judgeeth every mans actions impartially Some there were who got into Steeples and other places of defence thinking to save themselves but were all forced either by the sword or famine to yield who yet in cold bloud found as little mercy as their fellows had done in the heat of the Battell there being not above two escaping with their lives the Dean Barnard afterwards made Almoner and the other an old man by his leaping out of a Steeple which Cromwels Souldiers blew up with Gunpowder who though he broke his Leg yet had his life saved This great slaughter not being occasioned neither by the heat of the Souldiers but by Cromwels speciall Command who vowed somewhat to a noble Officer of his pleading for mercy for the Defendants That he would sacrifice their bodyes to the souls of the Englishmen they had murdered which he could not in justice say of those in Droghedah knowing them to be most Englishmen and such whose greatest fault was to serve their true and lawfull Soveraign in his just defence However this slaughter works for his ends for upon the News the Souldiers and Townsmen in Trim and Dundalke two adjacent Garrisons quit their holds and such was their haste in Trim that they l ft their great Guns behinde them on the Platforms and well might their fear be great at the News of Droghedahs taking when Sr Phelime O Neal at the hearing of it burst out in a passion swearing That if Cromwell had taken Droghedah by storm if he should storm Hell he would take it This considerable action having had such wished for success Cromwell directs his Army towards Wexford and in his way engarrisons Killingkerick and Arcklo Castle the feat of the Ormonds two deserted Forts many others in that March submitted whereof most being places inconsiderable were slighted others engarrisoned The first of October the Army faces Wexford and the Lord Deputy requires Collonel Synnot the Governour to make a speedy surrender of it he returnes an answer somewhat dubious so that many Papers pass between him and the Lord Deputy which was occasioned only by a design the Governour had to waste and delay time till the Earl of Castle-haven was entred into the Town with 500 men to strengthen the Garrison So when the Governour had received these recruits he no longer writes dubiously but plainly sends word to the Lord Deputy that he was resolved to stand it out to the utmost whereupon Cromwell being enraged at his mockery bends his force at the Castle which stands at the South-East end of the Town which after having received some hundreds of great Shot was forced to a rendition This so quelled the hearts of the stout Wexfordians that they quitred their Walls and gave the Enemy free leave to enter which they delayed not to do but meeting with no resistance fell in pell mell till they came to the Market-place where the Souldiers and Inhabitants reviving their courage in vain maintained their ground for a short time for they were soon over-powred and all that were found in Arms slain Thus Wexford being taken Cromwell marches on to Waterford and takes Passage-Fort but because of the Winter presently raises his Army and whilest severall parties are disposed in their winter-quarters they reduce severall engarrisoned places so that in fine all considerable places in Ireland except Limerick Waterford Clonmell Galloway and Kilkenny were in the possession of the Lord Deputy Cromwell But let us leave him thus victorious in Ireland and return to the King and Scots The King seeing business go so ill in Ireland resolves to comply somewhat neerer with the Scots who notwithstanding his giving Commissions to Montross still sollicit him by Commissioners and at length come to agreement with him The news of this and the Scottish great preparations for warre and as it is supposed to invade England makes the Parliament send over to Ireland for their victorious Generall Cromwell whom they intend to send into Scotland to hinder their coming into England Generall Fairfax having pleaded his disability to go but Cromwell before his coming away he reduces the City of Kilkenny and the strong Fort of Clonmell the one by Articles the other by storm which done leaving Ireton Deputy in his stead he takes Ship at Wexford and so came over to Bristoll and from thence by Post to London where upon Saturday the first of Iune he arrived with unexpressible imaginations of joy About this time Prince Rupert who had played many pranks at Sea is blocked up by the three English Admirals in Lisbone most of his Ships being before either taken or sunk who treat with the King of Portugall to force him out of his harbour which he by no means neither promises nor threats could be induced to do though the English surprize many of his Sugar-Ships coming from Brazill and threaten to take the rest in case he resolves not to renounce his protection of Prince Rupert but at last the English for want of water and victuals are forced to depart from before the Port which opportunity Prince Rupert taking gets out and steers for Malaga whither the English having victualled follow them take the Roe-Buck force the Black-Prince and four more ashore and Prince Rupert escaping with two Ships more they sleight him and giving over further search return with victory to England About this time likewise the English having sent Mr Anthony Ashcam Agent to the King of Spain he arrived the 5th of Iune 1650. at Sancta Maria where hearing many threats against his person he procured a guard for to convey him to Madrid where at his first arrivall lying at an Inne being the next day at dinner with his Interpreter six roaring Dons knockt at the door and having easie admittance Mr Ashcam rose to salute them whereupon the first stabbed Mr Ashcam and his Interpreter endeavouaing to escape was wounded in the belly both falling down dead in the place the murtherers though they escaped to the Sanctuary were fetched out by the King of Spain but again returned thither by the Popes speciall mandate The League and agreement being as I said before fully concluded between the Scots and the King so that there wanted nothing but their having him with them which to expedite he hastens from Breda comes to the Hague and there takes shipping from whence notwithstanding the wait laid for him he arrives safely at the Spey in the north of Scotland where he is received with the best entertainment the Scots could give him But before he ascend the Throne there are other Conditions to be agreed on which they told him not of before 1. He must take the solemn League and Covenant 2. He must subscribe to a Declaration of the Kirks own framing declaring That he renounced the sins of his Fathers house and of his own the Idolatry of his Mother by a constant adhering to the Cause of God according to the Covenant in the firm establishment of Church-government as it is laid down
sought to have their goods or estates but to carry on the Lords work c. with a great deal of such like stuff To this Letter Coll. Kerre sends an Answer to Commis Gen. Whalley in very short terms telling him That though they were not in a capacity to act against the Englishmens unjust invasions yet they were in a capacity to suffer and should submit to Gods will either by doing or suffering till the time of their deliverance came that if it were their happiness 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 whilest they were captivating their poor people assaulting their Garrisons apprehending their Ministers tearing them from their holy callings and from their holy sighing stocks concluding the departure of the English out of that Kingdome and then desiring a Christian Treaty would be a great favour and mercy equally as great to the one as the other that in the mean time he should stand upon his guard and expect no further overtures of peace But to digress a little About the latter end of this moneth of October departed this life the Prince of Orange who had lately endeavoured to curb the High and Mighty States in him King Charles lost his greatest interest he had in those parts His Princess some ten days after his death was delivered of a young Prince which in part mitigated the grief for her Husbands death But let us look a little into Ireland where Sr John Dungan and Scurlog having gotten together neer 500 Horse and Foot met with a party of the Parliaments Army of about 300 charged them and overpowring them in Horse routed them slew 50 upon the place took neer 40 Prisoners and had carried them into the Woods had not Captain Essex with about 50 Horse 20 Dragoons and 100 Foot come to their rescue the body of the English Army lay before Limerick But to return again to Scotland Cromwell seeing that Peace would not be hearkned to disposes his Army to the Warre Major Brown with a party takes in Dalhouse a supposed harbour of Moss-Troopers of which sort of vermine he took divers in Darlington house whom he caused to be shot upon the place Collonel Monk is sent with a party to reduce Roselane Castle which with the help of some Granadoes he makes yeeld to mercy Major Generall Lambert marches to Dunfreez to joyn with Whalley who had taken Dalkeith Castle by a terrible summons in his march against Kerre and Straughan This Castle wall was thirteen foot broad at the top and well stored with Ammunition and Provision Collonel Kerre was now about Beebles Lambert having with much difficulty marched over the River to Hamilton resolves to quarter there that night which Kerre hearing resolved to beat up his quarters and if possible surprize the Major Generall this he attempted with a great deal of resolution but the English taking the Alarme intime on a sodaine encompassed most of the enemies Horse killed 100 took 100 besides 400 Horse and Furniture forsook of their Riders therest they pursued as far as Ayre in the which pursuit Collonel Kerre was was taken and severall of his Officers This defeat caused Straughan to come in who was with the rest carried by the Major Generall to the head Quarters Cromwell all this while strongly besieges the Castle of Edinburrough yet his mines prove ineffectuall in that hard Rock so that he causes an artificiall Mount to be raised whereon to plant his battery so that his Canons and Granadoes flew thick and three-fold at the Castle at which the Defendants at first hung out a red Flag in defiance but after a short time hung out a white one for Parley which was accepted and after a great many Messages to and fro surrendred upon Articles agreed upon between Major Abernethe and Captain Hynderson on the part of the Castle and Collonel Monck and Liev. Coll. White on the Generals to this effect First That the Castle be surrendred to his Excellency on the 24th of December with all the Arms Magazine and furniture of warre thereto belonging That the Governour with all the Officers and Souldiers should then march forth with their Arms Colours flying Drums beating Matches lighted and Bullet in mouth whether they shall think fit That such adjacent Inhabitants as had Goods in the Castle should have them restored and to that purpose they had liberty from the 19th to the 24th of December to fetch them away The sodain rendition of so strong a hold as this was made the world beleeve that the Canons plaid upon it with Silver instead of Iron shot About this time there was a kind of petty Insurrection in Norfolk by a company of inconsiderable persons who declared for the suppressing of Popery restoring King Charles to his Crown revenge of his Fathers death and for rooting out of heresie and schisme but being only begun by a disorderly number they were soon vanquished and the principall risers about 20 in number executed Sr Henry Hide having received a Commission from the King of Scots to be Ambassadour for him at the Grand-Signors Port in Constantinople being arrived there stood in competition with Sr Thomas Bendish then Ambassadour and the Case being heard before the Vizier the Verdict was given on Bendish his side so that Sr Harry Hide was forced to depart the Port whence coming to Smyrnd with an intention to go for Venice he was by a wile invited on board a Ship to a Feast was treacherously brought away to England and here beheaded before the Royall Exchange for having taken Commissions from that King The Winter being now at the height made the War in Scotland at a stand on the English part but the Scots having now as they thought throughly purged their King proceeded to his Coronation which was performed at Scone with as much Solemnity and Gallantry as their necessities would permit on the first of January 1651. The King crowned they proceed to the Excommunication of Straughan Swinton and others who had deserted them and were gone in to the English they then strive to pacifie dissenting parties and pass an Act for new Levies throughout the Nation The King is likewise created Generall of this Army now intended to be levied with an unusuall kinde of Ceremony viz. by crossing a Pike Musket Carabine and Sword over his Head Lothian Carre is made Major Generall and Middleton Lieutenant Generall David Lesley having layn down his Commission The English now beginning to stir Collonel Fenwicke is commanded to march with two Regiments of Horse and Foot for reducing of Hume-Castle who having faced it sent a Summons to the Governour to which he returned an answer the capriciousness whereof makes me insert both Thus ran the Summons Sir His Excellency the Lord Generall Cromwell hath commanded me to reduce this Castle you now
Souldiers being sunk by Shot from the Castle Captain Browne Bushell a Noble Royalist who had done many handsome actions for the service of both the Kings was beheaded under the Scaffold at Tower-hill In the mean time the Forces under Command of the Lord Deputy of Ireland scatter and disperse those Forces raised by Castle-haven Clanrickard Dillon and others in the Counties of Kerryathlone Monaghan and Wicklow and settle severall Garrisons to the distraction of most of their Enemies no considerable places being left to them but only Limerick and Galloway That considerable Garrison of Finnagh in Westmeath being surrendred to Commissary Generall Reynolds and Phelim Mac Hugh who came with 1500 Horse and Foot to its relief routed most of his Company slain and many considerable Officers taken prisoners But let us return again to the main business in Scotland Collonel Moncke with a Party of Horse and Foot marches towards Blackness a Garrison of the Scots which had much endammaged the English Quarters which after the Batteries raised and some Shot was spent was reduced the Defendants craving Quarter which considering the strength of the place was granted The Scots in the mean time grow powerfull for notwithstanding all the strifes and emulations amongst them an agreement is patcht up to the seeming satisfaction of all the dissenters they are likewise in hopes of a power to rise for them in Lanchashire which with a considerable Party promised from Scotland to joyn with them might confront any force of the Parliaments but the design is discovered before it was acted and Thomas Cooke Esquire of Grays-Inne the principall Agent for Lancashire taken Major Generall Harrison upon these discoveries is sent into the North with a Body of Horse and Foot and to oppose the Enemy if he should make an invade by way of Carlisle The above-mentioned plot was contrived throughout all England though by ill fortune timely prevented severall persons of quality but most Presbyterian Divines were taken viz. Mr Christopher Love Major Alford Major Adams Collonel Barton Mr Blackmore Mr Case Mr Cauton Dr Drake Captain Far Mr Gibbons Mr Hrviland Major Huntington Mr Ienkins Mr Iaquell Mr Iackson Lieutenant Collonel Iackson Captain Massey Mr Nalton Captain Potter Mr Robbinson Mr Sterks Collonel Sorton Collonel Vaughan and others of which only two suffered viz. Mr Love and Mr Gibbons who after many delays were beheaded on Tower-hill the 22. of August 1651. There hapned much about this time a petty rising in Wales two or three hundred persons being gathered together in behalf of the Scots King upon a report that the English Army was routed and the Scotch advancing into England but the design proved as void of success as the report was of truth But the Scots make severall in-falls upon the Out-guards and Garrisons of the English wherein they had frequently good success killing some and taking others having the advantage of the English in the knowledge of the Country which makes the English contract their Quarters drawing away the Out-Garrisons and putting the Army into a posture to march to Fife but the Ground not yet affording Grass or Oats the enterprize was for the present suspended The Scotch Levies were now compleated to 15000 Foot and 6000 Horse with which they march on this side Sterling to a place called Torwood where the King drew up most of his Horse and Foot and enrails them in a regular fortification Cromwell draws up his Army towards them and marched in Battalia within view of their Camp in hopes to draw them to a Fight but they got nothing else from them then some thundring Messengers from their great Artillery The Lord Generall vext at their delays fals upon Kalendar-house kept by a Party of theirs and in the end though it was stoutly defended out of hopes of relief takes it by storm but when this neither would provoke the Scots to fight he resolves now having so fit an opportunity to do that which he had so long intended viz. to land some men on Fife and accordingly Collonel Daniells Regiment of Foot having four Companies more joyned to it and four Troops of Horse all under Command of Collonel Overton being imbarqued at Leith under pretence of being sent for England arrived next morning on the other shore landed and intrenched in despite of a Party of Scots which strove to oppose them This News brought to the Lord Generall Major Generall Lambert is presently ordered with two Regiments of Horse and two of Foot to second them which they did but advice of it arriving in the Scotch Camp so alarm'd them that in all haste Major Generall Brown is sent with four Regiments of Horse and four of Foot to drive the English out which they might have done had not Major Generall Lambert been arrived before them So there being now almost an equall force the Fight began to the great loss of the Scots whereof near 1500 were slain 1000 taken prisoners among which Sr John Brown Major Generall was one who shortly after as 't is supposed out of grief for this defeat died Upon this overthrow the Scotch Army remove their Camp from Torwood and march directly to Sterling-Park Cromwell follows in their rear hoping yet to draw them to a Battell but they would by no means be induced to it though he followed them within two Miles of Sterling The Lord Generall perceiving his delays would be in vain marches with his whole Army to Lithgoe whence he sends over into Fife the greatest part of them with the train of Artillery to prosecute the War on the other side the remainder with him being only four Regiments of Horse and four of Foot which he made use of to secure what was already gained and observe the Scots motions In the mean time the Lord Lambert faces Brunt Island which is surrendred upon Articles without discharging so much as one piece of Artillery The Lord Generall likewise having dispatched those affairs which detained him at Leith crosses the Frith and coming to the Army draws them into a posture and having left Colonel Wests Regiment in Brunt Island marches with the rest towards Sr Johnston and in two dayes faces the Town and being informed that there was no Garrison in it he sends a Summons to the Inhabitants not doubting of a suddain rendition but it proved otherwise for the Lord Dafferes had the day before entred the Town with 1300 Souldiers The Lord Generall hereupon sends another Summons to the Governour who sullenly returns him no answer but after the Artillery had played one day his stomack came down and the Town was surrendred upon Articles The English Army being marched as far North as St Johns Town the King seeing affairs go so desperately in Scotland and loath to lose so good an opportunity advances with his whole Army consisting of about 16000 and marches with all speed possible into England by way of Carlisle This suddain and unexpected action startled the whole English Nation but especially the Parliament
where in the presence of God he promised upon Oath not to violate or infringe the matters and things contained in the aforementioned Instrument but to observe and cause the same to be observed and in all things to the best of his understanding govern the Nations according to the Laws Statutes and Customes seeking peace causing justice and Law to be equally administred Presently after the Administration of this Oath the following Proclamation was by Order of the Counsell published throughout all the Territories and Dominions of the Commonwealth of England Scotland and Ireland viz. Whereas the late Parliament dissolved themselves and resigning their whole powers and Authorities the Government of the Common-wealth of England Scotland and Ireland by a Lord Protector and successive trienniall Parliaments is now established And whereas Oliver Cromwell Captain Generall of all the Forces of this Commonwealth is declared Lord Protector of the said Nations and hath accepted thereof We have therefore thought it necessary as we do hereby to make publication of the premisses and strictly to charge and command all and every person and persons of what quality and condition soever in any of the said three Nations to take notice hereof and to conforme and submit themselves to the Government so established And all Sheriffs Mayors Bayliffs c. are required to publish this Proclamation to the end none may have cause to pretend ignorance in this behalf This Proclamation was first of all proclaimed by a Serjeant at Arms in the Pallaceyard Westminster and by the Lord Major Sheriffs and Aldermen of London at the Royall Exchange and afterwards throughout all England Scotland and Ireland The City of London to shew their willing concurrence to this great Change invite the Protector to a Dinner at Grocers-Hall whither he is attended with a great deal of magnificence and received with as much pomp and splendor as possibly could be There he first first makes use of the Power given him in giving Titles of Honour by dubbing of Sr Thomas Viner then Lord Major of London Knight And now out of imaginary fears of danger the better to secure his state a seeming Plot is found out some Cavaliers are sent to the Tower and the others warned from London upon it but the Protector to shew his clemency at his first entrance into the Government after some small time of durance releases again those who were imprisoned in the Tower The King of Scots being now come into France was there honourably received by the Court where he took up his residence at which time there were many discontents of the Princes of the blood against the aspiring ambition of Cardinall Mazarine in so much that it had like to have come to a civill warre To compose which difference the King of Scots offered to mediate in order to a reconciliation wherein he so farre prevailed that he procured a Conference between Deputies on both sides to whom although he urged his own condition as an argument for the French King to compose the difference in love rather then to to stand it out all which proving ineffectuall both sides betake themselves to armes the Treaty not succeeding caused him to lie under the displeasure of the Cardinall The Scots in the Highlands under the command of Glencarne and Kenmore by Commission from the King rally and rise to a considerable body of neer 4000 Horse and Foot hoping they might once more fairly dispute their quarcell in field but Major Generall Morgan with 1500 Horse and Foot coming upon them at their Rendesvouz before they could get into any good order killed neer 200 on the place took most of the rest Prisoners Glencarne himself hardly escaping with about 40 Horse The three Agents from Holland having been here all this while and little or nothing agre on for the ratification of a Peace between the two States two of them went over to receive fuller power from the Lords States as was pretended but it was rather suspected that it was to fetch Money which was the only bait by which the Protector could be won to an accord for at their return the Peace was suddenly clapt up and by a large Proclamation annexed to the Articles shewing the reason 's of the Peace which would so much as was pretended redound to the good of the Nation though no understanding Englishman but might guesse at the inconveniencies of it proclaimed on the 5th of Aprill at London and after in other parts of England And now another Plot succeeds the last the chief designers are pretended to be Gilbert and John Gerrard Esquires brothers one Jones an Apotheeary Tewdor Fox and Vowell the design was to have slain the Protector raised an Army and brought in the King but how no man ever knew however these feigned Plots or at least Plots first contrived by themselves are good seturers of Tyrants and usurpers for hereby they fright men from reall designments the plotters are sent to the Tower and a High Court of Justice is erected for their triall Gerrard and Vowell are condemned to be hanged the rest are saved Vowell according to sentence was hanged at Charingcross but Coll. Gerrard upon Petition had the favour to be beheaded at Towerhill where he behaved himself so gallantly and looked death so unappalledly in the face that his very enemies were forced to admire his courage and constancy At the very same time Don Pantaleon Sa Brother to the Lord Ambassador of Portugall was beheaded on the same scaffold for having committed a ridiculous Riot on the New Exchange where followed by a crew of mad fellowes Servants and Lacquies to his Brother or himself he shot a Gentleman that was there walking in the head and had done further mischief had not the noble Coll. Gerrard who was for an other cause beheaded before him stopt their fury and with his Rapier drove them before him down stairs This Portugall came with so great fear to the block that many deemed his life was gone before the blow with the Axe was given The King of Scots being still in France and finding notwithstanding his own and his Mothers endeavours that the Treaty with France and England was vigorously solicited by Monsieur Newfvill Seeing that by necessary consequence the Peace being concluded he and his party must be enforced to leave France thought it a great deal better and more honourable voluntarily to desert that Kingdom then to stay till he were forced out by complement so he with his Brother the Duke of York his Cousins Prince Rupert and Edward retired themselves to Chatillon a house of the Prince of Conde's from whence not long after the King and Prince Rupert went into Germany But now Glencarne reenforced by hopes of Middletons coming out of Holland with supplies of Money and Ammunition begins to stirre again in the Highlands exhorting his Countrymen to gain themselves immortall fame by redeeming themselves and their posterity from the slavery and bondage they now lay under filling their
Generals to be an eclipse of his glory reduced them again to their former Stations Another design of the Protectors to raise Money should have been the introduction of the Jewes into England Here was two hundred thousand pounds to be got which made the care of the encrease of the Church of Christ lye extreamly So he proposes it to severall Ministers for their approbation alledging that since there is a promise for their conversion means must be used to that end which is the preaching of the Gospell and that cannot be had except they be permitted to reside where the Gospel is preached But notwithstanding these Arguments the design was declaimed against both by Clergy and Laity so the Jews were denied their Re-admission though 't is supposed the Protector swallowed down some part of that sweet promised morsell The Spaniard having had certain advice of the attempt and repulse of the English at Hispaniola and their Possession of Jamaica thought this a sufficient breach of the peace though there was never any peace made with him beyond the Line he alwayes taking those English Ships he could light on and master though they went to traffick thither presently makes a seizure of all the English Merchants persons and goods then resident in Spain so that the War begins to grow hot on both sides the Tropick The Protector therefore orders the Generals Blake and Montague to block up Cadiz the chief Port-Town of the King of Spain and whither his Plate-Fleet used yearly to come He likewise endeavours a peace with France who had had Wars with Spain for a long time to which the Cardinall Mazarine consenting it was easily concluded on The French King being so inhumanely unworthy as upon Mazarines instigations to banish his Majesty the King of Scots and the rest of the late Kings children his nearest relations out of his Dominions though indeed he could do no more but forbid their re-entrance they being already gone to further the making of a peace with him who had so unjustly exposed them from their inheritances The English Fleet under Montagues and Blakes Command had for a good while in a manner besieged Cadiz by Sea but could by no exasperations be drawn out of their harbour to fight them the Spaniards thinking it a safer policy to let the English beat at Sea and at last be forced to depart for want of provisions rather then venture either men or Ships against them who they had seen so well experienced in such terrible Sea-fights with the Hollander But the English found in Wyers Bay in Portugall a convenient supply both of Water and provisions which proved a great deal nearer then the Spaniard imagined they would be forced to fetch it Hither were the Generals gone for fresh Water and provisions having left only a Squadron of seven Ships under Command of Captain Stainer before the Port of Cadiz to have an eye upon whatever Ships should pass in or out at that Port. Being thus plying to and fro thereabouts for some dayes it happened that a stiff gale of Wind forced Stainer to stand out to Sea where he spied a very pleasing object part of the King of Spains Fleet coming from the West-Indies and making directly for Cadiz he was somewhat to the Lee-ward made up towards them with all the Sail they could possibly and after some two hours hard plying Captain Stainer with his Ship the Speaker the Bridgewater and the Plimouth Frigots got up to them the other four of the English never being able to come up and presently these three engaged them Though the Spaniards were eight tall Ships or Galleons yet in short time the Spanish whole Fleet was spoiled whereof one was sunk two burnt two ran ashore and were bulged one escaped and two remained in the hands of the English one whereof had a great quantity of Plate and Cochenill in her the other was for the most part laden with Hides In these Ships many persons of note were taken who together with the Ships were safely convoyed home to the great joy of the Protector who made a particular day of Thanksgiving to God for so great a booty But notwithstanding the late great Plate prize yet our Protector is still necessitated for Moneys therefore to procure some and out of a longing desire he had to have his power confirmed to him by the people hoping that a new Representative might grant him that which the first denied or refused issues out his Writs for the Election of another Parliament Yet remembring the speeches and carriages of many Members in the late Parliament he gave secret advice to the Sheriffs in most Counties not to permit them if possible to be chosen however the people in most Countries choosing according to respect his secret advice would scarce hold water The 17th of September 1656 this Parliament met first at Westminster where they found the ancient priviledge of Parliament broken by a promise imposed upon every individuall Member before he should be permitted to sit in the House to wit that he would not act any thing prejudiciall to the Prebyterian Government which promise so to be made so digusted many of the Members that they choose rather to return home but the major part assenting to it entring the House chose Sr Thomas Widdrington for Speaker and began to act suitable to the wishes and desires of the Protector For first that they might secure his Highness person whose loss would certainly have been the ruine of the Nation against all attempts which should be made against him by the Malignant Party or such desperate Fellows as Sindercombe They make an Act wherein it was Enacted high Treason for any to attempt compass or imagine the Protectors death They likewise considering the end for which they were called grant him round summes of Money for the carrying on of the Spanish War and to that effect make these ensuing Acts. An Act for an Assesment upon England for three Moneths at the rate of a Moneth 60000lb On Scotland for three Moneth a Moneth 05000lb On Ireland for three Moneths a Moneth 05000lb On England Scotland and Ireland for three years England to pay 35000lb. Scotland to pay 06000lb. Ireland to pay 09000lb. An Act for continuing of Tunnage and Poundage An Act for preventing the multiplicity of Buildings in about the City of London and within ten Miles thereof A whole years revenue to be prefently paid for dwelling or Out-Houses that have been reared upon new foundations since the year 1620. An Act for Excize of Merchandise imported These with many other being presented to the Protector for his consent were by him gladly passed at which time he spake somewhat to this effect to the Speaker I perceive that among these Acts of Parliament there hath been a very great care had by the Parliament for the just and necessary support of the Common-wealth by these Bills for leavying of Money now brought to me which I have given my consent unto And understanding
thirtieth Articles concerning Church-censure and Synods They likewise constitute General Monck together with General Montague to be Generals at Sea for the next Summers expedition and accordingly command Montague to go to Sea with all possible speed And because several Members had impeachments against them and upon that score were secluded the House they disanull those impeachments and re-admit them as namely Mr Denzil Hollis and Sr Robert Pye About this time the Deanry of Christ-Church which had for a long time been in the hands of Dr Owen a man look'd upon at Oxford as a hair-brain'd schismatick was taken from him and confirmed to Dr Reynolds a man who farre better deserved it They likewise at the beginning of March released the Lord Lindsey the Lord Sinclare and Lord Lauderdale from their tedious imprisonments to which upon various pretences they had been committed Dr Walker and Dr Turner were made Judges of the Admiralty and Probate of Wils and Dr Wiseman constituted the Commonwealths Advocate And now was the Lord General invited to Dinner by the Company of Mercers and afterwards by several other of the Companies the Citizens striving mutually who should in the best manner discover and expresse the gratefulness and esteem they bore for his noble and heroick actions At this time there was an assembly of a Parliamentary Convention in Ireland summoned by Sr Charles Coote and the Lord Broghill for the better Regulating of affairs there till all things in England might be in a better posture The Parliament that they might testifie to the world that they were not so forgetfull of Oaths as their fellow-Members order the solemn League and Covenant to be set up and read in all Churches and likewise to be set up in the Parliament that they might remember they had sworn for the maintenance of the King and his posterity Collonel Lambert being found to lurk up and down about the City notwithstanding the Order of the Parliament was as a person too dangerous to be trusted to himself at such a time as this committed to the Tower Orders were sent down to Hull by Collonel Alured and Major Smith that Collonel Overton should immediately deliver up that Garrison into the hands of Collonel Fairfax and to repair immediately to London and he notwithstanding his former Declaration that he was resolved to keep it till the coming of King Jesus presently obeyed the Order and Collonel Fairfax accordingly took possession of the place Sr Arthur Haslerig and others were questioed before the Parliament and Counsell of State but nothing extraordinary being found against him as to the designs were then on Foot it was passed by The Parliament made Sr Peter Killigrew Governour of Pendennis-Castle and worthy Mr Morris Commander of Plymouth-Fort and Island There was about this time a conference between ten of the Counsell of State and ten head-Officers of the Army the Generall being present concerning the Government but the conference being only for mutuall information and satisfaction it had no result The Parliament ordered that the Examination of Sr George Booth and his Lady should be taken off the File and given to him he deserving to have his Encomium put on in the room of it And now they obliterated the Engagement which was made by the Rump in 1649 to free them from punishment for the impious murther of their Gracious Soveraign out of the Journall and voted it to be null and void And now the time of their dissolution being come they put out the Act for summoning a new Parliament in the Name of the Keepers of the Liberties of the Commonwealth of England The Qualifications which they put out being only these That all persons who have advised aided or any wayes assisted or abetted the rebellion in Ireland All those who profess the Popish Religion All that advised or voluntarily aided in the Warre against the Parliament in 1641 unless they have since given a manifestation of their good affection shall be uncapable of being elected Members for the ensuing Parliament and no person elected and thus qualified to sit in the House upon a high penalty Though these Qualifications did seem at first to exclude a great number yet divers eminent and worthy persons though they had actually been in the Kings service in the late War having been engaged in Sr George Booths quarrell for the naturall interest were elected and admitted to sit in the House The City having compleated their Militia as well Auxiliaries as trained Bands made choice of his Excellency the Lord Generall to be Major Generall of all their Forces Major Generall Brown being Collonel of the Regiment of Horse The Parliament ordered 9000lb to be given to Major Generall Brown in satisfaction for those great losses which he had received under the tyranny of the Rump for his noble and publick spirit They likewise gave 20000lb as a gift to his Excellency And before their dissolution they released Dr Wren who for about eighteen years had suffered imprisonment in the Tower of London a man who doubtless deserved better usage but that the times then did not well understand him They gave power also to the Counsel of State to release what Prisoners upon State-matters they should see good and particularly Maj. Gen. Lambert They ordered a stop should be put to the sale of the Estate of the Lord Craven and Lord St John the first of which had his Estate taken away from him by more than hellish injustice Some neglect being in the Printer concerning the Printing of the Act for the Militia and it being supposed there was a designe of some of the late Rump to make some alteration in the Act as might suit for their turn or else upon the Parliaments dissolution by violence to hinder it The Parliament ordered a Committee to take care that it should be finished with all expedition which accordingly was performed And so this part of a Parliament which was chosen in 1640. was now finally dissolved in 1660. by their own Act which was That the day for dissolution of this Parliament be from the sixteenth of March 1660. Multiplicity of business having caused them to alter the first appointed day About this time our gracious Sovereigne King Charles the second hearing of the transactions of affairs in England and seeing how the face of all things began to alter so that great probability there was of being admitted to his undoubted Right without the effusion of his Subjects blood removed his Court from Brussels to Breda in Holland a Town belonging to his Sister the Princess of Orange there expecting till England might be brought into such a posture as might fit it for his happy and wished for reception The Parliament at their dissolution had conferred on the Counsel of State all Power whatsoever in the Interval till the assembling of the Free Parliament April 25. 1660. which accordingly they executed so prudently and wisely and preserved the Nation in peace and put the affairs of the Kingdom in
with all the Sail they could make ran towards their own Coasts But the English in respect of those dangerous flats thought it not safe to pursue them too far but only sent some light Frigots to discover their course In this encounter there was no certain account could be given of the Dutch that were slain but there were taken prisoners 6 Captains 1350 common-Seamen and others 11 men of War taken 6 sunk Of the English Gnerall Dean slain 1 Captain killed 120 Sea-men slain and 236 wounded But in all this desperate Batrell not one Ship lost or disabled The Dutch Fleet by the opportunity and advantage of the night got into the Wielings the Vley and the Texell to recruit their men and repair their losses which were so great but the loss on the English side being so inconsiderable they resolved to keep the Sea and having mended their torn and tottered rigging they call a Counsell of War where it was agreed on that the whole Fleet should make what hast they could towards the Weilings and by ranging up and down the Coast block up the Dutch in their habours which they did for a good space of time taking prizes at pleasure and not permitting the Dutch whose Fleet was seperated into severall harbours to joyn or be in a capacity to make any resistance so that the Dutch having now the English Fleet constantly in sight though against their wils need not be put to any further trouble of making a Hue and Cry after them But let us leave the Hollanders thus blockt up and return to our Scepter-aspiring Cromwell in England Who having finished his Consultations with his Counsell of Officers about choosing those persons into whose hands he intended to put the Legislative power of the Nation sends out his Warrants to those persons so by him chosen whom he will have stiled a Parliament though they amounted not to above 140 persons for the three Nations to appear at the Counsell-Chamber in Whitehall on the 4th of July 1653. where they being accordingly convened Generall Cromwell attended by severall Officers of the Army makes them a short speech which being ended he delivers them a Writing under his hand and Seal impowring them to be the supreme legislative Authority of the three Nations of England Scotland and Ireland with all the Territories thereto belonging and that any forty of them should be a Quorum sufficient to dispatch any publick business make Laws raise Moneys and order the affairs of Peace and War as they should think fit only their sitting was limited to the third of Nouember 1654 and three Moneths before their dissolution they were to make choise of others to succeed in their room So Cromwell having canted out a prayer that God would bless them and their Counsels dismissed them From thence they retired to the old Parliament-house at Westminster where having chose Mr Rouse Speaker they began to debate what they should call themselves a Parliament or something else but at last it was resolved in the affirmative by what law or reason few canguess that all addresses should be made to them as to a Parliament But it is very like many if not most of this pact Parliament knew very well for what end and purpose they were called viz. to make way for Cromwels future greatness and though perhaps these were the fewer part yet be plainly endeavoured to hedge in the greater by somenting those differences among them which his earnest pressing them to take the Tithes and Universities into consideration caused About this time John Lilburn who for his factious spirit had long lain in prison and was at last banished by the long Parliament upon occasion of this change of Government came into England and cast himself upon the Lord Generall Cromwell for protection but he knowing his turbulent temper refused to intermeddle but left him to the Law so being committed to Newgate he was brought to his triall in the Old Baily where notwithstanding the endeavours of his adversaries he so strongly pleaded his cause that the Jury brought him in not guilty But however his spirit be very well known and that he would still be carping at whatever Government should be established he was still kept prisoner first in the Tower and after in Dover-Castle where Trandling according to the madness of his brain from one opinion to another he at length fell into Quakerisme in which heresie he died But let us look a little into Scotland where though the English had got possession of most of the Forts Garrisons and strong holds in the Low-lands yet the High-landers from their craggy Cliffs made many incursions into the Country committing many Murthers Robberies and Outrages upon both people and Souldiers forth with again betaking themselves to their inaccessible fastnesses whither our Souldiers not knowing the Country nor Passes could not tell how to pursued them and they encreasing daily into great numbers headed by Glencarne Atholl Seafort and others The Lord Seafort having surprized seven or eight men that came ashore to seek provisions from aboard the Fortune Frigot who layar Anchor at Lew is Island was so vain as to send his Summons to the Ship requiring it to surrender but it proved as could not be otherwise expected ineffectuall The condition of Ireland was the same with that of Scotland all the strong holds and fortresses being reduced to the English yoke nor any opposition made but what the excursions of some Tories who lurked in Woods and Fastnesses and did much damage to the Country people and travellers on the Road produced The Hollanders perceiving their force too weak to resist the English strength send over four Commissioners viz. Monsieur Bevering Newport Youngstall and Vanderpaue who died soon aftet his arrivall here to renew again the Treaty Though three remaining Commissioners pursued their negotiations very close yet the Treaty produced at that present neither cessation or intermission of Arms but both parties prepared for War and had during the Treaty a most remarkable Fight which happened thus On the 29th of July the English Scouts discovered a Dutch Fleet from the Weilings consisting of about 95 men of War which Fleet Van Trump had all that while been preparing with indefatigable labour to beat the English from his Countries harbours and to encourage and add resolution to his Seamen had made proclamation That all the men of War taken from the English should be the Mariners with a considerable Summe of Money to whomever should take the Admirals or vice-Admirals Flag The English Scouts having espied them gave notice to the Fleet who made what Sail they could possibly towards them which the Dutch discerning stood away and the English after them but the wind being scarce came not into Shot till six a Clock when thirty light Frigots engaged them but little was done this day in regard the night parted them The Dutch all night stood into the Texell where there joyned with them 25 stout men of War
it hath been the practice of those who have been chief Governours to acknowledge with thanks to the Commons their care and regard of the publicke I do very heartily and thankefully acknowledge their kindness herein But let us a little leave the Parliament perfecting all things to the Protectors content and see a relation of the victorious Generall Blakes thrice worthy exploit at Sancta-Cruze Generall Blake lying with his Fleet near Cadiz had advice brought him that the Spanish West-India Fleet was put into the Port of Sancta-Cruze in Teneriffa the chief Island of the Canaries Whereupon the Fleet weighs Anchor and on the 20th of Aprill 1657 were at the mouth of Sancta-Cruze Bay where they espied the Spanish Ships sixteen in number lying in an order almost semi-circular at the mouth of the Haven stands a Castle well furnished with Guns and besides that seven Forts more with three four and six Guns a piece so that the passage in must needs be dangerous or rather desperate Besides Don Diego D'aques the Spanish Admirall to make all safe had caused the smaller Ships to be mored alongst the shore and the six great Gallions lay farther off at Anchor with their broad sides towards the Sea Generall Blake having perceived this posture of defence in which they lay from the offing presently calls a Counsell of War where it was resolved that they should presently attaque them not at all considering the eminent hazard Captain Stainer Commander of the Speaker is ordered first in with them who presently falls upon the Ships not at all considering or regarding the number of the Shot which the Forts on every side continually powred upon him and maintains near an hours Fight till the Generals Blake and Montague having ordered some Frigots to ply the Forts and Brest-works with continuall broad sides came up and with all their power encountered the Spaniards who though they made a gallant resistance yet in four hours space they were driven out of their Ships which though possessed by the English yet could not easily be brought away so they were by them fired to the number of sixteen small and great This noble attempt cost the English but 48 men and 120 wounded The Spaniards besides the loss of their whole Fleet had many hundreds of men slain on the shore and in the Forts and Brest-works besides those which lost their lives in the Ships For this noble exploit the Protector by Order of Parliament sent a Diamond Ring worth 500lb for a present to Generall Blake And Captain Richard Stainer who led on the first Squadron was at his coming to England for this and his former service Knighted This year happened a Conspiracy of other sort of men then Cavaliers for on the 19th of Aprill 1657 at a House in Shoreditch severall discontented persons who had been formerly of the Army were apprehended who had appointed to have Rendesvowzed on Mile-end-Green and so have marched into other Counties to augment their Party Store of Arms were taken and the number of the Conspirators being many they were disposed of in severall prisons Major Generall Harrison Vice-Admirall Lawson Collonel Rich and Major Danvers were secured as the chief Ring-leaders This was called the Plot of the fifth-Monarchy-men The Protector out of a desire he had to keep the Spaniards to it every where makes a private agreement with France to send out a Brigade of his best Infantry which the French extreamly wanted to assist them in Flanders These were begun to be raised about the 4th of May 1657 and about the latter end of the Moneth having had a very fine passage into Picardy joyned with those Forces commanded by the Marshall of Turene Over these Sir John Reynolds one of the Protectors Knights but formerly Commissary Generall of the Army in Ireland was appointed Commander in chief and Collonel Morgan was made Major Generall But to return a little to our affairs at home The Parliament had long been debating concerning the settlement of his Highness and had almost concluded of it when on a suddain a Paper was sent into the House desiring his Highness advance of Title Upon this the grand machine of Government was printed entituled An humble Petition and Advice humbly entreating that his Highness would be pleased to change his Title of Protector to that of King This was extreamly averse to his nature who God bless us would be a Servant and not a Master of his Country He knew Monarchy to be odious both to the Army and as he said to the people and therefore he gave the Parliament this positive answer in the painted Chamber That he could not accept the Government under the Title of a King Whereupon the Parliament voted that Protector should be the Title of the chief Magistrate and the Petition and Advice being altered accordingly nothing now wanted to the making it a Law but his Highness approbation So a Conference is desired with him which granted the Protector on the 25th of May 1657 meets the Parliament in the painted Chamber where Sr Thomas Widdrington Speaker presents him with the humble Petition and Advice the substance whereof was 1. That his Highness Oliver Cromwell under the Title of Lord Protector would be pleased to execute the Office of chief Magistrate over England Scotland and Ireland and the Territories thereunto belonging c. and to govern according to all things in this Petition and Advice And also that he would in his life time appoint the person that should succeed in the Government after his death 2. That he would call a Parliament consisting of two Houses once in three years at farthest 3. That those persons who are legally chosen by a free Election of the people to serve in Parliament may not be excluded from doing their duties but by consent of that House whereof they are Members 4. That none but those under the Qualifications therein mentioned should be capable to serve as Members in Parliament 5. That the power of the other House be limited as herein prescribed 6. That the Laws and Statutes of the Land be observed and kept no Laws altered suspended abrogated or repealed or new Laws made but by Act of Parliament 7. That the yearly summe of a Million of pounds sterling be setled for maintenance of the Navy and Army and three hundred thousand pounds for support of the Government besides other temporary supplies as the Commons in Parliament shall see the necessities of the Nation to require 8. That the number of the Protectors Counsell shall not be above twenty one whereof the Quorum to be seven 9. The chief Officers of State as Chancellors Keepers of the great Seal c. to be approved by Parliament 10. That his Highness would encourage a godly Ministry in these Nations and that such as do revile and disturb them in the worship of God may be punished according to Law and where Laws are defective new ones to be made 11. That the Protestant Christian Religion as it
made them the following Speech My Lords and Gentlemen I beleeve there are scarce any of you here who expected some moneths since to have seen this great Assembly at this time in this place in peace considering the great and unexpected change which it hath pleased the all disposing hand of God to make in the midst of us I can assure you that if things had been according to our own fears and the hopes of our enemies it had not been thus with us And therefore it will become both you and me in the first place to reverence and adore the great God possessor of Heaven and earth in whose hands our breath is and whose are all our wayes because of his judgments so to acknowledg his goodness to these Lands in that he hath not added sorrow to sorrow and made the period of his late Highnesses life and that of the Nations peace to have been in one day Peace was one of the blessings of my Fathers Government a mercy after so long a Civill War and in the middest of so great division which that war bred is not usually afforded by God unto a people in so great measure The Cause of God and these Nations which he engaged in met in all the parts of it as you well know with many enemies and great opposition The archers privily and openly sorely grieved him and shot at him yet his bow abode in strength and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob. As to himself he died full of dayes spent in great and sore travail yet his eyes were not waxeddim neither was his nature or strength abated as it was said of Moses he was serviceable even to the last As to these Nations he left them in great honour abroad and in full peace at home all England Scotland and Ireland dwelling safely every man under his Vine and under his Figtree from Dan unto Beersheba He is gone to his rest and we are entred into his labours and if the Lord hath still a blessing for these Lands as I trust he hath as our peace hath been lengthened out to this day so shall we go on to reap the fruit and gather the harvest of what his late Highness hath sown and laid the foundation of For my own part being by the providence of God and the disposition of the Law my Fathers Successor and bearing that place in the Government that I do I though it fit for the publick good to call a Parliament of the three Nations now united and conjoyned together into one Commonwealth under one Government It is agreeable not only to my trust but to my principles to govern these Nations by the advice of my two Houses of Parliament I find it asserted in the humble Petition and Advice which is the corner stone of this building and that which I shall adhere unto that Parliaments are the great Counsell of the chief Magistrate in whose advice both he and these Nations may be most safe and happy I can assure you I have that esteem of them And as I have made it the first Act of my Government to call you together so shall I further let you see the value I have of you by the answers that I shall return to the Advice that shall be given me by you for the good of these Nations You are come up from your severall Countries as the heads of your Tribes and with hearts I perswade my self to consult together their good I can say I meet you with the same desires having nothing in my designes but the maintenance of the Peace Laws Liberties both Civill and Christian of these Nations which I shall always make the measure and rule of my Government and be ready to spend my life for We have summoned you at this time to let you know the state of our affairs and to have your advice in them and I beleeve a Parliament was never sommoned upon so important occasion It is true as I have told you we are through the goodness of God at this time in peace but it is not thus with us because we have no enemies there are enough both within us and without us who would soon put an end to our peace were it in their powers or should it at any time come into their powers It will be becoming of your wisdomes to consider of the securing of our peace against those who we all know are and will be our implacable enemies what the means of doing this are I shall refer unto you This I can assure you that the Armies of England Scotland and Ireland are true and faithfull to the peace and good interest of these Nations and it will be found so and that they are a consisting body and usefull for any good ends and if they were not the best Army in the world you would have heard of inconveniencies by reason of the great arrear of pay which is now due unto them whereby some of them are reduced to great necessities but you shall have a particular account of their arrears and I doubt not but some consideration will be had thereon in some speedy and effectuall way And this being matter of money I recommend it particularly to the House of Commons You have you know a warre with Spain carried on by the advice of Parliament he is an old enemy and therefore it will be necessary both for the honour and safety of these Nations that the war be vigorously prosecuted Furthermore the constitution of Affairs in all our neighbour Countries and round about us as well friends as enemies are very considerable and calls upon us to be upon our guard both at Land and Sea and to be in a posture able to maintain and conserve our own interest Great and powerfull Fleets are preparing to be set forth into these seas and considerable Armies of severall Nations and Kings are now disputing for the mastery of the Sound with the adjacent Islands and Countries among which is the Roman Emperour with other Popish States I need not tell you of what consequence these things are to this State We have already interposed in these affairs in such manner as we found it necessary for the interest of England and matters are yet in such a condition in those parts that this State may with the assistance of Gods provide that their differences may not prejudice us The other things that are to be said I shall refer to my Lord Keeper Fines and close up what I have to say with only adding two or three particulars to what I have already said And first I recommend to your care the people of God in these Nations with their concernments the more they are divided among themselves the greater prudence should be used to cement them Secondly The good and necessary work of Reformation both in manners and in the administration of Justice that profaneness may be discountenanced and suppressed and that Righteousness and
Justice may be executed in the Land Thirdly I recommend to you the Protestant cause abroad which seems at this time to be in some danger having great and powerfull enemies and very few friends and I hope and believe that the old English zeal to that Cause is still among us Lastly my Lords and you Gentlemen of the House of Commons That you will in all your debates maintain and conserve love and unity among your selves that therein you may be the pattern of the Nation who have sent you up in peace and with their prayers that the spirit of wisdome and peace may be among you and this shall also be my prayer for you and to this let us all add our utmost endeavours for the making this a happy Parliament This was the Protectors so much applauded Speech to his Parliament which finisheed the Lord Fines began and after having enumerated the deceased Protectors great endeavours c. for the peace of the Nation and his Highnesses following his steps in the calling of this present Parliament for the three Nations joyntly he recommended more effectually to them the wars abroad and the probabilities of homebred disturbances desiring their provision to maintain the one and care to prevent the other the Parliament having every one taken the Oath formerly taken by Olivers Parliament not to alter the Government were returned to their House and the Protector to Whitehall The House of Commons being returned to their House spent muce time about the rectifying of their Elections and expelling severall Members out of the House but causing others to be elected in their steads under pretence of being Malignants and having born Arms against the Parliament in behalf of their lawfull Soveraign and not only expelling them but disabling them from being elected or chosen as Members of future Parliaments so though this Parliament was esteemed one of the freest that had been called since 1641 yet it was not free indeed The House having as far as they could rectified their Members and Elections proceed to the calling to an account of all those who had been entrusted with the Customes Excize Taxes or other Revenue of the Common-wealth and to consider of the present state of the Revenues and some ways to pay the arrears of the Army Navy c. and other Nationall Debts but this business being put off by delays never came to any effect They likewise proceed to the drawing up of a Bill for it never came to be either Act or Ordinance which should be intituled An Act of Recognition of his Highness right and Title to be Protector and Chief Magistrate of the Commonwealth of England Scotland and Ireland and the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging Many demurs were there in this debate and severall praevious Votes to be passed before this Bill could be committed as whether the Parliament should consist of two Houses and whether this House should transact with the Persons sitting in the other House as a House of Parliament This business took up a great deal of time the Protectorians stood stifly for it and the Commonwealths-men as stong against it alledging that to treat with those men as a House of Lords was to enslave themselves more deeply then ever they had been before That they should now by it clearly evince to the world their folly perjury and villany that whilest they had taken their Oaths to be true and faithfull to govern without a House composed of the Peers of the Nation they should now both break their Oath and subject themselves to such as were scarce Peers to the Commons That if they did but consider the Creator of this House of Peers as they were called they could not but foresee the necessary thraldome they must run themselves into these being all such as were made sure to his interest and were so many sure Votes for whatever arbitrary actions he might undertake and if it were thought unlawfull for the Bishops to sit in the House of Lords because they were accounted so many sure voices for the King how much more might these be excepted against who were certainly so many sure voices for the Protectorall interest being all created by it Yet notwithstanding these Arguments the Vote was at length carried on the Protectorian side and Resolved That the House of Commons would transact with the Persons then sitting in the other House as a House of Parliament during the present Parliament but with this Proviso that it was not intended thereby to exclude such Peers as have been faithfull to the Parliament from their priviledge of being duly summoned to be Members of that House Whilest the Parliament are thus pursuing their Votes to settle the Protector in England the French and Spaniard are endeavouring to conclude a Peace betwixt themselves and to leave the English in the lurch which howsoever it then and ever since went vigorously on yet are not the Conditions spoken of performed on either side to the full-consummating of it During the Sessions of this Parliament on the 24th of February Mr George Strangways formerly a Major in the Kings Army was pressed to death in the Press-yard in Newgate for refusing to plead to his Indictment for having caused his Brother-in-Law one Mr Fussell an Attorney of Dortsetshire to be shot in the head as he sate writing in his Chamber-window of which he died The magnanimity nobleness and pe nitence of Major Strangways at his death deserves this memory This Parliament took into consideration the Cases of divers Persons who had been imprisoned in the time of the late deceased Protector Maj. Gen. Overton is sent for out of the Isle of Jersey and released The Duke of Buckingham is likewise released out of Windsor-Castle upon the Lord Fairfax his giving 20000lb security that he shall demean himself peaceably for the future and not joyn with abet or have any correspondence with the enemies of the Lord-Protector or the Common wealth Severall other Persons of Quality were likewise by them released out of the Tower Maj. Gen. Brown likewise who had by the long Parliament in 1649 been disabled from bearing any Offices in the City is by them restored and made capable of all Offices priviledges and precedencies there and the long Parliaments Vote of the 4th of December 1649 made in his prejudice vacated The Quakers to promote their Turbulencies on the 16th of April sent a Paper into the House sealed and directed on the outside For the Speaker of the Commons assembled in Parliament these are for him to read to the Commons The inside contained a Declaration entituled A Declaration to the Commons assembled in Parliament Delivered the sixth day of the second Moneth called April 1659 to the then Speaker of the said House This Declaration contained many ignominious scandals thrown by those Fanatiques both upon the Magistracy and Ministry for which the Parliament express their Resentment to the Declarers requiring them to repair to their respective habitations apply themselves to