of her friends and others that she might be out of her pain she was cut down put into a Coffin and brought to a House to be dissected before some Physitians When they opened the Coffin they perceived a ratling in her throat a Fellow standing by stamped upon her breast and belly yet Doctor Petty and two or three more then present fell speedily to use some means to bring her to life and opened a vein laid her in a warm bed procured a woman to go into bed to her and continued the use of divers other remedies having respect to her sencelessness head throat and breast so that in a few hours she spake the next day talked and coughed very heartily and in short space perfectly recovered Upon which first her reprieve and then her pardon was procured After this she as upon the Gallows still insisted upon her innocency and integrity in relation to the fact for which she was condemned And indeed this was looked upon as a speciall providence of God thus to deliver her who in the judgements of those that understood the businesse was deemed guiltlesse Herein did the hand of God wonderfully appear in detecting the unadvised actings of men and in shewing us the danger we are in when we are swayed either by passion or prejudice against the meanest of his Creatures The Parliament weighing how prone the people were to adore the shadow of the late King though the substance was destroyed caused his Statue that was set up at the West end of the Cathedrall of St. Pauls to be pulled down and that also in the Royall Exchange over which they caused to be wrote this Motto Exit Tyrannus Regum Vltimus Anno Libertatis Angliae restitutae Primo Anno Domini 1648. January 30. They likewise caused that badge of Monarchy the Kings Arms to be defaced and expunged out of all Churches Chappels and places of publick worship and Courts of Judicature throughout their Dominions and this indeed was a means to make the giddy people forget the Garlick and Onyons of Egypt they much hankered after And to adde a more splendid lustre to their strength and greatnesse they were highly courted by Embassadors from the Neighbouring Nations viz. Holland Spain and Portugall yet the crafty Hollander held at a distance as rather willing the prosperity of the Royall party then heartily desiring or effectually endeavouring a peace with them The Spaniard as he had better ends so had he better successe though in all his addresses he was still reminded of his suspending and delaying the execution of justice upon the Assassinates of the English Resident at Madrid since which time till now the controversie between the King and Church about that businesse hath been in debate The Portugall Embassador after audience had before a Committee of Parliament The Portugal Ambassadour dismist home and several applications unto them not being fully impowered to give a plenary satisfaction to the State for their vast expences and to the Merchants for their great losses all occasioned by them was at length dismist Embassadors extraordinary were sent from the Parliament of England to the States of the United Provinces English Ambassadors are sent into Holland their Names were Oliver St. John and Walter Strickland men of singular parts and of approved integrity who in gallant Equipage with a magnificent train of followers set sail from the Downs March 11. 1651. On the 12. towards Evening they came to anchor before Hellevoit slugs but not without some danger On the 13. they went in Boats to Roterdam being met with Vessels from the States then by the English Merchants were conducted to the English house and nobly entertained During their stay there the Spanish Embassador sent a Gentleman to congratulate their safe Arrivall and to desire there might be a fair correspondency and right understanding between their Lordships and him About two or three dayes after they set forward for the Hague where by the way the Master of the Ceremonies with about thirtie Coaches met them and entertained them with some Complements and conducted them to a House at the Hague prepared for their reception where they were feasted three dayes by the States and then had audience they have audience where the Lord St. John made a Learned and Eloquent Speech in the English tongue and then delivered a Copy thereof in Dutch and English the heads whereof were in effect as follows That they were sent over to the High and Mighty States of the Netherlands from the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England to make a firm League and Confederacy between the two Republiques if they think fit to accept thereof notwithstanding the many injuries the English have sustain'd from the Dutch Nation Secondly To renew and confirm those former Treaties and Agreements of trade and commerce made between the two Nations Thirdly He shewed them the notable advantages of England in respect of the pleasant and commodious situation thereof for the advancement of trade and all other accommodations Lastly He told them he was commanded by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England to let their Lordships know how highly they resented the Execrable murther of Dr. Dorislaus their Agent and that he doubted not but that their Lordships would use their utmost care and industry in causing a strict and diligent search to be made after the Authors thereof After which the States being acquainted with the many affronts the Ambassadors Gentlemen and others their attendants had received from English Cavaliers and other ruffians drew up a Proclamation and sent it to the Ambassadors by the Lord Catz to know whether they judged it full enough the contents whereof was to forbid all manner of persons whatsoever from giving any affront either in word or deed to any of the Ambassadors retinue upon pain of corporal punishment Three â—moneths was now spent in this tedious and costly Embassie and nothing obtained save affronts and abuses of all kinds and the Sword of Justice not drawn in their behalfe against any one of that riotous rabble that so frequently swarmed at the Ambassadors gates assaulting their servants and reviling their persons of which injuries the Parliament being deeply sensible and wearied with expectation of what fruits this Treaty would produce resolved that seeing all their Proposals and endeavours for a lasting and well grounded Peace were answered with dilatory shifts and evasions on purpose to gain time upon the English till they saw on which side the chance of war in Scotland would fall to call home their Ambassadors which sudden and unexpected news did so surprize the Hoghen Mogens that they courted them with frequent and unusuall visits and with a multitude of feigned expressions laboured to beget a good opinion in the English of the reality of their intentions towards an amicable compliance with this Nation notwithstanding all which the Ambassadors soon after return into England They return into England infectapace That which gave
66 bundles of Bandileers 200 Swords 200 new Halberts 300 new Pikes and two load of Match That which was done the remaining part of this Moneth was chiefly to beget a right understanding and compliance with those that dissented from the King and Kirk viz. Col. Kerre and Straughan and their adherents for which purpose Gen. Cromwell sent Commis Gen. Whaley with his own and another Regiment towards them in the mean while the Fortifications at Lieth and the mining at Edenburgh went on prosperously Then Gen. Cromwell with the residue of the Army marched towards Glasco but finding there little encouragement for longer stay they quickly returned and in their way Garrisoned two strong Houses both to enlarge their Quarters and to prevent the Mosse-Troopers from securing themselves there Let the Reader now judge what a dysasterous condition this People was in that when an enemy was in the very heart of the Country there should be so many distractions and civill discords among themselves even to the killing and slaying one another One Party in the North was for the King without the Kirk another Party in the West was for the Kirk without the King a third was for King and Kirk and these were they then at Sterling that bore the greatest sway viz. The Committee of Estates and Generall Assemblie all these had their swords drawn one against the other When things were at this passe Gen. Cromwell sent a Letter to the Committee of Estates and another of the same to Col. Kerre and Straughan much like the former and produced like effect Commis Gen. Whaley that was sent with a party towards Kerre and Straughan accosted them first with a Letter declaring That it was not unknown what Amicable wayes they had used to avoid the effusion of Christian bloud before and since they came into Scotland which though hitherto had been ineffectual yet they should endeavour the same Shewing further that their Arms were still stretcht out ready to embrace them whenever God should incline them to come in and that they sought not domination over them to enslave them nor to depresse their Kirk-Government neither that they sought their Goods or Estates but to carry on the Lords work And that if they would still be blinded and persist in gainsaying and opposing then what further misery befell their Nation by Famine or Sword would lie heavy on them This Letter though savouring so much of integrity and ingenuity met with nothing of like nature from their Adversaries notwithstanding their pretended desire of hearkning to an accommodation For within short a space after Col. Kerre sent a Letter to Commiss Gen. Whaley then at Carlisle which being contracted speaks after this sort That though they were not in a capacity against the unjust invasion of the English yet were they in a capacity to suffer and should submit to Gods will either by doing or suffering until the time of their deliverance come and that if it were their happinesse to perish in their duty it would be a sufficient mercy to them and when the persecution had arrived to its height their captivity should be returned adding that he thought it strange the English should talk of a cessation even while they were captivating their poor people assaulting their Garrisons apprehending their godly Ministers tearing them from their holy callings and from their holy sighing flocks concluding that the departure of the English out of that Kingdome and then desiring a Christian Treaty or conference with them would be a favour and mercy equally as great to the one as the other These were the effects of that I will not say misguided zeal by which these men were acted About the latter end of this Moneth the Prince of Orange departed this life Prince of Orange dies who so lately had put a hook into the Nostrils and a Bridle into the mouths of the high and mighty States and in him the Scots King lost the great interest he had in those parts whom though the States for his late Actions when he was living hated yet when dead they lamented The Princesse is delivered of a Son About ten dayes after this the Princesse of Orange was delivered of a Son which did in part mitigate the grief that was conceived for the death of the Prince Now seeing the Scots still slighted all the wayes and means of a friendly compliance as appeared by another Letter from Coll. Kerre to Commiss Gen. Whaley wherein he advises them â—o stand upon his Guard and expect no further Overtures the English set upon new undertakings and by a party of Horse under Major Brown took in a strong place called Dalhouse and in it filtie Muskets fistie Pikes four Barrels of Pouder some store of Provisions and Provender this was a supposed Harbour for those villanous people the Mosse-Troopers who murthered divers English men stragling or going for Provisions they likewise surprised a party of Mosse-Troopers in Darlington Castle some of which were shot presently upon the place Then advanced Col. Monk with a party of Horse and Foot to reduce Roselane Castle seven miles from Edinburrough which when he had sent in some Granadoes among them was yeelded upon mercy Major Gen. Lambert presently after with a party of 2000 Horse marched towards Dumfreez Coll. Kerre being then about Peebles Commiss Gen. Whaley in his march towards the enemy took in Dalkeith Castle with a threatning Summons where was store of Arms Ordnance Pouder Match and Bullet 〈◊〉 the wall of it was thirteen foot broad at the top Now Coll. Lambert having not without some difficultie got over Hambleton River quartered there that night Coll. Kerre having notice thereof early next morning resolved to beat up their Quarters and fall in upon them and so to surprize the Major Generall all which he attempted with courage but the English having a timely Alarme Col. Kers party defeated and himself taken prisoner on a sudden encompassed most of the enemies Horse of whom they killed 100 and took 100 they took likewise 400 Horse and Furniture forsook of the Riders and pursued the rest as farre as Ayre in which pursuit Collonel Kerre himselfe was wounded and taken with his Capt. Lievt Lievtenant Collonell and Straughans Major Colonell Straughan came in to Major General Lambert c. Collonell Straughan Capt. Giffin with some others of the dissenters in the West came then in to the Major General who brought them all forthwith to the Head-Quarters at Edenburgh December The English having raised a Battery planted their morter-peece and great Canon against Edenburgh Castle and begun to play the Enemy hung out a Flag of defiance in contempt thereof but they had not plaid long ere they took it in whereby it was conceived some notable execution was done by four or five shels that fell among them and forthwith put out a white Flag on the top of the Castle and sent forth a Drummer offering to surrender if they might have leave to
reason of that so sudden approach and to desire him to retreat with his Army who returned answer that he could do nothing till he heard from the Prince of Orange yet a little after he thought fit to quit his station and retire yet the Deputies of Holland being fast in the Castle of Lovenstaine the Prince of Orange had the advantage of makeing his own conditions which were these 1. That the Town of Amsterdam shall agree with the other six Provinces for continuing the Militia as it is now setled for four or five years 2. That the Prince shall repair to their City at pleasure and be received upon his entry with all respect and reverence as was used in times past to his predecessors Lievtenants of Holland and have access into their Assemblies 3. That the Lords of Amsterdam shall at the next Assembly of the States use their utmost endeavours to allay all jealousies and to reconcile differences in reference to the late action and bury all in oblivion 4. That the Lords Andrew and Cornelius Bicher shall forthwith be removed from Government with respect had to their good Names Integrity and future Security and if after they have had conference with his Highnesse the Prince of Orange he shall persist in his opinion touching them that then they shall be rendred uncapable of any Government hereafter Now though by this means he brought the States under his Lure and subjugated them to his humour yet this was not the prize he run for his greatest hopes and highest thoughts being fixed on that inexhaustible treasure then in the bank at Amsterdam with which he might not only have raised his declining state but also mount to an absolute degree of Soveraignty and Supremacy over that people and likewise might have contributed much towards the repairing the despicable and needy fortunes of his Brother in Law the Scots King to the troubling and disquieting the peace and tranquillity of these three Nations to all which it pleased God of his goodnesse to give a check The State of France had likewise a plentifull share in those incumbrances and common calamities that are incident to Nations and people by reason of forrein and domestique broyls The present Cardinall Mazarine was lookt upon as the very efficient cause of all their civill discords and the only ey-soar of that miserable people not much unlike the late blazing Star of Canterbury in England both Church-men and yet both Statesmen of like interest with their King and of like power over the people both alike emulated by the Nobility for their Greatnesse and of the Commonalty for their grievances But like Fate hath not befell them For this Cardinall is neither out of favour with his Prince nor is he fallen into the hands of the people for though they have often shewed their teeth it hath never been in their power to bite For during the minority of the present King of France Lewis the 14. the sole management of State affairs hath been in the hands of the Queen Regent and her beloved Favourite Cardinall Mazarine at which after some years forbearance the chief of the Nobility uttered their discontents both publickly and privately whereupon three of them were arrested and sent to prison viz. Lewis de Bourbon Prince of Conde Armant de Bourbon Prince of Conti and the Duke of Longueville this administred fresh occasion to the people to breath out their discontents those of Burdeaux against the Duke of Espernon more especially but all against the Cardinal So that on a sudden the whole Kingdome was inflamed with civill warres and the appurtenances thereunto unto belonging The principal promoters of and actors in those tumults were two famous Amazones the Princesse of Conde and the Dutchesse of Longueville in behalf of their imprisoned husbands Many others of quality appeared also in their behalf and to make themselves the more formidable contracted an underhand bargain with the Spaniard who greedy to fish in such troubled waters supplyed them with considerable summes of money The Parliaments of Burdeaux Paris Dijon Tholouse c. countenanced these designs in opposition to the Cardinall and his creatures So that in short space Armies were raised on both sides Towns garrison'd taken and re-taken many mens lives lost and the Countrey prey'd upon by all parties The Spaniard being not only a fomenter of but an actor in these portentous divisions for by this means he had the opportunity to march to and fro in that Nation without any considerable opposition taking Garrisons and wasting the Countrey at his pleasure These Insurrections after many ebbings and flowings strange Revolutions and transmigrations too tedious here to insert at length produced the liberty of the Princes the withdrawing the Duke of Espernon from Bourdeaux the banishing the Cardinall with all his kindred and si lends from the Court and Kingdome yet was he longer banishing then banished for it was not many moneths ere he returned in great pomp and glory to the extreame grief of his old malecontents and competitors the Prince of Conde the Duke of Orleance and others as appears by the present troubles wherewith that servile people is yet afflicted where praying for their deliverance I shall leave them and return to the more proper subject of this discourse viz. the English affairs in Scotland The moneth of August was neeâ— done and little action performed save the taking of Collington house and Readhall by storm and in it the Lord Hamilton Major Hamilton and sixtie Souldiers 60. Barrels of Pouder 100 Arms great store of Meal Malt Beer Wine and other rich plunder This was done on the 24 of Aug. 1650. The body of the English Army removed forthwith from Pencland Hills to Collington Readhall and other parts within a mile of the whole Army of the Scots on the 27 th both Armies marched side by side a great bog only betwixt them which hindred an engagement yet the Great Guns plaid on both sides Aug. 28. the Canon from the English Camp plaid hard upon the Enemy and greatly annoyed them all which provoked them not to fight but still they kept within the protection of the Bog The English being in some want of Provisions drew off to to their old Quarters at Pencland Hills then with much difficulty to Musâ—leborough to recruit which done they drew off their Forces quitted their Garrisons and marched to Haddington the Scots attending on their right wing fell into their Quarters with a râ—solute Party and were as valiantly repuls'd by a Regiment of Foot commanded by Coll. Fairfax Septemb. 1. The Scots being so advantagiously drawn up at the west end of the Town the English drew Eastward into fair and champion ground fit for both Armies ro engage in but finding after severall hours expectation of the enemies approach that they would not move after them but to dog them to advantages they marched towards Dunbar whither the Scots moved apace after them and at a Pass endeavoured to fall upon the rear
further cause of jealousie to the English that the Dutch plaid an underhand game with them was because Admirall Van-Trump with a Fleet of Ships lay hovering upon the Coasts of Scilly as though he would make an hostile attempt upon that place but it being demanded of the States of Holland what was the design of their Fleet in riding so neer that Island It was answered that they had no other design therein but to demand restitution of such Ships and Goods as the Pirates thereof had taken from their People with which answer the Parliament were somewhat satisfied but not to trust them too far speedy order was taken for reducing the same into their own hands Accordingly on the 18. th of April The Islands of Scilly reduced 1651. Gen. Blake with the addition of a squadron of Ships commanded by Sr. George Aiscue that were designed for reducing of the Carybe Islands set sail and landed 300 Seamen besides Landmen upon the Isle The Seamen with much resolution courage and gallantry led the Van and easily made way for the rest so that they soon became masters of the Islands of Tresco and Briers took therein 150 Prisoners and slew about twenty they took also two considerable Frigots the one of 18 the other of 32 Guns they likewise became Masters of the best Harbour belonging to those Islands Hence the enemy fled to St. Maries their chief place of strength which in short time was surrendred As to the exceeding great strength and commodious situation of these Islands I need not say much for who so knowes those parts or hath observed the Card will see what a necessity there was of reducing the same and what a seasonable mercy God was pleased to crown their endeavours withall that they should gain so considerable a place as that being fortified both by Nature and Art without the losse of ten men from first to last Upon mis-information of the state of Cornet Castle in the Isle of Guernsey Corner Castle in Guernsey assaulted but in vain that then held out for the Royall party a considerable number of Foot with Ladders and all things necessary gave an onset but whereas it was reported and beleeved that there was but fortie men in the Castle and eighteen of them unable for service it appeared afterwards that there were sixtie able men therein enough to keep it against a far greater number then was before it so that their Ladders were beaten down and broken with stones timber and â—ase-shot from the flankers and many of the Souldiers both slain and wounded insomuch that it proved a work â—oo hot for the assailants nor was â—here more safety in getting off one or two Boats full of men being sunk by hot from the Castle but how badly soever the businesse succeeded the Souldiers were not in the least wanting in their duties There was executed at Towerhill one that had been a notorious stickler for the Royall party by Sea and Land Brown Bushell beheaded at Towerhill for severall crimes of bloud and treachery acted by him while he was in the service of the Parliament and after his revolt known by the Name of Brown Bushell And now once more let us advance Northward Blacknesse taken by the English and observe the motions of the two Armies The English desirous to gain upon their Adversaries as much as consisted with policy and their own safety with a commanded party under Col. Monk set down before Blacknesse that had much annoyed their Quarters by sheltring loose rogues and otherwise After the batteries were made and some shot spent at it they desired Quarter which considering the strength of the place was granted and the place sorthwith yeelded Oâ— the other side the Scots begun to bâ— both powerfull and numerous to thâ— eye For notwithstanding the many parties and Factions Strifes Aemulations Contentions Divisions Subdivisions Excommunications c. they peec't up an agreement such as it was to the seeming satisfaction of all the dissenters And now they joyn against the common Enemy having their greatest hopes wrapt up in a most notable design and confederacy hatcht by the Royall Covenanters of England and Scotland whereby a generall rising in the County of Lancaster and parts adjacent was contrived who by joyning with a considerable force from Scotland should have been able to confront the greatest power the Parliament then had and this plot had its rise and progresse from the Clergy those feudatories of Rebellion and Treason but by Gods Providence was seasonably discovered the Grand Agent hereof was Thomas Cook of Grayes Inne Esquire who was apprehended and carryed before the Councell of State at White-Hall whence he made his escape but in few dayes after was retaken at a House in the Strand Next discovery was by means of a Ship bound from the North of Scotland to the Isle of Man which by contrary winds was driven into Ayre and there secured and searcht wherein were found many notable Papers giving further light into the businesse Not long after this a Party of Horse and Dragoons marched to Grenock neer Dunbarton where they seized Mr. Birkenhead another Agent for the Royal designs about whom they found such Letters Commissions and Instructions that therein their whole plot was discovered Upon which the Parliament ordered that a considerable body of Horse and Foot should march Northward under the command of Major Generall Harrison both to prevent insurrections and likewise to oppose the Enemy if they should make an inrode by the way of Garlisle At London was under question the most eminent actors in and contributors to the Plot aforesaid viz. Mr. Christopher Love Major Alford Major Adams Col. Barton Mr. Blackmore Mr. Case Mr. Cauton Dr. Drake Mr. Drake Capt. Farr Mr. Gibbons Mr. Haviland Major Huntington Mr. Jenkings Mr. Jaquel Mr. Jackson Lievt Col. Jackson Capt. Mussey Mr. Nalton Capt. Potter Mr. Robinson Mr. Sterks Col. Sowton Col. Vauhan and others of all which there suffered only two Mr. Love and Mr. Gibbons executed viz. Mr. Love and Mr. Gibbons Now Mr. Love although by many circumlocutions sleights and evasions he strived to clear himself yet besides the witnesses of his own party that testified against him he was everted out of his own Narrative as also out of the severall Petitions presented by him to the Parliament in his own behalf after he was condemned which did but procure him a short respit from death for on the 22. of August 1651. he with Mr. Gibbons aforesaid were beheaded on Tower-hill the rest upon their humble Petitions and acknowledgements of their crimes were releast and pardoned And high time it was that such an exemplary piece of justice should be inflicted upon the proud and obdurate Clergy who till then thought themselves out of the reach of Magistratical power and that their Function might cloak their actions but let them know that Magistracy is an Ordinance of God as well as Ministry for there is no power but of
â—f striking his top-sayl hung out a â—ed Flag which was the signall for â—is whole Fleet and gave Gen. Blake 〈◊〉 broad-side this was the manner of â—he beginning of that Fight which hath â—aused so much trouble to the two Commonwealths the continuance was â—or about four hours untill night parâ—ed them in which fight one of the â—utch Ships was sunk and another of â—o Guns taken with the Captains of â—oth and about 150 Prisoners of the English there were about ten slâ—â— and fortie wounded the English Aâ—â—mirall received much hurt in her Maâ—â— Sails and Rigging many shot wâ—â— likewise placed in her Hull and tâ—â— hurt that was done to the rest of tâ—â— Fleet was not considerable This attempt of the Dutch whâ—â— they were upon a Treaty did so iâ—cense the Parliament that notwithstanding all the addresses and overtuâ—â— of their Ambassadours and the comiâ—â— over of two more they could not aâ—â— pease them without satisfaction for thâ— injury Although in severall Papers put 〈◊〉 to the Councell of State they labour to excuse the same alledging That the unhappy Fight between the Shâ—â— of both Commonwealths The Apology of the Dutch Ambassadours for the late affront offered to the English in the Downs did happen withâ— the knowledge and against the wills of 〈◊〉 Lords States Generall of the Netherland taking God the searcher of mens hearts witnesse the same and that by Letters aâ—â— Messages they were dayly assured of the sâ—â—cerity of their said Lords and that with grâ—â— and astonishment they received the satâ—â— News of that unhappy rash action aâ— thereupon fell into consultatation about a râ—medy to mitigate that raw and bloudy wound â—â—d to that end had appointed a solemn meetâ—â—g of all the Provinces whereby they doubtâ—â— not but by Gods favour such present cure 〈◊〉 these troubles may be wrought whereby â—â—t only the outward cause of all further eâ—lls may be taken away but also by an inâ—â—ne comfort the minds may be redressed â—nd reduced again to a better hope of the â—reaty in hand and that this thing was most â—rnestly agitated by their Lords for the comâ—on good of both Nations to shun the detestaâ—le shedding of Christian bloud so much â—â—sired by the enemies of both Nations â—hey therefore erave and beseech this Honorâ—ble Councell by the pledges of common Reâ—gion and Liberty to suffer nothing to be â—one out of too much heat that afterwards â—â—ay prove neither revocable nor repairable â—â—y too late idle vows and wishes but that â—hey might without delay receive a kind Answer which they desire so much the more â—ecause the Ships of their Lords and Shipâ—ers as well in the broad Sea as in the Ports â—â—f this Commonwealth some by force and some â—â—y fighting are kept Unto which the Parliament replyâ—d That calling to mind with what contâ—nued demonstrations of friendship The Parliaments Answer to and resolution thereupon they havâ— demeaned themselves towards their Neighbours of the united Provinces from the beginning of their intestine troubles omitting nothing that might tend to a good correspondency with them do find themselves mucâ— surprized with the uNsuitable returns thaâ— have been made thereunto and especially aâ— the Acts of Hostility lately committed in thâ— very roads of England upon the Ships oâ— this Commonwealth Vpon consideration oâ— all which and of the severall Papers delivered by the Ambassadors into the Councelâ— of State they further answered That as they would be willing to make a charitable construction of the expressions in the said Papers endeavouring to represent the late Engagement of the Fleets to have hapned without the Knowledge and against the Mind of their Superiors So when they consider how disagreeable to that Profession the Revolutions and Actions of your State and their Ministers at Sea have been in the midst of a Treaty offered by themselves and managed here by their Ambassadours the extraordinary preparations of an hundred and fiftie saile of Ships without any visible occasion and the Instructions themselves given by the States to their Commanders at Sea too much cause is found to beleeve that the Lords the States Generall of the united Provinces have an intention by force to usurp the known Right of England in the Seas to destroy the Fleets that are under God their Walls and Bulwarks and thereby to expose this Commonwealth to Invasion at their pleasure as by their late Action they have attempted to do Whereupon the Parliament conceive themselves obliged to endeavour with Gods assistance as they shall have opportunity to seek Reparation of the wrongs already suffered and Security that the like be not attempted for the future Neverthelesse with this mind and desire that all differences betwixt the Nations may if possibly be friendly and peaceably compoled as God shall open a way by his providence thereunto and circumstances shall be conducing to render such endeavours lesse dilatory and more effectuall then those of this kind heretofore usually have been This short and smart answer contained yet something in it that tended to a possibility of an accommodation yet all the severall conferences and debates about this businesse came to nothing but broke quite off The Dutch Ambassadours have audience and depart and in short space after the Ambassadors had audience in Parliament took their leaves and departed And now these two mighty States prepare to offend each other and accordingly Gen. Blake the English Admirall with a gallant and resolute Fleet of ships advances Northward towards the Isles of Orkney to seize upon and hinder all such as they should find fishing on those coasts where he took 12 Dutch men of Warre guarding their Busses but most of the Busses were let go Sir George Ayscue with his Squadron of Ships being left to guard the narrow Sea The Fight between the Dutch and English Fleets neer Plimouth discovered a Fleet of Flemings between Dover and Calice being about 30 of which 10 were taken and burnt the rest ran ashoar on the Coasts of France Many other Prizes were dayly brought in both of the Dutch and French by the Ships and Frigots of this Commonwealth Thence Sir George Ayscue with his Fleet sailed to the Westward to seek out the Dutch Fleet to guard the Seas and to conduct the Merchant-men that lay at Plimouth through the Channel and being about seven or eight Leagues off Plimouth he received intelligence of the Dutch Fleet and presently a Councell of Warre was called upon which they resolved to stand over for the Coast of France as the most probable way to meet with them and the same day being the 16. of Aug. between one and two in the afternoon they had sight of the Dutch Fleet and presently made what saile they could towards them to discover their number being about 60 Sail of Men of Warre and 30 Merchantmen the English were but 38. saile four Fireships and four Scouts yet they came up with the enemy about four in the afternoon and began
the fight with much resolution and gallantry Sir George and about six other Ships charging through the whole body of the enemies Fleet received much hurt in their Hulls Masts Sails and Rigging yet did they tack-about weather them and charge them all again and continued thus engaged in the body of the enemies Fleet till it was dark night and had not the rest of the English Captains failed to do their duties this Dutch Fleet in all likelihood had been wholly defeated In this engagement the English had some slain and some wounded but of note they lost only Captain Pack whose Leg being shot off he dyed soon after of it who was an honest and valiant Seaman there was wounded Captain Lisle and Captain Witheridge a Fire-ship of theirs was sunk also two other Ships of the enemies were supposed to be sunk but what other losse they received an accompt could not be had the darknesse of the night put a period to the dispute Both Fleets retire so that the Dutch stood away for the Coasts of France and the English for the Port of Plimouth to repair their Masts and Rigging without which they could no further prosecute the enemy During this engagement Gen. Blake came from the Northward into the Downs where there fell into his hands about six more considerable Dutch Prizes and sent some Frigots to the Westward to reinforce Sir George Ayscues Fleet. Presently after this Capt. Penn with a squadron of Ships hovering about the Coasts of France surprized six Ships more belonging to the Dutch which had been in the Duke of Venice service and were now returned richly laden all stout Ships of Warre and of great burthen Sept. 5. The English Fleet under Gen. Blake riding in the Downs receiving intelligence of a French Fleet weighed Anchor and stood over for the French Coasts about five of the clock they descryed them weighing Anchor in Calice road thinking by that means to escape the night approaching the English chased them as farre as they durst for the Sands of Dunkirk took most of them and about midnight gave over The Names of those taken were as follows The Triton commanded by Chevalier de Verdiel a Ship of 31 Guns in which was Monsieur Bimulet Commander in Chief of all the Fleet. The Shepheard commanded by Chevalier Boymerant of 29 Guus The Gift of God commanded by Chevalier de la Charta of 30 Guns The Dutchess commanded by Monsieur de la Roch of 22 Guns The Crescent commanded by Monsieur de la Viel Dean of 26 Guns The Hunter commanded by Monsieur de la Gicleck of 22 Guns The St. Lewis commanded by Monsieur de la Gory of 28 Guns A small Frigot of eight Guns Six Fireships This French Fleet was bound to touch at Calice there to take in Provisions and Men for the Relief of Dunkirk but the English thus intercepting them the Dunkirkers despaired of any relief and yeelded it up to the Spaniards the like also did Graveling this did in part retaliate for those great losses and injuries the English had sustained from the French Sep. 27. The Fight between the Dutch and the English Fleets called The Kentish knock Gen. Blake with his Fleet discovered on the backside of Goodwin Sands about 60 saile of Dutch men of Warre under the command of Admirall De Wit on the 28. Gen. Blake with his Fleet got under saile and bore in among the enemy but being upon a Sand called the Kentish Knock under which the Dutch placed themselves that the English might be mischieved if they should endeavour the weather-gage they found they had not three fathom water insomuch that the General 's Ship the Soveraign the Resolution the Andrew and others were on ground but without any harm they all got presently off fell to the businesse again and staid by the enemy till night parted After this dispute the Dutch abode all night at some distance to Leeward of the English as if they had an intention to engage again Next morning Sep. 29. at day break the Dutch Fleet was seen about two Leagues Northeast of the English who though there was but little wind and various bore after them all the forenoon but the wind coming to North and B. West they could not get up to them yet some of the best Frigots were commanded to bear up as neer the Dutch as they could and to keep them in play till the rest of the Fleet could get up and with much adoe about three a clock got within shot of the enemy who fearing that by degrees The Dutch are shamefully worsted the English Fleet would get within them set up their main Sailes and ran for it after whom about ten Frigots had the chase till six a clock that night Next morning Sept. 30. the English bore after them again with a fresh gale at S. W. and pursued them untill they had sight of West-Gabell in Zealand and saw them run into Goree Hereupon the English concluded at a Councel of Warre not to run further upon the Coasts of Holland as well to avoid the shallowes as because of the want of Provision in the Fleet. The losse that the Dutch apparently sustained was that three of their Ships were disabled in the first encounter all their Masts being cut down others of them lost their heads and others their Boltsprit-masts and Yards the Dutch Rear-Admirall being towed by a Fly-boat of 32 Guns was boarded by the None-such Frigot with 30 men and the Fly boat with 30 more but there being water in the Hold and wanting Masts and Sails he took the Rear-Admiral the Captain and about 80 men out of them and left the Vessels with the dead men floating in the Sea Of the English the losse was not great about fortie being slain and about forty wounded in such shamefull sort were the Dutch defeated who were so mighty at Sea that they were a terror to the whole Universe The fame of this unhappy breach between two such Potent States quickly spread it self into all places that were any whit eminent for trade or commerce and the effects thereof were both seen and heard in the Mediterraan Sea as well as in the English Channel whither the English had sent severall Ships of Warre to secure their Merchants from the French Pirates of Toulon Marsellis c. A squadron whereof of four saile viz. The Paragon Four English men of Warre are worsted by eleven Dutch men of Warre in the Straights Phoenix Constant Warwick and Elizabeth having under convoy three Merchants Ships two from Scandarone and one from Smyrna met with eleven saile of Dutch men of Warre who presently came up with the English and began the engagement but night came on and parted them next morning the Dutch began again and found as hot work as can be imagined from so small a number two of their main top-Masts being shot down and one of their Ships fired The Phoenix Frigot is taken by
Streamers sticking up to distinguish each Company After his Highnesse had dined and banquet was ended he conferr'd upon the Lord Major the Honour of Knighthood Which piece of magnificence had no sooner been performed but as a Remora to that happy settlement so long contended for by all good men there conspicuously appeared a most subterranean work of darknesse A plot discovered a secret conspiracy carryed on by the old restlesse party on the behalf of Charles Stuart which being discovered Feb. 18. 1653. eleven of them were sent close prisoners to the Tower of London where being retained a short time his Highnesse clemency extended so far as to set them at liberty About the same time as a sure testimoniall of the peoples affection to his Highnesse Government Addresses from all parts of the Nation there appeared addresses and congratulations from all parts of this Nation Scotland and Ireland his Highnesse likewise by way of Retaliation made severall good Acts tending to the glory of God and the good of the Common-wealth more especially that for the approbation of publick Preachers But at present leaving this let us look Northward where about this time high were the expectations and hopes of the Scots partly from the unsetled spirits of some male-contented persons in England as also from the great promises that their King made to them by his Agents insomuch that they doubted not but to have once more a fair trial of their quarrell in the field and to that end having received ample Commission from their King they had suddenly formed an Army of about four thousand Horse and Foot The Scots rally being headed by the Earl of Glencarne and Kenmore but this bubble was soon broak by the vigilance of Collonel Morgan Are routed who with about 1500 horse and foot Feb. 17. came to the Lough where Glencarn and the rest were at a Rendezvouze and after a little dispute he totally routed their Army having killed of them about 150. Glencarn himself hardly escaping with fortie horse But leaving Scotland we present you with the main businesse in agitation at this time viz. The Dutch Peace The Dutch Peace concluded to which end four Ambassadors from them having resided here all last winter and having well nigh-finished their businesse in February two of them went over the Lord Newport and Youngstall for full power and ratification and having returned and landed at the Tower Wharf March 3. 1654. were honorably attended through the City and the next day had audience of his Highnesse declaring their ful impowerment from their Superiors for the ratifying of the Peace lately agreed on desiring a speedy cessation of Arms on both sides This was the effect of what was by them delivered and accordingly to the great joy of all the Reformed Churches on the 5 of April following the Articles of Peace betwixt both States were signed and sealed on both fides and shortly after proclaimed both in England and in the Netherlands The Dutch Ambassadors the day after the Peace proclaimed were nobly entertained and feasted by the Lord Protector As to the affairs of Ireland The state of Ireland much cannot be said more then some years past saving that the Country more and more tends towards the center of settlement through the great vigilance of the Lord Deputy and Councel there who having through a great deal of difficultie gon through with the work of transplanting the Irish into the Province of Conaught by means whereof the lives and estates of the English are throughly secured and upon the generalty of that Country there appears a good face of health and quiet Now whilst Ireland was in this quiet state the old malignant Party was hatching new broyls in the heart of England A second Plotdiscovered as appeared upon the discovery of a barbarous conspiracy on the 20th of May 1654. undertaken by divers persons of severall interests in generall their intent being by a villanous assassination to have turned the State into blood and confusion a piece of treason so much the more to be detested in England in regard the generous nature of the English doth usually abhor such unmanly practises so that they have very rarely been heard of amongst us divers were apprehended about it and examined as Gilbert Gerard Esq and John Gerard his brother John Jones an Apothecary Thomas Tudor with severall others who were all of them committed to the Tower and shortly after a high Court of justice being erected these three were tryed in the first place viz. John Gerard Somerset Fox and Peter Vowel who being found guilty were condemned to be hanged The plotters executed and it was accordingly performed on Peter Vowel Gerard upon petition was beheaded and Somerset Fox for his ingenuous and submissive confession his Highnesse pardoned Upon the same day that these Plotters suffered Don Pautalcon sa brother to the Lord Ambassador of Portugal having been Prisoner in Newgate a long time The Portugal Ambassadors brother beheaded with Gerard for a Ryot by him and others committed at the New Exchange and having been lately brought to his triall at the upper Bench barre was at first very peremptory refusing to be uncovered or to plead but at length he was told by an Interpreter that he ought to plead or to undergo the Law which was to be pressed to death which having a while slighted he at length pleaded not guilty but being found guilty he was condemned to be hanged but through the favour of the Court the sentence was altered to be beheaded which was accordingly performed on the 10. of July on Tower-hill with Gerard an exemplary piece of justice These Plots in England being thus nipt in the bud Middleton routed in Scotland did nothing discourage the Scotch malignants in the Highlands but that they brought their designs to more maturity for having got some addition of strength by the landing of Middleton out of Holland as Generalissimo they soon got the repate of terming themselves an Army but as a means for the dispelling of that Scotch mist Monk was sent into the North as Generall where having attended their motions and sate hard upon their skirts some certain time on the 21 of July 1654. he engaged them by Loughgery and after some small resistance totally routed them and all their hopes together Septemb. 3. 1654. Parliament met Sep. 3. According to Writs formerly issued out the Parliament met at Westminster where after a Sermon preached by Mr. Marshall they repaired to the Parliament House and having chosen William Lenthall their Speaker they then began to question the lawfulnesse of the power that called them thither insomuch that his Highnesse considering the growing evils that were like to afflict the Nation in case of new changes and revolutions appointed a Test or Recognition of the Government which was to be signed by them before ever they entred the house again which being accordingly signed by the generalty of them