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 procur'd a woman to go into bed to her and continued the use of divers other remedies having respect to her sencelesnesse 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 procur'd 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 look'd 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 sway'd 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 destroy'd caused his Statue that was set up at the West end of the Cathedrall of St Paul to be pulled down and that also in the Royall Exchange over which they caused to be wrote this Motto Exit Tyrannus Regum Ultimus Anno Libertatis Angliae restitutae Primo Anno Domini 1648. January 30. They likewise caus'd that badge of Monarchy the Kings Arms to be defaced and expung'd out of all Churches Chappels and places of publike 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 hankerd after And to adde a more splendid lustre to their strength and greatnesse they were highly courted by Embassadours 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 Embassadour after audience had before a Committee of Parliament The Portugal Ambassadour dismist home and several applications unto them not being fully impowerd 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 Embassadours extraordinary were sent from the Parliament of England to the States of the United Provinces their Names were Oliver St John and Walter Strickland English Ambassadors are sent into Holland 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 12th 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 entertain'd During their stay there the Spanish Embassador sent a Gentleman to congratulate their sase Arrivall and to desire there might be a fair correspondency and right understanding between their Lordships and him About two or three daies after they set forward for the Hague where by the way the Master of the Ceremonies with about 30 Coaches met them and entertain'd them with some Complements and conducted them to a House at the Hague prepar'd for their reception where they were feasted three daies by the States and then had 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 they have audience 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 scituation thereof for the advancement of trade and all other accommodations Lastly He told them he was commanded by the Parliament of the Common-wealth 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 Authours thereof After which the States being acquainted with the many affronts the Ambassadors Gentlemen and others their attendants had receiv'd from English Cavaliers and other ruffians drew up a Proclamation and sent it to the Ambassadours 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 Ambassadours retinue upon pain of corporall punishment Three moneths was now spent in this tedious and costly Embassie and nothing obtain'd save affronts and abuses of all kindes and the Sword of Justice not drawn in their behalf against any one of that riotous rabble that so frequently swarm'd at the Ambassadours 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 Ambassadours which sudden and unexpected news did so surprise the Hoghen Mogens that they courted them with frequent and unusuall visits and with a multitude of feigned expressions they return into England 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 Ambassadours soon after return into England infecta pace That which gave further cause of jealousie to the English that the Dutch plaid an underhand game with them was because Admirall Van-Trumpe with a Fleet of Ships lay hovering upon the Coasts of Scilly as though he would
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 Garrisonned 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 disasterous 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 Assembly 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 produc'd 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 us'd 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 space after Col. Kerre sent a Letter to Commissary 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 return'd adding that he thought it strange the English should talk of a cessation even while they were captivating their poor people assaulting their Garisons 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 Kingdom 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 Prince of Orange dies the Prince of Orange departed this life 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 About ten daies after this The Princesse is delivered of a Son the Princess of Orange was delivered of a Son which did in part mitigate the grief that was conceiv'd for the death of the Prince Now seeing the Scots still slighted all the wayes and means of a loving and friendly compliance as appear'd by another Letter from Coll. Kerre to Commiss Gen. Whaley wherein he advises them to stand upon his Guard and expect no further Overtures the English set upon new undertakings and by a party of Horse under Maj. Brown took in a strong place called Dalhouse and in it 50 Muskets 50 Pikes 4 Barrels of Pouder some store of Provisions and Provender this was a supposed Harbor for those villanous people the Mosse-Troopers who murthered divers Englishmen 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 advanc'd Coll. Monke with a party of Horse and Foot to reduce Rose-lane Castle 7 miles from Edinburrough which when he had sent in some Granadoes among them was yeelded upon mercy Maj. Gen. Lambert presently after with a party of 2000 Horse marched towards Dumfreez Coll. Kerre being then about Peebles Commis Gen Whaley in his march towards the enemy took in Dalketh Castle with a threatning Summons where was store of Arms Ordnance Pouder Match and Bullet the wall of it was 13 foot broad at the top Now Coll. Lambert having not without some difficulty 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 Col. Kers patty defeated and himself taken prisoner and so to surprise the Maj. Generall all which he at tempted with courage but the English having a timely Alarme 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 Col. Kerre himself was wounded and taken Colonell Straughan came in to Major General Lambert with his Capt. Lieut. Lieutenant Colonell and Straughans Major c. Colonell Straughan Capt. Giffin with some others of the dissenters in the West came then in to the Major Generall 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 send to the Committee of Estates which being denied they accepted of a Treaty and sent Major Abernethy and Capt. Hinderson to treat on their part Col. Monk and Lieut.
to the territories of England the Islands of Scilly Jersey and Man which yet advantag'd him no more then by nourishing a few small Picaroons to infest the narrow seas But his affairs in Ireland were no sooner at this height but they begun as suddenly to decline for there being about 3000. Horse and Foot safely landed at Dublin as the forlorne of a greater body they were join'd with what other Forces they could then make all which made not above 9000. at the utmost and commanded by the valiant and never to be forgotten Coll. Mich. Jones sallied forth and not only rais'd the siege but routed the whole Army of the Marq. of Ormond himself hardly escaping about 2000. were slain in the place and in the pursuit some thousands were taken Prisoners as likewise all their Ordinance Ammunition Carriages Provision with great store of rich Booty To adde to their declining state and help forward the destruction of these grand confaederates who were thus defeated in the midst of their mighty Attempts and huge imaginations Oliver Cromwell Lord Deputy of Ireland landed at Dublin with a powerfull Army about the midst of Aug. 1649. well accommodated for the accomplishment of that enterprise so happily began Generall Cromwall landed in Ireland Aug. 1649 And first he laid siege to Drogheda and in small time though with some difficulty and losse took it by storm and that he might chastise their obstinacy and strike terror into other Garrisons put to the sword all that were found in Armes which were about 3000. presently after which there fell into his hands many other Garrisons some by force others by surâ—â—nder viz Trim Dundalke the Nur◠〈◊〉 â—xâ—ord Rosse Bandonbridge Kingsale Pâ—ssagefort with many more â—â—oâ—edious to relate In other parts of Ireland severall Garrisons of the Enemy were taken and many considerable Parties were routed by others of the Parliamentâ—â—hiâ—â—tains viz. the Lord Broghill Sr Charles Coot Coll. Venaâ—les Coll. Jones and others and though this People have been still on the losing hand yet have they held out in Boggs and fâ—stnesses even to this day whereby we see that the vanquishing this Nation was not so feasible as in the dayes of Henry the second who made it but a winters work to reduce and subject the people thereof A thing scarce credible sayes our Author that a Country so populous Dan. Chro. a Nation of that disposition should not lift up a hand to defend it self But it seems saith he they were wholly unacquainted with such strange kind of fights or such weapons insomuch that the terror thereof laid them prostrate to the overrunner but though the winning of that Nation was accomplisht with so much ease yet in the keeping thereof was more difficulty and cost In short The Affairs of the Catholick and other their confederate party moulder'd and declin'd more and more to the great grief and disheartning of the Royall Party Much about this time hapned a generall defection of the English Plantations from their obedience to the Parliament Virginia and the Carybe Islands revolt viz. Virginia and the Carybe Islands Where in the ardency of Popular fury Liturgy and Monarchy were cry'd up and the Nonconformists were some stigmatiz'd some fin'd and some banish'd which courses procur'd them no small trouble and losse in the decay of their Trade and losse of their Ships all Nations being prohibited from trading or traffiquing with them upon pain of forfeiture All which were in a few moneths reduc'd by a Fleet of Ships from England Are reduc'd under Sr George Ayscue not being able to subsist for any considerable space of time without Trade The English coasts were likewise miserably infested with Pyrates from Scilly Jersey Ireland and France but the very Prince of Pyrates and Plunderers was one commonly known by the Name of Prince Rupert who with the remnant of that Fleet that not long before had revolted from the Commonwealth of England being about nine tall and warlike Ships committed many spoyles and depraedations not only upon the English coasts but in other places likewise whereby the Merchants incurred no small losse Now for encouraging of Trade and reducing of Pyrates a stout and lusty Fleet of Ships well rig'd and man'd were set forth which with Gods blessing scour'd the channel and blockt up Prince Rupert in the Harbour of Kingsale which with the Town being taken by the Lord Gen. Cromwell they were forc't thence to make all the saile they could away leaving about 3 Ships behind and at length arriv'd at Lizbon the Imperiall City of the King of Portugall and crav'd his protection which was not deny'd them the which caus'd much trouble losse and detriment to that King and was the only cause of that unhappy difference that fell out between him and this Commonwealth as hereafter will appear Other Designs were set on foot by the Royall party for the obtaining their ends The first was the Commissionating of James Graham Earl of Montrose for the raising what Forces he could in Holland and other parts to invade Scotland The second was the procuring a Treaty between the Scots and their King whereby they might by force or fraud work him into an absolute Soveraignty over that Nation making good that known distich If the Lyons skin will not prevaile They 'l piece it with the Foxes taile To give more life to these undertakings Ambassadors were dispatcht to Spain Italy Denmarke Sweden Russia Turky c. in the Name of Charles the Second King of Great Britaine France and Ireland Defender of the Faith which Title with much confidence he assumed to himself yet obtain'd neither Men nor Monies worth noting from any of them but excuses pleas and complements in abundance for alas they had rather he should not be at all then be too great they that have equall dignity of birth had rather have no equall then any superior Montrose according to his Masters Instructions Montrose enters Scotland having got together some inconsiderable supplies of Men and Monies at length lands in the North of Scotland where he had not long been ere he was assailed and routed by a party from the Kirk is routed taken prisoner and executed and his Person brought prisoner in most disgracefull manner to the Castle of Edinburgh where to fill up the measure of their malice they hang'd him ten yards from the ground an act so barbarous and inhumane as admits of no comparison thus liv'd and thus dy'd the Mirrour of Manhood and Map of Misery who for many years together had been a thorne in the side of the Kirk witnesse the severall defeats he gave them and who from small beginnings accomplisht vast enterprises whose hard fate it was at last to fall into their bloudy hands Sic transit gloria mundi One would have thought this one act of theirs had been of force enough to prevent all future overtures between the Scots and their declared King Yet as if he had throughly
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 making 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 Lieutenants 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 fix'd on that inexhaustible treasure then in the bank at Amsterdam with which he might not only have rais'd 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 forreign and domestique broyls The present Cardinall Mazarine was lookt upon as the very efficient cause of all their civill discords and the only eye-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 utter'd their discontents both privately and publikely 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 breathe out their discontents those of Burdeaux against the Duke of Espernon more especially but all against the Cardinall So that on a sudden the whole Kingdome was inflam'd with civil wars and the appurtenances thereunto belonging The principall promoters of and actors in those tumults were two famous Amazones the Princesse of Conde and the Dutchesse of Longueville in behalf of their imprison'd husbands Many others of quality appear'd 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 supplied 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 ebbing and flowings strange Revolutions and transmigrations too tedious here to insert at length produc'd the liberty of the Princes the withdrawing the Duke of Espernon from Bourdeaux the banishing the Cardinall with all his kindred and friends from the Court and Kingdom yet was he longer banishing then banished for it was not many moneths ere he return'd in great pomp and glory to the extream 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 neer done and little action perform'd save the taking of Collington house and Readhall by storm and in it the Laird Hamilton Major Hamilton and 60 Souldiers 60 Barrels of Pouder 100 Arms great store of Meal Malt Beer Wine and other rich plunder This was done on the 24th of Aug. 1650. The body of the English Army remov'd forthwith from Pencland Hills to Collington Readhall and other parts within a mile of the whole Army of the Scots on the 27th both Armies march'd side by side a great bog only betwixt them which hindred an engagement yet the great Guns plaid on both sides Aug. 28th the Canon from the English Camp plaid hard upon the Enemy and greatly annoy'd 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 their old Quarters at Pencland Hills then with much difficulty to Mussleburrough 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 resolute 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 to 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 whether the Scots mov'd apace after them and at a Passe endeavoured to fall upon the rear which the English perceiving fac'd about to fight them whereupon the Scots drew off to the Hills perceiving their advantage lay there to impede the
make an hostile attempt upon that place but it being demanded of the States of Holland what was the designe of their Fleet in riding so neer that Island it was answered That they had no other designe therein but to demand restitution of such Ships and Goods as the Pyrates 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 18th of April 1651. Gen. Blake with the addition of a squadron of Ships commanded by Sr George Aiscue The Islands of Scilly reduc'd 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 abut 20 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 scituation of these Islands I need not say much for who so knowes those parts or hath observ'd 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 Cornet 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 40 men in the Castle and 18 of them unable for service it appeared aftewards that there was 60 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 case-shot from the flankers and many of the Souldiers both slain and wounded insomuch that it proved a work too hot for the assailants nor was there more safety in getting off one or two Boats full of men being sunk by shot 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 Tower-hill 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 and observe the motions of the two Armies Blacknesse taken by the English 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 annoyd 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 forthwith yeelded On the other side the Scots begun to be both powerful and numerous to the 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 foeudatories of Rebellion and treason but by Gods Providence was seasonably discovered the Grand Agent hereof was Thomas Cook of Graies Inne Esquire who was apprehended and carried before the Councell of State at White-Hall whence he made his escape but in few daies 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 windes was driven into Ayre and there secur'd 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 near Dunbarton where they seiz'd Mr Birkenhead another Agent for the Royall 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 Carlisle At London was under question the most eminent actors in and contributors to the plot aforesaid viz. Mr Christopher Love Major Alford Maj. Adams Col. Barton Mr Blackmore Mr Case Mr Cauton Dr Drake Mr Drake Capt. Farr Mr Gibbons Mr Haviland Major Huntington Mr Jenkins Mr Jaquel Mr Jackson Lieut. Col. Jackson Capt. Mussey Mr Nalton Capt. Potter Mr Robinson Mr Sterks Col. Sowton Col. Vaughan and others of all which there suffered onely two viz. Mr Love and Mr Gibbons Mr Love and Mr. Gibbons executed Now Mr Love although by many circumlocutions sleights and evasions he striv'd 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 condemn'd 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 Towerhill 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 Magistraticall power and that their Function might cloke their actions but let them know that Magistracy is an Ordinance of God as well as Ministry for there is no power but of God and the powers that are are ordained of God Therefore it would not be amisse if our Governours in some particulars would imitate the Republique of Venice First By not admitting Ecclesiastical persons into secular Councels because
parted them in which fight one of the Dutch Ships was sunk and another of 30 Guns taken with the Captains of both and about 150 Prisoners of the English there was about 10 slain and 40 wounded the English Admirall received much hurt in her Masts Sails and Riggin many shot were likewise plac'd in her Hull and the hurt that was done to the rest of the Fleet was not considerable This attempt of the Duth while they were upon a Treaty did so incense the Parliament that notwithstanding all the addresses and overtures of their Ambassadours and the coming over of two more they could not appease them without satisfaction for that injury Although in severall Papers put in to the Councell of State they laboured to excuse the same alledging That the unhappy Fight between the Ships of both Commonwealths The Apology of the Dutch Ambassadours for the late affront offered to the English in the Downs did happen without the Knowledge and against the Wills of the Lords States Generall of the Netherlands taking God the searcher of mens hearts to witnesse the same and that by Letters and Messages they were daily assur'd of the sincerity of their said Lords and that with grief and astonishment they receiv'd the fatall News of that unhappy rash action and thereupon fell into consultation about a remedy to mitigate that raw and bloudy wound and to that end had appointed a solemn meeting of all the Provinces whereby they doubted not but by Gods favour such present cure for these troubles may be wrought whereby not only the outward cause of all further evils may be taken away but also by an interne comfort the mindes may be redressed and reduced again to a better hope of the Treaty in hand and that this thing was most earnestly agitated by their Lords for the common good of both Nations to shun the detestable shedding of Christian bloud so much desired by the enemies of both Nations They therefore crave and beseech this Honourable Councell by the pledges of common Religion and Liberty to suffer nothing to be done out of too much heat that afterwards may prove neither revocable nor repairable by too late idle vowes and wishes but that they might without delay receive a kinde Answer which they desire so much the more because the Ships of their Lords and Shippers as well in the broad Sea as in the Ports of this Commonwealth some by force and some by fighting are kept Unto which the Parliament reply'd That calling to minde with what continued demonstrations of friendship The Parliaments Answer to and resolution thereupon they have 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 finde themselves much surpriz'd with the unsutable returns that have been made thereunto and especially at the Acts of Hostility lately committed in the very roads of England upon the Ships of this Commonwealth Upon consideration of all which and of the severall Papers delivered by the Ambassadours into the Councell of State they farther 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 Minde 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 fifty 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 they 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 minde and desire that all differences betwixt the Nations may if possibly be friendly and peaceably composed 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 kinde heretofore usually have been This short and smart answer contained yet something in it that tended to a possibility of an accommondation The Dutch Ambassadours have audience and depart yet all the severall conferences and debates about this businesse came to nothing but broke quite off and in short space after the Ambassadours 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 finde fishing on those coasts where he took 12 Dutch men of Warre guarding their Busses but most of the Busses were let go Sr George Ayscue with his Squadron of Ships being left to guard the narrow Seas 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 ashore on the Coasts of France Many other prizes were daily 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 Merchantmen that lay at Plimouth through the Channel and being about seven or eight Leagues off Plimouth he receiv'd 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 saile of Men of Warre and 30 Merchantmen the English were but 38 saile 4 Fireships and 4 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 6 other Ships charging through the whole body of the enemies Fleet receiv'd 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 Capt. Pack whose Leg being shot off he died soon after of it who was an honest and valiant Seaman there was wounded Capt. Lisle and Capt. Witheridge a Fireship of theirs was sunk also two other Ships of the enemies were supposed to be sunk but what other losse they receiv'd an accompt could not be had Both Fleets retire the darknesse of the night put a period to the dispute 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 prosecure 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 surprizd 6 Ships more belonging to the Dutch which had been in the Duke of Venice service and were now return'd richly laden all stout Ships of Warre and of great burthen Sep. 5. The English Fleet under Gen. Blake riding in the Downs receiving intelligence of a French Fleet weighd Anchor and stood over for the French Coasts about 5 of the clock they descry'd them weighting Anchor in Calice roade 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 followes 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 Guns The gift of God commanded by Chevalier de la Charta of 30 Guns The Dutchesse 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 8 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 despair'd 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. Gen. Blake with his Fleet The Fight between the Dutch and the English Fleets called The Kentishh knock discovered on the backside of the 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 mischiev'd if they should endeavour the weather-gage they found they had not three fathom water insomuch that the Generals 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 winde 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 ado about three a clock got within shot of the enemy who fearing that by degrees the English Fleet would get within them The Dutch are shamefully worsted set up their main sailes and ran for it after whom about 10 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 Councell 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 sustain'd 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 Bolt-sprit-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-Admirall 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 40 being slain and about 40 wounded in such shamefull sort were the Dutch defeated who were so mighty at Sea that they were a terrour 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 Mediterranean Sea as well as in the English Channel whether the English had sent severall Ships of Warre to secure their Merchants from the French Pyrates of Toulon Marsiellis c. A squadron whereof of 4 saile viz. the Paragon Phoenix Constant Warwick and Elizabeth having under convoy three Merchants Ships two from Scandarone Four Enlish men of Warre are worsted by eleven Dutch men of Warre in the Straights and one from Smyrna met with 11 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 sound as hot work as can be imagin'd from so small a number two of their main top-masts being shot down and one of their Ships fired but afterwards quenched the Phoenix a stout English Frigot of 45 Guns the Phoenix Frigot is taken by the Dutch was clap'd on board by a heavy Dutch Ship the men overpowr'd and the Ship taken Of this petty successe the Dutch exceedingly boasted yet they bought it dearly and that by their number not their valour the English not giving out so long