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.

May 1650.

(May 1.) From Chester, That M. G. Venea∣bles, and Sir Charles Coot kept the Field, and Sir Charles had reduced many small Forts near Car∣rickfergus.

From Dublin, That the Irish have got into a great Body near Trym.

From Exon, That most of the late secured Gentlemen, of Cornwall, upon assurance of their peaceable living at home given under their hands, and a negative Ingagement not to act any thing prejudicial to the present Govern∣ment, are permitted to return to their own Houses.

From Dublin, That the Parliaments Forces had taken in the strong Castle of Tully, and lost Cap∣tain * 1.1 Eriffe, and two other Officers. That they fell upon Mac Phaileas Quarters, killed near 200, lost Cornet Puffey. That C. Reynolds with a brave Brigade, attends the Enemies motion.

That the Earl of Castlehaven, and Lieutenant General Farrel mustered all their Forces to a great Body. That Sir Charles Coot had taken in Enis∣kellin, and some other Forts.

From Taunton, That the Mayor who was for∣merly for the Parliament, now refused to take the Ingagement, was turned out by the Corporation, and they chose a new Mayor.

From Berkshire, That five Drunkards agreed to drink the Kings Health in their Blood, and that each of them should cut off a piece of his Buttock, and fry it upon the Gridiron, which was done by four of them, of whom one did bleed so ex∣ceedingly, that they were fain to send for a Chi∣rurgeon, and so were discovered.

That the Wife of one of them hearing that her Husband was among them, came to the room, and taking up a pair of Tongs, laid about her, and so saved the cutting of her Husbands Flesh.

(2) From Monmonth of Malignants secured, and one of them, with a Declaration of M. G. Masseyes in his Pocket, and of proclaiming an Act of Parliament at the County Court by order from the Councel of State.

From Scilly, That there are 700 Irish, and 1400 English, and great store of Provisions, that Sir Richard Greenvil is expected with 4000 Men from Cornwall.

That there was a Plot by the Irish to cut off the English, which being discovered, one of the Irish Officers was shot to death, and three sent to Jersy, and English Officers put in the head of the Irish.

From Dublin of a Meeting of Ormond, Castle-Haven, * 1.2 the Bishop of Clogher and others, where Ormond proposed, Whether they could make up an Army fit to Engage with Cromwel.

If not, Whether it were not necessary to draw all their strength into these Quarters, and utterly wast * 1.3 them, that they might not be able to subsist.

If they were not able to do that, Whether it were not convenient to make Propositions of Peace for the Kingdom?

If not that, then Whether it would not be neces∣sary for every man to make Conditions for him∣self.

The conclusion was, That they would fall into the Parliaments Quarters and destroy all, both Pro∣testants and Papists. But this so distasted the Country Gentlemen, that they put off the Busi∣ness till another Councel.

The Governour of Dublin sent to C. Reynolds and Sir Theophilus Jones, who have 3500 men to come to his assistance.

(3) From Pendennis, That divers Vessels of the Dutch were taken by the Irish Men of War, and brought into Scilly, which the Dutch Agent could not get released, and therefore the Dutch had Commissions to take the Irish Ships.

(4) From Dublin, That Ormond and his Councel resolved to fall into the Perliaments Quarters, and to burn and spoil what they can, but Sir Theophilus Jones and C. Reynolds are upon their March with 2000 Horse and 3000 Foot to∣wards them, and that notice hereof was sent to Sir Charles Coot, who had taken the Field with 3000 Men.

(6) Letters from Edenburgh, That C. Strang∣hans, * 1.4 C. Griffeth, and part of C. Ker his Forces with two other Troops and 60 Foot, fell upon Montrosses party in Rosse, routed them, and took 500 Prisoners, among them, Hurrey, Napier, and Frenerick and slew 300. That Montrosse him∣self hardly escaped, they took his Horse, Pistols, Belt, and Scabbard, and have sent a Party to pur∣sue him.

From Barnstable, of Troops Shipped for Ire∣land.

(7) Upon a report from the Committee of the Army, Voted That two Months pay be pro∣vided for the Marching Army.

Upon consideration of drawing the Forces this Summer (as there may be occasion) into several Parts of this Nation, and that they may have pay wheresoever they come, and the Country be secu∣red from Freequarter.

Voted that there be an Assessement towards the Maintenance of Forces in England and Ire∣land for 6 Months, after the rate of 90000 l. per mensem for the first three Months, and 60000 l. per mensem for the last three Months.

A Declaration passed concerning the Compo∣sitions of Delinquents.

An Act inabling Grantees of Wards Lands, to passe their Grants under the great Seal, and to enjoy their Grants.

Order touching the Charges upon Deanes and Chapters Lands for Pious uses.

A Representation to the Parliament from the Gentlemen Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Durham. County of Durham, delivered by the Grand Jury at the Assises, and sent up by the High Sheriffe to the Parliament to this Effect.

1. That the Courts of Justice amongst them be∣ing suspended, and removed to Westminster, they * 1.5 cannot sue for any small Debt or summe, but the Cost exceeded the Debt, and Suits are multiplyed to 600 Writs in one Term, and Fines and Recoveries of their Estates are unperfected.

That such an Establishment may be had of Courts of Justice, as the Parliament shall think fit.

2. That the Colledge and Houses of the Dean and Chapter, being now empty, and in decay, may be imployed for erecting a Colledge, School, or Acade∣my for the benefit of the Northern Countries, which are so far from the Ʋniversities.

3. That part of the Lands of the Dean and Chapter near the City may be set out to Trustees for pious uses.

Referred to a Committee to state this business, and report their Opinions touching the Desires of the County.

Upon a Letter from the Aldermen, and Com∣mon Councel of Bridgewater, of their removing the Mayor, for refusing to take the Ingagement, and choosing another, the House approved there∣of.

(8) From Bristol 200 men were apprehend∣ed who were Leaders of the Countrymen that fell upon C. Rieves his Souldiers Quartered near the City.

That a Souldier was shot to Death for mur∣ther.

Of several Recruits embarqued for Ire∣land.

From Yarmouth, of settling the Militia in Nor∣folk four Regiments of Foot, and one of Horse, that many of the Cavaleers take the Ingage∣ment.

That the General published Orders to be ob∣served for the Hospital of Ely House, where the maimed Souldiers were.

(9) A Petition from the Inhabitants of Leeds in Yorkshire against an illegal Patent for incorpo∣rating * 1.6 that Town, desiring it may be vacat∣ed.

From Coventry, of the Militia of that County settled, of 700 Horse, and 1200 Foot.

From Tossiter, of Recruits willingly come in.

From Stafford, of a discovery of a Design for an Insurrection there upon the advance of the Ar∣my.

Whereupon C. Sanders, and C. Twisselden se∣cured the High Sheriff and other Gentle-men.

(10) From London-derry, that the Lord Pre∣sident is marched forth with 3000 Foot and 1200 Horse, by the Lord Lieutenants Desire towards Conaught, but will not be able to make any Con∣siderable attempt upon that Province, for want of Shipping to convey his Ordinance and Provi∣sions, the ways there being exceeding Boggy, and Mountainous.

Yet this will be gained by marching to the Bor∣ders of it (which is the chief thing aimed at by the Lord Lieutenant) That the Forces under Clinriccard will not dare to march out of their own Country to joyn with the Forces under Castlehaven, or with any Brigade of the Ene∣my.

From Edenburgh, That Montross his Forces be∣ing grown up to about 4000 Horse and Foot, and 2000 more expected, they divided themselves in∣to two Parties, and so marched out of Caithness * 1.7 into Sutherland, having at first taken the strong Castle of Dunbeith, which is near incompassed with the Sea.

In it was taken 1500 l. Sterling, and store of Provisions, the E. of Sutherland fled, and divers Ministers, yet some Ministers were taken, and some joyned with them.

This hot Alarum caused David Lesly to hasten from his Rendezvous at Brechen, and to desire the Rest of his Forces left with Holborn to march up to him, he in the mean while, goes on with what he had, he raising as many as he could by the way, came up to about 3000 Men.

Mentross sends up a Proposal that he might free∣ly, with as many as would voluntarily joyn with him, passe into England and he would ingage to do vio∣lence to none in his Passage.

But Lieutenant C. Strachan, and the others be∣fore mentiond being many miles before therest of the Army (tho the Sectary Troops) ventured to in∣gage the Enemy, routed Montrosses whole Army, flew about 300, took 500 Prisoners, among them Renegado Vrrey, and other Persons of Quali∣ty.

That the Kirkmen a little before vented in publick, That the Treaty was but a Jugling to de∣ceive * 1.8 the Godly Party. When (as was believed) they had before heard, that the Treaty was con∣cluded, with a full coming up to the Kirks De∣mands.

Mr. Lloyd, Chaplain to the Lord Lieutenant, brought Letters from him, That he was set down before Clonmel, and his Guns Planted. That after that business shall be over, he intended to come for England. That two Officers going to view the Town, were taken Prisoners.

That the Enemy in Clonmel are about 2000 Foot and 120 Horse.

(11) Letters that Wogan the Revolter, with 500 Foot came to take Possession of Borough Castle, which the Lord Lieutenants Forces hearing of, marched towards him, but Wogan quitted the Castle, leaving only 14 Men, who upon the ap∣proach of the Lord Lieutenants' Forces, yielded upon Quarter.

That Sir Hardress Wallers Forces took Laugher Castle, a considerable Fort within 6 Miles of Lymerick, and an attempt of his to take Kil∣mallock, prevented by a discovery, but his Forces Possessed an Abby near the Town.

(13.) From Berwick, That thenews of routing of Montrosses Forces doth much distract the Malig∣nants. * 1.9

That the Committee of Estates have given Mr. Straghan 1000 l. Sterling, and a Gold Chain, and to Hacket 1000 Marks Sterling, and to Kissin 50 l. and to the Souldiers ingaged in that Service three Months Pay.

From Holland, That the Scots King went from Breda to the Hague; That the Scots Commissio∣ners proclaimed their King at Breda to be King of Scotland, England, and Ireland. And that the Agreement was set up there upon Posts.

(14) The Act passed for suppressing the de∣testable Sins of Incest, Adultery, and Fornicati∣on.

Upon which Mr. Henry Martyn declared his Opinicn, That the Severity of the Punishment by * 1.10 this Act, being death, would cause these Sins to be more frequently committed, because People would be more cautions in Committing them for Fear of the * 1.11 Punishment, and being undiscovered, would be im∣boldned the more in the Committment of them.

Order for a Bill for the maintenance of the Ministers in Colchester.

An Act passed for securing such summs of Mo∣ney as shall be sent for the Service of the Navy, and Army.

Order, for C. Alexander Popham to raise a Re∣giment of Horse in Somersetshire, to be a Part of the Militia of that County and to be kept toge∣ther for the publique Service, and referred to the Councel of State, to grant him a Commission.

(15) From Chester, That Wexford men have beaten Phelim Birne, killed 4 of his Captains, and 120 of his men, and have taken Fyrnes, und Cor∣now from him.

That the Irish Army in Vlster will not fight with Sir Charles Coot, but are withdrawn into their Quarters. That the Lemster Army is re∣treated over the Shannon, and the L. Lt. is Master of the Field in all Places.

From Exon, That setling the Militia in that County, they onely appoint Captains, and no other Officers.

From the Hague, That the King and the Scots Commissioners were come from Breda thither, and the Treaty between them agreed.

From the Isle of Wight, That a Ship of 5 Guns, belonging to Sir George Carteret Governour of Jersy, bound for Virginia, with many Passengers, all Sorts of Goods, and tools for Husbandry, for planting an Island, which the P. had given to Sir George, was taken by Captain Green, and brought in thither.

(16) From Litchfield, of one who under the Notion of a Cavalier addressed himself to divers Gentlemen of that Countrey, Acquainting them, that he had Instructions from * 1.12 the King to desire them to sign an Ingagement which he shewed them, and got many of them to subscribe it, then discovered it to the Officers of Litchfield, who sent for those Gentlemen, and made them Prisoners.

From Taunton, of many Voluntiers listed for the Service of Ireland.

From Hull, that an Irish Frigot brought to Amsterdam 2 great Lords who escaped out of Ire∣land, and reported that the King was undone in his Interest there.

That the Governour of Hull renewed a Procla∣mation, that no Master or Owner of any Ship coming to Hull, or in the Harbour, should re∣ceive in any Passenger to go beyond Seas, or land any coming from beyond Seas, without notice given to the Governour.

A Design was discovered, and the Plotters apprehended. it was to seize Pendennis Castle for the Prince.

Order for a day of Humiliation through the Kingdom.

(17) Letters that Moutrosse was taken 2 or 3 dayes after the fight, 16 Miles from the Place of the Ingagement, in a disguise, and sorely wounded.

From Dublin that the Governour was marched out with an additional strenght to joyn with Sir Theophilus Jones, and C Reynolds; and that they would be about 4000.

That Castlehaven, Clenrickard, and Mac Tho∣mas, were joyned in a Body, and that a Spye numbred with them, 25 Colours of Foot, and 10 Colours of Horse.

That Eniskellin was surrendred to Sir Charles Coot, according to the Agreement. That the Irish Army in the North grow strong, and more Forces to be sent to Sir Charles Coot who already marcheth with 2700 Foot, and 1100 Horse.

That Castlehaven, and his Party are retreated towards Connaught.

That the Parliaments Forces in Wicklow, have taken Fernes,, and Carnow, and have killed 120 of Mac Phelims men.

(18) From Edenburgh, the Particulars of Mon∣trosses, defeat, that he had but 1100 Foot, and no Horse, yet with them marched 50 Miles into the Country, and would not stay for the rest of his Forces, nor those who were to joyn with him, * 1.13 but sent to them to come after.

That he would not keep the Hill, where he might have been safe, but marched into the plain Campania, were he had neither Lanes, nor Ditches to favour against the Horse, in which he knew the other Partyes strength Consisted.

That some conceived, Montrosse expected to meet with DavidLesly, who had received his Pro∣positions for marching into England, and further Overtures; and did not expect to have met with Stracha•• and his Sectary Troopes, who fell on him and he haveing no Horse, was the more easi∣ly defeated.

From Newcastle that Sir William Fleming, and others were landed at Leith, with Letters from the King, and the Commissioners: that they were agreed of the substantiall Poynts, yet with Reference in some particulars, to a Resolution in Parliament.

From Ireland, that C. Reynolds fell upon the E. of Castlehaven, killed 1200 of his men, and took as many Prisoners, that they were struck with such a Pannick fear that they made no resistancee.

(20) From Berwicke, that in Scotland Montrosse * 1.14 was sentenced to be quartered, and Preparations for his Execution, before they heard from their King, or he from them, least he should interceed for his Pardon.

That the King and their Commissioners are * 1.15 unquestionably agreed, but they hold it not fit for him to come thither, till they be in a better Posture, that they kept a Day of Thanksgiving; and the Ministers prayed exceedingly for the Kings coming, as one brought into the Kirk, and therefore to God.

That the D. of Loraine had promised to assist the King with 10000 men.

From the Bath, that 4 Wagons came thither loaden with Sick, and maimed Souldiers, who had good Allowance from the Parliament, to be there, in hopes of some help by those Waters, that a private Gentlemen near that Place sent them 20 l.

(21) An Act passed for a day of publique Hu∣militation.

An Act passed for an Assessment for the Forces in England and Ireland for 6 Monthes, at 90000 l. per mensem for the first 3 Monthes, and 60000 l. per mensem for the latter 3 Monthes.

Order that the Lords Commissioners of the great Seal grant a Brief, for a Collection for losses by Fire.

Order for C. Bennet to raise a Regiment of Foot, the like for C. Hayne.

A Letter from the Officers at the Head Quar∣ters, to the Collonels, and Governours of the re∣spective Regiments, and Garrisons iu England, and Wales.

Exhorting them to Prayer and to Ʋnity, and to * 1.16 joyn in keeping a Day of Humiliation, set apart to seek God, for his Assistance to them in all Services, whereunto they shall be called. And to reform Drunkenness, Swearing, Prophanation of the Lords Day, contempt of the Ordinances of Christ, and all Sins in their several Charges, and to sanctify the Camp.

Order for an honourable Reception of Min heer Scaph An Agent sent from the States of Holland to the Parliament of England.

(22) Letters of Designes against Pendennis Castle, and the Commissioners of the Militia, be∣ing very active, and giving great Assistance to them.

(23) From Dartmouth, that two Irish Pyrats Chased a Merchant man into the Harbour, and attempted to Board her at noon Day, but the Governour rescued her.

Certain Proposals were agreed upon to be pre∣sented to the Parliament, at a general Meeting of Atturneys and Officers, for Reformation of the * 1.17 Proceedings of Law, whereby they hoped, that the Clyent will be much secured, the Creditor and Purchaser fully provided for, the Charge of Suits greatly abated, and the Processe of Law much short∣ned.

(24) From Chester, that Trechohan was quit∣ted, and burnt down by the Enemy.

From Leverpoole, report that Clonmel was ta∣ken by Storm, and that the Countrymen drawn together by the Bishop of Cloher, were dispersed, and gone home, being not willing to bear Armes.

From the Leaguer before Clonmel that they prepared to storm, that all the Fnglish under Or∣mond, had submitted to the Parliament.

That the Enemy had lately two considerable Defeats given them, one in the County of Wex∣ford by C. Cook, who routed the Enemy, slew many, and took divers Prisoners.

The other in the County of Corke, by the L. Broghil who slew about 700, and took many Prisoners, and totally routed the Party.

From Dublyn, that they have recovered Dru∣mere, and other Forts.

(25) From Hull, that the Ingagement was ge∣nerally taken by the Inhabitants of the East ri∣ding.

Suspicion of a Plot.

From Coventry, that the Country came in so fast to take the Ingagement that the Commissio∣ners could not give it to all of them.

From Edenburgh, that the L. Frendraght, of * 1.18 Montrosses Party, after his Defeat, for Vexation, starved himself, and that the L. Kenoule was also starved.

That the Presbitery of Orkeney, and Caithnesse, had relaxed Montrosse of his Excommunication.

That Sir William Flemming arrived there with a Letter to Montrosse, to disbandhis Forces; and that he sent a Messenger to disband about 300 in Orkeney under his Bastard Brother.

That the Commissioners Secretary was arrived with the news of a full Agreement with the King.

From Bristol, that Clonmel was surrendred to * 1.19 the L. Lt. upon Articles, that they would have made Conditions for Ormond, and Inchequin, but were refused, but passes offered for them to go beyond Seas, which they would not take, but the L. Ardes, and others of Quality took them.

That C. More, and C. Reynolds besieged Te∣trogham.

That the Bishop of Rosse being taken in the late Defeat at Kerny, was hanged before a Castle kept by his Forces, who thereupon surrendred it. That this Bishop was wont to say, there was no way to secure the English, but by hanging them. And now came himfelf to be hanged.

That in this Defeat at Kerny, the L. Broghil slew about 700, and took 20 Captains, Lieute∣nants, and other Officers, and the Standard of the Church of Munster, it being a Church Army.

That the Horse did the Service before the Foot came up, at such a Passe, where 100 Musquetiers

might have beaten back all the Horse in Ireland.

(27) From Edenburgh the Particulars of the Execution of Montrosse. That being brought before the Parliament, the Chancellor made a large Speech to him, telling him, how much formerly he was for the Covenant, and how he had since bro∣ken * 1.20 it.

He told them his Cause was good, and that he had not onely a Commission but particular Orders for what he did from his Majesty, whom he was ingaged to be a Servant to, and they also had prefessed to comply with; and upon that Account, however they dealt with him, he would own them to be a Parlia∣ment.

That if they would take away his Life, the World knew, he regarded it not. It was a debt that must once be payd, and that he was willing, and did much rejoyce that he must go the same way his Majestie did. And it was the joy of his Heart, not onely to do but to suffer for him.

The Parliament gave Sentence upon him that he should be hanged upon a Gibbet of six Ells and a half high, and after he was hanged, his Head to be severed from his Body, and put upon the Toulbooth at Edenburgh; his right Hand to be cut off, and sent to Glascow, his left to Aberdeen; his right Foot to Saint Johns Towns, and his left to Dundee.

That all the time of his Sentence, and Execu∣tion he seemed to be no way altered, but his Speech full of Composure, when they bid him kneel, he told them he would observe any Posture to manifest his Obedience, especially to them, who were so near to a Conjunction with his Majesty: and a Minister attending to offer him Absolution, he refused it from the Minister, but defired him to pray with him; Which the Minister refused, un∣less he would take Absolution from him.

He himself prayed very zealously, and suffered with great Meekness, and Courage.

From Leverpoole, That the Ingagement is wil∣lingly taken, that some Powder, and Match going to some Cavaliers was seized upon.

(28) A Bill for setling the Militia of the Com∣monwealth, committed.

Order for an Act to be brought in, to impower the Militia of London to raise Horse, another for Westminster, another to be, for setting the Poor to work throughout the Nation.

Letters from Clonmel May 10.

This Day we entered Clonmel, which was quit by the Enemy the last Night, after a tedious * 1.21 Storm, which continued 4 houres. Our men kept close to the Breach which they had entered, * 1.22 all the time; Save onely one accidentall Retreat in the Storm. We lost in this Storm C. Cul∣lum, and some other Officers, with divers private Souldiers, and others wounded.

The Enemy had made many great Preparati∣ons within, by a Traverse or Crossework, and to beat our men off as they entred; but after∣wards many of them stole out of the Town, and left some few with the Inhabitants, to make Conditions; in the morning our Forces pursued, and killed all they could light upon.

(29) From Newcastle, That the Scots are in dayly Expectation of their Kings landing in some Part of the North, that some Parliament Ships are wafting up and downe on that Coast under Captain Hall.

(30) From Clonmel, That C. Reynolds is wayt∣ing upon the Motions of Castlehaven, with 1500 Horse and Dragoons.

That they found in Clonmel, the stoutest Ene∣my that ever was found by the Army in Ireland, and that there was never seen so hot a Storm of so long a Continuance, and so gallantly defended, neither in England nor Ireland.

From Portsmouth of a man of War taken with the Commission of Charles the Second.

From Berwicke, That the Scots Commissioners went beyond their Instructions, in promising * 1.23 their King Assistance against England, that their Ministers pray for the Confusion of the Sectarian Army in England. And that their Army is marching Southwards.

(31) From Coventry, That few or none of the Commonalty of that Countey but had taken the Ingagement.

From Bristol, That the L. Lt. of Ireland was landed there, and that they fired their great Guns thrice over at his Arrival.

From Guernzy, That M. Harrison had besieged the Castle, and made 150 Shot at it. * 1.24

From Dublin, That C. Reynolds was sate downe before Tecroghan, where C. Hewson met him, that they made their Approaches within Pistol Shot of it, without the loss of one man.

That it is a very strong Place, never possest by the Parliaments Forces during all the time of the Rebellion.

That the Titular Bishop of Clogher, G. of the Northern Irish; marching with about 300 Horse, and 4000 Foot, being faced by 1000 of the Parlia∣ments Horse, retreated and many of his men dis∣persed.

From Scotland, That Montrosse would have nothing to do with the Kirkemen, at the time of his Execution, and that the People shewed much * 1.25 sorrow, and regret at his Death.

That the Scots Parliament invited the King thi∣ther, and expect his sudden Arrival. That the Lord Argyle (late turned Royalist) and other Lords, are so desirous of his coming, that they postpone the Churches interest thereto.

The L. Lt. of Ireland came to Town, he was * 1.26 met on Hounstow-heath by many Members of Par∣liament, and Officers of the Army, and at Hide-parke saluted with great Guns, and a Volly of Shot from C. Barksteads Regiment, and lodged in Whitehall.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Ireland.
• * 1.2

  Proposals.
• * 1.3

  Ireland.
• * 1.4

  Montross defeated.
• * 1.5

  May.
• * 1.6

  Leeds.
• * 1.7

  Montress.
• * 1.8

  Kirk.
• * 1.9

  Montresse.
• * 1.10

  Adultery Act.
• * 1.11

  H. Martin.
• * 1.12

  trepa••.
• * 1.13

  Montross,
• * 1.14

  Montross.
• * 1.15

  Scots.
• * 1.16

  Army.
• * 1.17

  Law.
• * 1.18

  Scotland
• * 1.19

  Ireland.
• * 1.20

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.21

  Ireland.
• * 1.22

  Clonmel.
• * 1.23

  Scots.
• * 1.24

  Ireland.
• * 1.25

  Scotland.
• * 1.26

  Cromwel.