Anno Dom. 1663.

THat which the expectations of people were most fix'd upon,* the beginning of this Year, was the Session of Parliament, which beginning on the 19th of February 1662, continued to the 27th of Iuly 1663.

The first thing remarkable, was a Petition of both Houses, Represent∣ing, that notwithstanding his Majesties unquestionable zeal and affection to the Protestant Religion, manifested by his constant prosession and practice against all temptations whatsoever; yet by the great resort of Iesuits and Ro∣mish Priests into the Kingdom, the Subject was generally much affected with jealousie, that the Popish Religion might much encrease, and the Church and Page  520 State be thereby insensibly disturb'd:* upon which the King set forth a Procla∣mation, Commanding all Iesuits, and Irish, Scotch, and English Priests to depart the Kingdom of England and Dominion of Wales, before the 14th of May then next ensuing, upon pain of having the penalty of the Laws inflicted up∣on them. But while they are bringing other Consultations to maturity, many other things preceding the Conclusion of their deliberations, are to be related.

In April his Majesty kept the Feast of St. George at Windsor, where the Duke of Monmouth, and the Prince of Denmark, by his Deputy Sir George Carteret, Vice-chamberlain, were install'd Knights of the Garter.

*Toward the later end of May, came News from Iamaica, that the English under the Command of Capt. Mymms, being about 800 men, had made an at∣tempt upon the City of Campeach, in the Golden Territories of the King of Spain; and that they took the Town, though defended with four Forts, and 3000 men. But the Spaniards having intelligence of their coming, had sent away their Women and Riches; yet though they miss'd their chief aim, they took the Governour, brought away 50 pieces of Ordnance, and 14 Ships which were in Harbor.

*The beginning of Iune brought News of a Conspiracie of several wicked persons in Ireland, who were endeavoring to raise a new Rebellion there, by surprizing the Castle of Dublin. The Designe was to have been put in execu∣tion upon the 21th of May, and the D•ke of Ormond first to be seiz'd. To which effect, divers persons with Petitions in their hands were to wait in the Castle, while 80 Foot in the disguise of Handicrafts-men, attended without. Their business it was to trifle about for an opportunity to surprize the Guards. The Plot was discovered, and 500 lib. a head set upon five of the Ringleaders, to what persons soever should apprehend them.

*About this time, his Majesty caus'd the Earl of Middleton's Commission, as Commissioner of Scotland, to cease; and appointed the Earl of Rothes to suc∣ceed him in the same Quality.

*On the third of Iune, His Majesty by his Commission under the Great Seal of England; to the Lord Chancellor, Lord Treasurer, Lord Privy Seal; Duke of Albemarle, Marquess of Dorchester, and Lord High Chamberlain, pass'd ten Bills, which were all private ones, but three; of which the chiefest was, for repair of the High-ways of Huntington, Hertford, and Cambridge-shires.

About the beginning of December, Mr. Paul Rycaut, Secretary to the Earl of Winchelsey, came from Constantinople,* bringing with him the Grand Seigniors Ratifications of the several Treaties made with Argier; and as a mark of the Kings satisfaction in the management of his Employment, and the Message he brought, His Majesty was pleas'd to honour him with a fair gold Chain, and a Medal.

*No less mindful was he of the Loyalty of his Island of Iersey; and as a re∣ward thereof, mu••bout the same time, he order'd a stately silver Mace, rich∣ly gilt, to be bestowed upon the Bayliff, or Chief Magistrate of the Island, to be born ever after before him and his Successors, as an honourable Badge of his Majesties affection to them, for their constant adhering both to his Father and Himself. It was received with all imaginable demonstrations of joy; and the first that had the honour to have it born before him, was Philip Carteret, Esq. Brother to Sir George, Vice-Chamberlain to his Majesty.

*But now so loud and so hainous were the rebellious Treasons daily discover∣ed in the North, that it was thought convenient to give requitals of another nature, and in the depth of winter to send a Commission of Oyer and Terminer to York, for trial of the most notorious Offenders in that Conspiracie. Seven∣teen were first arraign'd; ten of which appeared to have been actually in arms at Farnley-wood.* The Plot was excellently open'd, to have been a Designe which came from the Bishoprick about a year before; and that an Intelligence was settled between the disaffected there and in Yorkshire, as also in Ipswich, in Page  521Suffolk, and other Counties; an Oath of Secresie taken, and Agents employ'd at London, and in the West of England, for assistance.

In Iune preceding, two Agitators were sent into Scotland, to reconcile the Sectaries there; who were entertained at one Oldroyd's house in Deusbury, com∣monly known by the name of the Devil of Deusbury; and afterwards divers meetings were appointed at a place called Stanh-house in York-shire. Whereup∣on Marshden and Palmer were sent to London, as Agitators to the Secret Com∣mittee there; and at their return, brought Orders to rise the 12th of Octob. with assurance, that the Insurrection should be general, and Whitehal be attempted. Nottingham, Glocester, and Newcastle were to be seized, as Passes over the Severn, Trent, and Tine; and Baston in Lincolnshire, for a Sea-port to receive Succours out of Holland, and other Foreign parts. All the Gentry were to be secured, and persons were dispatch'd abroad for assistance. York they aim'd at, but of Hull they absolutely despair'd, as Walters affirmed; who, to give him his due, dealt most sincerely. Their pretences were to have been the opposal of Excise, Subsidies, &c. to re-establish a Gospel-Magistracie and Ministry; to restore the Long Parliament; and lastly, to curb the Gentry, Clergy, and Lawyers.

Fifteen of the seventeen first arraigned,* were found guilty; the chiefest of whom, was one Captain Oates. Afterwards several others were arraigned; who farther confessed, how the Designe had been carried on by a private Committee at London: That Lambert, or Ludlow, was propos'd for to have headed them: That the Rising was to have begun in Ireland, to have followed in England, and then in Scotland. Of these, Cotton, Denham, and Atkins were the chief, who all behaved themselves with a notorious insolence; Cotton protesting, that he valued his life no more than the Judge did his Handkerchief. There was also among them one Corney a Preaching Anabaptist. Most of them being convicted and condemned, were afterwards executed,* some at York, some at Leeds, and others in other places.

Immediately after this, Iames Turner, a person for nothing more known than for the confidence of his behaviour, came upon the Stage to plead for himself, who had been a Sollicitor for others before; he was Indicted for Felo∣ny and Burglary, as one that had robb'd his own most intimate friend, Mr. Sa∣muel Tryon, breaking into his house, and binding him in his bed, and then ri∣fling away what he pleased in the house:* the matter of fact was so ill defend∣ed by a tedious Speech of his own, that he was condemned, and shortly after executed in Leaden-hall-street, near Lime-street-end.

But to go on where this necessary digression interrupted me, and to shew how the links of their treasonable Combination hung together; at London short∣ly after was tried a Printer,* for having had a hand in Printing one of the most execrable Libels that was ever brought to light; being a designe all at once upon the Life, Honor, Authority, and Royal Family of the King, wherein there was a general Call to a Rising, in these very words, [If there be any City, Town, or Coun∣ty in the three Nations that will begin this Righteous and Glorious Work, referring to the word Revolt, they may be assured, &c.] It was also ordered to have met the day appointed for the general Rising. He was found Guilty of having ad∣visedly, and malitiously Printed the said Libel; and was thereupon adjudged to be drawn, hanged, and quartered.

After him,* a Printer, a Bookseller, and a Book-binder, were tri'd for a Misde∣meanor, found Guilty, and fin'd: the one a hundred Mark; the other two forty Mark apiece; all of them to stand in the Pillory, and be return'd to Prison till the next Sessions; and then to confess their faults in such manner as the Court should direct; and to put in Security 400 lib. for themselves, and 200 lib. for their Surety, never to Print, sell, or publish any Book, but such as should be by Law appointed. The prementioned condemn'd Printer was executed accor∣dingly. The three others stood in the Pillory in Smithfield, and before the Roy∣al-Exchange, their Offence being expressed in these words, For selling, and utter∣ing malitious, scandalous, and seditio•s Books, against the King, the State, and Peace of the Kingdom.

Page  522*Nor must we omit the particular Acts of Providence, as well as those which are universal. A Story very observable, in the preservation of divers Persons of Quality, in a house in Holborne; who being there met to a considerable num∣ber, a Link-boy passing under the wall of the House, observ'd the House fail∣ing; who thereupon immediately ran in, and bid the Company be gone, for the House was falling upon their heads. And so returning at the same instant, and the Company following him as fast as they could, they were no sooner out, and clear of the door, but the house fell indeed to the ground, without any harm to the Company.

*This Month an Antient Gentleman, a Portugueze, lodging in Hart-street in Covent-Garden, having been abroad at his Devotions, sent his Servant out to provide him some Fish for his Dinner; which being dress'd and serv'd up, a lit∣tle while after, the people of the house heard the report of a Pistol, but took no farther notice of it. A while after that, the Gentlemans Servant, a Portugueze likewise, called Peter Caesar, came down and sate to Dinner with the people of the house, where he staid most part of the afternoon; and then went abroad, and came in again. Toward the evening he went forth another time, and cau∣sed a Porter to bring home a large Chest, which being carried up stairs, the Boy drew it into his Masters Chamber; and a good while after, called the Porter to help him down with it, which he did accordingly. But the Chest proving too heavy for the Porter and the Youth, another Porter was call'd, and so they carried it away to the water-side; where it was put into a Boat, and the Boy bidding the Water-man cross the water, pretending he was to receive mony for the Goods in the Chest, from a person that was to meet him there, staid a while; but no body coming, at length in a rage to see himself disappointed, caus'd the fellow to row him back again, and by the way slipp'd the Chest into the Thames, and left it as in a fury to see himself sent of an Errand to so little pur∣pose. After this, the Boy returned to his Masters Lodging; but some blood be∣ing discovered upon the stairs, the fellow was apprehended: next morning the Chest being taken up and opened, there was found the body of his Master shot through the head. That which moved him to this horrid Villany, was a sum of mony, between 3 and 400 hundred pound, which his Master wore about him in a List. He was afterwards condemn'd, and executed at Tyburn.

*Upon the Nineteenth of March, the Lord Holles, Embassador from his Maje∣sty to the French King, received his Audience at Chasteauneuf, with great Justice to the Royal Dignity of his Master, and with honourable respect to himself. The sum of what his Excellencie delivered, which was in English, tending princi∣pally to signifie his Royal Masters Intentions to preserve an Amity and fair Cor∣respondence with that King, upon confidence of the like from his Christian Majesty. To which the French King's Reply was briefly, That his Excellencie might assure his Master, the King of Great Britain, of as much from himself: concluding with some expressions of particular respects to the Person of the En∣glish Embassador. And it was observable, that none of the Princes of the Blood, who had got the precedencie of several Embassadors of late years, were there to dispute it with Ours.

*This Month the King was gratiously pleas'd to dispence with the attendance of Sir Thomas Mallet one of the Judges of the Kings Bench,* who had been Judge in the time of King Charles the First; and by consequence being now, by reason of his very great age, disabled, Sir Iohn Keeling was sworn in his place. He was a Person of eminent Loyalty and Fidelity to the Crown.

The same month died the Learned and most Reverend Prelate, Dr. Bramhal, Archbishop of Armagh; to which See he had been by his Majesty translated from that of London-Derry.* Of whom it is enough to say, that he was the be∣loved Darling of those two Renowned Patriots, Archbishop Laud, and the Earl of Strafford.

*In Iuly came Intelligence from Tangier, that Gayland had made a very vi∣gorous Assault upon Tangier with about six thousand men, the May before. But Page  523 the Earl of Teviot, who was there newly arrived, gave him so warm a welcom, that he retired with the loss of above an hundred men,* and the Commander of his Horse, who by his Crimson-velvet Coat, was thought to be a Person of Qua∣lity; besides that after he was slain, the rest went off immediately.

Not long after he made a second Attempt,* with 10000 men; but though he made a very sharp Assault, his Entertainment was far more warm than the former: for he lost a thousand men. After which Defeat, the Earl of Teviot sent him a Letter, to let him know, that though the King of Great Britain wanted neither resolution nor ability to maintain his Right, yet he was a friend to Peace:* which so prevailed upon Gayland, that he sent Messengers for a Treaty, and soon after came to an Accord.

On the 22th of this month was Christened Iames,* Son of his Royal High∣ness, in the Chappel of St. Iames's, by the Bishop of London, then Elect Arch∣bishop of Canterbury. His Majesty and the Lord Chancellor were God-fathers, and the Queen-Mother was God-mother. The State was born by the Earl of St. Albans and the Earl of Sandwich, and the Dutchess of Buckingam held the Infant.

On the 27th of Iuly,* his Majesty going to the House of Peers, where the House of Commons went to attend him; after a short Speech, declaring among other things, how he had proceeded by Commands and Directions to all his Judges, in all Affairs which the Season and other Necessities would not permit to pass into Acts, gave his Royal Assent to several Bills, and then Prorogued them till the 16th of March following. The chief Acts were. An Act for four entire Subsidies to his Majesty, by the Temporalty. An Act to confirm four Subsidies granted by the Clergy. A third in behalf of Indigent Officers; and for settling the profits of the Post-Office and Wine-Licences upon the Duke of York and his Heirs. And for bet∣ter Collecting the Duty of Excise, &c.

Nor may it be amiss to relate the manner of the Translation of the Right Reverend,*Gilbert Archbishop of Can∣terbury,* as being novel to the Reading of this Age, and a Solemnity not every day common.

Just before the Bishops, came into the Chappel the Mace-bearer, the Arch∣bishops Steward, Treasurer, and Controller, all in their Habits, with white Staves in their hands.

In the next place followed the Bishops in their Episcopal Robes.

After these, the Dean of the Arches, the Judge of the Admiralty, and the Judge of the Archbishops Prerogative-Court, with divers Advocates in Scarlet Robes.

Lastly, several Proctors in the Archbishops Court, in Hoods and Habits.

The Congregation being placed in the Chappel, Divine Service was celebra∣ted by two of the Archbishops Chaplains; which being ended, the Bishops were brought up from the Seats they had taken, to that part of the Chappel, where all things were transacted relating to the Ceremony; in which having seated themselves, the Kings Commission under the Great Seal was presented to the Bishops, by the Archbishops Vicar-General, and was publickly read by the Dean of the Arches: whereupon the Bishops accepting of the Commission, the Vi∣car-General went forth and conducted the Archbishop into the Chappel, the Mace-bearer, Steward, and Controller marching before, and presented him to the rest of the Bishops; who being then seated in a Chair before them, the Bishops Commissioners proceeded in course of Law, and at length to a definitive Sen∣tence; which was publickly read by the first Bishop in Commission, and then subscribed by himself and the rest of the Bishops; whereby the Election was confirmed, and made good in Law.

It being now Vacation-time,* His Majesty went his Progress Westward from London to Bath▪ and from thence through Gloucestershire to Oxford▪ being pre∣sented at Reading and Newbury with Purses of Gold; receiving where-ever he Page  524 came, very high and splendid Entertainments; particularly, at Littlecot, from Sir Popham; at Newbury from Sir Thomas Dolman; from the Lord Seymor at Marleborough; from Sir Iames Thyn at Ling-leet; at Badmanton from the Mar∣quess of Worcester; and at Cornbury, from the Lord Chancellor. Coming to Oxford, he was met half a mile from the City by the Doctors and Scholars in all their Formalities; and entring the Suburbs, by the Militia of the City, through which he pass'd from his first Entry to his Lodgings. During his a∣bode there, he visited the Schools, where a Noble Banquet attended him: He also toucht above 300 Persons; with which impression of duty and reverence left behind him, he return'd in October to London.

*The Parliament of Scotland had this year sate ever since the 18th of Iune; in which time the main thing which they did of general Concernment, was their Condemnation of Archibald Iohnson, alias Laird Wariston, a Member of the Committee of Safety, who was executed on the 22th of Iuly at the Market-Cross of Edenburgh, having receiv'd his Sentence in the Parliament-House. In the next place was their Constitution of a National Synod, or Assembly of the Church, the first that ever was constituted in that Kingdom under Bishops; whereby the ordering and disposal of the external Government of the Church, and the Nominations of the Members of the Synod, were to be in the King, by vertue of his Prerogative Royal in Causes Ecclesiastical: As to the Members constituting the same, they were to be Archbishops, Bishops, Deans, and Arch-Deacons, the Moderators of Meetings for Exercises, with one Minister of each Meeting, to be chosen by the Moderator and plurality of Ministers for the same. The Synod to meet at such time and places as his Majesty should appoint by Pro∣clamation; and to debate of such matters, relating to the Government and Doctrine of the Church, as his Majesty should deliver to the President. And lastly, no Assembly to be held without the presence of his Majesty, or his Com∣missioner. Their second Act was for an Army of 20000 Foot, and 2000 Horse, with forty days provision, to be in readiness, as they should be call'd to march to any part of his Majesties Dominions, for suppressing any forein Invasion, or for any other Service of his Majesty.

*Upon the 9th of December, the Right Reverend Humphrey, Lord Bishop of London, was sworn one of his Majesties most Honorable Privy Council, having for his great Worth, Learning, and Integrity, been a little before translated from New Sarum, to the more dignifi'd See of London.

*Soon after came news of the death of that Eminent, Loyal, and Renowned Patriot, Judge Ienkins, who died at his house at Cowbridge, in the 81 year of his age, in perfect Sence and Memory. He di'd, as he liv'd, preaching with his last breath to his Relations, Loyalty to the King, and obedience to the Laws of England; leaving behind him an unspotted Fame, and the Memory of a President, which this Age only could have needed, and the next will hardly out-do.

*A great storm threatned the Dutch Merchants trading in the Grand Seigniors Dominions, by the miscarriage of their Ships; which loading the Grand Seig∣niors Goods, and Merchandize of Turks, to the value of 170000 Dollars, was surpriz'd by a Malthese. But the Turks would not believe, but that the Com∣mander of the Dutch Vessel was privy to some Treachery; and therefore the Grand Seignior resolving not to lose what was in his power to recover, sent for the Hol∣land Resident, perswading him that he engag'd for the fidelity of the Master, to make him and the Dutch Nation responsible for his loss; in order whereunto, directions were given to secure the Dutch Merchants in Smyrna, and the Resi∣dent commanded to abide in Adrianople: so that there was no way to redeem him from ensuing mischief, but a quick promise of satisfaction.

*In Italy, the Pope and King of France were like to have been engag'd in a very great Quarrel. For the Pope being incens'd against the King of France, for encroaching upon the Church, occasion'd by the Popes delay of giving him satisfaction for the injury done to the Duke of Grequi by the Corsi, began a se∣rious debate in the Conclave how to proceed against him, whether by Excom∣munication, Page  525 or otherwise; though carried in the end for moderation. How∣ever, the King of France possesses himself of Avignon. The Pope kept a great bustle at first, and made a fair shew as if he would have oppos'd the French King: but the King of France having already s•nt some Troops into Italy, and ready to advance with a greater Body;* at length Articles of Agreement were sign'd at Pisa, between Bourlemont, and Cardinal Rasponi.

Out of which Articles, the ground of the Quarrel is easie to be gather'd; and how easily a Catholick Prince, though one of the Eldest Sons of the Church, can dispence with his obedience to the Pope▪ when he has a power and spirit to resist him; and that it is not the Law of Nature, that the Pope should trample upon the Necks of Princes. Rasponi, with great reluctancie, linger'd out to the last moment; but the Pope found himself oblig'd to yield to the King upon his own Conditions.

While the Christian Princes are thus at difference,* the Turk enlarges his Do∣minions; laying Siege to New-hausel, one of the most considerable Passes and Forts which the Christians had in those parts. The Bassa coming before the Town, sent in a Summons to Count Fo•gats, the Governor, in these words:

Page  526But for all this menacing Summons, the Town held out many a brisk As∣sault of the Besiegers, who lost near 20000 of their men before it: so that it was verily reported, that the Enemy would have quitted the Siege, had it held out a week longer.* But Count Forgats delivered i• up at length, contrary to the will of the Germans, upon Conditions to march out Bag and Baggage to the next Garrison, leaving behind him 60 brass Guns, Powder and Ball in pro∣portion, 3000 fats of Wine, and plenty of Provisions.

*Count Serini watched all advantages, yet durst not attempt to relieve it, by reason of the smalness of his force; and yet in some measure, he quit scores with them shortly after. For hearing of a great Body of the Enemy, who were intending to lay a Ship-bridge over the River Mur, he march'd thither; and as soon as he understood that two thousand were got over the water, he set up∣on them at such a disadvantage, that he put them to the rout: their fellows that were coming over, fell into such a consternation, that they could neither get back, nor swim, nor defend themselves; so that the River was quite cover∣ed with men and Horses. The Count made use of the opportunity, not taking so much as one Prisoner; so that between killing and drowning, very few escap'd, though above 10000 in all: above a thousand of their Horses were taken com∣ing out of the water. A considerable prevention of their entring Stiermark, and coming up as far as Grats, without any possibility of opposition.

*The like success had the Portugals against the Spaniards, taking the Town of Ginaldo in Gallicia, wherein was the Magazine of Spain. Afterwards giving Battle to Don Iohn of Austria, who commanded 7000 Horse, 12000 Foot, and 18 pieces of Ordnance, they routed him in the open field, and took all his Bag and Baggage, being assisted by the English. They slew 1000, took 4000 Prisoners, and most of the eminent Commanders.

But a worse fate had attended the Protestants of Piedmont, had not they s•out∣ly defended themselves. For while their Delegates were pleading for them at Turin, under the Protection and Safe-conduct of the Duke of Savoy, their Sove∣reign Prince, protesting their Loyalty and Submission to him; his Forces, to the number of between 16 or 18000 Horse and Foot, entred the Valleys at Prerustine, St. Bartholomew, Rocheplate, and other places; endeavouring to possess themselves▪ of Angrogue, and St. Martins, two of the strongest Holds in all the Valley of Piedmont. In their way, they set all on fire, cut and tore the Vines, and destroy'd all. The Inhabitants seeing themselves assaulted, contrary to Faith given, and seeing they were undone,* made head: the Fight was hot for the time; but though the Savoyards were thirty for one, they were at length forc'd to retreat with the loss of above a thousand men kill'd and wounded, and many Officers. All which was said to be done by the Iesuits Council de Propaganda Fide.

Anno Dom. 1664.

WE shall begin this Year with the Trial of several persons for their Lives, being of the same Party with those last Year executed at York. The greatest part of their hopes of destroying his Majesty, was built upon the confi∣dence of a power they had, as well to divide and distract his Friends, as unite his Enemies; which they endeavour'd to do, by divers false and scandalous Ru∣mors, which upon all occasions they scatter'd among the people, as being one half of their business. The Tragedy was to have begun in the Counties of Westmerland, Durham, and Yorkshire, by seizing upon Carlisle, all the eminent Persons and Justices of the Peace of the said Counties, and what Publick Trea∣sure they could find. A small Party met at Kirkby-Steven, but failing of their number,* soon dispers'd themselves again. Several were executed, particularly at Appleby, Robert Waller, Stephen Weatherhead, and Henry Petty.

Page  525But such was the inveterate malice of these kind of people, such was the In∣fluence of Ejected Ministers among them, that notwithstanding so many per∣sons had suffer'd the year before, yet at Newbury, the Mayor and Company of the Town being met upon Easter-Tuesday to chuse Church-wardens for the year ensuing,* they were assaulted by a rude and confus'd multitude, of all sorts of Phanaticks, some crying one thing, and some another; and though sundry times excluded by the Constables that were call'd to keep the peace, yet they still broke in with fresh clamours, crying out, that it did not belong to the Mayor and Company, but the whole Parish to make the choice. In fine, they came to this at last, that they did not matter who was chosen, so one Pocock, render'd odious to the Rabble for his Loyalty to the King, were not one. But Sir Tho∣mas Doleman coming immediately to Town,* upon notice of the disorder, with a Guard of Soldiers, seiz'd the chief sticklers, who were afterwards proceeded against according to their demerits. And understanding that certain Grand Phanaticks, being charg'd with Arms, refus'd to send in their men, he with the rest of the Deputy-Lieutenants caus'd them to be fin'd, and levied their fines by distress of their goods. In the mean time, notice being taken of several dange∣rous applications made to some Prisoners in the Tower, Mildmay, Wallop, Fleet∣wood, and Garland were sent away to Tangier, and certain other Prisoners dis∣pos'd of into other places of security.

This Month also brought Intelligence of the proceedings of the Earl of Te∣viot, then Governor of Tangier, who finding Gayland unwilling to comply with him in his propounded Articles of Peace, resolv'd to make use of Force; and having worsted the Moor in an Attack which he made upon the English, with great courage and vigor, for some time afterwards undisturb'd, began and fi∣nish'd a great part of the outermost Fortifications: and to make room for the English,* and Strangers of better account, turn'd all the Jews out of the City.

Now was it less welcom news,* for his Majesty to hear, that his Embassador Sir Rich. Fanshaw was magnificently receiv'd and entertain'd by the King of Spain, in testimony of the high value which that King put upon his Majesties Alliance, and the reverence he had for that Correspondence, which so great an Embassa∣dor was sent to continue and preserve between both Kingdoms.

But as if the heat of the Spring had warm'd the English bloods,* His Majesty and his Parliament, at this time sitting, began to take into their deep Conside∣ration, the great Complaints that had been made against the Dutch, whose in∣juries and affronts had not a little enrag'd the Nation. Whereupon, a Report being made by Mr. Clifford of their Encroachments upon Trade, from a Com∣mittee appointed to examine that affair,* Thereupon the House made two Re∣solves, the Substance of which were▪ That the wrongs, dishonours, and indigni∣ties, the damages, affronts, and injuries done by the Subjects of the United Provin∣ces to our Merchants, were the greatest Obstructions to Forein Trade: That His Ma∣jesty should be mov'd to take speedy and effectual course for the redress thereof, and that they would assist him with their lives and fortunes, against all opposition what∣soever. The Lords concurr'd; and thereupon both Houses attended his Maje∣sty, who declar'd his Royal Sense,* and high Esteem of their care and tender∣ness for the Honor and Good of the Nation. Letting them farther know, That he would examine and prove the particular Complaints; that he would demand sa∣tisfaction by a Publick Minister, and do his utmost endeavour to secure his Subjects from the like Violences for the future; depending upon the Promise of both Houses to stand by him. Upon which Declaration, both Houses return'd their humble and hearty Thanks.

April 6th. Soon after this, the King came to the House, pass'd two parti∣cular Acts, the one for holding Parliaments once in three years at least; and re∣pealing a former Act, call'd, An Act for preventing the inconveniencies by long intermissions of Parliament. At the signing thereof, his Majesty gave them thanks for their ready concurring in a thing so advantageous to the Nation; and for recalling the other so prejudicial, and so much to the discredit of Parlia∣ments, Page  526 as if the Crown were jealous as Parliaments, or that Parliaments were jealous of the Crown.

*While these things were transacting, Sir Iohn Lawson, Admiral of the En∣glish Fleet, sent into the Mediterranean Sea to repress the Insolencies of the Pi∣rates of Argier, sent home seventeen Ships, and between two and three hun∣dred men, and great store of Goods, which those Corsairs had taken prize; to the Honor of the Publick, and private satisfaction of many.

*Nor can we omit the punishment of a Criminal Book, long after the Author's decease. For with the same justice may Books, as well as men, be executed for Treason. And therefore long after his death, about the beginning of May, was Mr. George Buchanans Book, De Iure Regni apud Scotos, call'd in and sup∣press'd, by an Act of the Parliament of that Kingdom; having been condemned before by another Act of Parliament, in the year 1584.

*Nor was it less to the advantage of his Majesties Service, that at the same time they issued out another Proclamation, To prohibit all persons, to seek de∣mand, receive, or deliver any Contributions, or Supplies, but what were publickly allow'd and practiz'd, without allowance of the Lords of the Privy Council. For without Libels and Collections, the grand support of Conventicles, it is mo∣rally impossible to unsettle any Government.

*Among such serious things as these, Historians have allow'd themselves to entertain their Readers with miraculous Accidents. Which puts us in mind of the portentous Tartar, which Count Serini was reported to have taken about this time. From the shoulder upward, he had the shape of a Giant-like man, his Neck long, and like that of a Horse, with a Man•; the lower part of his face like a man, with a great wild Beard; the upper part like a Horse, with large Ears. He was arm'd with a great Bowe, and a Quiver by his side, with a long Dart. If this Relation may not gain sufficient credit, yet the Monster may serve to fight many Ages hence with Regulus's his Serpent.

*Another strange Accident was related from the Barbado's, then published not without great Authority; which was, that about 900 miles Eastward of the Barbadoes, a Vessel being in her full course, a certain great Fish struck the Ship on the Star-board side, and passing under it, touch'd the Rudder, and threw the S•e•rs-man from the Helm; and when she came on the other side, heav'd a great Sea into the Ship. At her first stroke, she ran her Horn through the sheathing, a three-Inch Plank▪ and threw the Timber into the Cieling, where it broke short off, so that a piece of 12 Inches long, and 100 and a half weight, was left in the hole. Had not the Horn been broke in the hole, the Vessel had been lost; for notwith∣standing that stoppage, the water came in so fast, that it kept a Pump imploy'd. The Horn was like an Elephants Tooth, but more ponderous.

*But passing over these Relations of lighter moment, the next Intelligence which we meet withal, is of Sir Iohn Lawson, who having offer'd all fair Ac∣commodation to the Pyrates of Argier, yet finding them disdain his proffer'd Peace, he declares open War against them; and immediately after took one of their Corsairs of thirty four Guns, and 260 men, which he sent into Majorca. Part of the Prisoners, being Turks and Moors, he sold to the Duke of Beaufort, Admiral to the King of France, then in those Seas.

But now his Majesty mindful of the great work he had in hand, had given his particular Instructions to his Embassador in the Netherlands; who thereup∣on about the middle of May gave in his Memorandum to the States of the dama∣ges which the English complain'd to have suffer'd by the Subjects of those Provinces.* But the unprepar'd Belgian, not finding it convenient to give such speedy Answers, resolv'd to send their own Embassadors to the King him∣self; which, as it was a way of answering more magnificent, so it was the oc∣casion of greater delay.

Upon the 17th of May, the Commons being met in the House of Lords, His Majesty in a gracious Speech, gave both Lords and Commons to understand his Royal Approbation of their Cares and Labors for the good of the Publick; Page  527 together with a Princely acknowledgment of their compliance with his plea∣sure in the dispatch of the business of the last Sessions. Afterwards his Ma∣jesty caused them to be Prorogued till the 20th of August ensuing.* Withal de∣claring, that unless something extraordinary should fall out, it was his Royal purpose not to call them together till November following, whereof they should have seasonable notice by Proclamation.

Upon which, Sir Edward Turnor, then Speaker, represented to his Majesty the humble Thanks of the House for his Gratious acceptance of their endeavours in the Service of his Majesty and the Publick. After which, he particularly insist∣ed upon the unsettled condition of the Country, by reason of Phanaticks, Secta∣ries, and Non-conformists; and next to that, upon the Injuries complain'd of by our Merchants, concerning the frauds and practises of our Neighbours the Dutch, in the East and West-Indies, in Turkey, and Africa; which, besides the In∣dignities offer'd to his Royal Majesty and the Crown of England, were com∣puted to amount to no less than the value of seven or eight hundred thousand Pounds. Lastly, he presented the Heads of several Bills ready for his Royal assent.

Accordingly, his Majesty sign'd several private, and some few publick Acts; among the rest, An Act to prevent and suppress Seditious Conventicles; which though it occasion'd great trouble to the Magistrates of the several Counties, yet it made apparent their faithful care, and Loyalty to his Majesties Service; so that indeed it was the whole employment of this Year, to apprehend and try the daily offenders against this Statute.

His Majesty in the mean time finding it agreeable to his Royal wisdom forth∣with to equip two considerable Fleets, both to secure his Subjects in their free∣dom of Trade, and maintain the Honor and Interest of the English Nation, employ'd some of the Lords of his most Honorable Privy Council to the City of London,* for the Loan of an hundred thousand pounds upon so extraordinary an occasion, referring them to the Lord Treasurer for terms of repayment. This was received with so dutiful a compliance by the Common Council of the City,* that the said Supply was presently Voted; acquitting themselves at once both in point of Loyalty and prudence. Their present duty and Service to the King, manifestly redounding to the welfare and safety of themselves.

While his Majesty is thus busied in his preparations at home,* we may look abroad; where we are forc'd to behold the fall of the Noble Earl of Teviot, who upon the third of May passing the Iews River, fell into an ambush planted there by Gayland, shelter'd by a thick wood, and seconded by his whole Army. The Party which the Earl commanded was totally lost, excepting a very few: his Memory however is there held in great Honor, as if the Memory of his Cou∣rage were the Soul of the Garrison.

And seeing we are got so far abroad,* it may not be unseasonable to remem∣ber the famous Battle fought between the Turks and Christians, under the conduct of Montecuculi, it being one of the 〈◊〉 famous Occurrences of this year, most fatal to the Infidels, who that day left dead upon the field the flower of their In∣fantry, to the number of 6 or 7000; among which, two Bassaes, all their Can∣non, above forty Colours, with Plunder inestimable. To which Honorable Victory, the wounds of the French did not a little conduce.

Nor are we so slenderly to pass by another Atchievement of Geneal Souches,* the general good of Christendom being equally concern'd in both; who with an unequal number of only six thousand, encountring above 15000 of the Enemy near the Garrison of Lewentz, with the loss only of 250, slew eight thousand; thereby gaining an absolute Victory, vast Booty, and Provisions of all sorts.

All this while though there was open War with Argier, and that Lawson kept so vigilant an eye over them; yet by reason that either through Cowardize, or want of sufficient force, they were constrain'd to keep close in their Harbors, that sedu∣lous Admiral could do little good upon them, otherwise than by blocking up their Harbors, to keep them from Roving, & doing mischief: His Majesty therefore Page  528 having more occasion for so great and eminent a Commander at home, sent for both him and C. Berkley into England,* to employ them against a more No∣ble Enemy; in pursuance of which Order, Sir Iohn Lawson returns for En∣gland, leaving Captain Allen to Command in Chief in his Room,* who in a short time after brought them to that distress, that they were glad to accept of Peace, upon terms advantageous enough for the King of England. The Divan disowning the Breach, and laying the fault upon some few, that for their own benefit, would not be rul'd by their Superiors.

*As thus his Majesties Arms, so were his Counsels active abroad. The Earl of Carlisle is sent Embassador to Muscovy and Sweden, whither also Sir Gilbert Talb•t was likewise employ'd as a particular Envoy; as likewise Mr. Coventry to Denmark. All upon such important Instructions, as the emergency of Af∣fairs at that time requir'd; but in general, to keep a strict union and Corre∣spondence with those Nations, Neighbours of his Enemies.

*Sir George Downing was presently after his return into England, sent back a∣gain with full Instructions what he had to do. Many Conferences he had a∣bout the Lists of Damages; but the Dutch would return no positive Answer to any thing, nor come to any Agreement, hoping to prove the event of certain great expectations which they had: not the least of which, was the return of a vast Treasure in several great Fleets of Merchant-men. His Majesty well knowing how strong a Nerve of War Mony is, resolv'd to way-lay those vast Masfes of Wealth, as they pass'd his own Channel; mov'd also by certain Intelli∣gence which he had, that the Dutch were resolv'd in contempt of his power, to send their Guinee preparations by Sea, and that Opdam should convey them through the Channel. To which end and purpose, that he might be before∣hand with the preparations of the Dutch, the King strives with all his Puis∣sance to make ready his Navy.* Whose Royal endeavours, and indefatigable pains in his own particular Person, were answered by the Success. For such was the alacrity of his Subjects, that saw him continually travelling from place to place, by the presence of his own Majesty to encourage & forward the work, and to see all things effectually and speedily done, that the City freely, at the first demand, made by the Earl of Manchester,* Lord Chamberlain of the Kings Houshold, suppli'd him with another Loan of another hundred thousand Pounds: which so highly promoted his Royal Designe, that while the Dutch, slattering themselves with vain suppositions of his want of Men and Mony and broken with the Ca∣lamity of the Pestilence, were only forc'd to look on, and with envy behold his vigorous preparations, the King had furnish'd out such a magnificent Navy to the Sea, as the Ocean had hardly seen in any former Ages.

On the other side, the Dutch having consider'd the dangers of the Northern Passage, seemingly lay aside all thoughts of going about by Scotland, and resolve to force their passage through the Channel. The Commissioners therefore of the several Admiralties having revictual'd Opdams Fleet, from the middle of October to the middle of December,* gave him order to hasten out to Sea with the first wind, and to Conduct the Guinee-Succors through the Channel, having taken care for some other Ships from the Vlie and Texel to joyn with him; and in the mean time they sent a Galliot before to their Director-General in Guinee to give him notice of their Proceedings. Which resolution taken, and carried on with so much vigour, most men believ'd to have been extorted from them by the necessity of their present condition; for they had scatter'd many Contempts upon the English Nation, and yet falter'd in the point of execution: Nor was the Issue of this Bravado it self other, than what their •ear presented; for a∣bout the middle of October,* Prince Rupert arriv'd at the Spit-head with sixteen Sail of Men of War.

The first thing he discover'd, was a small Man of War of 14 Guns, which the Prince suspecting to be employ'd for Discovery and Advice, sent his Smack out to Sea, with Orders to forbid him to beat there any longer, unless he were upon Trade: upon which Message he vanish'd.

Page  529At the beginning of November,* the Duke of York Lord high Admiral of En∣gland departed towards his Charge at Portsmouth, having receiv'd a most gracious farewel from his Majesty: in a short while after, he went aboard, and joyn'd with the Prince, and Earl of Sandwich; so that it was no easie thing to unlock the Narrow Seas.

Opdam lay with his Fleet in the Goree,* and great debates there were whe∣ther he should out or no; but the Wind continuing cross, put an end to that Dispute. And a fair excuse they had, for not adventuring upon so great dis∣advantages as they were like to have found; for, as we said before, the Duke was now joy••d with the Prince and the Earl of Sandwich: Thereupon, about the beginning of December,* perceiving great likelihood of Frosts and high Winds, they thought good to lay up till Spring; which was according∣ly put in Execution, to the great dissatisfaction of the Merchants, who now found themselves abandon'd and left to all the hazards of a Winter Voy∣age.

Opdam return'd to the Hague, and the Seamen were paid off. And last of all, for the better Information of the King of France how Affairs stood, Monsieur Benninghen was dispatch'd away Post for Paris.

To recompence the Stay of the Royal Navy to attend the Motion of the Netherlanders,* the Dutch Bourdeaux-Fleet, laden with Wine, Brandy, and other Commodities, fell all, or the greatest part, into our hands; which together with many other Prizes at other times this Year taken, made up the number of above a Hundred thirty five, with great Caution condemn•d in the Admiralty of London. Nine Dutch Ships were brought into Dover at one time, laden with Canary, Salt, Oyl, Brandy, Spice, and other good Merchandizes.

Certain it was, that the Hollander received a very great Foyl in the Opini∣on of the People, by that Action of withdrawing his Fleet; the Vulgar being supported till then, with an expectation of some mighty Actions, to Answer their Prodigious Boasting.

This was all the Action of the English and Dutch Fleets at home. For his Highness the Duke of York,* finding that the Netherlanders had laid up their Ships, and that there was now no need of keeping so great a Navy abroad; with all his Train upon the seventh of December arrived at White-Hall, lea∣ving a considerable number of stout Vessels, under the Conduct of the Earl of Sandwich; having before his departure, by a Speech which he made them, inspired the Seamen with an admirable resolution and chearfulness to obey the Commands of their Admiral in whatever Enterprise he should have further Order to Prosecute.*

This year were Launch'd the Royal Catherine,* and the Royal Oak. And that noble Ship the London being by an Accident blown up, the City made their humble Addresses to His Majesty, that they might have leave to make a Contribution among themselves for the building another Ship of equal Good∣ness. The King graciously accepted their kind offer; and to shew his greater Acceptance, enjoyned them to add the Title of Loyal to the Name of London.

As yet there was no publique Declaration of War on either side; Only the King seemed to Treat with his Arms in his hands. And therefore Sir George Downing still prest in the heat of all this Preparation and Action, accord∣ing to his Instructions,* for Satisfaction of Damages. The King had also made an Embargo upon the Dutch here in England; which was carried so privately, that Sir George Downing had Intelligence of it a full Week, before the States knew any thing thereof. By which means he gave timely Notice to fifteen or six∣teen Sail of the English to Ship away; insomuch that there remain'd nothing for the other to Seize, but two inconsiderable Vessels, and a Colchester Oyster∣boat.

About the List of Damages there were several Conferences with Sr. George Downing, which prov'd all to little or no Effect: But that which pinch'd them most, was the Regulation propounded by Sir George for the Government of Page  530 Trade for the future; being very sensible, that the English did make themselves much more Popular among the Natives where they settled, than the Netherlanders had the fortune to do.

*At length, in Justification of their Proceedings, they put forth a Scandalous Libel, intituled, An Extract out of the Memorials of the States General of the Vnited Provinces, upon the Memorial of Sir George Downing. Envoyè, &c. wherein, they cast many Invective Aspersions upon His Majesty, and put Sir George to the necessity of a Printed Vindication.

*The reason of this delay, was to feel the pulses of their Neighbours, and to try what Assistance they could get from them▪ especially France, whither they had posted away Monsieur Benninghen, as was said before; but his Ne∣gotiation did no way answer their expectations: Besides that the Minister of the Crown of Sweden charg'd them in a large Memorial with a direct breach of Articles;* neither would Denmark Meddle with their Cause: The Bishop of Munster threatned 'um for the Eyler Fort: The Emperour sollicited 'um to do Reason to Malta: And Spain Visibly rejoyc'd for their misfor∣tune before Calice. Which, at the latter end of Sixty four, after all their Embassies and Negotiations, was their Condition with Forraign Princes.

They were angry with His Majesty of England, for making a Peace with Argier without their Assent; whenas they had given order to De Ruyter, who Commanded the Squadron which was sent to the Assistance of the English, to leave that Enterprize, having designed him to destroy the English Factories in Guiny:* to which purpose, De Ruyter set Sayl from Gibralter about the latter end of September with Thirteen Ships, and Arriving in Guiny, made seizure of all that he found within his reach at Cape Verd, and the Island of G•gee; where the Governour with his men finding himself deserted, made Conditions to be Transported to Gambia.

But this was in part retaliated, by the News which came from Captain Allen,* who with the Ships under his Command discovering about thirty Dutch-men, which prov'd to be the Smyrna-Fleet, with their Convey, made up to them, and upon their refusing to strike Sayl, gave them a Salute; which they answered. After some Dispute, the Dutch made for the Bay of Cadiz, having lost four of their Richest Merchant-men, and one taken, and divers of the rest very much shatter'd; one of the Captains of their Men of War was kill'd. This Action was the more considerable, in regard that the Sea was so high, that Captain Allen could not bear out his lower Tire.

About the seventh of Iune, Sir Thomas Modeford arriv'd at Iamaica with four hundred Passengers;* whither he was followed soon after with Three hun∣dred more, where they found themselves very well pleased with the Country, and very much encourag'd to settle themselves, the Governour endeavouring with all diligence to settle a fair Correspondence with his Neighbours both in Sancto Domingo and Cartagena; to which purpose, he call'd in all Private Men of War belonging to the Island.

On the 24th of November the Parliament met again, at which time the King in a Speech signified to them, how unkindly he had been treated by his Neighbours▪ yet that he had upon the Stock of his own Credit set forth a Navy that would not decline meeting with all the Naval Power of the Enemy: that he had borrowed very liberally out of his own Stores, and of the City of London; so that to discharge the one, and replenish the other, would require little less than Eight hundred thousand pounds: That he expected from them all necessary Expedition in their Resolutions; and that their Sup∣ply might be Real and Substantial.

This was Answered by Sir Edward Turnor, then Speaker, with all Expressi∣ons of Loyalty and Affection to the King; setting forth the deep sence which the Parliament had of the Injuries of the Dutch, of His Majesties Expences, and the necessity of his Warlike Preparations: Assuring Him of their Con∣stancie and readiness to yield him all obedience▪ both with their Bodies and Purses.

Page  532To make their words good, they first past a Vote for a Supply of Four and twenty hundred seventy seven thousand and five hundred pounds; a great heart-breaking at that time, and that which shew'd the King would want no hands while he had such large Sums to carry on the War. In a short time, the Pr•positions of the several Counties, and the Names of the Commissio∣ners, were agreed upon by both Houses of Parliament.

Upon the Eleventh of February following, the King Sign'd the Act, be∣ing Entituled,*An Act for granting a Royal Ayd of Twenty four hundred three∣score and seventeen thousand and five hundred pounds. For which, his Majesty return'd his Royal thanks.

In the beginning of March following,* his Majesty having passed several other Acts presented him by both Houses, and receiv'd their good wishes for the prosperity of his undertakings, delivered in a Speech by the Speaker, Pro∣rogued them till the Twenty first of Iune 1665.

A little before the Parliament met,* His Majesty set forth a Declaration for Encouragement of Marriners and Seamen employ'd in the Service: Allow∣ing all Officers and Seamen after the rate of Ten shillings per Tun, for every lawful Prize; and to take to themselves as free Pillage, whatever they should take on or above the Gun-Deck; with his Royal Promise to provide for the Sick and Wounded, Widows, Children, and Impotent Parents of such as should be Kill'd; with several other advantages mention'd in the said De∣claration: His Majesties Wisdom and Goodness in that, and in all other things, plentifully providing for all Events both of War and Peace.

In December following,* His Majesty setting forth the Consideration which he had taken of the Injuries, Affronts, and Spoyls done by the Subjects of the Vnited Provinces, to the Ships, Goods, and Persons of His Majesties Su•∣jects, notwithstanding many and frequent demands for Redress; by the Ad∣vice of His Privy Councel ordered, That general Reprisals should be granted against the Ships, and Goods, and Subjects of the Vnited Provinces.

As this did not a little vex the Dutch, so with greater reason the action of De Ruyter in Guiny did Incense the King of England▪ and therefore in, the beginning of February he put forth a Declaration,*That the Subjects of His Majesty had sustained several Injuries and Damages from the Subjects of the United Provinces: That he had made Complaint thereof, and frequently de∣manded Satisfaction: That instead of Reparation, they had not only ordered De Ruyter to desert the Consortship against the Pyrats of the Mediterranean Sea, but also to do all acts of Violence and Hostility against His Majesties People in Africa: And that therefore His Majesty did with the Advice of his Privy Coun∣cel, Declare the Dutch the Aggressors; Impowring His Majesties Fleet to Fight and Destroy the Ships of the Netherlanders.

This Declaration being a solemn Denuntiation of War, was proclam'd in the beginning of March, at White-hall, Temple-bar, and the Royal-Exchange, with the usual Solemnities.

This Declaration charging them to be the Aggressors, stuck heavily in their Stomachs, and they took it into their serious consideration.

But instead of answering to so high a Charge, they contented themselves with a second Libel,* which they had publish'd somewhile before; which they call'd [A Summary Observation and Deduction, delivered by the Deputies of the States General, upon the Memorial of Sir George Downing, Envoy Extraordinary of the King of Great Britain.] As lewd a piece, for foulness of Language, and weakness of Defence, as ever came into the light, under pretence of Authority.

In the mean while,* their Embassies to Swedeland and Denmark went slowly on; and instead of being befriended by France▪ the Embassador of that Crown is order'd to demand reparations for the loss of two very considerable East-India Ships, taken from the Subjects of that Kingdom. And at the same time, his Electoral Highness renewed his demands of satisfaction from the Governors of Wasel, for the affront offer•d to the Son of his Excellencie the Earl of Carlisle,Page  532 of which it may not be unseasonable now to give the Relation.

*The Lord Morpeth, Son of the Earl of Carlisle, travelling from Munster to Collen, found a T•oop of Horse drawn up in his way; the Captain whereof coming to the young Lord, told him, he had Orders to carry that Company to Wesel, by a Verbal Order from the Governour▪ which he did, and lodg'd the Company in two Inns. After they had been two days Prisoners, one Hayes, a Gentleman belonging to the Duke of Brandenburghs Council in Cleve, de∣manded the Prisoners in the Dukes name, threatning to seize the Goods of the States Subjects in the Dukes Dominions, in case of refusal. The Governor an∣swer'd, that he was inform'd, they were gathering a Party to fall upon his Gar∣rison; but finding the Information false, he gave them all free liberty to pro∣ceed in their Journey. But the Lord Morpeth and the English not so contented, went to Cleve, and there in the Dukes Court exhibited a Charge against the Governor.

*Not long after, Major Holmes was committed to the Tower, upon several Ac∣cusations laid against him. But when the whole matter came to be strictly en∣quired into and examined,* he did so fully clear himself upon every point, that the King was not only pleas'd to discharge, but to honour him with a singular mark of his favour.

*Toward the middle of March, several Memorials were delivered in by the Ministers of France, Portugal, and Swede, complaining of their Ships being detained contrary to the Usage and Practice of their Friends and Allies. To which the States gave little or no satisfaction, only permitted some French Bal∣last-ships to go out.

*About the latter end of March, Captain Allen arriv'd in the Downs with a considerable Squadron of his Majesties Fleet, and a Convoy of rich Merchants, together with a rich Prize, one of them that were taken at Cadiz, a lusty Ship, which was afterwards made a man of War, and carried above 40 Guns.

*About this time, his Majesty publish'd a Proclamation, prohibiting the Im∣portation or Retailing of any Commodities of the Growth or Manufacture of the States of the United Provinces, occasion'd by a Prohibition on their parts, of the Importing or Vending any Goods or Wares made in any of the Kings Dominions.

*But while we prepare for War at home, we make Peace abroad. For the English in Tangier had by this made an advantageous Accord with Gayland; the M•ors being very ready to agree with them in all Amity and good Corre∣spondence.

*Nor was it less pleasing to hear of Sir Charles Cotterels reception at Bruxels; who being sent on his Majesties behalf, to preserve and continue the Ancient A∣mity, had an entertainment sutable to his Quality.

If there were any thoughts of Peace among the Hollanders, it was only in shew; for their preparations for War were open and publick: and therefore the King with most indefatigable diligence, journey'd from Port to Port, to ha∣sten out his Fleet, already in great readiness; as also by his presence to incou∣rage the Seamen,* that by the 25th of March, ending the Year 1664, the Fleet most magnificently prepar'd with all Provisions necessary, was ready to receive their most renowned Admiral, the Duke of York, who some days before went early in the morning to his Charge,* attended with divers Eminent and Ho∣nourable Voluntiers: It was a Navy, for number of Ships, and choice of men, such an one, as the Nation never set to Sea one more formidable nor more glo∣rious.

This did not a little terrifie the Dutch; besides that some Weeks before, they had been put to a great disorder,* upon the appearance of some part of the English Fleet, under the Earl of Sandwich, which though at a distance, and without any rational appearance of danger, set them into such a confusion, that it fell little short of a general Cons•er•ation.

Nor were they yet able to come forth, though making all the haste they Page  533 could. Nor had they done any thing considerable all the Winter before; only sent Bankert to Sea; which, to what intent soever it was contriv'd, the Designe prov'd ineffectual. For attempting to go about by the North, he met with nothing but the boistrousness of a tempestuous Sea, making a quick return home, and leaving behind him four of his best Ships, unmercifully shatter'd in the storms.

And thus, while the English are their Enemies at Sea, they will make use of none of the English friendship by Land;* And to that purpose they order a Cas∣sation of the English and Scotch Regiments: only that the Officers might be admitted again, taking an Oath to be faithful to the Lords States General, and to the States of the respective Provinces whom they serv'd. But the English were so Loyal, as to throw up their Commissions, disdaining to serve, upon such monstrous Terms, the profest Enemies of their Prince and Country.

Anno Dom. 1665.

*THe Duke of York was now aboard, the English Fleet, well man'd, and in brave order, and furnish'd with all things necessary, and answerable to the indefatigable care and diligence of so great a Monarch, and the free expences of his large Dominions. The Dutch neither ready, nor likely to come forth, as in the event it prov'd; so that among them there was nothing memorable, but the bustle of Council, and hurry of unfinish'd preparations.

*The first Alarm they had was from the French Embassador, who began to deal roundly with 'um, and to insist upon the very Letter of a late Treaty for the restitution of two French East-India Ships, which had been so long and of∣ten demanded. The Dutch offer'd certain small Vessels, which they pretended would do the French business as well.

*Hereupon a general Embargo was order'd by the King of France upon all their Merchants Vessels, till the Dutch made satisfaction for the two Ships: for though the Netherlanders had the confidence to with-hold 'um, yet the King of France had effectually paid for 'um; so that at length they were forc'd, not on∣ly to part with the Ships, but the Lading to boo•.

*In the mean while they enlarg'd their Embargo upon the English, and not only made a Prohibition of Trade with England, but also provided that none of the Subjects of that State should ensure any Goods belonging to the Subjects of the King of England: And all Newters were forbid to carry Counterband-goods to the Dominions of his Majesty. The Reason why the States were so backward with the Fleet, was most certainly the aversness of the people, whom it cost the States not a little cunning to make tractable to their purposes. To which intent,* they insinuated into the ears and minds of the people, That the King of England was not in a condition to set out a Fleet; which they not only found to be otherwise, but also purely done upon the stock of his own proper Page  535 Authority and Credit. When they saw that brought to pass, the next thing they flatter'd the people withal, was, that though the King had strain'd himself to bring a Fleet to Sea, yet that the Parliament would never supply him with a sum of Mony answerable to the Charge of so expensive a War. Finding them∣selves deluded therein also, by their Act for the Royal Aid; the next suggestion was, that the people would never submit to pay it. But the voluntary Present made to his Majesty by the City of London, soon clear'd that mistake. To these they added, that they should find friends in England, together with great Aid and Support from Forein Princes; wherein they found themselves at length to∣tally disappointed.

Among the rest of their disappointments, the King of Denmark's calling in all his Seamen out of Forein Service, was not the least; for thereby they were dis∣furnished of many able Sea-men, which otherwise they might have had for their Mony.

This Month also arriv'd at London,* the Duke of Verneuil, and Monsieur Cour∣tin, from the King of France; and from the King of Spain, the Conde de Moli∣na. The two former had their Audience within three days after their Entry, which was very magnificent. They were sent upon Mediation and Compo∣sure; the event whereof the Dutch did much depend upon, and extremely hearken after.

Nor were the Dutch a little active,* in hopes to deceive Forein Princes, in Printing and publishing Libels, to the scandal and defamation of the English Nation. Among others, the most remarkable of their Papers were, the Re∣marks of the Deputies of the States General, upon the Memorial of Sir George Downing, Envoy Extraordinary, &c. A Discourse full of irreverence and false∣hood, of which the world was sufficiently convinc'd, when they read the Re∣ply of Sir George Downing thereto.

In the next place,* they Printed a pretended Letter from one Valkenburgh, Di∣rector-General of Guinee to the States, feigning how that at Adia, the English after they had given quarter, with rusty Knives cut off the Noses of those whom they had taken alive, and exercised many other strange Amboyna-cruel∣ties upon the Hollanders in these parts.

Therefore, that so great a scandal might appear the more notorious, there was publish'd an Account of the Guinee-Transactions. In brief,

That Captain Robert Holmes,* who was Commanded for the Coast of Guinee, in October 1663, coming thither, all people complain'd how •ll the Dutch had treated the English, how they had engag'd the King of Barra to assault the En∣glish Factories; which Designe failing, how they had endeavour'd to corrupt the Officers of the Charles and Iames Islands, to deliver up their Forts. How they had counterfeited the King of England's Signe-Manual and Signet, to coun∣tenance their Entry into the River, had they not been frustrated by the notice which the King of Barra gave of the whole Designe.

After this, Captain Holmes, for the better security of some English Ships dai∣ly expected, sailed to Cabo Verde, fearing one Iohnson, that was said to lie in the way; where without any provocation, they •ired from the Fort, killing his Ma∣ster, and wounding divers of the Company; notwithstanding all which, the Governour surrendring the place next morning, he and all his Company were treated with all possible respect and civility by the Captain.

At Sestos they had been dealing with the King of that place to throw out the English, inveigling the people abroad, and then abusing them under English Co∣lours, the better to attain their ends.

The like was done upon the Coast of Castle de Mina, where Valckenburgh of∣fer'd a Bendy of Gold for every English head.

At another time they shot at a Convoy of Capt. Holmes from a Fort of theirs; which so enrag'd the Moors, that they fell upon the Fort, and took it, and would have put all the Hollanders to the Sword, had not the Captain prevented them.

Page  536Lastly, Captain Holmes having sent a Drum to Ariamaboa, with Honorable Proposals; contrary to the Rule of War, they mangled, stript, and left him dead upon the place.

Which Account being so far from the Accusations of Valckenburgh, gave no small satisfaction to the world; so that they lost their aim among all just and sober Persons.

*But now the Netherlanders finding how little they could boast of their Alli∣ances near home, they made great Brags of the kindness shewn their Embassador at a distance by the Emperor of Russia, though by his reception no such thing appear'd; for as for his Present, which was of silver Plate, it was so misera∣bly thin, that it would scarce endure the carrying: His allowance was very or∣dinary; and the person appointed to attend him as Master of the Ceremonies, was only a Merchant and Alderman of the City, who having at a drinking Bout began the Prince of Orange's health before that of the States General, rais'd a very great Dispute; so that upon the whole, his Entertainment seem'd rather a matter of State and Custom, than of kindness.

*In England was observ'd a general Fast, with a reverence befitting the So∣lemnity of the occasion; both Queens did most affectionately concern them∣selves therein, by express and particular Appointment commanding all their Servants to set themselves apart with more than ordinary Devotion for the Ser∣vice of the Day.

*This was answer'd with the happy Omens of future Victory, from the fair success of small Enterprises. For not long after, were taken three men of War. The first a Caper of seven Guns, and 47 men. The other were Direction-Ships; the one of 32 Guns, and 80 men, taken by the Diamond; the other of 22 Guns, and 60 men, taken by the Yarmouth. They all made stout resi∣stance, till being upon the point of boarding, they cri'd for Quarter. Captain Golding in the Diamond, a brave Officer, was slain. One of the Direction-Ships was Commanded by young Evertse,* whom the Duke treated with much courtesie. And a little while after being brought to attend his Majesty, He in consideration of respects formerly receiv'd from the Father of the young Cap∣tain, was generously pleas'd not only to give him his liberty,* but to order him a hundred Pounds sterling, in testimony of his Royal Goodness and Bounty.

*Nor will it be here superfluous, while Action ceases, to speak of the extra∣ordinary Government and Discipline then in the Fleet. For upon a Complaint made to the Admiral, a Court Marshal was call'd aboard the Royal Charles. The matter in Question was, concerning some abuses done to a Swede by some of the Company of the Kent, and other injuries to a French Vessel by the Guern∣sey. The Offences were striking, wounding, pillaging and plundering. Three of them being found Guilty, had their fingers burnt with Matches, and one of them his head woolded with a cord.

Three also belonging to the Guernsey-Frigat were sentenc'd; one to be whipt, and to receive three stripes by the side of every Rear-Admiral, five by the side of every Vice-Admiral, and seven by the side of every Admiral. The second to lie in Irons 48 hours; the third, being the Master, was Cashier'd without his Ticket.

*In reward of so much Justice, suddenly came News that two East-India Ships, coming about by the North of Scotland, had stranded themselves upon a Bank near Orkney, and were secur'd.

*About this time, the Duke impatient of the Hollanders stay, resolv'd to give 'um a visit upon their own Coasts; and accordingly with 114 Sail made for the Texel, within five Leagues whereof he came to an Achor; some of the Fleet ventring within two Leagues of the shore; where the Duke took a full view of the Dutch Ships. Some few days after, they shew'd themselves just before the mouth of the Harbor, to the great amazement of the People ashore. Nor did the English forsake their Stations for a fair season, being now increased to 120 Sail; which made the Hollanders erect Beacons all along the Coast of Holland, from the Texel to the Maes, to give notice upon any attempt of landing.

Page  537The Duke staid longer than he intended, partly in expectation of draw∣ing the Dutch to an Engagement; partly, by reason of cross Winds, and ha∣zie Weather. Among many Foggs, there happen'd one in a happy hour for the Hollander; For the Duke having commanded Three Frigats out of his own Squadron, and Four out of the White and Blew, to try if they could meet with any Holland Merchant-men returning toward the Vly,* the Fogge was so great, that only the three first could Sail. Had not this Fogg prevented, the whole Fleet had fallen into the Hands of the English. However, ten Sail were taken, laden with Wine and Brandy; only one West-India Ship of good Value, another from Lisbon, and the last an English Vessel taken by them before in the Soundings: there were afterwards at times fifteen or sixteen more taken, and Eight or Nine run aground: which was the fatal account the Hollanders had of their Burdeaux Fleet this Year.

Nor was this all their loss at this time,* for that before was followed by another, near the Coast of Lisbon, where five English Frigats encountering three Holland Men of War, and three rich Smyrna Ships, sunk two of the Mer∣chant-Men, and ran the third aground: The Dutch Men of War seeing themselves no longer able to maintain the Fight, blew themselves up.

While Opdam is preparing to get out,* we may be at leisure to take a view of Tangier; at which place the Lord Bellasis, newly made Governour, safely Arriv'd toward the beginning of April: He was no sooner entred at one end of the Town, but the Moors shewed themselves at a distance upon the other,* but without making any attempt; and indeed Gayland soon understanding the Courage and Bravery of the New Governour, though importun'd by the Dutch with Assurance of their Conduct, not only abstain'd from any further acts of Hostility, but by his own Letters signifi'd to the Governour his extraordinary desire of Peace.

Toward the beginning of May,* the Prizes brought in under the Dukes Flag, were all safely lodg'd in Port; and not only so, but this no unwelcome News was accompanied with most happy tidings of the return of divers rich Fleets of our own; not only acceptable to their Owners, but seasonable for the Publique.

About this time came News of De Ruyters design upon the Barbadoes;* and that with such a force, that had it been equal to the report, it might have put that Island into some danger. But by the care and Prudence of Col. Henry Willoughby the Deputy-Governour in the absence of the Lord Willoughby, the Island was forthwith put into a posture to receive him: which when De Ruyter found, after an Attacque upon Nedham-Point, which lasted about four hours, he departed as he came, without doing any thing of hurt; having by this Alarm only waken'd the Courage of the Inhabitants.

But the Attempt upon the Governour himself had like to have proved more fatal:* for one Iohn Allen having taken a determinate Resolution to destroy the Governour, took his Opportunity as my Lord was at Evening-Prayer, and entring just as the Chaplain was reading, And Io•• smote Abner under the fifth Rib, unknown and unsuspected, he made a blow with a Cut∣lass provided for that purpose, at the Governours head's seconding that blow with another, which the Governour received on his hand, with the loss of two of his Fingers; and another wound on his Head some what dangerous. Up∣on the second blow, Allen was laid hold on, who then thrust the Weapon in∣to his own Body to have kill'd himself▪ but that failing, 〈◊〉 at length Poyson'd himself. His dead Body was handled very ignominiously, and his Head and Quarters set up in the most Eminent parts of the Plantation.

But now the Dutch,* finding their Embassadours not able to effect any thing either in Sweden or Denmark, (where they met with a very cold, though Ceremonious Entertainment) began to shew their own strength; their Navy at length appearing upon the Ocean in all its splendor, divided into seven Squadrons:* Under Opda• fourteen Men of War and two Fire∣ships; Page  538 under Iohn Evertse fourteen Men of War, and Two Fireships; under Cortenaer Fifteen Men of War and one Fireship; under Stillingwers, Fourteen Men of War, and one Fireship; under Tromp Sixteen, and one Fireship; un∣der Cornelius Evertse, Fourteen, and one Fireship; under Schram Sixteen, and two Fireships; besides Yachts and Galliots belonging to each Division: in all, One hundred and three Men of War, Eleven Fireships, and Seven Yachts.

*The Duke all this while kept the Fleet in most excellent Order; and, which was more, under so strict a Discipline, that Captain Nixon, Commander of the Elizabeth, for letting two Capers escape which he had encountred in the Sound∣ings, and a Common Souldier for Seditious and Mutinous words, were both Executed; that as no encouragement should be wanting to them that behav'd themselves honourably, so no unhandsome Action should go unpunish'd.

*In the mean time, the Parliament that was to have sate the Twenty first of Iune, was by his Majesty again Prorogued by Proclamation, for sundry weighty Reasons, till further time.

*It will not be here amiss, for variety sake, to mention a Curiosity discovered at a place call'd Bald Bathford, three miles from Bath; where was found a Mo∣nument very admirable, both for its Antiquity, Form and Structure: from the top, three or four Foot deep, it was •ourteen foot long, and sixteen foot broad, made of stones of several Colours, as Blew, Red, Murray and White, de∣licately cut, not above an Inch broad; curiously set, and strongly Cemented: the Floor was very delightful to behold: Round about it were plac'd di∣vers Figures; and in the midst, a Bird standing on a Sprig. It is thought to have been a convenience for water. A Work of great cost and labour, and which shew'd the excellency of much lost Art.

*But we must now return to feats of War again, where we find our selves at first to have received some loss, as well as all honour and Victory: And this happen'd by reason of the miscarriage of the Hamborough-Fleet. True it is, that a Convoy was desired of the Duke, then lying before the Texel; and as true it was, that a Convoy was dispatch'd, but with Instructions to hasten the Ships away within ten days, and caution not to venture after that: yet they after the Ten days were over, venturing against Orders to Sea, fell into the Enemies hands, who upon our removal from the Dutch Coast, had upon Notice sent out to Attaque them; which was the more easily done, by reason that the Roe-Ketch, ordered to give them advice of the Dukes removal, mist of finding them; they being gone out of the Road before the Ketch could arrive there.

Nor was this the first Disaster, for the Diamond had been thus lost before, upon the Coast of Italy, and carried into Villa Franca, and there made Prize.

*But for these Losses, that Noble and Signal Victory which ensu'd, made a most Ample Satisfaction: For upon the third of Iune both Fleets met, between which, there followed a most sharp and fierce Encounter; in which, with the loss only of one Ship, nam'd the Charity, a Vessel formerly taken from the Enemy, were taken Eighteen very considerable Ships, and good Men of War, as the Chancellour gave an account in his Speech at the following Sessions of Parliament; funk and fi•d Ten more of the biggest the Dutch had, carrying between them Five hundred and forty Guns, besides four Fireships to∣tally destroy'd. Opdam's Ship, carrying Eighty four Guns, was with himself, and all his Men, to the number of Five hundred, blown up▪ in the heat of the Fight. Captain Smith in the Mary Boarded a Zealander of Seventy six Guns, and Four hundred Men, which 〈◊〉Opdam's Ship was blown up, came to have grappled with the Duke: The Zealander was torn in pieces, and the Cap∣tain taken, but soon after dy'd of his Wounds. Two Thousand sixty three Prisoners were brought into Colehester, of which Thirteen Commanders. In sum, it was Computed, that they los• ten for one; among the rest were •aid to be Page  539 blown up in Opdam's ship certain of the French Nation of no small quality; though some of ours were persons of greater Note, as the Earl of Falmouth, Lord Muskerry, and Mr. Boyle, who fell all three by one Cannon-shot, so near the Person of the Duke, that he was besprinkled with their Blood: besides them, the Earls of Portland and Marleborough, Rear-Admiral Sanson, and Sir Iohn Lawson as good as kill'd, for he dy'd of his Wounds: as great a loss as any. Nor was it without Reason, that Fate fell so severe upon these per∣sons, seeing that the whole burthen of the encounter lay upon Thirty only of the Kings Ships. After this great Action, the chief business of the Fleet was, to prepare for more. But the ill success of this Fight, caus'd many disorders and complaints among the People in Holland; for appearing whereof, the States took a strange way, to Revenge themselves upon their own Officers; many of whom they tax'd either of Cowardice, or ill Management; and question'd for their Lives. Three of their Captains were Executed at the Hel∣der; Two more were ordered to have their Swords broken over their Heads; and the Master to Vice-Admiral Cortinaer, to stand upon a Scaffold with a Halter about his Neck.

But this success in War was somewhat allay'd by the heat of the approach∣ing Sickness,* which now grew hot in London and the Suburbs.

The Queen-Mother therefore returns for France,* being attended to the Kentish-Coast, in the Katharine Yacht, by the King, together with his Royal Highness, Prince Rupert, the Duke of Monmouth, and others: between whom, after all Solemnities of taking leave had pass'd, the King leaves his Mother to pursue her Journey into France. Afterwards he went aboard the Royal Charles, in the B•oy of the Nore; where he bestow'd the Honour of Knighthood upon several Captains that had behav'd themselves valiantly in the late Fight, as Rear-Admiral Tiddeman, Captain Cuttins, Captain Iordan, and Captain Sprage; af∣ter which, he visited most of the Flag-ships, giving all necessary directions for the dispatch of the Fleet, and so return'd by water to Greenwich; and from thence by Coach to Hampton-Court, from whence in a short while he remov'd afterwards to Salisbury; but the Distemper there increasing, he retired to Ox∣ford,* where he remain'd a considerable time. The Seat of the Muses, now the Palace of the British Monarch, proving so happy a Receptacle, that all the Concourse of People to a Kings Court, to a Parliament, and to a Term, prov'd no way prejudicial to the health and safety of the Place.

However,* for the security of his Chief City, the King, that he might not absolutely be said to withdraw his Beams from her Disconsolate Walls, left them to the Charge and particular care of the Duke of Albemarle; who in all the heat of the Distemper continu'd at White-Hall, with a Courage equal to his Dignity.

And for the better preventing of Tumults,* a Proclamation was Published, Requiring all Disbanded Officers and Souldiers who had serv'd in the Armies of any of the late Vsurped Powers, to depart the Cities of London and Westmin∣ster, and not to return within Twenty Miles of the same, till November fol∣lowing.

And now his Majesties Fleet,* the damages of those Ships which were dam∣nified in the late Fight being repair'd, and several of the Dutch Prizes being fitted for Service, began to Embody again; so that upon the fifth of this Month about 60 Sail weigh'd away from Southwold-Bay, to the Coast of Hol∣land: the Standard was born by the Earl of Sandwich; to him Sir George Ascue Vice-Admiral, Sir Thomas Tyddeman Rear-Admiral. Sr. William Pen was Admiral of the White; to him Sir William Barkley Vice-Admiral, Sir Ioseph Iordan Rear-Admiral. The Blew Flag was carried by Sir Thomas Allen; and his Flag-Officers were, Sir Christopher Mimms, and Captain Harman.

The Alarm of the English being out,* as was the common Opinion, brought back Bankers, sooner then he intended; who having been three weeks at Sea Page  540 with an inconsiderable Squadron, returned into Harbour. It was expected he should have brought De Ruyter along with him; but as yet there was no News, neither of him, nor of the East-India Fleet. Other Designe of his could not be imagin'd, seeing that it appear'd that he had no intention to go further than he did; •or that he had any likelihood of doing good where he had his Station, unless the States might think it worth their while to put on a miserable Countenance of keeping the Sea, while the English were in Harbour: All the Exployt he did, was the taking of Four or five Ships belonging to Nor∣way, which the Dutch had the confidence to keep.

*De Ruyter, as his Voyage was longer, and his Force more considerable, so did he do more mischief, not without some marks of Dutch Inhumanity; for after he had been beaten from the Barbadoes, he arriv'd at St. Iohns in New∣found-land with 17 Dutch Men of War, where he took the Diamond of Pli∣mouth, and the Vnity of Dartmouth, stripping the People Naked as they were born, and leaving them without any sort of Provision. At Bay Bulls Har∣bour they took Two Ships more: In Pitts Harbour three other ships, using the Men with the same rigour they had done the former: and yet after all, they would have been dealing with the Seamen, whom they tempted with great promises of reward, if they would serve the States; but they bravely and unanimously refused. For which they might have pleaded the extravagant License of War, had they not treated the Women in a most Barbarous and Beastly manner, without favour or distinction. He took away all the Cattle from the Planters, and Eight Guns from off the Land: however, he restor'd three ships of the seven which he had taken, to bring home the Seamen, which were in all 120.

*About this time, seeing that leisure from business will permit the Relation, the Fame of Greatrates the Stroaker fill'd the Mouthes of all People, both in City and Country. A Novelty not unfit to be mention'd, seeing that at that time many wise men were affected with it.

They that knew him, reported him for a Civil, Frank, and well-Humour'd Man, Conformable to the Discipline of the Church; born in Munster, of En∣glish Extraction; and sometimes a Lieutenant in Colonel Farr's Regiment: he was Master of a Competent Estate, and perform'd strange Cures by Stroak∣ing, or Touching, for which he took neither Mony nor Presents. That which first created the Wonder, was, That he passed without Contradiction; and that such Multitudes followed him, as only they could believe who saw them. He was said to admire himself the Gift which he had: had he stay'd among the ignorant Irish, his Fame might have continued longer; but the Infidelity of the English made him often fail in his Divinitie; and his Reputation once blemish'd, his Healing Mystery soon vanish'd.

*This Wonder having made its exit, behold another of another Nature, A Prodigie that made work for the Stroaker; he Cur'd, but this Kill'd and Wounded: for in the Parish of Erpingham in the County of Norfolk, there arose a very great Storm; in the midst of which, as the People were at Church, there Descended among them the appearance of a great Ball, which as it was suppos'd, beat down the South-East corner of the Steeple; for at that instant that it fell, it carried along with it the South-Porch: being come in∣to the Church, it turn'd upon the South-side where the Men sate; passing to the Chancel it brake, and then the whole Church seem'd to be of a light Fire: it left a great smoke and stench behind it: and in conclusion, there was one Man found stark dead, and many others were wounded, who for some time so continued. But upon this, and several other Mischiefs done in the same County by Lightning and Tempest, we leave it to others to make their descants.

*But the Pestilence increasing, the King commanded a Proclamation for a General Fast throughout the Realm of England, to the end, That Prayers and Supplications might be every where made for the Removal of so heavy a Iudg∣ment: Page  541 And that the Day might be observ'd with order and decency requisite, the King, with advice of the Bishops, directed such a Form of Prayer as was thought most meet for the Service not only of that day, but of all the succeed∣ing Wednesdays in the Week, during the Contagion. Collections also were ordered to be made, for the relief of the sick and needy in so great a Ca∣lamity.

Toward the latter end of Iuly, the King went to Portsmouth,* where with much satisfaction he view'd his Naval Stores and Preparations. He also or∣der'd Pesthouses to be Erected, that if the worst should happen, there might be seasonable relief and remedy for the sick. And to prevent Casualties by Fire, he Commanded several Thatch'd Houses to be otherwise cover'd. From thence he sail'd over in his Pleasure-boat to the Isle of Wight,* where he took a view of the Castles and Train'd Bands of the Island; and so returning, took Horse for Salisbury.

The Parliament should have met about this time;* but by reason of the Sick∣ness, it was Prorogu'd till the Third of October following.

In the mean while, long look'd-for De Ruyter Arrives in the Western Emms:* but the Purchase which he brought with him, was only Five English Prises, Three Laden with Sugar, the other Two Emptie. His own Ships were miserably torn and out of order; and therefore knowing the danger he was in, he passed by Fero, Shetland, and so over to Bergen, and then crept along the Coast of Norway and Denmark: however, upon his coming home he was made Admiral of the Dutch Fleet,* so soon as it could be got ready to set Sail.

This they were Eye-witnesses of; but of their ill success at farther distance, they had Intelligence by another hand; for by Letters to the General of the Iesuits in Rome, from certain of the same Order in China, news came, that upon their endeavours to retake the Island of Formosa on the backside of Chi∣na,* they had been put to the worst, with the loss of two Fleets, one of 17, the other of 18 Sail; together with Tydings of their being driven out of Macasser, Ternate, and Amboyna, by the Natives: which was the rather be∣liev'd, by reason of the exact Correspondence which the Roman Society of Iesu∣its holds with those parts.

But though De Ruyter carry'd the Flag, he did not Command in Chief, but under the Triumvirate of De Witt, Huygens, and Boreel, who according to a new Model, had now the Superintendencie over the Naval Affairs.

And now the Bishop of Munster's Drums sound in their Ears,* almost as terrible as the English Cannon; besides that his Army began to grow very nu∣merous. This made the States order a Flying-Army to the Frontiers, though with small satisfaction to the Inhabitants, who daily fled to the Fortifi'd Towns for their Security.

In the mean while,* the English Fleet lay in Three Squadrons from Brookness to Hitland, and so to Norway; which made the Dutch very earnest to put to Sea; but one while the Water, another time the Wind would not permit it. The Earl of Sandwich being thus abroad, upon Notice of 50 Hollanders be∣ing sheltred in Berghen, sent a Squadron of 22 Men of War, under the Com∣mand of Sir Thomas Tyddeman,* with Orders to Sail directly for Berghen, and there to Attacque and Fire the Hollanders; which Enterprize had prov'd ve∣ry fatal to the Dutch, had not the Wind and the Dane himself very much be∣friended the Dutch, and given them liberty to Plant their Guns ashore against the English. However, they receiv'd very great Loss, in the disabling many of the most considerable Ships then in the Harbour.

But soon after, the Earl of Sandwich himself met with a Convoy of the Dutch, with several Merchants, and some East-India Men in his Company,* where though the storminess of the Weather did much favour the Dutch; yet he took above 8 good Men of War, two of their best East-India Ships; and 20 Sail of their Merchant-Men.

Page  542Some few daies after, some of his Majesties Fleet encountring with 18 sail of Hollanders, took the greatest part of them, whereof four Dutch Men of War, with above a thousand Prisoners.

*Upon the 10th of October the Parliament met at Christ-Church in Oxford, the Schools being fitted for their reception, where his Majesty delivered himself to this effect.

Upon this the Lord-Chancellor Hide enlarged, observing from point to point the whole process of Affairs, from the time of his Majesties Restauration, to this instant. That notwithstanding the affronts upon the Royal Family in Holland during the Usurpation, His Majesty was pleased to Embark himself in one of their Ports, though prest by the two Neighbour-Kings to have taken his passage through their Territories.

That being returned, the King was forc'd to support himself upon Credit, till the Armies were disbanded, and the Fleet paid off; which Debt was height∣ned by the supplies of his Majesties Stores, so exhausted at that time, that there was not Arms for 5000 men, not Provisions for the setting out ten new ships.

That his Majesty replenish'd his Stores, reduc'd the expence of his Navy, pro∣viding only a necessary Guard for the Narrow S•as, and a Fleet against the Py∣rates, which had brought them to submission.

Then he repeated the several Insolencies and unkindenesses committed by the Dutch. The King's application to the Parliament. The Parliaments humble desires of Redress. The States preparations for War: And the whole Series of the War, and its Success until that time.

Then reflecting upon the greatness and necessity of the King's disbursments, he concluded.

*In answer whereof, the House of Commons returned their Thanks to his Majesty for his care and Conduct, for the preservation of his People, and Ho∣nour of the Nation; declaring withal, that they would assist him with their Lives and Fortunes.

They returned him also Thanks for his care of his Brother the Duke of York.

Then they gave the King an additional Supply of 1250000 l. by Monethly Assesment.

They gave him also a Present of a Moneths Tax, to come in the Rear, after the expiration of the Monethly Aid; which they desired his Majesty would bestow upon his Royal Highness.

They also passed a Bill of Attainder of certain English Fugitives who had joyned with the Dutch.

Page  543Also a Bill for suppression of Nonconformists; which with some other Bills being signed by his Majesty,* they were Prorogu'd till the 20th of February fol∣lowing at Westminster.

On the last of their Sessions, the House of Commons considering that they sate in the Convocation-House, and remembring the Fidelity and Loyalty of the University, Voted,* that the Thanks of the House should be given to the Chancellor, Masters, and Scholars, for their eminent Loyalty to his Majesty, and his Father of blessed Memory, during the Rebellion; particularly, for refusing to be visited by the Usurped powers, and to subscribe the Solemn League and Covenant; and for these Excellent Reasons they publish'd to the World to justi∣fie his Majesties Cause.

Mr. L. Hide, Sir Heneage Finch, Sir Iohn Birkenhead, and Colonel Strang∣ways, were ordered to present these their Thanks to the University; which was accordingly done in a full Convocation, within the same Walls where the Vote past.

After this, Sir Heneage Finch and Colonel Strangways were made Doctors of Laws by Dr. Ienkins Principal of Iesus Colledge. Mr. Hide and Sir Iohn Berkenhead having received their respective Degrees before.

Soon after, the Duke of Ormond,* Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland was remanded back into that Kingdom, where in a short time he arrived at Dublin, and was received into the City with great splendor and Magnificence.

This Moneth the several Courts of Justice sate in the Schools at Oxford,* being Michaelmas-Term, where Sir Iohn Keeling was made Lord Chief-Jus•ice of the King's-Bench, and Sir William Morton one of the Judges of the same Court, in the place of Sir Wadham Windham deceased. The next Term (being Hillary) was from thence adjourn'd to Windsor, and from thence to Westmin∣ster, where they sate February the ninth.

But among actions of lesser note at Sea, the courage of Captain Howard deserves remembrance,* who now commanding one of the King's ships, render'd himself as signally faithful to his Sovereign, as to his Owners: who having cer∣tain Victuallers and other Merchant-men under his Convoy, as he passed by the Bay of Cadiz, five Dutch Men of War,* then under sail before the Bay, ha∣ving notice thereof, being Vessels of 43, 40, and 36 Guns apiece, had immedi∣ately fetch'd up the Merchant-men; but the Captain so behav'd himself with his Merlin, a Frigat of 12 Guns only, that the whole English Fleet had time to escape into the Bay of Tangier; and by and by perceiving the headmost of the Dutch ships of 45 Guns, who had done him most mischief, to be making after the Fleet to their inevitable Ruine, he frankly ran himself aboard the Dutch-man, where he fought above an hour board and board, till being himself dangerously woun∣ded, and all his Men dead, or desperately wounded, save eight, he was at length compell'd to yield, and carried into Cadiz.

But to return neerer home, to the Grand Affairs betwixt England and Hol∣land, we finde the Netherlanders in no small perplexity.* They had now recal∣led their Embassador Van Gotch out of England, who took his leave of the King at Oxford: by him the King sends a Letter to the States; wherein, though he could not but charge them as the Authors of the War, yet he signified to them his readiness to come to any fair terms of Accommodation: nor could this Letter be so stifled by the contrary Faction, but that the People got a view of it; by which when they saw the disposition of the King of England, they were not a little enrag'd at the Province of Holland, who had so much endea∣vour'd to keep them in ignorance, and made them more pliant to yield to those Alterations that not long after followed.

Munster so bestirs himself all the Winter,* that he allows no time for rest, but upon Thaws and milde Weather; so that he defeated several considerable par∣ties of the Dutch, and advanced not a little way into their Country of Friez∣land, burning and spoiling some, and taking other of their Towns; whilst Prince Maurice with 18000 men is forc'd to look on, without being able to at∣tempt Page  544 any thing of moment.* Their chief Assistants were the King of France and Dukes of Lunenburg. As for the first▪ he sent them a Supply of men; but they brought along with them so much Rudeness, and such Diseases into the Country, that the Dutch were soon weary of their company; for they were forc'd to quarter 'am in the Brandenburgher's Country, which did them no good. The th•eats of Waldeck, and the conjunction of the Confederate-For∣ces, did them as little kindness, only it caus'd the Bishop to retire with his main Body out of Friezland, leaving a sufficient strength in Garrisons; for he had destroyed already 900 Horse in one place,* 200 Foot in another▪ he had defeated two Troops of their Horse, and 500 Foot in another place, and 400 Foot that had repossessed themselves of Vriesveen, forcing them to render them∣selves; and had now Garrisoned his Foot in his new Conquests, and withdrawn his Horse into his own Country.* The Dukes of Lunenburg grew cold in their assistance, and sent to excuse themselves to the King of England, for what they had done, as being ignorant of the Grounds and Causes of the Bishop's taking Arms. The Brandenburgher offer'd a Mediation with the Bishop, but with much delay. Their main hopes was in the King of France, who believing the Ballance of Affairs not even enough yet, (and 'tis thought rather acting as he did out of an affectation of Sovereignty in the Mediterranean-Sea) not only conti∣nues their friend, but declares War against England,* acquainting the Queen-Mother of England, that though he could no longer keep off a Declaration of War against his Majesty of Great Britain, yet that he should always preserve the same esteem and value for his Majesty's Person, hoping his Majesty would continue the same kindness and affection for him.

*Accordingly, upon the 27th of Ianuary the French King's Declaration of War was publickly proclaim'd, upon pretence of Succouring the States General in consequence of the Treaty 1662. But the Lord Hollis the King of England's. Embassador in France, having remonstrated the great injustice of that Declara∣tion which subjected all English-men in their Estates and Persons to the last acts of Hostility, contrary to the Treaties between the two Crowns, allowing each party three Moneths time for the withdrawing their Estates and Persons after a Rupture; The King of France thereupon issu'd out a second Proclamation, gi∣ving the English the said Liberty of three Moneths to Transport themselves and Goods.

However, in return of the first Declaration, the King of England soon after, that is to say, in February,* publish'd also his Declaration of War against the French. Importing, that whereas the French King pretending an Alliance De∣fensive with the States General, had proclaim'd a War against his Subjects, That he was resolv'd to prosecute the War which the French King had so un∣justly undertaken against him, with his utmost Force by Sea and Land.

It was then admirable to see with what a harmony and chearfulness the Ma∣ritime Counties offer'd their service to his Majesty, upon their receiving his first Orders to put themselves into a posture of defence: But he being tender of continuing them under the trouble of a needless Duty, was pleased to direct their dismission and return home till further occasion.

In the mean time Sr. Christopher Mimms was Crusing about, with a Squa∣dron of stout Ships;* who hearing of a Squadron of the Dutch that were out at Sea near Ostend, he made away for Discovery, and at length had a view of them, out of fight of Land about Newport, being in all 16 Sail and 3 Flags. Fain he would have been dealing with them; but they not daring to abide the shock, made all the Sail they could away, and easily escap'd him, being neer their own Burrows.

*The Pestilence was now so well abated, that the King return'd again to White-Hall, where the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs of London attended Him, and hum∣bly welcom'd Him home to his Chief City, after so long and melancholy an absence.

The Term also, which to prevent the too early resort of People to LondonPage  545 and Westminster, had been Adjourn'd to Windsor, was now again Adjourn'd from thence to Westminster.

But the Parliament,* who should have met the 20th of this month, were again Prorogu'd till the 23 of April, by a special Commission directed to the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, and others of the Lords both Spiritual and Tempo∣ral.

About this time, Sir Thomas Clifford, the Kings Extraordinary Envoy to Sweden and Denmark return'd into England.* And the Earl of Sandwich was sent Ambassadour extraordinary into Spain, where what good Services he did, the following years will declare.

And to shew how diffusive the Kings Royal care was, for the good of his Subjects, as well far distant, as neer home; Mr. Warren, employ'd for that pur∣pose, had now for the benefit of the English Trade in Africa,* made a Peace with Sancta Cruze, Sophia and Morocco: In the last of which Places, when the Emperour heard that the English Agent was come to make a Peace with him, he ordered a Guard of 500 Horse to Conduct him to his Court, which attended the Agent above Fourscore Miles.

And all this while the Mediterranean Sea were secured by a strong Squa∣dron of Ships under the Command of Sir Ieremy Smith.

Sir Christopher Mimms missing of the Dutch at home,* sail'd away for the Coast of Sweden, where coming to an Anchor at the Mouth of the Elve, with a Charge of Merchants under his Convoy; General Wrangle made it his bu∣siness to travel 30 miles to give him a visit Aboard his Ship; whom the En∣glish Admiral entertain'd according to his Dignity.

The Parliament in Scotland Issued out a Proclamation,*Commanding all Ministers, who had entred before the Year 49; and since the Restitution of the Church-Government by Archbishops and Bishops, had Relinquish'd their Ministery, or had been Deposed by their Ordinary, to remove themselves, within Forty days after their Relinquishment or Deposal, out of the Parishes where they were Incum∣bents, and not to Reside within Twenty miles of the same, nor within six Miles of Edenburgh, or any Cathedral, nor within Three Miles of any Burgh Royal; nor to Inhabit Two in one Parish, upon Penalty of Incurring the Laws made against movers of Sedition.

This Proclamation was occasion'd, by the Insolent Carriage of one Alex∣ander Smith, a Depos'd Minister, who being taken at a Conventicle, was con∣ven'd before the High Commission-Court; but gave such reviling Language against the Archbishop of St. Andrews, who sate there as President, that the Lord Commissioner ordered him to be put in Irons Twenty four hours, in the Theives Hole.

In Ireland,* the Parliament being likewise Sate, fell upon the Examination of certain of their Members, who were said to have been in the Plot in the Year 1663. Robert Shapcott, Alexander Staples, and five others, were call'd to the Bar, and for that Reason, were Expell'd the House, and made incapable of ever sitting in any Parliament of that Kingdom.

Anno Dom. 1666.

*THE War continuing between the English and the Dutch, the beginning of this Year brought Intelligence from America, where the Governour of Iamaica resolves to Attaque their American Plantations;* and according∣ly, by the Assistance of the Buccaneers or Hunters upon Hispaniola, made them∣selves Masters of Sancta Eastachia, Salia, St. Martins, and Bonaira; and took the Island Tabago by Storm. At which time a Party sent from the Barbadoes to have done the same, being thus prevented, fell upon the Dutch Plantations in the Continent, where they possess'd themselves of New Zealand, taking the Fort with seven Guns: upon the River Maccurah and Wina, they spoil'd Ten Page  549 Sugar-works, and took 500 Negroes, which they sent to Martinego. And thus, with a handful of Men, they Expell'd the Dutch out of all their Plantati∣ons in the West-Indies, excepting only Curressa, being a Fort built by the Dutch in an Island without any Plantation, and not worth Attempting.

At home,* the Dutch endeavour all they can to strengthen themselves with Alliances, and therefore make Peace with the Dane, on condition, That both Parties absolutely renounce all manner of Pretences: whereby Denmark be∣came a gainer of 60 Tun of Gold. All disorders in Norway were to be quite taken away; which doubled the King's Revenues at that time. Lastly, the Hollanders were to pay yearly to the Dane 15 Tun of Gold so long as the War with England lasted. In lieu whereof, the Dane was to maintain 30 Men of War in the Sound; to which the Hollander was to add Eight, or Ten, with some Land-forces. This the Swede took ill, Declaring to all Publick Ministers his Resolution to stand firm to the League with England;* in order whereunto, Wrangle understanding that some Dutch ships were come into the Elbe, where then a Fleet of English Merchants rode, commanded a Swedish man of War to Guard them, and rather to sink by their sides, than see them injur'd: the same care being likewise taken to secure the English in Schonen. They also sent an Embassadour into Denmark, to Expostulate the Reason of their Alliance, and to shew their dislike of the whole Transacti∣on: and when the Danish Resident, in a studied Speech, endeavour'd to give the Queen and Regents of Sweden an accompt of his Masters Inten∣tions in that League for the security of the Sound, and the Provocations pretended from England, which forc'd him to Revenge, and offer'd the Crown of Sweden to be included in the same Alliance: He was presently Answered, That the Procedure of his Master seem'd so fowl and Dishonourable, that they knew not how any Prince for the future could Treat with him. But the Swedes seeing what the Dane had done, resolv'd in no wise to suffer the Sound to be shut up at pleasure; reinforc'd their Garrisons in Schonen, and prepar'd a sufficient Navy for their Defence. However, to shew themselves not altogether averse from Peace, the Swedes did frame a Project for an Accommodation between the States and them, which contain'd so many points of Restitutinos, Reparations, and amends, to be made by the States, that they were nothing pleased with it. Besides, the Swede insisted to be ad∣mitted into the Trade of India; a point, above all the rest, which the Dutch were most jealous of.

The King now taking into consideration the hazardous consequences by the extraordinary resort of People to the Parliament,* by his Commission directed to the Lord Chancellour, Prorogu'd them to the 18 of September next.

He also Issued out a Proclamation,* whereby Iohn Desborough, Thomas Kel∣sey, and others, were requir'd to return into England, and render themselves; and in case of Disobedience, to stand Guilty, and be Attainted of High Trea∣son. A while after, Desborough was brought over from Ostend in the Lit∣tle Mary, and Committed to Dover Castle, by the Lord Middleton: but at length, released by the Kings Order.

Another Proclamation was issued out, Giving all Persons that would, li∣berty till the 25th of December following, to export all Woollen Manufactures be∣yond Sea; in regard that the War and Contagion bad caus'd such a deadness of Trade in the Nation.

But at the Old Baily were Try'd several Malefactors;* in all, Eight Persons, formerly Officers or Souldiers in the Rebellion; among whom, the most no∣ted was Iohn Rathborn an old Army-Colonel. Their Indictment was, For Conspiring the King's Death, and the overthrow of the Government; having in the Kings absence from the City laid their Plot and Contrivance for surprisal of the Tower, the killing General Monk, Sir Iohn Robinson the Page  550 Lieutenant of the Tower, and Sir Richard Brown Major-General of the City, and then to have declared for an equal division of Lands. The better to effect this Design, the City was to have been Fir'd, and the Portcul••ces to have been let down, to keep out all Assistance; the Horse-Guard to have been Surpriz'd in the several Innes where they were quarter'd; several Ostlers hav∣ing been gain'd for that purpose. The Tower had been View'd, and its Sur∣prisal Order'd, by Boats over the Moat, and so to Scale the Wall. There was in the Conspiracy one Alexander, who made his Escape, who had distributed several S••s of Money to these Conspirators: and for the carrying on the Design more effectually, they were told of Great Ones, that sate constantly in London, who issued out all Orders; which Council received their Directi∣ons from a Council in Holland, who sate with the States. The Third of September was pitch'd upon for the Attempt, as being found by a Scheme Erected for that purpose, a Luckie Day; a Planet then Ruling, which Por∣tended the downfall of Monarchy.* They were found Guilty of High Trea∣son, and Executed at Tyburn.

The Month of May was without Action; only in the beginning thereof, the Fleet being ready to set Sail, His Majesty and the Duke of York went down to see the Condition thereof; and having staid there three days, return'd to White-Hall.

*Toward the latter end of May, the Earl of Sandwich His Majesties Ex∣traordinary Embassadour Arriv'd at Madrid; and the Lord Hollis return'd from his Embassie in France.

The Fleet was now ready, under the Conduct of Prince Rupert, and the Duke of Albemarle: But while they are searching for the Enemy, it will not be amiss to relate a Combate of lesser Note,* for the Honour of the En∣glish Courage abroad, as well as at home. The Guiny Frigate being in the Port of Lisbon, found there a French Man of War, the Captain whereof bragg'd what he would do, when the Guiny Frigat should dare to put to Sea. Which Captain Coite understanding,* stood out to Sea, expecting when the French Champion would follow; but he consulting more his own security, than his honour, was content to let the Guiny Frigat tire her self with attendance: so that the Captain having stay'd hovering in sight of the Town, for three days together, return'd into Harbour; and bringing out the Ships under his Con∣voy, steer'd his own Course.

*But to return to the Fleet. It was at this time divided, and the White Squa∣dron under Prince Rupert was gone toward the Coast of France,* upon an ap∣prehension of Beauforts coming to joyn with the Dutch; at which time the other two Squadrons under the Duke of Albemarle being Four Leagues off the North-Foreland, the Bristol plying about a League from the Fleet, discover'd several Sails, and thereupon fir'd Three Guns for better Information: Soon after,* from the top of the Admiral, they discover'd the Dutch Fleet. The Fight began, Friday the First of Iune, and was maintain'd for two days together with only 50 ships of the English, against double the number of the Dutch. The Duke had all his Tackle taken off with Chain-shot; and his Breeches to his skin were shot off. Captain Harman in the Henry, had the luck to have all the Dutch Fleet upon him, single; which he bravely supported, and forced his way quite through them: he had three Fireships upon him, of which one took fire, but it was soon quench'd; and at length, he was forc'd to leave the Fleet. The Rainbow being the second, as the Henry was the first that Engag'd. This was the first days Dispute, from one of the Clock, till nine at Night: wherein, the Dutch had two great ships Fir'd.

*On Saturday, the Fight was renew'd with greater Violence than before, where∣in the Dutch lost Three Sail more, which were forc'd to retire out of the Dis∣pute; and it is thought, that this part of the Fleet would have given a very good accompt of the Enemy, had not the Dutch receiv'd a Reinforcement of 16 fresh ships. The General was Attacqu'd by a Vice-Admiral of the Ene∣my, Page  551 who came up so neer, as that the Yards arms touch'd; but the General re∣ceiv'd him with so full a Bread side, besides a Volley of small shot, that he fell a Stern, and appeared no more. However, on Sunday, the General finding the Fleet overpower'd in number, and ti••d with continual service, began to stand over to the English Coast. In this Retreat, which was manag'd with all care and prudence, the Saint Paul and two other ships were by the General's order set on fire, to prevent their falling into the Enemies hands; all the men disposed into other ships.

Toward the Evening of that day appeared the Prince;* upon whose approach, the Enemy leaving 50 Sail to make good against the General, sent out 30 more to intercept the Prince; but he avoiding them, made up to the General: when he drew neer the Fleet, he sent word to the General, that if he approv'd of it, he would keep the Wind & engage those thirty ships which bore up to him: but the General supposing that Squadron to be only a Decoy to draw the Prince upon the Galloper, sent a Caution to the Prince not to meddle with that Squadron. And now both Generals being joyn'd, on Munday by Morning-light the Dutch Fleet were got out of sight; but the English soon made them again, Sir Chri∣stopher Mimms leading the Van, the Prince in the Middle, and Sir Edward Sprague in the Rear of the fresh Squadron. Here the Encounter was very sharp, the English fighting some to the Windward, some to the Leeward of the Dutch. In this Engagement the English pass'd the whole Body of the Ene∣mies Fleet five times, with good advantage on their side: which the Dutch not enduring, began to run, and were pursu'd so long as the Powder lasted, there being not above 35 of the Enemy left in a Body; and doubtless they had recei∣ved more mischief, the Generals resolving to have born in among 'um a sixth time, but that the Prince having receiv'd in the last pass two shots in his Pow∣der-room, and finding his Masts disabled, was forc'd to let the Enemy make the best of their way, whereby they escaped much fairer than otherways they could have done.

Of the English Fleet was only burnt the Prince, having by misfortune first run aground upon the Galloper,* by which means Sir George Ayscue the Commander be∣came a Prisoner. The Essex was also taken, having entangled her self by grapling with one of the Enemies ships which she had almost taken. The Swiftsure was also missing (taken by Rear-Admiral Swaert) her Commander Sir William Berk∣ley being slain. Beside these, not a ship, except the Slugs expresly burnt by Or∣der; all the rest arriving safe in the Gunfleet. Certainly many of the Enemy were Burnt and Sunk. The Enemy endeavouring to conceal their Losses as much as they could; but it was generally concluded that they lost above 15 Ships, and 21 Captains, among the rest Evertson one of their Admirals, and of common Seamen above 5000.

Sir George Ayscue was sent to the Castle of Lovestein, and Captain Reeves im∣prison'd in Amsterdam, having, Wounded as he was, receiv'd most barbarous usage from the hands of those that took him.

This bloudy Encounter being over,* the King makes all the hast imaginable to take the Sea again; to which purpose the King proposes to the City the fur∣nishing him with a sum of Money to answer the great occasion of the War; whereupon, the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Common-Council agreed to fur∣nish him with 100000 l. the most of which was subscrib'd upon the place.* However, the Dutch, by reason they had several ships already fitted, which were intended for the Sound to assist the Dane, got out some time before the English could possibly be ready, and were several times discover'd towards the Coast of France to meet with Beaufort, who was to have joyn'd with them, but never did.

But it was not long before the English Fleet were at their heels in very good order:* The Flags being carried by the Generals Sir Ioseph Iordan, Sir Robert Holmes, Sir Thomas Allen, Sir Thomas Tyddiman, Captain Vtburt, Sir Ieremy Smith, Sir Edward Sprague, and Captain Kempthorn.

Page  552On Munday, the English Fleet set sail from the Gunfleet, the Enemy plying Eastward before them. That Night proving stormy, the Iersey disabled by Thunder, her Main-topmast being broken to pieces, and the Main-mast split from the Top to the Bottom, and another Fire-ship receiving some harm, were sent away to be refitted. At two of the clock next day, they weigh'd and discover'd the Dutch Fleet standing with them, having the Wind, but not the Courage to engage them. Next Morning by nine of the clock, both Fleets engaged,* the English not firing till they came up close with the Enemy, and then the Anne headmost of the White began the Fight, the Red and Blue Squadrons coming up within an hour after. Between ten and eleven, one of the English Fire-ships endeavouring to board their headmost Admiral, was put off, and burnt down without effect. At eleven, the Van of their Fleet began to give way; and about one, the whole Van bore away from the English before the Wind: neer half an hour after, the Royal Katherine, the Saint George, and another of the White lay by to repair, together with Sir Robert Holmes. After that, the Resolution was burnt by a Fire-ship sent on board him by Tr•mp, but the men were most of them sav'd,

About three of the clock, the Royal Charles went out of the Line, and with much Gallantry fought ship to ship with De Ruyter within Musquet-shot, lea∣ving her place to the Sovereign, till having repair'd her self, she stood in again, and so warmly handled De Ruyter, that he was forc'd to give way; but so disa∣b•'d her self, that she had not a Rope left, but was tow'd out of the Line by Boats: about which time two of the Enemies ships were observed to be blown up.

About four of the clock De Ruyter made all the sail he could, and ran for't, but made frequent tacks to fetch off his maimed Vessels; once hazarding himself very much to rescue his Second, who was so disabled, that he could not be got off: in which condition he chopt to an Anchor, which brought the English to the Leeward of him; a Fire-ship attempting to get up to him, was assail'd by another from the Enemy, and both burnt together.

The Van thus running, were pursu'd by the Red and White Squadron, which continu'd among them all Night: the Royal Iames taking Bankert's ship of 60 Guns, Vice-Admiral of Zealand, himself hardly escaping; and the Snake of Harlem of 66 Guns, which the English afterwards burnt, having Tromp in the Rear, engaged with the Blue Squadron.

Next Morning the Dutch had all the Wind that was, so that the English could not get up with them; only the Fanfan, a little Sloop built for Prince Rupert, with her Oars made up to De Ruyter, and bringing her two little Guns to one side, continu'd for an hour plying De Ruyter Broadside and Broadside, to the great Laughter of the English, and Indignation of the Dutch to see their Admiral chac'd so stoutly. The English Fleet continu'd the Chace over many Flats and Banks, till they came so neer the Shore, that the great ships could not follow, but left the lesser Frigats to attend them till they got into the Darlow-Channel of Zealand.

De Ruyter's ship was batte•'d very much in this Chace; and if the Wind had serv'd for the great ships, he had inevitably been taken, and most of those that were with him had been destroy'd.

Not long after, the Wind veering, the Generals discovered Tromp with the remainder of the Dutch Fleet in the Offen, chac'd by the Blue Squadron, having the Wind; so that toward Night, the Royal Charles tacking to keep between Tromp and home, stood in with the English Fleet, and came to an Anchor; but Sir Ieremy Smith in the Night-time lying by for fear of Shoale ground, the Dutch in the mean time stole away, getting to Windward, so that the Ge∣neral's Squadron could not reach 'um, though they chac'd 'um till they had but six Fathom Water; by which means they got into the Wielings to the rest of their Fleet.

*On the English side were only three Captains slain, the Resolution burnt, and not much above 300 wounded men.

Page  553On the Dutch side,* were above 4000 kill'd, and neer 3000 wounded of com∣mon Sea-men. Several of their Captains also were slain; among the rest, Evert∣son Admiral of Zealand, Tirrick Hiddes Admiral of Friezland; the Vice-Admiral of Friezland, and Rear-Admiral Van Saen. They were above a hundred sail, of which only eighty eight returned: which was the general computation of that time.

It was impossible for the Dutch to deny this to be a Victory, their own ships being beaten home in such a miserable condition, that many of their best ships had much ado to float above Water: And the English keeping the Sea, and not only so, but presently after the Engagement shewing themselves upon their own Coast.

Nor were their own Harbours secure;* for Sir Robert Holmes being order'd to go into the Vlie to burn that Island, with five Fire-ships, some Ketches, and one fifth-rate Frigat, went in: the Fire-ships went ahead, and soon destroy'd two Men of War, and other ships that lay there in defence of the Fleet; which being done, he sent the rest of the Boats to burn the rest of the Ships, which they did with so good success, that in a short time the most of that great Fleet, consisting of 170 sail,* was in a flame, except a Guiny-man of 24 Guns, and three Privateers, who getting into the narrow of the Channel, protected five Sail more that were ahead of them, so that the Boats could not come at them. After that, he went ashore upon the Schelling,* where he burnt the chief Town upon the Island, which was accounted very rich; and had destroy'd all the other Villages, but that being high Water, he durst not lose the opportunity of retur∣ning. The number of Ships burnt, were judg'd to be 160 Sail; which was the more considerable, in regard it was perform'd with so little loss to the Eng∣lish, there being not above twelve men kill'd and wounded in the whole A∣ction.

Yet neither this nor the last disaster were so fatal as to keep the Dutch from taking the Sea again, which they did toward the latter end of August, though not with so powerful a Fleet as before;* and therefore they pass'd by the back of the Goodwyn, making for the French Coast, to have joyn'd with Beaufort, who lay at Rochel with forty Sail: but the English Fleet follow'd 'um close,* and fin∣ding the Dutch gone toward Calice, they stood a course after them; but upon the approach of the English, the Dutch got all under sail, and stood for Bul∣loigne-Road, haling close to the shore: And here they had in all probability been utterly Ruin'd, but that the Weather grew so extreamly stormy,* that the English could not attempt any thing upon them; nor durst the other adventure out to Sea; therefore the English thought it best to make away for St. Hellens-Bay, the place of Rendezvouze, and the most proper station to hinder the Ene∣mies conjunction with the Fleet.

But the French were not a little tam'd by the taking of Monsieur La Roche, who scattered from the Body of the Fleet with five or six more French Men of War, was discover'd by Sir Thomas Allen lying between Fairlee and Dungeon∣ness, who having the Wind, came up by the side of the French-man Yard-arm and Yard-arm, and pour'd into him a Broad-side of great and small shot, receiving the like from the other; but before Sir Thomas could tack again, the French-man having spent his Fore-mast, and finding himself fallen between two other of the English Frigats, and Sir Thomas at his heels ready to give him another Broad-side, he immediately yielded. This ship was called the Ruby, of a thousand Tuns burthen,* carrying 412 men, and 54 Guns, whereof 50 Brass.

And now De Ruyter falling sick, was forc'd to leave the Dutch Fleet under the care of Van Ness. But the States, finding the Weather unseasonable, and their Ships much shattered by Tempests, thought fit to call their Fleet home, and to put an end to any further occasion for this year. Saving only that five of the English Frigats meeting with five of the Dutch, of 38, and 36 Guns a piece, took the Admiral and two more, and chac'd the other two ashore.

Page  554*Being return'd, Tromp and De Ruyter fell out, laying the blame of all the Summers Losses and Miscarriages upon one another. The States in favour of De Ruyter took away Tromp's Commission, and confin'd him to Amster∣dam; and a second Examination and Execution was done upon many of their Officers for Cowardise, and others deeply Fin'd.

But now to return homeward; in Guernsey the Governour of Chousey in France,* together with the Pilot or Master that brought him, were apprehended for bringing a Letter to Major-General Lambert there in Prison, and offering a contrivance by his escape to engage him against the publick Peace. At first, though the D•signe was fully prov'd against him, he denied all; but the next day confessing the whole matter, and retracting what he had said the day before,* he and the Pilot were both Executed upon the common Gallows for Spies.

Thus were the English s•cure enough from Forrein Enemies; but the City of London had now to grapple with an Adversary more powerful than all their Machinations: For upon the second of September, about one of the clock in the Morning,* broke out a most sad and deplorable Fire in Pudding∣lane neer New Fish street; which falling out at that time of the Night, and in a quarter of the City so close, and built with Wooden Pitch•d Houses, spread it self before Day so far, and with such distraction to the Inhabitants, that due care was not taken by them for the timely preventing the fur∣ther d•ffusion of it, by pulling down Houses, as ought to have been; so that in a short time the Fire began to be too big to be master'd by any Engines or working neer it. It fell out most unhappily also, that a violent Eatterly Wind somented it, and kept it burning all that Day and the Night following, spreading it self up to Grace-Church-Street, and downwards from Cannon-street to the Water-side as far as the Three Cranes in the Vintrey.

The People in all parts were distracted by the vastness thereof, and their particular care to carry away their own Goods; yet many attempts were at length made to prevent the spreading of it, by pulling down Houses, and making great Intervals; but all in vain, the Fire seizing upon the Timber and Rubbish, and so continuing its progress through those spaces, and raging in a bright Flame all Mundy and Tuesday,* notwithstanding the King and Duke of York took most indefatigable pains night and day to apply all possible remedies to prevent it.

At length, the Wind slackning on Tuesday-night, and the Flames meeting with Brick buildings in the Temple, by little and little it was observ'd to lose its force on that side.

On Wednesday-morning, by the personal care and labour of the Duke of York a stop was put to it at the Temple-Church; as also neer Holborn-bridge, Pi•-corner, Aldersgate, Cripplegate, at the lower end of Coleman-street, the hither end of Bishops-gate-street, at Leaden-hall and the Stand in Cornhil, at the Church in Fen-Church street, at Cloathworkers-ball in Mincing-lane, in the mid∣dle of Mark-lane, and at Tower-Dock.

On Thursday it was wholly Extinguisht, but so, as that Evening it burst out again at the Temple by the falling of some sparkles upon a Pile of Wooden building. But the Duke of York, who all that night watch'd there in Per∣son, so encourag'd the People with his presence, that by blowing up the Hou∣ses about it, before day they most happily master'd it.

*Two strangers Dutch and French were during the Fire Apprehended and Imprison'd, and afterwards Examin'd by the Chief Justice of the King's-Bench, assisted by the Lords of the Council, Though notwithstanding that suspition, it was most generally concluded to have been the Effect of some unhappy Chance; or, to speak better, the heavy hand of Heaven. About the Tower, the seasonable Orders that were given for plucking down Houses, to secure the Magazines of Powder, were more successful; that part being up the Wind, though the Fire came almost to the very Gates: by which early provision, the several Stores of War lodg'd in the Tower were entirely sav'd.

Page  555It was observ'd,* that this Fire first happen'd in such a part of the Town, where though the Commodities were not very rich, yet they were so bulkie, that they could not be well remov'd; so that the Inhabitants sustain'd no very great loss of Goods: but the other parts of the Town, where the Com∣modities were of greater value, took the Alarm so early, that they sav'd the greatest part of their richest Merchandizes; which did not a little diminish the loss.

Through this sad Accident,* it is easie to be imagin'd how many persons were necessitated to remove their Goods into the open Fields, where they were forc'd to continue some time; therefore the King was frequent in Consulting all ways to relieve these distressed persons, as well by his Proclamations, as Or∣ders to the Justices of the Peace, to send Provisions to the Markets; Com∣manding the Victualler of his Navy to send Bread into Moor-fields, which for the more speedy supply, was sent in Bisket out of the Sea-stores.

The Fire being thus happily quench'd,* the King Proclaim'd a General Fast through England and Wales; and order'd, that the distresses of those who had more particularly suffer'd in that Calamity, should be recommended to the Charity of all well-disposed persons, upon that day, to be afterwards di∣stributed by the hands of the Lord Mayor of the City of London.

And to shew his Pious Care for the Cities Restoration,* he passed a Declara∣tion in Council, wherein he first prohibited the hastie Building any Edifices, till care could be taken for its Re-edification, so as might best secure it from the like Accidents.

That no person should Erect any House or Building, but of Brick or Stone.

That the most Eminent Streets should be of a breadth; and that no streets, especially toward the Water, should be so narrow, as to render the passages inconvenient.

That a fair Wharf should be left, all along the River-side; no Houses be∣ing to be built, but at such a Distance; and none of those Houses to be In∣habited by Dyers, Brewers, or Sugar-Bakers.

That an Exact Survey should be made of the Ruines, for the satisfaction of particular Interests; and that a Model should be fram'd of the whole Building.

He also Recommended the Re-building of the Churches to the Charity and Magnanimity of well-affected Persons. And for encouragement of others, promis'd to Re-build his own Custom-House, and to enlarge it, for the benefit of Merchants: which he afterwards did accordingly, at his own Charge. He also engaged to part with all his right and benefit upon all his own Lands, for the Publick benefit; and▪ to remit the Duties arising from Hearth-money, for seven Years, to all that should Erect any New Buildings according to his Declaration.

And therefore Valentine Knight,* for presuming to Print certain Propositions for Re-building the City, with considerable advantages to the Crown, was Committed to Custody, as being repugnant to the Gracious offers of the King.

After this Distraction in the City,* the Parliament met at Westminster accor∣ding to the time limited at their last Prorogation, to whom the King expressed his satisfaction, to see them so happily met again; making known to them, the Progress and vast Expenses of the War, and the urgent occasion of supply. Whereupon the House resolv'd, that the humble and hearty thanks of the House should be return'd to the King,* for his great Care in the Manage∣ment of the War; and that they would supply him proportionably to his Occasions: and afterwards in a Body attended the King in the Banqueting-House, to signifie the same to his Majesty; in order whereunto, they Voted a Supply of 1800000 l.* In relation to which, in Ianuary following they passed an Act for raising money by a Pole, and otherwise, toward the main∣tenance Page  556 of the present War: to which the King gave his Royal Assent in the House of Lords. But that not being thought sufficient, they so diligently ply'd their business, that in February they passed another Act, for granting the Sum of Twelve hundred and fifty thousand three hundred and forty se∣ven pounds thirteen shillings,* for the same reasons, and upon the same occa∣sion as the former.

And to shew their readiness to forward the Re-building of the City, they passed another Act,* for Erecting a Court of Judicature to determine all differen∣ces touching Houses Burn'd or Demolish'd in the Fire; which, with an Act for the Relief of Prisoners, was the chief business of this Session: being upon the 8th of February Prorogu'd till the 10th of October following.

That Fire which had lay'd the City of London in Ashes, now threatned the City of Westminster, and the Kings Palace it self; having by the misfortune of a Candle falling into the straw, violently seiz'd upon the Horse-Guard in the Tilt-yard over against White-Hall, burning down the North-West part of the Building;* but being so close under the King's own Eye, it was by the timely help which the King and the Duke of York caus'd to be apply'd, in a very short time stop'd, and wholly master'd.

About this time, complaint was made by several Merchants, of the ill dea∣lings of the Inhabitants of the Canary-Islands, in enhansing the Prizes of their Wines; Banishing the English Consul and Factors out of the Island of Tenariff; publickly declaring against the Loading or Unloading of the English Ships; with other severe dealings with the Merchants of England Tra•ing thither. Upon consideration whereof, the King put forth a Proclamation,* Prohibiting the Importing of any Wines of the growth of the Canary-Islands, and all Trade and Commerce with those Parts.

And at the same time, another Proclamation came forth, Prohibiting the Importation of any Manufactures, Wines, Merchandizes, or Commodities what∣soever, of the Growth of France, or of any Lands, Territories, or Places be∣longing to the French King.

No less care was taken for suppressing the Insolencies of the Papists, upon the humble Address of the Lords and Commons made to the King to that pur∣pose.* And therefore all Popish Priests and Jesuits were by publick Proclama∣tion likewise Commanded by a prefix'd time to depart the Kingdom.

And now the King, to justifie his Breaking with Denmark, Published a Deduction of all the Transactions of Affairs between Himself and the King of Denmark; with his Declaration of War against the said King, and the Motives that oblig'd him thereto: wherein the King alledges, that he had been unavoidably provok'd by the King of Denmark,* by many Aspersions, Indignities, and breach of Faith, which that King had offered him; making the Assault made by His Majesties Ships in the Port of Berghen, the Ground of his late entring into a League Offensive and Defensive with the States of the Vnited Provinces; whereas in truth, his Majesty had the Freedom of that Port frankly offer'd him, by the King of Denmark himself, at a time when his Majesty thought nothing of it; and that in order to the doing those very Acts of Hostility wherewith he was then reproach'd. And for a good Omen of his Majesties Success, in the beginning of November came News, That the Vice-Admiral of Denmark was taken by some of His Majesties Frigats upon the Coast of Scotland.

Too long had the City now lain in Ashes, when Sir George Moore, a Pro∣prietor in some Houses in Fleetstreet,* upon promise of conforming to the Model, Form, and Scantling set by the Committee appointed by the King for that purpose, had liberty given him to begin that great Work; which was soon after followed with that Expedition and Beauty, that none could ima∣gine, but they who beheld it.

*It was a Year of Wonders, and this not the least which happen'd in the County of Lincoln; where at a place call'd Welborn, after a Prodigious Thun∣der, Page  557 with Hail-stones as big as Pigeons eggs,* there follow'd a Storm and Tem∣pest with so great violence, that it threw down most of the Houses to the ground, broke down and tore up Trees by the Roots, dispersing the Corn and Hay: from thence going to the next Village call'd Willington, it threw down some Houses, which with the fall kill'd two Children; thence proceeding to Nanby, it fell so violently upon the Church, that it dash'd the Spire in pieces, tearing and rending the Church it self both in the Body and Timber-work, so that it left little of the Wall standing with the body of the Steeple. It was obser∣ved to run only in a Cha•el, which had it held any considerable breadth, could not but have Ruin'd a considerable part of the County.

But that which after so many severe Calamities reviv'd the Hearts of the City,* was the absolute ceasing of her devouring Enemy The Sickness; in ac∣knowledgment whereof, the King order'd a publick day of Thanksgiving.

In Scotland, there happen'd a Riot of no small consequence at Dumfreeze,* where some persons having gathered the people of the Neighbouring Parishes, to the number of about two hundred, arm'd with Clubs and Sythes, took Sir Iames Turner out of his Bed, carried him naked into the Market-place, and had much ado to be restrain'd from cutting him in pieces, for his severity (as they pretended) in exacting Fines upon Nonconformists. Nor was this con∣temptible number long ere they increased to a considerable force, in all 1600 men, and were marching within four miles of Edenburgh, when hearing that the whole Country was up in Arms against them, they thought it more conve∣nient to return; but being set upon by Lieutenant-Colonel Dyel and Major-General Drummond, neer Glencarn-Kirk, they were totally defeated, 500 slain upon the place, and 100 taken Prisoners. Several of the Rebels were after∣wards Sentenced and Executed: among the rest, Corson that first began the Mutiny, and Malkel their Minister, a main Incendiary of the people; so that in a short time all things were reduc'd to their former quietness.

In imitation of England, the Barbadoes, another England in the other part of the World, would not suffer the same Enemies of both to lie undisturb'd. To which purpose, the Lord Willoughby Governour of the Caribby Islands, having set forth from the Barbadoes a considerable Fleet, well Man'd and Victu∣all'd set sail from thence upon some particular designe,* and in his way burnt two ships richly laden in the Harbour of Los Santos, and took two o∣ther Prizes: but as he was in pursuit of his further designe, there arose a Hur∣ricane so violent, that their Cables giving way, they were forc'd to abandon themselves to the rage of the Storm,* which continued with that extremity, that they were wholly separated and dispersed,* and the Lord Willoughby him∣self absolutely lost.

In Ianuary,* the Convention of the Estates of Scotland met according to appointment, where the Oath of Allegeance being administred and taken by the several Members, they fell upon the publick concernments, as securing the Kingdom from publick and Domestick Dangers, and how to put the same in∣to a posture of defence; and for the raising so much Money as should be thought convenient to defray the charge, and thereupon 6000 l. per Moneth was agreed on, for the entertainment of such Forces as should be employ'd in his Majesties service.

But in the parts neer Surinam,* the English were more successful than at the Barbadoes, where they having destroy'd and ruin'd a considerable Co∣lony of the Dutch at Apecawaca, resolved to attempt something likewise upon the French, and particularly to attack the Fort of Sinamary, which they took together with fifty Prisoners, and the Governour, besides what were slain. The English dismantled the Fort, and carried away all the Guns and Am∣munition.

Captain Reade also passing up the Canessa toward the Berbices, a very po∣pulous Creek inhabited by the Enemy, he landed at Carenteen, and marching twenty miles by Land, took the Fort of the Arawaces, taking Men, Wo∣men Page  558 and Children Captives, and much Booty, with little or no loss.

But though it were how December, some English Vessels were still abroad. And among the rest, Captain Robinson, who lighting upon three Dutch Men of War neer the Texel, destroy'd them all: in requital of which curtesie, the Dutch not long after took the Saint Patrick off of Portsmouth, deserted by her own Fire-ship.

At the conclusion of the Year, Captain Vtbert return'd from the Streights with the Squadron under his Command, and seven Dutch Prizes.

Anno Dom. 1667.

*THE Swedes had offer'd a mediation last Year, between the King of En∣gland, and the States of Holland; the result whereof was, That the King of England did accept of Breda for the place of Treaty;* and would send for the Management thereof, the Lord Hollis, and Mr. Henry Coventry, so soon as the Passports necessary for their Transportation should be ready:* which being communicated by the Swedish Embassadors, they embraced the Offer most willingly; however, their preparations for setting out their Fleet were car∣ried on with all imaginable diligence: which the King of England saw; but re∣solving that they should waste this Summer in a fruitless expence, stood on∣ly upon his own Guard.

*Some Ships the English had abroad, but not to do any considerable Service, but what their own Courage, when they accidentally fell in with the Enemy, led them to: among the rest, Captain Dawes in the Elizabeth, meeting with 15 Sail of Rotterdam Men of War, Fought with their Rear-Admiral of 64 Guns, and Five others of 48 and 50 Guns; and presently after, with the Admiral of 70 Guns, and two of his Seconds; yet got clear of them all, forcing the Enemy to lye by the Lee.

Not long after, the same Frigat engaged with Two Danish Men of War of 40 Guns apiece; where after four hours Fight, Captain Dawes was slain with a great Shot; yet had the heart to Cry, For God's sake, never yield the Frigat to those Fellows. Not long after, the Lieutenant being desperately wounded, the Master succeeding him slain, the Gunner took place, who so well ply'd the two Danes, that they Steer'd away to their own Shore; while the English Anchor'd within a Mile of them, to repair the Damages which they had receiv'd. The next morning, though but badly ready, yet they re∣solv'd to expect the Danes again; who, though they were to Windward of the English, and had the advantage of the Current, yet they would not at∣tempt any thing •urther; although the English shot off a Gun in Defiance, but could by no means come nigh them, and therefore bore a way for En∣gland.

*By this time, the English Embassadours are Arriv'd at Breda, and had made their Publick Entrie, which was very Solemn: they were met a Mile from the Town by 200 Horse, sent by the Governor; with whom went the Com∣mander of the Town, in the Governors Coach: the Horse led the Van, then sixteen Pages on Horseback; and after them, four Trumpets, in the King of England's Liverie; after them, the Gentlemen of the Horse to the Embassa∣dors, followed by the Mareschal of the Embassie; who preceded the Embassa∣dors Coach, which was very rich, drawn with six Horses; besides three others of their own, and the Governors. At the Gate of the Town they were met and Complimented by the Governor, who passed with them in their own Coach to their House: but while they were busie at the Trans∣actions of Peace, it will not be amiss to follow the Dutch Fleet in their Mi∣litary Progress.

About the beginning of Iune, they appear'd abroad at Sea, with a con∣siderable Fleet▪ and finding no Enemy to resist 'um, they kept plying upon the English Coast, for many weeks together.

*They had toward the latter end of April, made an Attempt, with a Squa∣dron of Ships, upon Burnt Island in Scotland; but were beaten off with loss.

*Their next attempt was upon the Platform at Sheer-Ness; which being a place of small strength, and consequently unable to resist the Force of their Page  561 Artillery, after a stout resistance made, was quitted by Sir Edward Sprague. Animated with this Success, with 22 Sail they made up toward the Chain, though with some difficulty, several Vessels being sunk about Muscle-Bank, which was the narrowest part: Here the Lord-General was in person with a considerable Force to oppose them; however, the Enemy taking the advantage of an Easterly Wind, and the Tide, press'd on; and though their first ship stuck upon the Chain, the second brake through; and notwithstanding the stout re∣sistance which was there made, they clapt their Fire-ships upon the Mathias and Vnity which lay as a Guard to the Chain, and then upon the Charles the Fifth, all three Dutch Vessels,* which had been formerly taken from the Enemy. The same day they possessed themselves of the Royal Charles, which was twice set on fire by the English, and as often quench'd by the Enemy.

After this, with the same advantage of Wind and Tide, they advanc'd with six Men of War and five Fire-ships as far as Vpnore-Castle; but were so warmly receiv'd by Major Scot from the Castle, and by Sir Edward Sprague from the opposite shore, that they receiv'd no small damage in their Ships, but more in the loss of a great number of Men; yet before they retir'd, they burnt the Royal Oak (having spent three Fire-ships upon her) and much injur'd the Loyal London and Great Iames,* which had been sunk before, and lay the grea∣test part under Water. In their return, two of their own Men of War ran aground;* though others say, so disabled by Vpnore-Guns, that they could not carry them off; and were fired, to prevent falling into the hands of the Eng∣lish.

Upon this, Commissioner Pett,* the person who was intrusted with the Yard of Chatham, and all the Naval Provisions, was committed close Prisoner to the Tower. While he was there a Prisoner, he was twice Examin'd by the Lords of the Council, for several great neglects, in not executing the Orders sent him for the safety and preservation of the Ships in the River. Upon which a Commission was issu'd out under the Great Seal, for a further enquiry into the whole matter.

The next attempt of the Dutch,* was upon the River of Thames, into the Mouth whereof they stood upon the 27th of Iune with 43 Sail great and small, but made not any attempt more considerable, than to send some few men ashore to steal Sheep in the Marshes. Sailing downwards, one of their Flag-ships ran aground upon Blithe-Sands, where she lay till they were forc'd to unrig her.

From hence sailing toward Harwich,* they landed 3000 men near Felstone-Cliff, with a Stand of Pikes: 2000 of them adventured to make two Assaults upon Languard-Fort: the first dispute lasted about three quarters of an hour, the second one quarter; but they were forc'd to retire in such haste, that they left all their Ladders behinde, being hardly able to carry off their Dead, which were judg'd to be an hundred and fifty.

While these Assaults were making upon the Fort, about 1200 that were left behinde near the Cliff, to secure their Retreat,* were encounter'd by the Train'd Bands under the Command of the Earl of Suffolk; and a smart Skirmish pass'd between them, and continu'd till ten of the clock at night, and was again re∣new'd by the return of the beaten Companies from the Fort: but the Horse not being able to come up, that Execution was not done upon them which o∣therwise might have been.

However, the Dutch would not stay for their coming, but as soon as their Boats were afloat, they Embarqued with all the haste they could, and returned to their Fleet.

From hence they came up as far as Hull-Haven,* where the Success then lying, with about eighteen other Men of War of the English, there happen'd a sharp Engagement with a Squadron of the Enemy consisting of eight ships. While the Fight continu'd, one of our Fire-ships wrought up to one of theirs, and grapling together, both of them burnt down, but so close to another of the Page  562 Enemies, that she took fire likewise, and blew up. In a short while after, ano∣ther of their ships took fire, and burnt down: and after that, another of our Fire-ships and one of theirs were both burnt, being grappled together. All the time of this Fight, the English made good their place, insomuch that another of their Men of War ran aground, and fir'd her self; and another of their Fire-ships was burnt, with the loss of one of ours. As they were about to draw off, they sent one Man of War and four Fire-ships toward the English; but with such ill success, that the formost of the Enemies Fire-ships, seeing the English ready with their Ketches to cut off their Long-boats, forsook the Vessel, which was presently seized by the English: the other three Fire-ships out of fear burnt themselves; which the Dutch Man of War seeing, retir'd to the rest of the Fleet. But then the English Admiral with his own ship bore up to the whole Fleet of the Enemy, and sent out a Fire-ship, which had wrought her self very neer one of the Enemies greatest Men of War, being stoutly seconded by the Man of War; but being gall'd by the shot of the whole Fleet, they thought it convenient to come off. Upon this, the English fall down to Gravesend; the Dutch Anchor'd in the Hope, but durst attempt no∣thing further, though both the Wind and Tide served them. By this Engage∣ment, the Dutch were reduc'd from 24 or 25 Sail, to 14. the English from 19 to 15. This happened upon the third of Iune.

The next day they were pursu'd by Sir Edward Sprague, who was now re∣turn'd to his Command, to whom Sir Ioseph Iordan was also joyn'd from Harwich with upwards of 20 Sail of small Frigats: but little or no action hap∣pened, by reason that the Dutch avoided any further Engagement, keeping still at a distance.

*Their next attempt was in Devonshire, where they endeavour'd to land at Wenbury; but the Militia of the Country gave them so warm a return of their Vollies, that they immediately retir'd with all the speed they were able, to their Ships. When this would not do, they sent another Boat with a White Flag, desiring friendship, and leave to buy fresh Victuals: but being answered that nothing of that nature could be done without leave of their Officer in chief, they made another attempt with twelve Boats full of Men, to have lan∣ded neer Cawland in Cornwal;* while their Fleet Anchoring within Musquet-shot of the Shore, spent their shot in vain for above an hour, but were beaten off by the Foot which were plac'd upon the Shore in expectation of their com∣ing.

Then they sent out another Boat with a White Flag and two Officers, desi∣ring to speak with the Commander in Chief; who being brought before Sir Ionathan Trelawney, they first desir'd, from their General, to know what News there was of Peace: Next, they desir'd to buy Provisions, excusing the Hostilities past, as done without their Generals order, who had no Commission to molest or trouble any People on Land; offering the Faith of the Seven Pro∣vinces to any that should be sent aboard their Fleet for their safety in going and returning. Sir Iohn dismiss'd them with promise of a speedy answer:* and upon consultation with the Earl of Bath, it was agreed that Sir Ionathan Tre∣lawney, Major Sparks, and Mr. Windham should go aboard.

At their approach, De Ruyter met them at the Boat-side, and inviting them aboard, saluted them with 13 Guns; excusing what had past, and promising for the future, that no other acts of that nature should be committed while he continu'd on the Coast. De Wit, Doleman, the Count de Horne, with above 20 Captains more, attended the English at the Great Cabin, where they offer'd a Present to De Ruyter for his own Table, but refus'd any greater supply till Peace should be Proclaim'd. Accordingly, upon their return the Earl of Bath sent the Admiral a Present of fresh Provisions,* with a fat Buck and some Fruit; which De Ruyter receiv'd with seven Guns, as an acknowledgement. Notwithstanding De Ruyter's Complement, after he parted from Plymouth, two of the Dutch Fleet came before the Harbour of Hoy, and advancing near Page  563 the Shoar, ply'd with their Broad-sides certain Works that were newly rais'd at the entrie of the Harbour; but after an hour and an half, they were forc'd to retire,* with several Shots receiv'd in their Hulls, and the loss of one of their Top-Masts, and several men, without any loss to the English. After this, they were only seen to hover about the Coasts, but without any farther Attempts; and Peace ensu'd.

For about the beginning of Iune,* the Embassadours of England, France, and Sweden, the Plenipotentiaries of the States and Denmark, repair'd to the Castle belonging to the Prince of Orange, where there was great care taken, to avoid all contests about Precedency. A while after, Mr. Coventry, one of the Em∣bassadors, being sent over into England, and having receiv'd the King's An∣swer and Resolution touching the Articles discuss'd and agree'd to by the Plenipotentiaries, return'd for Breda: so that upon the Twenty first of Iune, the Articles were sign'd by the Plenipotentiaries.* And upon the Fourteenth of August, the Ratifications of the Peace were enterchang'd: The Mediators first bringing in the Ratifications, and other Instruments of the Dutch, French, and Danes, into the English Embassadors Apartment, receiv'd from them theirs in Exchange: Which done, the English Embassadors went into the Apart∣ment of the Dutch and their Allies, where they made and receiv'd the Com∣pliments usual upon the Conclusion of so great an Affair. The Peace was immediately Proclaim'd before the Doors of the several Plenipotentiaries, in their respective Languages. Afterwards, upon the Twenty fourth of August, it was publickly Proclaim'd in the City of London. And as if this had not been enough, it was afterwards confirm'd by an Additional Treaty, made and concluded by Sir William Temple, in Ianuary following.

Having thus pursu'd the Series of the Dutch War and Peace, other inter∣vening actions, must not be omitted.

It was murmur'd,* that the Publick Treasure was wasted and miss-spent; the King therefore to satisfie the People, Issued out a Commission to several Mem∣bers of both Houses, to take an Accompt of such sums of Money as had been rais'd, and assign'd to him, during the present War, being in all 2477500 l. granted at several times, by several Acts; with full Power to call to Accompt all Treasurers, Pay-masters, Receivers, and all other Agents and Persons what∣soever.

And what had not been lately practis'd before by the King, this Year the Feast of St. George was kept in his Palace of White-Hall.

The Earl of Southampton, Lord High Treasurer of England,* being now lately Dead, the King did not think fit to give the Place to any particular Person for the present, but made the Duke of Albemarle, the Lord Ashley, Sir Thomas Clifford, Sir William Coventry, and Sir Iohn Duncomb, by a Com∣mission under the Great Seal, his Commissioners for executing that Office. The Parliament had met according to the Kings Proclamation, in Iuly; but were then Prorogu'd again,* till the Tenth of October: at which time being again Assembled, the King gave for one reason of his last Prorogation, That it was to give himself time to do some things in the mean time, which he hop'd would not be unwelcome to them, which he had since done: leaving his other Reasons to be deliver'd by the Lord Keeper; who not only afterwards en∣larg'd upon the King's Reasons for the said Prorogation, but also recom∣mended to them the Obstructions of Trade, and the settlement of such a Ballance of Trade between England and Scotland, that neither we should be prejudic'd by the Import of their Commodities here, nor they put to seek new places of Vent abroad. As to the Money rais'd for the War, he told them what the King had done, in reference to calling all Persons to Account; and had committed the Examination thereof to themselves, to follow their own Method; adding withal, that if any grievances had happen'd, his Majesty would be as willing to have them Redress'd, as they to have them Represented; not doubting, but that they would endeavour to Imprint the known Truth Page  564 into his Subject hearts: that there was no distinct Interest between the King and his People.

The Commons taking into Consideration the King's Speech, resolv'd to re∣turn him their humble Thanks; to which purpose, having obtain'd the Con∣currence of the Lords, the Two Houses in a Body attended the King in the Banqueting-House, where the Lord Keeper, in the Name of the Two Houses made known to the King,

But the Parliament having Sate till the Middle of December, pass'd several Acts; among the rest, An Act for taking an account of the several Sums of Money therein mention'd. An Act, for Banishing and Disenabling the Earl of Clarenden; to which, when the King had given his Consent, by Commissi∣on, they Adjourn'd till February.*

*And because it was a general Complaint among the Seamen and Souldiers who had been in Service, that they were frequently constrain'd to give mo∣ney, or lose some part of their Wages to recover the rest, the King therefore for the more effectual Redress of such abuses, if any were, appointed the Duke of York, and several of the Lords of the Council, to receive and hear all such Complaints as any Sea-man or Souldier should make of any Exactions practis'd upon them by any of the Officers, Sub-Officers, or Clerks in the Navy-Office, or Treasury-Office: that if the same should appear to be true, Justice might be done upon the one, and Satisfaction given to the other.

*About this time dy'd Mr. Abraham Cowley, one of the chiefest Ornaments of this Age, whose Immature Death, succeeding Ages will lament, when they finde what Treasures they have lost, by his untimely Fate. His temperate Life did not deserve so short a Period: But Heaven perhaps, thought he had done enough, that could not well do more, than make himself Immortal. His Body was convey'd from Wallingford-House to Westminster-Abbey, at∣tended by many Persons of very great Quality: over whose Grave, has been since Erected a stately Monument, to Eternize his Memory.

In America, the French had a Design upon Mevis, having drawn out all their Forces from Martenico, Guadaloup, and St. Christophers; strengthen'd also with an additional force of their own, and two Dutch Men of War, being in all 32 Sail: but being encountred by 10 Sail of the English, who were sent by Lieutenant General Willoughby for the relief of the Island,* the English so smartly Encountr'd them, that he Chased them home to St. Christophers. Upon the Return of the English to Mevis, they found Sir Iohn Harman new∣ly Arriv'd there, with seven Men of War, and two Fireships, who under∣standing what had happen'd, resolv'd to fall upon them in their own Ports, which he did so effectually, that he burn'd their Admiral, and six or seaven of their best Ships more; the rest, all but two, were sunk, partly by the industry of the Enemy, partly by the Shot of the English Ships: in which Service, the English lost not above 80 Men, with little damage to their Vessels.

From the other Indies two ships about this time arriv'd under the Convoy of Sir Ieremy Smith, who having been cruising in the Streights the most part of the Summer, had met with no opportunity of considerable action, more than Page  565 to keep the Dominion of the Seas. However, at length he made a shift to meet with two D••ch East-Indie-Prises outward bound, which he brought home; re∣turning into St. Hel•ens-Road toward the end of September.

Nor did the Dutch at any time Triumph where the number was not too un∣equal, as appeared by the success of six of our smaller Frigats, who falling in with three Holland Men of War of 42, 36, and 30 Guns, and two Merchant∣men to the Northward, took the three Men of War and one of the Merchant∣men,* being forc'd to quit the other, upon view of a whole Squadron of the E∣nemy.

At home, the King had notice of the great concourse of very many persons of the Romish Religion to the Chappels of St. Iames and Somerset-house; and therefore gave order in •ouncil,* That if any of his Subjects, not being of the Families of the Queen, or Queen-Mother, or of Forrein Embassadors, should repair to hear Mass or perform any Exercises of the Romish Religion, that they should be severely prosecuted, and such punishments inflicted upon them, as by Law were provided.

And for the better discovery of such as were addicted to Popery, the Lord-Keeper was Authoriz'd to issue out Commissions of Dedimus Potestatem, for administring the Oaths of Allegeance and Supremacy in all places of England and Wales, where they had not been already granted by the Lord-Chancel∣lor.

The abuses also of the Company of Woodmongers were look'd into,* and upon frequent consultations thereupon had, it was thought fit, that for the con∣veniency of the Publick, their Charter should be surrender'd; which when they peremptorily refus'd to do, the Atturney-General was order'd to proceed against them by Quo Warranto, and by Information in the Crown-Office.

The City began to rise with more splendor now than ever; which the King to forward as much as in him lay, as soon as the Foundation of the Royal Exchange was appointed to be laid,* was pleased to be present and assisting at the Solemnity; His Majesty there placing the first Stone with the usual Cere∣monies.

Not long after, the Duke of York, attended with several persons of Honour, went into the City, and being honourably receiv'd by the Lord Mayor and Al∣dermen, with the usual Ceremonies upon such occasions,* laid the first Stone for a second Pillar: which gave so great an encouragement to the Workmen, that never did so large a Structure go on with greater Vigour.

The remaining part of the Year was more for Counsel than Action: And therefore the King▪ for the better regulating affairs for the future, among other Important parts thereof, taking into his consideration the ways and methods of managing matters at the Council-Board, establish'd several standing Committees for several businesses, with regular daies for their Assembling.

And not content to have Peace at home, His Majesty, to shew himself a Me∣diator among his Neighbours,* sent his Embassador the Earl of Sandwich on that Grand Errand of making Peace between Spain and Portugal, who soon af∣ter he had his dispatches, arriv'd at Lisbon.

He no sooner had had his Audience, but upon the resignation of the former King, the Infanta his Brother took possession of the Scepter. However, so well he manag'd his employ, that in a short while after the Articles were fully agreed on between the two Crowns of Spain and Portugal, and the Ratification mutually exchang'd between the said Embassador of England and the Spanish and Portugueze Commissioners, and soon thereupon publish'd both at Madrid and Lisbon.

The Insolencies of private Men of War were about this time very great,* and therefore the King taking into consideration, as well the safeguard and pro∣tection of his own Subjects as of his Allies, the disturbances of Commerce, and the diminution of his own Revenues in his own Ports and Harbours, set forth a Proclamation, commanding an inviolable T•uce and Cessation in his own Ports, Havens and Roads.

Toward the beginning of this Moneth, the Pa•••ament, according to their Adjournment,* met. At which time, the King coming to the House of Lords, directed his Speech to both Houses, telling them, that he had made a League Defensive with the States of the Vnited Provinces, with a League also for an Efficacious Mediation of Peace betwixt the two Crowns, into which Sweden had offer'd to enter as a Principal. Then putting them in minde of his vast Expences pas•, and necessarily to ensue, by the building of Ships, and setting out another Navy, he desir'd their speedy assistance with Money. Lastly, he recommended to their care to consider of a course how to beget a better Union of his Protestant Subjects.

After this Peace with the Dutch, ensued the Peace with Spain; not only re∣newing the ancient Friendship, but enlarging the Trade and Commerce be∣tween both Kingdoms, concluded in May last, and this Moneth Proclaimed in England.

*Toward the beginning of the Moneth, the Count De Dona, Embassador Ex∣traordinary from the Crown of Sweden, arriv'd at London; but before he had concluded his Negotiation, died in May following.

Toward the latter end of the Moneth, Sir William Temple, Envoy Extraor∣dinary from his Majesty to the States of the Vnited Provinces,* having exchang∣ed the Ratification of the late concluded League, concluded another League concerning Maritime Affairs; and having sent it into England for confirmation, departed from Holland for Brussels.

*The third of this Moneth was Launch'd that Famous Ship, still known by the Name of Charles the Second.

This Moneth also, upon the Petition of the Commons in Parliament, a Pro∣clamation was issu'd forth, to enforce the Laws against Conventicles, and for preserving the Peace of the Nation against unlawful Assemblies.*

Anno Dom. 1668.

*TOward the end of March, several idle persons in and about the City being got together, and abusing the Liberty giv•n 'um by the Holy-days, it be∣ing then Easter-week, tumultuously took upon 'um to pull down Houses of ill fame about the Suburbs, according to former practises; though their chief de∣signe was to Steal and Plunder: Some mischief they did, and more intended, had they not been dispers'd by the Guards of Horse. The Scandal lay upon the Prentices, but afterwards it appear'd otherwise. Four of the number that were apprehended, were upon Tryal found Guilty, and Executed, two of their Heads being set upon London-Bridge.

*The twelfth of this Moneth, the King went to the House of Lords, where he was presented by the House with several Bills; the chief whereof was one for the raising of 310000 l. by way of Imposition upon Wines and other Liquors; which being pass'd with the rest, the Parliament was adjourn'd till the 11th of August next ensuing.

The place of Lord Chief-Justice of the Common-Pleas being vacant, Sir Iohn Vaughan was at the latter end of this Moneth solemnly Sworn Serjeant at Law, and being the next day advanc'd to the vacant Dignity aforesaid, took his place accordingly in Court.

*This Moneth arrived News, that came then too soon, of the burning of the Bridge-Town, being the chief place of Trade in the Barbadoes; the Fire not on∣ly consuming the greatest part of the Houses, but also blowing up the Magazine, to the great detriment of the publick, as well as private persons. But as it fares with most convenient Situations, all hands going to work, it quickly flourished again, being above half rebuilt before the latter end of the year.

*His Majesty had his Embassadors of Envoys in most other parts of Christen∣dom, only Spain; and therefore having first conferr'd the Honour of Knight∣hood upon Sir William Godolphin, hs made choice of him to reside as his Em∣bassador in the Court of the Catholick King, sending him away with all con∣venient speed.

And to keep a Correspondence with the Grand Signior, for the good of the Merchants, Sir Daniel Harvey was sent much about the same time Embassador to Constantinople.

These were no sooner gone, but Monsieur Colbert arriv'd at London, as Em∣bassador from the King of France.

*At the beginning of this Moneth, the Duke of York went for Dover, neer which place, in a Tent erected for that purpose, he took the usual Oath of War∣den of the Cinque Ports.

And to shew that his Majesty was not unmindful of keeping a Watch up∣on the Proceedings of the Netherlands, it was not long after, that Sir William Temple, now the King's Embassador Extraordinary in Holland, made his pub∣lick Entry into the Hague, and had his Audience of the Deputies of the States.

It was in August expected the Parliament should have met again; but the King by his Proclamation, for great and weighty considerations, adjourn'd them to the tenth of November ensuing.

*In November, upon the Resignation of the Lord Gerrard, the Duke of Mon∣mouth receives the Command of the Life-guards of Horse, being openly con∣ferrd upon him by the King.

Page  569Some few days after Pietro Mocenigo,* Embassador from the Republick of Ve∣nice, made his publick Entry, and had Audience of his Majesty.

And now Mr. Secretary Maurice growing old, and ti•'d with State-Affairs, craves leave of the King to make a resignation of his most important employ∣ment; which being consented to by his Majesty,* Sir Iohn Trevor Knight▪ suc∣ceeded him, who at the same time taking the usual Oaths of a Privy-Councel∣lor, soon after was admitted to take his place at the Council-board.

Nor was the King less careful of the Church than State; this Moneth be∣ing famous for the Consecration of that Learned Prelate Dr. Iohn Wilkins Bi∣shop of Chester,* in the Chappel of Ely-House.

His Majesty's Navy, though considerable, had done little else but shew'd its Grandeur all this Summer; when on a suddain Sir Thomas Allen, being di∣spatch'd for the Mediterranean, appears before Argier; where though at first they stood upon their terms, yet when they saw him preparing to use force, their Stomacks began to come down,* so that they immediately offer'd a release of all the Captive English which had been taken by them belonging to Tangier. They also agreed to the former Peace made between the King of England and them, with some additions, which were signed by them and Sir Thomas Allen, to this effect.

From thence he sail'd for Tripoli, at whose appearance the King of the place sent out a Brigantine and a Favourite of his to bid him welcome, assuring him of his readiness to keep and maintain the ancient Friendship, and continue the Articles already agreed on.

The Parliament, who had adjourn'd themselves to the first of March, were about the middle of this Moneth by the King's Proclamation Prorogu'd,* for many; weighty and urgent reasons, till the tenth of October following.

The Births of Princes and Princesses, oftentimes the subjects of Great Histo∣ries, are never to be omitted:* Therefore was this Moneth not a little signalized, seeing the Dutchess of York was about the middle thereof deliver'd of a Daugh∣ter, which was Baptized by the Name of Henrietta by the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury; the Duke of Ormond assisting as Godfather, the Marchioness of Dorchester and the Countess of Devonshire being honour'd for Godmothers.

The King in testimonie of his Amity with Spain,* had sent Sir Edward Sprague as his Envoy to complement the Constable o•Castile upon his Entry upon the Government of the Spanish Netherlands; who having perform'd what he had in charge, return'd at the latter end of this Moneth.

That which compleated the double date of this Year,* was the coming of the Prince of Tuscany to compleat his Travels by a view of England, where after he had been magnificently Treated by the King himself, both at London and Windsor, and in many other Cities and places, by several of the Nobility and persons of Quality of this Kingdom; he departed for Holland, and so to his own Country.

Anno Dom. 1669.

THe 25th of March being past, the Year 1669 begins. A Year wherein there could be nothing more calm and quiet than the surface of the Eng∣lish Affairs, had not the future effects of its silent contrivances made it ap∣pear, that though action fail'd, 'twas busie enough in Council. Therefore En∣voys and Embassadors were frequently employed, a most certain Prognostick of active designes.

*About the beginning of the Year, the Earl of Carlisle was sent Embassador Extraordinary to Sweden. While he repos'd himself in Copenhagen, in which Court he was well known, he receiv'd a Letter sent after him by the King of England, in return of a very obliging Letter from the King of Denmark; with the receipt whereof, the King of Denmark was so well satisfied and pleased, that at the seasonable instance of his Lordship, he was pleas'd to cause his Or∣ders to be dispers'd to all his Ports, particularly to his Custom-places and Ha∣vens in Norway, for restoring the Engish Trading to any part of his Kingdom or Dominions, and the same priviledges which they formerly enjoy'd, according to the Treaty concluded in the Year 1660.

Being arriv'd in Sweden, among other Transactions, he had a private Audi∣ence, in which he presented the King of Sweden with the little George, worn by the Knights of the Order of the Garter;* which the King received with great expressions of joy; being after that, solemnly and publickly, by a parti∣cular Commission, presented and invested by the said Earl with all the peculiar Habits and Ornaments belonging to the said Order.

Other Embassadors were sent to other parts; as Mr. Montague Extraordi∣nary for France; Sir Peter Wyche for Muscovy.

*In Iuly, the Earl of Winchelsey return'd from his Embassie at Constantinople.

Nor can History be so ungrateful to Learning, as to bury in silence the Ho∣nour due to its most bountiful advancers. It was therefore this Year that the University of Oxford, being assembled in a full Body, went to take possession of Page  573 the New Theatre,* the magnificent gift of Dr. Sheldon Arch-Bishop of Canter∣bury; where after the reading his Grace's Grant by the Register of the Univer∣sity, Dr. South the University-Orator made a Speech sutable to the occasion. After which, several Panegyricks were pronounc'd in Prose and Verse; concluding the Ceremony with several sorts 〈◊〉 Musick both Vocal and Instrumental.

But in the King's Ears the discords of Schism were more unpleasing:* for now from several parts of the Kingdom came several Informations, that they who separated themselves from the established Worship, met in greater numbers than formerly, to such a degree, as to endanger the publick Peace, and greatly to the contempt of the Kings Indulgence to Tender Consciences; which forc'd the King to issue out his Proclamation for the suppressing of such Meetings, by putting the Laws in execution, and proceeding particularly against the Preachers.

Learning always deserves an honourable Mecaenas; and therefore the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury having upon satisfactory reasons refus'd the Vice-Chancel∣lorship of Oxford,* Dr. Fell, with the greatest part of the Body of the Con∣vocation meeting at Worcester-house, Install'd the Duke of Ormond Chancellor of that University.

The King was now diverting himself, together with the Duke of York; in the New Forest in Hampshire, when they both receiv'd an express of the Death of their Mother the Queen Dowager of England, who died upon the last of August at Col•mbe,* after a long Indisposition and decay of Health: which made them both repair with all speed to Hampton-court. Her body was for some time expos'd with usual Ceremonies in the Gallery of St. Columbes; after which, her Heart was in a Silver-Vessel, inscrib'd with her Name and Title, carried to the Monastery of Chaliot. Her Body was carried to St. Denīs, and plac'd in a Chappel behinde the Quire. In November following, she was buried after the Form and Magnificence which was formerly used at the Funeral of the Queen-Mother.

This Moneth brought us news, that the Enemy was more than ordinarily busie about Tangier, appearing often, and in great numbers, both of Horse and Foot.* They laid two considerable Ambushes to have sur•riz'd the Garrison; but one was discovered by the Sentinels, the other by the barking of Dogs, purposely kept there by the People and Souldiers; by which means they were beaten off with considerable loss. This not taking effect, they appeared next day on the other side of the Town, and gave the occasion of a smart dispute for an hour, but were thence also forc'd to retire, much to their disadvantage. This made them quiet for some time, when on a suddain they again shew'd themselves behinde a Hill, neer a Fort call'd Iames's Fort; here as the Onset was powerful, so they met with equal resistance, and a courage so much supe∣riour, as quickly forc'd 'um to leave the Enterprize and many of their men be∣hinde, with the loss only of one Corporal: which this Year ended all the trou∣ble of that Garrison.

The Duke of Ormond had been some time since call'd out of Ireland, who thereupon left his Son the Lord Ossory to command in his room: But now to take the charge from-both, the Lord Roberts arrives at Dublin. Upon the news of this change,* the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, the Provost of the Colledge, the Dean of Christ-Church, and most of the Clergy attended the Lord Ossory, where the one acknowledged the many benefits which the City had received from the Government of his Father and himself; the other, the many bene∣fits which the Church had enjoy'd, as well by their good Examples, as by the plentiful provision made them by the Clergy. The reception of the new Lord-Deputy was intended to have been made with much State and Solemnity; but he waving those publick Honours, met the Lord-Deputy and the Council at the Council-Chamber the same Evening after his arrival, where after he had taken the usual Oath, the Lord-Deputy deliver'd him the Sword. He was no fooner enter'd upon his Government. but he issu'd out a Proclamation, com∣manding Page  574 all Governors and Officers to repair to their several Charges and Du∣ties, not admitting any disp•nsation to the contrary.

*London had long layn in Ashes, and the Confluence of all the World had been as long confin'd within the narrow limits of a Colledge-Court; but now again the Merchants, to their great satisfaction, and the lasting Merits of Sir William Turner then Lord Mayor, whose ind••a•igable pa•• and zeal was Eminent in advancing and forwarding so great a Work, met in the Royal Exchange; a Fabrick equal to the Honour of the Undertakers, and holding a true proportion with the rest of the Goodly Buildings of the Reviving City.

*But now men began to listen after things a higher Nature, seeing both Houses of Parliament again Assembled, upon the 19th of October. The King in a Speech acquainted them With his joy to see them at that time, and the hopes he had of a happy meeting, which he promis'd himself, from the great experience he had of their Affection and Loyalty, of which he did not doubt the Con∣tinuance; briefly minding them of his Debts, which though pressing, he was un∣willing to call for their Assistance till this time: acquain•ing them also, that what they last gave, was wholly apply'd to the Navy, and to the Extraordinary Fleet for which it was intended: desiring they would now take his Debts effectu∣ally into their Consideration. Afterwards, hinting to them a Proposal of great Importance, concerning the Vniting of England and Scotland; which because it requir'd some length, he left that, and some other things to the Lord Keeper, to open more fully, which was by him done: and then both Houses Adjourn'd.

*At the beginning of November, both Houses, in pursuance of a Vote which they had made, attended the King in the Banqueting House, where the Lord Chief Justice Vaughan supplying the Room of the Lord Keeper, in the name of both Houses return'd their Humble Thanks to the King, for his Care of the Publick, in Issuing out his Proclamation for the suppressing of Conventicles: Humbly desiring his Majesty to continue the same care for the future. In Re∣ply to which, his Majesty return'd an Answer, to the satisfaction of both Houses.

But now Christmas drawing near, and having sate above a Month without effecting any thing of consequence, the Lords sent the Usher of the Black-Rod to the House of Commons,* to tell them, That by Vertue of the King's Commission, they desird their Attendance: who Attending accordingly with their Speaker, the Commission was read, and the Parliament Prorogu'd till the 24th of February next ensuing.

At the same time that the Parliament of England sate at Westminster, the Parliament of Scot∣land sate at Edenburgh;* where the Earl of Lauderdale having taken the Chair of State, as Lord Commissioner of Scotland, the Earls Commission was first read, and then the doubtful Elections of Members re∣fer'd to Examination.

That done, the Kings Letter to the Parliament was twice read, seconded by a shorter from the Lord Chancellor, perswading them to a concurrence with the King in his Design of Uniting the Two Kingdoms. Then they pro∣ceeded to Elect the Lords of the Articles; the Bishops choosing Eight Bi∣shops; and those Eight, Eight of the Nobility, and these Sixteen, making choice of Eight Knights, and as many Burgesses: by whom, all Affairs were to be prepar'd for the House.

During this Session, they Publish'd an Act for the Naturalization of Stran∣gers within the Kingdom of Scotland; Declaring, that all Strangers of the Protestant Religion, that should think fit to bring their Estates into the said Kingdom, or should come to set up new Works and Manufactures therein, should be Naturaliz'd, as Native-Born Subjects of that Kingdom, to all in∣tents and purposes. The King farther Declaring, That upon application by such Strangers made to him, he would grant them the free and publick use of their Page  575 Religion in their own Language, and the Libertie of having Churches of their own: However, no persons were to have the benefit of the said Act, till first by Petition to the Lords of the Privy-Council, containing an exact de∣signation of their Names, and places of Birth, and former residences, and that t•ey be of the Prot•stant Religion.

They also made another Act asserting his Majesty's Supremacy over all per∣sons, and in all Causes Ecclesiastical. By Sea, little was this Year done, only. Sir Thomas Allen being again sent with a Squadron of Ships about the begin∣ning of August, came before Argier;* and sending in his Boat, began to Treat: they in Argier seem'd willing to make restitution of such Money as they had taken from an English ship bound for the East-Indies; but not agreeing to some other demands, the Treaty prov'd ineffectual: thereupon he began actual Hostility, seizing a Bark laden with Corn which rode in the Bay, with eleven Moors, and a Brigantine, which he took in view of the Town. From hence, having done little or nothing else considerable, he set sail for Tripoly, the Ba∣shaw of which place sent him an assurance of his readyness to pr•serve Peace and a good Correspondence with the King of Great Britain. And after a short crusing up and down in those Seas, he return'd for Cadiz, where this Year leaves him.

But being now so neer the English Territories at Tangier, the King of Eng∣land's Embassador Mr. Henry Howard must not be forgot, who being sent by the King his Embassador Extraordinary to the Emperour of Morocco (at that time Taffalette,* by vertue of his new Conquests) was now arriv'd at Tan∣gier; but understanding the danger of hazarding his person among those Bar∣barians, stay'd at that place, expecting a sufficient strength to convoy and con∣duct him to his place of Audience.

In November, he receiv'd his Safe-Conduct, with an assurance from the Em∣perour that he should not fail of receiving all satisfaction in order to whatso∣ever he should desire for his security, and that he had already caus'd Justice to be done to such as were found guilty of giving any affronts to his people. And true it was, that he caus'd all the English which were taken by the men of Sa•y since the Truce made with him, to be restor'd to their Liberty. But the further issue of this Embassie is to be expected in the following Year. And for this delay, the Emperour excus'd himself for not engaging so great a person in a Country where he had not power to protect him.

Returning home,* we meet with no small loss in the Decease of the Duke of Albemarle, after a long indisposition of Health, in the sixty second year of his Age. His Garter being brought to the King, was by his immediate com∣mand carried back to the Earl of Turrington, then by his Father's death Duke of Albemarle; with a further declaration that he should immediately also succeed in the place of Gentleman of his Bed-chamber, and Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Devon; and farther the King was pleas'd to send him word, that, as the last mark of Gratitude to the memory of the Deceased, he would him∣self take care for the Funeral: which, not long after, was perform'd with great Solemnity, at the King's particular charge.

Nor did the Dutchess his Wife stay long behinde him,* dying toward the latter end of the Moneth; but was more privately buried in the Chappel of Henry the seventh.

The Republick of Venice had •ent a very honourable Embassie into England;* in requital of which, the Lord Falconbridge, by the King's order, departed in the same employment to the Venetian State, being commanded in his way to visit some other Princes and States of Italy.

Nor must we omit the kindness of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, who besides his civil entertainment of the Earl of Northumb•rland, in acknowledgement of the courteous entertainment which he had received in England, built and gave to the King of England two very stout Gallies, for a guard of the Coast about Tangier, being of great importance to the service of his Majesty.

Page  576*The Parliament, according to the term appointed in their last Prorogation, was now assembled; to whom the King, as he was wont to do, made a short Speech, which was enlarged upon by another from the Lord-•eeper. The King therein recommended three things more especially to them; the one was Unity among themselves, the Union of England and Scotland, and the Supply of his present and urgent Necessities. As to the differences among themselves, they were, as soon as sate, buried in oblivion, and all matter of prejudice threat∣ned thereby as suddenly vanish'd: For they were no sooner sate, but accor∣ding to his Majesty's Recommendation, both Houses came to a full agreement in the matter in debate between 'um, greatly to the encouragement of all that regarded the good of the Nation, as by the effect of their unanimous con∣sultations soon after appeared.

Anno Dom. 1670.

IN the beginning of April, the Parliament having prepar'd several Acts ready for the King to signe,* the King came to the House of Lords and gave his Royal Assent, signifying also his consent for an Adjournment till the 24 of Octo∣ber ensuing, having only granted the King an Imposition upon all Wines and Vinegar for such a certain time: And prepar'd a Bill, to Authorize such Com∣missioners as the King should nominate, for treating with the Scotch Com∣missioners in order to the Union desir'd.

This Moneth also, the Lord Iohn Berkley arriv'd in Dublin, to succeed the Lord Roberts as Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, who upon weighty considera∣tions was call'd back again into England.

And now in this time of leisure,* the Princess of Orleans comes to Dover to visit her two Brothers, his Majesty and the Duke of York; her stay in England was short, and her stay in this World not much longer; for in a short while after her return into France,* she departed this life; the Court of England being not only grieved, but astonished at the suddenness of her death.

Upon some apprehension of private designes, a Proclamation was issu'd out, commanding all Souldiers and Officers who had serv'd under the late Usurped Powers to depart the City, and not to come within twenty miles of the same for a prefix'd time, and in the mean while not to wear Arms, upon a severe penalty.

The Parliament of Scotland now sitting,* and understanding what the Par∣liament of England had done in that Affair, the Act for the Treaty of Union pass'd both Houses at Edenburgh, and was touch'd by the Commissioner with the Royal Scepter; of which, although the designe were of high concernment, yet because the Event was not correspondent, it will be enough to say, that the Commissioners on both sides had often Conferences, and great encourage∣ments from the King; but it met with so many delays and difficulties, that as a thing not to be compass'd, it was at length laid aside.

The King was every year very intent upon the suppression of the Pyrates Page  578 of Argier, which was the only War he now had; wherein though his Commanders had prosper'd, by taking particular Prizes, and single Ships; yet never could they meet with a Body of those Rovers, to signalize their Courage, till now: neither was this a Body of above seaven men of War,* too many for the Al∣gerines to run the Fate they did. There were the Hampshire, Portsmouth, Ier∣sey, and Centurion Frigats, under the Command of Captain Beach; these met the seven Argier Men of War, the least of which had 38 Guns, and full of Men, who after a short dispute, were forc'd to run all their Ships ashore, where they were all burn'd, two by themselves, and the rest by the English; besides the loss of most of their men, and the Redemption of 250 Christian Cap∣tives.

Valour gets Renown, but Cowardise Disgrace: therefore Captain Iohn Peirce,* and Andrew Legate, for the loss of the Saphire Fregat in the Streights, were both, about this time, which was in September, try'd for their Lives, at a Court Marshal held upon the River of Thames; where it plainly appear∣ing that the said Frigat was basely and shamefully lost, through the default and cowardise of the said Captain and Lieutenant, they were both Con∣demn'd to be Shot to Death, and soon after both Executed.

*Both Houses of Parliament re-assembl'd, according to their Adjourn∣ment.

*This Month, the Ratification of the Peace between England and Spain be∣yond the Line was agree'd and Ratifi'd; and the Ratifications Exchang'd, and Notice given to the Governors in those Parts, for the punctual obser∣vation thereof, on both sides.

*In the mean while, the Prince of Orange Arrives, to give his Uncle a Visit: He came to London upon the 30th of October, but his stay here was not long; However, he visited both the Universities; and his entertainmen• was in all places answerable to the Dignity of his Person. His coming, no question, had a Mysterie in it; but Mysteries of State are not to be div'd into: However, at the beginning of the Spring, he return'd well satisfi'd, both as to his Publick Reception, and private Concerns.

*In November, Sir Thomas Allen return'd home with his Squadron, having made many attempts upon the Pyrates of Argier, whose Cowardice still shun∣ing the English Force, made the Voyage seem the less successful;* leaving Sir Ed∣ward Sprage in his Room.

December seldom passes without some act of Villany: one more remarkable was at this time perform'd; for the Duke of Ormond going home in his Coach,* was between St. Iames'• and Clarendon-House, by six persons Arm'd and Mounted, forc'd out of his Coach, and set behind one of the Company, who was riding away with him; but he was at length Rescu'd, partly by his own strength, partly by others coming to his Assistance. A Fact which rendred the performers not so bold, as it render'd the Duke Memorable in his Forgiveness.

Sir Edward Sprage was now the King's Admiral in the Mediterranean Sea; of whose Action, the next year must give a farther Accompt.

The Parliament having at this time compleated several Acts, the King came to the House,* and gave his Royal Assent to them; being chiefly for Re∣gulation of the Law, and for an Additional Excise upon Beer and Ale.

*During this Session, the Lords and Commons by their Humble Petition Re∣presented to the King, Their fears and apprehensions of the growth and encrease of the Popish Religion: whereupon, the King in compliance with their desires, by His Proclamation, commanded all Iesuits, and English, Irish, and Scotch Priests, and all others that had taken Orders from the See of Rome, except such as were by Contract of Marriage to wait upon the Queen, or Forreign Embassa∣dors, to depart the Kingdom of England, and Dominion of Wales, upon pain of having the Laws and Statutes of the Realm inflicted upon them.

Anno Dom. 1671.

*IN the beginning of this Year, dyed Her Royal Highness Anne Dutchess of York, Wife to his Royal Highness the Duke of York, and Daughter to the Earl of Clarendon; being shortly after privately Interr'd in Henry the Se∣venth's Chappel at Westminster.

The Parliament still sitting, had by this time prepar'd several other Acts rea∣dy for the Kings Royal Assent; which the King being present in the House of Lords, as readily pass'd. The chiefest, and most of Publick Concern was, The Addition which they made to the King's Revenue, by an Imposition upon Proceedings at Law; not being unmindful of setling such differences as might arise about Houses burn'd in the Fire of London: taking care also, to prevent the Disorders of Seamen,* and the Imbezelment of the King's Stores. After which, they were again Prorogu'd to the 16th of April next ensuing.

*However, before they disperst, both Houses met in a Body in the Banqueting-House, where they made an 〈…〉, That the King would be pleased, by His own Example, to 〈…〉 the constant wearing the Manufactures of his own Kingdom, and discountenance the use of Manufactures made in Forrein Countries: who kindly receiving the Address, told them, That he had as little us'd in his own Person Forrein Manufacturs, as any; and would dis∣countenance them for the future in those that should.

*Nor must we pass by the Death of the Earl of Manchester, Lord Chamberlain of His Majesties Houshold, a Knight of the Garter, and a Privy Councellor; though his loss was soon recompenc'd, by the succession of the Earl of St. Albans. Soon after dy'd the Lord Chief Justice Keeling; into whose Place, the Lord Chief Justice Hale was immediately Sworn: in his Place, Sir Edward Turnor was made Lord Chief Baron, and Sir Francis North Sollicitor-General.

Nor was it fit the Offices of such Eminent Ministers of Justice should be vacant, when such Criminals were to be examin'd as were soon after discover∣ed: For upon the ninth of this Moneth, four men coming to the Keeper of the Jewel-House in the Morning,* and desiring to see the Regal Crown, were carried into the Room where it was kept; but they Stabbing and Gag∣ging the Keeper, an ancient man, and putting the Crown and Ball into two Bags, which they had brought for that purpose, fairly walk'd away, and had almost past all the Sentinels; but the Son-in-law of the Keeper casually passing by, and seeing the condition his Father lay in, run out hastily, crying out to the Guards to stop 'um: upon this they, mending their pace, made their own discovery. Being then commanded to stand, they fir'd a Pistol at the Sen∣tinel: but two of them were presently seized, carried to White-hall, and after Examination, sent back again to the Tower, to be kept close Prisoners where they had committed the Fact.

To make an annual Record of St. George's Feast, is not necessary; but of this,* as being more singularly Signal, it may not be expedient to omit the re∣hearsal: For now it was that the Earl of Carlisle, introduc'd between his Roy∣al Highness and Prince Rupert, was Install'd as Proxie for the King of Swe∣den; and the Earl of Winchelsey, between the Duke of Ormond and the Duke of Buckingham, was Install'd as Proxie for the Duke of Saxony; both which Page  581 Princes were invested the year before: After them, the Duke of Albemarle, between the Earl of Sandwich and the Earl of Oxford, was Invested in his own Stall.

Iune was Crown'd with the success of Sir Edward Sprague, who being now the King's Admiral in the Mediterranean-Sea, met with nine Men of War be∣longing to Argier,* together with three Merchant-men, neer Bugia, who upon his appearance retir'd under the shelter of the Castle, and put themselves into the best posture of defence they could; but the English in the mean while at∣tacquing them with their Fire-ships, perform'd their business with so much va∣lour and success, that they •et the most part of the Enemies ships on fire; those which escap'd the Flame, were seiz'd on by the English: the Men of War were the principal ships of Argier. And to compleat this Victory, Captain Beach brought in to the rest another ship of 40 Guns, and 350 men, which he had but newly taken. So that now Sir Edward Sprague, believing that by this loss the Algerines might be brought to an easie accomodation, made a speedy re∣turn to his station before that Port.

This Moneth,* the King minding to look after the condition of his Western Sea-port-Towns, made a kinde of a Sea-progress. For arriving first at Ports∣mouth, he went in his Yacht to the Isle of Wight, where he took a view of the most considerable Ports of the Island; thence he return'd to Hurst-Castle; thence he went to view Corf-Castle; thence, returning for Portsmouth again, he sail'd away, attended by five Frigats, for Plymouth; thence back to Dart∣mouth, with an intention to return by Land to London. Observing this the great Proverb of The Masters Eye.

The Moors and we were not yet so friendly, but that Taffalette, proceeding in his designe of attempting all the Christian Sea-port-Towns upon the Coast of Barbary, would needs visit Tangier,* giving a warm attacque upon the Fort call'd Anne-Fort, though at a distance, firing upon our men in Rank and File, and falling back while others supplied their places; being the first time the Moors were observ'd to fight in such order:* but finding our men too hot, they soon retreated. And thus are the Moors become a part of the English History.

Then was the Parliament again Prorogu'd from the 16th of April following till the 30th of October 1672.* The King, as it afterwards appeared, having now his hands full of forrein Consultations.

Nor was it for nothing that so many Agents and Embassadors were sent a∣broad. Coventry Esq. for Sweden, the Lord Sunderland for Spain; it being the great care of Princes,* to draw what assistance they can from their E∣nemies: Sir George Downing for Holland; it being no less their care to offer all honourable terms of Peace if they may be obtain'd.

At home, his Majesty, to reward Valour and Vertue, in consideration of that stout and memorable action perform'd by Capt. Boddison Captain of the Swallow, a Merchant-man of 150 Tuns, and 26 Men, who had fought against an Argerine of 36 Guns, and having Boarded him several times, forc'd him at last shamefully to leave him and six of his men-behinde, was pleased to order the Captain a Gold-Chain and a Medal.

Nor was the City of London (having its publick Buildings recovered out of the late Ruines to a greater Splendor and Beauty than heretofore) less mindful to make an Invitation to his Majesty to honour their Lord-Mayor's Feast with his presence; which he did accordingly, to shew how much he was pleased to see the City so reviv'd from such a sad Calamity.

The issue of Sir Edward Sprague's success against the Pyrates of Argier, was by this known in England▪ for he returning from the destruction of their ships to his former station before Argier it self, found a strange alteration among those people, for the Aga had taken off their General's Head, and soon after five of this General's Souldiers cut off the King• Head; and brought it openly in to the Divan, crying out, they must have Peace with the English. Upon this they created a new King, who seeing the inclinations of the people, constrain'd Page  582 by their own necessities, thought it his best way to enter into a Treaty, which at length ended in a Peace as honourable and advantageous as ever was made between the English and those Rovers.

*It could no longer now be conceal'd what the secret Counsels of the Great ones had so long been aiming at: For now the King publickly intending War with the Dutch, openly Declared, That seeing all the Princes and States his Neighbours were making preparations for War both by Sea and Land, he look'd up∣on himself obliged, for the safety of his Government, and protection of his People, to make such preparations as should be answerable to the preservation of both: to which end he had given order for fitting and setting out a considerable Navy against the Spring; but Money was wanting, and his own Revenues all anticipated and deeply engaged. As therefore the necessity was inevitable, the Course taken was extraordinary: It being thought absolutely convenient to put a stop upon the paying of any Money then brought in,*or to be brought in to the Exchequer, during the space of one whole year. To which, as to the last remedy, as the King himself de∣clared, nothing could have moved him, but such a conjuncture of affairs, when all the Neighbouring Princes and States were making such threatning preparations, that his Government could not be safe without appearing in the same posture.

About this time died Dr. Cosens Bishop of Durham and Count Palatine there, in the 77th year of his Age, and was buried at Aukland neer Durham.

* Sir George Downing being now in Holland, according to his particular Instructions, was very urgent with the States, in the affair of the Flag, and by several Instances and several Memorials press'd for an Answer to his Demands: but finding all their delays insufferable, and all his endeavours consequently fruitless, in a few Moneths return'd for England; but after a private Exami∣nation by some of the Lords of the Council, and report made thereof to the King,* he was by his Majesty's Warrant committed to the Tower for not having obey'd the Orders sent him.

It was not safe, while we are going to Wars abroad, to have dissention at home; and therefore the King put forth a seasonable Declaration of his will and pleasure freely to indulge all Nonconformists and dissenting persons in matters of Religion;* asserting however his resolution to maintain the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of England as it was establish'd.

And now they, who would return no answer to Sir George Downing, are Summoned by Sir Robert Holmes to remember their Duty in another manner: For upon the 13th of this Moneth, five of the King's Frigats, crusing by the Isle of Wight,* met with the Dutch Fleet of Smyrna-men, and others, to the number of 50 Sail, convoy'd by six Men of War: Above 20 of their Mer∣chant-men carried between twenty and forty Guns apiece. The English Fri∣gats coming neer, shot at them, to make them strike and lower their Sail; which when the Dutch refus'd to do, the Fight began in the Afternoon, and continued till Night; then three Frigats more coming in, the next Morning they fought again, and all that day. In the Evening, five of their richest Mer∣chant-men were taken; their Rear-Admiral was Boarded by Captain Iohn Holmes, but was so leaky that she sunk immediately. In this action Sir Ro∣bert Holmes was Admiral, the Earl of Ossery Vice-Admiral, and Sir Fresche∣vil Hollis Rear-Admiral.

*The first blow thus given, the King publishes his Declaration of War against the States General of the Vnited Provinces, to this effect: That the dissatisfaction his Majesty had in the carriage of the States General of the United Provinces towards him for some years past, being come to that pass, that be could no longer without the diminution of his own Glory dissemble the indignation rais'd in him,*by a Treatment so unsuitable to the great Obligations which he and his Predeces∣sors had so liberally heap'd upon them; he was resolv'd to declare a War against them; forbidding all his Subjects to hold correspondence with them upon pain of death.*

This Declaration was with the solemnities openly Proclaimed at the usual Page  583 places both in London and Westminster; of which more in the succeeding years.

And now to share in the Triumphs of this War,* Sir Edward Sprague re∣turns, happy in the favours which his Prince did afterwards bestow upon him for his services in the Mediterranean Sea.

It stock mightily in the Stomack of the Dutch, that the King of France should lay such Impositions upon their own Domestick Manufactures; and the King of France was glad it did; and therefore though they sent him word, That unless he took off those Impositions, he should not take it ill if they laid an Impost of 50 per Cent. upon Salt and all other Merchandises of France: And though they were at the charge of an Embassador to press for an Answer to this Affair, yet they found the King took no care to give 'um any satisfa∣ction at all in that particular. They therefore thus exasperated, lay the Im∣position. The King so exasperated,* lays hold of the occasion, Taxes all Spi∣ces and Herring imported by the Dutch, and forbids his Subjects to lade any Brandy or other Commodities aboard any Holland-Vessels.

Besides this, they saw the King of France's Forces drawing into a Body in Flanders, and that with such an unusual preparation, as the buying up of all the Flambeaux or Torches that could be got in the Country, as if the French intended to labour day and night, whereby all the adjacent parts began to be very inquisitive into their own strength. Cologne at odds with her Elector, comes with much ado to reasonable Terms, and in the mean time falls to Fortifying with all her might: and the Emperour took that City so far into his prote∣ction, that he sent the Marquiss of Grana to keep it in his Name,* to the great encouragement of the Inhabitants. Munster was so kinde as to offer this City his Forces for their assistance, provided they would admit of no other Gar∣rison; but they thought it not convenient to accept of his offer.* The Dutch repair the Works of Maestricht, re-inforcing the Garrison with Men and Pro∣vision, fearing the violence of the Storm there.* The Duke of Newburgh for∣tifies Dusseldorp upon the Rhine, careful of the Imperal Territories. Monterey in Flanders makes it his utmost endeavour to raise Men and Money for the de∣fence of the remaining part of the Spanish Jurisdictions.

In this interim of time, the two Dukes of Brunswick resolving to bring that City to that obedience which they affirm'd to be due,* and challeng'd from it, lay Siege to the Town with considerable Forces: the Townsmen within made a notable resistance for the time; but when the Duke's Army began to ap∣proach neer the Walls, and were ready to fling their Granadoes and other Combustible stuff in their very Houses; they were forc'd to surrender on Con∣ditions, that the Magistrates and Inhabitants should do Homage to the Duke of Wolfenbuttel,* as the rest of his Subjects, receive and pay his Garrison, and pay moreover a considerable sum of Money for their disobedience.

Those Flames that could not have their will upon Brunswick, are now raging upon the beautiful Escurial, the most magnificent piece of work in all Spain, if not in Europe.* It was several days consuming; and among other things, was destroy'd the famous Library there; a loss the most considerable, as being most difficult, if not altogether impossible to be repair'd.

But to return to other Combustions, in the midst whereof we finde the Dutch labouring all they could to get the Dane and Swede on their side. But the King of France had put the Dane and they far enough asunder;* for the King of Denmark having referr'd the matter in difference concerning the re∣maining Subsidies due from the States to that Crown to the King of France, He makes an Award for the payment of five Millions of Crowns Principal▪ and one Million Interest; so that it was in vain for Amerongen to Sollicite there till the States had submitted to that advantageous determination. Besides that the continual Negotiations of the King of England's Embassadors and extraordinary Envoys had no small influence upon those Crowns; so that the Negotiation of Van Haren gave little satisfaction to his Masters.

Their Consultations are therefore all employed for provision of Men Page  584 and Arms: and lest they should want a Head, the Prince of Orange is now by the general Consent of the States in a full Assembly,* made their Captain-General, and Admiral, for that Campagne; engaging to renew it again, after Expiration, during Life: Commissioners were also appointed to Assist him; De Wit, Van Putten, and others.

*The Emperor seeing things at this height, offer'd his own Mediation be∣tween the King of France and the States; bu• now prov'd too late. And as for the Queen-Regent of Spain, the King of France had sent to know Her po∣sitive Answer, how she would behave her self in this juncture of Affairs; but she being a Lady, took time to give in her Answer.

*Nor was it without some kinde of slight, that the Dutch Embassador was dismist from Paris; when desiring leave for his last Audience, and a Pass for the safe Transporting his Goods by Sea, Reply was made, That for his Au∣dience, he might have it so soon as he pleas'd; but for his Goods, they were to be view'd by the Officers of the Customs, before they could stir.

Anno Dom. 1672.

*THE War with the Year being thus openly begun, the King of England in the first place takes care for the security of his own Subjects Tra∣ding by Sea, by allowing them sufficient Convoys, and giving them liberty to Sayl their Vessels with the assistance of what Forrein Marriners they could procure; taking particular Order also against the sculking, and absconding of such Officers and Sea-men who were his own Natural Subjects.

And knowing that Actions of Importance depend in their success upon good Advice, he call'd to his Privy Council four persons of great Honour and Integrity: Henry Marquess of Worcester, President of the Council of Wales; Arthur Earl of Essex;*Thomas Viscount Falconbridge; and George Viscount Hallifax; and soon after, Sir Thomas Osburn Baroner.

While the King of England is preparing his Fleet by Sea, the King of France leaving the Management of Affairs at home in the Hands of the Queen, begins his March at the Head of his Main Army himself;* and first he Arrives at Charleroy, the chief place of Rendezvous; whence he sends to Montery, to assure him, that though he were constrain'd to March through those Countries, yet he would take care, that not the least Act of Hostility should be com∣mitted.

*Toward the beginning of May, Turenne appear'd within a League of Mae∣stricht, which was soon after wholly Blockt up; in which condition the King leaving it, March'd directly with the gross of his Army toward Rhine∣bergh.

*In the mean while, at Sea, the English Fleet, being in all, English and French, 160 Sayl, had often sight of the Dutch; But upon the 28th of this Month, about five of the Clock in the Morning, a most brisk Fight began, near the Bay of Southwold. The Blew Squadron first Engag'd, and the Royal Iames was the first Ship that fir'd; next to which, his Royal Highness, who was becalm'd: but the Blew Squadron, and the French, having a Gale, came up with the Duke, and Fought briskly: In the Afternoon of the day, the Sove∣raign, St. Andrew, and about 20 more, getting the Weather-gage of the Dutch, were hotly Engag'd: about which time, the Iames being over-pres• with Number of Men of War, and Fireships, a Flag-ship of the Dutch lay'd him∣self athwart his Hawser; but finding his Entertainment too hot, cry'd out for quarter; whereupon, the English entring, and leaving the Iames naked, the Fireships took their advantage, two of which were sunk, the third took place, and fir'd a stout ship, where the Earl of Sandwich perish'd for want of Relief; Page  585 but his Captain, Captain Haddock escap'd with a shot in his Thigh. The Henry, and Two other ships more, were likewise disabled. At Night the Dutch stood away; which the Duke perceiving, stood after them, keeping in sight of their Lights all Night: In the afternoon of the next day, the Duke hors'd up his Bloody Flag, and bore lasking upon the Dutch, intending a second Engagement: but on a suddain, there fell such a thick Mist, with much Wind, that they could not see a ships length: about an hour and a half after, it cleer'd up again, and the Bloody Flag was put out a second time; but the Fog com∣ing thick again, nothing could be done. Whereupon, the Duke finding him∣self near the Oyster-Bank, Tack'd about, stood away some Leagues, and came to an Anchor: there he staid all Night, and the next Morning till Ten a Clock, but could hear nothing of the Enemy; who were retir'd to the shal∣lows of their own Coast. In this Engagement were lost out-right, the Earl of Sandwich, Captain Digby in the Henry, Sir Iohn Cox in the Prince, Sir Fres∣chevile Hollis, Monsieur de la Rabinier the French Rear-Admiral, with several others: several others Wounded; about seven hundred Common Sea-men slain; and as many Wounded; and the Royal Iames only Burn'd. In the Henry, not an Officer was left alive, and above half the Men slain. The Katharine was taken, and the Captain put on Board a Dutch ship, and the Men clapt under Hatches, the Dutch going about to Fire the ship, at what time a French Sloop came in, and cut away the Fireships Boat; and then the English finding a way to break out upon the Dutch, redeem'd both themselves and the ship, and brought away Sixteen of the Dutch Prisoners, that were a little before their Masters.

On the Dutch side were lost, Admiral Van Ghent, and Captain Brakhel: most of their great ships miserably torn; among the rest, two sunk, one by the Earl of Sandwich, another by Sir Edward Sprage▪ one taken, and one Burn'd; besides a very great loss of Common Sea-men: another great Vessel, suppos'd to be a Flag-ship, was seen to sink neer Alborough; and several others that were missing, suppos'd to be sunk or burn'd. As this was no small loss at Sea, con∣sidering some advantage they had, to be beaten into their own Ports; so was their loss as great by Land,* the French having at the same time taken Rhine∣berg, Wesel, Oysup, and Burick: Groll, Borkelo, taken by the Bishop of Munster: and after them, Rees, Sckenk-Sconce, and several others, underwent the same Fate, possessed by the French: Nor was this all, for the French without much resistance, had now forc'd their Passage over the Rhine, neer Tolbuys.

This neer Approach of the French bred such a Confusion in the Netherlands,* that many of the most wealthy Inhabitants forsook the Country, not willing to hazard their Persons and Estates in a Country falling into the hands of a Victorious Forreigner. The States also themselves remov'd from the Hague, to Amsterdam, for their better security; opening the Sluces, and putting the Country round under Water, to the dammage of above 18 Millions of Gil∣ders.

The King of England being throughly informed of these Proceedings,* puts forth a seasonable Declaration; signifying, That if any of the Low Coun∣try Subjects, either out of Affection to His Majesty or his Government, or because of the oppression they meet with at home from their Governours, should come into his Kingdoms, they should be Protected in their Persons and Estates, that they should have an Act for their Naturalization; and that all such Ships and Vessels as they should bring along with them, should be accompted as English built, and enjoy the same Priviledges and Immunities, as to Trade, Navigation, and Customs, as if they had been built in England, or belong'd to his own Subjects.

And to restrain the Licentious Tongues of those that were apt to talk too busily and sawcily of State-Affairs, the King did farther by his Proclamation forbid all his loving Subjects, either by Writing or Speaking, to divulge or utter false News or Reports, or to intermeddle in matters of Government, or with Page  586 any of his Majesties Councellors or Ministers, in their common Discourses.

*All this while, the Dutch at Land began to be more and more streightned: for on the one side, the King of France was Advanc'd within Three Leagues of Amsterdam; Arnhem, Vtrecht, and Zutphen, and Emmerick, surrendred up to him: on the other side, the Bishop of Munster press'd hard upon Frizeland, having taken Deventer, Groll, Borkelo, Doetechem, and several other Places of lesser Consequence; insomuch that the People began to Tumult in all places,* but more especially at Dort, whither they sent for the Prince of Orange, where as he was at Dinner with the Lords at the Paw, being the Principal House in the Town, the Burgers who were in Arms, surrounded the House, and sent up their Captains, to tell the Lords, That except they presently drew up a Paper and put their Hands to it, for declaring the Prince Stadt-holder, they would Cut all their Throats: whereupon, the Paper was immediately drawn up and sign'd; by which the said Prince was declar'd Stadt-holder, with all the Powers and Authorities, in as ample manner as any of his Ancestors had enjoy'd: they also renounc'd that perpetual Edict, by which they had ob∣lig'd themselves never to admit of a Stadtholder;* and discharg'd the Prince of the Oath he had taken, never to accept of that Dignity: which thing thus begun by a Tumult, was afterwards Confirm'd in a full Assembly of the States General.

*There were at this time taken from them by the French, several Towns and Forts, some of them of great Importance: and by the Bishop of Munster six; and besides this, by the former Maestricht, by the latter Groninghen Besiedg'd: their Fleet in Port, patching up their bruises. Yet now the King of England com∣passionating their Condition, and believing those misfortunes might have ren∣dred 'um more humble▪ sent over the Duke of Buckingham,* and the Earl of Arlington, to try if now at length they would hearken to any Reasonable Terms of Accommodation. It was remarkable with what joy and satis∣faction they were receiv'd by the People; the Men, Women, and Children joyning in their Acclamations as they pass'd along the Streets, God bless the King of England: God bless the Prince of Orange: and the Devil take the States. They passed from Holland through the Prince of Orange's Camp to Vtrecht, where they found the King of France, who had now reduc'd the whole Pro∣vince; of whom they had their Publick Audience in the Camp: thither likewise came the Lord Hallifax, sent by the King of England as his En∣voy Extraordinary; and was, after his Audience, joyn'd with them in Com∣mission: being thus all together, they attended the Motion of the Camp, in expectation of Plenipotentraries from Holland, upon their last Proposition.

While they are upon Extraordinary Affairs abroad, Henry Coventry Esq now return'd from Sweden, is made Secretary of State at home, in the room of Sir Iohn Trevor deceas'd; and the Duke of Richmond Arrives in Sweden Embassador Extraordinary from the Court of England, where he afterwards Dy'd.

*Toward the Latter end of this Month, the Duke of Buckingham, Earl of Arlington, and Lord Hallifax, Arriv'd at White-Hall; having expected four∣teen days in the French Camp, the return of the Dutch Deputies: so that all which they effected at that time, was a Promissory Act between the two Kings, not to treat or conclude without a Participation and Inclusion of each others In∣terests: which was afterwards form'd into Articles, and Ratifi'd and Exchang'd with the French Embassadour at London.

The King of France had now drawn the Gross of his Army from the Neigh∣bourhood of Amsterdam, Marching for Boys-le-d•c and Maestricht, both which he left block'd up; the first by Turenne, the second by Chamille; and being satisfi'd at present with the Victorious Progress he had made, return'd for Paris.

Yet the taking of Nimmenghen by Storm, wherein were made Prisoners of War 4000 of the best Soldiers which the Dutch had, and the appearance Page  587 of the English Fleet upon the Coast of Holland, was occasion enough to con∣tinue the Tumults and Insurrections, which were now so general, that there was scarce a Town in Holland where the people were not Masterless.

'Tis true, the heat of Action began to cool for some time; nor did the Eng∣lish Fleet do any thing more considerable, but onely keep the Seas, besides that they mist the taking of the Dutch East-Indie-Fleet,* of which there was only this account, that the Cambridge and Bristol, being upon the Scout, had met with the East Indie-Fleet, with whom there happen'd a smart Encounter, insomuch that the Cambridge was forc'd to ly by to splice her Rigging; and that though they both followed 'um again, and gave 'um many Broad-sides, yet be∣cause they could no way separate 'um, nor the Bristol could carry out her lower tire, they were forc'd to quit the Fight: Only one ship too severely chac'd, was forc'd to destroy her self.

This Moneth, the Earl of Essex arriv'd in Ireland,* and having taken the usual Oath, had the Sword delivered to him as Lord-Deputy of Ireland, in the room of the Lord Berkley.

In Holland, the Prince of Orange, being now setled in the Supream Authori∣ty, did not a little win the favour of the people, by endeavouring to call to an account the chief of those who had been their former Leaders. Among the rest, he Imprisons Ruart Van Putten,* and his Brother De Wit. Van Putten was accus'd of an Intention to have destroyed the Prince of Orange by the assistance of a Barber, who was to have receiv'd from him a considerable sum of Money for doing it.

The Court of Holland, upon examination of their Crimes, having Condem∣ned both the Brothers to lose all their dignities and employments, and order∣ed 'um to quit the Country as Banish'd men; Thereupon De Wit goes to the Prison to fetch away his Brother; but the people being incensed that they de∣served a greater punishment, as they were coming out again, forc'd 'um back again, broke open the Prison-door, hal'd 'um out; and thus the Rabble ha∣ving got 'um into their possession, never left till they had beat and trampled 'um to death. This not sufficing, they dragg'd their dead Bodies about the Streets, cut off their Fingers and Ears, and then hung 'um up naked by the Heels upon the Gallows: such was the miserable end of those two Brothers.

The first good fortune that befel the Dutch, next to that of the escape of their East-Indie Fleet, was the defence of Groninghen, to which the Bishop of Munster had laid a most furious and close Siege; but notwithstanding all his fury, after several attacques, and the loss of many men, was at length forced to break up his Siege and depart, having battered and burnt down above two hundred Houses with his Guns and Granadoes.

The Dutch had, no question, promised themselves great matters from the Emperour; but there was nothing appear'd to give them any hopes, till at length a general Treaty was concluded for the publick Security and general De∣fence of the Empire, at Ratisbone; which though it prov'd slow, as passing three Colledges, That of the Electors, That of the Princes, and That of the Free-Towns; yet after this Conclusion, the Imperial Forces being upon their march from one side, and the Brandenburgher on the other, to make a conjun∣ction upon the Frontiers of the Enemy,* made a very seasonable diversion to give the Netherlander some breathing time; so that Turenne was forc'd to draw off to attend their motion toward Leipstadt, and the Bishop of Munster thought it convenient to look toward his own Territories for fear of the Bran∣denburgher.

So that now the Prince of Orange had some time to look after the Civil affairs, and to settle disorders at home; which he did by a change of the Ma∣gistrates in most of the Towns of the Low Countries;* wherein he was not a lit∣tle encouraged, by the satisfaction which it gave the generality of the people, who now began to b• by little and little better composed in their mindes.

In England, the Parliament,* which was to have met in October next, was Page  588 upon weighty considerations adjourned till the fourth of February follow∣ing.

But in Scotland the Parliament had sate till this very time, and had made several Act for the publick good of the Nation; among the rest, one that gave toward the defraying the King's Expences 864000 l. Sterling.

*About this time also, the Duke returning to London from the Fleet, put an end to all further expectations of any considerable actions at Sea this year.

But to return to the French Camp: Marshal Turenne, upon the approach of the Imperialists and Brandenburghers, sends to the Electors and Princes of the Empire,* to let them know in the King of France's Name, That it was not the King's intention to meddle with any thing that belonged to the Empire; and that if any of his Troops had entred into it, it was the inevitable consequences of the War against the United Provinces: and therefore understanding that several For∣ces were upon their march toward his Conquests, to disturb his Possession, and to give occasion of jealousie to his Allies, he was therefore obliged to pass his Army over the Rhine. And as for the Duke of Brandenburgh, that the King had frequently requested him not to meddle with a War in which he had no concern. And there∣fore, if things went further, they were desir'd to take notice, that it was once in their power to have preserved the peace of the Empire, and their own.

The Elector of Cologne and Bishop of Munster openly declared at the Dyet against the March of the Imperialists; but the rest being for the most part Deputies, could make no Reply without larger Commissions. But the Duke of Hanover absolutely shew'd his dislike of their March, by denying them passage through his Territories.

But now Sir Edw. Sprague gives us occasion to return to Sea again, who being left with a Squadron to keep the Seas, went to the Northwards,* where he spoil'd the Dutch Fishing-trade, taking a Buss, several Doggers, and 350 Prisoners.

By Land, Fortune might have been more kinde to a young General, such as was the Prince of Orange,* in his first attempts; but she favour'd him not at all. For whereas he thought to have done great things, he had still the worst in all his chiefest designes; first at Woerden, which he thought to have retaken from the French; but being encounter'd by the Duke of Luxemburgh, was forc'd to retreat with the loss of above 1500 of his men: the second time at Charle∣roy, which he had surrounded with the assistance of Count Marci•, in order to lay a formal Siege to the place; but being assail'd from without by the Sieur Montal, and by the Garrison from within, he was forc'd to raise his Siege and march off, having lost neer 700 of his Souldiers: the last, in his attacque upon Swart-sluce, where his designe again failing, above 1600 of the Dutch came short home.

As for any thing else this year, there was little considerable done, either by the Prince, Turenne, or Bournonvile, who was now General of the Imperialists in the place of Montecuculi. Onely a kinde of Chess-play among the great Com∣manders, and moving of the Armies from place to place as the Commanders saw most for their advantage: yet for all that, Turenne got ground, and advan∣ced as far as Hoxter.

Returning home, we finde some changes of great Officers. The Lord-Kee∣per Bridgeman desirous through Age to resigne his place, the Earl of Shafts∣bury was in his room made Lord-Chancellor of England;* and not long after, the Commissioners of the Treasury laid aside, and Thomas Lord Clifford Con∣trouler, made Lord High Treasurer.*

And now the time coming on for opening the Exchequer again, the King by another Declaration signified, that the same inevitable Necessities still conti∣nuing, which urg'd him to make the first stop,* did now compel him to make a second till the first of May ensuing.

In Holland, the Duke of Luxenburgh, General for the King of France, taking advantage of the Frost, with a great body of men advances almost as far as Page  589Leyden, forces the Dutch from the strong Posts of Bodegrave, Newerbrug, and Swammerdam, and takes them; which put the Cities of Leyden and Amster∣dam into such a Consternation, that the Dutch to defend themselves were forc'd to cut their Dikes, and put the Country under Water; which caus'd such an Inundation, that all the course Goods in Cellars and Ware-houses were utterly spoil'd, being forc•d to bring all their Cattle into New Town, and to kill great numbers of them, meerly for want of Fodder for them. But among all these disasters, the retaking of Coverden did not a little revive them, which they took with little loss; the Bishop of Munster having drawn out a considerable part of the Garrison a little before upon some other designe.

Toward the beginning of December, the Duke of Richmond,* Extraordinary Embassador from the King of England to the Court of Denmark departed this life. He had been at Elsenore to dispatch the English Fleet there, in a sea∣son of much Snow, and very excessive Cold; whence going aboard the Yar∣mouth-Frigat, toward the Evening he return'd to shore in the ships Pinnace, but in his passage was so pierc'd with the extremity of the sharp Air, that before he came to the Shore he was insensible of what he did, and in that condition being carried to his Calesche, expired therein in his passage to Elsenore.

Upon his death, the vacant honour of Knight of the Garter was supplied by the Earl of Southampton, who was immediately Elected by the Soveraign and Companions of the Order.

It was no time to act, but to provide for War; and therefore the King, in order to his preparations for the next Spring, for the encouragement of his Seamen, puts forth a Proclamation, promising to every Seaman, that would voluntarily List themselves in a Second Rate, a free Largess to the value of six Weeks pay; and to every one that would voluntarily List themselves in a Third Rate, a free Largess to the value of one Moneths pay. And further, that their Pay should begin from the very first day of their Listing them∣selves.

Toward the latter end of the Year, the Parliament, the time of Proroga∣tion being expired,* met again; and being summoned to attend the King in the House of Lords, the Chancellor by the King's Command acquainted them, that by the advancement of Sir Edward Turner to be Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, the place of Speaker of the House was void; and being thereupon directed to choose a new one, they returned to the House, and elected Sir Iob Charleton. In the Afternoon of the same day, the King met them again in the Lords House, where, after he had approved their choice, he declared to them the success and charge of the War, and his resolutions to carry it on with their assistance for the honour of the Nation; which particulars were more largely insi∣sted upon by the Lord Chancellor.

The next day, being resolv'd into a Grand Committee, upon their taking into consideration the King's and the Lord Chancellor's Speeches, they made an una∣nimous Vote,* that a supply should be given the King of 18 Moneths Assessment, not exceeding 70000 l. a Moneth. While they were thus acting, Sir Iob Charleton falls sick, and his Indisposition continuing, the House by the King's permission chose a new Speaker, Edward Seymor Esq by Name, a person of great Loyalty and known ability.

Soon after,* they presented the King an humble Address for satisfying and composing the mindes of his Majesties Subjects. To which the King return'd for Answer,

The Effect of all which, appear'd at the beginning of the following Year.

Anno Dom. 1673.

THE first remarkable passages of this year, were the Transactions in Parliament; who being press'd by the King for a Supply, fell with that seriousness and quickness to their Work, that by the latter end of March they had compleated several Bills; among the rest, an Act for raising the Sum of One hundred thirty eight thousand, seven hundred and fifty thousand pound, for sup∣ply of his Majesties Extraordinary occasions. And another Act of General and Free Pardon: To which, when the King had given his Assent, the Parliament was Adjourn'd till the 20th of October next ensuing.*

*About this time, the Earl of Northumberland being Dead, and the Fami∣ly of the Peircies being Extinct, one Iames Percy, an ordinary Mechanick, coming out of Ireland, laid claim both to the Title and Estate; and went so far as to present a Petition to the House of Lords, to hear him, in Relation to his Claim, but when his Petition came to be read notwithstanding that he had two Months time given him before, and that he had caus'd above forty Witnesses to be sworn at the Bar, he made so little of any probability appear to∣ward his said Claim, that the Lords resolv'd that the Petition of the said Iames Percy should be dismiss'd, and that they would consider how to proceed against him as an Impostor.

Page  591Much about this time was the Island of Tabago taken from the Dutch,* by the English, under the Command of Sir Tobias Bridges▪ with a Boo•y of 400 prisoners, and as many Negroes; though a greater loss hapn'd to the English, by the taking of Sr. Hellen•s by the Dutch; and might have prov'd great Ob∣struction to the Trade of the East-Indies, had it not been soon after regain'd by the English, with a more fatal Loss to the Dutch, of Three very conside∣rable East-India ships; which, with the regaining of the Island, was such a sea∣sonable piece of Service, perform'd by Captain Monday, that the King himself thought it worthy the honour of a Knighthood, which was conferr'd upon him at his return in August, when he brought along with him both the good News and Prizes.

But now the English and Dutch Fleets being abroad, Actions of higher Im∣portance call to be related; wherein, it will not be amiss to follow the whole Series of this Years Maritime Transactions, without any digression.

The Belgians first got to Sea,* and shew'd themselves at the Rivers Mouth, with an intention to have stopt up the Mouth of the Thames, by sinking seve∣ral great Ships in the Narrow Passages of the Channel call'd the Middle-ground, but the broadness of the Channel, and the commodiousness of other Chan∣nels, rendred their Attempts altogether in vain. Prince Rupert, who Com∣mand•d the English Fleet, that he might not seem to be shut in, sails toward the Enemy; w•o unwilling to abide his coming, recover their own Shoar: The Prince therefore sails away for the Streights of Calis, with an intention to joyn with the Fleet from Portsmouth, and the French; and coming to Dun∣ganess, there casts Anchor, in expectation of their coming, who were not long absent: in this interim, no small danger threatned the Admiral, by which the Edgar and Lyon were forc'd from their Anchors, by the accidental firing of a Fireship. But now the French, consisting of 27 great Ships, and the Ports∣mouth Fleet, being joyn'd with the rest of the Navy, the Prince resolves to visit the Dutch Coast, and comes before Schonevelt, where the Fleet of the Ene∣my lay:* the Prince's intention was, to have Engag'd; but the Sea growing rough, they came to an Anchor till the 28th.* The morning proving fair, and a fresh Gale, the English prepare to Engage; to which end, the Prince Commands some 35 of the more nimble Frigats to provoke 'um out of the Sands, with which they lay surrounded: but they, contrary to expectation, boldly come •orth, and in excellent order oppose Force to Force; by which means it happen'd, that while those lesser Frigats retreated to their own, they extreamly disordered the rest of the Fleet: yet the Battle was desperately Fought. The French that could come up, fought well, with whom the En∣glish intermixt, out of their eagerness entangled one another. Among the rest, most covetous to engage was the Earl of Ossory; but being pester'd among the French, falling foul upon an English Frigat, and entangled with one of our own Fireships, he had much ado to free himself: he was no sooner clear, but he was Attacqued by De Ruyter, and all the Squadron that followed him, whom with a vast Courage he stoutly resisted, and gave as good as they brought. The Prince in the Van, drave the Enemy before him; and pursu'd them as far as he could for the Shallows and Sands: whose Magnanimous and In∣vincible Example, was most strenuously follow'd by Captain Legge, Wetwang, and others: at length, Night put an end to the Combate. The Dutch re∣tir'd to their old station; the English lay by all Night, under Sayl. Of com∣mon Men of the English, were very few lost; and not one Ship: Captains there were slain, Fowles, Finch, Tempest, and Woorden. On the part of the Dutch were kill'd, Vice-Admiral Schr•m, Rear-Admiral Vlugh, and six more Captains: their loss of Men was considerable; but only one Ship call'd the Deventer was taken.

Both parties assum•d to themselves the Honour of the Victory: the Dutch, because they had remov'd the Assaylors; The English, because they had bea∣ten the Dutch into their Lurking holes.

Page  592The next three days were spent in repairing the Ships damages; wherein the Dutch had the advantage, as having their supplies ready at hand from their own shore. In the beginning of Iune the Dutch changed their station, but lost a fair opportunity: For the Wind favour'd them, and the Weather was hazy, so that if they had then took their advantage to have fallen upon the English, who lay scatter'd for the advantage of Repairing, they might have exposed the English Fleet to some danger. But the English observing the mo∣tion of the Enemy, presently make ready; which the other perceiving, let fall their Anchors, as the English did likewise, having drawn their Fleet first into a Line, which reached at least three Leagues in length.

*The Dutch again make sail; and Sprague believing they did it onely to change their station as before, and not with an intention to fight▪ made the less haste to bear up; whereby it came to pass that he lost the Wind, which by ma∣king haste he might have gained. The French were in the middle: the Prince in the Rear eager to come to blows, press'd upon the French; the French upon Sprague; which made no small confusion. But what Sprague did amiss in de∣lay, he recompenced in fighting courageously; nor did he give out till his ship was so ma•m'd that he was forc'd to retire; into whose place the Earl of Ossory succeeding, maintained the Dispute with equal bravery.

The Dutch now perceiving the English-standing North-West, fearing to lose the Wind which they had so favourable to them, did the like; which was the reason that the day began to close, before th•ir shot did any execution, having spent thousands of Bullets all the day in vain; at which time the Prince chang∣ing out of the Royal Charles into the Soveraign, continu'd the Fight the greatest part of the Night, having no other light than the fire of the Guns, and the Flame of several Boats, that, being •••'d by one accident or another, floated up and down upon the Sea. By break of day the English saw the shore neer Laystaff, but no Enemy, but onely a small part of the Rear, the rest having withdrawn themselves in the dark. A Council of War was thereupon call'd: some were of opinion to pursue the Enemy, but the greatest part advised to return •o the Thames; their Ammunition being spent, and many ships very much out of repair; which, by reason of the first retreat of the Enemy, they might do without any prejudice to their honour. There was no great loss of Common Seamen. Of Captains, onely Sadlington and White. The French lost some Fire-ships. And the Earl of Oss•ry sunk one by his side. Not a ship of the English was wanting: nor could the loss of the Dutch be very great, in regard they fought at a distance, and strove rather to keep the advantage they had got, than to offend their Enemies.

*The middle of Iuly was spent before the Fleet could be got ready again; which was no sooner done, but in the presence of the King himself the Fleet weighed, and the same night got into the Gunfleet, and thence to the Ness. The next day they made for the Dutch Coast, and the following day they perceiv'd the Dutch about eight Leagues off of Zealand;* who seeing the English prepare to engage, return'd to their own shore, not daring to hazard themselves in the open Sea far from their Sanctuaries. At length, understanding De Ruyter to be about the Gorce, the English make thither: toward night they saw the Dutch Fleet;* but it being late, they thought fit to stay till Morning. In the mean while, the Dutch by stealth in the night got the Weather-gage, and by break of day shew'd themselves above us. De Ruyter,•aving thus got between the Eng∣lish and Camperdown, according to his own desire, bore directly upon the Eng∣lish; which the Prince perceiving, changing his course about seven a clock, in excellent order stood to the S. West. The French led the Van, the Prince in the middle, Sprague brought up the Rear. The Dutch came boldly on, Bankert attacques the French, De Ruyter the Prince, and Tromp engaged Sprague. Then was it incredible to think how equally, and with how much vigour the Fight was maintain'd: But by and by the French in the Van, thinking to get the Wind, sail'd away; which Bankert perceiving, leaving a few ships to observe Page  593 their motion, with the rest falls in with De Ruyter upon the Prince; nor did the French when they had got the Wind come up to his assistance, onely Martel with much courage stood by him. As for Tromp fiercely bearing up upon Sprague▪ he was as undauntedly receiv'd by Sprague, who slackned his Sails in expecta∣tion of him; which the rest of the Squadron observing, it fell out that be∣ing by this means separated, the Squadrons could not relieve one another as they should have done. The courage of both Captains was equal, and their desire of Glory the same. The Wind however favour'd the Dutch, and they refus'd to come neer, but fought at a dist•nce. About Noon, the Wind chang∣ing, Sprague, who before stood to the South, now bore Westward, follow'd by the Earl of Ossory. Tromp still engag'd with Sprague; Tromp's Second with the Earl of Ossory. In the Afternoon Sprague lay by to repair his Rigging; but his ship being at the same time disabled by two unhappy shot, he left the Vessel, and taking the Flag along with him, hasts to the St. George, and puts up the Flag; which when the Earl of Ossory saw, who had in the mean time brought new Foresails to his Yards, he sent Norborough to tell him, that if he would, he would set upon Tromp, and board him if he had assistance: Sprague praises his resolution, bids him go on, and he would immediately be with him. But his suddain death was the loss of a Noble Designe: For he had not been long aboard the St. George, when through the loss of her Main-mast he was forc'd to forsake her too; and as he was going aboard the Royal Charles, the Boat being shatter'd to pieces by an accidental shot, he was himself drown'd in the Ocean, over which he had so often Triumph'd.

After Sprague's ship had lost her Masts, Tromp confident of carrying her, bore up briskly and gave her a Broad-side, and brought up two Fire-ships, but all in vain; for as he pass'd by, he was so severely gall'd by the Earl of Ossory, that he had hardly time to discharge six of his own Guns: Neither did the Earl of Ossory leave the Flag-ship till he saw her tow'd off by the Hampshire. Tromp sufficiently wearied, having got his Squadron together, at first retir'd; but when he saw De Ruyter coming toward him, he stay'd. By and by the Prince was to be discern'd a far off with his Squadron, who had born the brunt of the Zealand-Squadron and De Ruyter all the day; for the French, having gain'd the Wind in the beginning of the Fight, never came in; but at two of the clock the Prince and De Ruyter, as it were by consent, seem'd to leave off: for both being sollicitous for the rest of their Fleets, whom they saw afar off, sail'd peaceably, and directed their course toward their Friends, though all the while within Cannon-shot. But now De Ruyter being joyn'd with his own, falls upon the Blue, endeavouring to separate that Squadron from the Prince; but in vain, the Prince making all haste to come in, and the other seasonably joyning with him. Then began a most sharp dispute on both sides, at what time the Prince sending two Fire-ships, guarded by Captain Leg, upon the Enemy, put them into such a confusion, that had the French then come in, being, as they were, Masters of the Wind, the Dispute with the Dutch concerning the Do∣minion of the Sea had certainly been at an end.

The Dutch lost two Flag-Officers, several Captains, and about 1000 Com∣mon Seamen. Among the English, Sprague was much lamented, Captain Neve was slain, Reeves and Heywood died of their Wounds. Of the French, but one Commander slain. The loss of Common English Seamen was not so great, being chiefly in the Earl of Ossory's and Sir Edward Sprague's ships.

About the middle of Iune, the Lord Clifford of Chudleigh resign'd his Staff as Lord-Treasurer into the King's hands, and Sir Thomas Osborn, created Vis∣count Osborn of Dumblaine in Scotland, and afterwards Earl of Danby in England was made Lord-Treasurer in his room.

Upon the 10th of October, the Parliament meeting according to their last Ad∣journment, were Prorogu'd by Commission till the 27th of the same Moneth: then meeting again, they were prorogu'd till the seventh of Ianuary follow∣ing.

Page  594After which, the King having taken the Great Seal from the Earl of Shafts∣bury, gave it to his Attorney-General Sir Heneage Finch, afterwards created Lord Daventry in the County of Northampton.

Soon after, His Majesty was pleas'd to call before him in Council the two Lord Chief-Justices, and the Lord Chief-Baron, commanding them to con∣sider of the most effectual means for putting the Laws in Execution for pre∣venting the growth of Popery; and at the same time ordered, that no Roman-Catholick, or so reputed, should presume after the 18th of November to come into his presence, to his Palace, or where his Court should be: and the Lord-Ste∣ward, and Lord-Chamberlain of the Houshold, were ordered to see the same effectually put in execution. And by further Order a little after, forbid them to come neer St. Iames's House, or into the Park.

Immediately after, in pursuance of his Gracious Assurance to both Houses of Parliament, His Majesty issued out his Royal Proclamation to the same ef∣fect, further requiring the Judges, and all Justices of the Peace, to take effectu∣al care for the prosecution of all Papists and Popish Recusants, according to the Laws and Statutes of the Realm.

About the latter end of November the Dutchess of Modena arriving at Do∣ver, in order to her Intermarriage with his Royal Highness the Duke of York, was there met by the Duke; and some few days after, coming from Gravesend to London by Water, was by his Majesty and divers of the Nobility met in Barges upon the River, and so conducted to White-hall, where, after her Royal Highness had been received in the most obliging and kinde manner by her Majesty, she was conducted to St. Iames's. Within few days after, their Royal Highnesses gave Audience to the French, Portugal, Swedish, and Danish Embassadors, as likewise to the Residents of Venice and Newburgh, who all went to Comple∣ment them upon their late Marriage.

About this time his Majesty (the great numbers of extraordinary Servants that had been sworn and admitted into his Service, who making use of the Protections they receiv'd thereby, did obstruct the due course of Law) issued forth an Order in Council, whereby all persons that did not by vertue of their Places receive Fee, Wages, Salary, Diet, or Board-wages, should be absolutely disabled from making use of any Protection whatsoever, for the future, to save them from the prosecution of their Creditors.

From Tangier came Intelligence, that the Earl of Middleton Governour, un∣derstanding the defeat and death of Gayland, and the great success of Muly Ishmael in those parts; and having receiv'd a kinde Letter from the said Muly Ishmael, purporting his great desire to be in Amity with the Governour, and a proposition of sending Commissioners to treat with him; accordingly appoin∣ted Major White, Alderman Read, and Mr. Wollaston for that purpose, with full power and Instructions to conclude a Peace and Treaty of Commerce, and particularly for the Redemption of the Captives in Sally; wherein the Earl doubted not the same success as he had had with Gayland above a year before; with whom he had made so firm a Peace, that the Moors and Inhabitants of Tangier convers'd together as if they had been one Nation.

Notwithstanding the vigour and fury of the War, yet neither in the height of this years Preparation nor Action, were the thoughts of Peace laid aside; but rather all endeavours tending thereto vigorously pursued. To this pur∣pose, a Treaty was concluded on between the King of England and the Dutch▪ whereat the Allies of both Parties were to be present. The place accepted of by the King of England was Cologne, whither by the middle of Summer, and some before, came all the Plenipotentiaries of the several Confederates. For the King of Great Britain, Sir Ioseph Williamson, and Sir Lyonel Ienkins. For the King of Spain, Count Areschot, and Don Emanuel de Lyra. For the Emperour, Count Conningsech, and the Baron D'Issola. Count Tott for the Crown of Sweden. For the Dutch, Van Beverning, Van Haren, and Odyke. For the French, the Duke de Chausnes.

Page  595But the Dutch having other Designes in their heads, than what were dri∣ven on in that place, would yield to nothing there; nor were they so fully in∣structed, but that upon the Propositions delivered by the English Plenipoten∣tiaries, they pleaded they could give no positive Answer, without consulting their Masters: and returning to Holland, had leisure enough to take their plea∣sure, while the States were contriving an Answer; which when they had de∣livered at Cologne, was nothing but a device finely spun for delay, which made Cologne a place of great Concourse, but little business.

In the mean time, the Dutch send a Letter to the King of England; to which, the King of England return'd so full an Answer, that though they said, The King was very sharp and obstinate in his Letter: That nothing was to be done, but to continue the War: That no farther Instructions should be sent to their Deputies at Cologne, till they saw how the Parliament would order matters, to whom they were resolv'd to send a Copy of their Reasonable Proposals, hoping otherwise to bring the King to better Termes: Yet upon cooler thoughts, they not only listned to the Motions of Peace, but also came to terms of Accommodation: and thereupon, in February following, they dispatch'd a Trumpeter into England; by whom they receiv'd that satisfacti∣on, in Answer to their Letters, from the King of England, that soon after the Peace was concluded between His Majesty and the Spanish Embassador re∣siding in London, on the behalf of the Dutch. The News was receiv'd with incredible joy in the Low Countries. Sir Gabriel Sylvius was sent by His Ma∣jesty to the Prince of Orange, to Complement him upon the Conclusion of the Peace; with whom also the States did interchange the Ratification of the Articles.

In the interim, His Majesty having caus'd a new sort of Brass Half-pence and Farthings to be made current throughout all England, and Coyn'd in the Tower, issued forth a Proclamation, for the suppression of the particular far∣things and halfe-pence of private Shopkeepers; and being inform'd that Shop∣keepers did notwithstanding continue to utter Halfe-pence and Farthings of their own stamping, he caus'd them to be proceeded against according to Law: which was so effectually done, that many were Convicted and fin'd but upon submission, by the King's mercy Pardon'd.

Before we fully conclude the Dutch War, it will be necessary to relate a piece of Gallantry performed by Captain Harman in the Mediterranean Sea: where the Vice-Admiral of Evertson's Squadron, in a Man of War call'd the Sehaer∣laes, carrying 36 pieces of Cannon, and 140 Men, Commanded by Cap∣tain Pasqual De Witt, met with Captain Harman in the Tygre, returning from Tangier; and coming both into Cadiz-Bay, where Evertson lay to Careen, the people of the Town began to laugh at the Dutch, telling them, That they durst not Fight the English; that they had left their station for fear: Which Evertson hearing, told the Captain of the Dutch, that to save his Ho∣nor, he was oblig'd to Chalenge the English Captain. Which being resolv'd upon, De Witt fi•ted himself the best he could for the Rencounter next Morn∣ing: Evertson thereupon furnish'd him with Two new Lieutenants, 70 Soul∣diers, and 60 Mariners more than he had; making in all 270 Men. The Tygre which had not above 184 Men in all, saw all these Preparations, and prepared himself the best he could, but without any more addition of Men. The next Morning, getting out a League to Sea, within view of the Town, and in sight of the greatest part of the Inhabitants; so soon as both Frigats came within Pistol-shot of each o•her, the Fight began, with that success to the English, that with one Broad-side, the Tygre shot down the Main-yard of the Dutch Vessel, and kill'd and wounded above 80 Men, without receiving much Damage; so that after half an hours Dispute, the Dutch ship was Boarded and taken by the English; the Enemy having lost 140 Men, and 86 Wounded. The Dutch Man of War was so disabled, and shot through and through, that She was hardly fit for service, to the great wonder of the beholders. After Page  596 which, Captain Harman return'd into Port with great Honour, having lost only 9 Men Kill'd out-right, and 15 Wounded; one of which, was himself, being shot in at the left Eye with a Musquet-Bullet, that went out between the Ear and the Jaw-bone; of which he was happily afterwards recover'd.

*At home, the Dutch made great rejoycing for the Conclusion of the Peace; and being now quit from the fear of the English, minded onely the setting out of a small Fleet, consisting of 32 Men of War, under Tromp, Haen, and young De Ruyter.

*Nor was His Majesty less mindful to proceed against the Papists, giving Or∣der to the Judges to put the Laws against them in Execution.

Anno Dom. 1674.

PEace being now concluded between the English and the Dutch, this Year was not memorable for much at home.

*The first motion of the Court this Moneth, was to Windsor, where the Earl of Mulgrave was Install'd Knight of the Garter.

*This Moneth also, the King, by his Embassador the Lord Lockhart, offer'd his Mediation between the King of France and the Queen of Spain, to com∣pose the differences betwixt them.

And to the end he might be no way concern'd in their differences, by pub∣lick Proclamation forbid any of his Subjects to enter into the Service of any forrain Prince.

*He also set forth a Proclamation, forbidding the broaching and uttering false and scandalous News, as also against any that should talk impertinently of the Government or the Governours.

Page  599In May,* Sir Lionel Ienkins and Sir Ioseph Williamson return'd to London from Cologne.

Who were followed into England by the Baron de Reed, Van Benninghen, and Van Haren, Extraordinary Embassadors from the States of Holland.

In Iune, came a strict Proclamation against the Jesuites and Friests, Com∣manding their discovery and apprehension, and promising five pounds for every one that should be discovered and taken.

Toward the beginning of September, upon Resignation of the Duke of Buckingham,* the Duke of M•nmouth was made Chancellor of the University of Cambridge. The Ceremony was performed with all its circumstances, at Wor∣cester-house in London.

Not long after, the Right Honourable the Earl of St. Albans, having re∣sign'd into his Majesty's Hands the Staff of Office of Lord-Chamberlain of his Majesties Houshold, his Majesty was pleas'd to give it to the Right Honou∣rable the Earl of Arlington,* in recompence of his long and faithful Services, and particularly for having performed to his Majesties satisfaction for the space of twelve years, the Offi•e of Principal Secretary of State, which his Majesty was pleas'd to con•er at the same time upon the Right Honourable Sir Ioseph Williamson Knight,* one of the Clerks then of his Majesties most Honourable Privy-Council, for his long and faithful service in the said Office under Sir Edward Nicholas, and the Earl of Arlington; and in his place Philip Lloyd Esq was sworn one of the Clerks of the Privy-Council.

Upon the 22 of September, his Majesty was pleas'd to cause a Proclamation to be published for the further prorogation of the Parliament, from the 10th of November till the 13th of April ensuing.

In the beginning of December,* the Earls of Ossory and Arlington, together with the Heer Odike, not long before Extraordinary Embassador in England, arrived at the Hagne, where they went to pay their Respects to the Prince of Orange.

About the same time was concluded, between his Majesties Commissioners and those of the States General of the Vnited Provinces,* a Treaty Marine for all parts of the World, in pursuance of the 8th and 9th Articles of the late Treaty of Peace made at Westminster the February before, and was after ratifi'd by the States in the beginning of February following.

Presently after, His Majesty having been graciously pleased to Translate the Right Reverend Father in God Dr. Crew Bishop of Oxford,* and Clerk of the Closet to his Majesty, to the Sea of Durham, made choice of the Honourable Dr. Compton, Brother to the Right Honourable the Earl of Northampton, to succeed in his place.*

Toward the middle of December, His Majesty having been pleased at his entertainment at Guild-Hall, when Sir Robert Viner was newly Lord-Mayor of the City, graciously and freely to condescend to the acceptance of the Freedom of London, in the Chamberlains Office, from the Hands of Sir Thomas Player Chamberlain, beyond the Example of any of his Predecessors; The said Sir Robert Viner Lord-Mayor thereupon, having first obtained his Majesties leave, presented his Majesty, in the Name of the City, with the Co∣py of the Freedom, in a large square Box of Massie Gold, the Seal of the Freedom hanging at it enclosed in a Box of Gold set all over with large Dia∣monds.

Toward the beginning of Ianuary, Her Royal Highness was brought to Bed of a Daughter,* Christen'd at St. Iames's by the Bishop of Durham, by the Name of Catherina Laura; the Duke of Monmouth being God-father, and the Lady Mary and the Lady Anne God-mothers.

The Term begining at the latter end of Ianuary,* Sir Francis North the King's Attorney-General was sworn Lord Chief-Justice of the Common-Pleas, in the room of Sir Iohn Vaughan deceased.

In the beginning of February, his Majesty caused several Orders and Reso∣lutions concerning Papists to be publish'd:

Page  600
• That the Conviction of Popish Recusants should be encouraged, quickned, and made Effectual.
• That no Person, of what Condition or Quality soever, should presume to say Mass in any part of this Kingdom.
• That all Persons born within His Majesties Dominions, being in Orders by Authority deriv'd from the Church of Rome, should depart the Kingdom by a short time prefix'd.
• That none of His Majesties Subjects should presume to send their Children to be Educated in any Popish Colledges or Seminaries, upon a strict Penalty.
• That none of his Majesties Subjects being Popists, or so reputed, should presume to come into His Majesties Presence, into White▪Hall, St. James's, or any place where His Majesties Court should be.
• And Lastly, That care should be taken for the suppression of Conventicles.

Anno Dom. 1675.

*UPon the 13th of April both Houses of Parliament met, in pursuance of their last Prorogation. They sate till above a Week in Iune following: But the difference between the two Houses increasing about the business of Fag and Shirley, upon which four Lawyers were Committed by the Commons to the Tower, His Majesty was pleased upon the 9th of Iune to Prorogue them again till the 13th of October following, having only signed some private Bills.

*In May, arriv'd in England the Prince of Newburgh; having made some stay in London, he went to Oxford, where he was nobly treated by the Univer∣sity.

In the Barbadoes,* a Conspiracy was discover'd among the Blacks to have de∣stroy'd the English; which had been carried on with great secrecy till the very time of the Execution; and was begun by the Blacks belonging to Captain Swanley, who was kill'd by them: But the Plot being found out, several were made Exemplary.

In New-England, the Natives, under King Philip Hegamore of those parts, fell upon the English,* and kill'd several, and plunder'd and burn'd their Houses and Plantations: But the Bostoners and they of Plymouth, arming a considerable Force, soon drove them to their Sculking-holes, so that they were soon restrain'd from doing any further damage: nor did the English leave hunting them, till they could not finde at length so much as an Indian left in all that Pro∣montory.

In Iuly, his Majesty made a Sea-progress; he took shipping at Gravesend, being attended by several Frigats and Yachts, sail'd through the Downs, inten∣ding for Portsmouth; but meeting with bad Weather, he Anchor'd on the back of the Isle of Wight. He visited the Isle of Wight, where he was entertain'd by Sir Robert Holmes the Governour; from thence he arriv'd at Portsmouth in the Greyhound, where he saw the Royal Iames Launch'd; and upon the sixth of Iu∣ly toward Evening, returned again by Water to White-hall.

In August came into England the Count S. Maurice from Savoy, to signifie to his Majesty the death of the late Duke.

*In September happen'd a most lamentable Fire in Northampton, by which the whole Town was reduc'd to Ashes, leaving very little standing except some of the Out-skirts of the same.

*About this time, the River Avon, running from Salisbury to Christ-church in the County of Southampton, was first begun to be open'd in order to the making the said River Navigable from Christ-Church to Salisbury, to the great improvement of the Trade of that City.

Upon the 13th of October, both Houses met again, in pursuance of their Pro∣rogation in Iune;* but they had not sate long before some difference in rela∣tion to the Appeal of Shirley to the Lords House brake out again, so that upon the 22 of November they were again Prorog•'d till the 15th of February 1676. having only pass'd a Bill for the Rebuilding of Northampton, and two other pri∣vate Bills.

While the Parliament sate, Monsieur Luzaney being converted from the Ro∣mish Church to the Protestant Religion, and having preached a Sermon ex∣pressing the reasons of his Conversion, one St. Germane, a French Jesuite, com∣ing to the Lodging of Luzancy, with others, by Threats and Terrours of As∣sassinating the affrighted Luzancy, and of carrying him away by force, com∣pell'd him to write and subscribe a feigned recantation of what he had preach∣ed and published;* whereupon his Majesty issued out a Proclamation for dis∣covery Page  603 and apprehension of the said St. Germane and his accomplices.

Nor was the Barbadoes threatned only by her Slaves, who were easily dealt with,* but with an Enemy against whom there was no resistance: For upon the last of August happened so violent a Hurricane in that Island, that eight Ships and five Ketches in the Road were cast away, and most of the men drow∣ned, besides 300 Houses thrown to the ground, and above 200 Whites and Negro's kill'd.

But as the Barbadoes suffers,*Iamaica encreases, by the removal of several Families with their Goods and Servants from Surrinam, who for their own, and the encouragement of others, had a double quantity of Land allotted them by the Lord Vaughan Governour.