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.

January 1649.

(Janu. 1) Divers Returns made of Subscrip∣tions to the Ingagement, by several Regiments of the Army and Garrisons.

Letters from Chester of the sad news out of the * 1.1 South of Ireland, of that gallant able man, Lieu∣tenant General Jones, that he dyed at Dungarvon of a Feaver, and was buryed at Youghall.

Letters that a Trooper being left behind, by a fall from his Horse near Tossiter, some of the Townsmen came out and fell upon the Soul∣dier, cut, and wounded him, that he is not like to recover.

The House ordered the Prince, the Mary, and * 1.2 the Elizabeth, to be prepared for Sea Service; and other names to be given them, and referred it to the Councel of State, to make the Royal Soveraign serviceable.

And to prepare for the next Summers Guard, 44 States Ships, and 28 Merchants Ships, to be manned with 8802 Men for eight Months, and to give Letters of Marque, and to make such further Provisions, that the Merchants may be enabled to preserve their Ships and Goods against wrongs of other Nations.

Order that all the Iron works in the Forrest of Deane, be demolished, and no timber felled there, but presevred for the use of the State.

(2) Jealousies of the Parliaments intent, by putting forth the Ingagement to perpetuate them∣selves, and to bind up the hands of future Repre∣sentatives. * 1.3

Letters that Ministers in the North, do labour by their Pulpit Advantages, to Preach us out of our Religion and Liberty.

Confirmation of the news of defeating Monroe with 4000 Men, by Sir Charles Coat, and the Sur∣render of Knockfergus.

(3) Letters that Montross had freighted 28 * 1.4 Ships from Denmark, with Provisions of War,

and Souldiers for Scotland. That the States of Scotland had called in Montross his Declaration, and commanded it to be burnt, by the hands of the common hangman.

Letters that both Ormond and Cromwel had drawn their Forces into Winters Quarters.

(4) Letters much lamenting the death of Lieutenant General Jones, and confirming the de∣feat given by C. Zanchy to Wogan at Passage, where Zanchy killed 800 of Wogans men, and took him Prisoner.

Account of Recruits for Ireland.

(5) The Officers of the Army met about re∣moving Obstructions in the Sale of the late Kings Lands, and agreed upon some Desires to be made to the Parliament for further time to receive De∣benters * 1.5 within the Security, and other matters in order to the Souldiers Satisfaction.

Two Troopers sentenced to death by a Court Marshal, for taking Intertainment Mony for the Service of Ireland, and running away from their Colours, and three Souldiers were sentenced to death at Bristol, for killing of a Towns∣man. The Examinations were sent up to the Judge Advocate.

An Act passed for continuance of the Commit∣tee of the Army, and the Treasurers at War, with the same Powers they had formerly.

The Act published for subscribing of the In∣gagement.

Letters from Ireland, That the Enemy with their whole Army lately stormed Carrick, but C. Rey∣nolds * 1.6 beat them away with the loss of some hun∣dreds. And that more execution was done with Swords and Staves, than with Powder and Bnl∣let; their Ammunition within being soon spent.

That the dropping weather had made the Ground so moist and rotten, that it would not well bear their Guns, so that the Councel of War advised to rise from before Waterford, and to re∣tire into Winter Quarters, to refresh their sick and weak Souldiers.

Letters from Cork to this effect. We had a ve∣ry sore and stormy March hither, and that which added to the bitterness of it, was the sickness of the truely noble and ever honoured Lieutenant General Jones, who was taken with a very violent Feaver, of which he dyed at Dungarvon, the 10th. instant. He was a Gentleman very useful in the Army, and is very much lacked, and lamented. His approved constancy and Fidelity to the English Interest was such, and so manifest, that he will very much shine, and be famous for it to Posterity.

His Streights, Hazards, Difficulties, and neces∣sities were very many, and I might add Temptati∣ons too. Yet he brake through all with unmoved galantry, stedfastness, and resolution. His tem∣per and disposition was very sweet and amiable, and oblieging to all. And he had very much love and respect to all that came lately over.

That C. Zanchy at the defeat he gave to Ferrel and Wogan at Passage Fort, took 30 Prisoners more than the number of all his own Party. That they killed all Straglers by the way, That seven Parliament Troopers fell upon thirty Ʋlsters in a house, and killed all of them.

Many Persons were slain, and great mischief done by a sad accident in a Ship Chandlers House, which was blown up with Gunpowder, and di∣vers Neighbours houses together with it.

The Speaker and the Lord General were feasted at Blackwall by a Captain lately come from the Streights.

(7) Letters from Carlile, That the Mosse Trou∣pers grew very insolent, and committed many Robberies, and Outrages upon the Borders, and were harboured by the Scots, but some of them were taken by the Parliaments Souldiers.

From Berwick, That C. Hamilton, who was the Death of C. Oconelly at the Storm of Trym, was taken. That the Scots went on to purge their Army of Sectaries, and insufficient men, that is, such as never before were in Service.

(8) Letters of the great want of Physitians, for the Parliament Forces and Protestants in Ire∣land, so that any of them being sick, were faine to trust themselves in the hands of Papist Doctors, which they write, is more than the Adventures in the Field.

That some chief of the Enemies Army, are ve∣ry zealous to make their Peace with the Parlia∣ment.

The House ordered the Commissioners of the great Seal to grant out a Commission and Pat∣ent, * 1.7 for M. G. Ireton to be president of Mun∣ster.

Order that Mr. Thomas Goodwyn, be President of Magdelen Colledge in Oxford, and referred to * 1.8 the Committee of the Universities, to consider how the Heads of Houses in the several Univer∣sities may be setled, and disposed of without trouble to the House.

Several Orders and References to the Councel of State, and Committee of the Army touching Recruits, and for Supplies of Provisions, Ammu∣nition, and Money for the Forces in Ire∣land.

(9) Letters from Newcastle, that L. C. Hob∣son sent his Warrant to apprehend some Cava∣liers, but they and the Moss Troopers joyned to∣gether, stood upon their Guard, took away the Warrants by force, secured themselves, and dis∣armed the Men, but a greater Party of Souldiers being sent, brought them away Prisoners.

From Scarborough, That there was a Meeting at York of the Commissioners for settling the Militia of that County, where according to the Instructions from the Councel of State, they were to raise 3000 Foot, and 400 Horse for defence of that County, and Service of the Common-wealth.

That the Pirates took away a great Ship within Sight of Burlington Key, and carried her away.

From Dunstar, That the Enemy surprised En∣siscoisle Castle in this manner, That some Irish Gentlemen feasted the Garrison Souldiers, and * 1.9 sent in Women to sel them Strongwater, of which they drunk too much; and then the Irish fell upon them, took the Garrison, and put all the Officers and Souldiers to the Sword.

That upon hearing of this, the Lord Lieute∣nant gave Orders, that the Irish should be put out of all the Garrisons in the Power of the Parlia∣ment.

That an Irish Frigot coming a shore for Pro∣visions near to Cardiffe, the Governour suspected, and apprehended them, and sent out a Party in small Boats, which took the Frigot, which was richly loaden with plate, and other Commodi∣ties.

From Weymouth, That in the night some Persons in Blandford proclaimed Prince Charles King of England, but some of them were appre∣hended, and Imprisoned.

From Yarmouth, that sixty Prisoners that were in the Goal did brake Prison, yet all but three of them were again apprehended.

(10) Account of several Companies and Par∣ties

of Souldiers willing to serve in Ireland, and marched to the Seaside to be transported, and ma∣ny undertook the Service very chearfully.

Three Troopers condemned to death for kil∣ling a man, but Evidence appearing to extenuate the Crime, the General pardoned them.

The Ship which carried the Souldiers unto Guernsey, returned to the general Rendezvous of the Ships at Stoakes Bay.

Letters of Account of Sea Affairs.

(11) Proposals for a Fleet to be sent into the Streights, to meet with those French, who have lately taken many Merchants Ships of London, and disposing of their Goods, refusing to make any restitution.

Letters that Montross could get but few to joyn in assisting Prince Charles, and those he had, were more by connivance, than by any Act of State.

(12) Several Proposals made to the General, and his Officers, in order to the removing of Ob∣structions in the sale of the late Kings Lands.

The Parliament ordered a Letter to be writ∣ten by the Speaker to the Lord Lieutenant of Ire∣land, and to confer with him concerning further * 1.10 supplyes of Men, Money, and Ammunition, and for the settling of the civil Government there.

The ground of this resolution was, That the news of the Kings coming to Scotland became more probable than formerly, and the Scots * 1.11 Proceedings in the raising of new Forces, gave an Allarum to the Parliament, and some of their Members, who had discoursed with the Lord General upon those Matters, and argued how requisite it would be to send an Army into Scotland, to divert the War from England, they found the General wholly averse to any such thing, and by the meanes of his Lady (a strict Presbyterian) to be more a Friend to the Scots than they wished, therefore they thought this a sit time to send for the Lieutenant of Ireland, and the rather, his Army being now drawn into Win∣ter Quarters.

Order for Relief of some of those who suffer∣ed great loss in the late unhappy accident of the Houses in Tower-Street, being blown up with Gunpowder.

Referred to the Councel of State to send a Let∣ter into Russia, touching the Trade there.

(14) Letters from Scotland, That in the Pul∣pits they preach altogether for the Kings coming in, and yet proceed to purge their Army of all * 1.12 Cavaleers, that nothing certain was yet returned from the Lord of Libberton.

Letters that C. Hacker had taken 60 Moss Troopers. That Montross was expected every day in Scotland.

One Coppe an Anabaptist in Prison, a great Swearer and Curser, and held that God could not damn him, yet perswaded many to be of his Religion.

Many were drowned in the great Floods upon the melting away of the Snow.

(15) Letters that the Forces landed in Guern∣sey, wanted Accomodations of Beds, &c. and were fain to lye in a Church ever since they were landed.

That two Frigots of the Prince prepared from Jersy to attempt Guernsey, hearing of the Parlia∣ments Souldiers landed there, were presently di∣verted.

Letters from Oxford, That the Judges sate there upon a Commission of Oyer and Terminer, * 1.13 and at the first sitting, they and the high Sheriffe, Under Sheriffe, Officers of the Court, and Grand Jury, all took the Ingagement in the Face of the Country solemnly and cheerfully.

That one of the Prisoners obstinately refusing to plead, was pressed to death in the sight of two others, who refused to plead, upon which one of them pleaded, but the other refusing, was also pressed to death.

An Account of divers of C. Desboroughs Men shipped for Ireland, and of the apprehending C. Slingsby, and another Officer of the Kings in Corn∣wall, who were carryed to Prison til further Or∣der from the Parliament, or Councel of State.

(16) Divers Surveys returned into Worcester House, of Lands of the late King, Queen, and Prince appointed to be sold.

(17) The General sent his Orders to seve∣ral Garrisons to hold Courts Martial, for the Pu∣nishment of Souldiers offending against the Ar∣ticles of War, provided that if any be sentenced * 1.14 to loose Life or Limb, that then they trasmit to the Judge Advocate the Examinations and Pro∣ceedings of the Court Marshal, that the General's Pleasure may be known thereupon.

The Commission also from the General gave authority to examine Witnesses upon Oath a∣gainst the Offender, and for his Defence.

An Account of Recruits for Ireland, and Re∣turns of Subscriptions to the Ingagement from se∣veral Regiments, and Garrisons.

(18) Letters that the Mayor and Magistrates of Yarmouth, and all the Officers and Souldiers of the Garrison there did willingly take the Ingage∣ment, and that there was great Affection and Unity between them.

That the Commissioners appointed by the Councel of State, were settling the Militia in those parts. That a Danish Ship of twelve Guns was cast away in sight of the Town, who sent out Boats, and saved twelve of her Men, the rest were drowned, and six of her Guns saved.

From Jersy, That the Prince intends to remove back again into France, That his Councel is much divided about what Answer to give to the Lord of Libbertons Message.

From Durham, That a written Paper was fixed upon the Market Cross, of the Title of King * 1.15 Charles the Second, &c. and that all that opposed him were guilty of Rebellion, which was Treason in the highest nature, and therefore the Authors kind∣ly wished all to amend.

(19) Most part of this week was spent in Par∣liament upon Debates of a new Act, for regu∣lating the Elections of Members for suture Re∣presentatives, and upon a Bill for managing, and ordering of the Sequestrations.

Granger, and others were apprehended for counterfeiting Warrants, and receiving great Sums of Money, collected for the Service of the Forces in Ireland.

The Generals at Sea met at Portsmouth, to hasten out the Navy to Sea.

The General and his Officers made several Re∣solutions touching the purchasing of the late Kings Lands.

Several other Persons apprehended and Com∣mitted to the Marshal General for counterfeit∣ing Debenters, and Warrants whereby they re∣ceived several Sums of Money from Collect∣ors.

(21) The General and his Officers met, and passed several Votes to be presented to the Com∣mittee of Parliament, touching the Removal of

Obstructions, in the sale of the late Kings Lands, and for the Examination of the Souldiers times of Service, and what Arrears are due to them, &c.

[22] Long Debate upon the Act of Sequestra∣tions, to which the House added several Provi∣soes.

Letters from Weymouth, about the Pirates in∣festing that Coast.

From Newcastle, That the taking of the In∣gagement sticks most with the Presbiterians, who pretend Conscience to oppose it, but the Cava∣leers in Policy subscribe it.

That the Cavaliers report that Lieutenant Ge∣neral Cromwel was sent for out of Ireland, be∣cause * 1.16 he was forced from thence, and could no longer subsist there.

From Edenburgh, That Libberton wrote a Let∣ter, only to let them know, that he was safely ar∣rived in Jersy, but not one word of the Kings Mind.

That Sir William Flemming came thither from Jersy, to see what Posture they were in. That many Witches were dayly apprehended, and brought to the Fire.

From Hull, That Mr. Strickland the Parlia∣ments Agent in Holland, finds there a very fair Comportment as to the Affairs of Eng∣land.

From Plymouth, That the Cavaliers have fre∣quent and great Meetings. That the Souldiers and Officers there, did willingly subscribe the Ingagement.

[23] In a meeting of the Officers of the Ar∣my, with the Committee, for removing Obstructi∣ons in the sale of the late Kings Lands, several things were agreed upon, for the Advantage of the Souldiery, in the purchase of those Lands.

C. Desborough and his Court Marshal at Ply∣mouth, sentenced ten Souldiers to death for run∣ning away, after they had listed themselves, and taken Money for the Service of Ire∣land.

Letters that a Ship with 30 Horse, and 120 Foot bound for Ireland, were cast away, and all drowned.

From Kingsale, of Cromwels viewing several Forts, his taking the Mace from the Mayor of Kingsale, and delivering it to C. Stubber, the Go∣vernour. That all things were in good Conditi∣on in Munster, and that Waterford was upon Trea∣ty of Yielding.

The Earl of Pembroke dyed, his Son, who was * 1.17 a Member of the House of Commons before, con∣tinued to sit in the House, now being himself an Earl upon the death of his Father.

Letters from Jersy, that the Prince and the Scots Commissioners were upon agreement, That they desired him to go with them into Scotland, but he was advised not to adventure it without good Shipping to carry him safe thither.

That the Prince sent to Dunkirk for some Fri∣gots for Jersy, That he gave Commissions to French Runagadoes to take Prizes of all English Merchants, and to bring them to Jersy, That they took a good Ship of Lime.

[24] Divers Returns of Subscriptions to the Ingagement, from several Regiments and Garri∣sons.

There was sent from Scotland and published here, the Copy of a Declaration of the general Assembly of Scotland in answer to that of Mon∣tross, * 1.18 to whom they gave only the Title of James Graham.

Charging the People of Scotland, not to harken to or joyn with him, or draw on themselves the wrath of the most High God, by breach of the Covenant, and gross backsliding, nor hearken to any of his Calumnies and Slanders.

Nor countenance or assist any who shall invade that Kingdom, or raise War therein, under pretence of Commission from his Majesty, or putting him in the Exercise of his Royal Power, before Satisfaction had from him, to the just and necessary desire of that Kirk and Kingdom, concerning Religion and the Co∣venant.

[25] The Councel of Officers ordered That * 1.19 Clarendon, and Bowrod Parks in Wilts, should be Lands set apart for satisfaction of the Contract∣ors, Trustees, and Officers, imployed about the sale of the Kings Lands.

Order of the Parliament to sit on Saturdayes and Mundayes, for the future, for the speedy dis∣patch of Business, and that no private business be heard in the House, till the first of March next.

Debate upon the Heads of a Bill, for a new Re∣presentative, and regulating Elections, and about * 1.20 the number of the whole to be elected, and for some particular Counties.

Debate about the Act for the better manage∣ing the Estates of Recusants, and Delinquents, and a Proviso added touching the reserving the chief mansion house of Recusants, not having been in Arms, from sequestration, and for re∣straining wast in their Timber, and reserving the rights of the Lords of the Manners, to Coppy hold Estates.

Another Proviso was added not to take away the Power of the Committee for removing delinquent Ministers, and Schoolmasters, with other Provisoes.

Referred to the Committee of Goldsmiths Hall to take into consideration the Business concern∣ing the Souldiery, and Ministers in Lancashire, that such satisfaction may be given them, as may tend to the Service of the Commonwealth, and to take into consideration the Troupe of Horse in Oxfordshire, and to pay it out of the Sequestrati∣ons in Oxfordshire, until further order from the House, or Councel of State.

[26] Ordered that the Lord Commissioners of the great Seal do take care that Writs be issued out, and sent down into every County to the se∣veral Sheriffs, to proclaim the Act touching the Ingagement.

This Course of proclaiming new Acts of Par∣liament, was very antient, and constantly used, (especially in elder times) as appears by the Re∣cords, * 1.21 but of late disused. It was thought fit to have it revived again, that the People might be informed what Acts were passed, which they were not so fully by the Printing, as by proclaim∣ing of them at their Markets.

Orders touching the Composition of Delin∣quents.

Votes for taking off the additional Exercise upon most of the Commodities mentioned in the last Act touching the Excise.

Letters from Ireland of C. Hewsons taking in some Forts near Dublin.

[28] Letters that the Scots had no Answer from Sir George Windram Laird of Libberton, but that the King would be satisfyed from him, whe∣ther his Subjects of Scotland would ingage to E∣stablish him in England as King, That he is not yet removed from Jersy, That divers Souldiers came from Ireland into Orkney.

Letters That the States Provincial of Holland

have resolved to send an Agent into England, for their better Correspondence with the Parlia∣ment.

(29) Letters from Ireland, of taking the Fort upon the Bogg of Allan, of a Dutch Ship of 300 Tun cast away upon that Coast, that the Lord * 1.22 Lieutenant had sent to besiege Eniscorsie Castle belonging to Mr. Wallop a Member of the House, which the Enemy had lately surpri∣sed.

That the Lord Lieutenant visited all the Eng∣lish Garrisons in Munster, and gave Orders to them. That Inchequin was in Kerrcy. That 16 of the Enemies Horse came from Duncannon to the Lord Lieutenant.

(30) Letters from Holly-Head, that a Vessel bound for London Derry with Coals, Cloaths, and other Merchants Goods, was taken by a Scots Man of War, the Mariners and sixteen Passen∣gers put on Shore, the Owner and Master carryed away Prisoners. That the Gentlemen and Com∣monalty of Ireland do generally submit to the Lord Lieutenants Orders.

From York, That a Minister lately informed that there would be shortly a Massacre of the well affected in the Nation.

From Shrewsbury, That many Cavaliers wear Ribbands with Motto's, God prosper. That the Ministers incourage them, and Preach against the present Government.

They report an Agreement between the King of Scots, and his People of that Kingdom, upon the terms proposed at the Isle Wight, and that the Presbyterians of England will joyn.

From Plymouth, That a Vessel of Dartmouth, * 1.23 was by a storm forced into the Mounts Bay, and wracked, and all lost save one Per∣son.

Returns of Subscriptions to the Ingage∣ment.

(31) The Town of Pool having warned a ge∣neral Sessions to be held, not one Justice came to joyn with them.

The Act giving 10 l. to him that shall appre∣hend a Fellon, caused the Countrymen to appre∣hend many of the Thieves, and Robbers in all places, and the Mony was duely paid to them.

Notes

• * 1.1

  L. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.2

  Frigots
• * 1.3

  Iealous•• of the Pa••∣liament.
• * 1.4

  Montross
• * 1.5

  Obstructi∣ons.
• * 1.6

  Jones.
• * 1.7

  Ireton.
• * 1.8

  U▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉∣ties.
• * 1.9

  Ireland.
• * 1.10

  Cromwel sent for
• * 1.11

  Reasons.
• * 1.12

  Scotland.
• * 1.13

  Ingage∣ment.
• * 1.14

  Courts Marshal.
• * 1.15

  Durham.
• * 1.16

  Reports.
• * 1.17

  Pembroke.
• * 1.18

  Scots De∣claration.
• * 1.19

  Kings Lands.
• * 1.20

  New Re∣presenta∣tives.
• * 1.21

  Acts of Parlia∣ment proclaim∣ed.
• * 1.22

  Ireland.
• * 1.23

  Report.