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.

March, 1648.

[1.] The House sate not.

The Council of state made several Orders in relation to the Navy, and that the Committee of the Army do certify to them the arrears of the Army, and what proceedings have been about set∣ling their Debenters.

Upon a Petition of the Countess of Holland to the High Court, and proof of the Earls being very sick, the Court gave him further time to an∣swer.

The Council of the Army passed a Petition to * 1.1 present to the House, and the General presented to them a Letter subscribed by eight Troupers of several Regiments, and delivered to him.

The effect of it, was to assert the Souldiers right to Petition, without their Officers consent, and it was high against the Council of State, and High Court.

This was ill resented by the Officers, and each of them present, by the poll, disavowed and disapproved the Letter, as tending to divide and disunite the Army; five of the eight Troupers were committed till they should be cleared by a Court Martial.

[2.] Colonel Whaley, and divers other Of∣ficers * 1.2 of the Army, presented a Letter from the General with a Petition from the General Council of the Army, to which the General concurred: Their desires were,

• 1. That Free quarter be forthwith totally taken away. * 1.3
• 2. For provision for constant pay of the Army.
• 3. For Receivers to account.
• 4. Abuses of Clipt money to be redressed.
• 5. Souldiers accounts to be stated, and Debenters given out.
• 6. Security for them by Deans and Chapters lands, or otherwise.
• 7. For satisfaction for Souldiers Horses slain or lost in Fight.
• 8. For Maintenance for maimed Souldiers and Widows of Souldiers.
• 9. For relief of Ireland.
• 10. For the supply of the Irish Officers come from Inchequin, &c.

Order that these matters be taken into con∣sideration, and thanks returned to the Petitioners.

Referred to the Council of State to consider what Forces are fit to be maintained in this King∣dom and in Ireland, and to bring in an estimate, that the House may make an establishment for all.

Order for recruits of Horse according to the Petition.

Referred to the Council of State to consider what is fit for the House to do at present, con∣cerning Ireland.

Referred to a Committee to consider of the * 1.4 Standard in the old Palace, and of taking it down and selling it.

Order for Sir George Ascue to command as * 1.5 Admiral of the Irish Seas, and for several others to be Commanders of Ships.

Order for two hundred pound for the Irish Of∣ficers.

An Act past concerning Sequestred Estates, in the Northern Counties, to be sold for ease of the People.

Referred to the Committee of the Army to re∣move the obstructions in stating the Souldiers ac∣counts.

An Act read and committed for bringing re∣ceivers, &c. to account.

[3.] The Earl of Holland before the High Court pleaded the same plea he had done before, * 1.6 of free quarter given him, and witnesses were ex∣amined on both sides, he desired Council, but it was denyed.

The Earl of Cambridge made an additional de∣fence, not much varying from what he had said * 1.7 before, in answer whereunto, the Council of the Common-Wealth did speake five or six hours.

Four of the eight Troupers who presented the Pe∣tition to the General and General Council, were brought, and tryed before the Court Martial, and the Paper delivered by them to the General was adjudged by the Court to be scandalous to the Parli∣ament, the Council of State, the High Court of Justice, and tending to divide the Army.

Upon the fifth Article of War against reproach∣ful and scandalous words and actions, the Court Martial sentenced these four Troupers, to ride the Horse with their Faces to the tayl, their swords to be broken over their heads, and to be cashiered the Army.

[5.] Upon a Report from the Council of State, an estimate was made by them of the * 1.8 Charge of all Forces in Field, and Garrison, in England, and Ireland, to be one hundred and sixty thousand pound per mensem. Order for an Act to be brought in thereupon.

An Act passed, to impower the Commissioners of the Navy, to execute Martial Law. * 1.9

An Act read to abolish Kingly government.

Order for the Council of State to consider of increase of allowance for incouragment to such Officers of the Fleet, as shall deliver back their Charges, without imbezlement of the stores, or other abuses to the State.

Referred to the Commissioners of the Admiralty to provide a Convoy and Ship of War, for the * 1.10 Prince Elector and his retinue.

Sir John Pawlets composition at three thousand seven hundred and sixty pound allowed, and four thousand and two hundred pound for the Lord Pawlet.

An Act for a new Seal for the Courts of Wales, and for Powell, Eltonhead, Parker, and Clerk, to be Judges there.

Letters from Scotland, that the Parliament resolved to raise an Army of seventeen thousand * 1.11 Foot and six thousand Horse against the Sectarian Army in England, in prosecution of the Covenant, they having a report that an Army of English was upon their Borders.

That Colonel Monroe, and Colonel Fizen with a party of Horse and Foot in the Northern parts of Scotland, having Declared for King Charles II. taken Enderness, and increased to four thousand; the Scots Parliament repealed their votes of raising an Army against England, and Ordered Forces a∣gainst Monroe, and his Party.

Pontefract desired a Treaty, and were full of sickness in the Garrison.

[6.] Report from the Council of State of forty thousand Horse and Foot to be kept up in * 1.12 England and Ireland, whereof twelve thousand for Ireland, their pay to be eighty thousand pound per mensem and free-quarter to be taken off.

Mr. Cauton a London Minister in his Prayer be∣fore the Lord Mayor, having prayed for Charles II. as lawful King, referred to Mr. Steel and Mr. Coke to prosecute him in the Upper Bench for Treason, upon the late Declaration.

Letters of proclaiming King Charles II. in Guernsey Island by Sir George Carteret.

Letters from Holland, that the Ministers there, in their Pulpits inveigh against the proceedings in England, and Pray for King Charles II.

Referred to the Council of State to consider what is fit to be done herein, and to preserve a good correspondence betwixt the two Nations.

The Earl of Cambridge brought before the High * 1.13 Court, and asked what he had further to say, why sentence should not be pronounced against him, spake to the same effect as formerly.

The Earl of Holland and Lord Goring extenua∣ted what they could their Offences, as being rash, not much hurtful, &c.

The Lord Capel briefly repeated what he had formerly said, and further observed an Ordinance of Parliament, That Quarter should not be given to Irish Rebels for life, which implyed, that quarter given to others, should be inviolable for life.

Sir John Owen pleaded quarter.

The President in his Scarlet robes spake many hours, in answer to the several pleas of the Priso∣ners, and at last sentence was given against them all, that their heads should be severed from their Bodies, yet with relation to the Mercy of Parliament.

[7.] Referred to a Committee to draw up an Act, for taking off all priviledge from Noblemen, and to make their persons as liable to Law, as any Commoner.

An Act committed for taking away Kingly Government, and another for dissolving the House of Peers.

The Earl of Warwick, and the Countess of Holland presented a Petition for the life of the Earl of Holland, and divers Ladies for the others, against whom, the High Court had pronounced sentence of Death.

After some hours Debate upon these Petitions, the House resolved upon the Question, not to proceed any further upon these Petitions but to leave them to the Justice of the Court that sen∣tenced them.

Then the Ladies Petitioned the High Court, who only reprieved the Execution for two daies.

[8.] A New form for electing Members of the House assented to.

Order that the Council of State, nor Committees do not sit after nine in the Morning, when the House sits.

Orders for seventy thousand pound per mensem for the Forces in England, and thirty thousand pound per mensem for the Forces in Ireland, and for an Act for eighty thousand pound per mensem assessment for the Forces; and free quarter to be taken off.

New Petitions of the condemned Lords, and a Letter from the General touching their Articles; and after a long Debate, the Question was put of them severally, and voted, * 1.14

That the Lord Capel should not be reprieved.

And carried by one vote that the Lord Goring should be reprieved, this one vote was the Speaker, who carried the House being equally divided four and twenty of each part; and he said he did it, be∣cause he had formerly received some civilities from the Lord Goring, and his single vote now saved his life.

The House was also divided upon the question, whether the Earl of Holland should be reprieved or not, and the Speaker gave his voice against him.

Thus the Lord Goring who had been no friend to the Religious party, was saved, and the Earl * 1.15 of Holland who had been a most civil person to all, and a very great friend to the old Puritans, and protected them in the time of his greatest in∣terest, by the same single Vote lost his life.

This may be a caution to us against the affectation of popularity, when you see the issue of it in this Noble Gentleman, who was as full of Generosity and Courtship to all Sorts of Persons, and readi∣ness to help the oppressed, and to stand for the rights of the people, as any person of his qua∣lity in this Nation.

Yet this person was by the Representatives of the people, given up to execution for Treason; and another Lord, who never made profession of being a friend to liberty, either Civil or Spiritu∣al, and exceeded the Earl as much in his Crimes, as he came short of him in his popularity, the life of this Lord was spared by the people.

The resolution touching Duke Hamiltons Re∣prieve past in the Negative, and for Sir Jo. Owen * 1.16 in the Affirmative, and these Votes ordered to be sent to the High Court of Justice.

[9.] Amendments to an Act for provision for the Forces of England, and Ireland, assented to.

The House rose early being thin, because of the execution of the Lords.

The Earl of Cambridge was brought to the * 1.17 Scaffold in the Palace-Yard at Westminster, and after some discourse with Dr. Sibbalds a Minister that came with him, he turned to the people, and seeing them so great a multitude, he said his voice would not serve for them to hear him, and therefore directed his speech to those upon the Scaffold with him.

He confessed his Religion to be according to that of the Kirk of Scotland, that he had ever been Loyal to the late King and wished well to his Posterity, and that none more desired the peace and happiness of this and other Kingdoms than himself.

That his coming into England with the late Army, was out of no Treasonable or ill intent, but for the ends contained in the Scots Declaration, and what he did, was as a servant to that Parliament and King∣dom.

That in that imployment, next to the setling of Religion, the establishing the King was his greatest aim; and he wished his blood, in order to the King∣dom, might be the last that should be spilt. That if he would have confessed who invited the Scots Army into England, it would probably have saved his life.

Then he made a short Prayer, Dr. Sibbalds kneeling with him, and being risen, he cast off his Cloak and Doublet, put on a little white Sattin Cap, forgave the Executioner, and gave him ten pounds, a little after he spake a while in private with his Servants, and again made a short prayer.

His Countenance was cheerful, and all the time of his being on the Scaffold, there appeared in him no fear, disorder, change of Countenance, or discomposure. He took his leave of Dr. Sib∣balds, imbracing him; and of his Servants, whom he commended, particularly M^r Lewys his Secre∣tary.

He laid down his head upon the Block, and after a short Prayer he gave the signal, by stretching out his hand, and the Executioner struck of his head at one blow; which was wrapped in a Red Sar∣cenet Scarf, and with his Body put into the Cof∣fin and carried away.

Next came upon the Scaffold the Earl of Hol∣land, who was accompanied by M^r Hodges, and M^r Bolton Ministers, divers of his Servants and other Gentlemen with him: from M^r Hodges a * 1.18 person of eminent parts and piety, and who it is believed would not tell an untruth, was this relation:

That between the time of his sentence and exe∣cution, he only lay in the Earls Bed-chamber, to discourse with him, and to comfort him, being admitted and desired by him to that freedom, when he would not see his Lady, nor any of his Children, which he said would add too much to his sorrow, and discompose his thoughts, which were now to be set only upon another world.

That the Earl for several days after his sen∣tence, was in great perplexity and agony of his thoughts, and said, he had not assurance of Pardon of his Sins, and of the love of God to him, that he was not prepared to die, that Christ would not be ad∣vantage to him.

M^r Hodges endeavoured to allay these doubt∣ings, and to comfort the Earl with declaring to him the infiniteness of Gods mercies, and his wil∣lingness to pardon all poor sinners that come to him through Christ, that never any who sought the love of God in Christ with a true faith in Christ did ever fail to obtain the assurance of it to his distressed Soul.

The Earl desired Mr. Hodges to pray with him, to seek God for this Mercy, which M^r Hodges did; and upon this subject, with as earnest a seeking of the Lord for it, as he could express; and the Earl himself frequently prayed to the same effect, and with wonderful fervency of expression.

That still the Earl continued in a desponding condition, till the day before his suffering, when immediately after prayer, the Earl with rejoycing, told Mr. Hodges, that God had heard their prayers, and his Spirit was come in to comfort him, that he had prevayled, through the strength of Christ, over Satan, and all his Spiritual enemies, and all tem∣ptations, that the Lord had given in to him an assu∣rance of his love in Christ; and that now he was both ready and willing to die.

Mr. Hodges was much joyed at this, and they then went to Prayer together, to bless God for this great mercy, and to begg the continuance of this frame of Spirit to the last, and God heard them in this also.

The Earl who had not slept several nights be∣fore, nor eat his meat, now supped, and went to bed, with no more disturbance in his Spirits, than in his best health, and slept so soundly all the night and this morning, that they were much troubled to awaken him.

He went to the Scaffold without being any whit daunted, and after some discourse with the Gentlemen, he showed himself to the people, who were generally moved with sorrow, for the suffering of so gallant a Person, whose meen, and comlyness would move compassion.

He directed his speech to the people at the front of the Scaffold towards Westminster-Hall, made a large profession of his religion as a Prote∣stant, mentioned his birth, and education, excused his going to the King from the Parliament, and re∣turn to the Parliament again, and extenuated his late insurrection.

After he had ended his speech, he turned to the other side of the Scaffold, and kneeled down to his private Prayers, after which he had con∣ference with Mr. Hodges and Mr. Bolton.

Then he pulled off his gown and doublet, ha∣ving on him a white Satten Wastecoat, and put on

a white Satten Cap, and prepared himself for the Block, took his leave and embraced with much affection Mr. Hodges, Mr. Bolton, his Servants, and others, forgave the Executioner, and gave him money, ten pound in Gold.

Then he laid himself down on the Block, pray∣ed a while, and gave the sign by stretching forth his Arms, upon which the Executioner severed his head from his shoulders at one blow, which with his body was presently put into a Coffin, and carried away.

Next was my Lord Capel brought to the Scaf∣fold, much after the manner of a stout Roman; * 1.19 he had no Minister with him, nor shewed any sense of death approaching, but carried himself all the time he was upon the Scaffold, with that boldness and resolution as was to be ad∣mired.

He wore a sad coloured Suit, his Hat cocked up, and his Cloak thrown under one arm; he looked towards the people at his first coming up, and put off his Hat in manner of a Salute, he had a little discourse with some Gentlemen upon the Scaffold, and passed up and down in a care∣less posture.

He went to the front of the Scaffold and lean∣ing over, made a speech to the people, he said he dyed a Protestant according to the Religion pro∣fest in the thirty nine Articles, the best he knew of.

That he was condemned for keeping the fifth Com∣mandment Written by Gods own finger, which com∣manded to obey Magistrates; and he died for obey∣ing his King, the most religious of all Princes; and his Son Prince Charles who he said, was King, and the rest of the Kings Children Heirs to the Crown.

He concluded with a desire to the people to pray for him, and after a short discourse with some on the Scaffold, he spake once or twice to the Executi∣oner, and gave him money, then he put off his Cloak and Doublet with much confidence, and put on a White Cap, took leave briefly of the Gentlemen on the Scaffold, and prepared for the Block.

Where laying himself down, with hands and eyes lifted up, he prayed a while, after that, fit∣ting himself to the Block, upon the signal of stretching forth his right hand, the Executioner severed his head from his body at one blow, which were Coffin'd up and carried away.

The first General Seal, the Commissioners sate in the Middle-Temple-Hall, and did not go to * 1.20 Westminster, because of the trouble, and multi∣tudes of people and Guards in the Palace-Yard, upon the Execution of the Lords; but they found their meetings to be more convenient out of Term, and in the afternoons in the Temple-Hall, both for them and for the Council.

[10.] The Salary of one thousand pound per an. to each of the Judges, was changed from the Re∣ceipt of the Customs, to the Revenue.

Debate of an Act to constitute Commissioners * 1.21 to discharge poor Prisoners who have lain long in Prison, and have no Estates to pay their debts, and to force those who have Estates, yet keep them, and continue Prisoners, but have liberty for their Keepers and will not pay their debts, but go abroad as if they were not Prisoners.

The House Adjourned till the afternoon, but there were so few Members, that they could not sit.

Letters that a Ship of Washford in Ireland, lan∣ded some men in the night, on the Coast of Wales, * 1.22 under the House of one M^r Griffith Jones, and told him that they were for Prince Charles King of Ireland, whereupon he opened his doors, but they carried him away Prisoner, and plundered his House; yet a party of the Parliament Horse, quartered not far off, came in, saved some of the goods, and took the Quarter-Master of the Ship and five Marriners.

At the Council of State, Sergeant Bradshaw * 1.23 took his place of Lord President of the Council; but he seemed not much versed in such businesses, and spent much of their time by his own long speeches.

[12.] Major General Laughern, Poyer, and Powel, referred to be tryed by a Court Martial. And referred to a Committee to consider of other * 1.24 Prisoners of War, who are fit to be banished, who for perpetual Imprisonment, who for Exe∣cution, and who for Composition.

Mr. Walter Montague Prisoner, had leave up∣on security, to go beyond Seas.

Order to reduce interest Money to six per Cent.

Committees appointed about Compositions of Delinquents, and about the several Receipts for Monies.

Order for the Arrears of Colonel Thorney slain in Lincolnshire in the Parliaments service to be stated, and his Son to have one hundred pound per annum.

Sergeant Bradshaw made Chief Justice of Wales.

The Garison of Pontefract brake off their * 1.25 Treaty of Rendition, because Major General Lambert insisted to have some excepted from mer∣cy, whereupon some Papers with Stones were thrown over the Walls to inform the Souldiers of it, and then they came to a new Treaty.

Letters from Scotland, that the Enemy at En∣derness, * 1.26 marched out four thousand strong, and expected six thousand Danes to join with them; that the Parliament there were very angry at the stopping of their Commissioners in England; and that they are near to an agreement with their new King Charles II.

A Petition from divers well affected in Nor∣folk, * 1.27 directed to his Excellency Thomas Fairfax Lord General of the Forces raised for the defence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the inlargement of the liberty of the well affected English,

Recites the Sins and corruptions of the times, and in all professions; and prays,

1. That none but men of known integrity, fidelity, and well affected to the cause in hand, may be put into any Office, military or civil, and no Delinquent to be trusted in any Office.

2. That no longer the Scandalous, ignorant, and Malignant Clergy, may take the word of God into their mouths, but a Godly and painful Ministry to be placed throughout the Kingdom, that for their main∣tenance, all Rectories may be restored, those in the hands of well affected men, to have a valuable recom∣pence out of the Bishops Lands; those in Delin∣quents hands, to be taken away.

Tythes to be wholly taken away, and every Minister to have one hundred pounds per annum, to be rated equally, upon the respective Parishes.

3. That the Lords day, Fast-days, and the like, be kept wholly from all manner of imployment, except upon necessity.

4. That the Laws against Swearing, Cursing, and Drunkenness be put in execution, that there may be no more Inns nor Ale-Houses, but what are need∣ful to entertain Strangers going about lawful bu∣sinesses, and no Gaming, nor any to be Ʋnlicen∣sed.

5. Papists to have no more but to maintain them∣selves

reasonably, and their Children to be bred Pro∣testants.

6. Schools and the Ʋniversities to be purged.

7. That all Courts in the Country be put down, and all causes under ten pounds value to be judged by two or three Neighbours to be chosen by the Parties; and Perjury, and Subornation of it to be death. All Suits in Equity to be tryed by Juries, not by Common Law.

Witnesses, to be examined before the Judge, except betwen two Nobles, Knights, &c. who are able to stand a long Suit in Chancery. No cause to hang above two Terms, Lawyers to be reduced to a smaller num∣ber, and their fees be be less and certain, and but one Counsel in small causes.

8. That who will may purchase Lands to be Free∣hold in Soccage, for a reasonable Fine; and that the base Oath of Fealty and Homage, may make no more perjured Souls in the Kingdom.

9. That the Army be purged of all disaffected to the cause; and swearing, and other sins be punished therein.

10. That all taxes be taken off, and the Army paid, and satisfaction to the well affected out of De∣linquents estates, Deans and Chapters Lands, &c. that the Crown Lands defray the Pensions of the Judges, the charges of the Navy, &c.

11. That Authors, Printers, and publishers, of Scandalous and lying Pamphlets be supprest, and se∣verely punished.

12. That Clipt and counterfeit Money be cal∣led in.

13. That Fairs be kept only in Market Towns, and small Fairs forbidden.

14. For purging the Parliament, setting Godly Guards about them, bringing Capital Offenders to Justice, and setling religion according to the mind of God.

Letters from the Hague, that the Prince was there generally owned as King, that the Episco∣pal Doctors flocked to him, that Dr. Critton had a check for his railing Sermons.

The House sate not; at the Councel of State * 1.28 they had some intelligence that looked dange∣rously; and they expected difficulties: That which seemed of most threatning was their own divisions, and such Petitions as that before men∣tioned.

[14.] A Letter from the Parliament of Scotland, * 1.29 about the confinement of their Commissioners, and justifying the papers delivered in by them; Referred to the Council of State.

Referred to them to consider of Forces to be sent to Ireland, and to nominate a General, and other Chief Officers.

One of the Parliaments Frigats went to Sir George Carteret to Guernsey, who after he had got possession of her, turned off all the Ma∣riners.

An Act passed for a new Seal for Cheshire, Flint∣shire, &c.

Order that Whitelock be injoyned to bring in a Declaration, to satisfy the people, touching the proceedings of Parliament.

Order for divers Members, and the Master of the Ceremonies to attend the Prince Elector to Gravesend. That the Committee of the Reve∣nue * 1.30 provide Barges, &c. and that the Speaker and Members wait on the Prince to take leave of him.

Upon a report from the Council of State, Vo∣ted * 1.31 that Sir Jo. Stowell, and Judge Jenkins be try∣ed for their life.

That Wren Bishop of Ely, and the Marquess of Winchester be not tryed for life, but imprisoned till further order of the House.

That Colonel Brownbushell be tryed for his life.

That the Prince, Duke of York, and divers Lords of the Kings party be banished.

The Confederates in Ireland sent to the Prince * 1.32 to come thither, that they would proclaim him King of Ireland, and joyn with him against Eng∣land.

[15.] The House sate not.

The Council of State nominated Lord General * 1.33 Cromwel to be General for Ireland.

M^r Munday an Irish Rebel was shot to death by sentence of the Council of War, and James Wil∣son to ride the Wooden Horse with a Musket at each Leg, and to run the Gantelope at Lanca∣ster.

Articles of Peace between the King of France and the Parisians were agreed upon.

At the Council of State they had great busines∣ses, and long sitting.

[16.] Letters from the Hague, that their Am∣bassadour * 1.34 lately returned from England, reported the many civilities, and honour he had received in England from the Parliament and Army.

Whitclock brought in the Draught of a Decla∣ration touching the proceedings of Parliament in the late transactions.

Upon his report of the Declartion, it was moved to pass it presently without any Commit∣ment; but he moved it might be committed to amend some faults in it, and upon the com∣mitment they made it much sharper than he had drawn it, and added divers Clauses, which he thought matters fit to be omitted.

After this, it was much pressed to set a time for dissolving this Parliament; most of the House disliked to set a time, as dangerous; but agreed, that when the business of the Kingdom would permit, that then it should be dissolved.

[17.] Order for a publick fast.

The Declaration passed touching the trans∣actions of Parliament, and Ordered to be Prin∣ted in English, Latin, French, and Dutch.

An Act reciting Charls Stuart to have been just∣ly * 1.35 condemned, and put to death for many Treasons, Murders, and other hainous Offences by him com∣mitted. And that it hath been found by experience the Office of a King in this Nation and Ireland, and to have the power thereof in any single Person is un∣necessary, Burthensom, and Dangerous to the Li∣berty, safety, and publick Interest of the People, and that for the most part use has been made of the Regal Power and Prerogative to Oppress, and Impoverish, and Enslave the Subject, and that usually and na∣turally any one Person in such power makes it his in∣terest to incroach upon the just Freedom, and to pro∣mote the setting up of their own lust: Therefore the Office of a King in this Nation henceforth not to reside, or be exercised by any one single Person. And whereas by the abolition of the Kingly Office, a most happy way is made for this Nation (if God see good) to return to its Just and Ancient right of being go∣verned by its own Representatives or National Meet∣ings in Council from time to time chosen and in∣trusted for that purpose by the People, They resolve and declare that they will put a period to the sitting of this present Parliament, and dissolve the same, so soon as may possibly stand with the safety of the People that has entrusted them, and with what is absolutly neces∣sary for the preserving and upholding the Government now setled in the way of a Commonwealth. And that they will carefully provide for the certain Chu∣sing, Meeting and Sitting of the next future Re∣presentatives, with such other circumstances of Free∣dom in Choice and equality in distribution of Mem∣bers

to be elected thereunto, as shall most conduce to the lasting freedom and good of this Common-wealth.

Votes touching Compositions of Delinquents.

Order for every Member to meet by nine in the Morning upon forfeiture of twelve pence for every default.

Debate of making Elections of Parliament men more equal, and not to be ingrossed in some * 1.36 few Corporations.

[19.] A Petition from the well affected of Leicestershire. * 1.37

• 1. That the Militia may be in good hands.
• 2. That the Army may be provided for, and all Delinquents Estates to go for that end, and Free-quarter be taken off.
• 3. That the profits of great Offices may be im∣ployed for the publick.
• 4. That the Laws may be according to those God gave his people, and plain and short, in the English Tongue, and Hand.
• 5. That Tythes may be taken away, and a more equal provision for the Ministry.
• 6. That Officers of Treasure may account.
• 7. That all may injoy their freedoms to worship God according to his word, without coercive courses to the contrary.
• 8. For relief for Ireland.
• 9. For provision for the poor, and to set them to work as they do in Holland.

The petition was commended, and the Petiti∣oners had the thanks of the House.

Captain Bray presented Books to the Members * 1.38 of the House, entituled An Appeal against the the Lord Fairfax General, containing matter of * 1.39 Charge against him, to have him outed of his command in the Army.

Which being read, Captain Bray was called in, and asked if he would own the Book, which he did, and the House Voted the Book to be Scanda∣lous as to the General and Council of War, and tending to stir up sedition in the People, and mutiny in the Army; and the Captain was com∣mitted Prisoner to Windsor Castle.

Upon information that the Turkish Alcoran was printing in English, Ordered to suppress it. * 1.40

The Committee of Lords and Commons for Sequestrations repealed; and a Committee na∣med to consider of a way for Appeals upon seque∣strations.

Votes touching Compositions, and some excep∣ted Persons.

Order for Justices of the Peace to meet Month∣ly, and make provision for the poor, and to set them to work, and to find out ingrossers of Corn and Coal.

An Act passed that the Commons of England as∣sembled * 1.41 in Parliament finding by too long experience the House of Lords to be useless and dangerous to the people of England to be continued, Ordain from henceforth the House of Lords in Parliament to be wholly abolished and taken away, nevertheless they nor their Posterity to be excluded from the publick Coun∣cils of the Nation, but to have their free Vote in Parliament as other members, when duly Elected.

In the House business went on slowly as here∣tofore, * 1.42 and not without great difference in opi∣nion, and some Animosities, the most mischievous of all other things to their interest.

[20.] The House sate not.

The Council of State had consideration of the business of the Navy, and several Merchants at∣tended in it.

The Lady Carlisle was examined about the last * 1.43 Summers insurrection, and confined by the Council.

They consider also the letter from the Parlia∣ment of Scotland, upon staying of their Commi∣ssioners here:

Which they alledge to be contrary to the Covenant, * 1.44 League, and Ʋnion between both Nations, in breach of the Treaties, and contrary to the Publick Faith and Law of Nations, by which the freedom of Am∣bassadors and Commissioners is Sacred and Inviolable; not only betwixt Christians, but even among Hea∣then Kingdoms and States; they desire their Com∣missioners may be freed from all restraint.

Letters from Lancaster, that the Forces of Co∣lonel * 1.45 Aston (about four thousand) refuse to dis∣band, profess for the Covenant and are incoura∣ged by the Clergy; that Major General Lambert is gone to disband them by force, if there be no other way.

The Scots Anti-Covenanteers offered to joyn a∣gainst the Sectaries in England.

In the Council of State, the President Brad∣shaw * 1.46 spent much of their time, in urging his own long arguments, which are inconvenient in State matters; and his part was only to gather the sence of the Council, and to state the question, not to deliver his own opinion.

[21.] Vote That Papists in Arms might com∣pound at a Moiety of their Estates.

Reference to the three Commissioners of the Navy of matters relating to the Fleet

A Letter from the Lord Chief Baron Wilde, of the Mayor and Justices of Excester, refusing to appear at the Assizes, referred to the Council of State, and referred to them to take care against the ingrossing of Coal from Newastle.

A Book of the Lancashire Ministers, called the Agreement of the People, referred to the Commit∣tee of plundered Ministers to examine.

[22.] The House sate not, but divers Com∣mittees to prepare business for them.

The Countess of Carlisle was again before the Council of State, about the last Summers Ingage∣ment.

A Complaint to the Council of the Army a∣gainst Woolaston, Keeper of Newgate; and an Of∣ficer sent to desire justice against him.

The King of France's agreement with the Pa∣risians, was refused by them.

The King of Denmark sent an Ambassadour to * 1.47 Prince Charles, to offer him assistance.

A Minister of the Hague in the presence of di∣vers others his Brethren, made a complemental Speech to Prince Charles, and stiled him most Il∣lustrious King.

The Swedish Resident at the Hague made great rejoycing for the peace in Germany, at every health 30. Pieces of Ordnance were discharged, two Fountains were made to run with Claret and White Wine, and in their Fire Works (as the Letters relate) the name of the Queen of Sweeden might be read very perfectly.

The Parliaments Declaration of their grounds, and intentions of their late transactions, published.

[23.] An Act committed for relieving and set∣ting the poor to work.

Order for the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs of Lon∣don, * 1.48 in Person to proclaim the Act for dissolving Kingly government; and a Writ agreed for pro∣claiming it in the Market Towns of the Several Counties by the Sheriffs.

Order for eight thousand pound which should have been paid to the Scots, to be for the Navy.

Order for Commissioners to be appointed to Inventory the goods and Personal Estate of the late King, Queen and Prince, and apprise them for the use of the Publick.

Order for an Act to be brought in to satisfy well affected persons to whom the King, Q. or P. were indebted before the Wars, out of the value of those goods and estate, but that the first 30000•• to be raised by them, be for the use of the Navy, the Council of State to keep such of the goods, as they should think fit for the use of the Common-wealth.

An Act for an assessment of 90000•• per mensem Ordered to be debated in a Grand Committee.

Order for a Commission to the Judge, and other Officers of the Admiralty to try and give sentence, on such Sea-men Prisoners, as revolted to the Enemy.

A Report from the Council of State of several great Ships, to be presently set out to Sea, approved.

Referred to them to consider of raising monies by the Forests, Chaces, and Parks, and the tim∣ber in them, which is unfit for shipping.

The Council of the Army named two Officers of every Regiment to meet and seek God, what ad∣vice * 1.49 to offer to the G. concerning Ireland, and the Lieutenant General Cromwell was to give in his an∣swer to the Council of State, whether he will go for Ireland, or not, within two daies.

[24.] The House sate in a grand Committee upon the Ordinance for assessments for the Army.

The Council of the Army proposed incourage∣ments for those who would ingage for Ireland, and * 1.50 the Regiments to be drawn out by lot.

Letters that Ormond proclaimed King Charles II. in Ireland, and sent a Letter to C. Jones to advise * 1.51 him to come in to the obedience of the King; and promising him great rewards, if he do it, and safety to all that come in with him, and leave the preten∣ded Parliament of England, who have murdered their King, and would introduce Anarchy.

C. Jones returned answer, That he understood not how his Lordship came to that power, that the Parlia∣ment * 1.52 of England would never have consented to such a peace as his Lordship made with the Rebels, without any provision for the Protestant Religion.

That he knew not how that could be established by an Army of Papists, to whose hands his Lordship had given up that whole Kingdom; that he had rather suf∣fer in his trust, than to purchase to himself the igno∣miny of perfidy, by any advantage offered to him.

Letters that Pontefract Castle was surrendred up∣on Articles, six persons were excepted, whereof * 1.53 three escaped, that the Souldiers and Officers were to go to their homes, first subscribing an ingage∣ment, not to advise, act, or take up Arms against the Parliament or Common-Wealth of England, that they had two Months provisions, and forty Barrels of Powder in the Castle.

[25.] Easter day.

[26.] The House sate not. * 1.54

The Council of the Army agreed for incourage∣ment of those who shall ingage for Ireland, that they shall have three months advance of their pay, and of their arrears, and if they be slain, those to have it to whom they shall assign it, That a Court of Admiralty be in Ireland, &c. these things to be proposed to the House for their confirmation.

Letters from Ireland of Ormond's preparations * 1.55 for his Forces; that the Ʋlster Scots declared a∣gainst the Parliament, and declined Monk; that the Parliaments Army there are in great want, and their interest in danger to be wholly lost in that Kingdom.

The heads of the Articles of Peace made by Ormond, were,

1. That the Roman Catholicks of Ireland, have * 1.56 free exercise of Religion, all penalties to be taken off, not to be obliged to the Oath of supremacy, to injoy Church livings in their possession, and jurisdiction.

2. For a Parliament when the Catholicks shall de∣sire it.

3. All Laws made in England since 1641. in ble∣mish of the Catholicks to be vacated.

4. All Indictments against them since that time to be vacated.

5. That Catholicks may be elected, and vote in Par∣liament.

6. Debts to remain as in 40.

7. The Estates of freeholders in Connaught, &c. to be secured.

8. All incapacities of the Natives to be taken away.

9. All honours, trusts, imployments, &c. to be con∣ferred on the Catholicks, as well as Protestants.

10. That the King take two thousand pound per annum for the Court of Wards.

11. Noble men to have but two Proxies in Parlia∣ment.

12. The depending of the Parliament of Ireland upon England to be as both shall agree, to stand with the Laws of Ireland.

13. That the Council table meddle only with State matters.

14. Act against transporting wooll to be null.

15. Those wronged by grants to have relief.

16. Wronged persons to have right.

17. Restitution of Estates.

18. An Act of oblivion to pass.

19. Customs not to be farmed, and Monopolies to be taken away.

20. The Court of Castle-Chamber to be regulated.

21. Acts forbidding ploughing with Horses by the tayl, and burning Oats in the Straw, to be nulled.

22. An Act to take off grievances.

23. Maritime causes to be determined in Ireland.

24. No rents to be raised under pretence of defective titles.

25. Interest money to be for given from 1641.

26. All this to be acted till a Parliament agree it.

27. That the Catholick Commissioners agree upon such as shall be Justices of Peace, and hear all causes under ten pound.

28. All Governours of Forts to be by approbation of the Catholick Commissioners.

29. None of the Kings rents to be paid till a further settlement by Parliament.

30. Power of the Commissioners of Oyer and Ter∣miner.

31. Differences in Ireland to be tryed there, and not in England.

32. The Roman Clergy not to be molested.

33. That his Majesty grant whatever else is neces∣sary for the Catholicks.

Prince Rupert was upon the Irish coast with six∣teen Ships, many vessels were taken by him.

A Petition to the General, and his General Council of War from the well affected Inhabitants of Lincolnshire, much to the same effect with o∣thers lately presented to him and to the Parlia∣ment, and which are before mentioned.

Two men measuring some ground in Windsor forest, were asked by what Authority they did it, they showed a kind of Warrant from Lieutenant General Cromwell, desiring all Officers of the forest, Souldiers and others, to permit these men to set * 1.57 out some Land, &c. in regard there was no Justice in Eyre.

It were to be wished that such men as Lieutenant General Cromwell, would not so irregularly med∣dle with such matters as these are; the men were forbidden to make any divisions of the Land, or ditches about it, till further order.

[27.] A Declaration passed, that a Book lately published, entituled the second Part of Englands new Chains discovered, contained matter false, Scan∣dalous, * 1.58

Seditious, Mutinous, and tending to raise a new War; that the Authors and publishers of it were guilty of Treason, and referred to the Council to find them out.

[Anno 1649] Letters from Major General Lambert, with the Articles of the surrender of Pontefract Castle.

A Letter and Petition from the Grand Jury of Yorkshire, acknowledging with humble thanks, * 1.59 the justice of the Parliament in their late procee∣dings, and ingaging to joyn with them, and de∣siring Pontefract Castle may be demolished, and some other Forts thereabouts.

Vote for three hundred pounds per annum to be setled on Major General Lambert out of Pontefract honour for his good service.

The Lancashire Forces submitted to disband, and quitted Clithero Castle. Order for that Castle to be demolished, and that the Council of State con∣sider what other Inland Castles are fit to be de∣molished.

Sir Henry Cholmely sent for upon complaints a∣gainst him.

Instructions for the Scots Commissioners to their * 1.60 new King were,

• 1. That he take the Covenant.
• 2. To put from him all who have assisted his Father in the War, particularly Montross, else not to Treat with him.
• 3. To bring but one hundred with him into Scot∣land, and none who have assisted his Father in Arms.
• 4. To bring no Forces into Scotland from other Nations, without their consent.

Marquess Huntley was beheaded at the Cross * 1.61 in Edenburgh.

Letters from the Hague, that the Queen of Eng∣land, invited Prince Charles her son into France; that the States inhibited their Ministers from in∣sisting upon matters of State, and in their Pulpits, * 1.62 and particularly, not to meddle with Englands, or other Kingdom's proceedings.

[28.] Upon a Report from the Council of State, of the particulars, for incouragement of those who shall ingage for Ireland with Lieutenant General Cromwell, the House referred them back * 1.63 again to the Council to perfect.

Upon a Report from them of the Earl of Or∣mond's proclaiming the King in Ireland, &c. the House voted the Earl a Traitour, and an Act to be brought in to attaint him.

Order for a Letter of thanks to Colonel Jones, and a gratuity.

Order that no Ministers shall teach in their Pul∣pits any thing relating to State affairs, but only to preach Christ in sincerity, and an Act to be brought * 1.64 in for penalties to those who shall do otherwise.

Orders for money given away.

A new day given to the Lord Mayor to conform to the order for proclaiming the Act against King-ship, or to give an account to the House why he hath not done it.

[29.] The House sate not.

The Council of State upon examination of Lil∣burn, Walwyn, and others, who owned the Book called England's new chains, did commit them to the Tower.

The Estates of the Netherlands summoned and examined their Ministers, and disallowed what they had done in relation to King Charles II. And forbad them all to meddle with State matters in their * 1.65 Pulpits without leave of the Magistrate.

The Council of State perfected the particulars for incouragement of those who shall ingage for Ireland, and Lieutenant General Cromwell declared himself willing to undertake that service.

[30.] Vote that Gresham Colledge be not ex∣empted * 1.66 from the assessment to the Army, nor the Doctors in Doctors Commons, nor the Counties * 1.67 in Wales formerly exempted.

Order that the Speaker do sign such Letters as shall be thought fit by the Council of State, to the States of Hamburgh touching Merchants.

Upon a Petition of the Borough of Southwark of * 1.68 the inequality of their rates with the County of Surrey, the House held their desires just, and Or∣dered that in all future rates, they should pay the eight part of that assessed upon the County of Surrey.

Order for the Committee of Goldsmiths Hall to form the Votes concerning compositions of Delinquents, and to have them printed and pub∣lished, that none may plead ignorance of them.

Referred to the Committee of the Army to make provision of four thousand Cassocks and breeches, to be disposed of by the General to his Foot Souldiers, in regard of the smallness of their pay.

Upon the Report of Alderman Atkins, that the Lord Mayor desired to be excused from proclaim∣ing * 1.69 the Act for abolishing Kingly Government, the House Ordered that he be summoned to attend at the Bar, to answer his contempt and disobe∣dience herein.

[31.] Upon a Report from the Council of State, that Lieutenant General Cromwell accepted * 1.70 of the service for Ireland, and would endeavour to the utmost of his power, with Gods assistance, to carry on that work against the Rebels, and all that adhere to them:

Voted, that the House doth approve of Lieute∣nant General Cromwell to be Commander in chief of all the Forces sent into Ireland.

And to take off any reflection upon the General, or dislike by him, they also voted,

That the Lord Fairfax be General of all the * 1.71 Forces in England and Ireland.

At the Council of State they had variety of in∣telligence, some good, but more bad.

They gave a dispatch to Colonel Potley, to go * 1.72 for Denmark and Sweden, to send them from those Parts intelligence; and they gave him two hun∣dred pound in hand, and promised him one hundred pound more for one years entertainment.

He was as fit as any man for this service, had lived long in those Countries a Souldier, well known and esteemed by the Grandees, especially in Germany, and in the Court of Sweden; Whitelock recommended him to this imployment, which was of great consequence to them.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Army.
• * 1.2

  C. Whaley.
• * 1.3

  Petition.
• * 1.4

  Standard.
• * 1.5

  Sir. George Ascue.
• * 1.6

  Earl of Holland.
• * 1.7

  Hamilton
• * 1.8

  Charge.
• * 1.9

  Vote.
• * 1.10

  Prince Elector.
• * 1.11

  Scotland.
• * 1.12

  Standing Army.
• * 1.13

  Hamilton.
• * 1.14

  Votes. L. Capell. L. Goring.
• * 1.15

  Earl of Holland.
• * 1.16

  Hamilton.
• * 1.17

  Hamilton.
• * 1.18

  Earl of Holland.
• * 1.19

  L. Capel.
• * 1.20

  General Seal.
• * 1.21

  Poor Pri∣soners.
• * 1.22

  Wales.
• * 1.23

  Bradshaw.
• * 1.24

  Prisoners of War.
• * 1.25

  Pontefract.
• * 1.26

  Scotland.
• * 1.27

  Norfolk Petition.
• * 1.28

  Council of State.
• * 1.29

  Scotland.
• * 1.30

  Prince Elector.
• * 1.31

  Vote. Tryals for life.
• * 1.32

  Ireland.
• * 1.33

  Cromwel.
• * 1.34

  Durch Am∣basadour.
• * 1.35

  Kingly Of∣fice abo∣lished.
• * 1.36

  Elections.
• * 1.37

  Petition.
• * 1.38

  Pamphlet.
• * 1.39

  Fairfax.
• * 1.40

  Alcoran.
• * 1.41

  House of Peers abo∣lished.
• * 1.42

  Animosi∣ties.
• * 1.43

  Lady Car∣lisle.
• * 1.44

  Scotland.
• * 1.45

  Disband.
• * 1.46

  Bradshaw.
• * 1.47

  Denmark.
• * 1.48

  Kingly go∣vernment.
• * 1.49

  Cromwell.
• * 1.50

  Ireland.
• * 1.51

  Ormond.
• * 1.52

  C. Jones.
• * 1.53

  Pontefract surrend∣red.
• * 1.54

  1649.
• * 1.55

  Ireland.
• * 1.56

  Irish Peace.
• * 1.57

  Cromwell.
• * 1.58

  Pamphlet.
• * 1.59

  Yorkshire.
• * 1.60

  Scots In∣structions.
• * 1.61

  Huntley.
• * 1.62

  Dutch.
• * 1.63

  Ireland.
• * 1.64

  Preachers.
• * 1.65

  Ministers.
• * 1.66

  Cromwell.
• * 1.67

  April.
• * 1.68

  Sou••••wark.
• * 1.69

  London.
• * 1.70

  Cromwell.
• * 1.71

  Fairfax.
• * 1.72

  C. Potley.