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.

June, 1650.

(1) Great Ceremonyes and Appeareances of joy, upon the coming of the L. Lt. of Ireland to London; most of the Persons of Quality, the Mem∣bers of Parliament, and Officers of the Army a∣bout the Town paid their Visits to him, and congratulated the safe Arrival of his Excellence after so many Dangers both by Sea and Land, where∣in God had preserved him, and the wonderfull Suc∣cesses which he had given him.

(3) From Edenburgh, That the Ministers are earnest in Prayer for the Kings coming, but so, that he may first condescend to all that is pro∣pounded. That they are busie in setling Officers for his Majesties House and in purging the Army.

That Letters came from the King, expressing much sorrow at the Report he hears, that there is some blood of his good Subjects shed of late. But not knowing how it is, desires to understand the business fully. That Sir John Ʋrrey, and C. Spotteswood are forthwith to be beheaded.

From Leverpool, That the Excise was quietly settled in those parts.

A Souldier for Swearing and Blastheaming, and abusing a poor Woman to whom he owed Mo∣ney, was sentenced by the Court Marshal

To ride the Wooden Horse an hour three days, with a Gag in his mouth, to run the Gantlope through two Companies of Foot, to have his Sword broken over his head, and to be cashiered the Army.

(4) Visits from the Lord Lieutenant of Ire∣land to the Lord General Fairfax; and the Lord * 1.1 Mayor, and Aldermen of London, visited, and complemented his Excellence.

The Lord Lieutenant sate in Parliament, and had the hearty thanks of the House, for his great and faithful Services in Ireland.

Order for Letters to the Commissioners of the several Counties, to hasten the collecting of the Assessement.

An Act passed to impower the Militia of Lon∣don to raise 600 Horse.

An Act passed for the better Payment of Aug∣mentations out of sequestred in propiations, and Tithes.

An Account to the Parliament from Mr. Strickland, their Agent in Holland, and from Mr. Charles Vane, their Agent in Portugal, of their Transactions.

From Ireland of the taking two Ships with 500 Barrels of Powder bound for Lyme∣rick.

That this Town hath sent two Aldermen forth to treat for its surrender. That Kilmallock, and another strong Place, upon the news of Clonmel, were quitted by the Enemy.

From Milford, of Recruits shipping.

From Chester, that Trecoghan holds out, The Castle is much battered, but the Place is reputed inaccessible.

That some of the Forces from Clonmel, are at∣tempting Catherlow. That most of the Irish get to a head near Charlemont. That Sir Luke Fitz-geralds Lady defends Trecoghan.

From Pendennis, That there were 2 Dutch men of War, with Commissions to take such Osten∣ders, Jersimen, and Scilly men, and Irish men, as had taken Ships belonging to their State.

(5) An Order from the G. forbidding any Souldiers to meddle with matter of title, or hold∣ding of Possessions.

From Plymouth, of the Souldiers keeping a Fast day.

From Denbigh, That the Commissioners for propagating the Gospel in Wales ejected many Malignant, and Scandalous Ministers.

From Southamton, of a Malignant Lancashire Minister, who being cast out of his Living, came, and preached in those parts, and endeavoured to promote the Princes Cause; prophesying of his Legal Authority, and the Glory of it, and that he shall Govern this Nation with much more Glory than his Father did, and that a great Plague should be this Summer.

(6) From Weymouth of a Fight at Sea close un∣der Portland, informed to be between one of the Parliaments Ships loaden with Amunition for the Fleet at Lisbon, and 3 Irish men, but who had the better of it, they could not know.

From Coventry, That C. Pride and his Regi∣ment Quartering in the Town, behaved themsel∣ves very civilly, and orderly.

From the Fleet before Lisbon of a Designe by P. Rupert to fire the Admiral, by sending a boat with 2 Negros, and an English man in Portugese Habit under pretence to sel-Provisions to the Fleet, and had a Device to have fired the Ship.

But the English man, casting out by chance an English word, they were suspected, and appre∣hended; * 1.2 the English man confessed all the busi∣ness, and that P. Rupert promised him 100 l. to effect it.

That P. Rupert standing on the Shoar to see this done, when he perceived it was discovered, and the men apprehended, came to the Water side, where some Seamen were filling Water, and asked them who they were for? they answered for the Parliament. Whereupon the P. with his company, calling them Doggs, fell on them with Swords, and Pistols, killed 2 of them, wounded 2 more, and carryed away 3 of them Prisoners whom they keep in Chains, and have killed, and taken several other Seamen of the Parliaments Fleet there.

(7) From Dublyn That 120 of the Enemy came to relieve Trecoghan, thinking by stealth to get over a Bogg, but C. Hewson having notice of it, sent out a Party of Horse and Foot, who killed 60 of them, and pursued the rest to a Bogg, where they killed 16 of them, and tooke 4 Pri∣soners.

That the Souldiers which were in Clonmel, fled to Waterford, and were there denyed entrance, onely Hugh Boy Oneal, and 2 or 3 more Com∣manders were admitted.

That the Plague is very hot there.

That the Parliaments Forces in the North re∣covered Tuum; which was surrendred through the terrour of a Morter piece, that made onely two Shots, but none of the Shells lighted with∣in 40 yards of the Place.

(8) From Edenburgh, That Hamilton, Calander, Louderdale, and other Lords, are forbid to come into Scotland with the King. That Calander offered submission to the Kirk, but it would not do, and he is to depart the Kingdom by a Day, under pain of 100000 l. Scotch.

From Portugal, That G. Blake had taken 5 of * 1.3 the K. of Portugal Ships, loaden with rich Com∣modities from America, and sent Word to the King, that unless he will command P. Ruperts Fleet out from his River, they will endeavour to seize * 1.4 upon the rest of his Fleet coming from America.

(10) From Berwick that the Parliament of Scotland, sent a Letter to their King, expressing their Affection to him, and their rejoyceing at the Happy Agreement, desiring him not to be discourag∣ed at some seeming Obstacles, as the Death of Mon∣tross, &c. they doing nothing therein, but to accom∣plish his Interest.

That Hurrey, and Spottswood were beheaded, and an acknowledgement made, That Spottswood (a Bishops Son) was one of those that murdered Dr. Dorislaus in Holland, And that another Scots Man, Prisoner now at Edenburgh, was of his com∣pany.

That a French Marquess landed in the North of Scotland to assist Montross, not knowing what was become of him; but the Marquesse was secured, and from him were taken many Letters from the King, and from several Princes and great Men, incouraging him in the business he had un∣dertaken.

From York, of a Fast Day kept there by the Officers and Souldiers, and the like at New-castle.

From Dublin, That Hewson from before Tre∣coghan writes that Ormond and all the Irish were drawing down towards them to raise the Seige, and he sent for all the Horse of these Quarters.

G. Blake sent a Paper to the King of Portugal, of the grievances declared to his Majesty by the Parliaments Fleet riding in the Bay of Wyers,

against Prince Rupert; which themselves and o∣thers of their Nation, had suffered; and now de∣sire Justice.

(11) The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, gave an Account to the House of the whole state of * 1.5 Affairs in Ireland, in relation to their own Forces in Garrison, and Field, their present imployment and settlement, and of the Forces of the Enemy, and the Garrisons yet in their power.

He left Ireton his Deputy in Ireland to prose∣cute the Parliaments Interest there.

The L. Seaph, Agent from the States of Hol∣land, had audience with great respect.

An Act passed for settling the Militia of West∣minster in the same manner with that of Lon∣don.

From Chester, That Sir Charles Coot took from the Ʋlsters 2000 Cows.

That Sir Thomas Armstrong is come into Dub∣lin with 250 Horse. That the Lemster Army lay before Trecoghan, and they were upon treaty of delivery.

That Ormond and Inchequin were come in, and undertook that they, and all the English, and Brittish shall joyn with the Parliaments Forces against the Popish Army, and they take 6 Months to make their Peace with the Parliament, or to go beyond Seas.

That a strong Party of the Tories came near to Dublin, and took away much Cattle.

From Coventry, That a Souldier of C. Prides Regiment was sentenced to be tyed neck and heels together, and to be set where the whole Re∣giment should march by him, and to be cashiered, for stealing a Hen, and putting it under his Coat in his March: which Justice pleased the Coun∣try.

(12) A Letter from the Officers of the Ge∣neral his Regiment of Foot, to their fellow Soul∣diers, exhorting them to Prayer and Ʋnity, and full of pertinent and wholsom Scripture Expres∣sions, and good Councel.

(13) From Chefler, that the Bishop General Macmoghun, a vicious wicked wretch, is in the head of the Northern Irish.

From Newcastle, That in the Marches of Scot∣land, they have listed every fourth man. That some of their Forces are marched to Sea Towns, to attend the arrival of their King. That they are much started at the News of the English Ar∣mies marching Northwards.

That they will not believe Cromwel to be come to London. That the Kirkmen bid the People not to fear, as the Malignants, even so shall all Secta∣ries Perish.

The Solemn Fast kept, the Parliament, Coun∣cel of State, G. Fairfax, L. G. Cromwel, and the Judges being all together.

[14] From Edenburgh, That Dalgely of Montrosses Party, being sentenced to be behead∣ed, and brought to the Scaffold, ran and kissed the Scaffold, and without any Speech or Ceremony, layed down his Head on the Block, and was pre∣sently beheaded.

That they recruite their Army, That they put it to the Vote in Parliament, Whether they should make any more addresses to the King? and it was carryed to send another Letter to him, To desire his speedy coming thither, and they will endeavour * 1.6 to set him on his Throne; and will passe by those things contrary tohis Agreement, found in the Let∣ters about Montross, if he will now come in and com∣ply with them, and they forbid divers great Men to come into Scotland.

From Beaumaris, That Sir Thomas Armstrong, the Lord Moore, M. G. Oneal, M. G. Barry, with divers Officers, and 250 Horse came into Dub∣lin.

From C. Reynolds, That few strong Places in * 1.7 Ireland remain unreduced. That some of their Ministers Preach Damnation to the Parliaments Army, and to all that Assist them. That the Ar∣my and Garrisons there subscribed the Ingage∣ment unanimously, so have the Magistrates, and generally the Inhabitants, though not required to do it.

That the Enemy taking Toome, Veneables was sent to reduce them, which he did, and in the mean time, the Enemy got into the Woods be∣tween his Party and Sir Charles Coots, that they could not joyn. That in their absence, many Scotch Ministers were sent to debauch the Peo∣ple in those parts of Ireland.

That the Enemy are about 5000 Foot besides Horse, yet dare not fight with a much smaller Par∣ty of the Parliaments Forces, who are almost na∣ked, and full of sickness for want of Cloaths. That they secured some Scotch Ministers.

(15) Letters of a very solemn keeping of the Fast day, at Shrewsbury, and of the Militia set∣tled in Herefordshire.

Of a great perplexity in Scotland by the Kings delaying his coming thither; and of Montrosses Brother, designing to sail with his Brothers Fri∣got to Norway, the Captain and divers others be∣ing on Shore, the rest of the Mariners brought the Ship to Leith, and in it divers Papers of conse∣quence, with Subscriptions of Ministers and Lords to the Declaration of Montross.

(17) Letters That the Levyes go on in Scot∣land, and that the People cry out upon the Taxes, and they shall be undone if the English Army come into Scotland before theirs be ready. That the Ministers do preach against what their Com∣missioners have done.

That the Parliament Army about York is full of Courage and desirous of Service.

That in Holland, Van Trump commanded out all the Men of War to wait on the Prince into Scotland.

The Parliament had a long debate, and passed several Votes about ordering of Monies for the Armies in England and Ireland.

(18) Several Orders about Monies for the Navy, and for Supplies for them, and for the Forces in England and Ireland.

Letters from several Garrisons, to the Officers of the Army at the Head Quarters, in answer to theirs about the Fast, and which were full of Cou∣rage and Piety.

(19.) Letters that the Ʋlsters, about 6000 in a body, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dmuch spoyl in Sir Charles Cootes Quarters. That the Clergy about Chester, kept a Fast Day, rather to pray against, than for the Parliament and Army.

Of Recruits ready for Ireland.

That 900 in one Parish near Leverpool willing∣ly took the Ingagement.

That divers Gentlemen about Exon were secu∣red by the Militia there.

That the Ministers there refused to publish the Fast Day, but the People generally kept it, and shut up their Ships.

That the Ld. G. his Regiment, and the Train were at Nottingham, in their March North-wards.

(20) Letters to the Officers of the Army at the Head Quarters, from some of their fellow Of∣ficers

and Souldiers, and it was strange to see in many of those Letters, the wonderful zeal and affection of the Officers and Souldiers to the Par∣liaments Service, and with what a Spirit of Pray∣er, and Piety not usual in Camps, they were carri∣ed on, and incouraged one another. * 1.8

Letters that Mr. Ayscam, the Parliaments A∣gent to the King of Spain, at his first arrival at Madri, took up his lodging in an Inn there the first night, that the next day a more convenient house was provided for him by his Stew∣ard.

That in the mean time Mr. Ayscam and his Interpreter being at dinner in the Inn, with one Footman attending them, six English Men, three of them habited as Merchants, the other three as * 1.9 Souldiers, knocked at the door, and being admit∣ted because they were English Men, Mr. Ascam rose from the Table to salute them.

As he saluted them, the formost laid hold on his hair, and stabbed him into the Head, whereup∣on the Interpreter endeavoured to escape, but was stabbed in the belly, and they both fell down dead immediately.

The Murderers fled for refuge to the Venetian Ambassadors house, but he denyed them entrance, and then they took Sanctuary in the next Church.

Mr. Ayscams Papers and Goods were secured by the Spanish Secretary of State, and a Guard allow∣ed to Mr. Ascams Secretary, till his return for England.

Two Troopers sentenced by a Court Marshal for Raunters, and Cashiered the Army.

(21) Letters that 5000 of the Irish were fal∣len into the County of Derry, to hinder the joyn∣ing of Sir Charles Coot and Veneables.

Of an Hue and Cry sent from the Lords Com∣missioners of the great Seal after Captain Dowglas, and that in search of him, another notorious Delin∣quent was found, who leaped out of a Window eight foot high, yet was apprehended and sent to Prison.

That since the Forces went from Dublin to Tre∣coghan, the Tories fell into those Parts, and drove away many Cows from about Dublin. That a Party of 80 of the Parliaments Horse being sent after the Tories to rescue the Prey, and dispersed to hunt after them, a Party of the Enemies Horse fell suddenly upon them, and took 64 of them Prisoners.

That Mr. White, who formerly betrayed the Bogg of Allen to the Rebeils, coming from them to Dublin, was met with and killed by the To∣ries.

That the Lord Deputy Ireton came to the Siege of Catherlow, and sent Collonel Axtel with 1100 Horse and Foot to Tecrohan. That the Lady Fitz-Gerald (whom the Souldiers called Col. Mary, she * 1.10 defending Tecrohan) wrote to her Husband for Supplyes, else that she must be forced to surrender upon Conditions, and that none in the Castle but one doth know her wants.

(22) Letters of much trouble in Scotland, by reason of the Army of English Sectaries marching Northwards.

That one Whitford, another of the Assacinates of Dr. Dorislaus, was executed in Scotland, as one of Montrosses Party.

(24) Letters that the King had left Holland, and either was already, or would shortly be in Scotland.

That a Holland Ship, Loaden with goods for Edenburch was taken by the Parliaments ships and brought to Newcastle. That the Scotch Le∣vyes proceed apace, and some Lords are question∣ed for having a hand in the Invasion of Mon∣tross.

(25) Orders touching the Forces marching Northwards, and about Recruits for Ireland, and for Widdows maintenance, whose Husbands were slain in the Parliaments Service.

An Act passed for continuance of the Commit∣tee for the Army, and Treasurers at War.

An Act passed for constituting M. G. Skippon, Commander in chief of all the Forces in London, and the Lines of Communication. * 1.11

The Act touching Articles of War continued for six Months.

Debate of an Act for suppressing Raun∣ters.

An humble Acknowledgment to the Parlia∣ment from the Gentlemen, and well affected of * 1.12 South-Wales with thankfulness and Profession of their future duty and Obedience. And the Speaker gave them the hearty Thanks of the Parlia∣ment.

The juncto of the Councel of State with whom Cromwel consulted, having Intelligence of the * 1.13 Kings resolution for Scotland, and of the Laws there made, of Forces to assist him in his intended Invasion of England; whereof they had more than ordinary assurance;

They thought it therefore not prudent to be behind hand with their Enemy, nor to be put to * 1.14 an after Game, to stay till they should first invade England, but rather to carry the War from their native Country into Scotland.

As to the Objection that their invading Scot∣land would be contrary to the Covenant, they were satisfyed that the Covenant was by the Scots bro∣ken and dissolved before; and was not now bind∣ing betwixt the two Nations, and the levying of Forces In Scotland, and marchinng some of them to the Borders of England, with the Hostile Acts done by them formerly, were sufficient Grounds for the Parliament to provide for the Security of themselves and Countreymen; the which could not be so effectually done, as by carrying the War which they designed upon us, unto their own Doors.

Upon these and many other weighty considera∣tions, it was resolved here, That having a formed Army well provided and experienced, they would march it forthwith into Scotland, to prevent the Scots Marching iuto England, and the Miseries accompanying their Forces to our Conutrey∣men.

The Ld. G. Fairfax being advised with here∣in, seemed at first to like well of it, but afterwards being hourly perswaded by the Presbyteriam Mi∣nisters, * 1.15 and his own Lady, who was a great Pa∣troness of them, he declared himself unsatisfyed that there was a just ground for the Parlament of England to send their Army to Invade Scot∣land.

But in case the Scots should invade England, then he was forward to ingage against them in defence of his own Country.

The Councel of State fomewhat troubled at his Excellencies scruples, appointed Cromwel, Lam∣bert, Harrison, St. John, and Whitelock, a Com∣mittee to confer hereupon with Fairfax; and to endeavanr to satisfy him of the Justice and law∣fulness of this undertaking.

The Committee met with the L. G. Fairfax, and being shut up together in a room in Whitehall, they went first to Prayer, that God would direct

them in this business, and Cromwel began, and most of the Committee prayed, after which they discoursed to this effect.

Cromwel.

My Lord General, we are command∣ed by the Councel of State to conferr with your Excel∣lency * 1.16 touching the present design (whereof you have heard some debate in the Councel) of marching the Army under your Command into Scotland, and be∣cause there seemed to be some hesitation in your self as to that Journey, this Committee were appointed to endeavour to give your Excellency Satisfaction in any doubts of yours, which may arise concerning that affair, and the Grounds of that resolution of the Councel for the Journey into Scotland.

Lord General.

I am very glad of the Opportuni∣ty of conferring with this Committee, where I find so many of my particular Friends, as well as of the Commonwealth, about this great business of our March into Scotland; wherein I do acknowledge my self not fully satisfyed as to the grounds and justice of our Invasion upon our Brethren of Scotland, and I shall be glad to receive satisfaction therein by you.

Lambert.

Will your Excellency be pleased to favour us with the particular Causes of your Dissa∣tisfaction.

Lord General.

I shall very freely do it, and I think I need not make to you, or to any that know me, any Protestation of the continuance of my Duty and Affection to the Parliament, and my readyness to serve them in any thing wherein my Conscience will give me leave.

Harrison.

There cannot be more desired nor ex∣pected from your Excellency.

Whitelock.

No Man can doubt of the Fideli∣ty and Affection of your Excellency to the Service of the Commonwealth; you have given ample Testimo∣ny thereof, and it will be much for the advantage of their affairs, if we may be able to give you satisfacti∣on (as I hope we shall) touching the particular points wherein your doubts arise.

St. John.

I pray my Lord, be pleased to ac∣quaint us with your particular Objections against this Journey.

Lord General.

My Lords, you will give me leave then withall freeness to say to you, that I think it doubtful whether we have a just cause to make an In∣vasion upon Scotland.

With them we are joyned in the national League and Covenant; and now for us contrary thereunto, and without sufficient cause given us by them, to en∣ter into their Country with an Army, and to make War upon them, is that which I cannot see the justice of, nor how we shall be able to justify the lawfulness of it before God or Men.

Cromwel.

I confess (My Lord) that if they have given us no cause to invade them, it will not be justifyable for us to do it; and to make War upon them without a sufficient ground for it, will be contrary to that which in Conscience we ought to do, and displea∣sing both to God and good men.

But (My Lord) if they have invaded us, as your Lordship knows they have done since the national Co∣venant, and contrary to it, in that Action of D. Ha∣milton, which was by order and authority from the Parliament of that Kingdom, and so the Act of the whole Nation by their Representatives,

And if they now give us too much cause of suspi∣cion, that they intend another Invasion upon us, joyn∣ing with their King, with whom they have made a full agreement, without the Assent or Privity of this Commonwealth, and are very busie at this present in raising Forces, and Money to carry on their De∣sign.

If these things are not a sufficient ground and Cause for us to endeavour to provide for the safty of our own Countrey, and to prevent the miseries which an Invasion of the Scots would bring upon us, I hum∣bly submit it to your Excellencies Judgment.

That they have formerly invaded us, and brought a War into the Bowels of our Countrey, is known to all, wherein God was pleased to bless us with Success against them, and that they now intend a new Inva∣sion upon us, I do as really believe, and have as good Intelligence of it, as we can have of any thing that is not yet acted.

Therefore I say (My Lord) that upon these grounds, I think we have a most just Cause to bogin, or rather to return, and requite their Hostility first begun upon us; and thereby to free our Country (if God shall be pleased to assist us, and I doubt not but he will) from the great misery and calamity of ha∣ving an Army of Scots within our Coun∣trey.

That there will be War between us, I fear is una∣voidable. Your Excellency will soon determine whe∣ther it be better to have this War in the Bowels of another Country or of our own, and that it will be in one of them, I think it without Scruple.

Lord General.

It is probable there will be War between us, but whether we should begin this War, and be on the offensive part, or only stand upon our own defence, is that which I scruple. And although they invaded us under D. Hamilton, who pretend∣ed the Authority of the Parliament then sitting for it, yet their succeeding Parliament disowned that Ingagement, and punished some of the Promoters of it.

Whitelock.

Some of the principal men in that Ingagement of D. Hamiltons, are now in great Favour and Imployment with them, especially in their Army since raised, and now almost ready to advance into England, and I believe your Excel∣lency will judge it more prudence for us (who have an Army under your Command ready formed, and experienced Souldiers, whom God hath wonderfully prospered under your conduct) to prevent their coming into England, by visiting of them in their own Coun∣trey.

Lord General.

If we were assured of their com∣ing with their Army into England, I confess it were prudence for us to prevent them, and we are ready to advance into Scotland before they can march in∣to England, but what warrant have we to fall up∣on them, unless we can be assured of their purpose to fall upon us.

Harrison.

I think, under favour there cannot be greater assurance or humane probability of the in∣tentions of any State, than we have of theirs to in∣vade our Countrey, else what means their present Levyes of Men and Money, and their quartering Souldiers upon our Borders? it is not long since they did the like to us, and we can hardly imagine what other design they can have to imploy their For∣ces.

Lord General.

Humane Probabilities are not sufficient grounds to make War upon a Neighbour Nation, especially our Brethren of Scotland, to whom we are ingaged in a solemn League and Cove∣nant.

St. John.

But (My Lord) that League and Covenant was first broken by themselves, and so dis∣solved as to us, and the disowning of D. Hamiltons Action by their latter Parliament, cannot acquit the Injury done to us before.

Cromwel.

I suppose your Excellency will be convin∣ced of this clear truth, that we are no longer ob∣lieged by the League and Covenant which themselves did did first break,

Lord General.

I am to answer only for my own Conscience, and what that yields unto as just and lawful, I shall follow, and what seems to me, or what I doubt to be otherwise, I must not do.

Whitelock.

Your Excellence is upon a very right ground, and our business is to endeavour your Satis∣faction in those doubts you make, if we shall stay till they first invade us, we shall suffer much misery to come among us, which probably we may prevent by sending first to them; and surely the Law of Nati∣ons, if an Ally enter in an hostile manner into his Neighbour Nation contrary to the Allyance, and be beaten out again, that Nation thus invaded may law fully afterwards invade the other, to requite the for∣mer wrongs done unto them.

But besides this we cannot but see their present preparations to be against us, for they are in Amity with all others, and their conjunction now with the Kings Party, may plainly enough discover their De∣signes against this Commonwealth.

Lord General.

I can but say as I sayed before that every one must stand or fall by his own Consci∣ence, those who are satisfyed of the Juistce of this War, may chearfully proceed in it, those who scruple it (as I confess I do) cannot undertake any Service it in.

I acknowledge that which hath been said to carry much weight and reason with it, and none can have more power upon me than this Committee, nor none be more ready to serve the Parliament than my self in any thing wherein my Conscience shall be satisfyed, in this it is not, and therefore that I may be no hin∣derance to the Parliaments designs, I shall willingly lay down my Commission, that it may be in their hands to choose some worthier Person than my self; and who may upon clear fatisfaction of his Conscience undertake this business wherein I desire to be excu∣sed.

Cromwel.

I am very sorry your Lordship should have thoughts of laying down your Commission, by which God hath blest you in the performance of so ma∣ny eminent Services for the Parliament. I pray My Lord, consider all your faithful Servants, us who are Officers, who have served under you, and de∣sire to serve under no other Gene. It would be a great discouragement to all of us, and a great discourage∣ment to the Affairs of the Parliament for our noble General to entertain any thoughts of laying down his Commission. I hope your Lordship will never give so great an Advantage to the publick Enemy, nor so much dishearten your Friends, as to think of laying down your Commission.

Lambert.

If your Excellence should not receive so much satisfaction, as to continue your Command in the Parliaments Service, I am very fearful of the mischiefs which might ensue, and the distraction in the pulick affairs by your laying down your Com∣mission, but I hope that which hath been offered unto you by this Committee, upon your serious considerati∣on, will so far prevaile with your noble and pious disposition, and with your Affection to this cause wherein we are so deeply ingaged, as that you will not (especially at this time) leave your old Servants and Officers, and the conclusion of the most glorious cause that ever men were ingaged in.

Harrison.

It is indeed (My Lord) the most righteous and the most glorious Cause that ever any of this nation appeared in, and now when we hope that the Lord will give a gracious is∣sue and conclusion to it, for your Excellence then to give it over, will sadden the hearts of many of Gods People.

Lord General.

What would you have me do? as far as my Conscience will give way, I am willing to joyn with you still in the service of the Parliament, but where the Conscience is not satisfyed, none of you (I am sure) will ingage in any service, and that is my condition in this, and therefore I must desire to be excused.

Much other discourse passed between the Gene∣ral and the Committee to the same purpose as be∣fore mentioned, and none of the Committee so earnest to perswade the General to continue his Commission, as Cromwel and the Souldi∣ers.

Yet there was cause enough to believe that they did not over much desire it.

This Committee made report back to the Councel of State of the L. G. his total averse∣ness * 1.17 to march with the Army into Scotland, but that he resolved rather to lay down his Commissi∣on.

And the House being made acquainted with it, new endeavours were made to perswade his Lord∣ship to continue his Command, but in vain, so he was pleased to lay down his Commission.

(26) An Act paffed for repealing the Ordi∣nance and Act, whereby the Lord Fairfax was appointed Commander in chief of all the Forces of the Parliament.

And this being of fo great consequence, and * 1.18 which could admit of no delay, it not being safe for the Army to be without a head, Cromwel was presently (by contrivance) named to be General and Commander in chief of all the Parliaments Forces, and upon the Question it was voted nemi∣ne contradicente, that he should be Gene∣ral.

An Act passed for constituting and appointing Oliver Cromwel Esq to be Captain General in chief of all the Forces raised, and to be raised by Authority of Parliament, within the Common-wealth of England.

All Commissions to Officers of the Army for∣merly granted, were continued till Cromwel should renew or alter them.

Great Ceremonies and Congratulations of the new General were made to him from all sorts of People, and he went on roundly with his Busi∣ness.

A Souldier for drawing his Sword in a drunk∣en * 1.19 mood, quarrelling and abusing some Towns∣People, was by a Court Marshal sentenced to stand an hour in the Market place at Plpmouth, to run the Gantlope twice through 4 Companies, to have his Sword broken over his Head, and to be cashiered.

Which was executed, and several other sen∣tences, and one adjudged to death for running a∣way from his Colours.

Captain Green by letters of Mark brought in three French Prizes. * 1.20

(27) Letters that the Plague rageth much in the Irish Quarters, and sweeping away whole Towns. That it was also in the English Quar∣ters. That in Dublin there dyed of it 200 a Week.

That the Irish in the North fet forth a Decla∣ration courting the King and the Scots Inter∣est.

(28) That the Scots mustered their Army to four Regiments of Horse, and six Regiments of * 1.21 Foot, their Horse 100 in a Troop, their Foot 120 in every Company, for their new Levyes they go on slowly, and with much discontent, their Intention being, if there shall be occasion, to make of every Troop two, and of every Com∣pany two, for which they have already named Officers, and intend for their Field Army to have 8 Regiments of Horse, and 12 Regiments of Foot

That some of the Scots Horse are already mar∣ched towards the Borders, and divers other Troops are dispatching towards Carlisle and Berwick That C. Hackers Regiment of Horse are quartered in the Villages bordering upon Tweed, and resolve to fight the Scots, if an Inroad be attempted.

That the Fortification at Berwick are repaired, and about 30 pieces of Ordnance planted. That the Mount upon the Sea Coast, hath 10 brass Pie∣ces, and commands the River.

(29) Letters of Recruits Shipping for Ire∣land, That the Siege continues at Waterford. That the Plague increaseth at Galloway.

The L. G. Cromwel went out of London towards * 1.22 the North, the News of the Parliaments Army marching Northwards, much startled the Scots, who alledge the Covenant and Articles of Pacificati∣on, that they ought not to be invaded without three Months warning.

Letters came from their Parlament directed to the Speaker of the House of Commons, but the House being adjourned till tuesday next, nothing could be done upon the Letter.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Cromwel.
• * 1.2

  June
• * 1.3

  Blake.
• * 1.4

  Scotland.
• * 1.5

  Cromwel.
• * 1.6

  Scotland.
• * 1.7

  Ireland.
• * 1.8

  army
• * 1.9

  Ascham Murdered
• * 1.10

  Lady Fitz-gerald.
• * 1.11

  acts
• * 1.12

  South-wales.
• * 1.13

  Iuncto of State.
• * 1.14

  Resolu∣tion to invade Scotland.
• * 1.15

  Fairfax unsatisfy'd
• * 1.16

  Confe∣rence with Fairfax.
• * 1.17

  Farfax. Lays down his Com∣mission.
• * 1.18

  Cromwell made General.
• * 1.19

  Court Marshal
• * 1.20

  Ireland.
• * 1.21

  Scots.
• * 1.22

  Cromwel