The memoires of the lives and actions of James and William, Dukes of Hamilton and Castleherald, &c. in which an account is given of the rise and progress of the civil wars of Scotland, with other great transactions both in England and Germany, from the year 1625, to the year 1652 : together with many letters, instructions, and other papers, written by King Charles the I : never before published : all drawn out of, or copied from the originals / by Gilbert Burnet ; in seven books.

* 1.1Anno 1647.

IN the beginning of the next Year Commissioners were sent from the Parliament of Scotland,* 1.2 to represent their late Resolutions to His Majesty. On the 12^th of Ianuary they presented their first Paper, wherein they laid out all they could devise, for the pressing a satisfa∣ctory Answer to the Propositions; expressing with what earnestness all Men were waiting for it, and that it would be received with more Ioy than had been ever seen at any Coronation in England. But after they had deliver∣ed this Message, and the 14^th day was come, wherein the King promi∣sed His Answer, He told them, He must be resolved of two things be∣fore He could give His Answer. The first was, if He was a Free-man or a Prisoner? adding, That if He were a Prisoner, it was the opinion of ma∣ny Divines, that Promises made by a Prisoner did not oblige, though He did not assert that to be His own sense: the next was, whether He might go to Scotland with Honour, Freedom, and Safety, or not? They declined long to give an Answer, and in that Debate three hours were spent; at length being put to it, they delivered all their severe Message in the following Paper.

May it please Your Majesty,

* 2.1WE are commanded by the Parliament of Scotland, to represent to Your Majesty the many Inconveniencies will ensue upon Your Maje∣sties Denial, or Delay of Granting the Propositions concerning Religion and the Covenant, and not giving a satisfactory Answer to the remanent Proposi∣tions; and particularly to represent the Prejudice will thereby arise to the true Reformed Protestant Religion abroad, and to the Reformation of Reli∣gion in these Kingdoms, the Danger of Your Majesties Person, and to Your Own and Posterities Government.

[ II] If Your Majesty (not granting the Propositions concerning Religion and the Covenant, and not giving satisfactory Answers to the other Propositions) shall relinquish England, we are commanded by the Parliament of Scot∣land to represent to Your Majesty, That in that case they find it unlawful for them to assist Your Majesty for Recovery of the Government, Your Majesty not granting the Covenant and Propositions as aforesaid.

[ III] We are commanded by the Parliament of Scotland to represent to Your Majesty, That they find Your Majesties Coming to Scotland (not granting the Propositions concerning Religion and the Covenant, and not giving a sa∣tisfactory Answer to the remanent Propositions) dangerous to the Cause, to Your Majesty, to Your Native Kingdom, and to the Vnion betwixt Scot∣land and England, and that the Kingdom of Scotland will be necessitated to take Course to prevent Your Coming.

[ IV] Both Kingdoms will take Course for disposal of Your Majesties Person, until such time as Your Majesty grants the Propositions, or otherwise agree with Your Majesties Parliaments.

[ V] We are commanded to make known to Your Majesty, that until Your Ma∣jesty grant the Propositions in manner fore-said, or that some Course be re∣solved by both Kingdoms concerning the disposal of Your Majesties Person, Your Majesty cannot be admitted to come or remain in Scotland with Free∣dom.

And in case Your Majesty do come, we are commanded to represent to Your Majesty, That the Kingdom of Scotland will be necessitated to put such Attendants and Guards about Your Majesties Person, as may preserve You in Safety, and Your Kingdoms in Peace, and may prevent all Tumults, Insurrections, and Gatherings of Malignants.

We are further warranted to represent to Your Majesty, That if You do not grant the Propositions concerning Religion and the Covenant, and give a satisfactory Answer about the remanent Propositions, the Kingdom of Scot∣land will be necessitated to continue the Government without Your Majesty, as hath been done these years by-past.

Newcastle 14^th January, 1647.

But the Answer they got shewed,* 2.2 that the King could not be threat∣ned to the Doing of any thing He judged contrary to His Honour or Conscience. His Majesties Answer being returned back to Edinburgh on the 16^th of Ianuary, which was Saturday, it was debated in Parlia∣ment, what should be done with His Majesties Person.* 2.3 All inclined to deliver Him up immediately to the English Parliament; at which Proposition the Duke and his Brother expressed their horrour, with language so full both of Reason and Affection, that nothing but violent and enraged Passion could have resisted it.

They said, Would Scotland now quit a Possession of 1500 Years Date, which was their Interest in their Soveraign, and do it to those whose Enmity both against Him and them did now visibly appear? Was this the effect of all their Protestations of Duty and Affection to His Majesty? Was this their keeping of their Cov••nant, wherein they had sworn to defend the Kings Majesties Person and Authority? Was this a suitable return to the Kings Goodness, both in his consenting to all the Desires of that Kingdom, An. 1641. and in His late trusting His Person to them? what Censures would be past upon this through the whole World? what a stain would it be to the whole Reformed Religion? and in fine, what Danger might be ap∣prehended both to the Kings Person, and to Scotland, from the Party that was now prevalent in England.

But notwithstanding all this, the Question was put in these words, Whether they should leave His Majesty in England to the Two Houses there or not? so softly did the prevailing Party present that infamous Bu∣siness to the Vote of the Parliament. The Dukes Vote was suitable to his Discourse and Temper, being a Negative uttered with much grave and deep Sorrow; but I shall set down Lanerick's in the formal terms wherein he expressed it; As God shall have mercy upon my Soul at the Great Day, I would chuse rather to have my Head struck off at the Mar∣ket-cross of Edinburgh, than give my consent to this Vote. The Earl of Lindsay, now Earl Crawford, was President, and so could not debate: but as in the stating the Vote he expressed much honest Zeal, so when it was carried in the Affirmative, he dissented from it, and to him those who had voted in the Negative did adhere. But some of their Friends were accidentally absent, others on design, and some downright de∣serted them; so that though there were divers who dissented, yet they were far short of being able to ballance the Vote. When all this was done, Lanerick with a deep Groan said, this was the blackest Saturday

that ever Scotland saw, alluding to a great Eclipse that was many years before on a Saturday, from which it was still called the Black Saturday.

This being sent to the Commissioners at Newcastle, did not at all shake His Majesty, he being resolved not to yield to that, no not at Holmby, which He had refused at Newcastle.

* 2.4In the end of the Month the English Commissioners and Forces came down, and the Arrears for the payment of the Army being delivered, the Scotish Army withdrew, and left the King in the hands of the Eng∣lish, who presently sent him to Holmby.

And this is a free and faithful Relation of that great Transaction, only in invidious Passages I have spared the Memories and Families of the unhappy Actors.

* 2.5It was presently the matter of Discourse and Censure of Christendom, and brought an Infamy on those who acted it, which though an In∣dempnity could pardon, yet no Oblivion was able to deface. It was thought strange, since the King had trusted himself to Scotland, that they should have thus deserted Him. What grounds Montrevil had for giving the King those Assurances, did not appear; and certain it is, they were very slight ones, and were only from single Persons, but not from any Iunto or Judicatory.

But generous minds thought the Kings frank casting Himself into their hands, was an Obligation beyond any Engagements they could have given. And it was thought strange madness in those of Scotland to do it at that time, since they saw the Independents prevailing, whose Designs against the Kings Person and Monarchy had been faithfully disco∣vered to them by some of their Commissioners at London, and who were as little Friends to the Covenant and Presbytery as the King himself was; so that considering their Power, such a Strengthening of them brought Religion under a hazard of another nature, than could have been apprehended upon their Accepting of the Kings Concessions. But the Contradiction that this course had to the Covenant, was so plain that none could avoid observing it; for to make their King a Prisoner, was an odd Comment upon their Defending of His Person and Authority: and to do all that because he would not force his Conscience, was judged a strange Practice from those, who had so late∣ly complained heavily against any appearance of Force upon Tender Consciences.

These were the Censures that generally passed on that Transaction: the Kings stifness was also very much condemned, and most men not understanding the strictness of a Tender Conscience, thought it was Humour that swayed Him, and judged that in the posture Affairs were then in, He should have yielded to any thing, how unreasonable so∣ever, rather than have so exposed Himself, His Posterity, and His King∣doms, to such visible hazards; reckoning that no Form of Government that ever was, deserved to be so firmly adhered to. All persons looked for dismal effects from these Resolutions, few thinking the Friendship betwixt Scotland and England would be lasting: and all apprehended some strange Curse would overtake those who were active in this infa∣mous Business.

Amidst these greater Reflections, there were some who suspected the Duke had not acted in that Affair with that Candour and Zeal He ex∣pressed: and this was chiefly founded on the base Votes of some of his

Friends, chiefly of one who had served him, but was then a Lord. But as the tract of this Account hath cleared the whole Progress of his Ne∣gotiation, so the visible affliction of his Mind, which drew after it a great indisposition in his Body, did abundantly refute these Calumnies. And indeed that great Mind which did not succumb under the hardest Trials, when it imployed its utmost strength, was now reduced to the most pinching Straits, and almost to desperate Resentments; so that he repented his Stay in Scotland, since he foresaw nothing but imminent Ruine to King and Country: yet His Majesties opinion of his Zeal and Affection to His Service, was at this time proof against all Whispers, which appears by the following Letter.

Hamilton,

I Know it were needless to recommend this Bearer Will. Murray to you, but that his Persecution at this instant for My sake is such, that in a manner it even extorts these lines from Me, to tell you that your hearty and real dealing to procure his waiting upon Me, is a good occasion, which I am confident you will not let slip, to shew your constant zealous Affection to

Your most assured, real, constant Friend, CHARLES R.

Newcastle 29^th January, 1647.

Now it was that genuine Melancholy and Horrour dwelt in all the Dukes thoughts,* 3.1 his Brother was too deeply prepossessed with the like apprehensions to minister much Comfort to him; only he pressed him not to give way to languishing Sorrow, but to see what could be done for setting things right again; and for infusing that sense of Shame and Horrour in all People for the late Action, which might prepare them to a Noble Reparation of it by a generous Engaging in the Kings Quarrel. And upon this much pains was taken to infuse Jealousies of the Independents in the minds of the Kirk-men, though there were other violent persons as careful to refute them.

Most of this Year was spent in possessing all mens Minds with these Ap∣prehensions, so preparing them for what they designed to execute upon the first Opportunity. The Duke and the Earls of Lauderdale and La∣nerick were they, who united most closely and cordially for the contri∣ving and prosecuting of that Design. The King was Prisoner at Holmby, without any other Liberty save that of taking the air sometimes: all his Servants were denied access to him, and so cruel was the zeal of his E∣nemies that it reached to his Soul; for they refused liberty for his Chap∣lains to wait on him, a favour not denied to the worst of Malefactors: but God was his Refuge, who supported him in all his Sufferings and Solitudes. The Two Houses wrote to the Committee of Estates in Scot∣land, that they should take such a joynt Course with them, as might tend most to bring things to a happy Peace.

But now the Jealousies betwixt the Parliament and the Army begun to grow visible and above board, for the Presbyterian Party in the Parliament saw their Error too late;* 3.2 most of them seemed to have intended the Kings Good, only they were mistaken, in Judging that the Parliament, in which they were most numerous, would never be disobeyed by the Army: but being disappointed in this, they ruined all, their confidence in their Power in Parliament having been the cause why they let the Scotish Army go home, for till they were gone, the Inde∣pendents crouched under them, and trepanned them into Severities against the King, and the Dismissing of the Scots; who were no sooner gone, but the Army acted what had been before projected, but most industriously concealed from the Presbyterians.

* 3.3In April the Earl of Lauderdale was sent from Scotland to London, to insist on the motion for a Settlement with the King, and chiefly to hin∣der the adding of any new Propositions; and he was also Instructed to deal for a permission to the Duke and the Earl of Dumfernline to go and serve the King in his Bedchamber. But the Earl of Lauderdale found matters in great confusion at Westminster, for the chief thing thought on was the Disbanding of the Army, which was an unnecessary Burden to the Kingdom, many grounds of Fear appearing, that their Designs were to keep themselves up, and govern the Nation by a Military and Arbitrary Power: therefore such as were best-affected, judged it ne∣cessary once to disband them, before they engaged in a new Treaty with the King. But for that private Proposition concerning the Duke and Dumfernline, the Earl of Lauderdale seeing it would not take, be∣cause there was not a Family yet settled about the King, nor could it be expected that any from Scotland would be the first they would set about His Majesties Person, did not present it: and indeed the Duke's late Behaviour in opposing the Delivery of the King, had forfeited his Credit with those of England then in Power. But it is not my meaning to go on with a regular History of the irregular Transactions that past in England this Year: I shall only say so much of them, as will make ap∣pear what reason the Scots had for their Proceedings, and to clear what may have relation to the Dukes Concerns.

In the middle of May the King sent a new Message to the Parliament of England in order to a Treaty: but his Offers were the same (upon the matter) they had been at Newcastle, and so not like to take; and the Two Houses were then busied about Disbanding the Army. They therefore ordered the Army to be disbanded, and some of the Forces they kept up to be sent over to Ireland; and all Satisfaction be∣ing offered,* 3.4 the time of their Disbanding was named. But the Ring-leaders of the Army disposed them to mutiny against the Parliament, upon pretence of want of Satisfaction in matter of Money, and Repa∣ration in point of Honour; so the Army drew to a Body, and erected a Court who were called the Agitators. Mean-while Cromwel puts his Party in the House of Commons, on the Recalling o•• their Declarati∣ons against the Army, and goes to the Army, though his Commission was expired. More Money was offered to the Army, but nothing was accepted; only divers of the Presbyterian Officers submitted, and sub∣scribed for Ireland, whereupon they were by the prevailing part of the Army disbanded.* 3.5 And the Army to make a sure game for their Party, sent one Ioice (a Taylor by Trade, but now a Cornet by his Employ∣ment)

to Holmby, who came at twelve a clock at night, and forced the King to go with him against his will. Upon which the Earl of Lauderdale emitted a Declaration, in Name of the Scotish Nation, against that Force put on the Kings Person, contrary to all their Trea∣ties and Declarations; and demanded that His Majesties Person might be presently set at Liberty, and brought with Honour, Freedom, and Safety, to some of His Houses in or about London: and after that he went to Newmarket to wait on the King, who was there with the Army. But the Army begun to abuse His Majesty into some Confidence in them,* 3.6 and used Him at another rate than had been done at Holmby. They gave free access to all His Servants to come to Him; they allowed His Chap∣lains to attend about Him, and serve in their Office according to the Liturgy, and permitted Him free Correspondence with the Queen, and every body else: and in their Discourses intimated their willing∣ness to lay aside the Covenant, and allow the Toleration of Episcopacy and the Liturgy; all which, though smoothly said, was meant to ca∣jole Him to his Ruine. Assoon as His Majesty was at Liberty, He wrote the following Letter to my Lord Lanerick.

Lanerick,

THe present condition of My Affairs is such,* 4.1 that I believe you and your Brother may do Me better Service at London than where you are; therefore I desire that both, or at least one of you, would come up assoon as you could: the rest I leave till meeting, and so farewel.

Your most assured, real, constant Friend, CHARLES R.

Newmarket 22^th Iune 1647.

To this my Lord Lanerick wrote this Answer.

Sir,

YOur Majesties Letter of the 22^th of June had been immediately obeyed,* 5.1 if our Stay here for some time had not been conceived of more use to Your Majesties Service. Your condition is so variously represented here, that Your faithfullest Servants know not how to carry themselves; therefore the intimation of Your Majesties Own Pleasure would be of great use. No sooner shall the temper of People here (which for the present is strangely in∣flamed) be any thing allayed, than one, or both of us, You commanded, shall attend You according to the Duty of

Your Majesties most humble, most faithful, most obedient Subject and Servant, LANERICK.

His Majesty upon that wrote what follows.

Lanerick,

* 6.1IT is impossible for Me at present to give a Categorical Answer to your (I confess) necessary Question: all I can say is, that I am now at much more Freedom than I was at Holmby; for My Friends have free access to Me, My Chaplains wait upon Me ac∣cording to their Vocation, and I have free Intelligence with My Wife, and any Body else whom I please, all which was flatly de∣nied me before: besides, the Professions are much more frank and satisfactory to what I desire, of this Army, than ever was offer∣ed by the Presbyterians. And truly, if these People rightly under∣stood their own Condition and Interests they must do what they profess, which is, that King, Parliament, and People, may each have re∣spectively what is their own; and yet it must be their Actions, not Words alone, which shall make Me put Confidence in them.

Hitherto they have made Me no particular Offers, though daily pressed by Me; but assoon as I can clearly see through their Intentions, one way or other, I will not fail to advertise you with My Com∣mands thereupon. In the mean time, having truly, though short∣ly, set you down the true estate of My present Condition, I leave you to judge, and do what you shall find best for My Service. So I rest

Your most assured, real, constant Friend, CHARLES R.

Casam 12^th July 1647.

POSTSCRIPT.

I have intrusted this trusty Bearer with several Particulars, which I thought too long for a Letter.

And the day after that he wrote again.

Lanerick,

THis is, first, to recommend this honest Bearer to your Care, to further him in passing of those small Favours I have bestowed upon him; next, that you would do your best, for the relief of those Gordons who were lately taken; both which as to you

were needless, but that I know it is fit for Me at all occasions to express the Care I have of those that wish Me well. So farewell.

Your most assured, real, constant Friend, CHARLES R.

Casam 13^th July 1647.

POSTSCRIPT.

Send me word if you have yet remembred your Promise to Me concerning the late Archbishop of St. Andrews his Book.

To which my Lord Lanerick wrote this Answer.

May it please Your Majesty,

YOurs of the 12^th I received yesterday.* 8.1 We are joyed for what you write of the Civilities you met with, but are full of doubts and fears of their Continuance, especially since we are informed, that notwithstanding all Publick Professions, strange Demands are preparing to be offered to Your Majesty. I ever hated thralling of Consciences, yet I shall be sorry, there were no other price of Spiritual Freedom than Your Majesties loss of all Temporal Power. This Kingdom will be easily induced to venture their Lives for the last, but none will hazard the first; since they will not declare for Your Majesty, but clogged with the Covenant. It was thought fit to de∣lay all Resolutions untill the 5^th of August next, expecting against that time, either from the nature of the Demands we hear are now to be made to Your Majesty, or from the carriage of the Army to Your Sacred Person, grounds will be given either to rest satisfied, or to resent it as becomes Loyal Subjects. It is wished Your Majesties true Condition and positive Pleasure may be made known (from Your Self if possible) against that time, when certainly the sense both of this Church (seeing the General Assembly will be then sitting) and State upon the present Differences in England, as they have relation to, or can have influence upon Scotland, will be made known. It is wished Your Majesties Prudence may prevent further Prejudice, by go∣ing at first the full length You intend, in granting what Conditions shall be demanded; or if You find them absolutely destructive to You, to put Your Self in that Condition, that our Persons and Lives may be of use to Your Majesty, which shall be the constant care of

Your Majesties most faithful, most loyal, most obedient Subject and Servant, LANERICK.

Edinburgh 21^th July, 1647.

POSTSCRIPT.

I have not as yet been able to put Your Commands in execution concern∣ing the Bishop of St. Andrew's Book, in regard the Copy I have is both un∣correct, and wanting in many essential things; but I have already taken a Course to have that supplyed from a true Copy of the Original, now in the pos∣session of our Commissioners at London.

His Majesties Answer follows.

Lanerick,

YOurs of the 21 ^th Instant I received yesterday, having before resolved to have written to you, though I had received none from you, to shew you from time to time what My Condition is. And yet for easing My pains, I have thought fit to refer you to the Bearer John Chisley, to tell you the true State of Affairs, with My Opinion thereupon, to whom I have largely and fully spoken My Mind: wherefore I will only say this one word, that whatsoe∣ver you resolve on, you must not think to mention (as to Eng∣land) either Covenant or Presbyterial Government; for it will ruin you, and do Me no good, experience of which was clearly seen at Newcastle. So desiring you to trust this Bearer, I rest

Your most assured, real, constant Friend, CHARLES R.

Wooburn 27^th July, 1647.

* 9.1The Army drew nearer London, declaring they came to restore the King, and to reform the Parliament. This was Popular, and took with many, wherefore the Parliament, to undeceive both King and Peo∣ple, Voted His Majesties coming to Richmond for a Personal Treaty, and that the Army should not come within thirty miles of London. But the Army refused obedience, and carried the King with them, and sent threatning Messages for Recalling of those Votes: and they de∣signed next to model the Two Houses; whereupon a frivolous general Charge was drawn against 11 of the most considerable Members, who withstood their Designs, and they pressed their Suspension from the House. But it was Voted in Parliament to be against Law, to suspend any Member upon a general Charge, without bringing in, and proving special matter. And the Two Houses did choose a Committee of Safety to Treat with the City of London, for Raising a new Militia for their own Security, and some of the Trained Bands were drawn toge∣ther under Presbyterian Officers. Upon this the Army came to Lon∣don, forced the Houses to recall their Votes, and disband their Forces, and drove away the eleven Members. And thus having over-••wed

both Parliament and City, they began to levy new Forces: but assoon as they withdrew from London, the Citizens of London came in great numbers to Westminster, and petitioned to have their Militia settled again according to their former Votes; which being granted, the Par∣liament next day was at liberty, and the Secluded Members returned. About the end of Iuly, the Earl of Lauderdale going to wait on His Majesty, who was then at Wooburn, was not only hindred access, but by the Violence of the Souldiers carried away; and say or com∣plain what he would of the Violation of the Treaty with Scotland, and the Law of Nations, by that Affront put upon a Publick Minister of another Kingdom, he could not prevail, but was forced to be gone. After this the King was Voted to come to London. But the Army, in∣stead of Obedience, came thither again, and by the interposition of some treacherous People got the City surrendred to them: whereupon they marched through it in Triumph with Lawrels in their Hats▪ and came to Westminster, bringing with them the two Speakers, and some other Members of their Party, who had run away from the Par∣liament, pretending Fear, though no appearance of it had been in the Proceedings of the Parliament. Fairfax was declared Captain-General of all England, Constable of the Tower of London, and Commander of all the Garisons, and then they fell to the Purging of the House. And besides the forcing the eleven Members to flee, seven of the Lords were also impeached; and all Orders that past in the absence of the Speak∣ers were repealed; yet this was not carried but upon a fortnights De∣bate. Divers of the City of London, with the Mayor and some Alder∣men, were likewise charged and imprisoned: and all this was upon a general Accusation of their designs to raise a new War.

Those in Scotland being advertised by their Commissioners of all that passed, failed not to make good use of it,* 9.2 to stir up the Affection and Duty of all to appear for His Majesty; which prevailed generally, and even the Ministers begun both from their Pulpits, and by their Remonstrances, to complain of the Prevailings of the Sectarian Party, and of the Force that was put on the Kings Person. But the old lan∣guage of the Covenant and Presbytery was still in their mouths; yet all were pretty forward for a real Resentment of the late Disorders in Eng∣land. Only Mr. George Gillespie, who was indeed of good parts, but bold beyond all measure, withstood these Inclinations, and represent∣ed, that the greatest Danger to Religion was to be feared from the King and the Malignant Party. He was suspected of correspon∣dence with the Sectaries, which some Letters in my hand written in Cypher give good grounds to believe. Certain it is that he proved a very ill instrument, and marred that great Design, by which all former Errors might have been corrected. Thus as the Duke and his Friends designs began to appear, there was a violent Party no less careful to withstand them. Therefore it was not judged fitting the Duke should leave Scotland, his Service in it being greater than any he could do in England: besides, his being a Peer in England, made him more obnoxious to their fury than any other Scotchman could be. But His Majesties Concessions about Religion pinched them much, and the Li∣berty offered to Tender Consciences did very much disgust the Scotish Clergy; for in Scotland a Toleration was little less odious than Epi∣scopacy, and nothing but Presbytery would satisfie them.

In the end of August they sent Mr. Lesley to His Majesty, to represent the State of Affairs in Scotland, according to the following Instructions.

* 9.3YOu shall shew what Endeavours have been used to incense this Kingdom against the Proceedings of the Army under the Command of Sir Tho∣mas Fairfax: witness George Windram's Relation, the Declaration of the General Assembly, and the Voice of the daily cryes from the Pulpit.

[ II] You shall represent what Industry was used to precipitate a present Engage∣ment, upon the grounds of the Covenant; and for Settling Presbyterial Go∣vernment in England, who were the pressers, and who were the opposers of it.

[ III] You shall shew what Pains were taken by the moderate Party here, to pro∣cure the sending of Commissioners to His Majesty and the Parliament, there∣by to procrastinate and delay all Resolutions, till their return, or a report from them; which will probably consume the rest of this Summer, and for this Year prevent a new War, except upon eminent advantage.

[ IV] You are therefore to represent how necessary it is for preventing Prejudices from hence, that a free Passage and all other Encouragements be given to those who are now to be employed; if that shall be refused, or the Law of Nations in their Persons violated, a Breach betwixt the Kingdoms cannot be longer prevented.

[ V] You shall shew, that if it had not been for His Majesties Commands to the Moderate Party here, a Scotish Army had e're this time been in England; which so long as His Majesty is well used, they are hopeful to prevent, but if His re-establishing be delayed, a greater Army than ever Scotland raised will own His Quarrel.

[ VI] You shall shew, that the Instructions now given to our Commissioners, who Treat with the Parliament, are only Generals; the chief whereof is, That His Majesty be again invited to come to London with Honour, Freedom, and Safety; the delay whereof is exceedingly ill taken here, and nothing would give so general satisfaction to this Kingdom, nor more stop the mouths of Incendiaries than that His Majesty were so at London.

[ VII] You shall shew, that the Message that was to be sent to His Majesty, was only to represent to Him the constant Affection of this Kingdom, their longings to see Him re-established in His Throne, their Resolutions never to withdraw themselves from under His Government, and their Desires to know immediately from Himself in what Condition He is, since the Safety of this Kingdom so much depends upon the Safety of His Person.

[ VIII] You shall shew that the Disorders in the High-lands are now composed, and our Army is to be scattered in several quarters through the whole Shires of the Kingdom.

With these Instructions My Lord Lanerick wrote what follows to His Majesty.

Sir,

SInce eminent Advantages for Your Majesties Service could not at this time be procured, but at the old rate of satisfaction in Religion and the Covenant, our Study hath been to prevent Prejudices and Disservi∣ces, wherein our endeavours have not proved unsuccessful, though ••ven in that we met with extraordinary Opposition. The Particulars will be shewed to

Your Majesty by the Bearer, with the humble sense and advice (upon the whole as it now stands in relation to this Kingdom) of

Your Majesties most humble, most faithful, most loyal, and most obedient Subject and Servant, LANERICK.

Edinburgh, 23^th August, 1647.

To which His Majesty answered.

Lanerick,

I Very much like and approve of Robin Lesly's Discourse and In∣structions; but I do not so well understand your Letter of the 23^th of this Month, as not agreeing fully with what Robin hath said, and shewn to Me; wherefore I have the more reason to desire you to hasten your Coming up. In a word, every minute that you stay, 'tis so much the worse for the Affairs of

Your most real, constant Friend, CHARLES R.

Hampton-Court 29^th August 1647.

For Particulars I refer you to Robin.

The King was then so filled with Hopes from Assurances given Him by the Army,* 11.1 that He was out of doubt of getting things carried by Treaty, and therefore continued to press Lanerick's Coming up. The Earl of Lauderdale wrote also to Scotland, that some Person of Emi∣nence might be sent to concur with him in the great Transactions that were coming on; whereupon the Lord Chancellour and Lanerick were appointed to go up; upon which a Pass was signed by Fairfax, for the Earls of Lowdon and Lanerick (according to the desire sent from Scotland) to come and wait upon the King.

But their Coming up was delayed, the occasion whereof is given in the following Letter written by my Lord Lanerick to the King; which though I set down in the due Stile, yet both it, and almost all the Let∣ters written this Year, being in Cypher, run in the third person: but for making the Narration smoother, I have presumed to change their phrase a little.

Sir,

THe difference betwixt Robin's Relation and my Letter of the 23^th of August last, I shall easily reconcile,* 12.1 when I shall have the happiness to see Your Majesty; for I can hardly speak truth and sense, without running a

hazard of making my self useless, and uncapable of speaking at all. Those of the Chancellor's Friends, who were against his being employed at this time, take occasion to press a Delay to his, and my present Going to London, or Court, from the Two Houses their not yet answering a Letter the Committee here wrote to them, for Reparation of the Affront done to the Earl of Lau∣derdale, and for Assurances to all Commissioners employed from this King∣dom: so until a satisfactory Answer be returned to that Letter, it is alledged that their Going will be useless, since (except they be allowed by the Two Houses) access to Your Majesty may still be denied them, and so their En∣deavours to serve You frustrated. This is the rather urged by reason of many informalities in the Pass sent them by Sir Thomas Fairfax, by which they were only warranted to come to Your Majesty at Hampton-Court: and if You chance not to be there, it doth not warrant them to wait upon Your Ma∣jesty in any other place; especially since it bears not at all a liberty for them to go to London, where their Endeavours probably would be of the 〈…〉〈…〉 use. If the Earl of Lauderdale had not been affronted, they would not have desired any Assurance at all; but that being unrepaired, (for they are not at all satisfied with Sir Thomas Fairfax his Answer to the Two Houses Let∣ter in that particular) if they shall have occasion to move any thing in Your Majesties Favours, which shall be disliked by the Parliament or Army, they may chance to meet with the same or worse Vsage that Lauderdale did. I was not so scrupulous, but willingly would have hazarded through these (or any) Difficulties, being required, as I am, by Your Majesty to haste thither; but the Chancellor's Stay would have made my single Going (I being only employed to Your Majesty) useless: yet if it shall be thought fit, and I again commanded to it, want of Formalities or Passes will not fright me from my Duty. In the mean time Instructions are this day sent to our Commissioners at London, to delay their concurrence in sending the Propositions of Peace to Your Majesty till the Chancellour's Coming; for the Committee resolved to adhere to their former Instructions, in pressing Your Majesties Coming to London with Honour, Freedom, and Safety, for confirming so far as You have already granted, by Your Message of the 12^th of May last, and there to Treat upon the rest of the Propositions. Thus begging Pardon for this te∣dious account, I expect Your Majesties further Commands, which shall im∣mediately be obeyed by

Your Majesties most humble, most faithful, and most obedient Subject and Servant LANERICK.

Edinburgh, 4^th September 1647.

His Majesties Answer follows.

Lanerick,

* 13.1YOu had reason not to come up without the Chancellour, but I do not understand why you did both stay; for is this a time for Scotland to vie punctilio's of Honour with England, and there∣by neglect (even almost to loss) the Opportunity of redeeming that

Fault which they committed at Newcastle; certainly you are not yet in the right way. But seriously I write not this for you, but to you, that others by you might learn more wit. In a word, Time is not altogether lost; redeem it for shame, and be not startled at My Answer which I gave yesterday to the Two Houses; for if you tru∣ly understand it, I have put you in a right way where before you were wrong: remember the Proverb, Ill bairns are best heard at home. I say no more but make what haste you can, with your Colleague, to

Your most assured, r••al, constant Friend, CHARLES R.

In the mean while a Message was sent from Scotland to the Parliament of England, for such a full Pass as was demanded,* 13.2 which drew on a great Debate: for Haslerig, Martin, and others of that Cabal argued much against it, saying, why should Lanerick be sent up, who was a known Incen∣diary? and the Latham Letter mentioned in the account of the Year 1643, with many other Particulars were remembred. Next, they ex∣cepted against it, that by the Pass that was demanded it appeared, they were to go first to the King, as if they had been to Treat with∣out the Parliament of England. But old Sir Henry Vane took them up sharply for remembring things which were long ago buried; yet the Heat was so great, that it was referred to a Committee to consider of it, but in end it was granted.

All this while the Earl of Lauderdale went not near Westminster, be∣cause he got not Reparation for the Affront put on him by the Ar∣my; but was extremely v••xed to see the King possessed with such a good opinion of the Army, and used all the ways he could think of to undeceive Him.

In the beginning of October the Earls of Lowdon and Lanerick came to London;* 13.3 and with them the Earl of Lauderdale went to wait on the King, who was then at Hampton-Court; and after they had learned from Him the State in which His Affairs were, and had expressed the Sense and Affection of His Subjects in Scotland, who judged all their happiness to depend upon His Settlement on his Throne, they fell upon their Treaty with the Parliament. But the Army was beginning to take off their Mask, and change their Stile: for having now seated themselves in the Power, they begun to con∣trive how to execute what they had always designed, which was the Ruin of the King, and the Subversion of Monarchy. And a new Party among them called the Levellers, did avowedly own Principles contrary to all Order and Government, so that there was great ground to apprehend Danger to the Kings Person. My Lords of Lowdon, Lau∣derdale, and Lanerick, represented to the King, that if He would give sa∣tisfaction in the point of Religion, he was Master of Scotland on what terms as to other things He would demand: but without that, they

feared their Design of serving Him should meet with great Opposition; yet they resolved once to rescue Him out of the hands of the Army, or to perish in the Attempt.

* 13.4A little after this, His Majesty being to hunt at Nonsuch, the Earls of Lauderdale and Lanerick came thither on pretence of waiting on His Majesty, accompanied with 50 Horse, which struck no small terrour in the little Guard that was about the King: whereupon these Lords told His Majesty, that they were come to rescue Him from His Captivity, and they, with all these they brought with them, were resolved to die at His feet; wherefore they intreated Him to make His Escape. But the King told them, He had engaged His Honour not to leave the Army without giving them Advertisement; and till He freed Himself of that, He would die rather than break His Faith. But the Leading men of the Army were now weary of the Kings being with them, and wished to have Him in some secure Place under a good Guard: whereupon they made reports be brought to Him, that the Levellers were designing against His Life. The King therefore called again the Earls of Lauderdale and Lanerick to Him some days before His Escape, and told them, He had freed Himself of the Engagement He had given not to leave the Army;* 13.5 He therefore desired their Advice what to do. The Earl of Lauderdale said, things being driven to such extremities, it was not safe to give Advice; but would His Majesty suggest any thing, he would with all candour deliver his Opinion about it. The King first spoke of His Going to Scotland; the Earl of Lauderdale said, that ex∣cept He resolved to comply with their Desires about Religion, He might expect no better Usage from the Church-party there, than He had met with at Newcastle. Next the King moved His Going to Lon∣don: the Earl of Lauderdale answered, that formerly that had been a safe Course, but now the City was so over-awed by the Army, that he durst not advise His trusting His Person to them; for the Tumults there were already great, and would undoubtedly grow upon His coming. The King asked, if He came, was He sure of the Scotish Commissioners that they would stick to Him in Name of the Scotish Nation? the Earl of Lauderdale answered, that all of them to a man should wait on Him, and own His Service at all hazards; but without Instructions from Scotland they could do nothing as Commissioners, but only in their own Names as His Subjects; and they had great reason to fear, the Church-party in Scotland would not own Him, nor order them to do it. Next the King spoke of His going to Berwick; whereupon the Earl of Lanerick, who till then had stood silent, begged of His Majesty, that for Gods sake he would follow that Motion: for if He left England the Army would pretend He was deserting His Kingdom, and so de∣pose Him; but Berwick was a strong Place, which at that time lay un∣garrisoned, the Country about it was generally well-affected, and so He might easily get a good Garrison to go in with Him: and by that means he was near Scotland, for the encouragement of those who resolved to serve Him. This was also backed by Lauderdale, and the King seemed fully resolved on it; so they left Him: of this the Author had his Information from the Earl of Lauderdale.

A few days after this, His Majesty went to the Isle of Wight,* 13.6 and on the 16^th of November sent a Message to the Parliament, which is Print∣ed with the rest of the Messages, declaring the reason of His Going

to that Place, and inviting them to a Treaty, As for Religion he in∣sisted on His Judgment about Episcopacy, as a Government settled by the Apostles; but was content it should be limited, so that the ••ishops should act nothing in Ecclesiastical matters without their Presbyters, whereby they should be no burden to Tender Consciences; and that they should be obliged to reside, and labour, and preach in their Dio∣cesses. Besides He continued His Offer for the Settlement of Presbyte∣ry for Three Years, till things were freely debated and considered, adding a Liberty to all Tender Consciences, except Popish Recusants. As for the Militia, He offered to yield it up to the Parliament during His whole Reign, and in other Particulars insisted on His former Con∣cessions: and some days after that he wrote what follows to my Lord Lanerick.

Lanerick,

AS My coming hither will be variously scanned, so I believe that My Message to the Two Houses will have divers Interpreta∣tions, for neither of which I mean to make any Apology;* 14.1 for honest Actions at last will best interpret themselves: only I must observe to you, that what I have sent to London, the end of it is to procure a Personal Treaty, for which if I have striven to please all Inter∣ests with all possible equality (without wronging My Conscience) I hope no reasonable man will blame Me. Nor am I so unreasona∣ble as to imagine that this My Message can totally content My Own Party: but for the end of it (a Personal Treaty) I hope that all the reasonable men on all sides will concur with Me, as I ex∣pect your Scotish Commissioners should do, though I know you must dislike many Passages in it. And yet I must tell you, that in sub∣stance it differs very little from My Message of the 22^th of May. This I thought necessary to write to you, that you might assure your fellow-Commissioners, that change of Place hath not altered My Mind from what it was when you last saw Me. So I rest

Your most assured, constant Friend, CHARLES R.

Carisbrook, 19^th November 1647.

POSTSCRIPT.

This is a safe Messenger, wherefore you or any other of My Friends may write to Me by him, desiring much to hear from you.

To this Letter the three Commissioners from Scotland wrote joyntly this Answer.

May it please Your Majesty,

* 15.1YOur Message left behind You at Hampton-Court gave great hopes, that Your Majesty was gone to some Place where you might be safe and free from Your Enemies, and where Your Majesties Friends might have access to You. But as the Place to which You are gone, so Your Majesties Message of the 16^th hath infinitely disabled us to serve You; for what You offer in matter of Religion, comes far short of Your Majesties Message of the 12^th of May: besides, it grants a full Toleration of Heresy and Schism for ever. And as for Your Concessions in things Civil, more is granted than was expected by some, or wished by others: and although we know not how effectual Your Majesties Message may prove for a Personal Treaty, yet our Endeavours shall be really contributed for that end, as we have done in part already. If this Message be rejected, a Personal Treaty denied, the new Propositions pressed by the Two Houses, and Your Majesty in no better Secu∣rity than formerly, You would advise us in time what to do, and wherein we can be useful to Your Majesty, who are resolved to serve You as becomes

Your Majesties most humble, most faithful, most loyal Subjects and Servants, LOWDON, LAVDERDALE, LANERICK.

22^th Novemb. 1647.

Next day His Majesty wrote what follows to my Lord Lanerick.

Lanerick,

* 16.1I Wonder to hear (if that be true) that some of My Friends should say, that My Going to Jersey had much more furthered My Personal Treaty than My Coming hith••r, for w••ich as I see no colour of Reason, so I had not been here if I had thought that Fancy true, or had not been secured of a Personal Treaty, of which I neither do, nor I hope shall repent; for I am daily more and more satisfied with this Governour, and find these Islanders very go••d, peaceable, and quiet People. This Encouragement I have thought not unfit for you to receive, hoping at least it may do good upon o∣thers, though needless to you, from

Your most assured, real, faithful, constant Friend, CHARLES R.

Carisbrook 23^th Nov. 1647.

But in the end of November the Two Houses passed the four Bills without the consent of the Scotish Commissioners, which was a manifest Breach of Treaty.* 16.2 In them the Covenant was not so much as men∣tioned, for they related wholly to Civil matters, as the perpetual Pow∣er of the Militia, the unlimited Authority of Parliament, and in effect the Giving up at once the Kings Authority. But the Scotish Commis∣sioners complained and Remonstrated against this with open mouth, and gave in a large Remonstrance against the four Bills; Declaring,* 16.3 that contrary to all the former Treaties and Declarations, the Propo∣sitions made to His Majesty were still altered, the Propositions sent to Newcastle, to which notwithstanding their dislike of them, yet for Peace sake they had yielded, were now quite changed. They also protest∣ed, first, against the sending of Propositions without a previous Treaty, which they earnestly pressed, as the likeliest Course for removing all Mistakes, and bringing things to a Final Settlement; and therefore they insisted on their former Desires for a Personal Treaty in or about London. Next, they excepted against the Bills, both because the Co∣venant was quite omitted, and the Settling of the Uniformity of Re∣ligion was turned to a Desire for a vast Toleration. The Treaties with Scotland were not desired to be confirmed, but only the making of them to be approved, which was rather an Indemnity for making them, than a Confirmation of them. Next they remonstrated, that the Kings Legislative Power was quite taken away, by an unli∣mited Power they desired to be put in the Hands of the Two Hou∣ses, and that their Demand about the Militia did put the King out of a capacity of Protecting His Subjects. In fine, they complained of the making Propositions without the concurrence of the Scotish Commissi∣oners; wherefore they remonstrated against the Bills, and resolved to follow the Commissioners, whom the Two Houses were to send to Wight, and protest against these Bills; upon which divers Papers passed betwixt the Two Houses and them.

The Earls of Lowdon, Lauderdale, and Lanerick wrote their sense of these Bills to His Majesty thus.

May it please Your Majesty,* 17.1

IT is of no advantage to expostulate about what is past, either the carrying Your Majesty into that sad Place, or the Prejudice Your Service, and we suffer by Your Majesties Message; for while You study to satisfie all, You satisfie no Interest.

We shall insist on the grounds we went on at Hampton-Court, and shall constantly press a Personal Treaty at London: but not as the new Propositi∣ons do hold forth, which if Your Majesty agrees to, You divest Your Self, and Your Posterity of the Militia for ever; You settle this Army (and En∣tertainment for it) over Your Self, and Your Majesties People perpetually; and by giving leave to Adjournment, You and Your Parliament shall be car∣ried about at the Armies Pleasure, as their Sub-Committee. If Your Ma∣jesty will further enable us, we shall by our Actions give more real testimonies, how intirely we are

Your Majesties most humble, most faithful, and most loyal, Subjects and Servants,

• LOWDON,
• LAVDERDALE,
• LANERICK

25^th November, 1647.

With this Lanerick sent to His Majesty the Papers they gave in a∣gainst the Bills, and the other late Votes, upon which the King wrote the following Letter.

Lanerick,

ALbeit that Letters can ill dispute at this distance, yet I can∣not but tell you,* 18.1 that many things may be fitly offered to ob∣tain a Treaty, that may be altered when one comes to Treat; and there is a great difference betwixt what I will insist on, and what I will permit for the obtaining of a Peace. Likewise it is nece••sary in many respects, that I should seek to satisfie (as far as I can with Conscience and Honour) all chief Interests. All these things impartially and duly considered, I will boldly say, My Message will not be found much amiss; which recommending to Y••ur better con∣sideration, I must now desire You to give hearty thanks in My Name to your fellow-Commissioners (of which though you take a large share to your self, they will not want) for their Paper of the 17^th of this Month▪ which was sent to the Two Houses: for seriously it is as full to My sense, as if I had penned it My Self. And let me tell you, that it will turn to the greatest Honour (I say no more) that ever befell you; wherefore I conjure you by all that is dear to wise or honest men, that you adhere close and constantly to it; and as the Song sayes, I ask no more. So I rest

Your most assured, faithful, real Friend, CHARLES R.

Carisbrook 29^th November 1647.

To which, with another of that Date which His Majesty wrote to the three Lords, which is not in the Writers hands, they wrote the fol∣lowing Answers.

Sir,

* 19.1IN answer to Your Majesties of the 29^th of November we shall first hum∣bly acknowledge Your Favour, by conferring so great a Trust on us, and do engage our selves to the exactest Secrecy. As for a Personal Treaty, we are resolved still to insist on it, and that London may be the Place: but as to Your coming hither in Person, Your Majesty not having signified to us Your Resolution of declaring or concealing Your being here, or upon what assurance of Safety you can do either as Affairs now stand, we dare not presume to gi••e a positive Advice herein; but leave it to Gods Direction, and Your Wisdom, though we wish from our Souls, You were out of those hands you are now again in. And albeit we can no ways joyn with Your Majesties Message, yet what∣ever Success our Endeavours for a Personal Treaty shall have, or what Place soever Your Majesty puts Your Self into; You may be confident, that you shall still have the reallest Assurance and faithfullest Services of

Your Majesties most humble, most faithful, and most loyal Subjects and Servants,

• LOWDON,
• LAVDERDALE,
• LANERICK.

1^st Dec. 1647.

Sir,

JVst now we received Your last of the 29^th of November. The first of that Date we answered by James Cunningham, and can now say no more, as to Your coming to London, than we did by him: for though nothing is so much wished by us, as Your being out of their Power in whose hands You have put Your Self; yet we know not in what Safety Your Person could be here at London, considering the present Temper of the Two Houses, the Distempers of the Army, and the irresolution of the City. But not knowing what grounds Your Majesty goes upon, we cannot judge of that Design: yet since You are pleased to command us to offer our sense of a better, if we ap∣prove not of this, we shall presume to propose to Your Majesty Your Town of Berwick, as a Place both of Safety to Your Person, and of advantage for prosecuting Your ends of Peace, whether by a Treaty, or otherwise of re∣storing Your Self to Your Power, and Your People to their former Happiness. The Prejudice of abandoning Your Kingdom of England, (while Your Par∣liament is Sitting) will thereby be evited: Your Friends whether at home, or abroad, will have free access unto You; and if You shall think fit to make use of the Affections of Your Scotish Subjects, You already know upon what terms You can engage them, either to restore You, or fall with You. And as to the Safety of Your Person, besides the Affection of these Northern Places, (which is very great) and the Strength of the Place it self, (which upon Your Arrival with a few of Your English Friends may be possessed by You) Scotland hath not only 1200 Horse now together upon the Borders, but will be ready to imploy their whole Power for Your Perso∣nal Preservation in case of danger. If Your Majesty approves of this Motion, You will think upon the best, speediest, and safest way of executing it; and either in this, or what else You command, we will constantly shew our selves

Your Majesties most humble, most faithful, and most loyal Subjects and Servants,

• LOWDON,
• LAVDERDALE,
• LANERICK.

Dec. 4. 1647.

On the 6^th of December His Majesty sent a new Message to the Two Houses, with which he wrote to the Scotish Commissioners.

AS I heartily thank you for your Freedom,* 21.1 thereby perceiving your hearty endeavours for My Recovery; so there are so many Particulars, that I cannot at this time give you a positive Answer, but shall within few days. In the mean time I earnestly desire you to use your uttermost Endeavours, for procuring a Personal Treaty, which for the present will be the most acceptable Service you can do to

Your most assured, real, constant Friend, CHARLES R.

POSTSCRIPT.

I have sent you a Copy of a new Message (here inclosed) to the Two Houses, not doubting but you will second it; also desiring you speedily to advertise Me of any Resolution, that shall be taken to My disadvantage by the Houses: and of this I pray you be very watch∣full.

The Message being among the Printed Messages, is not inserted here, the Reader being referred to that Collection. The substance of it was, An Expostulating that no return had been made to his last Message, notwithstanding which His Majesties constant tenderness to the Wellfare of His Subjects, and the sad condition they were now driven to, did so far pre∣vail upon Him, that he vehem••ntly pressed a Personal Treaty as the best means of Peace: so that the blame of retarding so great a Work, must fall somewhere else than on His Majesty, who as He had already offered to devest Himself of much of His Authority; so He did not doubt, but if they met Him with the same Resolutions with which He would meet them, the Kingdom should at last enjoy the Blessings of a long-wished Peace.

At this time the Two Houses were designing to make His Majestie a close Prisoner, of which the Scotish Lords gave the King notice in the following Letter.

Sir,

* 22.1WE are this day certainly informed, that the Committee appointed for Your Majesties Papers (whereof Mr. Lyle of the Isle of Wight hath the Charge, and whereof Mr. Martin Scot and that Cabal are Mem∣bers) have resolved that present Order should be given, for making Your Ma∣jesty a close Prisoner; and to remove Ashburnham, Berkeley, and Leg from You, and commit them to close Prison, with Resolutions to proceed to Ex∣tremities against Your Majesties Person. The knowledg of this came to us from Jack Denham: besides, a Member of that Committee this day assured My Lady Carlisle, that within 24 hours Your Majesty would be a close Prisoner. And to our certain knowledg there are Debates amongst the emi∣nent Persons, by one mean or other to destroy Your Majesties Person; and Consultations have been here, and in the Armies for this effect. Our infor∣mation comes from some who were present at both: we could not be at quiet till we had advertised Your Majesty of this, nor can we propose any better Remedy than we did express by Andrew Cole. If Your Majesty does not resolve and act speedily, we fear our Endeavours to serve You will be too late, which would be the greatest Affliction could come to

Your Majesties most humble, most faithful, and most loyal Subjects and Servants,

• LOWDON,
• LAVDERDALE,
• LANERICK.

8^th Decemb. 1647.

POSTSCRIPT.

Jack Denham's Intelligence is from the Clerk of the Committee.

At this time the Earl of Traquair came to wait on the King,* 22.2 and gave Him great hopes of the Fidelity of some of the most rigid of the Church-party in Scotland. He was sent by His Majesty to the Scotish Commissioners with the following Letters.

THe coming of Traquair hath much eased the pains, which o∣therwise I must have taken in performance of that Promise I made you i•• My last Letter by And. Cole; but I care not so much for the saving of My labour, as the inevitable loss of so much preci∣ous Time, which must have been spent, had I written so long a Dis∣course as that Promise required: wherefore I have freely and fully imparted My Mind to Traquair, as well concerning your Proposi∣tions to Me, as the making of some from Me to you. Having no more to say, but to desire you to give an entire belief, a willing ear, and a speedy answer to what he shall impart to you, I am

Your most assured, real, constant Friend, CHARLES R.

Carisbrook 8^th December, 1647.

Lanerick,

NOtwithstanding My Ioynt-Letter, I think it most fit to write to you alone, to assure you that (if I have any Iudgment) Tra∣quair is right set for My Service; wherefore in a most special way I recommend him to you, to whom referring you, I rest

Your most assured, real, faithful, constant Friend, CHARLES R.

Carisbrook December 8^th, 1647.

The Message trusted to Traquair,* 24.1 was, that as to matters of Religion His Majesty was unmoveable; but as for other things, wherein the Honour, or Interest of Scotland might be concerned, he was ready to give them the greatest and fullest Concessions that could be demanded: in answer to which the three Commissioners wrote what follows to His Majesty.

SIR,

WE have heard Traquair's Relation, whom last night we had dispatch∣ed to Your Majesty with our sense upon all the Particulars;* 25.1 but this morning he hath conceived his going at this time unfit, which forceth us upon this tedious way. And the receipt of Your Majesties of the eleventh Instant, makes us the more earnestly beg, that You would not suffer us longer to walk in the dark, but give us under Your Royal Hand an assurance that You will perform what is contained in that Paper concerning Religion; and withall

insert, what You have scraped out of the Paper which we gave Your Majesty at Hampton-Court: and we shall oblige our selves to endeavour, that Scotland shall engage themselves for Your Restauration, and Civil Interests, as was ex∣pressed in those Papers. Without this Assistance we are absolutely unable to serve Your Majesty; and although Doctor Goff shewed us Your unwillingness to allow of that Clause concerning the Covenant, yet we should but abuse Your Majesty if we gave You the least hopes that Scotland would be engaged at an easier rate: therefore we again beseech Your Majesty to haste to us Your clear and positive Answer, lest we forfeit our Trust with those that sent us hither, and You (which to us would be more bitter) perish by Delays. Our infor∣mations concerning the Restraint intended to be put upon Your Majesties Per∣son, and some of those with You, are still confirmed; therefore Your Majesty would speedily resolve to satisfie Scotland, and engage their Power for Your Assistance. Concerning the Duke of York, there is nothing we desire with more earnestness than to serve Your Majesty in what You would have done; but being Publick Ministers, we cannot be the Actors of it, without absolutely disabling us to do Your Majesty any other Service; and none else will engage in a matter of this nature upon any desire from us, without a positive Command from Your Majesty: therefore if You continue in that Resolution, we conceive it fit, You make choice of some such trusty Person as Your Majesty would em∣ploy in acting of it, and that You write to him for that effect, without taking any notice of us at all in Your Letter to him. We pray the Lord to preserve and direct You, who are unchangeably

Your Majesties most humble, most faithful, and most loyal, Subjects and Servants,

• LOWDON,
• LAVDERDALE,
• LANERICK.

13^th December, 1647.

After this His Majesty wrote these Letters to the Scotish Lords.

* 26.1THough no time hath been, nor shall be lost for My Going from hence; yet contrary to expectation, it will be ten days before the Ship can be ready. And I confess that this had been too late, if the Governour would have permitted Forces in hither; wherefore I am most confident that I shall not be surprized for time. And therefore I earnestly desire all you three (or at least one of you) to come hither without delay, for the full Conclusion of all things be∣twixt us; for upon second thoughts I judge it less dangerous to go to London than to any Place else, except I were totally accorded with you. To conclude, if you will not counsel Me to go to London, without being publickly invited, make haste hither, as you love His Service, who is

Your most assured, real, constant Friend, CHARLES R.

Carisbrook 14^th Decemb. 1647.

TIme was never more precious to any than it is at present to Me, and therefore I am glad to take occasion upon Doctor Goff's long Dispatch (which I received yesternight after I had written to you) to return you by him such a draught of Articles betwixt us, as your Signing it will make your Iourney hither unnecessary: and I am to take what Course you will propose in order to My Safety. I am confident the necessity of this Accord in divers respects is so well known to you that all Arguments are needless. Also I hope that the particulars are so well worded, that you will make no difficulty to pass them as they are: but if contrary to My expectation, you should scruple at any expression, then necessarily all, or at least one of you, must come hither with all expedition. So desiring you to believe what Doctor Goff will say to you in My Name, I rest

Your most assured, real, constant Friend, CHARLES R.

Carisbrook 15^th Decemb. 1647.

With this last Doctor Goff brought a full account of His Majesties thoughts: but the Scotish Commissioners finding it impossible to adjust matters, (which were of such importance) without waiting on His Majesty, resolved to go to the Isle of Wight.

And that their Going might give less Jealousie, they resolved to go after the Commissioners whom the Two Houses were sending with the four Bills, that they might Protest against them.

At this time the Marquis of Huntley being in Arms in Scotland, and not able to resist the Forces that came against him, was taken Prisoner; which His Majesty understanding, he expressed his Concern for him, in the following Letter he wrote to Lanerick about him.

Lanerick,

HEaring that the Marquis of Huntley is taken, and know∣ing the Danger that he is in, I both strictly command you as a Master, and earnestly desire you as a Friend, that you will deal effectually with all those whom you may have any Inte∣rest in, for the Saving of his Life. It were I know lost time to use Arguments to you for this; wherefore I judge these lines necessary to add to your Power, though not to your Willingness, to do this most acceptable Service for

Your most assured, real, constant Friend, CHARLES R.

Carisbrook 17^th Decemb. 1647.

About this time the Queen wrote to my Lord Lanerick.

Cousin,

YOu will perceive by this that you cannot make more haste in obliging Me,* 29.1 than I shall on My part in witnessing My Ac∣knowledgements of it. I ascribe a great deal of the good Inclinati∣ons your Commissioners do now express, to the good Offices you do, of which I intreat the Continuance. The testimonies of Friendship, which I receive from those of your Family, surprize Me less than what I met with from other Hands; and I promise My Self to see further effects of it. And as I have all the esteem of you that you can expect, so you owe Me the Iustice of believing, that I shall give evidence of it upon every occasion that shall be offered to Me: nor shall I rest satisfied with that, but shall diligently search out every op∣portunity of expressing it. Therefore I entreat you to believe that I am,

Cousin,

Your very good, and very affectionate Friend and Cousin, HENRIETA MARIA R.

Towards the end of December the Earls of Lowdon, Lauderdale, and Lanerick,* 29.2 followed the English Commissioners to the Isle of Wight: and after they had protested against the Bills, they concluded their Treaty with His Majesty, to engage for his Rescue, and Re-establishment on his Throne, and to bring in an Army into England, assoon as it were possible for that effect.* 29.3 The King on the other hand engaged to them, for all the Assistance they could demand from the Queen or Prince, or any other who would obey His Authority; and that the Prince should come to Scotland assoon as they found it convenient to invite him; and that His Majesty should grant all the Desires of Scotland, which with a good Conscience he could grant. And the Commissioners having ad∣vised and agreed with His Majesty, both about the Methods of carrying on their Designs, and the ways of keeping Correspondence with him, they resolved to return home to Scotland: and so they left His Majesty at Wight in the end of the Year.

But upon the Kings refusing to pass the Bills, he was made close Pri∣soner; and a Vote passed in both Houses against all further Addresses to him.

Notes

• * 1.1

  An. 1647.
• * 1.2

  Commissioners are sent to the King from Scotland.
• * 2.1

  And deliver the Votes of the Parlia∣ment.
• * 2.2

  The King stands firmly to His Consci∣ence.
• * 2.3

  It is resolved to deliver up the King, which the Duke and ••a∣nerick much oppose.
• * 2.4

  The King is delivered, and sent Prisoner to Holmby▪
• * 2.5

  which is va∣riously censu∣red.
• * 3.1

  The Duke contrives how to turn Scot∣land to the Kings Service.
• * 3.2

  Disorders rise in England.
• * 3.3

  Lauderdale is sent to Eng∣land.
• * 3.4

  The Army refuses obedi∣ence to the Parliament,
• * 3.5

  and takes the King from Holmby.
• * 3.6

  And use Hi•• civilly.
• * 4.1

  He writes to Lanerick.
• * 5.1

  Lanerick's Answer.
• * 6.1

  The Kings account of the usage he had in the Army.
• * 8.1

  Lanerick's Answer.
• * 9.1

  The Army forces the Parliament.
• * 9.2

  This is resent∣ed in Scotland.
• * 9.3

  The Duke sends a Mes∣sage to the King.
• * 11.1

  The King is abused by the Army.
• * 12.1

  The Reasons that stopt La∣nerick's Jour∣ney for some time.
• * 13.1

  The Kings Answer to Lanerick.
• * 13.2

  Lowdon and Lanerick with difficulty are permitted to wait on the King.
• * 13.3

  The Scotish Commissioners wait on the King,
• * 13.4

  and offered to rescue Him from the Ar∣my.
• * 13.5

  The King ad∣vises with Lau∣derdale and Lanerick what to do.
• * 13.6

  The King goes to the Isle of Wight;
• * 14.1

  and wr••tes from thence to Lanerick.
• * 15.1

  The Scotish Commissioners write to the King.
• * 16.1

  His Majesties Answer to Lanerick.
• * 16.2

  The Two Hou∣ses pass the four Bills.
• * 16.3

  The Scotish Commissioner•• protest against them,
• * 17.1

  and write to the King con∣cerning them.
• * 18.1

  His Majesty is well satisfied with their Pa∣pers.
• * 19.1

  They write a∣gain to the King.
• * 21.1

  The King sends a Copy of His Message to the Scotish Commissioner••
• * 22.1

  They discover to him Designs against Hi•• Person.
• * 22.2

  Traquair waits on the King.
• * 24.1

  The Kings Message by Traquair.
• * 25.1

  The Scot••sh Commissioners their answer to it.
• * 26.1

  The King commands them to come to the Isle of Wight.
• * 29.1

  A Letter from the Queen to Lanerick.
• * 29.2

  The Scotish Commissioners go to His Ma∣jesty.
• * 29.3

  An Agreement with the King to bring an Army for His Service.