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.

September, 1654.

[Sept. 〈◊〉〈◊〉] Athell with his two Scots Regiments submitted to General Monk. And Glencarn was

upon Treaty of Submission. There were not one hundred Scots left together in a Body.

The Queen of Swedens intention to come into England was made known to the Protector; but he would not give her any Encouragement, he put it all upon the ill Example she would give here by her Course of life.

[3] The Lords day, yet the day of the Par∣liaments meeting, the Members met in the After-noon at Sermon in the Abby Church at Westmin∣ster, after Sermon they Attended the Protector in the Painted-Chamber, who made a Speech to them of the Cause of their Summons, after which, they went to the House, and Adjourned to the next Morning.

[4] The Protector Rode in State from White-Hall, to the Abby Church in Westminster, some hundreds of Gentlemen and Officers went before bare, with the Life-Guard, and next before the Coach, his Pages, and Lacquayes richly Clothed, on the one side of his Coach went Strickland, one of his Councel, and Captain of his Guard, with the Master of Ceremonies, both on Foot; on the other side went Howard, Captain of the Life-Guard. In the Coach with him, was his Son Henry, and Lambert, both sate bare.

After him came Claypole, Master of the Horse, with a Gallant led Horse richly Trapped, next came the Commissioners of the Great Seal, and of the Treasury, and divers of the Councel in Coaches, and the Ordinary Guards.

He Alighting at the Abby Door, the Officers of the Army, and the Gentlemen went first, next them four Maces, then the Commissioners of the Seal, Whitelock carrying the Purse, after Lambert carrying the Sword bare, the rest followed: and his Highness was Seated over against the Pul∣pit, the Members of the Parliament on both sides.

After the Sermon Preached by Mr. Thomas Good∣wyn, his Highness went in the same Equipage to the Painted-Chamber, where he was Seated in a Chair of State set upon steps, and the Members upon Benches round about sate all bare; all being silent, his Highness put off his Hat, and made a Large, and Subtle Speech to them.

He told them the Danger of the Levelling Prin∣ciples, and of the Fifth-Monarchy-Opinions, and of the Form of Godliness, and the great Judgment that had been upon this Nation of ten Years Civil War.

That the two Pretensions, of the Liberty of the Subject, and of Conscience, (two as Glorious things, and as much to be contended for, as any Gift God hath given us,) were brought in, to Patronize their Evils.

These Abominations swelled to that height, that the Axe was laid to the Root of the Ministry, as Antichristian, and Babylonish; and as the Extremi∣ty was great before, that no Man, though well Ap∣proved having a good Testimony, might Preach, if not Ordained: so now, on the other hand, they will have Ordination put a Nullity upon the Calling.

I conceive in my very Soul, that many of the Fifth-Monarchy-Opinion have good meanings, and I hope this Parliament will (as Jude says, Reckoning up the Abominable Apostasies of the last times) pluck some out of the fire, and some others with fear, ma∣king those of peaceable Spirits, the Subject of their encouragement; and saving others by that Discipline, that God hath Ordained to Reform miscarriages.

The danger of that Spirit being not in the Notion, but in its proceeding to a Civil Transgression, when Men that come into such a Practice, as to tell us, that Liberty and Property are not the Bodys of that King∣dom, and that instead of Regulating Laws, Laws must be Subverted, and perhaps the Judicial Law Imposed, or some Fancy instead of it, (for that was Good and Honourable in the Institution, though now by some misapplyed,) especially when every Stone is turned to bring in Confusion, this will be a Considera∣tion worthy of the Magistrate.

Whilst these things were in the midst of us, and the Nation Rent and Torn, from one end to the other, Family against Family, Parent against Child, and nothing in the Hearts and Minds of Men, but Over∣turn, Overturn, a Scripture very much abused, and Challenged by all Men of discontented Spirits.

That common Enemy in the mean time sleeps not, swarms of Jesuits come over, and have their Con∣sistories abroad, to Rule all the Affairs of England, and the dependences thereof, in the mean time visible en∣deavours are used, to hinder the work in Ireland, to Obstruct the Work in Scotland, Correspondencies; and Intelligences are held to incourage the War in those places.

And withal, we were deeply ingaged in a War with Portugal, whereby our trade ceased, and not only so, but a War with Holland, which consumed our Treasure, as much as the Assessment came to. At the same time we fell into a War with France, or rather we were in it; and all this fomented by the divisions amongst us.

Which begat a confidence, we would not hold out long; and the Calculation had not been ill, if the Lord had not been gracious to us.

Besides, Strangers increased in the manufacture, the great staple Commodity of this Nation.

In such an heap of confusion was this poor Nation; and that it might not sink into a Confusion, from these Premises a Remedy must be applied. A Remedy hath been applied, this Government.

A thing that is seen and read of all, and which, (let men say what they will, I can speak with Com∣fort before a greater than you all, as to my inten∣tion, and let men judge out of the thing it self) is Calculated for the Interest of the people, for their interest alone, and for their good, without respect had to any other interest.

I may with humbleness towards God, and modestly before you say something in the behalf of it.

It hath indeavoured to reform the Laws, and for that end hath joyned persons (without reflection upon any) of as great integrity, and ability, as any other, to consider how the Laws might be made plain, short, and easy, which may in due time be tende∣red.

It hath taken care to put into Seats of Justice, men of the most known integrity, and ability.

The Chancery hath been reformed, and I hope, to the just satisfaction of all good men.

It hath put a stop to that heady way, for every man that will, to make himself a Preacher, having indeavoured to settle a way for approbation of men of Piety and fitness for the work, and the business committed to persons both of the Presbyterian, and Independent Judgment, men of as known ability, and integrity, as (I suppose) any the Nation hath; and, who (I beleive) have laboured to approve them∣selves to God, and their own Consciences, in appro∣ving men to that great Function.

It hath taken care to expunge men unfit for that work, who have been the Common scorn and reproach to that administration.

One thing more, it hath been instrumental to call a free Parliament, blessed, be God, we see here this day, a free Parliament; and that it may con∣tinue so, I hope is in the heart of every good man of England, for my own part, as I desired it above my life, so to keep it free, I shall value it above my life.

A Peace is made with Sweden (wherein an Ho∣norable Person was instrumental) it being of much importance, to have a good understanding with our Protestant Neighbours.

A Peace is also made with the Danes, and a peace there that is honorable, and to the satisfaction of the Merchants.

The Sound is open to us, from whence, as from a Fountain, our Naval provisions are supplied.

A Peace is made with the Dutch, which is so well known in the consequences of it, and the great advan∣tages of a good understanding with Protestant States.

I beg that it may be in your hearts, to be Zealous of the Protestant Interest abroad, which if ever it be like to come under a Condition of suffering, it is now; many being banished, and driven to seek refuge among Strangers.

A Peace is made with Portugal (though it hung long) of great concernment to Trade; and the people that Trade thither, have freedom to enjoy their Con∣sciences, without being subjected to the Bloody Inqui∣sition.

A Treaty with France likewise is now depending.

It may be necessary in the next place for you to hear a little of the Sea Affairs, and to take notice of the great Expence of the Forces, and Fleet; and yet 30 000 l. is now abated of the next three months As∣sessment.

These things which I have before mentioned, are but entrances, and doors of hope; you are brought to tho edge of Canaan, (into which, many that have gone before, could not enter) but if the blessing and pre∣sence of God go along with you in management of your Affairs, I make no question, but he will enable you to lay the top-stone of this work.

But this is a Maxim not to be despised, Though Peace be made, yet it is Interest that keeps Peace, and further than that, Peace is not to be trusted.

The great End of calling this Parliament, is, That the Work of God may go on, that the Ship of this Commonwealth may be brought into a ••afe Harbor.

I shall put you in mind, that you have a great work upon you, Ireland to look to, that the beginning of that Government may be setled in honour.

That you have before you, the considerations of those Foreign States, with whom Peace is not made, who if they see we manage not our Affairs with prudence, as becomes men, will retain hopes, that we may still under the disadvantages thereof, break into confusion.

I shall conclude, with my persuasion to you, to have a sweet, gracious, and holy understanding one of another, and put you in mind of the counsel you heard this day in order thereunto.

And I desire you to believe, that I speak not to you, as one that would be a Lord over you, but as one that is resolved to be a Fellow-servant with you to the interest of this great Affair.

Then he wish'd them to repair to their House, and exercise their own liberty, in the choice of their Speaker.

After he had done, the Members went to their House, and chose the old Speaker, Mr. Lenthal, Master of the Rolls, to be their Speaker, and Mr. Scobel to be their Clerk, and Mr. Berkshead to be the Sergeant at Arms to attend them.

Then they appointed a Day of Humiliation, the 13 of September, to be kept by the Parliament, City, and Parts adjacent, and the 4th of October to be kept in all other Parts of England, Scotland, and Wales, and the 13 of November in Ireland, and so they ad∣journed till the next day.

[5] The Parliament sate, and called over their Members; the House appointed a Committee of Priviledges, and ordered, That no Petition con∣cerning any Election should be received after three Weeks.

[6] An Ordinance published, For Ejecting Scandalous, Ignorant, and Insufficient Ministers and Schoolmasters; and Commissioners appointed in the respective Counties for that purpose.

Some Considerations was had in the House tou∣ching the Priviledge of the Parliament in their freedom in debate. Then the Lord Protector's Speech to them was taken into consideration; and, amongst the Particulars thereof, the Foreign Nego∣tiations were mentioned, and particularly that of Swedeland.

Which caused Whitlock to make the following Relation.

Mr. Speaker,

I Held it my Duty, though the present Occasion had not been offere, to give a clear Account to this Honourable House of that Negotiation wherein I had the Honour to serve the Common-wealth lately in Swedeland, with the general Tran∣sactions and Issue thereof, and the great Respects testified to this Commonwealth in those places, and by those Princes and States beyond the Seas, where I had occasion to be during this my Imploy∣ment, that you may judge of the success and ad∣vantages thereof.

I shall not mention the great difficulties and op∣position which I met with from some in that Court, and from the Danish and Dutch Publick Ministers, and Party there, whose high interest it was to hinder your Alliance with that Crown.

Neither shall I Particularly insist upon, and ac∣quaint you with the great dangers both by Sea and Land through which it pleased God to bring me, and to preserve me, lest I should seem to magnifie (that which was but my Duty) to undergo any Hazards or Perils for your Service.

Only Sir, you will give me leave not to forget the goodness of God to me, and my company, in our great deliverances, which the Lord was plea∣sed to vouchsafe to us, and which I hold my self obliged to remember, with all thankfulness, to his immediate hand of goodness to us.

Sir, Your Servants had extraordinary Respect and Civility manifested to them both by the Offi∣cers and People of that Countrey, in their long Journey, and upon their safe arrival at the Court at Ʋpsale, by all sorts of People, of inferior rank, and of the greatest Ones, and by the greatest of them, the Prince Heretier, and by the Queen her self, who sought to make appear her Affection and Regard to this Nation, by her Favors to your ser∣vant, which did much exceed those which she usu∣ally allows to others of the like condition.

In our Ceremonies, wherein that Nation are very punctual, I confess I was somewhat refracto∣ry to their Expectations, out of my Zeal to keep up the Honour of my Nation, and even those things have such a signification in such Affairs; but they were well past over, and then we fell to our business, wherein I found those with whom I discoursed and treated, to be full of Experience, Abilities, and Wisdom, and some of them full of subtlety, and too much inclining to use delays for their particular advantage, which you will pardon those to take the more notice of, who were at so great a distance from their Countrey and Rela∣tions.

I thought it behoved me, for the service of my Countrey, and she better performance of the Trust that time reposed in me, to acquaint my self by the best means I could, with the nature of

the People, their Government, the Quality of their Governors, their Religion, Strength, and Trade, and other matters relating to them.

This I did not only by studying of Books, but of Men also in the Conversation and Treaties which I had with them, and wherein I endeavored to gain information of these things from them, added to my own observations on the place.

I found the People hardy and stout, and the more inured to it, by the sharpness of their Climate, which renders them the more able for Military Service.

They are obedient to their Rulers, but amongst their Equals too much addicted to Quarrelling and Drinking, that ferments the other.

They are yet very Courteous to Strangers in their travaling, and sojourning, not making a Prey of them, nor deceiving them, nor deri∣ding them in their ignorance of the Co••ntrey or Language, but affording them all accommo∣dations for their money which they expect.

Their Governours are wise, expert, and po-Iitick, keeping their distance, and the rules of justice; but they will hardly Pardon any neg∣lect, the omission of a Ceremony, or not return∣ing a Visit, is enough with some of them to break off a treaty of the greatest Consequence.

Though they Practice much delay when they judge their interest to require it, yet they ob∣serve honourably their Capitulations; and though both Rulers and people regard their particular Interest in the first place, yet it is not with the excluding of justice and honesty.

Their Government is by Municipal Laws and Customes, and by Acts of their Supream Coun∣cel, which hath the Legislative power, and is the same in effect, if not the original of our Parliament; They have inferior and ordinary Courts of Justice, not unlike to ours in many par∣ticulars. The King hath a great power, and the Senators under him, and by them the Affairs of the State are managed.

Though their Government have great affinity with ours, yet the People do not enjoy the like Rights and Liberties, as (Blessed be God) we do in England; They are in more subjection to the Will of their Lords, and their Lords to the Will of their Superiors, though they have more power over their Tenants, and nearer Neighbors, than the English have.

Their Laws are clear and few, nor are they covetous to multiply them, which they hold an Er∣ror in Government, and cause of Contention; nor do they allow Debates in Council of any other matters, than what are proposed to them from the King.

The paucity of Law-suits amongst them, is, because of the distribution of Estates by a Rule of Law to all Children, or Heirs, upon the death of every Ancestor; so that they have seldom a Question upon any Will or Conveyance.

And by reason of the smalness of their Trade, their Contracts are few, and Consequently their Law Suits; nor will they afford Maintenance for a Profession of Lawyers, or large Sallaries for Officers; in general their Government is Wise, Just, and Peaceable.

Their Religion is punctually Lutheran, both in Doctrine and Discipline, and they are so Severe in it, that they will hardly admit a Papist, or Cal∣vinist to live among them, except in some few Places, where they permit Calvinists to reside for Trades-Sake.

They have a Liturgy much to the same Effect in Words and Ceremonies, with that which was in the English Church, nor will they part with any of the Responsals, Ceremonies, and Rites ex∣tracted out of the Mass-Book, or with the Images in their Churches, though so little different from those used in the Church of Rome.

Their Bishops, and Superintendants who have the same Power, have the like Juris∣diction in Ecclesiastical, but not in Temporal Mat∣ters, as the English Prelates had, so have their Inferiour (as they also call them) Spiritual Courts, and Judicatories.

They allow but slender Maintenance to their Clergy, their Metropolitan Archbishop of Ʋpsale, hath not above two thousand Rix Dollars, which is not five hundred Pound of Yearly Revenue; and one hundred Rix Dollars per annum is an Extraordinary Benefice.

Their Diocesses and Parishes are very large, and Sermons are a rarity in them, but the Liturgy must not be omitted every Sunday, and on their many Holydaies.

They have a good way upon every Avoydance to Supply their Churches, the Inhabitants of every Parish where their Minister dyed, or is re∣moved, do meet, and Choose three Deacons, whom they present to the Bishop or Superintendant, who Chooseth one of the three, and Ordains him a Priest, and Institutes him into the Bene∣fice that is void.

Their strength is confiderable both at Land and at Sea, at Land it consists chiefly in the Bo∣dies of their Men, and in their Arms, and For∣tifications. Their Men are strong, and the more Enured to hardship, by the Coldness of their Climate; and to War, by their frequent Expe∣ditions abroad, and they want no Courage, nor Obedience to their Superiours.

Their Arms are made at Home, as Good and Useful as any Country hath; they want not Ma∣terials of Copper, Steel, and Iron, both for their greater and smaller Guns, and Swords; and have Skilful Workmen and store of Powder.

Their Fortifications are not many, except in Frontier Towns, and Havens; some whereof are strongly and regularly Fortified, fully Garrison'd, and provided with Copper great Guns upon their Works.

They have a standing Militia of fifty thousand Men, twelve thousand Horse, and thirty eight thousand Foot, and all these maintained at a ve∣ry small Charge to the Crown, and with no Bur∣den to the Country; whereof I shall be ready to give you a particular Account, when you shall command it.

These may be drawn together in ten days, and out of these they write forth Souldiers, upon any Foreign Design; which Designation is wholly left to the respective Landlords, and gives them no small awe, and subjection from their Te∣nants.

Their strength by Sea surpasseth their Neigh∣bours, they have many Ships which carry eighty, and some one hundred Copper Guns, well and substantially built, but not after our excellent way of Frigots, nor so Nimble at Tacking, or Fight∣ing, or the Chase, as our Men of War.

They are not inferiour in their strength at Sea to any Prince or State in these Parts, except the English, and our Neighbours the Netherlands; the greatest defect and want in their Naval Force is as to the Number of their Ships, and Mar∣riners.

For their Trade, it is not great, but they take a course dayly to improve it; they understand, better than they did formerly, the Conveniencies

and Advantages they have of Timber for Masts, and building of their Ships, of Iron to fit them, of Copper for their Guns, of the cheapness and plenty of Pitch and Tar, necessary for them, and to be had in their own Country, and sufficient Cor∣dage near them, with their good Harbours on both sides the Baltique Sea, and at Gottenburgh.

They are sensible that the increase of Trade increaseth their Marriners and Shipping, which increaseth their Trade; and not only their Merchants, but their great Men engage in a way of Trade, for the Incouragement of it, and find∣ing the Sweetness and Profit in it.

They already send Ships, and Plant in the West-Indies, and have began a Trade with their Native Commodities to most parts where Trade is to be had, and will in a short time become considerable for Trade; and the more by the plenty of their Copper, Iron, Deal, Pitch and Tarr, which now they Export themselves, and know how necessary they are for other Nations, and how profitable it is for them to be their own Merchants.

I have thus shortly, and weakly, given you In∣formation of what I Learned upon the place touching this Nation of the Swedes, and Goths, in relation to themselves.

Give me leave Sir, now to Acquaint you with what I observed concerning them, as they may have Relation to an Alliance with this Common-wealth, and to conclude with an Account in Ge∣neral of my Negotiation there, and with the re∣spects I met with to this Nation, both from them, and others, whilst I was abroad.

I look upon them as a Nation in a perfect di∣stance, and Scituation, to be the best Friends and Allies to you; they are neither so near to us as to cause Jealousies from us, nor so far distant, but that they may give a timely Assistance to us.

They profess the same Protestant Religion with us, in the Fundamentals they agree with us, and in their Aversness to Popery, and the Hierarchy of Rome; and are the more likely to keep a firmer Union with us.

There is great similitude between their Man∣ners, Laws, Language, and Disposition of the People, and the English, and the like Gallantry of their Gentry and Souldiery, Industry of their Merchants and Artificers, and Laboriousness of their Husbandmen. They are generally much like the English, and the more likely to Corre∣spond, and Agree in Amity with us. They have store of Men, Arms, and Shipping to join with us upon any occasion, and whereby both you and they may be strengthn'd against your Enemies, and be the more considerable through∣out the World.

They are Just, and Faithful in their Actions, and Undertakings, as the English are, and Hono∣rable in their Performances; nor are they En∣gaged to any of our Enemies, or such as you may have Cause to suspect; but their Differences and Contententions have rather been with those who have contended with you, and therefore they are the more likely to observe their Alliance with you.

They first sought to his Highness, and this Common-wealth for an Amity with us, and sent several Persons of Honour, as publick Ministers hither, for that purpose; and their Queen, and the present King, have Testified great affection to this Nation, and justly expected some return of it from you again.

These, and many other Motives, grounded upon Reason and Wisdom of State, persuaded those who sate at the Helm here, to judge it fit to send from hence an Ambassador to that Crown, to conclude an Amity with them, for the Advan∣tage of Trade, and mutual Assistance of one another.

Herein their Judgment did not fail them, it was very requisite to send an Ambassador thither, but perhaps you may see a Failer of their Judg∣ment in the Choice of a Person so unfit for so Weighty an Imployment.

Yet they would not excuse him; you will be∣lieve that he had no Ambition for such a Service, and at such a time, but he obeyed the Commands of those whom he served, undertook the Imploy∣ment, and can say without Vanity, performed his Duty therein to the utmost of his Capacity with Diligence, and Faithfulness, and God was pleased to own him in it.

I pass over the Dangerous Voyage by Sea in November, through your then Enemies, and the cold Journey by Land in December, and come to the Court at Ʋpsale, which was Splendid, and High; replenished not only with gallant outsides, but with Persons of great Abilities within, both of the Civil, and Military Condition.

Upon my first Ignorance of their Ceremonies, I fell into some dislike with several of their Grandees, who thought me not enough submis∣sive; others thought the better of me, for insist∣ing upon the Right of my Nation, Vindicating their Honour, and not sneaking to those with whom I had to do.

I followed my own Reason, and what pleased God to direct me for your Service, and in order to the Good of the Protestant Interest. In my Treaty, I applyed my self upon all occasions to the Queen Her Self, and never to the Senate, wherewith Her Majesty was not distasted.

In the Transactions of my Affairs, I Endea∣voured to gain the best Intelligence I could from Home, and from that Court, and spared no cost to gain it; the one made me the more consider∣able there, the other was of great Advantage to me in my Negotiation.

But Sir, I was to Incounter with great difficul∣ties, and opposition; the King of Denmark's Ambassador, the Holland Resident, with all their Party and Friends (some of the most Considera∣ble in the Court, and Army, and of great Num∣bers) opposed me, and endeavoured to Affront me and my Company; but by that, were no Gain∣ers.

The French, Polish, and German Publick Mini∣sters, as much as they could covertly, sought to hinder me; but on the other side, I found the Spanish publick Mister there (who was a Person of great Ingenuity, and in much Favour with the Queen) a great Friend and Assistant to me.

Several great Officers of the Army, as General Wrangell, Grave Horn, Grave Wittenburge, Grave Bannier, Grave Leenhough, and divers others, were Friends to me; and of the Civil Officers, and other Senators, the Baron Bundt, Steinlorke, Grave Tot, the Rix Droit, or Chief Justice, the Grave Braghe, and Chiefly the old Chancellor Oxen∣stiern was my Chief Friend, and helper in my Business.

Prince Adolphe the present Kings Brother, was no ill Willer to it, the King that now is, a great Friend to it, and manifested more parti∣cular Respect to you in the Person of your Ser∣vant, than he was ever known to do any of the like Quality, or to any State whatsoever.

And the Queen her Self was resolved to have

the Business done, so much had I gained of her Favour, and satisfied her of your Interest, and Respects to her.

But above all, some of my own Countrymen were fierce against me, especially those of the Scots Nation; both of the Army, and Traders, whom I little considered, yet knew their humors, and that they would rayl at me in the Morning, and afterwards come to my Table to Dinner, and I caused my Officers to welcome them accord∣ingly.

To Counterwork these, I was not without Friends of my own Nation, whereof divers were of the like Condition; and Eminent amongst them was the General Douglas, a Scotch Gentle-man, who was very Civil to me.

So was a true English Gentleman, General Major Sir George Fleetwood, a Person of great In∣terest and Respect in those Parts, and with all that know him; he Testified extraordinary Respect and Affection to you, and to your Servant; and was very Courteous, and helpful to me.

Those who opposed, or indeavoured to affront me in your Business, I forbear to name, not for their sakes, but least it might be prejudicial to your Friends there, and to your own future oc∣casions.

But Sir, we ought to look higher, than to the greatest and wisest of Men; it was the Goodness and Mercy of God who gave a Blessing to your Proceedings, and a desired Success to this Treaty; which we ought to acknowledg with humble Thankfulness; and the weaker the Instruments were, the more his Power and Goodness appears in it.

He was Pleased to give Success to that Nego∣tiation under my hands; and (after many De∣lays, and Debates, and all the Opposition that could be made) to give a Conclusion to it. I made an Alliance betwixt the Common-wealth and that Crown, Ratified by the then Queen, and the present King under their hands, and under their Great Seal of Sweden.

The Instrument thereof I presented to His Highness, and His Councel at my Return home; who caused a strict Perusal and Examination thereof to be made, and finding it punctually ac∣cording to my Instructions, did approve of it, and of my poor Service in it; and His Highness Ratified the other part of the Treaty, to which the Great Seal of England was affixed; the tran∣script whereof, with the Original of the other, are at your Command to be produced.

I shall not presume to Judg of the Advantages by this Alliance, to this Nation, and to the Pro∣testant Interest through the World, this

Hono∣rable House are best able to Judge thereof, and of the Duty of their Servant, and his performance thereof; who submits all to their Wisdom and savourable Construction.

And being now in my Return homewards, give me leave Sir, to acquaint you with some pas∣sages of Respect to this Common-wealth in my Journy both in Sweden, Denmark, and Germany.

The Magistrates and People of Stockholm, were very Respectful to your Servants, and General Wrangel, and General Major Fleetwood with Here Lagerfelds, and others, Accompanied me Fourty English Miles to their Chief City.

There they freely showed me not only the Stately Castle, Town, Haven, and Ships, but their Works, Magazines, Arsenal, Work-Houses for Arms, and Shipping which were very strong and Considerable.

There I had two Ships provided for my Tran∣sportation over the Baltique Sea, and in that where I went on Board, a Vice-Admiral was sent to Command, being a point of great Honour, and the Ship was Richly Furnished, and Accommoda∣ted for the Voyage.

After we had passed this deep and rough Sea, through great Tempests and Dangers, and were Arrived near to the Hans Town of Lubeck, they hearing of it by our Guns, sent their Coach and Officers to conduct me to their City, where some of the Chief of their Lords with their Syndick, or Recorder, came from the rest to Salute me, and in the Latine Oration made to me, gave me all welcome to the Place, and highly expressed their Valuation of this Common-wealth.

I Received also Civil Complements, and Salu∣tations from the Dukes of Saxony, Holstein, Cur∣land, Lunenburgh, and other free Princes of Ger∣many, full of Respect, and Honour to you.

Here I received likewise Respect and Cere∣monies from the English Company at Hambourgh, two days Journy from this City, who sent Mes∣sengers to invite me to their House in Hambrough, and expressed all Duty, and Respects to you, as their Superiours:

In my Land-journey which was not without hardship, and want of Conveniencies, where the Armies had been in their late Warrs betwixt these two Hans Towns of Lubecke and Hambourgh: About two Leagues before I came to Hambourgh, my Countrymen of the English Company there, met me upon the way with about Fifty Coaches, and about Two hundred Horsemen, to welcome me to those Parts.

They Treated me Nobly by the way, and Con∣ducted me into Hamburgh, where the Streets were so Crowded with People, that we had a difficult passage through them, and generally both in their words and carriage, they expressed all civility and respect unto this Commonwealth.

The same Evening that I came hither, the Lords of Hamburgh sent four of their Senators with their Syndicke to Salute and welcome me to their City, and presented me nobly with Provisions of Fish and Flesh, Wine and Beer, for my Hospitality.

They Congratulated the success of your Treaty with Sweedland, and expressed very high regard to our Commonwealth; they invited me to Col∣lations, and did me the Honour to come to my Table, and appointed one of their Chief Military Officers to shew me the Works, and Ammunition of the Town, and others of their own Number, to accompany me to their Town-House, and to inform me in Matters relating to their Judicato∣ries.

Indeed their Fortifications are very strong, and regular, and they have great store of Armes, and Ammunition, and give therein a good Pattern for others; as also, for Provisions for their Ship∣ping.

Sir, I must do this right to them, that both at my coming thither, and during my stay there, (which was about ten days,) and at my departure from thence, they did upon all occasions manifest as great an esteem and respect for this Common-wealth, as any whom I have met with in Forreign Parts.

Sir, it pleased God to stop our Voyage by con∣trary Winds, and to stay us upon the Elbe near Gluckstade, a Town of the King of Denmarks, who hearing of my being there, sent one of his Sena∣tours Grave Rossen-Cross, Vice Roy of Holstein, to invite me to his Court.

The Vice Roy came with many Attendants, and not without great danger by the stormy Wea∣ther,

on Board my Ship, and highly Complement∣ed this Commonwealth from his Master; but I knowing the course of Treatments in those Parts, excused my self with the best Civility I could, from going on Shore.

Alledging (what was a truth,) That no per∣son having the Command of your Ships (as I then had,) and being on Board them, ought to go from them, without leave, until his Voyage were fini∣shed; and that this was my condition at that time.

I had much ado to satisfie the Vice Roy, but he was well pleased with this Treatment, and promi∣sed to make my Apology to his Master, and to do all good Offices with him, to testifie his Service to this Commonwealth.

After an extream dangerous, and strong passage betwixt Hambourgh and England, wherein the hand of God appeared wonderfully in the preser∣vation of your Servants, we all came in safety to our dear Country.

Thus Sir, I have given you an Account of the whole Transactions of this business, and for any Errours or Miscarriage of mind in the Negotiation, or in this Account I have given you of it, I humbly ask your Pardon.

After he had spoken, the House gave a general Applause, and divers of them stood up, and moved, That he might have the Publick Thanks of the House for the good Service done in this hazardous and Important Business of his Ambassie.

Then the Lord Broghil spake much in commen∣dation of the Treaty, and of the Ambassadour, and seconded the Motion, that he might have the Pub∣lick Thanks of the House for his good Service.

He added, That there was a considerable Sum of Money due to him, for the Expences of his Am∣bassy, and no Gratuity or Reward given for his hazardous and Great Service done for this Com∣monwealth.

And further moved, That two thousand pound might be ordered by the House to be paid, in satis∣faction of all Arrears due to him, and as a mark of favour from the House.

Others, who were well acquainted with the bu∣siness, informed the House, That there was near Two thousand pound Arrears due to him, and that there would be very little of the Two thou∣sand pound (if they should order it for him) which would be a Testimony of their Favour and Reward of his Services.

The House unanimously ordered, That two thou∣sand pound should be forthwith paid out of the Publick Treasury, in satisfaction of all his Expen∣ces in his Ambassy not yet paid, and of all Arrears due to him; and the Speaker according to the or∣der did solemnly give him the Thanks of the House for the great Service preformed for this Common-wealth in his Ambassy in Sweden.

[7] Six English Vessels at several times were ta∣ken upon the Western Coast, and carried into Brest, and other Havens of France by the Pickeroons.

[8] The States of Holland sent their Command to the Governour of Breda, That if the Queen of Sweden came thither, he should entertain Her ac∣cording to the Quality of so great a Princess.

Much Division was amongst them concerning the young Prince of Orange.

[9] Most of the great Commanders of the High-landers came in to the English upon Articles.

[11] The House all the three last Days, and this Day debated upon the Articles of Government.

An Ordinance was Published, to enable such Soldiers as had served the Commonwealth in the late Warrs, to Exercise any Trade.

[12] Oliver being acquainted, that the Debates of the Parliament grew high touching the New Government, and entertaining a Jealousie (to which he was addicted) that this Parliament would either too far invade it, or indeavour to overthrow it, he sent for the Members to meet him in the pain∣ted Chamber, where he spake to them to this effect.

That when he met them few days since, and de∣livered his mind unto them, he did it with much more hopes and Comfort than now; that he was ve∣ry sorry to find them falling into heats, and divi∣sions. He opened to them the miscarriages of the former long Parliament, and by what means he came to the Government, together with the consent that the people had many wayes given thereunto.

That the other day when he told them they were a free Parliament, he did also consider, there was a Reciprocation: For that the same Government which made them a Parliament, made him Protector; and as they were intrusted with some things, so is he with other things. That there were some things in the Government Fundamental, and could not be al∣tered.

1. That the Government should be in one Per∣son, and a Parliament.

2. That Parliaments should not be made per∣petual; which would deprive the people of their suc∣cessive Elections; nor that the Parliament should be always sitting: that is, as soon as one Parliament is up, that another Parliament should come and sit in their places, the very next day; that this could not be, without subjecting the Nation to an Arbi∣trary Power in Governing, because Parliaments, when they sit, are absolute and unlimited.

The Third Fundamental was in the matter of the Militia, and therefore for the preventing the two afore∣mentioned inconveniences, The Militia was not to be intrusted in any one hand or power, but to be so dis∣posed, that as the Parliament ought to have a Check upon the Protector, to prevent excesses in him; so, on the other hand, the Protector ought to have a Check upon the Parliament; in the business of the Militia, to prevent excesses in them; because if it were wholly in the Parliament, they might, when they would, perpetuate themselves.

But now the Militia being disposed as it is, the one stands as a Counterpoiz to the other; and ren∣ders the ballance of Government the more even, and the Government it self the more firm and stable.

The Fourth was about a due Liberty of Conscience in matters of Religion; wherein, Bounds and Limits ought to be set, so as to prevent persecution.

That the rest of the things in the Government, were Examinable, and Alterable, as the occasion, and the state of Affairs should require.

That as for a Negative voice, he claimed it not, save onely in the foresaid particulars.

That in all other things he had onely a deliberative power, and if he did not pass such Laws as were presented to him within twenty days after their pre∣sentment, they were to be Laws without Consent.

Therefore he told them, that things being thus, he was sorry to understand, that any of them should go about to overthrow what was so setled, contrary to their Trusts received from the people, which could not but bring on very great inconveniences; to pre∣vent which, he was necessitated to appoint a Test, or Recognition of the Government, which was to be signed by them, before they went any more into the House.

The Recognition was in these Words;

I A. B. do hereby freely promise and Ingage my self to be true and faithful to the Lord Protector and the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland, and shall not, (according to the tenour of the Indenture whereby I am returned to serve in this

present Parliament) propose, or give any Consent to alter the Government as it is setled in one single person, and a Parliament.

This being Ingrossed inparchment, was placed on a Table near the House Door, for the Mem∣bers to peruse and sign it; and about 130 of them subscribed it, and took their places; and the House Adjourned for one day, to give time for the rest to sign it.

Major General Harrison was secured by a Par∣ty of Horse, by the Lord Protectors Order.

[13] The Solemn Fast was kept.

An Ordinance passed to give Liberty to car∣ry Milstones, Timber, Stones, &c.

[14] Many more of the Members subscribed the Recognition.

The House voted and declared, that the Recog∣nition, did not Comprehend, nor should be con∣strued to Comprehend therein, the whole Govern∣ment, consisting of Forty two Articles, but that it doth onely include what concerns the Govern∣ment of the Commonwealth by a single Person, and successive Parliaments.

An Ordinance Published touching Fines

The University of Oxford acknowledge the re∣spect of the Protector to them, in continuing their Chancellor, and bestowing on the Publick Libra∣ry there twenty four Manuscripts in Greek, and for muificently ordering an Hundred pound per Annum to a Divinity Reader.

[15] A Ship from Saint Lucar came into the Downs, and in her 100000 l. in Plate, besides o∣ther Rich Goods.

Some Barks were cast away near Pool, laden with Linnen.

[16] After a sharp Conflict with Sir Arthur Forbes in Scotland, he was taken Prisoner and his Forces dispersed.

Cornet Peas with twenty five horse, set upon Montross, who had 200 horse and Foot, and Killed five, took eight Prisoners, and twenty seven horse; Montross and his Officers hardly escaping, and took divers Commissions and Instructions from the King.

[18] The Parliament passed a Declaration, to which the Protector assented, for a Fast to be kept in the three Nations.

The Parliament Passed these Votes.

That all persons Returned, or who shall be Returned to serve in this present Parliament, shall (before they be admitted to sit in this House) subscribe the Recognition. That those Subscriptions shall be taken in the presence of any two Members, who have subscribed the Recogni∣tion.

[19] The Parliament sat in a grand Committee, and ordered so to sit de Die in Diem, to debate the Act of Government, till they have gone through the Forty two Articles.

They Voted, that the Supream Legislative autho∣rity shall reside in a Lord Protector and the People as∣sembled in Parliament, and that the present Lord Pro∣tector shall continue during life.

The Lord Lorn, the Earl of Argyle's Son, took a essel Loaden with Provisions, that was going to his Father, and took her men Prisoners.

Fleetwood was Proclaimed Lord Deputy in Ireland.

[20] The Parliament debated, in a grand Com∣mittee, upon the articles of Government, as they did dayly.

[21] Still the debates continued in a grand Com∣mitee, upon the Articles of Government, and se∣veral Votes were passed by the Committee.

[22] Collonel L. F••••ester in Scotland, sub∣mitted upon Articles to the English Commonwealth, and no enemy appeared in Scotland.

The English Commissioners appointed Magistrates and Councels, for the several Burgs in Scotland.

[23] Divers Noblemen and others of Scotland, who had Fines imposed on them, by an Ordinance of the Protector and his Council, came into the English Commissioners, to offer what they could for Remission of those Mulcts.

[25] Debate about the Ordinance for ejecting Scandalous and Ignorant Ministers, and ordered that the Members for the several Counties do bring in the names of fit persons to be Commissioners in this Act in the respective Counties.

[26] An Ordinance of the Protector and his Coun∣cel, made a little before the Parliament sat, was now Published, appointing Commissioners to survey Fo∣rests, Mannors, Lands, &c. of the late King.

Another for the taking an Act of moneys upon the Act for Propagation of the Gospel in Wales.

Another for bringing in several branches of the revenue under the management of the Commissioners of the Treasury and Exchequer.

Three small Prizes brought in.

[27] The Lord Louden late Chancellor of Scot∣land, was seized upon by some of his own Party, intending to make their Peace by him, but he got off from them, receiving a shot in his Neck.

Collonel Morgan came out of Scotland for En∣gland, and Collonel Overton was sent into the north of Scotland to Command in his place.

Bremen sent Commissioners to the States of Hol∣land, to desire their assistance to repel the Swede.

Count William of Nassau went from one good Town to another in Holland, feasting the Magi∣strates and people, to gain their affections t•• the Prince of Orange.

M. Howard Son to the Earl of Arundel, slew one Mr. Holland in the passage going to the Star-Cham∣ber, where a Committee sat.

[28] The Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Com∣mon Councel of London, Published their Order, in pursuance of an Ordinance of the Lord Pro∣tector and his Councel, for restraint of Hackney Coaches.

[29] A new Lord Mayor of London chosen, Al∣derman Pack.

The new Sheriffs of London were Sworn in the Exchequer.

[30] The Grand Committee of Parliament debated the Articles of Government, and came to some further Results and Votes upon several parts of them, which they ordered to be Repor∣ted to the House forthwith.

Notes

• Parlia∣ment.
• Cavalcade
• Protectors Speech.
• Septemb.
• Speaker Chosen.
• Negotiati∣on with Sweden.
• Debates about the Govern∣ment.
• Protectors Speech.
• The Re∣cognition.
• Harrison Secur'd.
• Vote.
• Recogniti∣on.
• Oxford.
• Scotland.
• Votes.
• Act of Go∣vernment.
• Votes
• Ireland.
• Debates.
• Scotland.
• October.
• Scandalous Ministers.
• Lo••don.
• Prince Orange.
• Debate••▪