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.

December, 1649

(Decemb. 1) The Affairs in Ireland went on prosperously, and Cromwells Honour increased with his Successes. The Treaty between the Scots and their King began to grow to some Head, and was very likely to take Effect.

The Parliament went on in their usual way, de∣bating Acts, making Reference to the Councel of State for the raising of Money, and providing Supplies for their Forces in Ireland, and for the standing Army, and Garrisons in Eng∣land.

A List prefented to the Parliament of divers Regiments, and Garrisons, who have subscribed the Ingagement.

[10] Letters that every Officer and Souldier subscribed the Ingagement, and that it was so * 1.1 unanimously done by them, that not one of a thousand did scruple the Signing of it.

[11] The General Councel of the Army, being careful that the Souldiers should not be in∣jured in reaping the Benefit of the late Act, for sale of the Lands of the late King, Queen, and Prince, made several Votes.

For a Letter of Attourney, to be sent to the se∣veral Regiments, Troops, Companies, and Gar∣risons of the Army, and to the Forces in Ireland, and other Forces, not of the Army, who are Ori∣ginal * 1.2 Creditors, and have Interest in the Securi∣ty.

That Attournies may be authorized, for the purchasing of those Lands according to the Act, with the Opinion and Advice of the Councel, concerning the Letter of Attourney, to be sent to every Regiment of the Army, and to be Sign∣ed by them.

The General, and Officers of the Army met at Somerset-House, according to appointment, to * 1.3 meet every Month, to seek God for a Blessing upon the Army, both in Ireland and here.

Letters from Ireland of the further Successes of the Army there, which were to this Ef∣fect.

On the 15th. of November, Our Army march∣ed * 1.4 over the River Barrowe, into the County of Kilkenny towards the Enemy, about 300 of their Men lay at Emstron••, a Party of the Parliaments Horse and Dragoons were sent thither, in the dusk of the Evening; At first the Enemy vapour∣ed over the Wall, but when the Dragoons had set fire to the Gate, it so quasht them, that they presently quitted the Town, and escaped by Boats over the Water, leaving the Town to the Parliaments Men, to plunder and possess it.

The Parliaments Army still advanced towards the Enemies Body, who upon their approach, brake down the Bridge at Thomas Town, and this Winter Season the Foords were unpassable, so that the Parliaments could only have a Sight of the Kings Army, but could not come to joyn Battle with them, nor proceed in ••heir Designs for Kilkenny. In their March back they took Cnoctofer Castle, and put into it thirty Horse, and twenty Dragoons, but recalled them, the Castle being too far into the Enemies Countrey. On the 19th. Captain Reynolds was sent with a Par∣ty of Horse, and Dragoons unto Carrick, a wal∣led Town, where is a fair House of the Lord Or∣monds, in the Town was a Regiment of Foot, and two or three Troops of Horse. The Dragoons after a little dispute, set Fire to the Gate, and the Enemy both Horse and Foot quitted the place, and escaped over the Water; only some eighty Welchmen, who were in the great House, submitted to Mercy, and took up Arms with the Parliament.

On the 21st. The Army marched to Carrick, to pass over the River, where it is fordable. And 32th. November, the Parliament incamped be∣fore Waterford, presently the Lieutenant General with some Horse and Dragoons marched to Pas∣sage Town, six Miles below, where there is a strong Fort that secures the River.

The Dragoons fell presently upon the Storm, and in a short time, set fire on the Gate, where∣upon the Enemy within called out for Quarter, and upon assurance given by the Lord Lieutenant, that they should have Quarter for their Lives, and their wearing Apparel, they surrendred the Fort

to him, where was six pieces of Ordinance, and the Town was of great Advantage to the Parlia∣ment.

The Parliament left in Carrick Collonel Rey∣nolds with his Regiment of Horse, a Troop of Dragoons, and two Foot Companies. The next day after they marched out of it, Ormond (whom they supposed inclined towards Cromwel) march∣ed towards Carrick, and Besieged it.

The Kings Forces made themselves sure of car∣rying the Town, and therefore drew a Party of Horse, and Foot over the Water, to prevent the Parliaments escape that way.

The Ʋlster Forces undertook the storm, they came on very resolutely, and made desperate Assaults for the space of four Hours; they set fire to all the Gates, and in one place undermined the Wall, attempting to blow it up with a Bar∣rel of Powder.

But through the Mercy and Strength of God, Collonel Reynolds, with the rest maintained the Town very gallantly, and beat off the Enemy with the Loss of about 4 or 500 Men, and wound∣ed very many; he loosing not above four of his Men all the while.

God hath prospered Collonel Reynolds very much, he goes out almost upon every Party, and behaves himself with much gallantry and Resolu∣tion. The Parliaments Dragoons have done them great Service.

About a Mile from Carrick is a little Castle upon the River, where the Parliament put six or seven Dragoons to keep it, Inchequin Summons them by his Trumpet, none of them could read the Summons, but perceived by the Trumpet what it was, and though they could not write, yet without complement, and in plain phrase, they returned no other answer but this to the Trumpet.

Bid Inchequin go about his Business, and be hanged, for he had nothing to do with them. And thus, though they could not return an Answer in writing, they did in Resolution.

The Parliaments Forces are now before Wa∣terford, and make Preparations for a Storm, when their great Guns with other necessaries shall be dispatched to them. Ruisile, and Bandon Bridge are theirs. The L. Broghil, and C. Fair, since their Arrival in Munster, have gained many a Horse, and Foot unto them.

The Lieutenant General and Officers receiv∣ed an Order of Parliament for stating the Ac∣counts, and giving Debenters to such reduced Souldiers as should ingage for Ireland. In Pro∣secution of that Order of Parliament, and accord∣ing to the further Direction of the Councel of State, the General sent his Orders and Instructi∣ons, for the reducing of Troops to the number of 60, and concerning such so reduced, as shall ingage for Ireland, and such as refuse to go for Ireland, to be dismissed, the rest to be conducted into Ireland, for Recruits for the Forces there, and care taken for their present Pay, and for their Accounts to be Stated, and Debenters given them, to purchase Kings Lands.

(13) Letters from Berwick, That every Of∣ficer and Souldier of that Garrison, except two only, signed the Ingagement, That Wheat there was at 10 s. a Bushel, Corn, and other Provisions desired.

From Carlile, of the want of Corn, That the Garrison unanimously subscribed the Ingagement, That they give out in Scotland, that Cromwel was * 1.5 routed in Ireland; and with four broken Troops escaped to Dublin, which much rejoyced them at Edenburgh.

That they expect the return of the Lord Lib∣berton from Jersy.

From New-Castle, of the unanimous Subscrip∣tion of the Ingagement by that Garri∣son.

That many Witches were apprehended there∣about of late, that the Witchtryer taking a Pin, and thrusting it into the Skin, in many parts of their Bodies, they were insensible of it, which is one Circumstance of Proof against them.

From Scarborough, of the Garrisons free sub∣scribing of the Ingagement, That they see our Enemies at Sea chase our Ships, desire Care of the Winter Guard.

From Hull, That the Regiments, both Officers and Souldiers signed the Ingagement, not one re∣fusing.

(14) Order for Ships to convoy, and trans∣port the Recruits for Ireland.

An Account for Leverpool, of about 2000 Soul∣diers shipped from thence to Ireland.

From Weymouth, That C. Popham was there with Ships ready to transport C. Coxes Men for Guernsey, and the men also ready.

Order of Parliament for a thanksgiving throughout the City, for the good Successes in Ire∣land.

(15) A private Souldier sentenced to be shot to death, for killing a man.

In the Road at Broadway Hills, many were robbed and murdered. A Naylor found dead, with seven or eight Wounds, with 50 s. in his hand, and his Horse loose by him.

Directions given to several Regiments of Horse, to quarter in such places as are most con∣venient to scoure the High-wayes of Thieves and Robbers.

Letters from Dover, That the Garrison freely subscribed the Ingagement. That the King of France, and those of Burdeaux were upon Agree∣ment. That the States of Holland intended to disband 5000 Horse and Foot, and many of the Commanders purposed to come into England, ho∣ping for entertainment.

(17) The G. Councel of the Army, after a long Debate about settling the business for the Sale of the Kings Lands, referred it to a Com∣mittee to consult with the Committee of Parlia∣ment, for Obstructions in the Sale of the Kings Lands, &c.

Referred to some Officers, to consider of a Course for pay for Captain Harrisons Company of Lancashire men, who marched with Cromwel into Scotland.

One Vaughan a Minister, once a Cavaleer, then turned a Zealot, then turned against the Com∣monwealth, and preached that they were guilty of Perjury, &c.

Letters that the Souldiers quartering about Tossiter, and riding abroad in the Night, had frighted away the Thieves from Broadway Hills, and those Parts, to the great contentment of the Countrey.

(18) The Committee of Officers had a long Debate about making the way practicable, of buying the Kings Lands, &c. appointed for the Armies Security.

Mr. Penruddock, an Agent for Prince Charles, was taken, and committed close Prisoner to the Tower.

Letters from York, That there was a Rendez∣vous of C. Lilburns Party that are marching for Ireland, about 100 old Blades, stout men, and well horsed, ready for the Service.

An Account from Chester of Souldiers Shipped from thence to Ireland.

The Port at Coventry intercepted a Pacquet of scandalous Books, intituled, The Character of K. Cromwell, The Woodstock Skuffle, &c.

Letters, that Montross having sollicited the King of Denmark, and the Duke of Holstein, for * 1.6 6000 Men to be levyed in their Dominions for Prince Charles, and for a place of Rendezvous, * 1.7 and-Free Quarter in Holstein, and for Shipping, and Money to transport them, was put off by them, without obtaining any of his Requests to them.

That from thence he went to Stock-Holm to Sollicite the Court of Sweden for their Assist∣ance.

One Hammond a Trooper, according to the Sen∣tence of the Councel of War, was shot to death, for killing one of his fellow Souldiers. He disco∣vered matters of concernment to Mr. Knight, the Generals Chaplein, who went with him to the Execution.

(19) C. Bampfield, an Agent for Prince Charles, and that had a hand in the escape of the Duke of York, was apprehended and brought to * 1.8 Whitehall, and examined by the Couucel of State, and by them committed fo the Gate-house.

Letters from Guernsey, complaining of the want of Ships, for securing that Island, and rela∣ting the French News.

From Dunstar Castle, That Recruits for Ire∣land were raising there by Captain Desbo∣rough.

From Scarborough, of a Vessel loaden with Corn from Jerzey, forced in thither by Storm, and se∣cured by the Garrison.

From Plymouth, an account of Recruits to be Shipped for Ireland.

From Berwick, That notwithstanding the late Seizures, and Confiscations of Corn, carried by the Scots thither, yet they were stil supplyed for their Money.

The Scots published a Proelamation for re∣straining * 1.9 the Exportation of Victual out of that Kingdom.

(20) Some Stage Players in St. John-Street, were apprehended by Troupers, their Cloaths taken away, and themselves carried to Prison.

Several Returns were made of Subscriptions of Regiments, and Garrisons, to the Ingage∣ment.

Letters from Rye, of the dearness of Corn there, it was desired to have a Magazine there, because of the appearance in Arms in France.

[21] The General Councel of the Army made several Resolutions touching the Souldiers * 1.10 purchasing of the Kings Lands, and sent Instructi∣ons about it to the several Regiments and Garri∣sons.

Letters from Plymouth, of the Shipping from thence, of Sir Hardress Waller, with his Compa∣nies, and other Recruits of Ireland, all which went with great willingness.

From Ireland, that the Lord Lieutenant was still before Waterford, had Summoned them, but they refused to surrender, but the Inhabitants, to * 1.11 saveingly comply.

their Estates which are very great, would wil-

That Preparations were made to storm, and 1200 Horse, and Foot came from Cork to assist the Lord Lientenant, that the Enemy avoided fighting, as much as they could, and gave out that the Prince would be shortly with them from Jersy.

[22] At Tyburn, eighteen were executed for Robbery, Burglary, and Murder, one Captain Reynolds, who had been of the Kings Party, as he was going to be turned off the Ladder, with the Rope about his Neck, cryed God bless King Charles, Vive le Roy.

The Commissioners for Articles gave Relief * 1.12 to Sir Allen Apsley, Governour of Barnstable, who was sued contrary to those Articles, upon the Surrender of it.

The Cittizens, at the choice of the new Com∣mon Councel Men, elected Collonel Pride, and Lieutenant Collonel Lilbourn, to be two of the new Common Conncel Men.

[24] The General and his Officers consider∣ed which Garrisons were sit to be reduced, to case the Nation in point of charge.

Letters from Portland, that C. Cox with his Men, were under sail for Ireland, with a fair Wind.

From Newcastle, that the Pyrats lay lurking up and down in those Seas, and did great mischief. That one of them went into the River Tees, and took out of a Vessel, as she lay on ground, 200 Firkins of Butter, and went on shore, and took divers Gentlemen, but being pursued by a Par∣ty of Foot from Hartlepoole, they left the Gentle-men behind, and got to their Ship.

From Edenburgh. That the Scots will do no∣thing, * 1.13 till they hear from the Lord of Libburton. That Montross is expected in Scotland, which bred a Jealousy in their Army, which some would have purged.

That Montross by his Declaration, threatens * 1.14 to invade the North Parts of Scotland, and to be revenged for the Death of the King, and layes it to their Charge that they have sold him.

From Hallifax, That some of the Clergy tam∣pered with the Souldiery, not to subscribe to the present Government.

An Account from several places of the Souldi∣ers signing the Ingagement, but that divers Mi∣nisters refused to sign it.

[25] Christmas-day, the House sate, and Let∣ters * 1.15 came from Chester, That from the north of Ireland, they understood that about 4000 Horse and Foot of the Enemy, who came to relieve Car∣rickefergus, were routed by Sir Charles Coot, and C. Veneables.

That the Irish were commanded by Monroe, the Lord of Ardes, and the Earl of Claneboy, that 1000 of them were killed, and 500 Horse taken, and but 200 of the Parliaments Forces did fight, that Claneboy was slain, or sunk in a Bog being cor∣pulent, and C. Montgomery, and C. Hamilton ta∣ken Prisoners.

From Trym, That Mr. Stanly with 40 Horse, set upon 60 of the Enemy, killed about 10 or 12 of them, all Reformadoes, took the L. C. that com∣manded them, and one more, and many Horse.

Other Letters of the defeating of the L. of Ar∣des, Claneboy, and Monroe, by Sir Charles Coot, and C. Vaneables, that they took all their Arms, Am∣munition, Bag, and Baggage, killed C. Henderson, and 1400 more, C. Hamilton, and most of the Foot Officers.

That the Horsemen lost their Horses, and be∣took themselves to Boggs, That the English lost but one Corporal, and three Souldiers.

[26] Other Letters confirming the Victory against the Lord of Ardes, and the rest. And

that it was done by onely 200 Men, who were sent out as a forelorn, and fell upon the Rear of the Enemy, who fell into disorder; and were wholly routed by those 200 only.

(27) Letters from Hull, that Montross was at Hambourgh, bestirring himself to get Forces for Prince Charles, but had little probability to get * 1.16 any considerable number, or Assistance from the Emperour, the King of Denmark, or the Princes of Germany.

(28) Letters doubting that C. Cox, and his Men in their Voyage for Ireland, being dispersed by Storms, and not heard of since, may be in some danger.

The Act passed for taking the Ingagement by all Persons throughout the Kingdom, with a Pe∣nalty upon the Refusers. Those in Office or pub∣lick Imployment, to loose their Offices; others, * 1.17 not to have the benefit of Law, to sue in any Court.

The Act passed touching the rates npon the * 1.18 Excise, increasing them, to the intent, to lessen the other Assessments.

The Act passed for continuing the Assessment of 90000 l. per mensem for six months, for the Forces in England and Ireland.

An Act passed for the discharge of poor People out of Prison, who are not able to give Satisfacti∣on to their Creditors.

(29) The Messenger that brought the good News from Ireland, had 100 l. given him by the House.

Upon a Petition of the Lord Mayor, and Al∣dermen * 1.19 of London, touching the late Election of Lieutenant Collonel Lilburn to be a Common Councel Man, the House Voted his Election to be * 1.20 void, according to a late Act, disabling the Electi∣on of divers Persons into Offices within the City of London.

Lieutenant Collonel Lilbourn took the Ingage∣ment with a Declaration of his own sense upon it.

Mr. Chetwyn, who procured the Election of Lilburn to be a Common Councel Man, was upon some complaint made against him, imprisoned by the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen, and af∣terwards by Order of Parliament, committed to Warwick Castle, and an Act ordered to be brought in, to discharge him from being a Freeman of London.

Some Votes passed against other Citizens up∣on the same Business. * 1.21

Copies sent of the Declaration of the general Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, fent to the King, wherein they reprove him for adhering to the Councel of James Graham, and his Accomplices; and advise him to settle the Presbyterian Govern∣ment, and pure Worship in all his Dominions, upon do∣ing whereof, they declare he shall have their Assist∣ance, but otherwise, all the Blood shed by his Father, will be layed to his charge.

(31) Letters that C. Zanchy had ruined C. Wogans Party who revolted from the Parliament, and that Inchequin was got into Kilmallock against * 1.22 the will of the Inhabitants, to gain Conditions from Cromwel, giving out his Strength to be greater than it is, he having not above 400 with him.

Letters from Exon, that the Ministers preach against the Ingagement, and that most of the Commissioners for the Assessment, discountenance it.

Letters from Dublin, That C. Hewson the Go∣vernour, marched out with a Party to relieve Anklow, but the Irish that besieged it run away be∣fore he came.

That Waterford pretended to treat for rendi∣tion of the Town, and in the mean time took in * 1.23 2000 French Men, and then hung out their Flag of Defiance.

That the Lord Lieutenant settled Courts of Judicature at Dublin, for the present to proceed * 1.24 in the way of the Chancery.

That Knockfergus was Surrendred upon Con∣ditions, and but four of the Garrison would go with the Governour to Charlemont.

That the flaughter in the North was greater than at first reported, That the Earl of Claneboy was not slain, but rendred himself Prisoner to Mercy.

That the Lord Lieutenant left 100 Men in Pas∣sage, a small Castle five Miles from Waterford, which C. Wogan, Governour of Duncannon be∣sieged with 500 Men. And that C. Zanchy re∣turning upon them with four or five Troops of Horse, surprised them, and slew all the Party but two and Wogan, whom they took Prisoner.

That four common Souldiers betrayed the Castle of Briscorfe to the Townsmen for 7 l. And Captain Codde, the Governour and all his Men, were put to the Sword except the 4 Traytors; whom nevertheless the Enemy would not trust

The General sent out his Orders, for his Soul∣diers to assist the Collectors, in the gathering the Arrears of the Assessments for the Forces now in Ireland.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The Iri∣ment.
• * 1.2

  Votes.
• * 1.3

  Army.
• * 1.4

  Letters from Ire∣land.
• * 1.5

  Letters from Scot∣land.
• * 1.6

  Montross.
• * 1.7

  Denmark.
• * 1.8

  C. Bamp∣field.
• * 1.9

  Scots.
• * 1.10

  Kings Lands.
• * 1.11

  Ireland.
• * 1.12

  Sir Allen Apsly.
• * 1.13

  Scotland.
• * 1.14

  Montross.
• * 1.15

  Victory in Ireland.
• * 1.16

  Montro ss.
• * 1.17

  The In∣gagement
• * 1.18

  Acts of Parlia∣ment.
• * 1.19

  London Pe∣tition.
• * 1.20

  Lilburn
• * 1.21

  Declarati∣on of the Kirk.
• * 1.22

  Inchequin.
• * 1.23

  Janua.
• * 1.24

  Ireland.