September, 1658.
3. This day about Two a Clock in the After-noon, the Protector died at Hampton Court, the * same day that he had before obtained the Victories at Dunbar, and at Worcester, he now went to rest in the Grave; after his many great Actions and Troubles, he now died quietly in his Bed: some were of opinion that he was poysoned.
Immediately upon his death the Council assem∣bled, and being satisfied that the Protector in his life-time, according to the Petition and Advice, had declared his Son Richard to be his Successour, the Council caused the same to be proclaimed in a so∣lemn * manner in London and Westminster; and they went the same day to Richard to acquaint him with it, and sent a Committee of the Council into the City to inform them hereof.
The Proclamation of Richard to be Lord Pro∣tector, was made in London in the following words:
Whereas it hath pleased the most wise God in his Providence to take out of this world the most serene and renowned Oliver, late Lord Protector of this Common-wealth: And his Highness having in his life-time, ac∣cording * to the humble Petition and Advice, decla∣red and appointed the most Noble and Illustrious, the Lord Richard, eldest Son of his said late Highness, to succeed him in the Government of these Nations; We therefore of the Privy Council, together with the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of London, the Offi∣cers of the Army, and numbers of other principal Gen∣tlemen, do now hereby with one full voice and consent of Tongue and heart, publish and declare the said No∣ble and Illustrious Lord Richard, to be rightfull Pro∣tector of this Common-wealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the Dominions and Territories there∣unto belonging: To whom we do acknowledge all fide∣lity and constant obedience according to Law And the said humble Petition and Advice, with all hearty and humble affections, beseeching the Lord, by whom Princes rule, to bless him with long life, and these Na∣tions with peace and happiness under his Government.
- Richard Chiverton, May∣or.
- Henry Lawrence, Presi∣dent.
- Nathaniel Fiennes, C. S.
- John Lisle, C. S.
- C. Fleetwood.
- P. Lisle.
- John Desbrough.
- E. Mountague.
- Gilb. Pickering.
- C. Wolseley.
- Philip Skippon.
- William Sydenham.
- Wal. Strickland.
- Phil. Jones.
- Jo. Thurloe.
- Fauconberg.
- Edw. Whaley.
- W. Goff.
- Tho. Cooper.
- Oliver Flemming.
- John Clerk.
- Tho. Pride.
- Edm. Prideaux.
- Tobias Brigde.
- Edw. Salmon.
- Jo. Biscoe.
- Waldine Lagoe.
- John Mill.
- E. Grosvenor, &c.
The Council gave the Oath to Richard, and with his consent another Proclamation was published for all that were Officers in his Father's time, to continue in their places.
8. The Master of the Ceremonies by Order of the Council, acquainted all foreign Ministers with the death of the late Protector, and the Succession of his Son Richard.
9. Letters of the Proclaiming of Richard to be Protector, in several of the chief Cities and Towns in England.
10. Of the Proclaiming of Richard Lord Protec∣tor at Dunkirk.
Richard and his Council kept a Day of humilia∣tion, and ordered the keeping of it at another time in London.
11. News of the King of Sweden's besieging of Copenhagen.
17. Mens minds were troubled at this change, and feared the consequences of it.
20. News of the surrender of the Castle of Cro∣nenberg, by the Danes; to the King of Sweden.
25. Several Addresses came to the new Protec∣tor, * declaring satisfaction in his succession, and reso∣lution to adhere to him.
Page 676 28. News of good Service performed in Lief∣land, by General Douglas; and of the King of Sweden's Successes in Denmark.
