of Cockermouth who refused to take the Engagement he keeps in sundry Town-Officers that refuse the same manifesting by sundry other actions that what ever his pretention is yet his intention is not for the present power My dear love to your self from him who is Your and the Common-wealths servant J. Bywater Octob. 15. 1650. I do well approve of this other relation concerning Mr. Lampit for Mr. Craister manifested as much harshness as he could To his very good friend M. Musgrave ALl men may see by this Letter of L. Fearon the rage of the Justices made by Sr. Arthur H. have against honest men that the poor Church of Broughton complain not without cause what would not these Justices do if Armed with Law and countenance by the higher power when they thus despise the Acts Ordinances of Parliament for it is more then a year since the Act for liberty to swear without layingh and on a Book was passed and published Mr. MUSGRAVE I Was sommoned to appear at the last quarter-Sessions of the Peace at Cockermouth where I did appear and being returned to be one of the Jury because I could not swear upon a book Mr. Henry Pearson then Clerk of the Peace fined me 10. pounds and would not suffer me to be of the Jury I shall desire you to help me and other of our friends who are troubled for the same that we may have the benefit of the Act of Parl. concerning Book-swearing Mr. Antrobus and Francis Smith are troubled for the like by Mr. William Tubman Steward to the Earl of Northumberland in Egremont-Court the Justices that sate upon the Bench the last Sessions when I was fined in 10. pounds are Sr. Willfrid Lawson Henry Tolson Thomas Curwen and Miles Halton I pray you do this for us for the Parliaments suffering friends are much oppressed by their Enemies Sir I am Your loving friend Lancelot Fearen Lamplongh the 15. of October 1650. For Mr. John Musgrave Steward of the Honour of Peureth Mr. Appleby who writ this following Letter is a Cumberland Gentleman and was forced through the Malignancy of the Justices and the Committee of his Country and withdrew into Yorkshire Worthy Sir AFter my kind love to you presented though unacquainted yet I conceive by my wife and son they have been much beholden to you and if I had been intimate with you when you had Sr. Willfride Lawson in question at London I could have been a means to have accomplished your pursuit and desire and if occasion hereafter fall I will give you instructions which I hope will yet work effect Sr. I conceive my wife preferred a Petition by your advice and furtherance unto the Councel of State whereof she got no answer so I heartily desire to know the event thereof and withall your advise and furtherance in the prosecution of my causes for I have sustained great losses and wrongs as any man in the Countrey not onely from the Enemy but from our Committee and Justices also meaning in Cumberland I will justifie and prove that great Delinquents and Papists have had and still have more favour from them then any real and well-affected persons who have adventured life and Estate for them in their service I intended to have been at London not long since but the times have been very bad and difficult with us but upon any notice from you I will not fail to be with you before this Tearm end God willing So good Sir let me have your help and upon receipt of your answer expect me with all speed Halton in Craven Octob. the 18. 1650. Yours to serve you quantum in me LANCELOTH APPLEBY To his Honoured friend M. John Musgrave at London I Could not without ingratitude and doing wrong to the Councel of State who hath done so much for setling this Common-wealth in peace of security but publish this their Declaration made upon reading my Remonstrance Die Lune 27. August 1649. At the Councel of State at White-hall UPon reading the Remonstrance of John Musgrave on the behalf of himself and others well-affected in the Counties of Lancashire Westmerland and Cumberland particularly of Thomas VVorsley Esq Iohn VVorsley his son and Elizabeth VVorsley his daughter Capt. Richard Crakanthrop and Mary Blaithwait widow and upon hearing Mr. Musgrave himself consideration had of the matters remonstrated and desired to be done It is ordered and declared That care shall be had and taken of putting the particulars specified into a way of examination and redress and the Councel will endeavours that a Reformation shall be had of the grievances complained of some of which as that of putting the Militia into trusty hands are already under consideration And this Councel further declares that they will use their endeavours that the particular Petitions of Mr. Musgrave and the rest may be presented to the House and there read and ordered In respect of the long attendance of the parties as soon as with conveniency the same may be done and as the publick affairs of the House will permit Ex. Gualter Frost Secr. HEre Reader thou hast my Remonstrance it self upon which the Councel of State made their Declaration To the Right Honourable the Lord President and the Councel of State sitting at White-hall The Remonstrance and humble supplication of John Musgrave for and on the behalf of himself Thomas Worsley Esq John VVorsley his son Elizabeth VVorsley his daughter Captain Richard Crackanthorp Mary Blaithwait Widdow Thomas Gibson and the rest of the well-affected in the Counties of Lancaster Westmerland and Cumberland IT is not to be doubted but as Justice and treasure are the chief supporters of all Common-wealths Kingdoms so the neglect of the one by male-administration and unduely raising and mispending the other have ever proved fatal to the present Governours and Ministers of States as by wofull experience the greatest Monarchs and States often but ever too late have found The mis-government of Eli and Samuel sons made Israel change their Government as well as their Governours Sauls misorder transferred the Kingdom from his family to David the great burdens and many Taxes of Rehobeam caused the defection of ten tribes which never returned again to the house of David and after few generations all Israel with their Kings and Princes were displanted and carried away into captivity for their oppression and injustice and for that sin the Scepter was taken from Judah and they brought tributary to the Roman Common-wealth as the Prophets complained in Judahs defection and before their fall Judgement was turned away backward and Justice stood then afar off for truth was fallen in the street and equity could not enter Is 59.14 Rome then kept faith with nations executed Justice and judgement for which she was a long time famous and thereby became Mrs over the whole world But when she began to oppresse her Senators corrupt and partial in judgement Soon followed the ruine of that long flourishing Empire The Rebellion of the Moors
A true and exact RELATION Of the great and heavy PRESSURES AND GRIEVANCES THE Well-affected of the Northern bordering Counties lye under by Sir Arthur Haslerig 's misgovernment and placing in Authority there for Justices of the Peace Commissioners for the Militia Ministry and Sequestrations Malignants and Men dis-affected to the present Government set forth in the Petition Articles Letters and Remonstrance humbly presented to the Councel of State with his Apologie to the Lord President for publishing thereof By JOHN MUSGRAVE Vt jugulent homines Surgunt de nocte lationes Vt teipsum serves nonne expergisceris Latet anguis inserba Quod verum atque deceus curo et rego et omius in hoc sum London Printed Anno Dom. 1650. The Apologie of John Musgrave to the Right Honourable John Bradsham for his publishing his Petition and Charges against Sr Arthur Haslerigge and others put in Authority by him with several Letters and his Remonstrance to the Councel of State My Lord KNowing my own weaknes and imbecillity and the power and greatness of my opposites if I had looked only upon outward helps I should wholly have been deterred from entering the lists with those great ones whom I have to deal with and no doubt but of many of my friends I shall be blamed and of others as much or more envied for undertaking this quarrel as David was of his Brethren for leaving his Fathers Sheep and taking the Philistins challenge to fight with him whom the whole Host of Israel feared and be accounted no less proud and foolish then Eliab did his Brother David But when they shall behold this great Giant and mighty Nimrod of the North with his whole Host and Militia wherewith he is guarded thrown down and broken without any other Armory but by the strength of truths discovery by me one whom he so much disesteemes and see him and them as suddenly fall as the great Philistine did when smitten with the stone cast out of Davids sling My Countreymen will be then rather ashamed of their faint-heartedness to have sat still and bin only as idle spectators while I for mine and their Countries liberty did contend with these Cedars and Sonnes of Anack And though for sundry years while I have thus strugled and contended I have often found these Sonnes of Zervia too hard for me yet when I was as a Man without hopes seeing no way of escape even then God sent me an unexpected delivery which makes me more bold and with lesse carefulness to wait upon the good hand of Gods providence to carry me on in this business whereon the welfare and safety of so many thousands depends I will not deny but in this very thing I have too much consulted with flesh and blood and rested more then I should upon the rotten props of outward means and by the deceitful blandishments of the adversary speaking fair and promising peace I was almost taken in the Phylistines Trapp and ready to be inchained up in their fetters if by a sudden Alarum of a new enemies approach I had not been awaked out of my sleep of security wherewith I was very much overtaken for after two years hard and cruel imprisonment in the Fleet committed to that Prison for no other cause as your Lordship well knowes then for the like discovery as this prosecuting some powerful enemies who then satt in the great Councel of this Nation having under the false vizard of friends got themselves into the greatest places of Authority and trust in our parts being restored to my liberty upon the Lord Generals taking notice of my wrongful imprisonment I was fully resolved not further to have busied my self with matters of State but wholly left the same to the care and ordering of those that sat at the sterne only applyed my self to my home business lived retired but in this I was much deceived for I was no sooner retired to my Countrey but I understood some men now in great favour now highly promoted and intrusted by our Governour and Sejanus of the North were upon a Clandestine design ready to be put in execution for bringing in the Scots to force the Parliament and seize upon us before we should mistrust or be in any wise able to prevent the same So as of a sudden being secure as we thought we were surrounded with our enemies on every side and had been without recovery if by the valour and gallantry of the now victorious Gen. in the overthrow of the great Duke of Scotland we had not been rescued and after taken under his Excellencies protection and though the General stayed but a very little time amongst us for he gave himself no rest there while the enemy had any strength unbroken yet by his presence and countenance for the time he was with us we were much refreshed but the L.G. Cromwel withdrawing we thence were left to the care and charge of Sir Arthur H. Governour of the bordering Counties and Garisons a man in whom we had great hopes and had promised great matters sed Magistratus inditat virum he deceived our expectation he takes for his Friends favourites Councellours and bosome acquaintance such as were professed enemies to this Commonwealth and preferrs none other he slights derides and keep under all the cordial and well affected and whom the now L. Gen had preferred and owned Sir Arthur with disrespect laies aside which caused me constrained by necessity for no other with us would or durst unwillingly durum telum necessitas once again to put my self forth by a Remonstrance to the Councel of State for by no hand could I have access to the Parliament set forth the sad and lamentable condition of our Countrey and the great and heavy oppressions we lay under by the disorder and misgovernment of those placed in Authority by Sir Arthur Haslerig 's procurement and recommendation in which Remonstrance I had that tender regard and respect to Sir Arthur H. conceiving him to be abused and deceived in this his complying with the malignant party through their subtil insinuations he being a stranger in that Countrey as I did not so much as once mention his name in my Remonstrance though I had been many wayes provoked thereunto I must ever with all thankfulness acknowledge your Lordships favour and benignity for by your only means I must confess I had access unto and audience before that Honourable Councel of State as I have had sundry times since who were pleased to take cognizance of my Remonstrance and upon reading the same and hearing my self made their Declaration promising relief and redress as well of particular as of publick grievances therein complained of but by other greater business of State hath bin hindered in the proceed thereof so as contrary to their intention as I believe we have not had any fruit thereof My Lord it is not to be believed what rejoycing this your Declaration was to your Northern Friends and how
offences lest by others faults the Parliament should suffer in their credit lest that it should be thought the Parliament were offended with as for seeking Justice and pressing forward our Countries just complaints and grievances lest it should be thought the Parliament should seem to justifie or connive at these their lawlesse practises and oppressions which we are ready in a legal way to make good according to our charge by forbearance and sufferance of them For it is a maxime in Law Qui non prohibet quod prohibere potest assentiri videtur He that suffereth not that which he may let is conceived and said in Law to assent Let no such blot lie upon that Honourable House let not the potency of our adversaries overthrow the justnesse of our cause neglect us no more lest besides the blame and out-cries for Justice you bring ruin upon us and your selves by leaving us open to the Irish which may the sooner invite Ormond to invade us with his Popish and revolted Forces having such an easie entrance if the same be not prevented As you tender the good and quiet of the State timely provide for this and have respect to our poor Countrey let all Delinquents Traitors and men dis-affected all such as are tainted with covetousnesse or cowardize be removed out of all Authorities and the same put in the hands of confiding men fearing God and hating covetousnesse and all basenesse such as would not be in the worst of times carried away or corrupted through fear or losse of goods or hope of preferment to joyn with or submit unto the Enemy or act in a neutrality which is holden for most detestable Neglect of those parts may prove of dangerous consequence There and not well else-where in the North may the Irish land at their pleasure and daily are expected there from thence Digby by connivance of some of our English Commanders there as is conceived had free and ready passage into the Isle of Man and so for Ireland from thence the Earl of Antrum had like passage and way into Ireland with the Royal Commissions for Cessation of Arms there which produced such sad effects in that Kingdom Montrosse made his way for Scotland twice that way to the great losse of that Kingdom he invaded Scotland and took Dumfrece hence the Earl of New-Castle had his first rise of his Popish Army in the North and daily supplies of men and monies till the reducement thereof by the Scottish Horse hence since the reducement the Enemy in Dublin and the Isle of Man had Cole and Victuals Here the whole Gentry are Malignants Delinquents Papists Popish or base Temporizers Here not ten of the Gentry in both these Counties nay I dare say not so many have proved Cordial to the State but have submitted themselves or acted to and with the Enemy Here the Gentry have revolted since the reducement thereof more then once or twice Here Will and Oppression reigns more then in any Countrey now subjected to the State so long as the powers and Authorities reside in the hands of such Neutrals Temporizers Self-seekers Traitors and Delinquents as now it is the Enemy though peace for the present were concluded and setled yet might upon new and after discontents of a sudden endanger the losse of the whole North by the help of that Popish faction in those parts who have got in their hands the chief places of trust and Command there though you had no care nor regard of us yet for your own good prevent this mischief the which done may produce though little considered the fruit which may prove to be a well grounded peace to the whole Kingdom Though neglect of us could be no prejudice to the publick which will be of no small concernment as I have already shown yet the redresse of our Countries grievances in common equity ought not to be so lightly passed over all which hitherto but all in vain for fourteen moneths together have been pressed on but by one Committee or other still frustrated and in Justice you cannot deny us audience and an equal trial either at the Common-law or in full Parliament as in your wisdoms shall seem best for the publick and our particular good for that the Law is our common birthright which we may without offence I hope and do challenge and claim the benefit thereof and therefore we have no cause to doubt or be fearfull in putting our selves forth considering how that general rule in Law is still in force Quod curia regis non debeat deficere conquerentibus in Justitia adhibenda That the Kings Court should never be failing to such as complain in the doing of Justice And of Courts Judicial we acknowledge the Parliament Supream which ever hath been and I hope still will be the great and faith full up-holder of the Common-Law and of the rights and Priviledges of all the loyal and true-hearted Free-born of the Kingdom I pray you good Sir peruse these papers and Copies of Letters the Originals I have all except two which Master Blaxston hath to whom they were sent and delivered withall I would intreat you to present this my Petition to the House of Commons M. Speaker hath seen it and saith he will speak to it I could not presse him further in respect he had formerly presented one for me which was referred to the former Committee but by M. Lisle who is the Chair-man suppressed and I could never hear more of it the ground of this my Petition I hope you will let me understand what you will do here concerning the whole matter by this bearer Master Hobkins the Warden of the Fleet which hath shown me kindnesse in his readinesse to do me this favour if by your means and the Justice of the house I may obtain my liberty and our Countries cause put in a way of trial without further procrastination I shall not be unthankfull but ever rest From the Fleet prison this 25. of the 12. Moneth 1645. Yours to serve and honour you JOHN MUSGRAVE FINIS POST-SCRIPT I Omitted to set forth how Sir Arthur Hazlerig within these 2. or 3. years and since he became ruler of the North hath got an Estate in Lands there worth eight or ten thousand pounds per Annum part by oppression but the most of it by buying the Common-wealths Lands at far undervalues the Surveyors being such who durst not displease him but made returns of the values as he desired which if reviewed will appear to be true His Man Pearson who the other day was worth little or nothing when his Master came to Newcastle hath purchased as much Lands very near as his Master was worth when the Wars began Fitch the Governour of Carlile under him hath likewise infinitely inriched himself by overburdening the Countrey with free quarter and excessive Taxes and Leavies of Corn and money which he hath never accompted for notwithstanding he hath received constant pay from the State for that Garrison not a people in England so oppressed as we yet never to this day could procure any that sit in Parl in the right of our Countrey to present a Petition for us which is the very cause I have thus set my self forth having spent that little the Enemy hath left me in a fruitless attendance All which I humbly submit to the grave consideration of the Councel of State begging their helping hand and liberty to prove what I here assert before they judge it scandals as some have said it to be JOHN MUSGRVE Reader I pray amend the faults of the Printer with thy Pen.
many favours and great incouragements to serve suffer for my Countrey and not to fear nor be cast down with the greatness of person which I have received from you many years since even when you were in a more private condition finding no change in you when thus eminently placed yet no lesse then your worth and vertue merit are the inducements to present these my weake endeavours which I have undertaken without any sinister or by-ends for the good of my poor Countrey only to your Lorship craving your Lordships favour and that you will procure me protection and indempnity while I prosecute the following charges and other great discoveries which will bring to the State ten thousand pounds and more some whereof of considerable values upon my own charge and travel are already returned if nothing else would speak for me in excuse yet the very relation of the barbarous unmanly and inhumane cruelty of Thomas Craystor Major of Carlile and Lieut. Col. Briggs used towards one Trefena Carter wife of one Christopher Caâ—ter then a Souldier in Carlile Garison and now a Lieutenant of Horse in the Army in Scotland particularly for her judgment crossing Presbytery would and will in some measure set forth the inviterate malice this Craistor who is Sir Arthurs Viceroy of Cumberland for all Officers Justices of peace and Cummissioners of the Militia Ministry sequestrations Sir Arthur H. wholly leaves to his nomination and none must bear in any Office whom Craistor approves not beareth towards such as inclined not to the Presbytery and comply not with this Scottish Interest This Trefina Carter this last summer living in Carlile went into a visited house the same being unknown to her then Craystor then Maj of Carlile hearing of it bearing a grudge to her for her judgement Commanded her to house but not allowing any woman to be with her being great with Child and near her account she venturing forth for a pint of Wine another she had not to send for it Lieut. Col. Briggs meets her asked her how she durst come out of her doors contrary to the Majors Order she modestly replyed if the Major would let some bring unto her what she needed for she had none with her she would not go out of her house Briggs makes no answer but draws his Rapier offering to run at her therewith with many execrable Oaths swearing he would have her out of Town for it was the Majors pleasure to have it so he sent her home with a file of Musketeers and a Century is set at her door to hinder any to come at her she falls in travel the Midwife was sent for there being but one in the Town who durst not go till she knew the Majors pleasure he bids the Mid-wife go but tells her withall if she did she should be shut up the Woman is delivered after strong labour without Womans help she procured a Nurse to keep her and her Child but the fifth day after her delivery the Major takes her Nurse from her the Child and she being very weak more likely to dye then live and not any with her for none durst but her own Nurse fearing the Majors displeasure In this extremity the poor Woman was forced to rise out of her bed and goes to the Majors house desiring to know why he took her Nurse from her he answered for a Clenser is that your Conscierce said she the Major replyed never stand questioning me begone we know your judgement and till some honest Officers of the Garrison went to the Major hearing of this uncivil and unchristian usage the Major would not suffer any to come at her though her house was never visited and I hear the Woman is undone therewith and inall likelihood will never recover her former health and strength thus you see my Lord we complain not without cause when Child-bearing Women in their travel and Infants new born are thus extreamly cruelly dealt with in those parts for no other cause then their judgments crossing Presbytery if these men will not pitty nor spare Women and Children but so vehemently persecute them for their judgement what can we expect from them or you imagine they would do to us if the Lord General being so near us did not hinder I hope I need not further apologize nor need say more to move you to pitty our condition and help to ease and bring these your and our enemies to account for rhe breach of their trust and the great oppressions and wrongs they have done to us and our Countrey I will present to your view in the first place the Petition and charge against Sir Arthur H. with the Articles exhibited against him the Justices of peace Commissioners of the Militia Ministry and Sequestrations in Cumberland with Letters of the Congregated Church at Broughton and other Letters to me from some Ministers and other my suffering Friends setting forth therein their misery and sad condition after you have the Councel of the States Declaration with my Remonstrance upon the Declaration And in the last place my Letter to Sir Tho Withrington formerly printed which relates to our former sufferings and how cunningly our Adversaries have long undermined us abused your Friends such as Parliament men as they thought favoured us they drew Mr. Lisle now one of the Lords Commissioners for the great Seal of ENGLAND to make a report against me telling him I carried on a contrary Interest and the Scottish Design and long it was before my Lord LISLE could be perswaded I was a Friend but upon better understanding his prejudice against me was removed and upon his motion in the House of COMMONS after two years Imprisonment I was set at liberty and now my Lord not doubting your favourable acceptance hereof and your ready assistance in procuring me a fair hearing and tryal herein I recommend my selfe and Cause to your Justice and Clemency and remain Your Lordships obliged and humble Servant JOHN MUSGRAVE 9.12 month 1650. TO THE Right Honourable the Councel of State sitting at White-hall The Humble Petition of John Musgrave for and in the behalf of Thomas Worsley Esquire John Worsley Elizabeth Worsley Captain Richard Crackenthorp Mary Blaythwaite and the rest of the well-affected in the Counties of Cumberland Westmerland Bishoprick and Northumberland Humbly sheweth THat your Petitioner John Musgrave above a year since Remonstrated his own and his Countreys sad and distressed condition and how the Enemies of this Common-wealth in those parts do still with unwearied and undefatigable endeavours labour to carry on their designs in strengthening the hands of Malignants ' and weakning the hands of your friends and the better to effect wicked purposes got several incendiaries and such as have born Arms and engaged against the Parliament in the first and second war and still complies with the Scottish interest to be Justices of the peace Sheriffs c. and to have the whole authorities there in their hands by which
means they much Tyrannize and oppresse your Petitioners and the well-affected and with lesse difficulty may invite the Enemy into these parts That this Honourable Councel upon reading the said Remonstrance declared they would provide for your Petitioners relief and redresse of their grievances and upon another Petition unto this Honourable Councel your Petitioner by the Articles thereto annexed set forth how M. Charles Howard was made high Sheriffe of Cumberland which Articles Sr. Arthur Haslerigge undertook to examine but wholy failed in the same And the said Sr. Arthur Haslerigge is so far from providing for your Petitioners relief and the Countries safety as he hath of late procured such as be Enemies to the Common-wealth to be Justices of the Peace Sheriffes Commissioners for the Militia Ministry and Sequestrations oppressing the well effected and countenancing your Enemies as appeareth by the Articles annexed and exerciseth an Arbitrary power without rule of Law or Act of Parliament That Sr. Willfrid Lawson Henry Tolson Thomas Curwen Miles Halton Justices of Peace contrary to an Act of Parliament at the last Sessions of the Peace in the County of Cumberland fined one Lancelot Fearon 10. pounds for refusing to swear upon a book and the justices and Commissioners for the Militia there much oppresse the well affected and threaten to commit them for their meetings to prayer and Divine Worship boasting they have an order from Sr. Arthur Haslerigge so to do Your Petitioner humbly prayeth this Honourable Councel to take his long and chargeable attendance into consideration and put his former Remonstrance Petitions Articles with this Petition and the Articles annexed against Sr. Arthur Haslerigge in a speedy way of examination for relief and redresse of your Petitioners and take a review of your own Declaration made upon your Petitioners former Remonstrance And humbly prayeth the benefit of presenting of additional Articles as he shall see just cause and that without delay or procrastination for the good and safety of this Nation That the said Sr. Arthur Haslerigge the chief cause of all the present Northern miseries may be sent for as a delinquent to answer the several matters laid to his charge in the Articles annexed and that at his comming up he may not be admitted to sit as a Judge in his own cause but stand in the capacity of a Delinquent till he hath undergone his tryal your Petitioner being ready at his uttermost peril to make good his charge either before this Honourable Councel or the high Court of Parliament That all the other charges against Sheriffe Howard the Justices of the Peace Commissionters for the Ministery and Militia in Cumberland may be put into a speedy way of examination and such as shall be found unfit removed from their places That Thomas Worsley who is aged four-score years may have his Petition read and relieved and that according to your Declaration upon your Petitioners Remonstrance your Petitioner and such Petitions as you declared to recommend to the Parliament may no longer be deferred the Petioners being utterly undone by attendance And lastly the Justices of Peace who contemned your Authority in fyning men for refusing book-swearing contrary to the Act of Parliament made in favour of tender consciences may be sent for to answer their contempt and provision made in the future that none in the Northern Counties be admitted to execute civil Office in the administration of Justice but such as are known to be well affected to the present Government And your Petioners shall pray as in their former Petitions Articles exhibited by John Musgrave Gentl. to the Councel of State against Sr Arthur Haslerigge Knight and Barroner Governour of New-Castle and the Northren bordering Counties The exceptions were brought in upon an Order of the Councel of State dated the 31. of Iune 1649 1. THat Sr. Arthur Haslerigge * contrary to his Engagement to the Councel of State and Councel of States Declarations upon the Petitioners exceptions procured lately such in the County of Cumberland to be Justices of the Peace Commissioners for Sequestrations Commissioners for the Ministery and Commissioners for the Militia there as were known Delinquents and such as are disaffected to the present Government and complying with the Scottish Interest as by the charge against them hereunto annexed and another charge against them formerly exhibited to the Councel of State may appear 2. That the said Sr. Arthur Haslerigge being the chief and leading Commissioners for the Ministry at New-Castle approved of such Ministers in Cumberland at New-castle as refused the Engagement were scandalous and Delinquents And such Ministers as were well affected without any charge removed from their Ministery and put them out of their places whereby he discovers his dis-affection to the present Government by upholding and countenancing the Malignant party in Authority and keeping under the Parliaments friends all which this Petioner is able to prove and further refers himself to the Copies of Letters hereunto annexed the Originals being in the Petitioners hands 3. That Sr. Arthur Haslerigge undertook to the Councel of State to examine the Articles exhibited by the Petitioner to the Councel of State against M. Charles Howard high Sheriffe of Cumberland but neglected the same came privately into the Countrey to Naward and there feasted with the said Sheriffe who is a dangerous and most notorious Delinquent as appears by the charge exhibited against him by the Petitioner to the Councel of State Captain Howard is son to the Lord Howard a Member of the Councel of State no Souldier and never did any service for his pay 4. That the said Sr. Arthur Haslerigge suffers Captain Howards Troop to lie upon free Quarter upon the Countrey for these four Moneths last past and doth coutnenance one Dobson Captain Howards Lieutenant who cheated the Troop of 1350. pound And when complaint was made to Sr. Arthur Haslerigge he never punished him for the same 5. That the said Sr. Arthur Haslerigge gave Commission to Edward Brigs to be Lieutenant Colonel for Carelile Garrison and made him a Commissioner for the Militia Ministry in West-merland a man known dis-affected to the present Government and lately cashered for his drunkenness and other miscarriages by the now Lord General Cromwel That the said Sr. Arthur gave Commissions to Thomas Craystour Cuthbert Studholme Captain Brown and others to be Captains and Lieutenants in Carelile Garrison men known to be dis-affected to the present Government profest Enemies to honest men most of them having now laid down their Commissions when they were to march into Scotland And the said Sr. Arthur doth countenance none in Cumberland but such as are profest Enemies to the honest party and are for the Scottish Interest 6. That by the said Sr. Arthur Haslerigges intrusting the Authorities and Militia in the hands of Delinquents and men for the Scottish Interest the well-affected in Cumberland and Bishoprick ly under greater oppressions then formerly under King and Prelates And the
the Parliaments Friends whose Estates are under ten pounds per Annum and men of great Estates and charged by the Act not charging them proportionably and upon â—uch as have Estates and did set out Horse and Arms for the Enemy they impose little and of some such nothing at all 19. That the Commissioners for Ministers have displaced such honest Ministers as they call Independents and such rectories they take into their hands they farm out to their own Agents and Servants at far undervalues and for far less then others would have given and afford when the same we let out as one instance for many they let the Rectory of Graistock which is worth 300 l. per Annum to their Agent Clerk for threescore and eleven pounds when twice as much was bid and the Commissioners take the Tythes up to their own use as can be proved JOHN MUSGRAVE The Articles are subscribed and will be attested by John Nicholson Mungo Rothew John Nicholson Francis Smith Isaac Antrobus My exceptions to the Commissioners for the Militia upon this following Order were approved by the Councel of State and Sir Arthur H. besides his Engagement to the Councel of State promised me afterwards he would put none others but honest men in any place or Office but hath done far otherwise Die Jovis 31. January 1649. At the Councel of State at White-Hall ORDERED THat Mr. John Musgrave be sent unto to come to this Councel to morrow in the afternoon to give in his exceptions and the reason of those exceptions which he makes against the names of the Persons given in by Sir Arthur Hazlerig othe Commissioners for the Militia for the Northern Counties Yours G. FROST Secretary AFter Sir Arthur H. had consented to by aside the Commissioners there for the Militia whom I excepted against I return into my Countrey and acquainted my Friends what I had done they much rejoyced dâ—siring me in their names humbly to represent to the Lord Presidene Bradshaw their thankful acknowledgement of his former respects which they and their Countrey had received from him when in Easter Terme last when being about some Lawes concerning my self and my poor Mother oppressed by a bad Husband I came to London I found our affairs in a worser condition then I expected upon the Lord Gen. March for Scotland the Militia of this Common-wealth being to be setled for the more security thereof Sir Arthur H. procures a Commis to the excepted persons to be Commissioners for Cumberland with which I was acquainted but few dayes before I was constrained upon urgent occasions to return home whither being come this following letter is sent me from the Congregated Church at Broughton Kind Friend and Brother Musgrave UPon your return from London in Hillary Terme we were much gladded the Councel of State was pleased to hear you upon your exceptions to the Commissioners of the Militia and for their Declaration to redress our grievances complained of in your Remonstrance but when we understood that Sir Arthur Hazlerig had procured the same men whom you excepted against not only to be Commissioners for the Militia but for the Ministry we were cast down conceiving the Enemy to be very potent and prevailing more on you because of your negligence though formerly you have been very active and suffering for your Countrey yet in this we cannot but blame you being confident if the Councel of State had known what manner of men they were how disaffected to the present Government either Cavaliers or of the Scottish faction not one of them would have been approved of by the Councel of State unless the Governor of Carlile who in regard he is a stranger is wholly guided by the other as for the Militia they pursue not the Act but take a disposing power of mens Estates setting some half a Horse where his Estate is not equal to such they impose but a third part And for the Ministry they approve of few or none but such as are of the Scottish faction and raylors against Independents or if worse may be such as are Malignants and Royalists but for honest men they cannot abide such they remove and put out of the Ministry under the name of Sectaries and Independents as Mr. Lampit Mr. Baggerley and Mr. Wharton if any be for the Presbytery though they deny the Engagement are approved of and allowed our Justices of Peace do impose book-swearing upon some of the States friends and for denying the same do fine them in ten pounds threatning them and scoffing them and calling them as they think good Mr. Musgrave be not weary of well doing though you have no money or wages from us slight us not it concernes you nearly if the Enemy be thus holden up you can expect little ease and lesse security therefore as you tender your own welfare and your friends peace be not sluggish or longer silent but stand for the cause of our God and his People be bold it will be your Honour whatsoever the success be trust God Sir howsoever be our condition we will not cease to trouble you hoping you will take in good part what we have written and will not forsake your suffering friends or in silence leave us under our Enemies hands let the God of power inable you to finish what you have begun for the good of his Church and People to whose care and protection we recommend you and our cause this 13. of the 9. Moneth 1650. Your Brethren in affection and signed by the direction of the Church at Broughton in particular viz. John Robinson Mungo Rothero Gawen Wheelwright John Taffin Iohn Bow Iohn Scot Fran Smith Tho Thompson Iohn Mr. Lampit the Minister of Aickton in Cumberland hearing I was to take my journey for London writes unto me this following Letter after came to me himself desiring me to present his Petition to the Councel of State and another for the Committee for plundered Ministers the man being poor and a great sufferer I undertook to do my endeavour to accomplish his desire but not knowing what success I should have therein I did not take one peny of his money October 15 1650. Worthy SIR HEaring of your exceeding care in promoting the glory of God of your favourable countenance in incouraging honest men in reference to the State and present Government of this Nation strongly animates and makes me though unacquainted to present you in these lines with a short Character of the harsh and unkind if not unjust dealings and proceedings of the Commissioners for the Ministry against me at Newcastle and their favour towards Malignants and scandalous Ministers Sir I was by some of the old Committee and other Officers in Carlisle commended to Aicton Church as Minister after the decease of Mr. Halton last incumbent there elected called by the People as appears by a testimony under their hands but when Mr. Craystor had received the like Commission I was called at the first to Newcastle and
their rage was so hot against me in that I passed under the notion of an Independent that Mr. Craystor told me I should not stay at Aicton upon any condition and so by his procurement incensed Sir Arthur and the rest that they ejected me sequestred the Rectory and left the people ever since without a Preacher they having neither information accusation or other charge against me save only my judgement crossing Presbytery and the Scottish Interests But as for others whose names are subscribed though Malignant known Delinquents and very scandalous the Commissioners approved and setled in their place as honest men and others as yet never questioned All which partial actings of theirs as yet strengthens theirs and the hands of their enemies so it mightily disheartens the well affected and will prejudice as me in particular so the Common-wealths friends in general Wherefore I pray you in behalf of my self and the honest party use your endeavour for a speedy redress which I hope you will not neglect and rest Your Friend to serve you W. LAMPIT Mr. Bradshaw Minister at Westword who had two wives at once now living this they know Mr. Luggard Minister at Workington who was a Chancellour in Ireland was married to another mans Wife in her Husbands lifetime and often drunk Mr. Jo. Mackmillian a Scot who had an adulterous Bastard in the highest degree and was deposed for it in Scotland Mr. Johnston Minister at Distington who had often complyed with the enemy under Duke Hamilton Mr. Grainger Minister at Bromfield who is often drunk an apparent Malignant and a Cavalerish Priest even to this day Mr. Ratckleiffe of St. Bees Mr. Sleddal of Cannanby with many more whom they know themselves have been very active against the State yet because they are Presbyterians they must be setled and are established in their places by their power Mr Wheel-wright Chaplain to Barronet Curwen at Preston lately in Arms against the State now Minister at Broughton Mr. Warwick late Chaplain to Sir Edward Musgrave a great plunderer of honest men Mr. Chambers at Allhallowes tenderer of oath for the Lord Newcastle a Preacher for the Enemy a Common-Prayer-Book man Mr. Welchman Minister at Stannix an enemy in Carlisle Town when the Leager was against it and many more And all the Sir Johns and Readers yet never questioned by the Commissioners and that the Independents first questioned and put out I have alwayes been in the Parliaments Army and Garrison and never declined the service being 3. times in prison and 5. times plundered and I am now going with the Governor of Carlisle into Scotland Yours W. L. To his much honoured Friend Mr. Musgrave this deliver October the 16. 1650. Dear friend UPon after thoughts I am bold to acquaint you further with M. Craistours dealing and my friends I being at New-Castle by order from the Commissioners for the Ministry and knowing M. Craistours resolution to out me I delivered a Letter that I received from Major Bird Captain Cave and other Officers who writ in my behalf to a friend of theirs and mine Lieutenant Colonel Hobson by name which Letter when he read and spake with me did go presently to M. Craistour and others and spake in my behalf to him who promised him to do for me according to his desire which was to establish me in the place I was placed in by the Order you have to show and I speaking with M. Craistour my self he appeared very loving and said I should that day be called and he would be my friend my friends and my self believing him conceived all to be as he pretended and did rest contented till that day was past and at night he meeting with Lieutenant Colonel Hobson told him he had accomplished his desire in behalf of his friend which was my self upon his word the Lieutenant Colonel sent a Letter to Major Bird and other Officers that my fiend sayeth he and yours is established in his place But all this appeared to be meer dissembling onely to hinder my friends to speak for me till he did get an order to out me without any charge against me and Sequestred the means whether this be just and righteous dealing I shall desire all un-by-assed to Judge and since he and the rest have had the Retorie in their hands there hath not a Sermon been preached by their appointment And I would have preached to the people though nothing I asked for my pains yet M. Craistour said it was not fit for me to preach saying I was a private man because the hands of the Presbytery were not laid on me upon order I left the place five weeks the Clergy read to the people by the Commissioners appointment as he saith but after five weeks seeing their condition and hearing them complain to me I have preached to them these six weeks for nothing but now I am going with the Army into Scotland M. Howldsworth an Enemy to the State was indeavoured to be put in the place by Comissary Sewel but the people would not accept of him I could acquaint you with much more of this and the like but I rest Yours W. Lampit I have preached this 20. years and was both Minister and Governour in Lunde Island and was never excepted against by the Army or real friends to it or the State W. L. To his much respected friend Mr. JOHN MUSGRAVE Mr. Bywater Chapline to the Governour of Carlile a man of good report writes to me this following Letter in approbation of what Mr. Lampit had writ and M. Craisters unchristian dealing with him Noble Sir Mr. MAjor meaning M. Craister quondam Captain did as I am in formed chearfully bear Arms for the King in Carlile yea bought Arms with his own mony after this he faced about to the Parl. party and being imprisoned by the Royallists for it by-and-by he recants the premises considered for when Duke Hamilton appeared before Carlile offering him release upon these tearms viz In case he would joyn with him and the Presbyterian party against England upon the last invasion it is reported that he manifested willingnesse to receive freedom upon these tearms for since he hath acted in that stream with a high hand by countenancing such as are extream enemies to this present power * speaking words of division in the Parliaments Garrison though he himself had Commission there Nay As Mr. Baldwin who utteâ—…ed in the faâ—… of the Regiment strangâ— expressions tending to strife and divâ—sion his whole current was for the Scottish Interest with the English Parliament for he kept his Commission there and received the sweet of it till he with others were designed against Scotland but then layes it down under this specious pretence that he could not in conscience receive any more mony from the State in that he could not or had not done them any service because of his Majoralty but all this while nothing said of making restitution he was a friend to the Scottish Minister
double least perpetual or sole domination might be motives to usurpation These we mention not that we conceive you are ignorant thereof but that in them we behold how our good God in all ages and times hath punisht and dealt with Tyrants and oppressours and his mercifull dispensations towards and the many favours and temporal blessings he hath bestowed on good Princes and Governours though Infidels and Aliens from the faith of our Lord Jesus And seeing the Lord of heaven and earth by your Councels hath thrown down the strong men of Babel and removed those who by new Councels would again have set up our old Task-masters in a more specious but far more dangerous and destructive way then the common Enemy ever projected even to be done by a Parliament This Nation having received so great benefit by your Councels we are humbly bold to make our addresses unto you for relief having affayed all other known wayes and means We under God do repose the hope and remedy of our afflictions and redresse of our grievances in the Justice and bounty of this Honourable Councel in which respect as well on the behalf of our poor Countrey as our selves we begge and intreate you to cast your eyes of mercy upon our afflictions to cure our griefs and redresse our grievances with timely and seasonable remedies agreeable with your wisdom and Justice We never were Refractory to your Commands we hold that belonging to our duty and fidelity which depends upon your Authority or respects your security We beseech you let our tears the true demonstration of our sorrow induce you to defend us against the oppressions of those who by Oath and action joyned with the Enemy while he had strength against you and now in a more secret way labour to weaken you and again set up the Enemy by ruining your friends and oppressing the Countrey We hope our necessities and poverties will not make you lesse willing to hear our complaints do us Justice for he gives a grievous sentence against the State of mans mortality that denieth compassion to men in misery and your Honour and Justice makes us assured that you will not reject us because that we are men afflicted it being not onely piety but good pollicy to minister succours to men in neceslities and to relieve such as suffer and expect it your glorie being more to relieve the oppressed then to conquer our Enemies for as the one is just and necessary for your security so the other is an high Act of charity and Justice and thereby you become Masters of affections We will therefore with all humility present to your view a short Narrative of our State and condition and clearly demonstrate unto this Honourable Councel how the Authorities of those Counties are put into the hands of the known and professed Enemies of this State and Common-wealth by whom we are as much oppressed and kept under as ever we were formerly under the Enemy In the beginning of this war the Justices of the Peace Commissioners of the Array in Cumberland Westmerland the more easily to deceive or affright the people caused all such as they suspected to favour the Parliament and their proceedings to be imprisoned indicted or bound to the good behaviour For not coming to Church Common-prayer either upon the * statute 23. Eliz. or for refusing the Oath of Supremacy the Earle of New-Castles Oath or for not taking up Arms with them Of whom first imprisoned were John Musgrave and Captain Richard Crackenthorp by whose boldnesse and constancy in bonds and sufferings Mr. Osmotherley with 2000. men in Cumberland declared against the Commissioners of Array associated themselves together and for half a year could not be reduced under the Commission of Array till by the treachery of Sir Wilfrid Lawson they were delivered up into the Enemies hands and then Lawson used great cruelty against such as were for the Parliament there And that the Enemy might uphold their interest the better in case the Parliament prevailed by agreement and combination Sr. Wilfrid Lawson with the new Committee seemed to disaffect the Kings party for which they were confined to their Chambers but it was meer dissimulation for after few dayes they were the men in favour and great promoters of men and money for the Enemy and cruel persecutours of the Parliaments friends Upon the reducement of Cumberland to obedience of Parliament Sir Wilfrid Lawson procured himself to be made Commander in chief over the Forces raised there by which he and the Committee protected the Delinquents and more oppressed the Countrey then ever the Enemy did the better to colour their doings the whole Committee being Delinquents and of the Enemies faction procured an Order from the Commissioners of Parliament to suspend all Sequestrations which was done accordingly in the mean time raising great sums by way of Loan without order or Ordinance of Parliament besides all other Taxes whereby they made the commonalty like disaffected as themselves And to prevent any of the Parliaments friends from having any Authorities there it was upon private and serious debate resolved betwixt them and the Parliaments Commissioners that such as had acted or suffered for the Parliament being called Independents should not be any wayes trusted or imployed two Moneths after the County was reduced and the Commissioners of Parliament gone thence the Committee underhand incouraged the Papists and the Countrey to take up Arms to raise the siedge of Carlile and furnished the Enemy within Carlile with all manner of provision and the Countrey people with shot and pouder upon their declaring against the Parliament That all Officers under Sr. Wilfrid Lawson were professed and sworn Enemies to the Parliament and had been Officers and Captains before for the Kings party Sr. Wilfrid Lawson had from Sr. Philip Musgrave 20. Horse to protect which he returned to him again a little before Sr. Philip Musgrave did rise last against the Parliament Of all which the well affected complained to the Parliament but their Agents through the countenance of some in Parliament were cast into prison whereupon the well-affected sent their Petition to the Parliament for releasing their Agents and redresse of their grievances but could never to this day get the same presented The Committee sent complains to the Parliament how the number of Independents and Sectaries increased thereby to make easier way for the Enemy the Lord Digbies coming into those parts upon whose coming Lawson deserted the Countrey and made no resistance After the Kings coming to New-Castle into the Scots Army Lawson went to kisse the Kings hand and then he and the Scots confederated together whom before he seemed to oppose to suppresse the Armies friends and indicted sixteen at one Sessions for not coming to the book of Common-prayer and others they fined for refusing to swear upon a book and others they committed That Sr. Wilfrid Lawson being summoned to appear before the Committee of Indemnity to answer
taken into like consideration 6. That John Musgrave for his discovery of concealed Delinquents in Cumberland and his attendance upon the Committee of Lords and Commons for sequestrations may be taken into consideration 7. That a way may be provided that the grievances of our Northern Counties the oppressions of the Justices of peace Committees there may be removed and such as have unjustly suffered by them may be repaired to the end we may not be constrained after 300. miles travell hither to consume the little that is left us by the adversary in a fruitless and chargeable attendance for moneths and years as for these 8. years and more we have done upon such men as will not nor ever did present a Petition for us themselves for the most part having by some irregular way undue election by the votes of Malignants or Letters of some petty Tyrants or Lord being returned Knights and Burgesses for our Counties JOHN MVSGRAVE This following Letter I writ to my Lord President who thereupon sent for me and shortly after procured me audience before the Conncel of State upon reading my Remonstrance which I at the request of some friends have published as in thankfulness to his Lordship so to satisfie and inform friends how and for what Interest I have ever acted and suffered My Lord SInce my Letter to you by Mr. Rumsey of the 18. of the first moneth I did forbear any wayes to be troublesome unto you neither would I now if I could have found a door open unto me for justice which hitherto as to me and my suffering friends hath been altogether shut up And now I am constrained as the most probable means to attain my wished desires to make my supplication to you and though I could not in spirit go along with you in your last actings towards the late King by the reason of the many oaths and engagements made and taken on his behalf yet I have ever held it my duty to submit without resistance to such Powers and Authorities as the Lord of Heaven in his wayes shall set over us accirding to the Apostles Rule Rom. 13.1.2 Yet I cannot but put the Lords on earth in mind how the same Apostle saith in the same place that Rulers ought not to be a terrour to good works but to the evil But while oppression and injustice in any is either connived at or past by upon complaint unpunished the wicked growe bold by their impunity and the Magistracy becomes a terrour and the Law no other then a snare to all honest men My Request to you now is neither for place nor promotion though these be due to deserving men as the rewards of vertue Therefore I shall never envy nor upbrayde any upon whom the same are conferred by a State or other but give me leave to tell you while the poor are neglected the oppressed unrelieved and justice not done freely in your gates that is openly and not in Chambers security or comfort you cannot long have in the enjoyment of them I have wearied and wasted my self ever since the Parl first sate down in seeking to remove oppressors from their Seats and gaining justice for poor people but never to this present day could I bring my purpose to passe for which I blame not the Parliament but such as sit there in right of our Countrey who only mind themselves and do their own work regardless of us and our Countrey For by fitting there they become great purchasers of Lands and Mannours fare Dives like while we at home are spoiled of all and here disreregarded Lazarous-like lies at their doors begging for justice but never yet could taste the least of their Crums so as from them I am hopeless ever to obtain any good If I had been a Solicitor or Agent for Cavaliers at Goldsmiths-Hall to the Committee of Sequestrations or to the Parliament I might have got Wealth and had the countenance of the great ones and found ready dispatch of business I know one poor Solicitor that way hath gained 2. or 3000 l. at the least But I agitating for a poor plundered People could never gain the favour as the reading of a Petition Mr. Allen hath had poor Widow Blaythwaits Petition one whom you sometimes owned and did good to in his hand near 3. years yet could never find opportunity to present it he held me in hand more then a year he would present mine and Captain Crakanthorps Petition but in the close finding no real dealing with him glad I was to take it from him by no hand could I get access unto justice When I came the other day to present my Petition to the Councel of State I desired * A Member of the Councel of State Mr. Scot to bring it in before you he told me it was not proper for you before he read or knew the Contents of it If I had told him some prety story of some hidden treasure I should then have had ready admittance and well rewarded but while he Dog-like snatcht at the shadow he lost the Gold in his hand Let all such covetous wretches be so served I forbear to particularize it is a story fitter for Pasquile or Tarleton then your graviry I remember when the Earl of Strafford came first President to York and for sundry years after the same being the usual Custome of the Kings learned Councel there every day after dinner for an houre and a half before he went to Court or entered upon any other business of state suiters by turns were called in their Petitions read being before received from them of course by the Clarke of the Petitions there being two that attended every other week for that purpose who had their diet and a constant salary for that purpose so as the reference and attendance to the suitors was no way chargeable none being necessitated to wait for answer longer then two days at the most a good president for you and the Councel of State to follow By which doings for sundry years he kept the North free from oppressions and mightily gained upon the affections of the people The which when he gave over and begun to be proud and covetous his Table became a snare to him and his glory departed and soon after followed the down-fall of him and that Court and how he was after prosecuted with the envy of the people his tryal and death is enough to mention Vpon his tryal I was by the Lord Whitlock brought before the Lords in Parliament and presented to them as a ruinated Gentleman by him without me it was then said they could not have made forth any considerable thing against him of his illegal regal actings in the North then I had the plaudite and thanks not only of that Committee but of many other eminent Members of the House with many and large though then undesired promises to procure me justice and do great matters for which service I was committed by Justice Dikes