The annals of King James and King Charles the First ... containing a faithful history and impartial account of the great affairs of state, and transactions of parliaments in England from the tenth of King James MDCXII to the eighteenth of King Charles MDCXLII : wherein several material passages relating to the late civil wars (omitted in former histories) are made known.

A Proposition for His Majesties Service, to bridle the Impertinency of Parlia∣ments. Afterwards questioned in the Star-chamber; and found to be a Se∣ditious and false Libel.

THE Proposition for your Majesties service * 1.1 containeth two parts: the one, to secure your State, and to bridle the impertinency of Parliaments: the other, to encrease your Ma∣jesties Revenue, much more than it is. Touching the first, having considered divers means, I find none so important, to strengthen your Majesties Revenue, much more than it is. Touching the first, having considered divers means, I find none so important, to strengthen your Majesties Regal Authority, against all oppositions and practises of troublesome spirits, and to bridle them, than to fortifie your Kingdom, by having a Fortress in every chief Town, and important place thereof, furnished with Ordnance, Muni∣tion, and faithful men, as they ought to be, with all other circumstances fit for to be dige∣sted in a business of this nature; ordering with∣all, the Trained Souldiers of the Countrey to be united in one dependency with the said Fort, as well to secure their beginning, as to succour them in any occasion of suspect; and also to re∣tain and keep their Arms for more security, whereby the Countries are no less to be brought in subjection, than the Cities themselves; and con∣sequently the whole Kingdom; your Majesty ha∣ving by this course the power thereof in your own hands. The reasons of the suggests are these. 1. That in policy, it is a greater tie of the People by force and necessity, than meerly by love and affection; for by the one, the Go∣vernment resteth always secure; but by the o∣ther, no longer than the People are contented. 2. It forceth obstinate subjects to be no more pre∣sumptuous, than it pleaseth your Majesty to per∣mit them. 3. That to leave a State unfurnish∣ed, is, to give the Bridle thereof to the Sub∣ject; when, by the contrary, it resteth only in the Prince's hands. 4. That modern Fortresses take long time in winning, with such charge and difficulty, as no Subjects in these times have means probable to attempt them. 5. That it is a sure remedy against Rebellions, and popular Mutinies, or against Forreign Powers; because they cannot well succeed: when by this course the apparent means is taken away, to force the King and Subject upon a doubtful fortune of a set Battel, as was the cause, that moved the pre∣tended invasion against the Land, attempted by the King of Spain in the Year 1588. 6. That your Majesties Government is the more secure, by the People's more subjection; and by their subjection, your Parliament must be forced con∣sequently to alter their style, and to be conform∣able to your will and pleasure; for their words and opposition import nothing, where the power is in your Majesties own hands; to do with them what you please; being indeed the chief purpose of this discourse, and the secret intent thereof, fit to be concealed from any English at all, either Counsellers of State, or other.

For these, and divers other weighty reasons, it may be considered in this place, to make your Majesty more powerful and strong, some

orders to be observed, that are used in fortified Countries, the Government whereof imports as much as the States themselves, I mean, in times of doubt or suspect, which are these. Imprimis, That none wear Arms or Weapons at all, either in City or Country, but such as your Majesty may think fit to priviledge, and they to be en∣r••lled. 2. That as many High-ways as conveni∣ently * 1.2 may be done, be made possible through those Cities and Towns fortified, to constrain the Passengers to travel through them. 3. That the Souldiers of Fortresses be sometimes cho∣sen of another Nation, if subject to the same Prince; but howsoever, not to be born in the same Province, or within Forty or Fifty Miles of the Fortress, and not to have Friends or Corre∣spondency near it. 4. That all the Gates of each walled Town be appointed Officers, not to suf∣fer any unknown Passengers to pass, without a Ticket, shewing from whence he come, and whither to go. And that the Gates of each Ci∣ty be shut all Night, and Keys kept by the May∣or or Governour. 5. Also Inkeepers to deliver the Names of all unknown Passengers that lodge in their Houses; and if they stay suspitiously at any time, to present them to the Governour: whereby dangerous persons seeing these strict courses, will be more wary of their actions, and thereby mischievous attempts will be prevented. All which being referred to your Majesties wise consideration, it is meet for me withall to give you some satisfaction, of the charge and time to perform what is purposed, that you may not be discouraged in the difficulty of the one, or pro∣longation of the other; both which doubts are resolved in one and the same reason, in respect that in England each chief Town commonly hath a ruinated Castle, well seated for strength, whose foundation and stones remaining, may be both quickly repaired for this use, and with little charge and industry made strong enough, I hope, for this purpose, within the space of one year, by adding withall Bulwarks and Rampiers for the Ordinance, according to the Rules of Fortifica∣tion. The ordinance for these Forts may be of Iron, not to disfurnish your Majesties Navy, or be at a greater charge than is needful.

To maintain yearly the Fort, I make account an * 1.3 ordinary pay, Three thousand men will be suffi∣cient, and will require Forty thousand pound charge per annum, or thereabouts, being an ex∣pence that inferiour Princes undergo, for their necessary safety. All which prevention, added to the invincible Sea-force your Majesty hath al∣ready, and may have, will make you the most gowerful and obeyed King of the World. Which I could likewise confirm by many exam∣ples, but I omit them for brevity, and not to confuse your Majesty with too much matter. Your Majesty may find by the scope of this Discourse, the means shewed in general to bridle your Subjects, that may be either discon∣tent or obstinate. So likewise am I to con∣clude the same intent particularly, against the perverseness of your Parliament, as well to suppress that pernicious humour, as to avoid their oppositions against your profit, being the second part to be discoursed on: and therefore have first thought fit, for better prevention thereof, to make known to your Majesty the pur∣pose * 1.4 of a general Oath your Subjects may take for sure avoiding of all rubs, that may hinder the conclusion of these businesses. It is further meant, that no Subject upon pain of High Trea∣son, may refuse the same oath, containing on∣ly matter of Allegiance, and not sc••uples in point of Conscience, that may gi••e pretence not to be denied. The effect of the oath is this, That all your Majesties Subjects do acknow∣ledge you, to be as absolute a King and Mo∣narch within your Dominions, as is amongst the Christian Princes; and your Prerogative is great: whereby you may and shall of your self, by your Majesties Proclamation, as well as other Sovereign Princes doing the like, ei∣ther make Laws, or reverse any made, with any other Act, so great a Monarch as your self may do, and that without further consent of a Parliament, or need to call them at all in such Cases; considering, that the Parlia∣ment in all matters, excepting causes to be sentenced as the highest Court, ought to be subject unto your Majesties will, to give the ne∣gative or affirmative conclusion, and not to be constrained by their impertinencies to any incon∣venience, appertaining to your Majesties Regal Authority; and this, notwithstanding any bad pretence or custom to the contrary in practice, which indeed were fitter to be offered a Prince elected, without other right, than to your Ma∣jesty, born successively King of England, Scotland, and Irel••nd, and your Heirs for ever; and so received, not only of your Sub∣jects, but also of the whole World. How ne∣cessary the dangerous supremacy of Parliament's usurpation is to be prevented, the example of Lewes the Eleventh King of France, doth mani∣fest, who found the like opposition as your Ma∣jesty doth, and by his wisdom suppressed it. And, to the purpose here intended, which is not to put down altogether Parliaments and their Au∣thority, being in many cases very necessary and fit, but to abridge them so far, as they seek to dero••ate from your Majesties Regal Authority, and advancement of your greatness. The cau∣tion in offering the aforesaid oath, may require some policy, for the easier passage at first, either by singular, or particular tractation, and that so near about one time over the Land, as one Government may not know what the other in∣tendeth; so it may pass the easier; by having no time of combination or opposition. There is another means also more certain than this, to bring to pass the Oath more easily, as also your profit, and what else pretended, which here I omit for brevity, requiring a long Dis∣course by it self, and have set it down in parti∣cular instructions to inform your Majesty.

2. The second part of this Discourse is, touch∣ing your Majestie's Profit, after your State is se∣cured: Wherein I should observe both some reasonable content to the People, as also con∣sider the great expences that Princes have now adays, more than in times past, to main∣tain their greatness, and safety of their Sub∣jects; who, if they have not wit or will to con∣sider their own interest so much indifferently, your Majesties wisdom must repair their defects, and force them to it by compulsion; but I hope there shall be no such cause, in points so reaso∣nable, to encrease your Majesties Revenue, wherein I set down divers means for your gracious Self to make choice of, either all, or part at your pleasure, and to put it in executi∣on by such degrees and cautions, as your great wisdom shall think fit in a business of this na∣ture.

Imprimis, The first means or course intended to encrease your Majesties Revenues or Profits withall, is of greatest consequence, and I call it a Docimation, being so termed in Italy, where in some part it is in use, importing the Tenth of * 1.5 all Subjects Estates, to be paid as a yearly Rent to their Prince, and as well monied men in Towns, as landed men in the Countries, their value and estates esteemed justly as it is to the true value, though with reason; and this paid yearly in Mo∣ney: Which course applied in England for your Majesties service, may serve instead of Subsidies, Fifteens, and such like, which in this case are fit to be released, for the Subjects benefit and con∣tent, in recompence of the said Decima, which will yield your Majesty more in certainly, than they do usually by five hundred thousand pounds per annum at the least. Item, That when your * 1.6 Majesty hath gotten Money into your hands by some courses to be set down, it would be a pro∣fitable course to encrease your Entrada, to buy out all Estates and Leases upon your own Lands, in such sort, as they be made no losers; where∣by having your Lands free, and renting it out to the true value, as it is most in use, and not em∣ployed as heretofore, at an old Rent, and small Fines, you may then Rent it out for at least four or five times more Money, than the old Rent comes unto. So as if your Majesties Lands be already but sixty thousand pounds per Annum, by this course it will be augmented at the least two hundred thousand pounds per Annum; and to buy out the Tenants Estates will come to a small matter by the course, to make them no losers, considering the gain they have already made up∣on the Land: And this is the rather to be done, and the present course changed, because it hath been a custom used meerly to cousen the King. Item, whereas most Princes do receive the be∣nefit * 1.7 of Salt in their own hands, as a matter of great profit, because they receive it at the lowest price possible, and vent it at double gain yearly; the same course used by your Majesty, were worth at least one hundred and fifty thousand pounds per Annum. It is likewise in other parts, that all * 1.8 Weights and Measures of the Land, either in private Houses, Shops, or publick Markets, should be viewed to be just, and settled once a year, paying to the Prince for it; which in Eng∣land, applied to your Majesty, with order to pay six pence for the sealing of each said Weight or Measure, would yield near sixty thousand pounds per Annum. Item, Though all Countries pay a * 1.9 Gabella for transportation of Cloath, and so like∣wise in England; yet in Spain there is Impost upon the Wools; which in England is so great a wealth and benefit to the Sheep-masters, as they may well pay you five pound per cent. of the true value at the Shearing, which I conceive may be worth one hundred and forty thousand pounds per Annum. Item, Whereas the Lawyers Fees * 1.10 and Gains in England be excessive, to your Sub∣jects prejudice; it were better for your Majesty to make use thereof, and impose on all Causes sentenced with the party, to pay Five pound per cent. of the true value that the Cause hath gain∣ed him; and for recompence thereof, to limit all Lawyers Fees and Gettings, whereby the Subject shall save more in Fees and Charges, * 1.11 than he giveth to your Majesty in the Gabella, which I believe may be worth, one year with another, fifty thousand pounds. Item, Where∣as the Inns and Victualing-houses in England are more chargeable to the Travellers, than in o∣ther Countries, it were good for your Majesty to limit them to certain Ordinaries, and raise be∣sides a large Imposition, as is used in Tuscany, and other parts; that is, a prohibiting all Inns and Victualing houses, but such as shall pay it; and to impose upon the chief Inns and Taverns, to pay ten pounds a year to your Majesty, and the worst five pounds ptr Annum, and all Ale∣houses twenty shillings per Annum, more or less, as they are in custom. Of all sorts there are so many in England, that this Impost may well yield one hundred thousand pounds per Annum to your Majesty.

Item, in Tuscany, and other parts, there * 1.12 is a Gabella of all Cattel, or Flesh, and Hor∣ses sold in markets, paying three or four per cent. of what they are sold for, which by conje∣cture may be worth in England, two hundred thousand pounds per Annum; using the like Custom upon Fish, and other Victuals (Bread excepted) and for this cause, Flesh, and Fish, and Victuals in the markets, to be prised and sold by weight, whereby the Subject saveth more in not being couse∣ned, than the Imposition impaireth them.

Item, In Tuskany is used a Taxation of Seven per cent. upon all alienation of Lands to the * 1.13 true value. As also seven per cent. upon all Dowries, or Marriage-monies. The like; if it be justly used in England, were worth at least one hundred thousand pounds per Annum; with many other Taxations upon meal, and upon all merchandises in all Towns, as well as Port-Towns, which here I omit, with divers others, as not so fit for England. And in satisfaction of the Subject for these Taxes, your Majesty may be pleased to release them of VVardships, and and to enjoy all their Estates at eighteen years old; and in the mean time, their profits to be preserved for their own benefit. And also in forfeitures of Estate by condemnation, your Ma∣jesty may release the Subject, as not to take the forfeiture of their Lands, but their Goods, High-Treason only excepted; and to allow the Counsel of Lawyers in case of Life and Death; as also not to be Condemned without Two Witnesses, with such like benefit, which import∣eth much more their good, than all the Taxa∣tions named can prejudice them. Item, Some of the former Taxations used in Ireland and in Scotland, as may easily be brought about by the first example thereof used in England, may very well be made to encrease your Re∣venue there, more than it is, by Two hundred thousand pounds per Annum.

Item, All Officers in the Land, great and small, in your Majesties grant, may be Grant∣ed, * 1.14 with condition, to pay you a part yearly, according to the value: This in time may be worth (as I conceive) one hundred thou∣sand pounds per Annum, adding also Nota∣ries, Atturneys, and such like, to pay some proportion yearly towards it, for being al∣lowed by your Majesty to practise, and prohibi∣ting else any to practise in such places. * 1.15

Item, To reduce your Majesties Houshold to Board-wages, as most other Princes do, reserving some few Tables; this will save your Majesty six∣ty thousand pounds per Annum, and ease greatly the Subjects besides, both in Carriages and Provision,

which is a good reason that your Majesty in ho∣nour might do it. Item, I know an assured course in your Majesties Navy, which may save at least forty thousand pounds per annum, which requiring a whole Discourse by it self, I omit; only promise you to do it, whensoever you com∣mand. Item, Whereas your Majesties Laws do * 1.16 command the strict keeping of Fasting-days, you may also prohibit on those days to eat Eggs, Cheese and White-meats, but only such as are contented to pay eighteen pence a year for the Liberty to eat them, and the better sort ten shillings. The employment of this may be for the defence of the Land, in maintaining the Navy, Garrisons, and such like, much after the fashion of a Crusado in Spain, as your Majesty knoweth, being first begun there, under the pretence to defend the Land against the Moors. And the same used in England, as aforesaid, may very well yield, one year with another, one hundred thousand pounds, without any disgust to any, because it is at every ones choice to give it or no. Lastly, I have a course upon the Ca∣tholicks, * 1.17 and very safe for your Majesty, being with their good liking, as it may be wrought, to yield you presently at least two hundred thousand pounds per Annum, by raising a cer∣tain value upon their Lands, and some other Impositions; which requiring a long Discourse by it self, I will omit it here, setting it down in my Instructions; it will save your Majesty at least one hundred thousand pounds per Annum, to make it pain of Death, and Confiscation of Goods and Lands, for any of the Officers to cou∣zen you, which now is much to be feared they do, or else they could not be so rich; and here∣in to allow a fourth part benefit to them that shall find out the Couzenage. Here is not meant Officers of State, as the Lord Trreasurer, &c. being Officers of the Crown. The Sum of all all this Account amounteth unto two Millions, or twenty hundred thousand pounds per Annum: Suppose it to be but one Million and a half, as assuredly your Majesty may make, by these courses set down; yet it is much more than I promised in my Letter for your Majesties Ser∣vice. Besides, some sums of Money in present, by the courses following: Imprimis, By the * 1.18 Princes Marriage, to make all the Earls in Eng∣land Grandees in Spain and Principi, with such like Priviledges, and to pay twenty thousand pounds apiece for it. 2. As also, if you make them Foedatories of the Towns belonging to their Earldoms, if they will pay for it besides, as they do to the King of Spain in the Kingdom of Naples. And so likewise Barons to be made Earls and Peers, to pay nineteen thousand pounds apiece, I think might yield five hundred thousand pounds, and oblige them more sure to his Majesty. 3. To make choice of two hundred of the richest men of England of estate, that be not Noblemen, and make them Titu∣late, as is used in Naples, and paying for it; that is, a Duke Thirty thousand pounds; a Marquis Fifteen thousand pounds; an Earl Ten thousand pounds, and a Baron or Viscount Five thou∣sand pounds. It is to be understood, that the Ancient Nobility of Barons made Earls, are to precede these as Peers, though these be made Marquesses or Dukes; this may raise a Million of pounds and more unto your Majesty. To make Gentlemen of low quality, and Francklins, and rich Farmers, Esquires, to precede them, would yield your Majesty also a great Sum of Money in present. I know another way to yield your Ma∣jesty at least Three hundred thousand pounds in Money; which as yet the time serveth not to dis∣cover, until your Majesty be resolved to proceed in some of the former courses; which till then I omit. Other courses also, that may make pre∣sent money, I shall study for your Majesties Ser∣vice; and, as I find them out, acquaint you withal. Lastly, to conclude all these Discourses, by the application of this course used for your profit, That it is not only the means to make you the richest King that ever England had, but also the safety augmented thereby to be most secure, besides what shewed in the first part of this Dis∣course; I mean, by the occasion of this Taxa∣tion, and raising of Monies, your Majesty shall have cause and means to employ in all places of the Land so many Officers and Ministers, to be obliged to you for their own good and Interest, as nothing can be attempted against your Person, or Royal State, over Land, but some of them shall, in all probability, have means to find it out, and hinder it. Besides, this course will de∣tect many Disorders and Abuses in the publick Government, which were hard to be discovered by men indifferent. To prohibit Gorgeous and Costly Apparel to be worn but by persons of good quality, shall save the Gentry of the King∣dom much more money than they shall be taxed to pay unto your Majesty. Thus withal I take my leave, and kiss your Gracious hands, desi∣ring pardon for my Errour I may commit here∣in.

This Project was contrived long since by Sir Robert Dudley at Florence, 1613. (that discon∣tented Catholick) who descended from the Dud∣lies, Earls of Warwick; and so he stiled himself. It was a Rapsody of several Projects for increase of the Kings Revenue, and somewhat in pre∣judice of Proceedings in Parliaments. Sundry Copies thereof were disperfed by such as meant not much honour to the King, and therefore sus∣pected to contrive the Book, though pretended for his Majesties Instruction, as the manner had been, to force such feigned discoveries, and fix them for the Kings Designs; and therefore the Earls of Bedford, Somerset and Clare, Sir Robert Cotton▪ Mr. Selden and Mr. Saint-John were com∣mitted, and an Information entred in the Star-Chamber against them; but Sir David Fowles up∣on Oath, cleared the Suspition, and discovered the Author, and so it ended.

No sooner was the Parliament Dissolved, but the members that were not well affected to his Majesty, gave it out amongst others of their own perswasion, that his Majesty went about to destroy the Liberties of the People in taking Tunnage and Poundage without their consent in Parliament; that our Trade was destroyed and gone, and our Religion in danger, &c.

To prevent and suppress such false and ground∣less Reports, his Majesty issued out his Proclama∣tion.

THat notwithstanding his Majesties late De∣claration for satisfying of the minds and * 1.19 affections of his loving Subjects, some ill dispo∣sed persons do spread false and pernicious Ru∣mors abroad, as if the scandalous and seditious Proposition in the House of Commons, tumultu∣ously taken up by some few, after that by his Ma∣jesties Royal Authority he had commanded their Adjournment, had been the Vote of the whole House; whereas the contrary is the Truth:

which Proposition was a thing of a most wicked and dangerous consequence to the good Estate of this Kingdom, and it appeareth to be so by those impressions which this false Rumor hath made in mens minds, whereby, out of causless Fears, the Trade of the Kingom is disturbed, and Merchants discouraged to continue their wonted Trassique. His Majesty hath thought it expedient, not only to manifest the Truth thereof, but to make known his Royal Plea∣sure; that those who raise or nourish false Re∣ports, shall be severely punished; and such as chearfully go on with their Trades, have all good encouragement; not purposing to over-charge his Subjects by any new Burdens; but to satisfie himself with those Duties that were received by the King his Father, of Blessed Memory, which his now Majesty neither can, nor will dispence withal. And Whereas, for several ill ends, the calling again of a Parlia∣ment is divulged, howsoever his Majesty hath shewed by his frequent meeting with his Peo∣ple, his Love to the use of Parliaments; yet the late Abuse, having for the present, driven his Majesty unwillingly out of that Course; he shall account it presumption for any to prescribe any time to his Majesty for Parliaments; the Calling, Continuing, and Dissolving of which, is always in the King's own power. And his Majesty shall be more inclinable to meet in Par∣liament again, when his People shall see more clearly into his Intents and Actions; when such as have bred this interruption, shall receive their condign punishment, and those who are misled by them, and such ill Reports as are raised upon this Occasion, shall come to a better under∣standing of his Majesty and Themselves.

The Protestant Interest in France decaying, the Duke of Rohan, and the Deputies of the 'Protestants there address themselves to our King, to crave his Assistance once again; though 'tis not to be forgotten how that People refused the English Fleet, sent to their Relief, under Buckingham, entrance into their Haven of Rochel, in the Expedition to the Isle of Ree; but the Tide was changed; and he writes to his Majesty, as followeth.

The Duke of Rohan's Letter to the King.

SIR,

THe deplorable Accident of the Loss of Rochel, which God hath pleased to per∣mit to humble us under his hand, hath redoubled in the Spirit of our Enemies, the passion which they have for our Ruine; and the hopes to attain thereunto: but it hath not taken away from those Churches of the Provinces that Cou∣rage or Assection of opposing, by a just and vi∣gorous Defence, to their unjust Designs. This is that which hath made them take up a resolu∣tion, and assemble themselves together, and to stand in a Body amidst these Commotions, to assist me with their good Counsel, and provide, with me, means for their Deliverance. And because the most powerful Means, which God hath raised them upon Earth, is the Aid which our Churches have received, and do expect from your Majesty, the General Assembly have de∣sired, that my Letter (which solely hitherto represented unto your Majesty the Interest of the publick Cause) might be joyned to the most humble Supplication, which they represent. I do, Sir, with so much the more Affection, be∣cause I am witness, that this poor People breath after your Assistance, having once laid down their Arms, which the Oppression of the Ene∣my made so necessary: and because they knew it was your desire, took them up again, when they learned that your Majesty obliged them to it by your Counsel, and by your Promises. Upon this sole Assurance, they have exposed them∣selves to all Dangers, overcome all Obstacles, consumed their Goods, and are still ready to spill their Blood, even unto the last Drop. Your good will they have found more dear than their Lives; and notwithstanding the Pro∣mises and Menaces, which their Enemies have made use of to move them, they have not been induced to make any breach of those Oaths, by which they were tied never to hearken to any Treaty, but with your Majesties consent. All the Churches of this Kingdom, which are link∣ed together to an unexampled sidelity, are glo∣rious Objects of your Charity and Power. You are (Sir) Defender of that Faith, which they profess. Do not suffer it to be unjustly oppres∣sed! You have stirred up their Affections by your Royal Promises, and those Sacred Words, That your Majesty would employ all the Pow∣er of your Kingdoms to shield those Churches from the Ruine that threatned them, and have been, next to the favour of God, the only Foundation of their Hopes; they have also thought it to be one of the highest Crimes they could commit, to doubt of the performance thereof. If the beginning of their Miseries hath moved your Compassion, this sad Subject hath increas'd upon them with so much violence, that there is nothing but your assistance can pre∣vent their absolute Destruction; for at this day the greatest Misdemeanors which our Enemies accuse us of, and publish, that it cannot be ex∣piated, but by our Blood, is the imploring and hoping for your Assistance. Our Goods for this are consiscated and destroyed; our Farms desolate, and burned to Ashes; our Heads ex∣posed to the Block; our Families banished; our Temples demolished. And every where, where the cruelty of our heinous Enemies can extend, Men and Women are beaten to Mass with Staves. In short, the Honour and Persecuti∣on we endure is so great, that our Words are too weak to express them.

Furthermore, We see, even at our doors, the powerful Armies, which only wait the time to destroy those retiring places that are left; and after that banish the exercise of Religion, and massacre the Faithful throughout the King∣dom. Hereupon, if I should entreat your Ma∣jesty not to abandon us; I fear by these Words to offend a great King, so powerful and so faithful; but I will take upon me the boldness, by reason of our pressing necessities, to suppli∣cate your ready Assistance, to hinder our fal∣ling under the strength of our Enemies. Your Majesty need not search elsewhere, but in your own profound Wisdom and Experience, to render your succour redoubtable to those that despise it, and advantageous to those People that expect it. By this means you will gain the greatest Glory that can be desired; you will

free from Fire and Sword 300000 Families, which pray to God continually for your Prospe∣rity; will preserve a People, whom God hath purchased by his Blood, and that have kept their Faith towards God and Man amidst the greatest Distractions and cruel Sufferings; will place the Fidelity of your Word, the Reputation of your State, and your Armies in a point worthy of so much Grandeur, and in checking the boldness of those who undertake to blast it daily with unworthy Reproaches, will add to your Title that of the Restorer of the most innocent People in the World, and the most inhumanely persecuted.

As to my own Concerns, Sir, I make no men∣tion to your Majesty of my Interest. I might (having the Honour to be what I am) do it with∣out blame, as to outward appearance; but it is so long since I had consecrated them to the use is of the Publick, that I shall always esteem my condition happy enough, provided the Church be not miserable; and that I may have this ad∣vantage, to be known by such occasions which your Majesty doth not disprove of, that I am,

At Rohan the 12th. of March, 1629.

Your Majesties most Hum∣ble & most Obedient Servant, HENRY of ROHAN.

And because a Treaty which afterwards took effect, was then in hand betwixt the two Crowns of England and France, the Deputies of the Pro∣testant Churches pray his Majesty, that he would insist upon the Capitulation made betwixt them and his Majesty of France, That no Forces should be kept in Cittadels or Forts, and they on their part would also truly perform what they had sti∣pulated: In answer to both of these his Majesty returns Answer.

That his Majesty understands there is an In∣tention, by the Mediation of some Foreign * 2.1 Princes, to propose a Peace between the two Crowns of England and France, which probably he may incline unto; and therefore adviseth the said Duke, and those of the Reformed Reli∣gion, timely to apply themselves to the French King, and to get as advantageous Terms for himself, and those engaged with him, as he could procure: The King further informing the Duke, that he was constrained to dissolve the Parliament, which he had lately re-assem∣bled, and from whom he expects further Sup∣plies of Money; but failing thereof, he was not in a condition to receive further Aid and Assi∣stance, either by Money or Arms, as the Duke of Rohan, and those that adhered unto him, might expect, and their present Necessities re∣quire; his Majesty expressing his sorrow, that the Condition of his Affairs was such, that he could not answer his and their Expectation.

And accordingly a peace betwixt both these Parties was concluded, and Hostages given reci∣procally.

The Wars in Italy began two years since, about the Succession of the Dutchies of Mantua and Monferrat, which after the Death of the Duke Vincent, without Children, fell to the Duke of Trevers. The Spaniards (through Jealousie) without Right or Title take Arms; so did the Duke of Savoy; he seized some Places in Monferrat, and they be∣sieged Casal. The Venetians are in suspition of the Spaniards further progress in Itaiy, and joyn with Trevers; so doth France, who passeth by force through Savoy, to the Streight of Susa; and after the taking many Towns of Savoy, falls upon the Spaniard, takes Cambrey, besieges Mont∣melian, sends before to Pi••mont, and follows him∣self in person; where he was victorious: leav∣ing the poor Duke of Savoy to seek preservation in desart and unaccessible places. Yet the Spa∣niard continues the Siege of Casal, under Com∣mand of Spinola; and the French defends the Citi∣tadel by force of Toras, two successful Generals, the one in the Low-Countries, and the other against the E••glish at the Isle of Rhe. The Busi∣ness came to this, the Town and Castle were already yielded to Spinola, and the Citadel had capitulated to surrender by such a Day, if Suc∣cour came not; in the Interim, Spinola dies of Infection, the Duke of Savoy was sick in his Bed, when by intercession of the Pope and Car∣dinal Mazarines first Negotiation and Dexterity, the Peace was concluded with the Emperor at Vienna, and all caressed in that Treaty; the French restores all to the Savoyard; Trevers begs pardon, and is invested; the Spaniard renders Monferrat, and all are Friends again, which the Fume of Ambition had caused with much Blood∣shed.

And really those two Nations, having stoutly wrangled, by Famine, Sword, and Sickness in Italy, with the loss of above two Millions of men, reaped no other Salary but Vain-Glory, and all their Neighbours about suffered by siding to their several humors.

When the French had broken that puissant party of the House of Austria in Italy, he de∣vises new Alliance to attack the Spaniard; and first by mediation of the Venetians, they are put upon it to propose a Treaty for Peace between the two Crowns of England and France; which was not difficult for us to accept, King Charles being more manacled at home by his own Sub∣jects, than the French were with outward For∣ces, and so both parties having their several Designs, they soon agreed into th••se Arti∣cles.

• 1. That the two Kings shall renew former Alliances inviolably, with free Commerce; and in this particular, such things may be proposed to add or diminish, as either part shall judge convenient.
• 2. That for what is past during the last Dif∣ference, satisfaction shall be demanded on ei∣ther side.
• 3. That the Article of Marriage of the Queen of Great Britain shall be confirmed, and con∣cerning her Domesticks, to propose Expedients to be added or diminished.
• 4. All former Alliances between the Crowns shall stand good, unless changed by this present Treaty.
• 5. And the two Kings being thus remitted to their former Affections, shall respectively corre∣spond towards the Assistance of their Allies (so far as the continuation of Affairs, and the ge∣neral Good shall permit) for procuring of the Repose of the Troubles of Christendom.
• 6. Ambassadors on either part to be dis∣patch'd for Ratifications and Residencies in ei∣ther Court.
• ...

• 7. And touching Ships at Sea, with Letters of Marque on either side, that for two Months fol∣lowing shall not prejudice this Agreement, pro∣vided to restore eithers Prize after that time up∣on Demand.
• 8. These Articles to be jointly Signed the 14th. of this present April, and instantly to be con∣signed into the hands of the Lords Ambassadors of Venice, to be delivered to each King at a day prefix'd; all Acts of Hostility to cease, and to be proclaimed in both Kingdoms the 20th. of May following.

And in September Sir Thomas Edmonds Control∣ler of the Kings Houshold, and the Marquess of Chasteaunent were sent reciprocally from either King, to take confirmation of these by Oath.

In regard the Peace of the Church here, was very much disturbed at this time, through a party then growing up; but afterwards prevailing to the ruine thereof, Dr. Laud, Bishop of London, put into his Majesties hands some Considerations in order to the Establishment thereof; and they are said to be these which follow.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈…〉〈…〉.

  First, to have a 〈…〉〈…〉 considera∣ble 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.2

  Secondly, To cause High∣ways to be made th••••ugh such Towns. Th••••dly To choose the Soul∣d••e••s of such For∣••••esses, no Inhabi∣tants of the place. Fo••rthly. To let n••ne pass through such pla∣ces with∣o••t a T••••ket. Fif••hly, T•• ••ave the Names of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the lodgers taken by all Inn-keepers.
• * 1.3

  The ex∣pence of the••e ••orts.
• * 1.4

  To im∣p••se an Oath up∣on the Subject.
• * 1.5

  Means to increase the King's Revenues. 1. To de∣mand a Decima of Mens Estates.
• * 1.6

  2. To buy out all Leases upon the Crown-Lands.
• * 1.7

  3. To take the Salt into his Majesties own hands.
• * 1.8

  4. To de∣mand a ••ate for Sealing the Weights every year.
• * 1.9

  5. To de∣mand an Impost for Wools.
• * 1.10

  6. To put •• Tax up∣on every Lawyers 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.11

  ••. To put •• Tax up∣on 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.12

  8. To put a Tax up∣on all Cat∣tel, Flesh, and Hor∣ses sold in the Market.
• * 1.13

  9. To put a Tax up∣on all Lands a∣lienated.
• * 1.14

  10. To demand a rate up∣on all Offices in his Maje∣sties grant.
• * 1.15

  11. To re∣duce his Majesties Houshold to Board-wages.
• * 1.16

  ••••. To de∣••and a ••••te for ••icence ••o eat ••acticinia
• * 1.17

  1••. To take an imposition upon the Catholiks 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.18

  At the Prince's Marriage to make Earls in Principi & to pay for it. And Ba∣rons to be made Earls. To make 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rich ••en Titu∣late, and ••ey to pay for the Titles. To make Gentlem. of low quality, & rich Far∣••ers E∣squires.
• * 1.19

  Against false Ru∣mors of Parliam.
• * 2.1

  The effect of the Kings An∣swer.