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.

Aprill, 1650.

[April. 1.] From Newcastle, That very many Cavaliers passe into Scotland, and some of them come out of Norfolk and Suffolk.

From Cork, That the Lord Lieutenant had * 1.1 taken in all the three Counties of Tipperary, Lymerick, and Kilkenny, except the three Shire Towns, and had kept the Enemy from drawing together.

That the Lord Broghall beat up the Quarters of three Regiments of Inchequins Horse, most of them English, brought the Officers to Cashel, try∣ed C. Claydon, C. Johnson, and Lieutenant Collo∣nel Laughern, three of them by a Court Marshal, for betraying their trust, having formerly served the Parliament, and they and M. Sims were sentenced to dye, that three of them were shot to Death, and C. Claudon was pardoned.

That the Enemy burnt and destroyed the Coun∣ty of Lymerick, and drove away the Cattle seven or eight Miles round the City.

Letters to a great Man, That there is no rest to be found in the wisest Constitutions and Laws of Men, until they acknowledge the Weak∣ness * 1.2 thereof, and fly to the Infallible, and alsuffi∣cient. Wisdom of the Scriptures, to rule Man∣kind in the World. The only Magna Charta in this World, is the Holy Scriptures, which give perfect Rules for the Peoples Liberties, and for Rulers Go∣vernment, and Authority, and so guide all Judge∣ments, that none shall suffer Injury.

That the People will never fix quietly upon any Form or way, till they are brought to the Word of God. * 1.3

(2) A Declaration of the Lord Mayor, and Aldermen, and Common Councel of London re∣turning Thanks to the Parliament for their Gift of the New-Park to the City, and of the Houses, and 1000 l. for the Poor, and that they do declare, and resolve (through Gods Assistance) with the ha∣zard of their Lives and Estates, to stand and fall with the Parliament against all wicked Practices, and opposite pretended Powers whatsoever. * 1.4

The Speaker in Answer to it told them That the House took notice of this their Resolution, and of the Seasonableness of it, that the house kindly accept∣ed it, and gave them thanks for it.

Several Orders touching the Forces, and Pay∣ment of Monies into Weavers Hall.

An Act for adding some of the Judges, to be Commissioners in the High Court of Justice.

An Act for one to make use of a new Invention to prevent the great Consumption of Coal, and * 1.5 Wood, about Lead, Iron, Copper, Saltworks, &c.

From Dublin, That the Lord Broghil, and Hen∣ry Cromwel fell into the Lord Inchequins Quar∣ters, killed 160, and took 120 Prisoners, with the * 1.6 Officers, and 150 gallant Horse.

That Collonel Reynolds fell into the Earl of Castlehavens Quarters, routed them, and drove them to a Bogge.

From Coventry, That Salmon and Wyke, Priso∣ners there, Preached every Lords Day at the grate of the Prisons, and very many stood in the streets to hear them.

[3] From Portsmouth, That a Ship of Lon∣don, of 16 pieces of Ordinance, and her Bills of Lading from the Streights, were of 30000l. was ta∣ken by an Irish Man of War near the Isle of Wight, and another Vessel in her Company run her self on Shore, and thereby lost all, but the Lives of the Mariners.

[4.] A Letter sent from the Diggers and Plan∣ters of Commons, for universal Freedom, to make the Earth a common Treasury, that every one may in∣joy * 1.7 Food and Rayment freely by his labour upon the Earth without paying Rents or homage to any fellow Creature of his own kind, that every one may be de∣livered from the Tyranny of the Conquering Power, and so rise up out of that Bondage, to enjoy the Be∣nefit of his Creation.

The Letters were to get Money to buy Food for them, and Corn to sow the Land which they had digged.

[5] From Ireland, That the Lord Lieute∣nant was gone near to Lymerick, and that C. Hewson was marching with near 3000 men to him.

That the Spanish Agent had obtained leave of the Lord Lieutenant to send to Spain for Money, Ships, and Instructions, for transporting Irish Of∣ficers and Souldiers, who were willing to go into the Service of his Master. * 1.8

A Messenger brought Intelligence to the Go∣vernour of Kinsale, that Macke Carke, and O Sul∣lipht were raising Forces Westward, and that all the Priests were gone to them.

That Inchequin for 20 Miles burnt, and wasted the County of Lymerick, and then retreated over the Shannon with more Cows than Horses, that thereby Kilmallock could get no Forrage for their Horse, and many of them came in to the Lord Lieutenant.

That C. Hewson came to the Lord Lieutenant with 3500 Horse and Foot, that C. Reynolds, and C. Ewers Regiments were sent out as a Forlorn hope, and discovering the Enemies Body of above 3000, attempted to fight, notwithstanding the disproportion, but they had no mind to it.

That the Parliament had there a healthy and gallant Army, all new clothed and well armed, and Money in their Purses, That they have in Ireland 6000 good Horse, and 18000 Foot.

That Ormond came to Clare with six Horse on∣ly, and sent Propositions to the Lord Lieutenant. that most of the Irish had left him.

That they have Ships to prevent Commerce, and Sea Assistance.

That eight Ships were come in from Wales and England, loaden with Oats, and 15000 yards of Cloth, and 200 pair of Boots.

From Cork, That the Scots and Irish are at

great difference, and the Irish fly to connaght, as their last refuge excepting Spain. That the Ca∣tholicks hasten the Prince iuto Scotland, to di∣vert the Army from Ireland, if they can possi∣bly.

Granger and others, according to the Sentence * 1.9 of Parliament, lost their Ears at the new Pallace Yard in Westminster; and at the Old-Exchange in London for forgeing Warrants, from the Com∣mittee of the Army, and Counterfeiting hands to Bill of Exchange, whereby they procured 3000 l. to be paid them, out of the public Treasuries in London, and several Counties.

The high Court of Justice sate.

(6) From Exeter, That the Judges of Assise there, had much settled the People Minds, * 1.10 asto the present Government, in their Charges to the Grand Jury, wherein the Lord Chief Justice Rolles, and Judge Nicholas were very much com∣mended.

An Account of Shipping some Troops de∣signed for Ireland.

From Tossiter, That the Officers and People in that Country did generally and chearfully sub∣scribe the Ingagement.

From Liscard, That the Committee were ve∣ry active in settling the Militia, and the Coun∣try were ready to come in, and be list∣ed.

(8) From Chester, That Kilkenny was sur∣rendred * 1.11 upon Articles unto the Lord Lieutenant. That C. Hewson in his return to Dublin, with part of his Brigade, took Scarlough the great To∣ry, and divers Priests and Fryars accidentally, and that the Lord Lieutenant besieged Carther∣low.

From Scarborough, That the Governour ha∣ving notice of a small Man of War belonging to the Prince, he got a Northsea Vessel, and sent Cap∣tain Lassels with 50 men in her to see if they could meet with the Pyrate, who lay near to that Harbour.

That the Pirate espying this little Vessel at Seacame out to her & set upon her, her men having Orders to keep close, and not be seen till the word given, and assoon as the Pyrates were ready to board, the Souldiers came forth and fell on them, forced their Men, being 29 under deck, and brought away them and their Ship to Scarborough, six of their Men and one Captain being slain, and all the men in the Pyrates Ship were Papists, and those who had long used this Course of Pira∣cy.

(9) An Act and Declaration passed for im∣posing Penalties upon such as purchase any Crown Lands, as original Creditors, and pay with assign∣ed, or false Bills.

An Additional Act Passed for the furthur ease * 1.12 and relief of poor Prisoners.

Order that the Lords Commissioners of the great Seal take care that all Indictments, Outlaw∣ries, and other Acts against any Person for adhe∣ring to the Parliament, remaining upon Record be searched out, taken off the File, cancelled and burnt, as things scandalous and void.

Order that all Patents for granting any Title of Honour to any Person, after the carrying a∣way of the great Seal to Oxford, be annulled and made void.

And that they do not take that title to whom it is granted, nor any presume to give it them, and that the Lords Commissioners do prepare an Act for that purpose.

An Act read, for laying an Imposition upon Coals towards the building of Ships.

An Act read against transportation of Gold, and Bullion out of this Nation beyond Seas.

An Additional Act passed for providing Mainte∣nance for Ministers by Augmentations.

Vote, That no Merchant or Trader beyond Seas, shall have any Place in the Custome House, during the time that he tradeth.

That the Arms of the King be taken down, in all Ships, and the Generals at Sea to see it done.

That the Arms of the King be taken down in all Churches, and Chappels, and the Justices of Peace, Churchwardens, and other Officers order∣ed to see it done.

That the Councel of State have power to remove from London, and 20 Miles distance from thence, all such Delinquents, whose abode there, they shall Judge to be dangerous.

An Act passed impowring Commissioners to put in execution the Powers formerly given to the Commissioners for compounding with Delin∣quents, the Committee of Habberdashers Hall. &c.

[10] An Account of transporting Forces for Ireland.

Letters that Ormond is desirous to go out of Ire∣land, and Inchequin to come in to the Parlia∣ment.

From Lisbon. That G. Blake with the Parlia∣ments Fleet, arrived there, and understood that * 1.13 Prince Rupert intended to set sail from thence within two days, whereupon Blake sent to the King of Portugal, for leave to come into the Ri∣ver of Lisbon, and coming near with his Ships, the Castle shot at him.

That upon this Blake came to an Anchor, and sent a Boat to know the Reason why they shot at him, the Captain of the great Castle made answer That they had no Order from the King to let them come in.

That the Merchants Ships that came with Blake, seeing this, set sail for the Streights.

After this the King sent one of his greatest Nobles, to congratulate with Blake, and to desire him not to come in except the weather proved bad, whereby he could not ride where he was, it being his Majesties Fear, that he and Prince Ru∣peit would quarrel and fight in his Harbour. The Kng also sent to Blake a large present of fresh Provisious for his Refreshment.

That the weather beginning to be foul, Blake came into the Bay of Wyers in the River, two Miles from Prince Rupert, whose men came day∣ly from him to Blake, and one of his Ships, the Swallow was coming away, but was discovered, and the Boatswain clapt in Chains, That the Ad∣miral had not above 40 Seamen in his Ship, and very few in the rest of his Fleet.

That Captain Molton went on Shore from Blake to satisfy the King of the Falsities of Prince Ru∣perts Declaration.

[11] A Scots Vessel taken by an Irish Man of War, was rescued by a Dutchman.

The Commissioners settled the Militia in Cour∣wall.

From Chepsto, That at the Assises was as great an appearance of Gentlemen, and Freeholders, as ever was seen in that Country.

One tryed and found guilty there for poison∣ing his Wife, and was upon his own words great∣ly suspected to have poisoned his four Wives, and three Children.

Orders issued That every Regiment of Foot should be recruited to 1200, the Collonels Company to be 200, the Lt. Collonels Com∣pany

160, the Majors 140, and the other seven Companies to be 100 a piece. * 1.14

[Anno 1650] [12] From Scotland, That notice being had of their Commissioners arriving in Holland, the Kirk kept a day of humiliation, to seek God for a Blessing upon the Treaty, and injoyned the like through Scotland.

That many German Officers are there expect∣ing imployment when the King comes thi∣ther.

That Cromwel granting Liberty of Conscience to the Irish, they will all submit to him.

(13) From Dublin, That the Governour, C. Hewson, after he had taken Lawlinbridge, by order, marched with a strong party, and met the Lord Lieutenant at Gouran, five Miles from Kil∣kenny, and March 19. entred the Town without Opposition.

That the Castle stood ont, and after a sharp dispute, upon one attempt to storm, the Common Souldiers (that they might have Quarter for * 1.15 themselves) delivered up their Officers, viz. C. Hammon, M. Townly, two Captains, one Quarter Master, one Lieutenant, and a Priest.

(March 22) All the Officers were shot to death ex∣cept the Lieutenant, who was spared, for that he joyn∣ed with the Souldiers to deliver up the Officers, and the Priest was hanged, The Souldiers that were English took up Arms with ours. Next day our For∣ces marched towards Kilkenny, and March 24th. were necessitated to attempt a Storm, to divert * 1.16 the Enemies Forces from falling upon a Party of ours, who were then attempting another part of the Town, called Irish Town.

Our Men were forced to retreat, but yet the design took effect, for by that means, the whole Strength of the Enemy was held in play, while our other Party gained Irish Town, Captain Hig∣ly was slain in the attempt, with about seven or eight of our Common Souldiers.

Then C. Hewson led on the reserve very gal∣lantly, and received a slight shot, then the Town beat a Parly, and sent sorth Commissio∣ners, and after a days dispute, it was a∣greed.

That they should deliver the Town, with all the Artillery, Arms, Ammunition, and Officers, only they should march a Mile out of Town with Colours flying, Match light, and ball in Mouth, and at a Miles end, should deliver up all their Arms, except 100 to defend them from the To∣ries, and 190 Horse for the Officers; The Towns-men to have liberty for the three Months to go, or stay, paying 2000 l.

There was a good quantity of Corn in the pub∣lick store, with a good number of Arms, Captain Frewen was unhappily killed by a shot, during the Treaty, there being no Cessation. Lieutenant Collonel Axtel is made Governour of Kilken∣ny.

The Plague is very hot there, and at Gouran, yet it hath pleased God so to preserve ours, that none of them have perished by it, though fre∣quently quartered in the infected Houses.

That Axtel, the new Governour had the Command of the Storm, and received a shot in the back, which pierced his Buffe Coat, and a lit∣tle bruised the Flesh.

That Sir Theophilus Jones, Dr. Jones, C. Rey∣nolds, and their Regiments with some Dragoons and Foot, were ordered to attend the Earl of Castlehaven, with whom Ferald was to joyn, but there were great Discontents between them.

That the Governour with three Troops of Horse, returned and marched to Castle Dermont, a great part whereof the Enemy had battered the day before, and betook themselves to a strong Tower The Governour caused great store of straw, and other combustible matter, to be put to the Door, and set on fire, which caused these within to cry out for Mercy, and in the Tower were raken Captain Sherlock, who had been a bloody Tory, and three Fryars.

That C. Trevor left the Enemy, and came to Dublin upon Licence formerly granted him by the Governour, and that the Irish had chosen the Earl of Antrim for their General, C. Trevor Lieutenant General of Horse, and Hugh Boyo∣neal for Major General.

A Party of our Forces from Trym fell into the Enemies Quarters, killed some of them, and re∣turned with 300 Cows, and 40 Garrons.

That the Lord Lieutenant was Quartered in an infected House, and many of his Officers, and Souldiers, lay in the Sick beds of those that dyed in the Plague, and yet not one of them dyed of the Infection.

The Lord Lieutenant returned from Kilkenny to the Siege of Clonmel.

(15) From Berwick, That in Scotland were great Preparations for entertainment of the King.

That at a little Village within two Miles, two Men, and three Women were burnt for Witches, and nine more were to be burnt, the Village con∣sisting but of 14 Families, and there were as ma∣ny * 1.17 witches.

That 20 more were to be burnt within six Miles of that place, and all their Goods are for∣feited to the King and the Lords.

From Ireland, That the Lord Broghil went with a Party into the County of Lymerick which so terrifyed the Enemy, that they and the Inhabitants fled with their Goods and Cattle over the Shannon into Clare, having set Fire on all their houses na Castles so that the Parliaments Forces were fain to retreat into Tipperary. That the Plague was very hot in Killkenny, Lymericke, and other Places.

Letters from the L. Lt. of the former Passages, and that at the storming of Kilkenny, they lost 30 Men, that it was not performed with the usual Courage, and Successe. That they had made two Retrenchments, or Counterworkes, strongly pallyzadoed, and both of them did so command the Breach, that it was a Mercy, they did not further contend for an Entrance there.

That an Officer attempting to passe over the Bridge into the City, to fire the Gate, which in∣deed was done with good Resolution, but lying too open to the Enemies shott, he had 40 or 50 Men killed, and wounded, that the Castle was ex∣ceeding well fortefyed, and Capacious.

That he, preparing for a second battery, the Enemy seeing himself thus begirt, sent for a Treaty, and rendred the Town, and Castle upon Articles.

That one Lt. Col. 3 Majors, 8 Capt, being English Welch, and Scotch, with others, were possest of Cantwell, a strong Castle scituate in a Bogge, well furnished with Provisions, and were ordered by Sir Walter Butler Governour of Killkenny, to strengthen that Garrison.

But they sent 2 Officers to the L. Lt. to offer him the Place, and their Service, or that they might have Passes to goe beyond Sea, to serve foreign States, which last was consented to.

That C. Abbot attempted Enisuag, where were gotten a Company of Rogues, who revolted

from C. Jones. The Souldiers capitulated for Life, and their 2 Officers were hanged for revolting.

That Adjut. G. Sadler with 2 Guns reduced some Castles in the Counties of Tipperary, and Kilkenny, then summoned Pulkerry, a Garrison under c••••n••ell, battered it, and they refusing to come out, he stormed it, put 30 or 40 of them to the Sword, and the rest, remaining obstinate, were fired in the Castle.

That he took Ballo Poin, the Enemy march∣ing away and leaving their Armes behind them. Upon the like terms he took the Granno, and Donkill, considerable Places to Waterford.

Complaints for want of Money, that the Horse have not had one Monethes pay of five he earnest∣ly presseth for Supplyes, that not above 2000 are come to them, of the 5000 Recruits ordered.

Concerning his coming over into England, he confesseth he received many private Intimations of the Parliaments pleasure for his coming over and Copies of their Votes, but all these were but private Intimations. That he received not the Speakers Letter till March 22, which was dated Jan. 8. and then supposed the Army to be in Winter quarters, and the Time of the year not suitable for present Action, he concludes thus.

Making this as the Reason of your Command, and your Forces having been in Action, ever since Jan. 29 and your Letter which was to be the Rule of my Obedience, coming to my Hands after our having been so long in Action, with respect had to the Reasons you were pleased to use therein.

And having received a Letter (signed by your self, of the 26 Feb: which mentions not a Word of the Continuance of your Pleasure concerning my coming over, I did humbly conceive, it much con∣sisteth with my duty, humbly to beg a positive Sig∣nification, what your Will is.

Professing (as before the Lord) that I am most ready, to obey your commands herein, with all Ala∣crity. Rejoycing onely to be about that Work which I am called to, by those whom God hath set over me, which I Acknowledge to be you; and fear∣ing onely in obeying you, to disobey you.

I most humbly and earnestly be seech you, to judge for me, whether your Letter doth not naturally allow me the liberty of begging a more clear Expressi∣on of your Command, and Pleasure, which when vouch safed nnto me, will find most ready and chear∣full Observance from Sir,

Your most humble Servant, O Cromwell.

Carrick 2 April. 1650.

Directed to the Speaker.

(16) An Act passed, impowring Commissio∣ners for managing Estates under Sequestration.

An Act passed, for the better keeping of the Lords day.

An Act passed, for preventing wrongs and abuses done to Merchants at Sea, and prohibiting Marriners from serving forreign Princes or States, without Licence, and to impower the Councel of State, to issue Commissions under the Seal of the Admiralty, giving Authority to English Ships, to fight with, and take such French, or other forreign Ships, as shall require them to be visited, or disturb them in their Trade, under colour of visiting.

Provided that if they take any forreign Vessels, that after the fight, they shall not kill any Persons therein.

A Declaration passed upon this Act.

An Act for general Commissions of Marque, committed.

An Act for reducing, and bringing in, all the Monies, and revenues, belonging to the Common-wealth into one Treasury, committed.

(17) Upon a Petition from divers of London, Westminster &c. * 2.1

The House voted, That the Scope thereof was to bring scandall, and reproach, upon the just, and necessary Laws, and Proceedings of the Parliament, * 2.2 and to weaken the present Government, to give thereby advantage to the common Enemy, and to raise new Tumults and Troubles in the Nation.

Referred to a Committee to examine by whom, and by what Practices this Petition was contrived, and promoted.

From Pendennis, that the Commissioners settle the Militia there, from Scilly, conjectures of a contest there betwixt the English and Irish

(18) From Poole, of a Man of War of 200 Guns wracked upon that Coast, that she struk Ground about midnight, and could never be got off again, that they fired 8 Guns, but no help came to them, till next day, noon tide; in the mean time the Ship brake in two Parts, and all the People which were in that Part that fell away, were drowned suddenly.

That the other Part stood firm above Water, till the next day about 2 of the Clock in the After-noon, when a Gentleman living near, got a Boat, and brought away about 60 Men, Women, and Boys, and saved their Lives.

That before they were got to Shore, the other Part of the Ship wherein they were, brake to Pieces and sunk down into the Sea, and that in all there were drowned about 50 Men, Women, and Children Passengers, and Goods, Gold, Sil∣ver, Pearl, and rich Jewels to a great value.

From Holland, that Montrosse is at Bergen, in Norwey, staying for some Officers, and Men that he left at Hamburgh, that he hath sent 500 Men to Orkeney, that Sir John Cockeram, hath recei∣ved some Monyes from the King of Poland, and * 2.3 from Dantzick for the Prince that G. King can procure nothing in Sweden.

That the Agent sent by Montrosse into Livonia, Curland, and Lithuania, is come back with little Comfort, that his Frigot with 10 Guns and 40 Men, is gone from Gottenburgh to him into Norwey.

That nothing is done at the Treaty at Breda, the P. of Orange not being yet come thither, and the Kings Counsel are unwilling to resolve any thing without him, because they expect his assist∣ance, and to transport them into Scotland.

(19) From Exon, 5 Men secured, for swearing to each other, to be ready for a rising, to cut the Throats of all the Parliaments Friends. &c.

From Chepstow, of a Scotchman, who went about begging, but he went about under that Pretence, to inform the Kings Friends, that there would be shortly a strong Party of Scots in their Country, to joyn with them to set up King Charles the Second.

From Coventry, of the Care of the E. of Denbigh. and other Commissioners for settling the Militia of that County, of 3 Regiments of Horse, and 2 of Foot, besides those of the City, and their being Feasted at the Cities charge.

Complaint of Rudeness of some Troopers, and that they fell out, and 2, or 3 of them were killed.

From Bristol, of a Highwayman that came to the Major, and confessed that he had been a long time in that wicked Course, and was weary of it, and if they would procure him his Pardon, he would discover many Robbers to them, and ac∣cordingly he invited his old Companions, to go forth with him, as formerly and when they were

together, he had a Party of Soldiers ready, who came and apprehended them.

From Chester, that the L. Lt. having great Of∣fers from Inchequin, is hasted to Lymerick, where 100 dye of the Plague weekly.

That Hugh O Neale, cheif in Clonmel, offers to yield the Place for a Sum of Money, so that his Garrison there, may be transported for the Spanish Service.

That Sir Charles Coot, and M. G. Veneables are marched out with 5000 Horse and Foot (as is supposed) towards Catherlowe, which is a very strong hold incompassed with the River Barrowe.

(20) Orders for Compleating of 12 Regi∣ments of 600 Horse of the Army, under the L. G. Fairfax, 8 of them to 600 in a Regiment, and four to 80 in a Troope.

Information by C. Shilborne come from Ireland, that Sir Tho. Armstrong having made his Terms to come in, and by agreement being to do some Service at his best Opportunity, he with a Considerable Party of Horse, that were to come in with him, fell upon a Party of the Ʋlster forces, put near 500 of them to the Sword, and brought away some Prisoners.

Thus did Theives and Soldiers betray one an∣other and you will see more of the same Nature hereafter according to the old Verse. Nulla Fi∣des Pietasque viris qui Castra sequuntur.

The L. Lt. sent this Sir Tho. Armstrong to the Governour of Waterford, upon some Overtures of surrender of the Town upon Terms, the Governour of Duncannon desired 20 dayes to fit his Busines to come off the better, the L. Lt. suspect∣ing it as a delay, would give him but 3 dayes onely.

For Waterford, 2 Points were in difference.

• (1) For G. Preston to have leave to carry away 500 men for Spain, which the L. L. inclined to grant.
• (2) For a Church, for exercise of publique Masse which the L. Lt. positively denyed.

(22) From Berwicke that Montross and Hur∣rey are raising a great Army to march into Eng∣land.

From Edenburg, that they are strongly all∣arm'd, with Intelligence that Hurrey is landed in the Naas with 1400 men, and that Montross is speedily to follow from Orkney.

That David Lesly is gone out of Town, and the Scots Horse ordered Northward.

From Pendennis, that the Commissioners of the Militia, secured some persons of Quality. That * 2.4 a Letter was sent to one Courtney, with a De∣claration from M. J. Massey, revolted to the Prince.

From Dartmouth, of the Peoples freely ta∣king the Ingagement.

From Denbigh, of the Death of the Archbishop of York, and of diverse others of Quality, that the People willingly took the Ingagement.

From Corke, that Mac Charty; and O Sullivant, are 800 Foot, and 200 small Horse, called Garrons.

That the Bishop of Cloher was of late in com∣petition for the Title of Generalissimo, and boast∣ed to bring 700 Roman Catholickes into the Field, that both he and Ormond, have not above 1200 Horse, and 3000 Foot.

That upon the Rendition of Cantwells Court, a Place near Killkenny, exceeding strong by Nature and Art, 12 Officers of quality, came in to the L. Lt. and had leave to embarque for Spain.

That the riding of the Parliament Ships, in the Mouth of Shannon, blocks up the Lymerick Vessels and Duncannon.

That the Parliament Forces, from a Sick and Languishing Condition, are recovered, the Flux, and Feaver (the two predominant distempers) much abated, and the Garrisons kept clear, and healthy, through the Mercy of God, none ha∣ving any Infection.

For the Condition of the Army, and what the L. Lt. and his Officers have brought it unto (which is a good precedent) he thus describes.

Our Foot are in a Gallant Posture, well armed, well cloathed, and for bread Corn, and other things, by the State plentifully provided for.

The Parliament indeed gave full power to the * 2.5 Councel of State, to take care for supply of their Forces, and the Councel used the greatest Care, and diligence, that possibly could be, That no∣thing might be wanting for the carrying on of the Business of Ireland, and for the Forces there, The Letter goes on, The Armies Diligence, Cou∣rage, Thankfulness, and Behaviour is such, through the Strict Care, and Providence of our G. and chief Officers, that never men did obey Orders more chearfully, nor go upon all duty more couragiously.

Never did greater Harmony appear, or Resolu∣tion to prosecute this Cause of God, than in this Army, such a Consent of Hearts and Hands, such a Sym∣pathy in Affection, not onely in a Carnal, but spiri∣tual Bond, which lyes faster than Chaines of Ada∣mant.

I have often observed (especially in that time and those Actions) a wonderful Consent of the Officers, and Souldiers and indeed of all the Parliament Forces, upon the Ground of doing Service for God, and how miracu∣lously they were in all their Actions successeful. The Mind of man being satisfyed and fixed upon God, and that his undertaking is for Gods Glory, it gives the greatest Courage to those Men, and prosperity to their Actions. The Letter sayes further, Our must∣ers are strict, here is no free Quarter allowed, nor practised, either they pay or give Ticket, which being demanded by the poorest Irish, is not, dur'st not be denyed by any Officer.

Our Horse have in many Places wanted Hay, but by the supply of Oats from England, have made good Shift with Straw, we have 7000 Horse, and our Foot trebbles that Number, yet are English Recruits of Moneys and necessarys to be continued.

And by this Government of the Army in Ire∣land, * 2.6 and the great Successe of it, and the well ordering of the civill Affairs of that Kingdom, Cromwell got a very great Interest, not onely in the Officers of the Army, both there and here, but likewise in the Parliament, and Counsel of State, and with their whole Party; only the Scots and Presbiterians generally were no favourers of him, or his Proceedings.

(23) An Act passed for the better Observa∣tion of the Lords Day, days of Thanksgiving, and Humiliation.

Order of the Trustees appointed by Parlia∣ment for providing Maintenance for Ministers, and other pious Uses, for those that have Augmen∣tations to their Benefices, to make their claimes by a day.

(24) From Edenburgh, that Sir John Hurry is come with 1400 Men, into Cathnesse, and the Reer of his Army is to follow from Montrosse.

This Hurry was an Officer in the Pay, and Service of the Parliament, and revolting from them, he now was an Officer under Montros, He seized a passe.

That M. G. Middleton was sent for by the Estates. He was likewise an Officer in the Service,

and Pay of the Parliament, he revolted from the Parliament and was now in Service in his own Country, and backward he was yet to engage in this Businesse not likeing it, and pretending to be ill.

That at Breda, all is private, none can tell what is done, but the King and the Commissio∣ners, all Writings being locked up, and Guards put upon the Clarkes. * 2.7

That the Clergy in Scotland, have procured strict Orders from the Commissioners of the States, for the prosecuting of Sectaries, and have a great Arbitrary Power in proceeding against them, and they are purged out of the Army as well as Malignants.

(25) The Trustees for Sale of the Lands of the late King &c. gave a day for all Debenters to be brought in, for the Souldiers, Arreares, and new Debenters to be given them.

Orders of the Commitee for the Accounts of the Soldiery, touching their Arreares.

(26) The General, and the Officers of the Army, kept a day of Humiliation at Sommerset-House, to seek God for a Blessing upon the pre∣sent Undertakings of the Army. * 2.8

A Petition to the Parliament from the Offi∣cers of the Army, in behalf of themselves, and the Souldiery.

Reciting the Ingagement of the Parliament to satisfy their Arreares, and the transferring the security for 600000 1. for their Arreares, from the Excise, to the Lands, Parkes &c. Of the late King, whereof they hoped to receive the Benefit, for their past faithful Service and future Encourage∣ment.

Yet they are informed, that a 5th Part of the Parks are to be allowed for a pretended Interest, of herbage, and pawnage, to those who claime Custodies of those Parks for Lives whereas it were the full value, if they had the Fee simple. and nothing is due to them but their Fee onely, and this course will weaken, if not invalid the intended Security, as dis∣content and discourage the Souldiery.

They pray that no such allowances may be made,

And that the Parliament would declare their Re∣solutions herein speedily, before the Army marched from hence.

(27) From Edenburgh, That Hurrey and Montross have 3000 Men, and 1000 more coming in to them, whereupon Lieutenant General Lesly, is ordered Northward with most of the Horse, and 1400 Foot, who labours to appease them by his Protestations of Faithfulness to the King, and Perswasion to forbear intestine Broyles, seeing in a little time the King, and they may come to an Agreement, and then go jointly against the Common Enemy, the Sectaries of Eng∣land.

(29) From Berwick, That Messengers are to be sent to Montrosses Party, to know their In∣tentions, and if the Answer be not satisfactory, then to fight them is the Resolution. That Mon∣trosses Party raise all the Country where they go from 16 to 60.

That the Committee of Estates have 7000 Foot, and 30 Troops of Horse which are march∣ed Northward.

That one Peter Gourdon having notice of a search for Delinquents, he being a notable one, he took four others with him in a Boat, and boarded a Ship in the Harbour, wherein were 1200 Bushels of Wheat, and twelve Fats of Wine, and carryed them and the Ship to Orkeney.

That the Grandees caused Subscriptions to be * 2.9 taken, in the way of Bonds, with Conditions to obey the Laws, and preserve the Peace, &c.

(30) Debate upon the Petition of the Of∣ficers of the Army, and Voted that for 14 Days, nothing but publick business touching Mony be taken into consideration.

An Act passed for impowring the Commissio∣ners for Sequestrations, to examine upon Oath, and to give Acquittances for the Monies they shall receive.

An Act prohibiting the exportation of Coin and Bullion into forreign parts commit∣ted.

An Act for sale of the Lands of the Lord Dein∣court, Committed.

Debate upon the Act against Incest, Adultery, and Fornication.

Vote that the Carmen be a distinct Company from the Woodmongers, subject to the Govern∣ment of the City of London.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Ireland.
• * 1.2

  Letters.
• * 1.3

  London Ad∣dress.
• * 1.4

  Answer.
• * 1.5

  April. New In∣ventions.
• * 1.6

  L. Broghall
• * 1.7

  〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.8

  Ireland
• * 1.9

  〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.10

  〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.11

  〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.12

  Orders.
• * 1.13

  G. Blake.
• * 1.14

  Scots.
• * 1.15

  Ireland.
• * 1.16

  Kilkenny.
• * 1.17

  Witches.
• * 2.1

  Petition.
• * 2.2

  Vote.
• * 2.3

  Montrosse
• * 2.4

  Massey.
• * 2.5

  Letter.
• * 2.6

  Cromwell.
• * 2.7

  〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 2.8

  Army. Petition.
• * 2.9

  Scots Bonds