Former Ages Never Heard of, Floating text 2 – Floating text 7

Former Ages Never Heard of · Floating text 2 – Floating text 7

p. 6Die Veneris, 30 July, 1641.

WE the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses of the Commons House in Parl. finding to the great grief of our hearts, that the designs of the Priests, Jesuites, and other adherents to the Sea of Rome, have of late been more boldly and frequently put in practice then formerly, to the undermining and danger of the ruine of the true Reformed Protestant Religion, in his Majesties Dominions established: And finding also that they have been and having just cause to suspect that there are still even during this sitting in Parliament, endeavours to subvert the fundamentall Lawes of England and Ireland, and to introduce the exercise of an Arbitrary and Tyrannicall Government, by most pernicious and wicked counsels, practices, plots, and conspiracies: And that the long intermission, and unhappy breach of Parliam. hath occasioned many illegall Taxations, whereupon the subject hath been prosecuted and grieved: And that divers Innovations and superstitions have been brought into the Church, multitudes driven out of his Majesties Dominions, jealousies raised and somented betwixt the King and his people, a Popish Army levyed in Ireland, and two Armies brought into the bowels of his Kingdom, to the hazzard of his Majesties Royal person, the consumption of the Revenues of the Crown and Treasure of his Kingdome: And lastly, finding great cause of jealousie that endeavours have been, and are used to bring the English Army into a misunderstanding of this Parl. thereby to incline that Army with force to bring to passe those wicked Councels, Have therefore thought good to joyne our selves in a Declaration of our united affections and resolutions, and to make this ensuing Protestation.

The Protestation.

I A. B. Do in the presence of Almighty God, Promise, Vow, and Protest to maintaine and defend, as far as lawfully I may, with my life, power, and state, the true Reformed Protestant Religion, expressed in the Doctrine of the Church of England, against Popery and Popish Innovations, within this Realme, contrary to the same Doctrine, and according to the duty of my Allegiance, his Majesties Royall Person, Honour, and Estate, as also the power and priviledges of Parliament, the lawfull rights and liberties of the Subject, and every person that maketh this Protestation; in whatsoever he shall doe, in the lawfull p. 7pursuance of the same. And to my power, and as far as lawfully I may, I will oppose, and by all good wayes and means endeavour, to bring to condigne punishment, all such as shall either by force, practice, counsels, plots, conspiracies, or otherwise, doe any thing to the contrary of any thing in this present Protestation contained. And further, that I shall in all just and honourable wayes endeavour to preserve the union and peace between the three Kingdomes of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and neither for hope, fear, nor other respect, shall relinquish this Promise, Vow, and Protestation.

At the beginning of the Parliament (Nov. 3. 1640.) there was a diligent inquisition after oppressions and oppressors, and first upon the Petition of M^ris Bastwicke, and M^ris Burton, two widowed wives, and a Petition exhibited in the behalfe of M^r Pryn, Dr. Laighten, Mr. Smart, Mr. Walker, Mr. Foxley, Mr. Lilburn, and many others, set at liberty, some being banisht, and all close Prisoners, others fast fettered in irons, and their wives debar'd from coming to them.

Decemb. 1640. The Earl of Strafford, and Laud Arch-bishop of Canterbury, impeached of High Treason; Wren Bishop of Norwich, of Treason, Windebank and Finch fled. The Scots ships that were taken before the Parl. began, restored, and 4000. l. given to rig them, 300000. l. towards their losses, and all Books, Libels, and Proclamations against the Scots called in. February, A Bill signed for Trienniall Parl. …ix Subsidies, Poll money, and a personall assesment of the whole Kingdome. May, a Bill signed that the Parl. should not be dissolved without their consent; Lord Strafford beheaded, the High Commission Court, and Star Chamber put down, the Parl. proceeded against Delinquent Judges about Ship-money.

The Earl of Strafford's Speech on the Scaffold, May 12. 1641.

MY Lord Primate of Ireland, (and my Lords and the rest of these Gentlemen) it is a very great comfort to me, to have your Lordship by me this day, in regard I have been known to you a long time, I should be glad to obtain so much silence as to be heard a few words, but doubt I shall not; my Lord, I come hither by the good will and pleasure of Almighty God, to pay the last debt I owe to sin, which is death, and by the blessing of that God to rise again through the mercies of Christ Jesus to eternall glory; I wish I had been private, that I might have been heard; my Lord, if I might be so much beholding to you, that I might use a few words, I should take it for a very great courtesie; my Lord, I come hither to submit to that judgment which hath past against me, I do it with a very quiet and contented mind, I do freely forgive all the world, a forgivenesse that is not spoken from the teeth outward (as they say) but from my heart, I speak it in the presence of Almighty God, before whom I stand, that there is not so much as a displeasing thought p. 8in me, arising to any creature; I thank God I may say truly, and my conscience bears me witnesse, that in all my services since I have had the honour to serve his Majesty in any employment, I never had any thing in my heart, but the joynt and individuall prosperity of King and people, if it hath been my hap to be misconstrued, it is the common portion of us all while we are in this life, the righteous judgment is hereafter, here we are subject to error, and apt to be

The Earle of Strafford for treasonable practises beheaded on the Tower-hill.

mis-judged one of another. There is one thing I desire to clear my selfe of, and I am confident I speak it with so much clearnesse, that I hope I shall have your Christian Charity in the belief of it, I did alwayes think that the Parl. of England were the happiest constitutions that any Kingdome or any Nation lived under, and under God the means of making King and people happy, so far have I been from being against Parliaments: For my death, I here acquit all the world, and pray God heartily to forgive them; and in particular, my Lord Primate, I am very glad that his Majesty is pleased to conceive me not meriting so severe and heavy a punishment as the utmost execution of this sentence; I am very glad, and infinitely rejoyce in this mercy of his, and beseech God to turn it to him, and that he may find mercy when he hath most need of it; I wish the Kingdome all the prosperity and happinesse in the world, I did it living, and now dying it is my wish. I do now professe is from my heart, and do most humbly recommend it to every man here, and wish every man to lay his hand upon his heart, and consider seriously whether the beginning of the happinesse of a people should be p. 9writ in Letters of blood, I fear you are in a wrong way, and I desire Almighty God, that not one drop of my blood may rise up in judgment against you. My Lord, I professe my selfe a true and obedient Son to the Church of England ▪ to the Church wherein I was born, and wherein I was bred, prosperity and happinesse be ever to it: and whereas it hath been said, that I have inclined to Popery, if it be an objection worth answering, let me say truly, that from the time since I was twenty one years of age, till this hour, now going upon forty nine, I never had thought in my heart, to doubt of the truth of my Religion in England, and never any had the boldnesse to suggest to me contrary to the best of my remembrance; and so being reconciled to the mercies of Christ Jesus my Saviour, into whose bosome I hope shortly to be gathered; to that eternall happinesse that shall never have end, I desire heartily the forgivenesse of every man, both for any rash or unadvised word, or deed, and desire your prayers: And so my Lord farewell, farewell all the things of this word: Lord strengthen my faith: give me confidence and assurance in the merits of Jesus Christ. I desire you that you would be silent, and joyn in prayers with me, and I trust in God that we shall all meet, and live eternally in Heaven, there to receive the accomplishment of all happinesse, where every tear shall be wiped from our eyes, and every sad thought from our hearts: And so God blesse this Kingdome, and Jesus have mercy upon my Soul, Amen.

August, 1641. The King went to Scotland. Octob. The Irish Rebellion began, whereby above 100000 Protestants were murdered. Novemb. & Decemb. The King came from Scotland to London, and was entertained with most pompous solemnity, and after went to Hampton Court, the Earl presented a Remonstrance, wherein was expressed the Kingdomes grievances, they desire a Guard. Sir Wil. Belford was displaced, and Cottington made Constable of the Tower, but he was soon displaced, and Col. Lunsford was made Lieutenant of the Tower, but he also was displaced, and Sir John Byron was made Liev. of the Tower in Lunsfords stead, but he also with much ado removed, and Sir John Conyers was put in his place.

To the Kings most Excellent Majesty, and the Lords and Peers now Assembled in Parliament.

The Humble Petition and Protestation of all the Bishops and Prelats now called by his Majesties Writs to attend the Parliament, and present about London and Westminster for that Service.

THat whereas the Petitioners are called up by several and respective Writs and under great penalties to attend the Parl. and have a clear and indubitable right to Vote in Bils, and other matters whatsoever debatable in Parl. p. 10by the ancient Customes, Lawes, and Statutes of this Realm, and ought to be Protected by your Majesty, quietly to attend and prosecute that great Service. They humbly Remonstrate and Protest before God, your Majesty, and the noble Lords and Peers now assembled in Parl. that as they have an indubitate right to Sit and Vote in the House of Lords, so are they (if they may be protected from force and violence) most ready and willing to performe their duties accordingly. And that they doe abominate all actions or opinions tending to Popery, and the maintenance thereof; as also all propension and inclination to any Malignant party, or any other side or party whatsoever, to the which their owne reasons and conscience shall not move them to adhere. But, whereas they have been at severall times violently menaced, affronted and assaulted by multitudes of people, in their coming to perform their services in that honourable House, and lately chased away, and put in danger of their lives, and can find no redresse or protection, upon sundry complaints made to

The High Commission-Court and Starr-Chamber voted down, and pluralities & non residencies damned by Parliament.

both Houses in these perticulars. They likewise humbly protest before your Majesty, and the Noble House of Peers, that saving unto themselves all their Rights and Interests of Sitting and Voting in that House at other times, they dare not Sit or Vote in the House of Peers, untill your Majesty shall further secure them from all affronts, indignities, and dangers in the premisses. Lastly, whereas their fears are not built upon fantasies and conceits, but upon such grounds and objects as may well terrifie men of good resolutions, and much constancy. They doe in all duty and humility protest before your Majesty, and the Peers of that most Honourable House of Parl. against all Laws, Orders, Votes, Resolutions, and Determinations, as in themselves null, and of none effect, which in their absence since the 27^th of this instant Month of Decem. p. 111641. have already passed, as likewise against all such as shall hereafter pass in that most Honourable House, during the time of this their forced and violent absence from the said most Honourable House; not denying but if their absenting of themselves were willfull and voluntary, that most honourable House might proceed in all their premisses in their absence, and this Protestation notwithstanding. And humbly beseeching your most Excellent Majesty to command the Clerk of the House of Peers to enter this their Petition and Protestation among their Records.

They will ever pray to God to bless, &c.

Jo Ebor.

Th. Dures.

Rob. Co. Lich.

Jo. Norw.

Jo. Asa.

Gul Ba. & Wels.

Geo. Heref.

Rob. Ox.

Ma. Ely.

Godf. Glouc.

Jo Peterb.

Mor. Land.

Twelve Bishops were impeached of high Treason, and ten imprisoned in the Tower, and afterward all disabled from ever sitting in the Parl. they are Voted down root and branch, Nulla contradicente: The same night there were bonefires and ringing of Bels. All Popish Recusants inhabiting in and about the City, all dis-affected persons, and such as being able men, would not lend any money for the defence of the Common-wealth, should forthwith confine themselves to their own Houses, and not to goe forth without speciall license. An Ordinance to apprehend dis-affected persons in the City, whereof were four Aldermen put in safe custody in Crosby House, and some in Gressam Colledge.

A letter sent to Mr. Pym.

Mr. Pym.

Do not think that a guard of men can protect you if you persist in your trayterous courses and wicked designs: I have sent a Paper-messenger to you, and if this does not touch your heart, a Dagger shal, so soon as I am recovered of my plaguesore. In the mean time you may be forborn, because no better man may be endangered for you.

Repent Traytor.

Jan: 1641. The Irish proclaimed Rebels, the King demands five Members, Lunsford assaulteth the Citizens at Westmin: an Act to carry on the War in Ireland till it were reduced. Febr: King signs the Bill for taking away Bishops Votes. March, the Queen went to Holland, one of her ships sprung a leak, and much treasure lost, and when she return'd, there was a great storm, Van Trump's Mast broke, and after eight dayes turmoil driven back again, broke and lost 3 ships. The King went to Theobalds, where a Petition from the Par. was presented, desiring him to let the Militia abide neer Lon: and not carry the Prince away, he being at Newmarket the House presented a Declaration, the King went to York, sends a message to the Parl. that he would raise 2000 Foot and 200 Horse at Hull, and go for Ireland, Sir John Hotbam denies the King entrance, in April & May som Members leave their seats, and go to the King at York Binion a Silk-man, the Kentish Malignants, and Sir Edw: Deering frame petitions against p. 12the Parl. but rejected, fined, and imprisoned. The King interdicts the Militia, but the Messenger was hang'd at the Exchange. The Lords and Gentry of Ireland and Scotland, petition the King to return to his Parl. the Gentry of York shire do the like, but rejected. The K. set on foot a Commission of Array. June, The Great Seal carried to the K. The Earle of Warwick Adm. Money and Plate brought in for the Cause; the King besieges Hull, 500 men went from London to it: Proclamations and Declarations against the Parliament read in all Churches and Chappels within the K. power. July, An Army raised, and Essex made General, the Lord Major of London imprison'd for causing the K. Commission of Array to be proclaimed; many Proclamat: from the K. and Declar: from the Parl. By water the Ship-masters and Marriners made ready a great number of Long-boats furnished with Ordnance, Muskers, and other Sea-warlike instruments, their Vessels gallantly adorned with Flags and Streamers, together with martial musick, Drums & Trumpets; when they came to White-hall, and understood that the Parl. were safely arriv'd, the Train'd Bands by Land, and the Sea-men by water, let flye their thundring shot both smal and great, their Trumpets sounding, and their drums beating in a triumphing and congratulory manner, was a singular testimony of their cordial affections.

The same day Buckinghumshire men, both Gentlemen, Ministers, and others of that Countrey on Horsback, with their Protestations in their Hats, for Reformation of evils in Church and State, and to assure their best services and assistance to the Parl. on all just occasions; and out of Essex, Hartford, Bark-shire, Surrey, and other Counties of the Kingdome, came one after another. At Edge hill 16 pieces of Canon shot against 80 of the Earl of Essex Life-guard, and not one man hurt, and those 80 brake in upon 1600 of the K. four of the Parl. Regiments ran away, and sixteen Troops of Horse, so we were 6000 and they 18000. yet we took their Standard, and cleft Sir Edw. Varney Standard-bearer in the head, and slew the Lord Lindsey Generall of the Field. Lord Gen: Magazine of powder to have been blown up, and Sir John Hotham killed, by one David Alexander, but prevented. Commis. granted to popish Recusants to levy men and arms against the Parl. The K. received the Irish Rebels petition, and permitted their persons with great favour and allowance about him, calling them good Catholick subjects, but rejecting the petition for peace. Novemb. A Treaty of peace intended by the Parl. but pretended by the K. where was that bloody bickering at Brainford by the K. party. New High-Sheriffs, for the better collecting of the 400000. l. Subsidies, intended to have been confirmed to the K. crost. Jan 1643. Newcastle twice routed, K. party worsted near Henly, Scots come into Engl. March, Lichfield Close taken, the K. p. 13sends the Earl of Glamorgan into Irel. with power to conclude. Dr. Bastwick and Cap. Lilburn to be tryed at Oxford, but preserv'd. A letter to all the Freemen Journeymen, and Apprentices of the City, to assemble at their several Halls, to be perswaded not to yeeld to the Parl. voted scandalous.

The 2 of May 1643. y^e Crosse in Cheapeside was pulled downe, a Troope of Horse & 2 Companies of foote wayted to garde it & at y^e fall of y^e tope Crosse dromes beat trū pets blew & multitudes of Capes wayre throwne in y^e Ayre, & a greate Shoute of People with ioy, y^e 2 of May the Almanake sayeth, was y^e invention of the Crosse, & 6 day at night was the Leaden Popes burnt, in the place where it stood with ringinge of Bells, & a greate Acclamation & no hurt done in all these actions.

Mr. Pryn sent to search Canterburies Chamber and Study, found the Original Scotch Service book with his own hand-writing, the cause of all the Scots wars. London to have been betrayed under a pretence of peace, by Mr. Waller, a Member of Parl. Mr. Tomkins, Mr. Challenor, but Waller fined 10000. l. and perpetuall banishment, Tomkins and Challenor hanged, the one at the Exchange, and the other in Holborn. Sir Io: Hotham attempted the betraying of Hull unto the Queen. Decemb. An Order to demolish Altars, to remove the Communion Table from the East end, and to take away all Tapers, Candlesticks, and Basons, and to demolish all Crucifixes, Crosses, and all Pictures and Images of the Trinity and Virgin Mary, both within and without all Churches and Chappels. A plot for betraying of Lincoln by the two Purfries, but preserved. Gloucester admirably freed by the City Regiments. A Rebellion by the Kentish Malignants about Tunbridge. A ship bound from Denmark to the K. of about 300 Tun richly laden with arms and ammunition; another ship bound from Newcastle to Holland, laden with Sea coals, but in the midst thereof p. 14was found between 3 or 4000 l. hid in the Coals, sent to buy Arms for the K. a third ship of 400 tun, carrying 24 peece of Ordnance, taking by the Parl. Scotland with an Army of at least 2000 Horse and Foot, invited by the Parl. when they marched up to the middle in snow, and brought their Artillery over the Ice of the frozen River of Tyne, and the Citizens of London lent the parl. 100000. l. for the Scots first pay, to encourage their advance to help us against the K. forces. The Queen pawning the Jewels of the Crown in Holland, and therewith buying Arms to assist the war against the parl. and her own actuall performances with her popish Army in the North, was High treason, and transmitted to the Lords. Images, Crucifixes, papistical Books in Somerset, and Iameses were burnt, and five Capuchin Fryers sent away. May, an Ordinance for the making of Forts, Trenches, about the City. Iuly, the assembly of Divines met, Dr. Twisse prolocutor, 120 the total,

The Bishop of Canterburies first Prayer on the Scaffold, Jan. 10. 1044.

OEternal God, and merciful Father, look down upon me in mercy, in the riches and fullnesse of all thy mercies look upon me, but not till thou hast nailed my sins to the Crosse of Christ: look upon me, but not till thou hast bathed me in the blood of Christ, not till I have hid my self in the wounds of Christ, that so the punishment that is due to my sins may passe away, and goe over me; and since thou art pleased to try me to the uttermost, I humbly beseech thee, give me now in this great instant, full patience, proportionable comfort, a heart ready to dye for thine honour, and the K. happinesse, and this Churches preservation; and my zeale to these, far from arrogancy be it spoken, is all the sin, humane frailty excepted, and all incidents thereunto, which is yet known of me in this perticular, for which I now come to suffer. I say in this perticular of treason, but otherwise my sins are many and great, Lord pardon them all, and those especially whatsoever they be, which have drawn this present judgment upon me, and when thou hast given me strength to bear it, then doe with me as seems best in thine owne eyes, and carry me through death, that I may look upon it in what vilage soever it shall appear to me; and that there may be a stop of this issue of blood in this more then miserable Kingdome; I shall desire that I may pray for the people too, as well as for my self: O Lord, I beseech thee give grace of repentance to all people that have a thirst for blood, but if they will not repent, then scatter their devices so, and such as are or shall be contrary to the glory of thy great name, the truth and sincerity of Religion, the establishment of the K. and his posterity after him, in their just rights and priviledges, the honour and conservation of parl. in their ancient and just power, the preservation of this poor Church in her truth, peace, and patrimony, and

p. 15S^r Alexander Caron, S^r. Iohn Hotham, Captin Hotham & the Arch Bishop of Canterbury, beheaded on Towerhill for Treason against y^e Parliament 1645.

the settlement of this distracted and distressed people, under the ancient Lawes, and in their native liberties; and when thou hast done all this in mercy for them, O Lord fill their hearts with thankfulnes, and with religious dutifull obedience to thee and thy Commandements all their dayes: So Amen, Lord Jesus, and I beseech thee to receive my soul to mercy. Our Father, &c.

His last Prayer on the Scaffold.

LOrd I am coming as fast as I can, I know I must pass through the shadow of death before I can come to see thee, but it is but umbra mortis, a meer shadow of death, a little darknesse upon nature, but thou by thy merits and passion hast broke through the jaws of death, so, Lord receive my soul and have mercy on me, and blesse this Kingdome with peace and plenty, and with brotherly love and charity, that there may not be this effusion of Christian blood among them, for Jesus Christ his sake, if it be thy will.

And when he said, Lord receive my soul, which was his signe, the Executioner did his Office.

A design to starve the City, by breaking into Surrey, Sussex, Kent, but disappointed by Sir Wil: Waller, and the City Regiments. Feb: the King granted a cessition of arms with the bloody Rebels of Ireland. March, a Solemn League and Covenant taken by the Lords & Commons, city of London, and all parts within the Parl. power. Nottingham Town and Castle to have been betrayed, but prevented by Col. Hutchinson. A ship from Denmark of 300 Tuns laden for the most part with Round-heads, being half pike-slaves, with a knob at the end, full of iron spikes, sent to the King, but that yeare the p. 16Swedes fell into Denmarke, and took half his Countrey from him A plot against the City of London by Sir Basil Brooke, Col. Read, Mr. Ripley, and Mr. Vil…, two Citizens of London, and others, but prevented. Our Army in Cornwall preserved with the losse of our Artillery. A peace pretended at Vxbridge, and a petition from Buckinghamshire, wherein Sir Iohn Lawrence was a great stickler, but frustrated. Melcomb Regis to have been betrayed, Col. Goring and Sir Lewis Dives were agents therein, the Town and Forts recovered, and two ships with rich prizes from Rhoan in France were seized on to make amends for their trouble. The Service-Book Voted down. Earles and Lords from Oxford, submitted themselves to the Parl. Iune, 1645. The famous Victory of Naisby over the Kings Forces, 5000 prisoners taken, a Jewel of 500. l. sent to Gen. Leven by the Parl. all the K. Commissioners taken at Shaftsbury. Basing house taken and burnt. August, A plot in the west against the Parl. by the Clubmen. A sudden plot upon Scotland by Montrosse, but as suddenly recovered again by Gen: David Lesley. A Treaty with the Parl. for a well grounded peace, and yet at that time the Earl of Glamorgan had a Commission to the ruine of all the protestants in Ireland, and consequently in England also. The Great Seal broken before the Lords and Commons, on Tuesday, the 11 of August, 1646.

The King Escapes out of Oxford in a disguised maner

Ordered, That whosoever conceals the Kings person, shal be a Traytor.

A Letter concerning the Kings coming to the Scots Army, May 5. 1646.

RIght Honourable,

the discharging our selves of the duty we owe to the Kingdom of Engl: to you as Commissioners from the same, p. 17moves us to acquaint you with the Kings coming in to our Army this morning, which having overtaken us unexpectedly, hath filled us with amazement, and made us like men that dream; we cannot think that he could have been so unadvised in his resolutions, as to have cast himself upon us, without a real intention to give satisfaction to both Kingdoms, in all their just and reasonable demands, in all those things that concern Religion and righteosnesse; whatsoever be his dispositions or resolutions, you may be assured, that we shall never entertain any thought, or correspondency with any purpose, or countenance any indeavours that may in any circumstance incroach upon our League and Covenant, or weaken the union or confidence betwixt the Nations, that union to our Kingdom was the matter of many prayers, and as nothing was more joyfull unto us then to have it set on foot, so hitherto have we thought nothing too dear to maintain it, and we trust to walk with such faithfulnesse and truth in this particular, that as we have the testimony of a good conscience within our selves, so you, and all the world shall see, that we mind your interest with as much integrity and care as our own, being confident you will entertain no other thought of us.

Signed, May 5. 1646. LOTHIAN.

A Remonstrance exhibited in the name of the Lord Major, Aldermen, and Common-Councel of the City of London, to the High Court of Parl. 1 That some strict and speedy course may be taken for the suppressing of all private and separate Congregations. 2 That all Anabaptists, Brownists, Hereticks, Schismaticks, Blasphemers, and all such Sectaries as conform not to the publick discipline established, or to be established by the Parl. may fully be declared against, and some effectuall course setled for proceeding against such persons. 3 That as we are all Subjects of one Kingdome, so all may be equally required to yield obedience to the Government either set or to be set forth. 4 That no person disaffected to the Presbyterian Government set or to be set forth by the Parl. may be imployed in any place of publick trust.

The King gave speedy Order to severall Officers for the surrender of the Towns, Castles, and Forts, which then were in the hands of the Kings Commanders, viz Oxford, Worcester, Litchfield, and Wallingford. A Petition delivered to his Excellency from the Officers and Souldiers in the Army, touching their faithfullnesse in the Parl. service, doing Summer Service in the Winter season, &c. Further presented severall desires of theirs. 1 That an Ordinance of indempnity with the Royal assent be desired. 2 That satisfaction may be given to the petitioners for their arrears, both in their former service, and in this Army before it is disbanded. 3 That those who have voluntarily served the Parl. may not be prest to serve in another Kingdome, &c. p. 184 That those who have lost their lives, limbs, or estates, may be provided for, and relieved.

The Apology in answer to his Excellencies Letter, relating their sense of a second storm hanging over their heads, by the malice of a secret enemy, worse then the former now vanquished, expressing their sorrow that they cannot desire their own security without hazzard to his Excellency, &c.

Concerning the abuse to divers well affected to the Army, by imprisonment, to the ruine of their estates, and losse of their lives. And for their candid intentions and endeavours, declared no lesse then troublers and enemies to the state and Kingdome, resolving rather to dye like men, then to be enflaved and hanged like dogs, &c.

A Letter from his Excellency to the Earl of Manchester, concerning the Votes of both Houses, as also his grief of heart for the distractions between the Parliam: and the Army, defiring that all things may be determined in love, &c.

June, 1647. The King taken from Holmby and carried along with the Army, the House ordered that the King should reside at Richmond, but the next day from the General and Councel of Officers, was brought an Impeachment against eleven Members.

A particular Charge against the 11 Members impeached by the Army.

1 THat Mr. Denzil Hollis being one of the special Commission: for the Parl. to present Propositions to the King at Oxford, made private addresses to the Kings party then in Arms against the Parl. and did secretly plot and advise them against the Parl. &c. 2 That the said Mr. Denzil Hollis, and Sir Phillip Stapleton during the late war, when the Earl of Lindsey went from the Tower to Oxford, sent severall Messages to the Earl of Dorset, &c. 3 That the said Mr. Hollis, Sir Phillip Stapleton, Sir Will. Lewis, Sir John Clotworthy, Sir Wil: Waller, Sir John Maynard, Maj. Gen. Massie, Mr. Glyn, Mr. Long, Col. Edward Harley, and Anthony Nicholas, in the months of March, April, May, and Iune last, in prosecution of their evill designes, met in divers places with persons disaffected to the State, for holding correspondency w^th the Queen of England now in France, and incouraged her party there. 4 And indeavoured to bring in Forraign Forces, and Listed divers Commanders and Souldiers there, to raise and levy a new War. 5 and affronted divers Petitioners that came in a peaceable manner, boysterously assaulting them, &c. 6 Imprisoned some Members of the Army, to dis-oblige them from the Parl. The solemn Engagement of the Citizens, Commanders, Officers, and Souldiers, &c. This was the Treasonable Ingagement.

WE do solemnly Engage our selves, and Vow unto Almighty God, That we will to the utmost of our power, cordially endeavour that his Majesty may speedily come to his Houses of Parliament, with honour, safety, and p. 19freedome, and that without the nearer approach of the Army, there to confirm, such things as he hath granted the twelfth of May last, in answer to the Propositions of both Kingdomes, and that with a personall Treaty with his two Houses of Parl. and the Commissioners of Scotland, such things as are yet in difference may be speedily setled, and a firme and lasting peace established.

The Army marching towards the City, Orders were given to the trained Bands to go to the Workes The Auxilaries are raised to defend the City. A Proclamation by beat of drum for all that are able to beare Armes, and are not listed to come to receive them. The House of Commons, and the Lords likewise, met according to the order of adjournment, July 30. but nether of the Speakers

At length they proceeded to a new election, and Voted Master Pelham a Counsellour, and Member of the Commons House, Speaker pro tempore.

The Lords made choice of the Lord Grey to be Speaker of their House pro tempore. The Sargeant at Arms being absent with the Mace when the Commons chose their Speaker, had the City Mace, and chose Master Norfolk Sergeant at Arms. After which, proceeding to debate the greate affairs touching the City and Kingdom, they voted as followes.

1 That the King come to London. 2 That the Militia of the City shall have full power to raise what Forces they shall think fit to the same. 3 That they may make choyce of a Commander in chief to be approved of by the House, and such Commander to present other Officers to be approved of by the Militia. The Common councel made choice of Major Gen. Massey to Command in chief all the City Forces. Ordered by the Militia that all Reformadoes and other Officers should the next day at two of the clock be listed in St. Iameses fields, where was a great appearance. Order given for slaying of Horses in the City, and many listed. Most of the eleven Members sat in the House, and in the afternoon Maj. Gen. Massey, Sir William Waller, and Col. Gen. Poyntz, were at listing the Reformadoes. Declaration of the Lord Major, Aldermen, and Common Councel. A brief of which that his Majesty was surprized at Holmby, and no place for his Majesties residence allowed by the Army nearer then their Quarters, therefore to settle peace, and establish true Religion, ease the Kingdomes burdens, establish his Majesties just rights, maintain the Parl. priviledges, and relieving Ireland, they professe the main of their enterprise, &c.

At which time Col. Gen. Poyntzs and other Officers of the new List, attending for their Orders upon the Militia, came into Guild-hall-yard, and most cruelly hackt and hew'd many of the aforesaid Petitioners, divers whereof were mortally wounded, whereof some p. 20since dyed. Lord Say, Lord Magresie, and others, with many of the House of Commons, came to the Head quarters, desiring the Generals protection. Six Aldermen and twelve Common-councel men sent with a letter to the Gen: declaring their unwillingnesse to a new War. A letter from Southwarke relating their withstanding the design of raising a new War, desiring protection. Massey sends Scouts, but neer Brainford thirty chased by ten, and took four of Massies.

Col. Rainsborough, Col. Hewson, Col. Pride, and Col Thistlwet; marched into Southwarke, the Fort yielded without opposition. The Memberr forced away returne, the Houses being sat with their old Speakers, Thomas Lord Fairfax made High Constable of the Tower. He marches through the City from 11 untill 8 at night.

A Letter from Liev: Gen: Cromwel, that his Majesty had withdrawn himselfe at 9 the last night.

His Majesties last Letter,

Hampton-Court; Nov. 11. 1645.

LIberty being that which in all times hath been; but especially now is the condition, the aime and desire of all men, common reason shews that Kings lesse then any should endure captivity, yet I call God to witnes with what patience I have endur'd a tedious restraint, which so long as I had any hopes that this sort of my suffering might conduce to the peace of these three Kingdomes, or the hindring of more effusion of blood, I did willingly undergo, but now finding by too certain proofs, that this my continued patience would not only turn to my personall ruine, but likewise be of much more prejudice to the furtherance of the publick good, I thought I was bound as well by naturall as politicall Obligations, to seek my safety, by retiring my selfe for some time from publick view both of my friends and enemies; and I appeal to all indifferent men to judge, if I have not cause to free my selfe from the hands of those who change their principles with their condition, and who are not ashamed openly to intend the destruction of the Nobility, by taking away their Negative voyce, and with whom the Levellers doctrine is rather countenanced then punished; and as for their intentions to my person, their changing and putting more strict Guards upon me, with the discharging most of all the servants of mine, who formerly they admitted to wait upon me, do sufficiently declare: nor would I have this my retirement mis-interpreted, for I shall earnestly and uncessantly endeavour the setling of a safe & well grounded peace, whereever I am or shall be, and that (as much as may be) without the effusion of more Christian blood, for which how many times have I prest to be heard, and yet no ear given to me; and can any reasonable man think (according to the ordinary cours of affairs) there can be a setled peace without it, or that God will bles those that refuse to hear their own King? surely no, I must further add that (besides what concerns p. 21my self) unlesse all other chief interests have not only a hearing, but likewise just satisfaction given to them (to wit, the Presbyterians, Independents, Army, those who have adhered to me, and even the Scots) I say there cannot (I speak not of miracles, it being in my opinion a sinful presumption in such cases to expect or trust to them) be a safe and lasting peace: now as I cannot deny but that my personal security is the urgent cause of this my retirement, so I take God to witnesse, the publick peace is no lesse before mine eyes, and I can find no better way to expresse this my profession (I know not what a wiser man may do) then by desiring and urging that al chief interests may be heard, to the end each may have just satisfaction; as for example, the Army (for the rest, though necessary, yet I suppose are not difficult to consent) ought (in my judgement) to enjoy the liberty of their conscience, and have an Act of Oblivion or Indempnity (which should extend to the rest of all my subjects) and that all their arrears should be speedily and duly paid, which I will undertake to do, so I may be heard, and that I be not hindred from using such lawfull and honest means as I shall chuse: To conclude, let me be heard with freedome, hono…r, and safety, and I shall instantly break through this cloud of Retirement, and shall shew my self to be Pater Patriae,

C. R.

A great tumult, insurrection, and mutiny in London, breaking open divers Houses, and Magazines of Arms and Ammunition, seizing on the D…ms, Gates, Chains, and Watches of the C…y, assaulted & shot into the Lord Mayors House, and killed one of his Guard, &c.

May 16. 1648. Surrey Petitioners came to Westminster, and made a great shout, and cryed, Hey for King Charls, we will pull the Members out by the Ears, disarmed two Sentinels, knockt them down, one Sentinell refusing to be disarmed, the Petitioners got within his Arms, one of them drew his sword and run him through, and the Petitioners drew their swords, and said, Fall on for King Charls now or never; but a party of 500 Foot did take some: Of the Petitioners were slain four or five, of the Souldiers two.

The old Lord Goring proclaimed Generall at the head of the Kentish Army, upon the Hill neer Aluford, consisting of 8000 besides those in Maidstone, there were near 300 slain, and about 2300 prisoners, many of them taken in the Woods, Hop-yards, and fields, also Gentlemen of good quality. There were about 500 Horse, 3000 Arms, 9 Foot colours, and 8 pieces of Canon, with store of Ammunition taken; their Word at the Engagement was King and Kent, ours Truth. They being routed marched over Rochester Bridge, towards Black-Heath, with about 3000 Horse and Foot, most Cavaleers, Prentises and Watermen, and fled over the water into Essex, by Woollidge and Greenwich.

p. 22The Duke of Buckingham, Lord Francis, Earl of Holland, Lord Andrew, Lord Cambden, and others, rose in Surrey, and made Proclamation that they expected the Parl. would settle the Kingdome, but because they have not, they would fetch the King, and live and dye with him to settle it.

July 11. 1648. Pembroke Castle surrendred.

… Scots Army of 21000. Invaded England Duke …ambletons Standard had Motto Date Cefari, Foot Standard … Covenant, Religion, King and Kingdomes; Riseing in Kent, Revolting of the Navie, Redusing Colchester; And Quelling the insurection in Pembroke Shire all in 1648:

The Scots entring the Kingdome, July 11. 1648. Maj. Gen. Lambert sent this

Letter to Duke Hamilton.

MY LORD,

HAving received Information that some Forces of Horse and Foot are marched out of Scotland into this Kingdome under your Excellencies Command, I have sent this Bearer unto you, desiring to know the truth and intent thereof, and whether they are come in opposition to the Forces in these parts raised by the Authority of the Parl. of England, and now in prosecution of their Commands. I desire your Lordships speedy answer, and rest

Your Excellencies humble Servant. J. LAMBERT.

Duke Hamilton's Answer.

Noble Sir,

I Received yours of the 11 of this instant, in answer whereunto I shall only say, the information you received is true, for according to the Commands of the Committee of Estates of the Parl. of Scotland, there are Forces both of Horse and Foot come into this Kingdome p. 23under my conduct, for prosecution of the ends mentioned in my Letter of the 6^th, to which I refer you, intending to oppose any that are or shall be in Arms for the obstructing of those pious, loyall, and just ends, and so remain,

HAMBLETON.

The Towne of Colchester delivered up, Sir Charles Lucas, and Sir George Lisle shot to death.

Liev: Col: Lilburn revolted at Newcastle, declared for the King, Sir Arthur Hasterigge storm'd the Castle, Lilburns head was set upon a pole.

June 5. 1648. The Lord of Warwick went to Portsmouth, to bring into obedience the mutinous Sea-men; there was with the Lord of Warwick, the Phoenix, Mary, Rese, Robert, Nonesuch, Lilly, Lyon, Bonadventure, Antilope, Swift sure, Hector, and Fellowship.

A short Abridgment of the Engagement made by the Common Councell, Commanders, Souldiers, and Commission Officers in London.

WE declare to engage as much as in us lies, to defend the King and Parl: from all violence, and to the end we may be inabled to perform the same, We humbly offer, that the Forces in the line may be one Militia, and no Forces may be raised, but by Authority of the said Militia, by consent of the Common Councell. We desire no Forces in Arms might come within thirty miles of London, during the Treaty, and for those within, what persons soever shall make any tumult, shall be put to death. Ordered, That the Common Councell men and Commanders shall within their severall Precincts goe from house to house, to receive concurrence to the said Ingagement.

Decemb. 1648, The House having notice of the Kings carrying to Hurst Castle, Voted, That the seizing his person was without their advice or consent.

Dec. 5. The House Voted, That his Majesties concessions to their Proposals, was ground sufficient to settle the peace of the Kingdome.

Dec. 6. Col. Rich, and Col. Prides Regiment guarded the Parl. and seized some Members.

Dec. 12. Maj. Gen. Brown Sheriff of London, was apprehended.

Dec. 13. The House Voted, That the Lords and Commons declare they will make no further Addresses to the King, nor none, shall be by any person whatsoever, without leave of the Parl. and if any make breach of this Order, they shal incur the penalty of high Treason, and that they will receive no more any Message from the King, to both or either Houses of Parl.

An Ordinance sent to the Lords for the Tryall of the King, but p. 24they rejected the Commission, and adjourned eight dayes, after that they never sate more.

Serjeant Dendy, Serjeant at Arms to the Commissioners, rode into Westminster-Hall, with the Mace belonging to the House of Commons on his shoulder, and some Officers attending him all bare, and six Trumpeters on Horsback, a guard of Horse and Foot attending in the Pallace yard and Proclamation was made, All that had any thing for matter of Fact against Charls Stuart, King of England, to bring it in to the Commissioners.

Jan: 19. 1648. That this present Seale of England should be broken in pieces, and a new one forthwith made, and ordered that the Arms of England and Ireland should be ingraven on the one side, and on the other side a Map of the Parl. with these words in it, The first yeer of Freedome by Gods blessing restored, 1648.