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.

June, 1648.

June 1. Debate of an Ordinance touch∣ing the Arrears of many Officers and Sol∣diers, who have served the Parliament.

A Petition from the Lord Ma∣jor * 1.1 and Common Councel of London, to acquaint the Houses with a Petiti∣on presented to the Common Coun∣cel, which they desired to tender to the Houses, and to leave to their Con∣sideration,

It was.

• 1. To return thanks to the Common Councel for their endeavours for a Per∣sonal Treaty.
• 2. That the Militia of London, Es∣sex, Hertford, Bucks, Kent, Sussex and Surrey might be Asso∣ciated.
• 3. That Captain Batten might be resto∣red to the place of Vice-Admi∣ral.
• 4. That the Distempers in Kent might be appeased.
• 5. That the Aldermen under restraint might be discharged.

The Answer of both Houses to * 1.2 the Petition was,

That they perceived the Wisdom and Moderation of the Common Councel in this business, and thereby their good affections to the Parliament for which they gave them thanks, and desired that a Common Councel might be called this afternoon, to which the Houses resolved to send some of their Members to acquaint them with the sence of the Houses upon such Petiti∣ons.

Intelligence that the General with four Regi∣ments of Horse and three of Foot, and some Com∣panies of Colonel Ingoldsbie's Regiment, marched to Eltham, and lay in the Fields all Night. May 31. they had a rendezvous at Craford Heath, and from thence marched through Dartford, and the * 1.3 General having intelligence that a party of the Kentish had fortifyed and barricadoed a bridge which led to Gravesend,

A commanded party was sent forth under Major Husbands of three hundred Horse, who took up an hundred Foot behind them: when they drew to∣wards the bridge the Enemy sired thick upon them, but they notwithstanding fell on, and the Horse swam through the water, and so got over.

The Kentish men seeing their danger, fled, Major Childe who commanded them, hardly escaped, ha∣ving his Horse shot, and his Son was shot, and taken. About twenty of the Kentish were slain on the place, divers wounded, and thirty Priso∣ners taken, most of the party routed were Country-men, Sca-men, and Apprentices of London.

Major Husbands Marched on two or three Miles beyond Gravesend, and had orders to retreat to Maulin, where the Army quartered.

The General published a Proclamation forbid∣ding his Souldiers to Plunder, or commit any out∣rage in their March, and to restore any thing that had been so taken. Many Knights, and Gentlemen of quality, and Cavaliers were with the Kentish men, and their numbers were increased to above ten thousand.

Major Gibbon went with a party to relieve Dover-Castle, and forced Sir Richard Hardresse who had besieged it, to retreat.

[2.] A report from the committee who were sent to the Common Council, That they did return their humble thanks to the Parliament for sending the Com∣mittee * 1.4 to acquaint them with the Overtures of favour the Parliament have made to the Petitioners of Kent. The Common Council acknowledge the great patience and low condescension of the Parliament towards the Kentish men, and are fully satisfyed in what hath been delivered to them from the Committee in relation to the Clemency of the Parliament.

The Commons seeing the City a little stagge∣ring, and inclining to favour, if not to assist the Kentish-men, and knowing the great danger thereof, held it the most prudent Course to seek to win them by fair and courteous, and conde∣scending means to the Parliament, rather than to adventure a ruffle with them.

Their Committee carried it with much discre∣tion and moderation this way, and the issue pro∣ved effectual. The house order'd these Proceedings with the Common Council to be Printed, that the Kingdom may take notice of the good understan∣ding between the Parliament and City: and how far both are sensible of the designs of the Common Enemy to bring a second war upon the Kingdom.

Order to send the three Bills to the Commis∣sioners in Scotland, to be by them communicated to the Parliament there, that both Kingdoms may * 1.5 proceed in a brotherly Ʋnion, against the Common Enemy, and in prosecution of the Covenant, according to the Example of the Kirk of Scotland.

Letters from Kent, That after the Passe gained by Major Husbands, which was kept by Sixteen * 1.6 hundred of the Kentishmen, they fled; and although they were Six thousand Foot, and one thousand Horse, equal in number to the Parliaments Army, yet they would not stand a Fight.

That the General advanced towards Maidston * 1.7 sooner than he was expected, and had intimation that two hundred of the Enemy were quartered there; a commanded party was drawn out to force entrance into the Town, the Enemy prepared for a defence, and had a thousand Horse and Foot brought in for their assistance. About seven a Clock in the evening Orders were given out for storming the Town; at which the Souldiers shout∣ed, and fell on with much violence; but contrary to expectation, found as resolute opposition. Yet after a small dispute, forced their entrance into the Town, and then thought the difficulty of the service had been over.

But the Enemy had drawn in eight hundred more to their assistance, which made them up com∣pleat two thousand, and had so lined the streets, in the several Houses, and placed so much case Shot in every Street, that the business became very disputable till almost twelve a Clock at Night, and every Street in the Town was got by In∣ches.

The number of the Slain of the Kentish men, were above two hundred, of the Parliaments Forces not above forty, of them Captain Price was one. The Prisoners taken by the Parliament were four∣teen hundred and upwards, with four hundred Horse, and two thousand Arms: of this select Brigade of the Enemy, few were Countreymen, but many of the Kings party, and men of quality, some Sea-men, and the rest Apprentices, and Water-men, who came from London and there∣abouts.

That the Enemy drew out of Rochester in a main Body within two miles of Maidston, and the General to answer them, drew out three Regi∣ments of Horse, and one of Foot, the better to secure those that stormed: and they stay'd at that distance till the whole business was dispu∣ted.

The General though much disabled by indis∣position of health, and having a great fit of the gout * 1.8 then upon him, yet could not be prevailed with to remain with the Body in the Field, but with his foot wrapped up he mounted on Horse-back, led on his men in the greatest danger, and was one of the first in all this action.

Both sides did their part with much valour and resolution, and there was scarce any action in the former war more desperate and hazardous, and better performed than this was.

[3.] Letters from the General of the defeat of the Kentishmen at Maidston, and that they had since quitted Rochester, and the General was possessed of it, and that the Women of the Town were so much inraged against the Cavaliers, for leading their Husbands into ruine, that they were ready to have beaten them out of the Town.

That since the quitting of Rochester, the Coun∣trey-men leave the Field apace, and return home, that some thousands of their Forces, Horse and Foot, with Goring in the head of them, took their * 1.9 March towards London, thinking a great part of the City would joyn with them, that the General sent five hundred Horse to pursue them.

Order for thanksgiving to God for this Victo∣ry, and the Messengers that brought the news from the General, had good gratuities given them.

Letters came from the Kentishmen to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of Lon∣don, * 1.10 desiring assistance, and association with them, but the City would do nothing thereupon, but ac∣quainted the Parliament with the Letters.

Thereupon the House order'd, that they should have thanks for communicating these Letters, and for not doing any thing in answer, or satisfaction thereof.

Then the House being in a good humor, it was moved, That they should consider of the Eleven Members, and the Aldermen of the City now Priso∣ners in the Tower, and the House voted the dis∣charge of all of them, the impeached Lords, Wil∣longhby, &c. the Eleven Members, Hollis, &c. and * 1.11 the three Aldermen.

Order for a Letter of thanks to the Gene∣ral and his Officers, and Souldiers, for their great service at Maidston. Whilst the Chancery Court was Sitting, there was a tumult, and draw∣ing of Swords in Westminster-Hall, which some feared had been a new rising, but it proved only upon the arrest of a Souldier.

[4.] Intelligence came that the Lord Goring and his Company were at Black Health, but, see∣ing * 1.12 none of the City came forth to joyn with them, and the Country-men divided, and not willing to ingage further, or that Goring should be their General, and a small party of the Parliaments Horse * 1.13 coming within sight of them, the Kentish men were struck with fear and most of them fled, the Parliaments Horse came on, and took many Pri∣soners, and much pillage. Goring with about five hundred of the chief of them, hasted to Greenwich, and thence ferryed over in Lighters and Boats to Essex side, and making great haste, some of them did swim, and many were drowned. The Sea-men and Water-men that had before joyned with them, now set upon them, and took many Priso∣ners and good pillage.

[5.] Letters from the General of a full account of the whole business of Kent, and recommending to the House the Widow of Captain Price slain in that service, the House Ordered his arrears to be audited, and allowed two hundred pounds more to his Widow and Children.

Order for thanks to the General for his great service, and that his Letter be Printed, that the People may see how they are deluded by the Malignant Party.

The Ordinance past for setling the Militia of Cornwal and Devon.

The House voted the Lord Goring to be a Rebel for raising Forces in Kent and in Essex against the * 1.14 Parliament, and referred to the Committee of the North to continue such Garrisons as they think fit. Goring prevailed with a party in Essex to Joyn with him: they quartered at Bowe, and Co∣lonel Whaley with a party of the Parliaments Horse, at Mile-end, some Skirmishes were between their Scouts. The Houses passed an Act of In∣dempnity for all of them (except Goring, and some few others) if they forthwith lay down * 1.15 Armes, and the Act was sent down to them.

Letters from Scotland of great distractions a∣mong * 1.16 them, and difficulties to raise their Army; which the Clergy opposed, and M^r. Galaspe preached to be against the Covenant.

Letters from New-castle of the preparations in Scotland (if their differences hinder not) for an Armies coming into England, that Berwick and Carlisle are supplyed with Armes, and other things from thence, that the Scots in Ireland are expected, and money sent to fetch them, that Langdale's Forces were about eight thousand, and no relief from the Parliament of England to their Party.

[6.] About twenty of the Kings party, came with Corn, and Frocks over their Clothes, pre∣tending to supply Pontefract Castle, and having Armes under their Frocks, they seised upon the main guard, part of whom they had corrupted, and another Party of the Kings lying in Ambus∣cadoe * 1.17 near hand, entred and surprised the Castle. The House referred it to the Committee of Derby house to consider of the speedy sending some of the Forces in Wales, to the Northern parts.

Upon information from the Militia of London, that the Spanish Ambassador here, by reason of * 1.18 some Victories lately obtained in Spain, had ap∣pointed Bonefires to be made, which would oc∣casion great confluence of Malignants and tu∣mults, the House sent to desire the Ambassador to forbear the same in these tumultuous times, till the Peace of the Kingdom should be better setled.

Order for the Garrison of Leverpoole to be taken into pay.

The Lords concurred in the discharge of the seven impeached Lords, the eleven Members, and the three Aldermen in London.

An Ordinance committed for the sequestring the Estate of Powell, Langhorne, and Poyer, and proceeding against them as Delinquents. The General sent Colonel Rich to raise the siege at Dover.

Letters from Wales, that Overton's Regiment, and part of Sir W. Constable's Regiment commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Reade, Stormed the Suburbs of Tenby, took twenty Horse, and killed some; that about a Week after that, the Town and Castle were surrendred upon mercy to the Par∣liament.

That the Townsmen seeing nothing but ruine, brought the desperate Officers and Country Gen∣tlemen to a complyance, although they had suffi∣cient provision, three hundred Souldiers, thirty five Guns mounted, and twelve Barrels of Pow∣der.

That Pembroke Town and Castle was besieged by Lieutenant General Cromwell, that Poyer had in the Castle three hundred Horse, and many Foot.

That the Lion, a Ship of the Parliaments, riding * 1.19 in Milford Haven, sent to Cromwell two Drakes, two Demy Culverins, and two whole Culverins, that when two of them were planted, and shot off against the Castle, at the same time the Parlia∣ments Souldiers Stormed a Village under the South gate of the Town, of great advantage to the Besiegers.

Which Poyer perceiving, pulled in his red Flag. That the Horse in the Town made desperate Sal∣lies, but were beaten back with loss on both sides, they desired to come out, but it would not be granted but upon Mercy, that they had no grass for their Horses, but pulled off the thatch from the Houses for them, they gave no quarter to the Parliaments Dragoons, nor the Dragoons to them.

[7.] The assembly of Divines presented to the * 1.20 House a congratulatory Letter, from the Assembly here to the Assembly in Scotland, to strenghen the Amity and Ʋnion of both Kingdoms, which the House approved.

Order to forbid the making of Reading a Gar∣rison, or any other Town in Barkshire without leave from the Parliament.

A Passe from both Houses to Prince Philip to return with twelve Horses beyond Seas.

Upon a Petition of the Inhabitants of Westmin∣ster, M^r. Glyn who served for them, was read∣mitted a Member of the House.

Order for securing New-port Paganel.

Intelligence, that the Malignants were up in Lincolnshire, under Colonel D^r. Hudson, and Colonel Stiles.

Letters that Co. Rich had relieved Dover-Castle, * 1.21 and that Sir Richard Hardresse who besieged it with two thousand men, and had taken the block Houses, Ordnance, and Ammunition, fled upon the approach of Colonel Rich and Sir Miles

Livesy: who were possest of the Town, block-Houses, and all their quarters and Ordnance, and Colonel Rich in pursuit of Sir Richard Hardress.

Letters from Essex, that the Parliaments Com∣missioners having published the Indempnity at Bowe, Sir William Hickes, and divers other Gentle-men submitted, and the Lord Goring retreated, but Sir Charles Lucas perswaded them not to lay * 1.22 down Armes, but to continue in a Body; and that they had seised upon Sir William Hickes, and other Gentlemen, and plundered some, to the dis∣content of the Inhabitants.

The General sent some additional Forces to Colonel Whaley, by direction of the House, and that he should presently fall on the Essex men. And the Members of Norfolk and Suffolk had In∣structions from the Committee of Derby House, for preservation of the Peace of those Counties.

Letters from Jersy, of cruel oppressions and tyranny by Cartwright the Governor there, and * 1.23 solliciting for relief.

(8.) Letters from Colonel Waite, that he had fallen upon those who made an insurrection at * 1.24 Stamford, had killed their Commander D^r. Hud∣son, and others, and taken many of them Prisoners, but discharged the Country-men.

The House approved what he had done, and Ordered him thanks for it, and that the General should send him a Commission of Marshal Law to try the Prisoners.

Referred to a Committee to take order for trans∣porting beyond Sea some of the Prisoners taken in Kent and Essex, except such as had formerly served the Parliament, and revolted from them, and those to be tryed by Marshal Law.

Referred to the Master and Wardens of the Wa∣ter-men, to sind out and disfranchise such Water-men as had joyned with the Rebels in Kent and Essex, and the like for the London Apprentices.

Order for the Militia to put in execution the Ordinance for putting Papists, and Delinquents out of the Lines.

Letters from the Navy that the Ships at Ports∣mouth submitted to the Earl of Warwick, and re∣solved to be for the Parliament.

(9.) Intelligence that the Lord Capell was very active in Hertfordshire to raise a Body for the King, referred to the Committee of Derby House to take speedy order to suppress them.

A Petition from the County of Sussex, answered with Courtesy.

(10.) Letters from North-Wales, that Colonel Garter, and Lieutenant Colonel Twisselden with * 1.25 the assistance of thirty Horse and seventy Foot from Chester, intending to joyn with Colonel Ma∣son, and Colonel Mitton, who were in Caernarvon Castle, marched towards them; but Sir Jo. Owen, to prevent their joyning, drew off from his siege of Caernarvon with an hundred and fifty Horse, and an hundred and twenty Foot, and met Colonel Car∣ter upon his March.

The Forlorns of both Parties incountred, and the Parliaments Horse were forced to a disor∣derly retreat, the Enemy pursued with their whole Body, upon the reserve of the Parliaments, who received their Charge, and after a hot dispute routed them.

Captain Taylor singly incountring Sir John Owen, after he had broken his sword upon his head, closed with him, dismounted him, and took him Prisoner, and his party immediatly sled.

There were killed of them thirty, and Sir John Owen with divers others of Quality, and sixty pri∣vate Souldiers taken Prisoners, four of the Parlia∣ments Souldiers were Slain and divers Wounded, and many Horses Killed on each side.

Order for two hundred pounds for Captain Taylor, and gratuities for divers others; and for disposing of the Prisoners.

Letters of an Agreement betwixt the General and the Kentish-men, and that the five revolted Ships are willing to submit, upon an Act of In∣dempnity, which the General hath promised them.

That Sir Thomas Feyton was taken Prisoner at * 1.26 S. Edmonds Bury, the Lord Goring, Sir Charles Lucas, and the Lord Capell coming to them, in∣creased in numbers in Essex; whereupon the Lord General Fairfax advanced to Gravesend, inten∣ding to pass over his Men there into Essex.

(12.) Order upon Letters from the Governor of New-Castle for fifteen hundred Pounds for that garrison, and that no free Quarter should be taken, but only of such as refuse to pay their Assesse∣ments, and Letters thereof to be written to the Commitees.

Order for those Gentlemen who formerly at∣tended * 1.27 the Duke of York to attend the Duke of Gloucester, and four more added to them, and two thousand five hundred Pounds per annum for main∣tenance of his Family.

Letters from Colonel Sir Hardresse Waller of his disarming some in Exeter. Major General Lambert advanced to Langdale, who retreated ex∣pecting Assistance from Scotland.

A Souldier of Hemsley Castle was offered a hundred Pounds in hand, and five hundred Pounds more, and to be knighted, if he would betray the Castle to the Kings Forces; but he discovored the Plot, and the Agents were apprehended.

Pontefract Castle was besieged by eight hundred Horse and Foot, but at a distance; the Kings party there being two hundred and fifty Horse and four hundred Foot.

The Committee of Lancashire ordered four * 1.28 Regiments of Foot, and two of Horse to joyn with Major General Lambert, laid an Assessement of three thousand Pounds to advance them, and kept a day of Fast to pray to God for his blessing upon them.

(13.) The House approved of the Articles of Canterbury, and what the General had done in re∣ducing of Kent.

A day of thanksgiving appointed, for the good success in Kent, and a Narrative thereof to be read in Churches.

Orders touching compositions of Delinquents.

A Report made of a Design to surprise Not∣tingham Castle, but the Governor Captain Poutton surprised and took Prisoners the Complotters.

Letters from the Head quarters, that Ireton, Rich and Hewson's Regiments had reduced Can∣terbury (wherein were three thousand Armes, good Horse, and twenty four Colours) and the other Castles.

The General sent by Letter an offer of Im∣dempnity * 1.29 to some revolted Ships at Deale, but a Boson told the Trumpeter that brought the Let∣ter, that they did not owe the Parliament so much service, as to write answer to any that came from them, and so the Ships set Sail and went away.

That the General put over his Forces with much * 1.30 trouble at Gravesend into Essex, where Colonel Whaley, and Sir Thomas Honywood with two thou∣sand Horse and Foot of the Country, joyned with him, who kept many from going to the King's Party.

Among others, fourscore Horse out of London, most, or all Gentlemen (intending to be as a Guard to the Prince of Wales, when he came) in their March met with some of Whaley's Horse, ma∣ny of them killed and taken, the rest dispersed, a∣mong

them were four Brothers, three of whom were killed or mortally Wounded, and the Coun∣try-men took many Prisoners.

That Goring marcheth about four thousand, whereof six hundred Horse, and about two thou∣sand five hundred are well armed, that he tou∣ched at Lee's, and took horses, guns, and Arms of the Earl of Warwick's, and marched from thence toward Colchester.

That many of Essex came in to the General, who wrote to Suffolk to pull up Bridges, and cut down Trees in the way, to hinder the March of the Enemy.

Whitelock reported to the House the appoint∣ment of the Judges for the next summer Circuit.

(14.) Order for the tryal of Sir John Owen, and the rest of the chief Actors in his business.

An Ordinance past for forty two thousand pounds, for arrears of disbanded Officers and Sol∣diers.

Order renewed, that such as shall take up Arms without the authority of Parliament shall dye without mercy.

A Letter ordered to the States of Holland for * 1.31 apprehending three revolted Ships gone for Hol∣land, and an order for payment of part of their arrears to others of the revolted Ships that were come in again upon the Act of Indemnity.

A Committee appointed to draw up a Decla∣ration touching the business of Kent.

(15.) Ordered, That the Committee of Gold∣smiths Hall do Print all their Receipts for Com∣positions, and how the Moneys have been disbur∣sed, that the aspersion upon the Parliament may be cleared, of their receiving many millions by compositi∣ons, * 1.32 for which they could give no account. And that the Order should be printed, that none shall pay their fifth, and twentieth part, but Delinquents.

An additional Ordinance committed for put∣ting Papists and Delinquents out of the Lines of Communication.

An ordinance transmitted to the Lords, for put∣ting the County of Radnor into a posture of defence.

A Committee appointed to take order for twenty persons of the Kings party to be appre∣hended, and sent down to the General to be kept in like harsh usage, as Sir Willian Masham, and * 1.33 others sent down by the Parliament are kept in, by the Lord Goring, until they be exchanged.

Orders concerning Saltpeter.

(16.) Ordinance past for putting Papists and Delinquents out of the Lines of Communication, and twenty Miles from London, and four days time given them to depart the Town; and that Delinquents who have not presented their compo∣sitions, and sequestred Ministers shall be taken to be within this Ordinance.

An affront to S^r. Henry Mildmay by a Foot-man of the D. referred to a Committee to be examined.

Letters from Colchester, That the great ones had a purpose to escape, had shipped their Goods, * 1.34 but were prevented by the Parliaments Horse and Dragoons, who took in Marsey Island and Fort, by which they intended to escape, and by land their body cannot stir.

That many of the Townsmen came away to the General, whose Soldiers are inraged against those of Colchester, for the loss of their Commanders. That the General hath five hundred Prisoners, most of them taken from the gates of the City, that Sir William Masham and the rest of the Com∣mittee are detained Prisoners by Goring.

That the Enemy buryed sixty of their slain men in one Church-yard, besides those killed in the other part of the Town, and many of them wounded; that Sir William Campion, Col. Cooke, two Majors, and other Officers were slain, many of Quality wounded, and many of the Trained Bands, whom the General released.

They say that Colonel Farre Lieutenant Colo∣nel to the Earl of Warwick, led them out into the field, and into Mr. Grimston's house, and when he and the men fled, being galled by the Parliaments Musquetiers, he got to the gate, and caused it to be shut, and left his men to be cut in pieces by the Parliament Souldiers, if they had not been more merciful.

That the General closely beleaguers the Town, his train being come up to him, but intends, if possible, to preserve the Town from fire and plun∣der. That Sir Bern. Scudamore, Colonel Stew∣art and Colonel Thorneton, were taken at New-market raising sorces for the King.

That the Trumpet sent by the General into the Town, to see in what condition Sir William Ma∣sham, and the other Gentlemen Prisoners there were, returned that they were in a reasonable good condition.

That Captain Zanchy, who took in Marsey Fort and Island, found there two Culverins, two Sacres, and one Drake: and that Captain Peacock, and the Commander of the Ships at Harwich of∣fered their assistance to the General.

Order for raising two Troops of Horse in Northamptonshire, and for money for the Army.

Order about setling Ministers in particular Pa∣rishes, and for reviving the Committee of Exami∣nations, with power to suppress scandalous and unlicensed Pamphlets.

(17.) Debate that every officer, before he had his Commission, should take the Covenant, laid aside.

A Commission to Colonel Herbert to raise For∣ces for the Isle of Ely.

Vote for a Strong Summers Fleet, for defence of the Kingdom, and to reduce the revolted Ships, and a gratuity to be given to the Officers and Ma∣riners of the Fleet.

Orders about levying the Assessments for the Army.

Letters of the General, summoning Colchester to render to the Parliament; and that the Lord Goring asked the Trumpet who brought the Sum∣mons, * 1.35 how his General did, and bid him tell his General that he heard he was ill of the Gout, but that Goring would cure him of all diseases: that the Soudiers were highly inraged at this scoff to their General.

The Lord Goring, Lord Capel, and Sir Charles Lucas sent to the General for a List of the Pri∣soners he had taken of their party, and the Ge∣neral sent it to them.

(19.) Order for Sir Hardress Waller to permit no new forces to be raised in Devonshire and Corn∣wal, but to make use of the Trained-bands there, if there shall be occasion.

Debate about breaking the Chamber of M^r Charleton, a member of the House, and taking a∣way a Ward from thence; the affront referred to a Committee, the matter of the Ward referred to the Law.

Vote to readmit M^r Walter Long, a Member of the House. The Case of Sir John Clotworthy refer∣red to the Committee of Priviledges to examin.

The County and the City of Chester raised For∣ces for the Parliament, and desired that Captain Carter might command those of the City, which the House granted.

A Letter sent to old Sir Robert Booth, inviting him to raise Forces for the King, was by him sent up to the Parliament, and they referred it to a Committee.

Referred to a Committee to examin some Ma∣riners upon suspicion of plotting against the Par∣liament.

A battery being made against Pembroke Castle, an assault was attempted, but the Parliament Forces were repulsed with the loss of three and twenty men, and but four of the Garrison.

Letters from Colchester, that a Party of three * 1.36 hundred Horse issued out of the Town, and re∣turned with forty Head of Cattle, and a hundred Sheep, and were not met with by the Parlia∣ments Forces sent after them. That Lieutenant Ge∣neral Cromwell hath planted his Cannon, and in∣tended the next day to begin his battery.

Letters from the North, that Langdale marching * 1.37 towards Carlisle, Lambert fell upon his Rear, into the quarters of a Regiment newly raised, which he * 1.38 totally dispersed and brake, that the Officers fled after Langdale, and the Souldiers threw down their Armes, and ran home, seeming glad of the oppor∣tunity.

That Lamberts men pursued another Party of Langdale's, and took some Prisoners, that Carlisle was unwilling to receive Langdale's Forces, saying they would rather lose their lives, than be forced to eat Horse Flesh, as they had been before.

Letters from Scotland, that an Army will be * 1.39 forthwith raised there, that Duke Hamilton goes along General, and hath already Six thousand Horse, Foot, and Dragoons, that Middleton is Major General of the Foot, and the Earl of Ka∣lender Lieutenant General of the Horse.

That their Parliament have adjourned for two years, and left a great power to the Committee who act vigorously for the War, so that the Chan∣cellor the Lord Wareston, and others have left them, and are gone to the Earl of Argile.

That an Act is passed for punishing all such as preach, or write, or speak, against any thing done by the Parliament, or by any authority de∣rived from them, that Holborne is gone with a thousand Horse to fetch in the Earl of Argile and his Party.

(20.) Both Houses reciting former Votes pas∣sed 20 Maii 1642, viz. * 1.40

1. That it appears, that the King (seduced by wicked Counsel) intends to make War against the Parliament, who in all their Consultations and Actions have proposed no other end to themselves, but the care of the Kingdoms, and the performance of all duty and Loyalty to his person.

2. That whensoever the King maketh War upon the Parliament, it is a breach of the trust reposed in him by his People, contrary to his Oath, and tending to the dissolution of this Government.

3. That whosoever shall serve and assist him in such wars are Traytors by the fundamental Laws of this Kingdom, and have been so adjudged by two Acts of Parliament, and ought to suffer as Traytors. 11 R. 2. 1 H. 4.

The Lords and Commons now Declare, that it appears that divers who have assisted the King in the late War against the Parliament, and divers others endeavour to levy a new War against the Parliament.

That all such are Traytors by the fundamental Laws of this Kingdom, and have been so adjudged by the said two Acts of Parliament.

And they ordered, that these Votes be printed and published by the Sheriffs in every Market Town, and by the Judges in their Circuits.

An Ordinance passed to establish Colonel Wel∣den, Governor of Plymouth, and a hundred Pounds orderd him to buy Horses.

Orders for raising Forces in Nottinghamshire, and Lincolnshire, and that the Militia of Lancashire present to the General a fit person to be Gover∣nor of Leverpool.

Colonel Ralph Ashton approved to command the Lancashire Brigade to joyn with Major General Lambert.

Colonell Russell ordered to go to his Govern∣ment in Jersey.

Letters from Lieutennnt General Cromwell, That the Garrison of Pembroke begin to be in ex∣tream * 1.41 want of provisions, that they mutinyed, crying out, we shall be starved for two or three mens pleasures, better it were that we should throw them over the Walls.

That they have taken away the Water from the Castle, and that Poyer is in much danger of his own men, that he endeavoured to Storm the Castle, but the Ladders were too short, and he lost some men. That Poyer allows his men but half a Pound of Beef, and as much Bread a day, and hath promised not to hold out the Castle longer, than the Town can hold out, that he fired many Houses in the Town, which much frighted them.

Letters from the leaguer before Colchester, that * 1.42 the Parliaments Ships at Harwich, took two Ships that lay to assist the King's Party at Colchester, that they sent out Forces to assist their Ships, but a Party from the leaguer fell on them, and took fourty of them Prisoners, that Lieutenant Gardiner was taken Prisoner by them.

That Sir Charles Lucas sent a Trumpet propo∣sing an exchange of Prisoners, but the General an∣swered that Sir Charles Lucas had forfeited his * 1.43 parol, his honor, and faith, being his Prisoner upon parol, and therefore not capable of Command, or trust in Martial affairs, to this an answer and excuse was presently returned.

The Committee, Sir William Masham, and o∣thers under restraint in Colchester, sent a Paper signed by them, to the General, Intreating him to enter into a Treaty for Peace, and in the same Paper a line or two, signed Norwich, Arthur Capel, Charles Lucas.

(21.) Ordinance committed for setling the Presbyterian Government.

Additional Power given to the Committee who are to apprehend twenty of the King's Party, in lieu of those detained in Colchester.

The Committee of Essex ordered to go down to Indeavour the securing of that County.

An Ordinance past for setling the Militia of Bristol, and for a thousand Pounds for the fortifi∣cations and victualling of it.

Order for a demy-Culverin to be taken out of Arundell-Castle, for the service of the Isle of Wight.

M^r Doucet and others who indeavored the King's escape out of the Isle of Wight, committed to Peter House.

Order for a thousand Musquets, five hundred Case of Pistols, with their furniture, four thou∣sand Pikes and five thousand Swords, with ammu∣nition for the Northern service.

Order for the Common Council to take care, that at the Common hall for choosing of Sheriffs, none be admitted but those of the Liveries.

Letters that those in Colchester are fortifying * 1.44 apace, and getting in provisions, and have im∣posed a fine upon the Town, forcing all between sixteen and sixty years old, to bear Arms, and are preparing Horse and hand-Mills to grind their Corn.

That the General began a work which his men maintained with great resolution; that those in the Town sent a Trumpeter for a Treaty, that they twice attempted the regaining of Marsy-Fort

and Island, but were beaten back, that the Earl of Norwich perswades his men that London was plundered, and that Langdale was coming with ten thousand men to fall upon the Generals Rear, who was willing to draw off, and had sent a Trumpet to the Town for that purpose.

The weather was strangely cold and rainy for this time of the year.

(22.) Order for the General to proceed a∣gainst Captain Vesey by Marshal Law, he being a Captain of the Trained-bands in Essex, that per∣swaded his Company to join with the Lord Go∣ring, and was since taken Prisoner by the Ge∣neral.

A Petition from the Contractors for sale of Bi∣shops * 1.45 Lands, touching obstructions in that busi∣ness, referred to the Committee of obstructi∣ons.

Debate of an Ordinance for setling the Mili∣tia of Westminster.

Ordinance past for discharging the Sequestra∣tion of Sir John Strangeways and his Son.

Debate of the State of the Navy, and order∣ed, that an Ordinance be brought in for Forty Thousand Pounds out of the Excise for the Navy.

Order for the Committee of the Army to pay two Thousand Five Hundred Pounds borrowed by them of the Committee of the Navy, and that the Summers Fleet be fitted in order to the re∣ducing of the revolted Ships.

Reference to the Committee of Derby-house, to take care for the safety of the Isle of Wight both by land and Sea.

(23.) Debate touching the Settlement of the Peace of the Kingdom, and a Committee appoint∣ed to consider, how far the Parliament have gone, and what offers have been made by the King in order thereunto, and what is fit further to be offered to him, and of the place, manner, and circumstances relating to this business.

A question was proposed but not passed, whe∣ther the King should be removed from Carisbrook Castle to Windsor Castle, in order to a personal Treaty with both Kingdoms.

Order for Printing a Letter of Colonel Ha∣monds, and a Charge by one Osborn against him, and Captain Rolfe.

Order for the House to adjourn from every Fri∣day till Tuesday after.

Letters from the Leaguer before Colchester, * 1.46 that thirty Horse and forty Foot Sallied out of the Town to discover the new work that the General was making, and were beaten back by fourteen of the Parliaments Musquetiers, and that six Foot Souldiers went over the River, and brought away six Cows whithin Pistol shot of the main work of the Town, that some men were killed by the Cannon on both sides.

That the Suffolk Forces not being come up to the Leaguer, the Enemy had free passage to Sir Harbottle Grimston's house at Bradfield Hall, where they placed two hundred Musquetiers, and two Troops of Horse, and they sent a Summons to the Suffolk Forces at Cattaway Bridge.

That by Command of Sir Charles Lucas Com∣mander in Chief of his Majesties Forces in Essex, they desire to know the positive answer of the Suffolk men, Whether they will declare themselves Enemies or not to those in Colchester, who are come to preserve the Hundred from plunder, and not to act any thing against those of Suffolk, if they declare either to be friends or neuters, and their intention to be only to secure their own County.

The General published a Proclamation; that whereas he had offered liberty to all private Soldiers laying down their Arms, and leaving the Party in Colchester, to depart to their private homes, and to be free from any violence of the Soldiers; with conditions to persons of other Quality: He Commands all his Officers and Sol∣diers to permit them so to do.

(24.) Letters from Colchester Leaguer, that the weather being extream wet, some began to sally out of the Town, but the Parliaments Soldiers, and Horse of the Trained-bands notwithstanding the wet, stood to their Arms, with so much rea∣diness and cheerfulness, that the Cavaliers went in again.

That the Suffolk Forces made some scruple of marching out of their own County, that the par∣ty in Sir Harbottle Grimston's house plundered it, and turned out his Lady.

That the Suffolk Forces were come up to the Leaguer before Colchester, two thousand Foot and five troops of Horse, and had intrenched themselves before the East-gate, and left a com∣petent Force to secure Cattaway Bridge and other Bridges behind them.

(26.) Both Houses agreed upon a Committee to consider of the manner, and place of Treaty with his Majesty for settling the Peace of the Kingdom.

Vote that the Election of M^r Mildmay was void, and Sir John Clotworthy to be readmitted a Member of the House.

A note was sent to D^r Burges in his Pulpit, * 1.47 desiring him to give thanks to God, for preserving his Majesty from Poysoning, and to pray for the Forces under the Earl of Norwich, the Lord Capel, and Sir Marmaduke Langdale.

Order that the Militia of London do send for the Parties whose names were subscribed to this note; and that Bishop Wren, and M^r Capel the Lord Capel's Son be added to those, who are to be sent Prisoners to his Excellency, and to be ex∣changed for, or used as the Committee of Essex in restraint with the Lord Goring are.

Northern Letters, that Major General Lam∣bert hath retaken Appleby Castle, and Greystock Castle, and some Arms and Ammunition, that the Lancashire Forces one Regiment of good Horse, and two Regiments of Foot are joyned with him, that they advanced eight thousand Horse and Foot against Langdale who retreated to Carlisle, and avoided fighting, but sent eight Troops of Horse, whereof two were Gentlemen excellently Mounted, towards Berwick, and their Motions were attended by Colonel George Fenwick and M^r Sanderson.

That the Scots are daily expected by Langdale, * 1.48 but many of the contrary Party both Scots and English fly into England, and affirm, that the Prince is expected in Scotland, that great violence is used towards all that will not adhere to the new War. Some Ministers executed, more imprisoned, all to be secured and their goods confiscated who op∣pose this War, that there are great distractions and feuds among them.

A Petition from the Inhabitants of Colchester, * 1.49 and a Letter from the Lord Goring in their behalf was brought to the General, that Liberty might be granted to the Bay and Say makers, in that Town, to have a free trade with London during the Siege.

The General answered, that they should have * 1.50 considered this, and divers other inconveniences of War before they had admitted the Forces now in their Town. He recites the former subduing of the Parliaments Enemies, and the quiet and free trade

thereby enjoyed by that Town, and all the Kingdom, till this new War.

That the present interruption of their trade is brought upon them not by his default, but by those whom the Town hath harboured, and the Townsmen, and that to grant liberty of trade to persons besie∣ged, so much advantage to them, and prejudice to the besiegers, is such a motion as was never yet granted.

That their hopefullest way to a free trade will be to attend to a restitution of the Town and County, to the condition they were in before these Forces were among them, and as in order thereto, he offer'd fair conditions in a Letter to the Lord Goring, Lord Capell and Sir Charles Lucas (though perhaps concealed from the Town) though they be rejected by them, yet that he shall be ready to make good the same to all that shall timely imbrace them, except those three persons themselves.

That in the mean time, there are with him sundry Gentlemen of Quality, and Towns-men of good estates, and eminent in trade; who offer to buy all the Bayes and Sayes in the Town at the usual prices, and to pay for them within a fortnight after the Town shall be ren∣dred, or quitted to him.

And that though it be without example to a besieged Town, yet he will give leave for their commodities to be brought to a heath near the Town, to be bargained, or returned back as there shall be occasion.

A Trumpet came from the Lord Capell to de∣sire the General that an agent of the Bay and Say∣makers of the Town might come and treat with his Excellency about their free trade.

The Lord Capell's Trumpeter, and Colonel Paptons Trumpeter and divers Souldiers came from the Enemy to the General, according to his Proclamation.

The Lord Goring to keep up the spirits of his Party, when they asked, what the Generals Trumpet came so often about to them, he answered, that it was for a treaty, and that the General offered fifty thousand Pounds to the Lord Goring to permit him quietly to draw off with his Army.

[27.] A Petition from the Lord Major, Al∣dermen, and Common Council of London to both Houses of Parliament.

That a personal Treaty may be had between his Majesty and both Houses of Parliament, in London, * 1.51 or some other convenient place; to which Treaty our Brethren of Scotland may be invited, that so accor∣ding to our Allegiance, and the Covenant, his Ma∣jestys Royal person, honour, and Estate may be pre∣served, the power and priviledge of Parliament main∣tained, the just rights and Liberties of the subject restored, Religion, and Church Government in purity established, all differences composed, and a firm and lasting Peace concluded.

The Lords gave the Petitioners thanks for the * 1.52 continuance of their good affections, and inclinations to Peace.

The House of Commons related to them what they had done, and the Committee they had appointed in order to settlement of the Peace of the Kingdom, and gave them thanks for their good affections.

Additional ordinances passed for the Militia's of Westminster, and for York.

Some of the Forces in Colchester were drawn out into the Orchards and Closes under their * 1.53 Works, the Parliaments Foot went presently into the Field, beat the Enemy into their guards, and made those run that kept the Guard, took their hour-Glass, set their guard House on Fire, killed two, and brought one Cook of Greenwich away Prisoner.

The Enemy quitted Sir Harbottle Grimston's House, and retreated to the Lord Bannings House.

The Tower Regiment marched over the new Bridge, and intrenched themselves about the Northgate.

Colonel Whaley with some Horse fired the Enemies wind-mills.

[28.] The monthly fast day.

Letters from Colchester Leaguer, that the Suffolk Forces fell upon the Enemy, killed two, and took twenty Prisoners, whereof eight Kentish men, and two London Apprentices, who had chewed bullets rowled in sand in their pockets, contrary to the Law of Armes, that Colonel Needham was ••lain with such a shot.

That the same day, thirty of the Parliaments Horse fell upon two Troops of the Enemy, killed two, and Wounded many, that the Enemy sus∣pecting a battery, sallyed out in the night, with a hundred Horse in a full cariere, thinking to surprise some of the besiegers, but failing, they advanced in a swift march to the Horse guards, came within the Centries, and charged pistols.

That the main guard beat them back to the hedges, which they had lined with Musquetiers, but little hurt was done on either side.

Intelligence came, that the Enemy from Pont∣fract had possessed themselves of Axcombe Island near Trent.

[29.] A Petition from the younger Brothers * 1.54 of Trinity House, another from the Commanders, Masters, and Mariners of the shipping belonging to the River of Thames, and a third Petition from the Master, Warden, and Fellows of Trinity House, all for the personal Treaty with the King, were presented to the House, and a Committee ap∣pointed to draw up an answer to them.

Order for a Months pay, for the Lancashire Forces, and for the thanks of the House to Co∣lonel Ashton their Commander.

Upon Information of an Insurrection in Sussex, referred to the Committee of Derby house to take course for the subduing of them.

Upon Letters from the General ordered, that the Committee of the Army take care speedily to send down to the Army, provisions, and other necessaries which they want.

An Ordinance to impower the Committee of Essex to raise money for payment of the Forces in their County now raised.

Order for security of their arrears, to those Officers and Souldiers who came off from the Army, for the service of Ireland.

Order for six hundred Pounds for victualling the Fort and Castle of Chester, and that the late Actors in a design there be tryed by Martial Law.

Letters from Colchester leaguer, that the Enemy is debarred from all manner of provisions, that a party of the Suffolk Forces from Cattaway bridge, took ten Troopers of the Enemy plundering, and afterwards went to Sir Harbottle Grimstons house, which they found miserably ruined, and all the goods taken away and torn.

[30.] Upon a report from the Committee for the business of the personal Treaty the Lords a∣greed to these Votes.

1. That the Vote of Jan. 3. 1647. forbidding * 1.55 any addresses to be made to, or received from his Ma∣jesty, should be made null.

2. That the three propositions sent into Scotland and to be presented to his Majesty before a personal Treaty be had, should not be insisted upon, and that his Majesty be removed to some of his Houses within ten miles of London, to which the Lords desired the Commons concurrence.

The Lords recommended to the Commons the Petition of the Lady Capell, that she may have her eldest Son again, who is one of those sent down to the General to be used in the same manner as the Committee are, under restraint by the Lord Goring.

The House ordered a Letter to be sent to the * 1.56 General with the Lady Capell's petition inclosed, * 1.57 and that the General be desired to do therein as may stand with the Justice and honour of the Parliament.

M^r Dowsett upon a Message from the Lords, was ordered to attend that House, in the business of M^r Rolfe who was committed.

Order for the Committees of Sussex, and of Worcestershire, to raise Forces, for suppressing In∣surrections, and preserving the Peace of those Counties.

The Ordinance passed for payment of the Forces of Essex, and another for ten thousand pounds for Bristol.

Debate upon the Ordinance touching Reli∣gion.

Letters from Colchester leaguer, that the Enemy plaid with their great Guns, but did no hurt, by * 1.58 reason of the deepness of the Trenches: then they fell to annoy the besiegers with small shot out of M^r Grimsion's House, but the General's great Can∣non shooting through and through the House, cutting off the Legs and Arms of many of them, they fled into the Town, and set that, and other Houses with it, on fire.

That the Enemy sallyed out on the other side towards Suffolk, which the Parliaments Horse discovering they lined the hedges with Dragoons, and went on with a party of Horse as if they had incant to charge, and then faced about as running away from the Enemy, who pursued them to the place where the Dragoons were, who did so gall them with shot that they retreated, leaving some slain, and others desperately wounded.

That the next morning they sallyed out again with three troops of Horse, five hundred Foot, and a Drake, but the Parliaments Foot coming up too late to them they brought away some Cattle, and killed M^r Sandford, though their friend, the owner of them. The Barbarous Common Souldier will know no distinction between Friends and Foes, eithers goods come alike to their ra∣pine, and upon an hasty word they no more re∣gard the bloud of a Friend than of an Enemy; and so it was with M^r Sandford.

A Captain taken prisoner near Harwich.

Captain Brown came from the North to the General with Intelligence that the Enemy had quitted the Isle of Axholme.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Petition.
• * 1.2

  Answer.
• * 1.3

  Kentish-men.
• * 1.4

  〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.5

  Scotland.
• * 1.6

  Kint.
• * 1.7

  Maidston.
• * 1.8

  Fairfax.
• * 1.9

  Goring.
• * 1.10

  London,
• * 1.11

  11. Mem∣bers &c. discharged
• * 1.12

  Kent.
• * 1.13

  Goring.
• * 1.14

  Votes.
• * 1.15

  Indem∣nity.
• * 1.16

  Scotland.
• * 1.17

  Pontefract Castle surprised.
• * 1.18

  Spanish Ambassa∣dor.
• * 1.19

  Walet.
• * 1.20

  Assembly of Divine.
• * 1.21

  Dover Castle.
• * 1.22

  Goring.
• * 1.23

  Jersey
• * 1.24

  C••••it.
• * 1.25

  〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.26

  Goring.
• * 1.27

  D. of Gloucester.
• * 1.28

  Lancashire.
• * 1.29

  Revolted Ships.
• * 1.30

  Essex.
• * 1.31

  Revolted Ships.
• * 1.32

  Aspersions on the Par∣liament.
• * 1.33

  Goring.
• * 1.34

  Colchester.
• * 1.35

  Goring.
• * 1.36

  Colchester.
• * 1.37

  Langdale.
• * 1.38

  Lambert.
• * 1.39

  Scotland.
• * 1.40

  Votes
• * 1.41

  Pembroke.
• * 1.42

  Colchester.
• * 1.43

  Sir Charles Lucas.
• * 1.44

  Colchester.
• * 1.45

  Commit∣tee of ob∣structions.
• * 1.46

  Colchester.
• * 1.47

  Pulpit.
• * 1.48

  Scotland.
• * 1.49

  Colchester.
• * 1.50

  Fairfax.
• * 1.51

  London Petition.
• * 1.52

  Answer.
• * 1.53

  Colchester.
• * 1.54

  Petitions.
• * 1.55

  Votes.
• * 1.56

  Petition.
• * 1.57

  Lady Capell.
• * 1.58

  Colchester.