Memorials of the English affairs, or, An historical account of what passed from the beginning of the reign of King Charles the First, to King Charles the Second his happy restauration containing the publick transactions, civil and military : together with the private consultations and secrets of the cabinet.

November, 1647.

November 1. Orders for Clothes and Provisions for the Forces in Ireland, and a Committee for Ire∣land, appointed to Treat with Merchants to ad∣vance the Clothes, Provisions, and Ammunition to be sent over thither; and to give security by the Excise, the assessment of sixty thousand pounds per mensem and Delinquent Estates.

Order for the Chargers of the Officers of the Committee of Accounts.

An Information of endeavours to Raise Forces against the Parliament and Army, referred to be examined by a Committee.

An Ordinance past, giving power to Collonel Monke to execute Martial-Law.

Both Houses agreed upon the Propositions to be sent to the King, and referred them to a Commit∣tee to be drawn up in form.

Some of Major General Lambert's Forces appre∣hended divers Moss Troopers.

The Committee of Estates caused the Lord Harehill to be Beheaded at Edenburgh, notwith∣standing * 1.1 the Kings Pardon, he dyed boldly, and after his Speech to the people, he threw down two Papers among them, which mentioned strange new Troubles in England.

A further Paper of Proposals came to the House from the Agitators of the five Regiments, and * 1.2 of four other Regiments of Horse, and of seven Regiments of Foot joyning with them. They de∣clare,

1. That the people (being unequally distribu∣ted, by Counties, Cities, and Boroughs) for E∣lection of their Deputies in Parliament, ought to be more indifferently proportioned according to the number of Inhabitants, the Circumstances to be set down before the end of this Parlia∣ment.

2. That to prevent the inconveniences by the long continuance of the same persons in Autho∣rity, this present Parliament be dissolved by the last day of September next.

3. That the people do of course choose them∣selves a Parliament once in every two years.

4. That the power of this, and all other future Representatives is inferiour only to theirs that choose them, and extends, without the consent of any other person, to the Enacting, Altering, and Repealing of Laws, to the erecting and abo∣lishing of Offices and Courts, to the appointing, removing, and calling to account, Magistrates and Officers of all degrees, to the making War and Peace, to the Treating with Forreign States, and generally to whatsoever is not reserved by those represented to themselves. Which are these.

1. That matters of Religion, and Gods Wor∣ship, are not at all intrusted to any Human power, because therein we cannot admit or exceed a tittle of what our Consciences dictate to be the mind of God, without wilful sin. Nevertheless the pub∣lick way of instructing the Nation (so it be not compulsive) is referred to their discretion.

2. That impressing or constraining any of us, to serve in the War, is against freedom, and not allowed to our Representatives; the rather be∣cause it is at their disposal.

3. That after this Parliament, none be questio∣ned for any thing said, or done in reference to the late differences.

4. That in all Laws every person be bound a∣like; and that, Tenure, Estates, Charter, De∣gree, Birth, or Place, do not confer any excep∣tion, from the ordinary course of Legal proceed∣ings, whereunto others are subjected.

5. That the Laws must be equal and good, and not destructive to the safety and well-being of the people.

These,

They declare to be their Native rights, and are resolved to maintain them, and not to depend, for the settlement of our Peace and Freedom, upon him that intended our bondage, and brought a cruel War upon us.

(21.) A Grand Committee Sat all day about mo∣ny for the Army, and to take away Free-Quar∣ter.

Letters from the Lord Inchequin for Cloaths, &c. for the Munster Forces.

The House appointed a Committee to Collect all Papers, Letters, and Writings, or Commissions of Publick concernment in the hands of any Secreta∣ries, or Officers; and to take a Catalogue of them, and to preserve them in some place for Publick use.

New Proposals of the Army.

1. That this Parliament be Dissolved by the * 1.3 last day of September next.

2. That secure Provisions may be made, for the Succession, Constitution, and clearing the Power of Parliaments.

3. That a Parliament shall biennially meet upon the first Thursday in April, every year.

4. And shall sit till the last day of September, af∣ter the meeting, and then Dissolve, and not sooner, except by their own consent.

5. The King not to call Parliaments in the Intervals, without consent of the Councel of State.

6. Elections to be free to Free-men.

7. Patents and Monopolies to be removed.

8. Their power to extend to Declaration of Laws, and final Judgments, without further Ap∣peal than to the Representative.

9. No Law to be against a Commoner, but with the House of Commons Concurrence.

10. No Commoner or great Officer to be ex∣empt from Judgment of the House of Com∣mons.

11. The King to give no power to Protect or Pardon those so condemned.

12. The Priviledg to be in the people, in Ele∣ction of Officers about Church Discipline, Rais∣ing of Souldiers, Freedom for what hath been done these Wars.

13. Elections to be distributed equally.

(3.) Debate of an Ordinance for setting poor people to work, and for punishing of Vagrants, and about the Ordinance for Tunnage and Pound∣age.

Confirmation of Truro Articles.

The Ordinance past for Guernsey, &c.

The General Council of the Army agreed upon these further Heads.

1. That the Proposals concerning Elections, be * 1.4 publickly Read in each Division, at their first pro∣ceeding to the Election.

2. That by the Indentures of Election the per∣sons Elected be limited to serve as Deputies, for the time set.

3. That a more equal course be taken, and a rate (if it may be) on every mans Land, not ex∣ceeding two shillings in the Pound, in lieu of Tithes.

They also debated touching the Propositions to be sent to His Majesty.

(4.) Orders for Disbanding of the disjoynted and supernumerary Forces.

Discharge of the Sequestration of Col. Brand∣ling's Estate.

Confirmation of Exeter Articles.

Order for five hundred pounds for the Lord Ormond.

The General Councel of the Army desired some * 1.5 alterations and additions might be made to the Propositions to be sent to His Majesty.

1. For security of the Souldiers Arrears by Deans and Chapters Lands, and Compositions.

2. These alterations about the Militia.

1. That the Lords and Commons in future Par∣liaments may have the power of the Militia as well as the present.

2. That where the safety of the Kingdom is concerned, the Commons may exercise the Mili∣tia without the Lords they not concurring, and that to bind the Commons.

3. That London may have no other priviledg of the Militia than other Corporations.

Divers resolutions in favour of Delinquents.

That the Faith of the Army be kept upon Arti∣cles of Surrender.

That there be a General Act of Oblivion.

(5.) Information of new designs against the Par∣liament, and Army.

Debate touching the Kings Negative voice in Par∣liament.

(6.) A Letter from the Scots Commissioners here * 1.6 mentioning the Kings being taken away from Holmeby by a party of the Army, and they desiring

to know from him his present condition, His Ma∣jesty referred them therein to the Parliament and Army.

That they held it needless to apply to the Army in this matter, whom they suppose, are, or ought to be under the Command of the Parliament.

That the Kingdom of Scotland finding their stability, and happiness so much to depend upon the safety and preservation of the Kings person, and they resolving to continue in all Loyalty un∣der his Government, have endeavoured the Com∣posure of the unhappy differences.

They desire that the business of the Propositi∣ons may proceed with the mutual Councels of both Kingdoms, and in the name of the Kingdom of Scotland, they desire that there may be a personal Treaty with His Majesty, and for that effect, that the King may be invited to come to London with honour, freedom, and safety due to him, and not to be under the power and restraint of Soul∣diers.

(8.) Debate touching Provision for a constant Pay of the Army.

Both Houses agreed to the conference for speedy dispatch of the Propositions.

The General Councel of the Army desired his Excellency, That for a time the Officers and Agita∣tors, should resort to the several Commands and Regiments, till the General Rendezvous be over, and the General shall see cause to call them toge∣ther again, and the same was done accordingly.

Collonel Jones took in divers Castles and Forts from the Rebels in Lemster.

(9.) Letters from the General mentioning the long expectation of the Army of somewhat to have * 1.7 been done by the Parliament in Order to the satisfa∣ction of the desires and Proposals of the Army, that somesatisfactory answers therein would enable him, and his Officers to serve the Parliament the more; and to have more credit with the Army, to keep them in better Order.

That he had appointed a General Rendezvous by the advice of the General Officers of the Army, and General Councel; who offered to repair to their several Charges, and Regiments, to im∣prove their endeavours for quieting of them, and recovering the antient Discipline of the Army.

He desires the House to grant the inclosed Parti∣culars.

• 1. Six weeks Pay (if possible) if not a months Pay to be presently sent to the Army.
• 2. The Arrears to be paid out of the remain∣der of Bishops Lands, Deans, &c.
• 3. Provision for constant Pay of the Army.
• 4. That there be one hundred thousand pound a month for the Forces in England and Ireland, and those of the supernumeraries to be disbanded.
• 5. That Free Quarter, or taking any thing from any man be punisht with death.

Orders for mony for the Army,

A Paper from some of the Agitators, called The Case of the Army, Voted by the House, Destructive * 1.8 to the Priviledges of Parliament, and the Fundamen∣tal Government of this Kingdom, and referred to the General to find out the Authors.

Liberty granted to Lieutenant Collonel Lilburne to go abroad without his Keeper.

Order for restitution of monies seised from Mrs. Curriton.

The Lords appointed a Committee to draw an answer to the Letter of the Scots Commissioners about a personal Treaty. They fined their absent Members an hundred pound a Man.

The Commons desired the Lords concurrence to several Ordinances, for Moneys for the Lord Or∣mond, for allowance for Soldiers Wives, for Trade, for confirming Truro Articles.

A Committee of the General Councel of the * 1.9 Army, appointed to collect a summary of the En∣gagements, Declarations, and Papers of the Ar∣my, of matters concerning the good of the King∣dom, the Liberties of the People, and the interest of the Army; and to consider the case of the Army stated, and a Paper called the agreement of the People, to be presented to the General for his order to communicate it to the several Regiments before their Rendezvous.

They also made a Declaration, That by their Let∣ter to the Parliament, November 5. it was no part of their intentions to hinder the sending of the Propositi∣ons to the King, but only to assert the freedom of Par∣liament.

(10.) A grand Committee sat about the future Pay of the Army, and to prevent free Quarter.

Order that the Members of every County do present three names, out of which the House to choose one, to be High Sheriff for that County.

Debate of Ordinances for Money for Ireland, one by sale of Rebels Lands.

The Committee ordered to sit constantly, where Mr. Sandys hath the Chair, to report what Mem∣bers of the House have Offices. And the Commit∣tee of the Admiralty continued.

(11.) Order for the Wives and Children of Delinquents to have the fifth part of Sequestrati∣ons.

Orders for provisions for wounded Soldiers.

Upon the question whether Deans and Chapters Lands should be security for the Arrears of the Sol∣diery, it pss'd in the Negative.

The Moss-Troopers prosecuted.

This night news came of the Kings escape from * 1.10 Hampton-Court, That the Officers who attended him wondring that he came not forth of his Chamber, where he had been writing most part of the night before, they went in, and miss'd him within half an hour after his departure; That Posts were sent into all parts, to discover and stay him.

(12.) Letters from Lieutenant General Crom∣well to the House, of the Kings going away, That the Commissioners, and Col. Whaley missing him at Supper, went into his Chamber and found him gone, leaving his Cloak in the Gallery, as he went the back way, and some Letters of his own hand * 1.11 writing upon the table in his withdrawing-Room, to be Communicated to the Parliament, to this effect.

That Liberty, the thing now generally pretended and aimed at, was as necessary for Kings as any other, that he had a long time endured Captivity and restraint, hoping it might tend to the settlement of a good Peace, but finding the contrary, and the unfixedness of the Ar∣my, and new Guards set upon him, he had withdrawn himself.

That wheresoever he should be, he would earnestly la∣bour the settlement of a good Peace, and to prevent the effusion of more blood, and if he might be heard with Honour, Freedom, and Safety, he would instantly break through his Cloud of retirement, and shew himself ready to be Pater Patriae,

CHARLES REX.

Orders to send for Sir Edward Ford, Sir John Berk∣ley, Mr. Jo. Ashburnham, and Doctor Gosse in safe Custody, as suspected for the design of the Kings escape, and for Posts to be sent to all Ports, and to the Rear-Admiral to search all Vessels, and to stop the Kings Person, and all his Attendants.

Information of a Member of the House, That the King was in or near London, referred to a Committee.

The Commissioners reported the manner of his Majesties escape, and had the thanks of the House for their Fidelity.

Order to pay the Debts of those who attended his Majesty, by occasion thereof.

(13.) Letters from the General of divers se∣cured at Hampton-Court touching the Kings escape, and to know what shall be done with them.

Order that it shall be loss of Estate and Life, for a∣ny one to detain the Kings Person, and not to discover it to both Houses of Parliament.

Orders in the afternoon for advance of Money for the Army.

(15.) Letters from Col. Hammond Governor of the Isle of Wight.

That riding upon the way in the Island, Mr. Ash∣burnham * 2.1 and Sir Jo. Berkley overtook him, and told him that the King was near, and would be with the Collonel this night.

That he was come from Hampton-Court upon in∣formation, that there were some, who intended to destroy his Person, that he could not with safety continue any longer there, and that finding his case thus, chose rather to put himself upon the Collonel, being a Member of the Army (whom he would not have left could he have had security to his Per∣son) than to go to any other place.

That the Collonel being herewith exceedingly surprized, knew not at present what course to take, but weighing the great concernment that the Per∣son of the King is of to the settlement of the Peace of the Kingdom, he resolved it his duty to the King, the Parliament, and Kingdom, to use the utmost of his endeavour to preserve his Person from any such horrid attempt, and to bring him to a place of safety.

Where he may be also in a capacity of answering the expectation of the Parliament and Kingdom, in the settlement of our distractions. That he chose (the King desiring it) to bring him over into that Island, where he now is, and concludes with professions of his own Fidelity and Care.

Another Letter to the same purpose from Cap∣tain Basket; the Collonel's Messenger had twenty pound, and the Captain ten pound given them, and a Committee appointed to draw up Instructions for Col. Hammond, about the disposing of his Ma∣jesty during his stay there.

(16.) Letters from the General, That at the Rendezvous of the first Brigade near Ware, the * 2.2 Soldiers generally by acclamations declared their affections and resolutions to adhere to the General, and signed an agreement to observe such Orders as they should receive from the General and General Councel of the Army, and this was done upon the General's speaking to each Regiment; and not∣withstanding great endeavours to oppose it.

At this Rendezvous Col. Eyre, Major Scot, and some other Officers, who laboured to raise Sediti∣on and Mutiny among the Soldiers, were commit∣ted into the Martials hands; others were com∣mitted for dispersing Factious Papers, as the agree∣ment of the People, &c. among the Soldiers, parti∣cularly in Col. Lilburne's Regiment the most mu∣tinous in the Army, command was given for them, to tear and cast away the Papers, which was done.

Captain Bray who was the only Officer above a Lieutenant left among them (the rest being dri∣ven away by the mutinous Soldiers, and one of them wounded) was taken from the Head of that Regiment, and committed to custody, for leading the Soldiers to this rendezvous contrary to orders.

Afterwards, a Councel of War being called in the Fields, divers Mutineers for examples sake were drawn forth, and three of them were tryed and condemned to death; and one of them (to whose turn it fell by lot) was shot to death at the Head of the Regiment; and others taken into hold, to be tryed for the same Mutiny, Col. Rainsborough's and Col. Harrison's Regiment saw their Errors and submitted.

The Lords desired the Commons concurrence to a Letter of thanks to the General, and that the late proceedings in London, tending to divide the Ar∣my, be examined; and that provision be made for sudden Pay for the Army, for the future, and a satis∣factory way for Arrears, and the Act of Indemnity to be full.

That Major Scot may give an account of his do∣ings, and that Col. Rainsborough may not go to sea till he hath cleared himself.

Orders for five thousand pound for his Majesties present necessities, and accommodation, and his houshold to be dissolved; and a Committee to name who shall attend him.

Upon information of a challenge sent by Major Murrey to Col. Whaley, M. Murrey was sent for in safe Custody.

The Sickness began to be feared in London, where it was begun.

(17.) Both Houses pass'd a Letter of thanks and instructions to Col. Hammond.

Order for seven hundred pound for Sir Francis Willoughby.

Divers new Sheriffs appointed, and orders for their accounts to be passed without Fees, and for lessening their charge.

(18.) Letters from the King to both Houses.

Letters from Col. Hammond, That he caused a meeting of the Gentry of the Island, who expressed their readiness to preserve his Majesties Person, and to obey the authority of Parliament.

That he had given order to restrain any from going out of the Island, or from coming in, with∣out Passes, or being examined by him; and he de∣sires accommodations for the King.

Order for ten thousand pound for the Garrison of Plymouth, and for discharging the supernumeraries there.

Reference to a Committee to consider of the Kings expences, and what they will amount unto, above fifty pound per diem, formerly allowed.

A Committee to consider of the Papers and Let∣ters sent from the Army and of the late endeavours of the London Agents to raise a mutiny in the Ar∣my; and how exemplary Justice may be done up∣on them; and a Declaration ordered upon this whole business.

Another rendezvous was in the Hare-Warren near Kingston of several Regiments of Horse and Foot, who expressed no discontent or disunion, but a rea∣dy complyance and subjection to his Excellency.

(19.) Ordinance pass'd for Money for the Ar∣my.

Lieutenant General Cromwell gave an account to * 2.3 the House of the proceedings at the late rendez∣vous, and how by Gods Mercy, and the endeavours, of his Excellency and his Officers, the Army was in a good condition, and obedience to his Excellen∣cy, and the superior Officers of the Army, and submissive to the authority of Parliament.

Lieutenant General Cromwell had the thanks of the House for his good Service at the rendezvous, and the like ordered to all the Officers of the Army, who were active to suppress the mutinous courses.

The Commons desired the Lords to appoint a Committee to present the Propositions to his Ma∣jesty.

Order that Lieutenant General Cromwell do de∣clare to the General, That the House will be at all times ready to receive, and give such answer as is sitting, in a Parliamentary way, to such humble Addresses as shall be made from the Army, to the Houses by his Excellen∣cy.

The Kings Letter from the Isle of Wight to the two Houses, was to this effect. * 3.1

That he supposeth they had received the Letter which he left behind him at Hampton-Court; ac∣cording to which, and being in a place of more Security, than he was there, he still desires and en∣deavours the settlement of an happy Peace; and because Religion is the best and chiefest founda∣tion of Peace, he begins with that particular.

That for the abolithing of Arch-Bishops, and Bishops, &c. he clearly professeth that he cannot * 3.2 give his assent thereunto, as he is a Christian, and a King.

Not, as he is a Christian, for he avows that he is satisfied in his Judgment, that this order was placed in the Church by the Apostles themselves; and ever since their time, hath continued in all Christian Churches throughout the World, until this last Century of years; and in this Church, in all times of Change and Reformation, it hath been upheld by the wisdom of his Ancestors, as the great preserver of Doctrine, Discipline, and Order in the Service of God.

That as a King, at his Coronation, he hath not only taken a solemn Oath to maintain this Or∣der; but he, and his Predecessors in their confir∣mation of the great Charter, have inseparably woven the Rights of the Church, into the Liber∣ties of the Subject.

That yet he is willing it be provided, that the particular Bishops perform their several Duties of their Callings, by their personal residence, and frequent Preaching; and to exercise no act of Ju∣risdiction or Ordination, without consent of their Presbyters; and will consent, that their powers in all things be so limited, that they be not grievous to the tender Consciences of others; and sees no reason, why he alone, and those of his Judgment should be pressed to a violation of theirs.

Nor can he consent to the alienations of Church-Lands, a sin of the highest Sacriledge, and that subverts the intentions of so many pious donors, who have laid a heavy curse upon all prophane vio∣lations; which his Majesty is very unwilling to undergo, and believes it to be a prejudice to the publick good; many of his Subjects having the benefit of renewing Leases at much easier rates than if the Lands were private mens, not omit∣ting the discouragement it will be to all Learning, and Industry, when such eminent rewards shall be taken away, which now lye open to the Children of meanest Persons.

Yet to satisfie his two Houses, he is content that the Presbyterian Government do continue as it is now setled for three years, provided that he, and those of his Judgment be not compelled to comply therewith, and that a consultation about settlement of Church-Government be by the As∣sembly with twenty Divines to be added to them, of the Kings nomination.

That in the settlement of the Church-Govern∣ment, there be full Liberty to all those, who shall differ on conscientious grounds, from that settle∣ment, provided that nothing be understood to to∣lerate those of the Popish Profession; nor exemp∣ting any Popish Recusant from the Penalties of the Laws, or to tolerate the publick profession of Atheism and Blasphemy, contrary to the Doctrine of the Apostles, Nic••ne, Athanasian Creeds; they having been received by, and had in reverence of all the Christian Churches, and more particu∣larly by this of England, ever since the Reforma∣tion.

As to the Militia, which he avows an insepara∣ble * 3.3 Right of his Crown, he cannot devest himself and his Successors of the power of the Sword; yet he will consent to an Act of Parliament, to place the power of the Militia during his Reign in the two Houses of Parliament, and after his Reign to return to the Crown.

As to payment of the Arrears of the Army he will consent, if the House will remit to him some benefit of Sequestrations, Compositions, the assistance of the Clergy, and the Arrears of his own Revenue, to pay within eighteen months, four hundred thousand pound to the Army, and if that be not sufficient, he will give way for the sale of Forrest-Lands, for that purpose.

For payment of other publick debts he will con∣sent to such Acts as the Parliament shall agree upon; and to an Act for the naming of Officers of State, and Privy-Councellors during his Reign, by both Houses of Parliament; the Commissi∣ons to be in his name, and after his Reign, this Right to return to the Crown.

He will consent to the taking away of the Court of Wards, so as a full recompence be setled upon him in perpetuity.

That he will consent to an Act to make null, all Declarations, &c. and to an Act of Oblivion, that he will give satisfaction concerning Ireland; and although he cannot in Honour consent to make void all his own grants under his great Seal, and to confirm all Acts under the Great Seal at Westminster, yet he doubts not but upon some pro∣posals to give satisfaction therein to the two Houses.

He earnestly desires a Personal Treaty at London in Honour, Freedom, and safety, with his two Houses, as the only means to settle Peace. And then he desires that the Proposals of the Army, as to future Parliaments, and Elections, may be considered.

(20.) Debate for raising Mony for the Army, and upon a Letter from the General to the Lord Major, Aldermen, and Common-Councel of Lon∣don, and another to the Committee of the Army; That the General had ordered Col. Hewson's Regi∣ment * 3.4 to Quarter in the City, to assist the Commit∣tee in collecting the Arrears due to the Army.

The House ordered Lieutenant Collonel Crom∣well to write to Col. Hewson to forbear marching into the City, and a Committee of Lords and Commons were appointed to acquaint the Com∣mon-Councel with the inconveniencies that might arise, if they did not speedily collect the Arrears due to the Army.

Both Houses ordered their Committee to press the Scots Commissioners to consent to the sending of the propositions to his Majesty.

Order about placing some of the Kings Servants about him.

Letters from Ireland informed a late and great de∣feat * 3.5 given by Col. Jones to the Rebels, and that he had beat them off from Dublyn.

The General's Head-Quarters were at Windsor.

(22.) The Ordinance committed for setting the Poor to work.

Some from the Common-Councel came to the House, with thanks for their care to prevent Quar∣tering of Soldiers in the City, and with an answer in writing concerning collecting of the Arrears of * 3.6

the Assessments, and that they had given an account of it by a Letter to the General.

The House ordered a Committee to prepare an answer to the City, and Voted, That they should go on to collect the Arrears, and speedily to bring them in.

Order to press the Commissioners for their an∣swer touching the Propositions, That the sending of them to his Majesty may not be further delay∣ed.

Letters from Col. Hammond, That he received by the hands of a Messenger from the General, the Votes and Resolutions of both Houses, relating to the security of his Majesties Person.

That as to the Vote, not to permit such as have been in Arms, or assisted against the Parliament, to come into the Island, he had before taken order; and touching the Votes last come to his hands, he will with the best of his endeavours see them put in Execution.

That as to a Warrant for apprehending Mr. Ash∣burnham, Mr. Leg, and Sir. Jo. Berkley, he desired the Serjeants Deputy to forbear the Execution thereof, till he might know the further pleasure of the Hou∣ses; in regard, if those Gentlemen should be ap∣prehended, it would be very difficult for him to secure the person of his Majesty.

That the King said, If these Gentlemen should be taken from him, and punished as Evil doers, for coun∣celling him not to go out of the Kingdom, but rather to come to this place, for the more conveniency as to set∣tlement of Peace, and for endeavouring it accordingly, in attending him hither; he cannot but himself expect to be dealt with accordingly, his case being the same.

That these Gentlemen have engaged their Honours not to depart from him, and having cast themselves upon him, in case they should be removed from thence, it would much reflect upon him.

(23.) A Petition delivered to the supream autho∣rity * 3.7 of the Nation, presented to the Commons, was read and voted to be, a Seditious and Contemptuous a∣vowing and prosecution of a former Petition, and Paper annexed, stiled, an agreement of the People, formerly adjudged by the House to be destructive to the being of Parliaments, and fundamental Laws of this King∣dom.

Some of the chief Actors herein were commit∣ted to the Gate-house, others to New-gate, and a Letter sent to the General to prosecute the Exami∣nation of that business to the bottom; and to bring such guilty Persons as he shall think fit to ex∣emplary punishment.

Letters from Bristol, of a Mutiny in the Garri∣son, and that the Soldiers had secured an Alderman there, till they had a Months Pay, the House sent a Letter to the General to discharge the Alderman, and to prevent the like abuses by the Soldiers for the future.

(24.) The Monthly Fast-day.

(25.) Order to press the Scots Commissioners for a further and speedy answer touching the Pro∣positions to be presented to his Majesty; and to take off the Commissioners Seal of his Bed-Chamber at Hampton-Court.

Some from the Assembly presented the short Ca∣techism to the House, who gave them thanks, and * 3.8 desired them to give a speedy answer to the Quaeries formerly sent them, and to perfect those things re∣ferred to them.

A Letter to the General from Buckingham-shire, complaining of the unsufferable burden of free Quarter, sent by him to the House, and referred to the grand Committee, who are to consider of taking off free Quarter, and setling a constant Pay for the Ar∣my.

The Merchant Adventurers lent ten thousand pound towards the Months Pay for the Army.

Letters from the General to the City, why he appointed some Soldiers to assist in collecting the Arrears of the Assessments, that he submitted to what the Parliament had ordered concerning the stop of that Course, and hoped the City would perform their undertaking in the speedy collecting of them, otherwise it might be very inconvenient to the Parliament, the Army, and Kingdom, and to themselves.

(26.) The Grand Committee sate about Pay for the Army, and ordered the disbanding of the supernumerary Forces.

At a conference the Lords acquainted the Com∣mons, * 3.9 That they had considered the desires of the King to treat with the Parliament; and the Scots Papers, and the desires of the Kingdom, to be delivered from all burdens and fears, and to be preserved in Peace.

That their Lordships propound to the Commons four Propositions to be speedily sent to his Majesty to be spee∣dily passed for the safety and security of the Parliament and Kingdom, and to treat with his Majesty upon the rest. The Propositions were,

• 1. That a Bill be past for setling the Militia of this Kingdom.
• 2. That an Act be passed for calling in of all Declara∣tions, Oaths, and Proclaimations against the Parliament, and those who adhered to them.
• 3. For an Act, that those Lords who were made after the Great Seal was carried to Oxford, may be made uncapable of sitting in the House of Peers there∣by.
• 4. That power be given to the two Houses of Par∣liament, to adjourn as they shall think fit.

That his Majesty giving the Kingdom security, by passing these four Propositions, there may be a Personal Treaty with his Majesty, and the Parliaments of both Kingdoms, for passing the rest of the Propositions.

Herein they desired the Commons concur∣rence, who appointed a time to debate this business fully.

A Representation was presented to the Gene∣ral under the hands of Col. Lilburne, and the Offi∣cers of his Regiment, acknowledging and promising * 3.10 their obedience due to the General, and praying him to mind the Parliament of considering and resolving those things which have been presented to them from the Ar∣my, and as soon as the necessary great Affairs first to be setled shall be transacted, that a period may be set to this Parliament.

Some thought it a piece of high assumption in the Army, so often and so earnestly to press the dissolving of that authority, under which them∣selves had so highly acted.

Some of the Officers were supposed to have hopes of coming in themselves to be Members of Parlia∣ment upon new Elections; others were thought to act upon better Principles of the Nations Freedom by not being subjected too long to the same Persons in authority.

(27.) Order of both Houses for Mr. Sollicitor to draw up Pardons for some convicted Persons at Northampton.

The Lords desired the Commons to take a spee∣dy course for constant Pay for the Army, that the Countries may not be burdened with free Quarter.

A Committee appointed to find out the Authors of Mercurius Pragmaticus, and Mercurius Melancho∣licus, and other Pamphlets scandalous to the Parlia∣ment, to punish them, and the Printers, and Sel∣lers of them, and to seize the Impressions of them.

The Commons agreed with the Lords to have a Personal Treaty with the King, after he should have Signed the four Propositions agreed on by the Lords, which were to be sent to his Majesty.

(29.) Many Citizens of London, and others at∣tended the House with a second Petition of the * 3.11 same Party who Petitioned the last Week, this Pe∣tition reflecting highly upon the proceedings of the House, and accusing them of Partiality, desiring to know what are their Freedoms, and that those Com∣mitted upon the Petition the last week may be re∣leased.

The Lord Major, and the Militia of London gave notice of this Petition to the House before it came up, and offered their Guards to the House, who sent them thanks for it, and order to bring their Guards as there should be occasion, and set a day to debate this Petition.

The Committee of Lords and Commons for the business of London Agents, was made a close Com∣mittee with power to send for Parties, &c. and to commit to custody.

In these passages we may take notice of the strange workings of God, and of the perplexed condition in which the Parliament was at this time.

The Army whom they had raised, paid, and Com∣missionated, now mutiny against them, and with * 3.12 their Swords in their hands, controule and oppose their Principals, and Masters.

The City, the old Friends, joynt-actors, and * 3.13 constant assistants of the Parliament with their lives and Fortunes, become full of Sedition and averse∣ness towards them, question their integrity, re∣proach them and seek to cast them off.

Letters from Ireland certified, That the Lord Inchequin marching towards the Rebels in Munster, * 3.14 was inforced to joyn Battle with them, who were three for one more in number than the Protestants, and had the advantage of ground, so that the Lord Inchequin's Ordnance became useless.

His main Battle was hard put to it, and by the Cowardise of some like to have been routed, but the Lord Inchequin in person, with what Horse could be got together, made a desperate attempt upon the main Body of the Rebels, and gave them a Rout.

That Col. Grey with his handful of bare-legged men recovered the Ordnance, whereby the Rebels whole Force was dissolved; the Collonel was slain, and Lieuetenant Collonel Crispe, Captain Love and some other Commanders, and divers wound∣ed, and about an hundred and fifty private Soldiers and Gunners slain, and many wounded, the whole number of Inchequin's Men were not above four thousand.

His men had the Pursuit of the Rebels seven miles, three several ways as long as the day lasted; and in the flight and pursuit, were slain of the Re∣bels about four thousand, their Lieutenant Gene∣ral Kilketto with divers Officers killed and taken.

(30.) The grand Committee sate about a con∣stant wayof Pay for the Army.

Captain Piggot who brought the Letters from the Lord Inchequin made a particular relation in the * 3.15 House of the late victory in Ireland, and presented to the House two Letters under the Lord Digby's hand, found in the Lord Taffes Cabinet after the Battle.

One was to direct him concerning the Kings in∣terest in Ireland, and to preserve the Army under his Command there, and to please the French Agent, and promising him great preferments.

Orders for a thousand pound for the Lord In∣chequin to buy him Horses, as a favour of the House for his good Services; and for Letters of thanks to him, and to his Officers, and for fifty pound to Captain Piggot, and for ten thousand pound for Provisions for Munster.

Ordinances debated about Money for the Army.

The King wrote a Courteous Letter to Sir Tho∣mas * 3.16 Fairfax, That he appointed Copies of his Letters to the Parliament about his withdrawing from Hampton Court, to be delivered to Sir Thomas Fairfax, and had also sent him a Copy of his last Message to both Hou∣ses from the Isle of Wight, in order to the settlement of a good Peace; and desires him to imploy his credit therein, that Doctor, Shelden, Doctor Oldesworth, and Doctor Hammond may be protected in coming to his Majesty.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Scotland.
• * 1.2

  Army.
• * 1.3

  Army. New Pro∣posals.
• * 1.4

  Further Heads.
• * 1.5

  Army.
• * 1.6

  Scots.
• * 1.7

  Army.
• * 1.8

  Vote.
• * 1.9

  Army.
• * 1.10

  The Kings escape from Hampton Court.
• * 1.11

  His Letters
• * 2.1

  King in the Isle of Wight.
• * 2.2

  Rendez∣vous.
• * 2.3

  Cromwell.
• * 3.1

  The Kings Letter.
• * 3.2

  Religion.
• * 3.3

  Militia.
• * 3.4

  Col. Hew∣son.
• * 3.5

  Col. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 3.6

  Ci••••.
• * 3.7

  Seditious Petition.
• * 3.8

  Assembly.
• * 3.9

  Lords Confe∣rence.
• * 3.10

  For Dis∣solving the Parlia∣ment.
• * 3.11

  Personal, Treaty. City Peti∣tion.
• * 3.12

  Army.
• * 3.13

  City.
• * 3.14

  Lord In∣chequin.
• * 3.15

  Letters ta∣ken.
• * 3.16

  Kings Let∣ters to Fairfax.