The expedition of His Highness, the Prince of Orange, for England giving an account of the most remarkable passages thereof, from the day of his setting sail from Holland, to the first day of this instant December, 1688 : in a letter to a person of quality.

THE EXPEDITION Of his Highness the Prince of Orange FOR ENGLAND. Giving an Account of the most Remarkable Passages thereof, from the Day of his Setting Sail from HOLLAND, to the First day of this instant December, 1688.

In a Letter to a Person of Quality.

SIR,

THE Account (you so earnestly desire of me) of the Prince's Expedition and Invasion of England, is a Task no one should have commanded from me, but yourself; the anci∣ent Friendship between us, makes nothing appear difficult in the way to serve you.

I shall not undertake to determine the Legality of this great and bold Attempt, nor reflect on the Counsels that have brought this Mi∣sery upon us, but shall content myself with giving you a brief Ac∣count of the Prince's Expedition.

And first, you are to take notice, That his Highness set Sail from Holland with 51 Men of War, 18 Fire-ships, and a∣bout 330 Tenders, being Ships hired of Merchants, for the carriage of Horse and Foot, Armes, Ammunition, &c. The Fleet stood out at Sea to the Norward, which met with horrid Storms for two days and two nights together, in which bad Weather there were lost above 500 Horse, and a Vessel part∣ed from the Fleet, wherein were 400 Foot, supposed to be lost, but now known to be arrived safe at the Texel, but grie∣vously shatter'd and torn by the Storms; two of the Prince's principal Men of War were ••••••••ed to new Rigg at Helversluse.

The Prince immediately on his return back inform'd the States of the condition of the Fleet, (which was not so dam∣nified as was represented by the Vulgar and Ignorant) who thereupon, to lull a great Man asleep, the States, or some one employed by them, order'd, That the Harlem and Amsterdam Courrantier should make a dismal Story of it, by representing to the World, that the Prince returned with his Fleet mise∣rably shatter'd and torn, having lost nine Men of War, and divers others of less concern; 1000 Horse 〈…〉〈…〉∣ture among the Sea-men; the loss of D^r Burnett, and the chief Ministers under the Prince, the ill Opinion the States had of the Expedition; in short, that a 100000 l. would not re∣pair the Damage sustained; and, almost next to an impossi∣bility, that the Prince should be in a condition to pursue his Design till the Spring. And yet at the same time all hands were at work to repair the damaged Ships, which were in∣considerable: so that in eight days time they were all re-fit∣ted. The Signal being given by the discharge of a Gun, all the Fleet immediately weigh'd Anchor and stood out at Sea, steering their Course Norward all that night; next day, upon Tide of Ebb, they made a Stretch and made a Watch above a League, and then stood Westward, and lay all night in the same posture, not making two Leagues of Watch.

In the middle of the night, an Advice-boat brought us an Account, That the English Fleet, consisting of 33 Sail, lay to the Westward of ours. Upon which the Prince fired a Gun, which caused a great consternation in the whole Fleet, we having a brisk Easterly Wind, concluded ourselves to be all

ruin'd: But the small Advice boats crusing for a more cer∣tain account of the English, brought us back word, That in∣stead of the English Fleet, which the former Advice had a∣larm'd us with, it was Admiral Herbert with part of our Fleet which had been seperated some hours from the body of the Fleet: Upon whose arrival, great rejoycing was among us all, and a Signal of Joy was given for it by the Prince.

In the morning, about eight, the Prince gave a Signal, that the Admirals should come aboard him: Immediately after the whole Fleet was got into the North-foreland, upon which the Prince gave the usual Sign of Danger, (according to the prin∣ted Book) and ordered that the Fleet should all come up in a Body, some fifteen or sixteen deep, his Highness leading the Van, in the Ship Brill, (in English, Spectacles:) His Flag was English Collours, the Motto impaled thereon, is, The PRO∣TESTANT RELIGION, and LIBERTIES of Eng∣land, and underneath, instead of Dieu & Mon Droit, And I will Maintain it.

The Council of War, from aboard the Prince, sent three small Frigats into the Mouth of the Thames, viz. the Porpus, Postilion, and Mercury; who on their return, brought us word, That the English Fleet lay in the Buoy of the Nore, consisting of 34 Sail, and three more which lay in the Downs. The Wind continuing at E. N. E.

The Prince immediately thereupon, gave another Signal of stretching the whole Fleet in a Line, from Dover to Callis, twenty five deep: So that our Fleet reached within a League of each place; the Flanks and Reer were guarded by our Men of War. This sight would have ravish'd the most curi∣ous Eyes of Europe. When our Fleet was in its greatest splen∣dour, the Trumpets and Drums playing various Tunes to re∣joyce our hearts; this continued for above three hours.

Immediately after the Prince gave us a Sign to close, and failed that night as far as Beach, and commanded us to follow the Signal by Lights he had hung out to us, viz. all the small Sail should come up to him by morning.

By the morning-day we espied the Isle of Wight, and then the Prince order'd the Fleet to be drawn into the same po∣sture as before related; yet not stretching above half Chan∣nel

over in this place. About five in the morning we made the Start, the Wind chopping about to the Westward; upon which we stood fair by Dartmouth, and so made for Torbay, where the Prince again order'd the whole Fleet into the same posture as at Dover and Callis.

Upon his arrival at Torbay, the People on Land, in great numbers, Welcom'd his Highness with loud Acclamations of Joy.

Immediately after the Prince gave two Signals, that the Admirals should come abord him, which they did; and then order'd, that the whole Fleet should come to an Anchor, and immediately Land; and further order'd, that the Admirals should stand out at Sea as a Guard, as well as the smaller Men of War to Attend and Guard their Landing; and also order'd six Men of War to run in to Guard Torbay.

The Prince then put out a Red Flag at the Misen-yard∣arm; and provided to land in sixty Boats, laid ready for that purpose: Upon which the Prince signified, that General Mackay with his six Regiments of English and Scotch should first Land; and also, that the little Porpus with eighteen Guns should run a Ground to secure their Landing: But there was no Opposition; for the People bid us Heartily Welcome to Eng∣land; and gave us all manner of Provisions for our Refresh∣ment.

The fifth of November (a Day never to be blotted out of the English-man's Heart) the Prince caused to be landed about 2000: On the sixth we landed as many Horse and Foot as we could possibly; and so continued the seventh. The Country bringing in all manner of Provision both for Man and Horse; and were paid their Price honestly for it.

The Prince the same day commanded Captain M— to search the Lady C—'s House, at Tor-Abby, for Arms and Horses; and so all other Houses which were Roman Catholics. The Lady entertained them civilly, said her Husband was gone to Plymouth: They brought from thence some Horses and a few Arms, but gave no further Disturbance to the Lady or her House. Nor shall it be forgotten, what was faithful∣ly acted at this Lady's House, immediately on our arrival at Torbay: There was a Priest, and some others with him were

upon a watch Tower, to discover what our Fleet was, whether French or Dutch: at last they discover'd the White Flags on some of our Men of War; the ignorant Priest concluded absolutely we were the French Fleet, which with great impatience they had so long expected; and having laid up great Provisions for their Entertainment; the Priest ordered all to the Chappel to Sing Te Deum for the arrival of their supposed Forces; but being soon deceived, on our landing we found the benefit of their Provisions; and instead of Vostre Serviture Monsieur, they were entertained with Yeen Mijnheere, Can you Dutch Spra∣ken; upon which they all run away from the House, but the Lady and a few old Servants.

The whole Army, to the best of my knowledge, consisted of 1800 Horse, 3000 Draggons, and 1800 Foot, besides 1000 Volunteer Persons of Quality, Horse well equipped, and a∣bout 800 Horse for Carriage.

November the Eighth, the Prince came from Chudleigh to∣wards Exeter with the greatest part of his Army attending him, and about one of the clock Entred at the Westgate of the City, welcomed with loud Acclamations of the People. The man∣ner of his publick Entrance into Exeter was as follows.

1. The Right Honourable the Earl of M— with 200 Horse, the most part of which were English Gentlemen rich∣ly mounted on Flanders Steeds, managed and used to War in Head-pieces, Back and Brest, bright Armour.

2. 200 Blacks brought from the Plantations of the Neather∣lands in America, having on Imbroyder'd Caps lin'd with white Fur, and Plumes of white Feathers, to attend the Horse.

3. 200 Finlanders or Laplanders in Bears Skins taken from the Wild Beasts they had slain, the common Habit of that cold Climate, with black Armour, and broad Flaming Swords.

4. 50 Gentlemen, and as many Pages to attend and sup∣port the Prince's Banner, bearing this Inscription, God and the Protestant Religion.

5. 50 Led Horses, all manag'd and brought up to the Wars, with two Grooms to each Horse.

6. After these Rid the Prince on a Milk White Palfrey, Armed Cap-a-Pee, a Plume of white Feathers on his Head, all in bright Armour, and Forty two Footmen running by him.

7. After his Highness followed likewise on Horseback 200 Gentlemen and Pages.

8. 300 Switzers with Fuzies.

9. 500 Voluntiers, each two led Horses.

10. His Captain and Guards 600 Armed Cap-a-Pee. The rest of the Army brought up the Reer.

That night the Prince lay at the Deanry, having before or∣dered the Advanced Guard to March to Clist-heath, and set∣led the Quarters of the Army; which was done so much to the content and satisfaction of the Inhabitants in and about the City, and such just payments made for what the Soldiers had, and such civil behaviour among them, without Swearing and Damning, and Debauching of Women, as is usual among some Armies, that 'tis to admiration to behold. I am sure Sir I was an eye-witness of the whole order, and when we march∣ed away from this City, their joy was turned into dulness and cloudiness.

On the Ninth the Prince commanded Dr. Burnet to order the Priest, Vicars of the Cathedral, not to pray for the Prince of Wales, and to make use of no other Prayer for the King, but what is in the second Service, which they refused to ob∣serve, till they were forced and very severely threatned; the Bishop and Dean being then gone from the City.

About Twelve this day, notice was given to the Canons and all the Vicars, Choral and Singing Lads, to attend in the Cathedral immediately, for that the Prince would be there, and Dr. Burnet ordered them as soon as the Prince entred in∣to the Quire, they should sing Te Deum, which was observed. The Prince sat in the Bishops Chair, and all his great Officers attending on him. After Te Deum was sung, Dr. Burnet in a Seat under the Pulpit, read aloud the Princes Declaration and Reasons for this his Expedition: when this was over the Prince returned to the Deanery.

The Baggage was many days bringing from Torbay, but the Ammunition, both Arms for Foot and Horse, and the Artil∣lery were brought into Topsham Road, and there by Boats and other Carriages landed; the Field pieces were sent after the Army at Clist-heath, the Brass Canon remaining some of them in Exon.

The greatest part of the Army were ordered to march for∣ward to Ottery and Honyton, and in several Parties were orde∣red to divers places in the County. One party was sent to the North of Devon for Horses, which were bought at exces∣sive rates: From Roman Catholicks they took Horses without Money, and many Gentlemen who might have had Money for their Horses refused, as the Bishops Son and divers others.

On Sunday Dr. Burnet Preached at the Cathedral on this Text, 107 Psalm, last verse. Ferguson Preached in the Presby∣terian Meeting house, but was fain to force his way with his Sword up to the Pulpit, for even the old Presbyter himself could not away with the breath of his Brother Ferguson in his Diocess: His Text was in the 94 Psalm, Who will rise up for me against evil doers. I heard one of that Gang say, that his Discourse came very much under the lash of the 25 of Ed∣ward the Third; he is not much regarded by any of the Princes Retinue.

Sir William W— who had been at Ford with the Prince, to see Sir William G— were both refused to be seen of him. One Major M— and Sir Will were in Commission to make new Levies, which was carried on vigourously, and many Listed under them: but Sir. W. it seems began to use an old Trade of taking Money for Quarters: Complaint was made thereof to the Prince, and they were discarded, and the Men Disbanded to seek for new Officers. But Sir W. does conti∣nue under the Prince's Protection.

The Prince was here above three days, before any appea∣rance of Gentry came, insomuch that the great Officers be∣gan to wonder, that the Prince should be Invited into Eng∣land by them, and not to appear to the Prince's Assistance; but this consternation was soon over, when a considerable bo∣dy of the Gentry came into him. Some that were for taking off the Test and Penal Laws, they have not appeared as yet. So that now the Counties of Cornewall and Devon are in the possession of the Gentry thereof, and the Prince's Army quite marched away.

Pendennis Castle is managed by several Gentlemen, who take their turns, Plymouth Fort is declared for the Prince's Service, by the Earl of B— who it seems was to have been

poyson'd, by throwing white Mercury over a Leg of Mutton (appointed as one Dish for his Supper) instead of Flower; that, and for some other Reasons, he secured the Lord H— turned out all Papist Soldiers, and has taken in the County Soldiers into the Fort.

Since which, there is an Association among the Gentry, worded much after that of my Lord Shaftsbury's.

Mr. Seymour being made Governor of Exeter, and the Lord Mordant in his absence; there are new Leavies raising every day; so that this City is almost full of these new Regiments, which are hourly disciplining by Officers and old Soldiers left here by the Prince. All their Arms are the Prince's, and I am told, he brought with him as many as will set out 20000 both Horse and Foot. I am apt to believe this to be true, ha∣ving seen most of what has been Landed. All the Vessels that brought up the Ammunition, &c. are returned again to Torbay, under the Guard of the principal Men of War, a Squa∣dron of which lye now in the Sound of Plymouth, and saluted each other with many Cannon from the Fort and the Fleet.

On Sunday last there was a report that the French were Landed 20000, at Porlock in this County, upon which the whole Country rise with Pikes, Spits, Scythes, and what wea∣pons they could get, and made away for Exeter; but it prov'd a false Allarm; for there were two small French Ships driven by the Dutch Fleet ashoar, and the French quitted their Ves∣sels and went on Land, and were some Killed, others sent hi∣ther. So that now they are pretty quiet again; but has gi∣ven that advantage to the Commissioned Officers, who are to raise New Leavies, to pick and choose amongst them whom they please.

I shall now return again to the Prince; when his Highness left Exeter, Wednesday Nov. 21. he marched with his own Guards, attended by a great many of the Gentry both of Somersetshire and Devon, to St. Mary Ottery, where he dined, after which he marched to Axminster, where he continued four days, from thence to Crookehorn, where he tarried only one night, from thence to Sherborne, where his Highness was splendidly entertained by the Lord D— From thence he went to Wincanton, where he Lodged at the House of one Mr. Churchill a Merchant, and its credibly reported, designs for Oxford.

Sir, I have given you the best Account I can of this great Affair, you may Communicate it to such Friends as you think fit. Sir, I am with all due Respects,

Wincanton 1 Dec, 1688.

Your most Obedient Servant, N. N.