House for supply of the King's Army and providing for the Northern Counties The Dutch Ambassadour here made an Overture of a Marriage between William the young Prince of Orange and the King 's eldest Daughter the Princess Mary to which the King was well inclined but as his Condition then stood he thought fit to acquaint the Parliament with it which he did in a Speech to the House of Lords and That he thought the Alliance with the Prince and the Vnited Provinces would be of much Advantage to this Kingdom and shewed his Reasons for it The Proposition was generally affected and imbraced by all the People and without fears or jealousies upon our Liberties or Religion and was soon concluded The House of Commons sent up a Message to the Lords to acquaint them that the Commons were informed of a great Design of the Papists an Army of Fifteen thousand in Lancashire and Eight thousand in Ireland well Armed and in Pay raised by the Earls of Strafford and of Worcester this gave occasion for many other Petitions but nothing was made out of the Rumour thereof February 13 1640. Sir Robert Berkley one of the Judges of the King's Bench who gave his Opinion for Ship-money was Impeached by the Commons of High Treason in the Lords House and by their Command Maxwell the Usher of the Black Rod came to the King's Bench when the Judges were sitting took Judge Berkley from off the Bench and carried him away to Prison which struck a great terrour in the rest of his Brethren then sitting in Westminster-hall and in all his Profession This Judge was a very learned man in our Laws and a good Orator and Judge moderate in his ways except his desires of the Court-favour He redeemed himself afterwards by supplying the Parliaments Occasions with Ten thousand pounds and ended his days in a private Retirement Yet not without considerable gains by his Chamber-practice and left a plentiful Fortune to his Family The Committee for the Bill of the triennial Parliament had taken a great deal of pains in the framing of it and it being past both Houses the King was not without some Difficulty as it was reported perswaded to give the Royal Assent to it which he did in his Speech to both Houses setting sorth His Confidence thereby in them and in their future Proceedings and the favour he now did to his Subjects The King then also passed the Bill of Subsidies and both Houses by the Lord Keeper Littleton returned their humble thanks to his Majesty and by their Order were Bonefires and Bell-ringing signs of Joy throughout the City Mr. Pym was sent from the House of Commmons to the Lords with the charge of High Treason against the Archbishop Laud who was thereupon committed to the Tower Articles of Particulars against Episcopal Government were presented to the House of Commons annexed to some Petitions and being read in the House were referred to a Committee The Lord Digby spake smartly against them and for Episcopacy but not many others were very eager for them The Commons the tenth of March Voted That no Bishop shall have any Vote in Parliament nor any Judicial power in the Star-chamber nor bear any Authority in Temporal Matters and that no Clergy-man shall be in Commission of the Peace The King of Spain was brought low by the Defection of Catalonia Portugal and part of the Indies the loss of Arras and his ill Successes in Italy besides the approach of the Swedish War to the back of the Danube but this year was very fortunate to the French The Spaniards ill Success was attributed to the ill management of Affairs by the Conde de Olivarez his Favourite hated by the People as is usual And the good Successes of the French were attributed to the prudence of their Cardinal Richlieu He Invites the Duke of Lorrain to Paris where he was highly caressed but
into the hands of Members of both Houses the question was put whether that question should be put or not and carried in the Negative Voted That it should be disposed into hands of three Commissioners That the Members of both Houses late Commissioners of the great Seal as a token of Favour from the Parliament and Kingdom should have a thousand pound bestowed on them for all their faithful Services That the Earl of Salisbury one of the late Commissioners should have the thanks of the House That the Members of the Commons late Commissioners of the Seal should have the priviledge to plead within the Bar next to the Sollicitor General of the King An Ordinance voted to be brought in for setling five thousand pounds per An. upon Sir Thomas Fairfax and his Heirs Many Aldermen and Common Council-men of London desired to know the pleasure of the House whether the Works about the City should be slighted or not and if not then they desired twelve thousand pounds for the Maintainance of them the House appointed the Committee of the Army to treat with the Militia of London about it Letters informed that the Popish Clergy at Waterford have pronounced the supreme Council at Kilkenny to be perjured for agreeing to the Peace and proceed to excommunicate them 2. The House sate in a Grand Committee till seven at night upon the Ordinance for disposing of Bishops Lands 3 Private Petitions heard Order for two thousand pounds for the Officers and Garrison of Dover and for payment of the debts of the State to some Handy-crafts men and for two thousand pound for Col. Sandersons Regiment upon their disbanding Order for seizing upon a new Impression of the Common-Prayer Referred to a Committee to find out the Author and Printer of a Pamphlet called Yet another word to the Wise that they may be punished 5. Ordinance for setling two hundred pound per An. on Mr. Hugh Peters Order for a new Election The Negotiations of some Captains of the Parliaments Ships with the Marquess of Ormond confirmed as to lending to him Arms and Ammunition against the Rebels and order for Letters of thanks to Captain Willoughby one of those Captaius Orders for supplys for Ireland Ordinance sent up to the Lords for sale of Bishops Lands Treasurers and Trustees for it named Letters informed That the Estates of Scotland had fully agreed to the Scots Army marching out of England and the Garrisons to be delivered up upon payment of the two hundred thousand pound as was agreed The Irish Rebels drew their Forces towards Dublin and the Marquess of Ormond prepared for defence Col. Bethel was called into the House and had their thanks for his good Services Beaumarice Castle in Anglesey was surrendred to the use of the Parliament upon Articles Order that all Commissions made to Sea Captains which were as from the King and Parliament which some of them interpreted to the prejudice of the Parliaments Service should be altered and made in the name of the Parliament only Order for Money out of Delinquents Estates in Wilts for disbanding the Forces there The Confession of Faith brought in from the Assembly debated Order for one thousand seven hundred pound out of Delinquents Estates in Lincoln-shire to be paid to the Earl of Lincolne which he had disbursed for the Parliaments Service A French Pyrat taken by the Parliaments Ships The Irish Rebels prevailed A Conference by the Committee of Lords and Commons with the Scots Commissioners about disposing of the Kings Person 7. Upon Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax for Pay and Cloathing for the Army Ordered that the Assesment be continued for six Months longer for the pay of them Order for three pound a week for maintenance of the Widow and Children of Mr. Franklyn a Member of the House that dyed a Prisoner to the Kings Party and that the Arrears of M. Franklyn be computed and paid Order for hastning the payment of ten thousand pound to the poor Widows and for relief of Tenants whose Land-lords were of the Kings Party For supplys for the Northern Forces 8. Composition of the Lord Savile allowed and out of it a thousand pound was ordered for the Widow and Children of Captain Askwith who laid out nine hundred and sixty pound in raising a Troop of Horse for the Parliament Votes That Sir Rowland Wandesford Sir Tho. Beddingfield and Mr. Jo. Bradshaw be Commissioners of the great Seal for six Months sent up to the Lords 9. Progress upon the Articles of Faith Votes of both Houses that Captain Pen be Captain of the Assurance Frigot The Committee of both Houses debated with the Scots Commissioners about disposing of the Kings Person An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for four hundred pound for the poor Irish Protestants here The Lords desired the concurrence of the Commons in the Ordinance for dissolving of all Countrey Committees 10. Debate upon the Accounts of Sir Will. Brereton as Major General and a Committee named to consider of the pay of ten pound per diem to every Major General and of their incident charges and of the free quarter and provisions taken by them They ordered five thousand pound to Sir Will. Brereton out of such Delinquents Estates not yet compounded for as he should nominate Order that the Tax of one per cent for Plymouth shall continue till January 1 and no longer Vote for a Balleting box to be made 12. Report of seven Ordinances drawn out of the Propositions for Peace 1. For justifying and confirming the Proceedings of Parliament 2. For setling the Militia of England and Ireland in the Parliament for twenty Years 3. For confirming the Treaty with Scotland 4. For making void all Titles under the great Seal after it was carried away 5. For confirming the present great Seal and all Acts done thereby 6. For making void the Irish Cessation 7. For disposing Offices by consent of Parliament All these except that of the Militia and Scots Treaty pass'd and sent upto the Lords An Ordinance appointed to be drawn to injoyn all to take the Covenant Order touching Compositions of Delinquents A Malignant chosen Major of Berwick sent for and the old Major continued A Petition of many Officers and Soldiers of the Parliaments That they may not be prosecuted at Law for things done by them in the war and as Soldiers upon sundry Exigencies Conference about disposing of the Person of the King A Committee appointed to treat with the Commissioners come from the Marquess of Ormond The French Ambassador and Agent were with the King at Newcastle The Plague broke forth there brought from London Letters informed that divers Inhabitants of Northumberland had left their habitations by reason of the oppression by the Soldiers quartered with them 13. The Lords concurred to the Ordinance for sale of Bishops Lands for advance of two hundred thousand pounds for the Scots Army and to take away the power of Committees for disposing
of this business and had a hundred pound given him Sir Robert Pye and his Officers had thanks and pay for bringing off his Troop for Ireland the like for Col. Grave's Regiment and for other Officers and Soldiers and Quarters assigned them The Ordinance for further Indemnity and the Declaration to recall the former Declaration against the Army-pass'd the Commons Order for ten thousand pound for Soldiers late in Service The Lords agreed to the Votes concerning the Army Order for all the Members of the House forthwith to attend At a Conference between the Scots Commissioners and the Committee of both Houses the Lord Dumferling acquainted them that the King commanded him to tell them that his Majesty was unwillingly taken away by a Party of the Army and that he desired both Houses to maintain the Laws of the Land and that though his Majesty might sign many things in this condition yet he would not have them believed till further notice from him Upon occasion of this and other urgent business the House ordered to sit to morrow though the Lords day after four a clock and that Mr. Marshal be desired to pray with them Letters from the Army that the Rendezvous was held near Bury seven Regiments of Foot and six of Horse appeared Col. Whaley's Regiment was dispatched to Holmeby upon intelligence of the Party of the Army marched thither and the General sent to the Parliament the grounds of the Soldiers undertaking of themselves the business of Holmeby which they sent to the General which were That they had intimation of a design which they were able to make good of some to surprize him Col. Graves was discharged from that imployment at Holmeby and Col. Whaley in his place At the Rendezvous a Petition in the name of the Soldiery of the Army was presented to the General to this effect That they could not be satisfied with their Arrears or other returns unless they had assurance that their Enemies might not be their Judges for the future The General went to every Regiment and expressed to them that the Parliament took notice of their Civil and fair demeanour and had taken a course to satisfie their Arrears and doubted not but they would answer their other grievances advised them to moderation and discretion and not to fall into any mutinous expressions against the Parliament The Soldiers entertained him with shouts and acclamations 6. After Evening Sermon this Lords-day the House met and aftere Prayer by Mr. Marshall they fell upon the business of the Army And a Letter from the General was Read To know the pleasure of the Houses-concerning the disposal of the Kings person and the reasons given by the Souldiers for fetching him from Holmeby and the further Petition from the Souldiers of the Army Letters informed That the King asked the Troopers that brought him from Holmeby What Commission they had for so doing Cornet Joyce who Commanded them answered That His Majesty saw their Commission the King replyed That it had the fairest Frotispiece of any that he ever saw being five hundred proper men on Horseback Collonel Whaley was sent to stay the King where ever he finds him His Majesty was used with all Civility but kept with a Guard as formerly The Souldiers Petitioned the General to Cashiere such Officers as went about to divide the Army Collonel Lilburnes Regiment Cashiered some of their Officers because they Voted contrary to the rest 7. Letters from the General of the Souldiers bringing His Majesty from Holmeby and he would be at New-Market the next day and the ground of the Souldiers doing it as before That he sent Collonel Whaley and two other Regiments towards the King to secure him Whaley Certified that the King was come within four Miles of Cambridg and not willing to return to Holmeby the General sent to the Commissioners to desire them to return to Holmeby but they refused to act concerning disposing the King The General professeth that this remove was without the desire or privity of him or the body of the Army A Guard upon the King by Collonel Whaley and the General protests his resolution and the Armies to study to settle peace and the just liberties of the people and the Parliaments speedy application to these will further the Disbanding of the Army whose sence is clear from opposing Presbytery or have Independent Government set up or to hold a licentiousness in Religion but to leave all to the wisdom of the Parliament Vote to send down new Commissioners to the Army to acquaint them what the Parliament had done in satisfaction of their desires and to persuade them to a compliance with the Parliament the Lords concurred the Commissioners were the Earl of Nottingham Lord De la Ware Sir Henry Vane Jun. Skippon Scowen and Mr. Porey who went away this day Mr. Marshall and Mr. Carry discharged from attendance upon the Commissioners with the King Order for a Fast for the House only and in the House the Lords did the like Debate about the Vote of the Lords to remove His Majesty to Oatlands and resolved in the Negative The large Act of Indemnity past Leave to the Earl of Dumferling to go into France The Lords Ordered the Committee of Derby-House to take care for the security of the Parliament Letters informed a great defeat given by Sir Charles Coot to the Rebels in Ireland one thousand of them slain 8. Petition of London commanded by the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common-Councel That all honourable means may be used to avoid shedding of more blood to give just satisfaction to the Army That the Covenant may be kept and His Majesties person preserved and both Parliaments have access to him and that Ireland may be relieved and to renew an Ordinance to suppress Tumults and prevent danger to the Parliament and City A Committee named to bring in an Ordinance according to the desire of the Petitioners and they had the heartiest thanks that the House could express for their constant affections to the Parliament and for providing Guards so seasonably for the safety of the Parliament and the continuance of their care desired Both Houses passed the Ordinance for making void the former Declaration against the Army and another for Recreation of Scholars Apprentices and Servants A very rude Address was made to the House by Reformadoes and Common Souldiers within the Line who blockt up the House door about two hours and would let no Member pass till the House granted them all their Arrears The House were in a sort forced to Order their Accompts to be stated and ten thousand pounds more than formerly added for their payment Orders for some Members to go to the States Ambassadours to excuse any mistakes and to desire the Unity and Affection of both Nations Another for three hundred pounds for the Commissioners going down to the Army and for Mr. Thomas Goodwyn to go with them That the Militia be desired to send down a
answer for the Life of Dr. Dorislaus The Parliaments Ships brought in Provisions to Dublin The Mutineers taken at Burford were by a Councel of War sentenced to die 19 Divers Delinquents complained of the greatness of their Fines and referred to the Committee of Goldsmiths-Hall Divers of the Mutineers at Burford were shot to death Tomsons Brother was penitent others dyed desperately Upon the penitence of them craving Mercy and acknowledging their Fault Cromwel brought them word from the General that only every 10th man should die Their chief Leader Tomson got Possession of Northampton and of the Ordnance Ammunition Provisions and Mony there with 2. Troops of Horse and some Levellers out of the Country came in to him 21 Letters from the General that Thomson being gone from Northampton to a Town near Wellingborow M. Butler was sent with a select Party of Horse to pursue him who fell into his Quarters and took his Men and Thompson himself escaped to a Wood Butler pursued beset the Wood and sent a Party into it where they found Thomson He was well mounted and though alone yet he desperately rode up to Butlers Party shot a Cornet and wounded another and then retreated to a Bush having received two Shots himself When the Party began again to draw near to him he charged again with his Pistol and received another Shot and retreated the third time he came up saying he scorned to take Quarter and then a Corporal with a Carabine charged with seven Bullets gave him his Deaths Wound that the Lieutenant of an Oxfordshire Troop was likewise slain Order for the Commissioners of the Seal to issue out Commissions of Oyer and Terminer to fit Persons in Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire for Tryal of the Persons taken in the late Rebellion Order that the Councel of State the Lord Major and the Justices of Peace and Officers of the Militia in London and Westminster do take care for appreh ending such as were in the late Rebellion and that the Attorney General prepare a Proclamation for the apprehending of them in the several Counties The Pension of 500 l. per annum to the Earl of Nottingham ordered to be continued and by the means of Sir Arthur Haselrigge and Whitelock the Countess his Wife had the other 500 l. per annum ordered for her An Act past for draining the great Level of the Fennes Salary of 4000 l. per annum to Dr. Gourdon as Master of the Mint A Declaration published of the Parliaments ill Resentment of the horrid Murder perpetrated on the Body of Isaac Dorislaus Dr. of the Laws their Resident at the Hague An Act published declaring and constituting the People of England to be a Commonwealth and Free State Letters from Scotland that Lieutenant General David Lesley defeated those in the North of Scotland for which a day of thanksgiving was appointed and for the General Deliverances and Successes expressed in a Declaration That a Plot of a new Rebellion and to kill the Marquess of Argyle and the L. Burlegh in St. Johns Town was discovered by one of their own Party and divers of the Conspirators taken and executed Letters from Portsmouth that the Levellers began to appear in those Parts and in Devonshire but the Army Soldiers whom they expected to joyn with them were readier to fight against them 22 Order for a Letter to be sent from this Parliament to the Parliament of Scotland for a right understanding and firm League and Amity between the two Nations and that Commissioners of both Parts may meet and treat for that purpose Referred to the Committee of the Army to prepare Copies of the Act touching free Quarter to be sent to every Regiment of the Army with a Letter to the General to cause it to be observed Order for the Committee of Haberdashers-Hall to have power to give Oaths to Witnesses and for an Act to impower all Committees to do the like Upon Mr. Mabbols Desire and Reasons against licencing of Books to be printed he was dicharged of that Imployment The General and Lieutenant General and other Officers of the Army were solemnly welcomed and highly feasted at Oxford and the Proctor Zanchey presented the General and Lieutenant General Drs. of Laws and other Officers Masters of Arts and divers learned and congratulatory Speeches were made to them by the Vice-Chancellor the Proctors and other Heads and Officers of the University 23 Several Votes of the Committee at Goldsmiths-Hall touching Delinquents and their Compositions confirmed by the House and ordered to be Printed Upon a Letter from the General for a Lecture to be set up in Oxford and for Dr. Renolds Mr. Carrol and Mr. Thomas Goodwyn to be Lecturers there referred to the Committtee of Oxford to have it done Visitors added for the University of Oxford Upon a Report from the Councel of State referred to them to take care for repairing the Castles of Sandown Deal and Wymere Some Mariners that revolted and since were taken by the Parliaments Ships were tryed by a Councel of Sea Officers and executed Letters from the Hague of great Preparations for the new King of Scotland to go to Sea that Montross is to go for Scotland and to have such Forces as Germany Sweden and Denmark afford 24 Upon the Desire of the Towns of Sarum Pool and the County of Devon who had advanced considerable Summs for the Parliament Order that they might double those Sums in the purchase of Deans and Chapters Lands Order for the D. of Glocester and the Lady Elizabeth the late Kings Children to be under the tuition of the Countess of Carlisle and 3000 l. per annum allowed for their Maintainance Order for Repayment of Mony lent by the City for carrying on the Treaty Order for 3 pence per pound Salary for the Trustees for sale of Bishops Lands Order that the Speaker writing to Forraign States should stile himself William Lental Speaker of the Parliament of England A Committee named to peruse the Orders of the House after they should be drawn up and to see that they should be rightly entred A Provost Marshal appointed with power to seize upon Malignants and disaffected Persons 26 The Act touching Debts debated and recommitted Order for Mony for poor Widdows and Wives of Soldiers Report by Lieutenant General Cromwel of the suppressing of the Levellers the House gave him their hearty thanks for that great Service and ordered one of thir Members to attend the General with the hearty thanks of the House for his great Service in that Business and ordered a general day of thanksgiving for that great Mercy 28 An Act passed for auditing the Accounts of the Soldiery and securing of their Arrears particular Care being had of those who shall go for Ireland The Act for giving Power to all Committees to give Oaths reported from the Committee and upon the Question rejected and an Act for continuance of the making of Salt-peter as formerly was rejected
He answered That it was against several Oaths which he had taken as an Alderman of London and against his Judgement and Conscience Alderman Chambers being asked the same Question answered That his Heart did not go along in that Business Sir Thomas was disabled from being a Member of the House and disfranchised from being an Alderman or to bear any publique Office And Alderman Chambers was disabled from being an Alderman or to bear any publique Office 2 An Act passed for sale of the Goods of the late King Queen and P. but the sale of the Pictures was respited An Act passed for doubling upon the publique Faith upon Sale of Deanes and Chapters Lands Orders for the Commissioners of the Seal to issue out Writs to make Mr. Warburton C. Rigby and Mr. Ask Serjeants at Law they being to be made Judges Order for the Councel of State to bestow a House and Maintenance for Mrs. Elkinea and her Children 4 Upon a Report from the Committee of absent Members C. Russel Mr. Edwards Mr. Fr. Gourdon Mr. Hodges and Mr. Ellis were readmitted to sit in the House Petitions of many poor Prisoners for Debt that the Act may be passed for their relief An Act Published of the grounds of the next day of Publique thanksgiving A Declaration of the Officers and Soldiers of C. Hortons Regiment testifying their Adherance to the Parliament and to the General presented to his Excellency The like from M. G. Skippons Regiment and from the Town of Portsmouth Letters from Scotland that a Declaration was brought from Ireland thither against Parliament of England that at their thanksgiving the Ministers vehemently preached against the Malignants and Sectaries Letters from Chester that Dublin is in a good Condition that one of the Souldiers by sentence of the Councel of War was shot to death for moving one of his Fellows to run away to the Enemy and that Prince Rupert and Inchequin are at great Difference and so are Owen Row and Ormond Letters from Holland that the Danish Ambassador desired to borrow of the States a great Sum of Mony for the King of Scotland and offered the Sundt Security for it That at the Diet at Sweden it was resolved to assist the King of Scotland with Mony That the Lord Cottington and Sir Edward Hyde Ambassadors from the King of Scotland desired audience of his highness Leopoldus and from thence were to go for Spain 5 C. Popham one of the Generals at Sea reported to the House the good Service of the Fleet the Relief of Dublin with Provisions that Sir George Ascue is left there with some Ships that 15 of Prince Ruperts Ships are blocked up in Kinsale and desired speedy Supplyes for the Navy The House ordered Supplies accordingly and thanks to the Generals at Sea and to C. Jones and that these Successes at Sea should be remembred in the Day of thanksgiving The Councel of State gave order for Flemish Ships to transport the Horse into Ireland and for the Regiments to march to Chester and other Ports and not to stay above one night in a place Letters from Sir George Askue that he had furnished Dublin with Provisions and sent others to Sir Charles Coote and had blocked Prince Ruperts Ships at Kingsale Letters that the L. Rea and 20 other Prisoners were brought to Edenborough 6 A new Mace with the Arms of England and Ireland instead of the Kings Arms approved and delivered to Serjeant Birkhead to be used for the House and all other Maces for the Commonwealth to be of that Form Vote for 3000 l. to be given to Mr. Blackstons Wife and Children in respect of his Losses and 500 l. to his Brother out of the L. of Newcastles and L. Widdringtons Estates Order for Captain Bishop Provost Marshal to apprehend suspected Persons and to have 100 l. per annum Salary and 12 Men at one shilling per diem a piece Order for 1000 l. for a Stock to settle poor People to work Upon a Report from the Councel of State ordered that when the Speaker with the House came into the City the Lord Mayor should deliver up to him the Sword as he used to do to the King and that at the Feast the Speaker should sit above the Lord Mayor and referred it to the Councel of State to order matters of Ceremony at the Meeting Letters that the Queen of Sweden had furnished the King of Scors with great store of Ammunition A Declaration of the Officers and Souldiers of Colonel Reynolds his Regiment to the same Effect with those of other Regiments 7 The Speaker with the House of Commons the General with the Officers of the Army the L. President and Councel of State after the hearing of two Sermons went to Grocers-Hall to dine with the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common Councel according to their Invitation The Speaker sat first next to him the Lord Mayor then the Lord General then the Earl of Pembroke called to Whitelock to sit down being the antient Commissioner of the great Seal he desired his Lordship would be pleased first to sit down and then he would sit by him With that the Earl spake aloud as he used to do that all near him might hear What do you think that I will fit down before you I have given place heretofore to Bishop Williams to my Lord Coventry and my Lord Littlet on And you have the same place that they had and as much honour belongs to the place under a Common-wealth as under a King and you are a Gentleman as well born and bred as any of them therefore I will not sit down before you With his earnestness he caused Whitelock to sit down before him and sat himself the next to him and then the Lord President of the Councel and the other Commissioners of the great Seal the Earl of Satisbury and the Lord Howard sate next to the Earl of Pembroke and after the Commissioners of the Seal sate Lieutenant General Cromwel and other Members of Parliament and of the Councel of State At two Tables on each side of the Hall sate other Members and at a Table in the middle of the Hall sate M. G. Lambert and other Officers of the Army the Judges sate in a Room over the Parlour which was very large and the Lord Mayor Aldermen and some Common Councel men at another Table in the same Room The Musick was only Drums and Trumpets the Feast was very sumptuous no Healths drunk nor any Incivility passed and besides the overplus of the Victuals left at Dinner 400 l. was given to the poor of London 8 An Act past for settling Maintenance upon the Ministry of the Nation Report touching Relief for maimed Souldiers Widdows and Orphans of Souldiers slain Referred to the Committee of Oxford to prefer Mr. Thomas Goodwyn and Mr. Owen to be heads of Colledges in that University and that they have the hearty thanks of the House for their Sermons yesterday Some Members
the Chancellor and some others That they talk much of M. G. Lamberts marching Northwards with 7 or 8 Regiments but have more cause to be troubled at Moniross and Sir Marmaduke Langdale 15 An Account from Chester That after too long a stay Ships are ready at length to carry the Money ordered by the Councel of State to Leimster and the North of Ireland That the Enemy bend all their Strength North-ward probably to stress Sir Charles Coot and gain a place of retreat or backdoor for Scotland That care is taken that way by land and to send some Ships about to that Coast 16 The Officers of the Army kept a day of Humiliation grounded on the dealings of God with their Brethren in Ireland who though he had made them give a glorious Testimony against the bloody Enemies yet hath afflicted them by the death of many Worthyes Which chastning of the Lord they did desire to lay to heart as also that Affliction in the Miscarriage of some Vessels sailing from Mine-head besides the present Condition of this Nation Upon a Petition of 3000 maimed Souldiers and Widdows Resolved that there shall be no abatement of what they have received by way of Pension in the stating of their Arrears The Councel of Officers passed several Votes and appointed a select Committee touching the purchase of the late Kings Lands Letters that the Earl of Castlehaven was chosen General of the Irish Forces That they intend to cast themselves upon the Spanish Interest and to lay asice Ormond and Inchequin 18 Letters from Newcastle That the King and the Scots are not like to agree they being much displeased at his last Message and that divers of the chief of the State and Ministers declare their dislike in joyning with him unless he resign up himself wholly to their dispose That yet they intend to choose Commissioners to go to the King That they have caused Montross's Declaration to be burnt by the hand of the Hangman and purge Malignants out of the Army dayly That 500 more of Montross's Men were landed in Orkney That more Witches were burnt From Youghall That the Lord Lieutenant was marched out of that Garrison with 1000 Horse and 1000 Foot That some Ships were cast away upon that Coast Several Resolves of the Councel of Officers touching their security by purchase of the Lands of the late King c. 19 An Act passed for providing a Competent maintenance for preaching Ministers throughout the Nation A Commission issued out under the great Seal to several Commissioners in the respective Countries authorizing them to inquire by Juries upon Oath what Benefices are within each County and the value of them and which are fit to be United c. And to certify their Proceedings into the Chancery The Act for suppressing and punishing Incest Adultery and Fornication recommitted An Act read for settling the Free Farm Rents The Act for relief of Creditors recommitted Amendments to the Act for removing Obstructions in the sale of the late Kings Lands passed and published 20 The Subscriptions of the Army to the Ingagement were by the General returned to the Parliament who upon the General his subscribing of it as one of the Councel of State in his own sense The House Voted That his taking of it in that manner was a taking of it within the late Act for subscribing of the Ingagement They likewise ordered that the Speaker should send that Vote to the General in a Letter and to return to him the hearty thanks of the House for his great Care in returning of those Subscriptions Three Souldiers were sentenced at a Councel of War to go from Whitchall through Holborn with Halters about their Necks and so to Tybourn one of them to have his right Ear nailed to the Pillory the other two to have six lashes a piece The Offence of the first was for being listed for Ireland and deserting the Imployment and counterfeiting C. Prides hand directed to Constables by Colour whereof he Prest two Horses pretending himself to be Quartermaster to the Party and then he and his Companion running away with the Horses The Offence of the other two was that after he was listed for the service of the State they run away from their Commanders Letters from Ireland That the Lord Lieutenant in his march to Kilkenny had several Forts quitted to him and at St. Thomas Town the Officers were delivered up to him together with the Town by the Souldiers 21 Letters from Warrington of a great Meeting to take the Ingagement That Thieves armed and 29 or 30 in a company pretending themselves to be Foot Souldiers break open Houses bind the People and rob them of all their Goods From Ireland That P. Rupert took some rich Prizes from the Londoners and sent them to Galloway and Limrick A little Frigot called the Wandring Cavalier was taken by the Parliaments Ships loaden with Arms and Ammunition and brought into Kingsale 22 Letters that Wogan the revolted persideous Fellow lately taken had escaped out of Prison and C. Phaires Marshal in whose custody he was being corrupted by him went away with him 23 Letters from Milford Haven of Ships driven in thither from the Irish Coast by fowl weather That there were 400 Horse of C. Cromwells the Lord Lieutenants Son to be transported to Ireland From Weymouth That they were taking the Ingagement and that none refused it and that they were busy in settling the Militia From Yarmouth That the Lord Lieutenant had all the Sea Ports in Ireland of any Consequence except only three That the Regiments are full the Souldiers well recovered and longing to be abroad against the Enemy That a small Frigot of the Parliaments of 12 Guns maintained fight with two of the Enemies one of 18 the other of 26 Guns and at last run herself on Shore and saved her men Guns and Tackle Letters that the Heads of Houses Fellows and Graduates of the University and the Mayor Aldermen and Common Councel men of Oxford had all taken the Ingagement and all the Officers both of the City and University 25 Letters from Edenburgh That both the States men and Kirkmen are full of Jealousy touching their King That new propositions are drawing and Commissioners choosing to be sent to him That more men were landedin Orkney with some Cannon and Ammunition That there it was confidently reported from Ireland that the Lord of Clenrickard Ardes and Armstrong were marching with 8000 Men near Carrickfergus and had taken in several Garrisons from the Parliament From Berwick That the King propounds That the Lord Argyle the Chancellor and other the Capital Statesmen of Scotland should come in Person to treat withhim and that there should be a general Act of Oblivion without any exception but the Scots were against both these Propositions That C. Hackers Men had taken more Mosse Troopers From Beaumoris of one Robinson Sir Timothy Fetherston and others pyrating at Sea on the Coast by