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.

Anno 1642.

[Car. 18] April 5. The Assizes being at York, the Gentry, Ministers and Freeholders of that County by an * 1.1 humble and hearty address, testify their loyalty to the King, and sorrow for the distractions, and pray His Majesty to be pleased to declare some expedients, which may take away all misunderstandings betwixt him and his great Council.

The King gives them a gracious answer, and wishes them to apply to the Parliament for the good of all.

The King sends a Message to the Parliament, of∣fering * 1.2 his own person to reduce Ireland, and his intent to raise his Guards for that purpose, de∣sires them to quicken their levies, and saith he hath prepared a Bill by his Attorney, concerning the Mili∣tia, for the good of all if received, if refused, he calls God and the world to judge between them.

To this they returned no answer.

Divers Members of Parliament subscribed seve∣ral sums of money upon the Act of Parliament for reducing of Ireland.

The County of Bucks advanced 6000 l. towards this service, and their money was repaid upon the Bill of 400000 l. to be raised for that service.

The Parliament apprehending the King's pur∣pose to seise upon the great Magazine at Hull, they * 1.3 desire it might be transported from thence to the Tower of London; to supply the want of ammu∣nition there, from whence Ireland was supplyed, and here it would be easier transported to Ire∣land.

To which the King returns a quick answer, de∣nying their Petition, they shortly after send their reasons to the King against his going in person to * 1.4 Ireland, and tell him they cannot consent to any levies, but such as they shall advise, and others they shall in∣terpret to the terror of the people, and suppress it, and refuse to submit to any Commissioners in the King's absence, but to govern by consent of Parliament.

This was looked upon by many as very strange, and high, and the King, in answer to it says, He looks upon them as his great Council with regard; but yet upon himself as not deprived of his understanding; nor divested of any Right he had, before the Parliament * 1.5 did meet.

That he called them by his Writ and Authority to give him Counsel, but did not resign his Interest and Freedome, nor will subject himself to their determinati∣ons, and holds himself free to dissent from them.

That the Menace, rather than Advice in their Peti∣tion, doth not stagger him.

The Lords Justices and Council of Ireland, hea∣ring of the King's Intention to come thither in person, writ a Letter of thanks and incourage∣ment to him, to proceed in that his gracious in∣tention, but the Parliament being averse there∣unto, the King declined it.

The King demands Justice from the House of Lords against several Authors and preachers of Seditious doctrine, that the King denying what the Parliament desired, they might doe it without him, and that humane Laws do not bind the Conscience, with much of the like new opinions, but nothing was done in it.

The Parliament had committed the charge of the Town and Magazine of Hull to Sir John Ho∣tham, * 1.6 one of their Members, who was sent down thither, the Parliament purposing to remove the Magazine to London, the County of York had pe∣titioned that it might still remain at Hull, for se∣curing the Northern parts, especially the King re∣siding there.

The King thought it the best way himself to seise upon the Magazine and taking a Guard of his Servants, and some Neighbouring Gentry, April 23. He went to Hull, but, contrary to his expec∣tation, * 1.7 he found the Gates shut, and the Bridges drawn.

And from the Walls appeared Sir John Hotham denying entrance to the King; which he said, he could not admit without breach of his trust to the Par∣liament.

The King required him to shew his Order for this, from the Parliament.

He then said that the King had too great a Train, and would not admit him entrance though with but 20 horse, which so moved the King, that he caused Hotham to be there proclaymed Traitor, and so re∣turned to York.

Thence he sends to the Parliament to demand Justice against Hotham, and sends to the Magistrates of Hull, to admonish them not to adhere to Hotham, but to testify their allegiance to their King, by delivering the Magazine into his hands.

Again the King sends to the Parliament for ex∣emplary Justice against Hotham, and that immediate∣ly * 1.8 the Magazine be delivered up to him, and till this be done, he will intend no other business, for to be in worse condition than the meanest Subject, not to injoy his own, it is time to examine how he lost them, and to try all possible ways by help of God, the Law, and his good Subjects, to recover them. God so deal with us as we continue these resolutions.

To these Messages having no return, Scouts are * 1.9 laid to intercept Letters between the House and Hull, which they voted a high breach of their Privi∣le e, and to defend it with their lives and fortunes; they justify Hotham, and order, that the Shcriffs, and Justices of Peace, suppresse all forces that shall be raised, or gathered together against Hull, or to disturbe the peace.

The King's Bill of the Militia was declined by * 1.10 the Parliament, and a new one from themselves presented to the King; which he refused and gave his reasons for it. They put the power in the per∣sons

nominated by them, excluding the King, in ordering any thing together with them.

The King offered that in his absence, in Ireland it should be so, and that for a year; but it was not liked. Then they pass a Declaration touching Hotham, and avow his action, and set forth designs against Hull April 28. and send a Committee thither for the better securing of the Town.

Hotham is authorised, by his Warrants to raise the trained Bands in Yorkshire, to march with their armes into Hull, where he disarmed them, and tur∣ned them home again.

The King signifies to the Sheriff, that this cannot be done legally, and forbids any muster without his com∣mand, and to suppress those that disobey with the posse Comitatus.

May 5. The Parliament require all persons in au∣thority, to put the Ordinance of the Militia in execu∣tion, which the King declares to be no legal power in the Houses; and commands that none do obey it, and summons the Gentry of the County to York, to whom he relates these illegal proceedings of the Par∣liament, and tells them his purpose to have a guard onely to secure his person, in which he desires their assistance.

And the rather; because the Members that came with the last Message to the King, returned to York, and before them all these proceedings were had.

Sir Thomas Gardiner Recorder of London was im∣peached for advising the Lord Mayor to pay Ship-money, * 1.11 and other illegal things; and against Scot∣land, and opposing the Parliament, but he got to the King.

The County of York being Summoned, the Com∣mittee prevailed with some of them to oppose the raysing of a guard for the King, and the Parlia∣ment declared against it, and that such as do are dis∣turbers of the Peace.

The Ordinance of the Militia being now past, and Lieutenants named for the several Counties; they nominated their Deputy Lieutenants to the Parliament for their approbation.

The Lord Paget being named in the Ordinance, and approved to be Lieutenant of Bucks; he na∣med Hampden, Goodwyn, Grenville, Tyrrell, Winwood and Whitelocke to be his deputy Lieutenants who were approved by the Parliament.

The Lord Paget, not long after this, began to boggle, and was unfixed in his resolutions; and, upon the King's publishing of his Commission of Array, and Declaration against the Ordinance of Parliament for the Militia (his Lordships heart failing him, and being unsatisfied in his Judg∣ment) he revolted from the Parliament, and went to the King.

Whereupon the Lord Wharton was nominated and approved by both Houses of Parliament to be in his roome, Lieutenant for the County of Bucks.

Mr. Palmer, Mr. Hyde and Mr. Bridgeman, and * 1.12 divers other eminent Lawyers and Gentlemen, had given their opinions positively against it, and left the House upon the passing of it.

On the other part, the Lord Littleton was most confident for the legality of it, and divers other Lawyers, and Gentlemen of the short robe were cleerly for it, and

that the Lords and Commons, in case of the King's minority, sickness or ab∣sence, had done the same in other times.

As when H. 3. dyed, and his Son E. 1. was in the holy Land, and came not home in almost two years after his Father's death, yet in the mean time, the Lords and Commons appointed Lieu∣tenants in the several Counties; and made several Ordinances, which are of force at this day.

So are the Ordinances made by them in the minority of H. 6. and upon the difference be∣tween him and the Duke of York, and the Or∣dinances in the minority of E. 6. and in other times.

That the King was now absent, and having called his Parliament at Westminster, was him∣self gone as far from them as York, and had, before he came thither, and since, appeared with Warlike forces about him, to the terror of the Parliament.

That the business of Ireland and other threat∣ning dangers gave too much cause of Fears and Jealousies to the Parliament, and to stand upon their guard, and for defence of themselves and the Kingdome.

Without which the King would so grow upon them, and his evil Counsellors so prevaile, that they would undoubtedly bring their designs to pass of a speedy introducing of Popery and Tyranny; whereas, if they saw the Parliament in a good posture of defence, and that the people generally would adhere to them, as no doubt but they would, that then the King would be brought to a good accommodation and agreement with his Parliament, without a blow to be struck be∣tween them.

Whereby they should preserve the just Rights and Liberties of the Subject, the privilege of Parliament, and themselves and their friends, and the Protestant Religion from Ruine, which, without this appearance onely of arms, or power to arme if there should be occasion, would una∣voidably be brought to pass.

These arguments, together with the solemn pro∣testations of the most powerful and active Mem∣bers,

That they had not the least purpose or in∣tention of any War with the King, but to arme themselves for their necessary defence, prevai∣led

with most men to keep their station, and at pre∣sent, to accept those Commissions of Deputy Lieu∣tenancy.

Maynard, Glyn, Grimstone, St. John, Selden and divers other Gentlemen of great parts and inte∣rest, accepted of the like Commissions, and con∣tinued in their service in the Parliament.

The King resolves that Easter Term be adjour∣ned from London to York, the Parliament Vote it to be illegal, and Order that the Lord Keeper Lit∣tleton issue no Writs, or Proclamation for that pur∣pose.

They publish a large Declaration, much to the * 1.13 same effect as the former were, mentioning that the Rebellion in Ireland was countenanced by evil Coun∣cil about the King, the proclaiming them Traitors de∣ferred from October to January after, and then but 40 Copies ordered to be Printed, nor any of them to be published without the King's Order, whereas the pro∣ceedings against the Scots, and proclaiming them Trai∣tors, was very sharp and speedy.

To this the King gives an answer, in effect the same with what he had said before to these particu∣lars, after which, he writes to his Council in Scot∣land, to acquaint them with the State of his affairs in England; to which he receives a dutiful and affectionate answer, with a Petition from divers of the Nobility and people there, full of zeal and loyalty to his service.

The Parliament hearing of this, took course to * 1.14 turn the Ballance, and within eight days after, the Scots Council declare their earnest desires both to King and Parliament, to joyn in a perfect union; and humbly desire the King, to hearken to his greatest, his best and most unparallel'd Council.

They disswade the King from a personal Journey in∣to Ireland, and pray that a Mediation may be at home, ere the breach be wider. And in fine, they come to a large manifestation of their true and hearty affection to the Parliament of England, protesting to do nothing contrary to them in their Privileges.

A multitude of people at Edenburgh hearing of the King's Letter to his Council there, and of the Answer to it, and Petition before mentioned; they petition the Council there, not to meddle by any ver∣ball or reall engagement for the King against the Par∣liament of England.

These Passages in Scotland gave much advantage to the Parliaments Affairs in England, who protest their Fidelity to the King, and court the Scots with very kind expressions.

The Earl of Bristol moved for an accommoda∣tion, and a select Committee to be appointed to consider of some way to effect the same.

But the Parliament voted that which was done * 1.15 at York for a Guard for the King, to be a prepara∣tion for War against the Parliament, a breach of the trust reposed in him, by his People, contrary to his Oath, and tending to the dissolution of his Government, and all such as serve him there, to be Traytors to the Laws of the Kingdom, 11 R. 2. and 1 H. 4.

After this they publish another Remonstrance of the King's Misactions and their own Privileges. He answers it, and they reply; and May 28. they order, That all Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, &c. * 1.16 within one hundred and fifty miles of York, make stay of all Arms and Ammunition carrying to York, and apprehend the Conveyers; and that all Sheriffs do suppress all Forces coming together by the King's Com∣mission, and all persons to aid them; and this to be pub∣lished in all Market Towns and Churches.

The King forbids all Obedience to any Orders, or Ordinance of Parliament for the Militia, accor∣ding to the Statute 7 E. 1. and requires all the peo∣ple of Yorkshire to meet at a day and place; which the Parliament declare to be against Law, and for∣bid. Obedience to it.

This was an unhappy condition for the poor people, none knowing what to doe, or whom to obey; nor what would be the consequence of these thwartings between the great Powers and Autho∣rities of King and Parliament.

Divers Members of both Houses withdrew to the King, which caused an Order for all to attend at a day, upon forfeiting of an hundred pounds to the Irish War.

They order, that whosoever shall lend or bring Money into this Kingdom upon the King's Jewels, shall be an Enemy to the State.

Ju. 2. The Parliament sent to the King Nine∣teen Propositions for Peace, which are in Print; * 1.17 the King rejected them, as inconsistent with the Re∣gall Rights; he caresseth the people of Yorkshire.

Ju. 4. The Parliament order all Deputy Lieute∣nants to be present at all Musters, and the Lieute∣nants of Counties to dispatch their Warrants.

Ju. 10. They make an Order for bringing in Money or Plate, to maintain Horsemen and Arms, for defence of the King and Parliament, and for the publick Peace.

The King sends forth his Commissions of Array, begins in Leicestershire; these Commissions were de∣clared * 1.18 by the Parliament, to be against Law; and the Actors in them to be Betrayers of the Subjects Liberty.

The Lord Keeper Littleton, after his great adhe∣rence * 1.19 to the Parliament, delivered the great Seal to Mr. Elliot, whom the King sent to him for it; and shortly after, Littleton followed the Seal to the King, but was not much respected by him, or his Courtiers; yet was he a man of Courage, and of excellent Parts and Learning.

Many other of the Lords being with the King at York, he declared to them; That he would not ex∣ercise * 1.20 any illegal Authority, but defend them and all others against the Votes of Parliament, and not engage them in any War against the Parliament: And they all in a solemn Protestation engaged to his Majesty to stand by him.

The King wrote to the Lord Mayor and Alder∣men of London, Not to raise any Forces for the Par∣liament; and sets forth his large Declaration, and * 1.21 invites men to bring in to him Money, Horse, and Arms, on security of his Forests and Parks, for the Principal, and Eight per cent. Interest.

He forbids Levies without his Consent, upon the Statutes 7 E. 1. 2 E. 3. 11 R. 2. and the Earl of Shrewsbury's Case in H. 8. time; and minds them of their Oath of Allegiance, to be faithful to the King's Person, as well as to his Authority, and justifies his Commissions of Array.

To which the Parliament reply, and he to them again: All which rather exasperated the Diffe∣rences. And now came up the Names of Parties, Royallists, and Parliamentarians; Cavaliers, and Roundheads.

The King goes to Nottingham, and summoneth and caresseth the Freeholders of the County, and promiseth to act according to the Protestation at York, the like he did at Lincoln. And July 11. sends a Message to the Parliament, Of his inten∣tions * 1.22 to reduce Hull, if it be not rendred to him; which if they do, he will admit of their further Propo∣sitions.

He complains of Hotham's actions, for which he will punish him; and of the Earl of Warwick's ta∣king * 1.23 upon him the Command of the Fleet: who had got in the Sea-men to him, and put by Sir John Pennington, and took a Ship of Ammunition coming to the King from Holland.

The Lord Willoughby of Parham being Lieute∣nant * 1.24 of Lincolnshire, was there putting the Militia into a posture; which being informed to the King, he wrote to the Lord Willoughby to desist from that action; and the Lord Willoughby returned an hum∣ble, ingenious and weighty Answer to his Majesty, to excuse his not performing at present what the King required of him; which he said was not in his power to doe, without breach of that trust which he had undertaken to the Parliament, and to which he was encouraged by the opinion of some of his Majestie's great Officers, eminent in the knowledge of the Laws, wherein he was not learned.

After this, he proceeded in executing the Ordi∣nance for the Militia, and the King was not so se∣vere against him, as against others.

The Parliament now thought it high time to provide for their own Defence, and to raise an Ar∣my for that purpose.

Upon the Debate whereof, one of the Members declared his Opinion to this effect.

Mr. Speaker,

The Question which was last propounded a∣bout raising of Forces, naming a General, and Officers of an Army, hath been very rare before this time, in this Assembly, and it seems to me to set us at the Pits-brink, ready to plunge our selves into an Ocean of troubles and miseries, and if it could be, into more than a Civil War brings with it.

Give me leave, Sir, to consider this unhappy Subject in the beginning, progress, and issue of it.

Caesar tells us (and he knew as much of Civil War as any man before him) that it cannot be begun Sine malis artibus.

Surely, Sir, our Enemies of the Popish Church have left no evil Arts unessayed, to bring us to our present posture, and will yet leave none un∣attempted to make our Breaches wider, well knowing that nothing will more advance their Empire, than our Divisions.

Our Misery whom they account Hereticks, is their Joy, and our Distractions will be their glory, and all evil Arts and ways to bring Ca∣lamities upon us, they will esteem meritorious.

But, Sir, I look upon another beginning of our Civil War, God blessed us with a long and flou∣rishing Peace, and we turned his Grace into wan∣tonness, and Peace would not satisfie us without Luxury, nor our plenty without Debauchery: Instead of sobriety and thankfulness for our Mercies, we provoked the Giver of them by our sins and wickedness, to punish us (as we may fear) by a Civil War, to make us Executioners of Divine Vengeance upon our selves.

It is strange to note, how we have insensibly slid into this beginning of a Civil War, by one unexpected Accident after another, as Waves of the Sea, which have brought us thus far: And we scarce know how, but from Paper Combates, by Declarations, Remonstrances, Protestations, Votes, Messages, Answers and Replies: We are now come to the question of raising Forces, and naming a General, and Officers of an Army.

But what, Sir, may be the progress hereof, the Poet tells you,

Jusque datum sceleri Canimus, populumque poten∣tem In sua victrici Conversum viscera dextra.

We must surrender up our Laws, Liberties, Properties and Lives into the hands of insolent Mercenaries, whose rage and violence will com∣mand us, and all we have, and Reason, Honour and Justice will leave our Land; the Ignoble will rule the Noble, and Baseness will be preferred before Vertue, Profaneness before Piety.

Of a potent people we shall make our selves weak, and be the Instruments of our own ruine, perditio tua exte, will be said to us; we shall burn our own houses, lay waste our own fields, pillage our own goods, open our own veins, and eat out our own bowels.

You will hear other sounds, besides those of Drums and Trumpets, the clattering of Armour, the roaring of Guns, the groans of wounded and dying men, the shrieks of deflowred Women, the Cries of Widows and Orphans, and all on your account, which makes it the more to be la∣mented,

Pardon, Sir, the warmth of my expression on this Argument, it is to prevent a flame, which I see kindled in the midst of us, that may consume us to ashes. The sum of the progress of Civil War is the rage of Fire and Sword, and (which is worse) of bruitish men.

What the Issue of it will be, no man alive can tell, probably few of us now here may live to see the end of it. It hath said, He that draws his Sword against his Prince, must throw away the Scab∣bard: Those Differences are scarce to be recon∣ciled,; these Commotions are like the deep Seas, being once stirred, are not soon appeased.

I wish the Observation of the Duke de Rohan in his Interest of Christendom, may prove a Cauti∣on, not a Prophecy. He saith of England, That it is a great Creature, which cannot be destroyed, but by its own hand. And there is not a more likely hand than that of Civil War to doe it.

The Issue of all War is like a Cast at Dice, none can tell upon what square the Alea belli will light. The best Issue that can be expected of a Civil War, is, Ʋbi victor flet, & victus perit; which of these will be our portion is uncertain, and the choice would be avoided.

Yet, Sir, when I have said this, I am not for a tame resignation of our Religion, Lives and Li∣berties, into the hands of our Adversaries, who seek to devour us. Nor do I think it inconsistent with your great Wisdom, to prepare for a just and necessary Defence of them.

It was truly observed by a Noble Gentleman, That if our Enemies find us provided to resist their At∣tempts upon us, it will be the likeliest way to bring them to an Accord with us. And upon this ground I am for the Question.

But I humbly move you to consider, whether it be not yet too soon to come to it. We have tried by Proposals of Peace to his Majesty, and they have been rejected: Let us try yet again, and appoint a Committee who may review our for∣mer Propositions.

And where they find the matter of them (as our Affairs now are) fit to be altered, that they present the Alterations to the House, and their Opinions; and that, as far as may stand with the Security of Us and our Cause, we may yield our Endeavours to prevent the Miseries which look black upon us, and to settle a good Accommoda∣tion; so that there may be no strife between us and those of the other Party, for we are Brethren.

After great Debate it was voted, That an Army * 1.25 should be raised for the Defence of King and Parlia∣ment: That the Earl of Essex should be Captain Ge∣neral of this Army, and the Earl of Bedford to be General of the Horse.

A Committee was appointed of both Houses to confer with the General, and to nominate Colo∣nels Field Officers and Captains of this Army.

The Earl of Holland, Sir John Holland and Sir Philip Stapleton, were sent with a Petition to the * 1.26 King to Beverly, To Disband his Forces, recal his Commissions of Array, dismiss his Guards, and to return to his Parliament: All which he re∣fused.

The Parliament were furnished with Money by * 1.27 Loans upon the Publick Faith, and by the endea∣vours of sundry Ministers, and others: a great quantity of Money, Plate and Ammunition was brought in, even by some poor Women, to their Wedding Rings and Bodkins.

The King was furnished with Moneys from the Queen, upon the pawned Jewels, and by Contri∣butions from the Cavalier Lords and Gentlemen, and a Loan from Oxford University.

The King removed from Beverley to Leicester, where he courted the Inhabitants: But the Earl of Stamford was there proclaimed Traytor, for he removed the County Magazine to his house, and set Guards about it; but the Parliament vindica∣ted him by a Declaration.

The King raiseth and arms a Regiment in York-shire * 1.28 for the Prince. The Parliament declare all the Commissioners of Array to be Traytors, and order them to be apprehended. And the King pro∣claims Essex, and all the Colonels and Officers of his Army, who should not instantly lay down Arms, to be Rebels and Traytors: And orders Marquess Hertford his Lieutenant General, to march against General Essex.

August 12. The King published his Proclama∣tion, and Declaration very large, in setting forth what he had done, in favour of the People, and satisfa∣ction of the Desires of the Parliament; then the evil Actions of the Parliament against him; and in all justi∣fies * 1.29 his own, and condemns the Parliaments Proceed∣ings. And is to be seen in Print.

The Parliament took 100000 l. of the 400000 l. voted to be raised for Ireland, which the King re∣members, and they justifie and recriminate the King's hindrance of the Irish business, and say, That some of his Counsellors fomented that Rebellion, and they promise satisfaction out of Delinquents E∣states to those who shall receive damage from the King's Party.

August 22. The King at Nottingham Erects his * 1.30 Standard, to which not so many resorted as was expected. Three days after, he sends Propositions to the Parliament by the Earl of Southampton, Sir * 1.31 John Culpepper and Sir William Ʋdall, Members of Parliament, but they were not admitted to sit in the House.

The Parliament gave Answer to this Message, That till the King recall his Proclamations of Treason * 1.32 against Essex and the rest; and take down his Stan∣dard, they can give no other Answer.

The King replies, That he never intended to de∣clare * 1.33 the Parliament Traytors, nor set up his Standard against them: But if Proclamations of Traytors be re∣called by them, he will recall his, and take down his Standard.

They desire him to put away his evil Counsellors, and to return to his Parliament: And vote, That the * 1.34 Arms of the Parliament for Religion, Laws and Li∣berties of the Kingdom, shall not be laid down, till De∣linquents be left to Justice; that their Estates may dis∣charge the Debts of the Commonwealth.

The Souldiers commit Outrages, which the King and Parliament labour to rectifie. Sir Thomas Barrington, and Mr. Grimstone in Essex, seize upon Sir John Lucas, and his Lady, and commit them to Prisons; and Lucas is proclaimed Traytor.

The Parliament for repayment of Loans upon Publick Faith, order Satisfaction out of the E∣states of Delinquents.

The Lord Strange is impeached of high Trea∣son, for raising Lancashire-men, by whom one Per∣civall was killed.

The King adjourned Michaelmas Term, and proclaims Nichols, Macworth, and Hunt of Shrop-shire, to be Traytors.

The Lord Fairfax and Mr. Bellasis conclude a Neutrality for Yorkshire, but the Parliament de∣clare the Lord Fairfax not bound to observe the Articles, but to assist the Parliament.

The Earl of Essex's Colours was a deep Yellow, others setting up another Colour, were held Ma∣lignants, * 1.35 and ill-affected to the Parliaments Cause. So small a thing is taken notice of in the Jealousies of War.

Intelligence being given to the House of Com∣mons, that the Earl of Berkshire, and divers Gen∣tlemen of principal quality in Oxfordshire, inten∣ded shortly to put in execution the King's Commis∣sion of Array at Wattleton.

They commanded Whitelocke to use his utmost Endeavours to prevent the execution of that Com∣mission in Oxfordshire, and to apprehend such of the Commissioners as should meet for that pur∣pose: and the better to enable him hereunto, they ordered some of the Regiment of Horse of Colo∣nel Goodwyn, and of the Regiment of Foot of Co∣lonel Hampden, to attend his Commands.

The Commissioners of Array having appointed their Meeting at Wattleton at a day, and the Coun∣try summoned to come in to them; Whitelocke sent for the Forces appointed to meet him; and in the Afternoon came to him a Troop of Horse, and a Company of Foot, and Hampden himself with them; and when they were met, they had Infor∣mation that the Commissioners having notice of the Parliaments Forces being in the Field, thought not fit to continue at Wattleton, but brake off their business, and not taking leave, or dismissing the Country, the Commissioners with their Company hasted to Sir Robert Dormer's house, and thither they were pursued; and when the Parliaments Company beleagured the house, they fired some Musquets and Pistols at them; but finding them∣selves too weak for the Parliament Party, and that they went about to storm the house, they presently yielded upon quarter.

Most of the Commissioners of Array were got away, only the Earl of Berkshire, and two or three more were taken, and conveyed to London.

The House of Lords committed the Earl, and the rest to Prison, where he lay for a long time after.

The King's General was first, the Marquess of Hertford, and shortly after the Earl of Lindsey; divers of his Forces quartered near Hull, seemed as if they had some design of beleaguring it.

Sir John Hotham, and Sir John Meldram his As∣sistant, * 1.36 sallied out upon them, surprized them, killed some, and took others Prisoners: and short∣ly after having a supply of five hundred men from London, they sallied out again, and discomfited some of their Forces, and burnt a Barn, with some Ammunition of the King's in it; and this was the first place where blood was drawn in this Contest.

The King marched from Nottingham to Stafford, and Leicester, and so to Wales; and at Shrewsbury his Army encreased to a considerable body.

The Parliament Forces rendezvous'd at S. Al∣bans, and from thence marched Northward to meet the King with a Petition from both Houses, and * 1.37 these Directions to their General.

1. To restrain all profaneness in the Army.

2. To march and fight the King's Army, and by Battel, or otherwise, to rescue his Person, and the Prince, and Duke of York, from those about him.

3. To present the Petition to his Majesty, and if he shall please to withdraw himself from his Army, and resort to his Parliament, then to cause those Forces to disband and to guard the King in his Return.

4. To declare pardon to those that will withdraw fom the King, except Richmond, Cumberland, New∣castle, Rivers, Caernarvan, Newark, Falkland, Nicholas, Porter and Hyde.

5. To receive, and certifie Contributions to be re∣paid.

6. To protect the good people, and to restore their losses.

7. To apprehend Traytors and Delinquents.

8. To observe further Directions.

He had a Committee with him, who with the General were to take Subscriptions of Loans, and order Matters concerning Malignants, and to con∣sider of the good of the Army.

The Parliament finding Supplies, and Officers sent by the Queen from Holland to the King; they sent over to the States, Mr. Strickland, to be their

Resident in the Low Countries, and with him a Declaration from the Lords and Commons.

The effect of it was, To acquaint them with the affairs and proceedings of the Parliament, and that it was not expected, that they who had formerly received * 1.38 the assistance of the English, to recover their Liberty, should now assist those whose design was to deprive the English Nation of their Rights and Liberties.

Goring held Portsmouth for the King, and hearing the County Trained Bands designed to surprize it, he met and skirmished with them and retired to the Town, but Sir John Meyrick's Regiment, and a Troup of Horse being sent by the Parliament to joyn with the Countrey, they so streightned Goring that, though Marquess Hertford hastened to his Re∣lief, yet he surrendred the Town, and took Ship for Holland.

The Marquess giving a Brush to the Earl of Bed∣ford by the way, seised upon Sherburne Castle, and from thence marched to the King to Shrewsbury.

Sir John Biron with some Troups for the King was unexpectedly set upon at Brackley by the Towns-men, and some Troups of the Parliament, in his March to Oxford, by whom he received some loss, yet came on to Oxford.

The Lord Say, Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, being then in the Countrey, upon this Alarm, sent to Whitelocke and the rest of his Deputy-Lieutenants, to bring what Forces they could to meet him near Oxford to remove the Lord Biron.

Whitelocke had a gallant Company of Horse of his Neighbours under his command. When he came near Oxford his Scouts brought him intelligence that the Lord Say with a Regiment of Dragoons, and the Lord St. John with him, and several Companies of his Regiment of Foot were upon their march to∣wards the place appointed for their Rendezvouse; but that Sir John Biron, hearing of their approach, had quitted the Town.

Whitelocke went on till he met the Lord Say, and with him were the Lord St. John, the Lord Ween∣man, and most of his Deputy-Lieutenants; and their Forces were in all above 3000 Horse, and Dra∣goons, and Foot, with whom they entred the City * 1.39 without any resistance, and were welcomed by the Towns-men, more than by the Scholars.

Yet besides the Mayor and Aldermen, the Vice-Chancellor and Heads of Houses, and Proctors, gave my Lord Say a visit; and protested, all of them, their duty to the Parliament, their desires of Peace, and ingaged themselves not to act any thing against the Parliament.

The Officers of the Forces in Council with the Lord Lieutenant, debated the consequence of this place, the strength of its situation, the plenty of the Countrey, the nearness to London, and the dis∣affection of the University to the Parliaments Cause.

That the King by his coming to Shrewsbury, and looking this way, and because of the conveniency of the place might probably make this a principal Quarter for his Forces, and fortify the City, which would prove a great prejudice to the Parlia∣ment.

To prevent which, it was propounded to the Lord Lieutenant to take a course that the Scholars might not supply His Majesty if he came thither, or rather to fortifie the City, and place a good Garrison here under a Governour whom his Lord∣ship might trust with so important a place as this was. And Whitelocke was named to be a fit person to be the Governour, and one whom both the Ci∣ty, and the University, and the Countrey there∣abouts did well know, and would be pleased with; and the Scholars the more, because they knew him to be a Scholar, and a Member of this Univer∣sity. But the Lord Say shewed no forwardness to fortify and make this City a Garrison.

This being spoken of abroad, divers of the Neighbours offered to bring in 1000 men at any time within a days warning, to be under White∣locke's command in the Garrison; and the Towns-men were very forward to ingage, so Whitelocke might be Governour: but the Lord Say declined it, pretending favour to the University and Coun∣trey, and the improbability in his opinion that the King would settle there, though that which follows in this Story will shew what a great errour was committed in not fortifying this place for the Par∣liament, as it might easily have been done at this time: and surely the Lord Lieutenant though a person of great parts, wisedom and integrity, yet did much fail in this particular.

Some of the Company moved his Lordship to seise upon, or to secure the Plate in the several Colleges, that it might not be made use of by the King, if he should come thither, but he did not think fit to doe it; onely, he and his Deputy Lieutenants went to the several Colleges, and took an Ingagement, and Promise from the respective Heads, That their Plate should be forth coming, and should not be made use of by the King against the Par∣liament.

Many with his Lordship, were unsatisfied with this his favour to the University, and foretold the ill consequences of it, which afterwards happened to the prejudice of the Parliament.

But his Lordship had the sole power in himself, and thus carried all this business, for which he had no thanks from either party.

Sir John Biron marched away from Oxford with 500 Horse to Worcester, and took in the Town for the King.

About the beginning of November, the two Princes Palatine, Rupert and Maurice, arrived in England; and were put into Command, in the Army of the King their Uncle, who had now got∣ten together a potent Army, to whom he made a Speech, declaring his intentions to preserve the Prote∣stant * 1.40 Religion, Laws, and Liberties of his Subjects, and Priviledges of Parliament.

Sept. 9. 1642. The Earl of Essex in much state, accompanied by many of both Houses of Parlia∣ment, sets out from London to St. Albans, from thence to Northampton, where his Forces met him, and they were together above 15000 men.

The Parliaments Petition which he carried with him, was refused to be received by the King, who now had furnished himself with store of money, by melting, in his new Mint in Wales, the Plate which was brought in to him, in great quantities, and from thence he marcheth towards London.

The Parliament having notice thereof, order the Trained Bands to be in readiness, and fortify the passages about the City, with Posts, Chains, and Courts of Guard; and it was wonderfull to see how the Women, and Children, and vast numbers of people would come to work, about digging, and carrying of earth, to make their new fortifica∣tions.

The Parliament vote those that will not contribute * 1.41 to their Charges, to be secured and disarmed. Mr. Fountaine the Lawyer was for his refusal committed; but afterwards, as will appear in the progress of this Story, he, and many others refused, and again assisted on both sides, as they saw the Wind to blow.

The Parliament appoint a Committee for the Sequestration of the Lands of Bishops, and of Deans and Chapters, and of the King's Revenues,

to be employed for defence of the Common-wealth.

Colonel Nathaniel Fines, with some Forces rai∣sed by the Lord Say, and Colonel Sandys, marched to Worcester, to remove Sir John Biron from thence, and expected General Essex to second them; but in stead of him, came Prince Rupert, and slew and routed all the Parliament Party. Sandys was taken Prisoner, and shortly after died of his Wounds.

Essex coming on with his Army, after he had Garrison'd Northampton, Coventry, and Warwick; Rupert and Biron thought fit to quit Worcester to him; and Essex sent from thence the Earl of Stam∣ford with a Party to Hereford, to hinder the For∣ces of South Wales from joyning with the King.

Stamford marches from Hereford to Gloucester, and called away from thence, leaves Massey Gover∣nour there. Colonel Tho. Essex is sent to Garrison Bristol, and left Governour of Worcester. Some Forces are sent to Kiddermister, and Beaudley, to joyn with the Lord Wharton's Regiment, and Sir Henry Chomley's; and at Coventry, and Warwick lay the Lord Peterburgh, Sir William Constable, and Co∣lonel Brown, with their Regiments, to oppose the King's march to London: and at Yarmouth they sei∣sed a Ship with 140 Cavaliers, and 300 Barrels of Powder, sent from Holland to the King.

In Yorkshire the King's Party grew strong, under the Earl of Cumberland, Sir Francis Worsley, Sir * 1.42 Marmaduke Langdale, Sir Thomas Glemham, Mr. Nevill, and others, who forced Hotham to retreat to Hull.

In Cornwal under Sir Ralph Hopton their General, Sir Nich. Slamning, Sir Bevill Greenville, and o∣thers, * 1.43 they possessed Launceston for the King, and with a considerable Body opposed the Parliamenta∣rians. In Wales the Earl of Worcester raised a great number of Welch, and marched to the King.

The King having gained a days March of Essex toward London, Essex finding his errour of so long a stay at Worcester, hastens after the King.

The Parliament, and their Party, were not a little troubled at the King's March towards the City, and the suspicion of a great Party hereabouts that would joyn with him, and had invited him this way, they used all means to stop his March, and to hasten General Essex after him.

They sent down their Members Deputy Lieute∣nants into several Counties towards the Army, to gather together such Forces as were raised, and to send them to their General, and to raise such fur∣ther as they could.

Oct. 24. Intelligence was brought from Ʋxbridge Road that divers of the Officers, and Soldiers of the Parliaments Army, particularly Sir James Ram∣sey, a Scot, who commanded a Regiment of Horse under Essex, rode hastily this morning through Ʋxbridge, and upon that rode towards London, and reported, That the Parliaments Army was bro∣ken, * 1.44 and wholly discomfited, and many of the Officers slain, and taken Prisoners.

Other Scouts brought other Intelligence quite different from the former, and much more welcom. They had it from divers upon the Road who were galloping to London with the News, That the Earl of Essex had totally routed the King's Army, killed, and taken many of them, and gained a full Victory. But the Parliament had a great Deliverance, and a small Victory, the particular passages were thus: The King disdaining to be pursued by Essex, turns back to meet him, and Oct. 23. being Sunday, both the Armies drew into the Field, between Kine∣ton and Edge-hill, in Warwickshire. The King had the top of the Hill, from whence he viewed the Parliaments Army; who saluted him with three pieces of Cannon, which was answered with two shot of the Kings.

The Fight began about two a Clock in the After∣noon, the Generals of both Armies performed their parts with great Courage and Gallantry, leading on their Forces with Pikes in their hands, but were ad∣vised to change that posture, as fitter for a private Soldier, than for a General.

The greatest Body of the King's Horse was in his Right Wing, commanded by Prince Rupert, who furiously charged the Left Wing of the Parli∣ament, commanded by Commissary General Ram∣sey; whom he routed, and pursued to Kineton down with great slaughter.

But the Left Wing of the King's Horse had not the same success, but was broken, and routed by the Right Wing of the Parliaments Horse, com∣manded by Sir William Balfour, Sir Philip Stapleton, the Lord Fielding and Colonel Hurrey.

General Lindsey being far ingaged, was taken Prisoner, and died presently after of his Wounds; with him was taken the Lord Willoughby of Ersby his Son, Sir Edmund Verney the Standard-bearer was slain, and the Standard taken, and rescued a∣gain by Mr. John Smith, who was Knighted for it, and made Standard-bearer.

Both Armies, Horse and Foot performed their parts with great Valour and Bravery, night parted the Fight, and both Armies retreat each counting themselves Victors. On both sides were lost be∣tween 5000 and 6000 Men.

On the King's side the General Lindsey, and Sir Edmund Verney; on the Parliaments part Colo∣nel Thomas Essex, and Lieutenant Colonel Ramsey, and the Lord S. John, taken Prisoner, soon after died.

The King marched toward Aino, Essex kept up∣on the place where the Battel was fought, and the next day marched towards Coventry.

Some of his Friends were very much against his marching thither, but rather advised him to pursue the King, and to make a fresh attacque upon him: there being come in to Essex after the Battel, three fresh Regiments, The Lord Willoughby of Parham his Regiment of Horse, and the two Regiments of Foot of Hollis, and Hampden, gallant, stout and fresh Regiments.

But Essex was disswaded from it by Colonel Dal∣bier, and some others; but the three fresh Colo∣nels, Stapleton, and several others advised it; and probably had he with these fresh Forces made a new assault upon the King's disordered and tyred Army, it might have gone far to have put an issue to the business.

Upon the News of this Battel all Countreys were alarmed and frighted being a strange thing in Eng∣land.

From Aino, Oct. 27. The King sends a Proclama∣tion of Pardon to the Cities of London and West∣minster, excepting onely Fulke and Manwaring.

Banbury Town and Castle surrendred without Blows to the King, two Foot Regiments, and a Troup of Horse there of the Parliaments took up Arms for the King; who now brought his whole Army to Oxford, and thereby the Error of the * 1.45 Lord Say, in not fortifying this place before when it was in his power, for the Parliament, was the more evident.

Prince Rupert takes in the Lord Say's House at Broughton, and made excursions near London, which caused the Parliament to order Essex to * 1.46 bring his Army near London for their safeguard: which he did, and was honourably received at Westminster, Novemb. the 7^th, and presented with a gratuity of 5000 l. and a Declaration of his valiant

and acceptable Service in the bloody Battel of Edg-hill.

The Papists of Lancashire were allowed to bear Arms, which in many Protestants wrought a Cen∣sure on the King, for too much favouring, and en∣tertaining them in his Army.

The Parliament order, That all Apprentices who will list themselves in their Army, shall have their time of that Service for their Freedom: which brought many of them into their Army; they also invite the Scots to come in to their assistance, which the King seeks to prevent, but in vain.

Prince Rupert ranged abroad with great Parties, who committed strange insolencies, and violences, upon the Countrey: at Ailsbury he failed of his de∣sign, by the care and stoutness of Colonel Bulstrode Governour there.

The King takes a resolution, and not without grounds of reason, to advance to London, and all his Army marcheth to Reading, Henley, and those parts; Prince Rupert's Brigade quartered at Hen∣ley, and of them a Regiment of Horse at Fawley Court.

The King marched forward with his great Ar∣my * 1.47 towards London, and the Parliament having voted an Address to him for Peace, desired a safe con∣duct for the Earls of Northumberland, and Pem∣broke, and for Mr. Pierpoint, the Lord Weenman, Sir John Evelyn, and Sir John Hippsley, to present their Petition to his Majesty.

But he excepted against Sir John Evelyn, because he had proclaimed him Traytor, which so irritated the Houses, that they voted it a refusal of a Treaty, and acquainted the City therewith.

But afterwards the Petition was sent to the King * 1.48 at Colnebrook, by the other Commissioners without Sir John Evelyn, and was to desire him to appoint his residence in some place near London, where the Com∣missioners of Parliament might attend him with proposi∣tions of a Peace, and the King appointed his Castle of Windsor for that purpose, and desired that the Treaty might be speeded,

The Commissioners of Parliament being newly departed from the King, he was informed That Essex had drawn forth his Cannon, and Forces out of London, and was advised to take in Brainford; whither he advanced the same Night.

There, were quartered part of the Regiment of Colonel Hollis, who were very stout men, as ap∣peared by the resistance which they made to the King's Forces, and though many of them were slain, and divers driven into the River, and drown∣ed, being mightily overpowred with Numbers; yet they defended themselves, till the Lord Brook's, and Hampden's Regiment came in to their relief: and when Night came on, they quitted the Town, and the King possessed it.

This being known to the Parliament Nov. 13. they sent a Committee to the City to move them to send forth their Trained Bands the next day to joyn with Essex for defence of the City and Parlia∣ment, against the King's Forces at Brainford.

The City were in much trouble, and different Opinions, but the Lord Mayor Pennington, and Of∣ficers of the Militia, named by the Parliament were so forward, that what was desired was resolved by the City.

General Essex was advised to order some of his Horse and Foot to the number of about 3000 who then were quartered at Kingston, that they should march to Hunsloe, and be on that side of the King's Army, and Essex with his Party, and the City Forces to advance on the other side of them from London, and so the Army of the King would be en∣compassed between these two strong Parties of the Parliament Forces, which doubtless would have been a very great advantage to the Parliament Forces.

But Dalbier chiefly, and Sir John Meyricke, and others gave contrary advice, which was followed, and the Forces at Kingston commanded to march round about by London-bridge into London, and from thence to joyn with the Parliament Army; whereby they came late and tyred when they were to have done Service.

The City Bands marched forth very chearfully under the Command of Major General Skippon, who made short, and encouraging Speeches to his Soul∣diers, which were to this purpose.

Come my Boys, my brave Boys, let us pray heartily * 1.49 and fight heartily, I will run the same fortunes and hazards with you, remember the Cause is for God; and for the defence of your selves, your wives, and children: Come my honest brave Boys, pray heartily and fight heartily, and God will bless us.

Thus he went all along with the Souldiers, talk∣ing to them, sometimes to one Company, and sometimes to another; and the Souldiers seemed to be more taken with it, then with a sett, formal Oration.

Beyond Hammer smith in a Lane were placed the * 1.50 great Guns ready to be drawn up as there should be occasion, & a little beyond that were the Carriages, in a Field close to the High-way, placed with great Guards about them for their defence. The whole Army was drawn up in Battalia in a Common called Turnham-green, about a mile from Brainford. Essex had there a strong Party of Horse, stout men, well horsed and armed; Sir Philip Stapleton's Regiment, and Colonel Goodwin's Regiments of Horse, had the Van.

The other Regiments of Horse were placed on both Wings, the Foot of the Army were in good plight, and well Armed; and were placed in the Body one Regiment of them, and another of the City Band, one by another, and some were left for reserves.

The order and marshalling of them was chiefly by the Earl of Holland, who took great pains, and shewed good skill in Martial affairs: with him were the Earl of Northumberland, and most of the Lords who continued with the Parliament, & divers Mem∣bers of the House of Commons, and all were armed.

The General Essex likewise took great pains in the Field, and accompanied with the Lords and Commons with him, rode from Regiment to Re∣giment encouraging of them; and when he had spo∣ken to them, the Souldiers would throw up their Caps, and shout, crying, Hey for old Robin.

The whole Army of Horse and Foot, consisted of above 24000 Men; stout, gallant, proper Men, as well habited and armed, as were ever seen in any Army, and seemed to be in as good courage to fight the Enemy.

The General Essex, and the Lords, and others with him upon consultation together in the Field, thought fit to command a Party of two Regiments of Horse, and four of Foot to march about from the Green by Acton, and so to get beyond the King's Army, and upon a Sign when they fell upon the King's Army on that side, Essex and his Forces were to fall upon them on this side, and so to have them between both Parties of their Army.

Accordingly orders were given, and Hampden's Regiment being one of that party which were to go about, they had the Van next to the Horse, and after they had marched about a mile on their way, and the Enemy began to gaze on them, Sir John Meyricke Major General to Essex rode gal∣loping after them.

When he had overtaken them, he told them, that the General had changed his resolution of di∣viding his Forces, and had sent him expresly to command them to retreat back again to the rest of the Army: at which they were exceedingly trou∣bled.

They all retreated according to command to Turnham-green, where the whole Army stood ma∣ny hours in Battalia, as the King's Army had done, facing one another.

Whensoever either of them advanced towards the other, or that the Souldiers shouted, then two or 300 Horsemen, who came from London to be Spectators, would gallop away towards London as fast as they could ride, to the discouragement of the Parliaments Army; and divers of the Souldiers would steal from their Colours towards their home, the City.

It was then consulted whether the Parliament Army should advance, and fall upon the King's Forces, which was the opinion of most of the Par∣liament men, and Gentlemen, who were Officers; but the Souldiers of fortune were altogether against it; and while they were consulting the King had drawn off his Carriages, and Ordnance, and when every one spake his opinion, the General gave his Orders as he thought best.

The City Good-wives, and others, mindfull of their Husbands and Friends, sent many Cart loads of Provisions, and Wines, and good things to Turnbam-green, with which the Souldiers were re∣freshed, and made merry; and the more, when they understood that the King, and all his Army * 1.51 were retreated.

Upon this was another Consultation whether the Parliament Army should pursue them, which all advised, but the old Souldiers of fortune: on whose judgment the General most relied; and their reasons were That it was too hazardous to follow the Enemy, and honour and safety enough to the Parliament that the King was retreated.

But some of the King's Party did afterwards confess that if they had fallen on them at this time, they had not Bullet enough to have maintained fight for a quarter of an hour, but that, in proba∣bility, they had wholly broken them, and that this was the Cause of their retreat. And God had a further Controversie yet against them.

The King being marched away, the General gave Orders for the Citizens to go home, which they gladly obeyed; to return to their Wives and Families that night.

The King marched back to Colnebrooke, from thence to Reading, and so to Oxford, his most con∣venient quarter.

This Action of the King, in the time of a Trea∣ty, was so ill resented by many men, that they spake very hardly of it; and the Parliament voted * 1.52 that they would have no accommodation. Yet upon a Message from him, that he intended to march at such a distance from London, as might take away all * 1.53 misapprehension, and not hinder the preparing of their Propositions.

They again send a Petition to him to desert his Army, and to return to his Parliament. In the mean * 1.54 time Letters from Holland to the King are inter∣cepted, whereby Notice is given him of store of Am∣munition * 1.55 and Money, sent to him from thence, and of an Embassadour coming from Denmark to the King, and Colonel Cockeram with him.

The Earl of New Castle, in the North hath great Forces for the King, and overpowred the Lord Fairfax.

Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Hertford, Cambridge and Ely, associate under the Lord Grey of Warke, for the Parliament. Winchester and Chester are gained by the Parliaments Forces.

Goring lands with the Queen's Standard, and store of Officers and Ammunition from Holland, and joyns with New Castle.

The City of London petition the King professing * 1.56 their grief for his distrust of them, and their loyalty to him, he answers, that he hath a good opinion of many * 1.57 of them, and could willingly pardon all, except Pen∣nington, Ven, Fowke, and Manwaring; and he threatens such as shall continue to assist his Ad∣versaries.

The City were put in heart again by the Speeches * 1.58 of Mr. Rym, and the Committee of Parliament to their Common Council, of the Houses love to the City, and resolution to live and die in their de∣fence.

In the North the Parliaments Forces prevail a∣gain; Sir Hugh Cholmley defeats some of the Ene∣mies * 1.59 at Malton, and Jan. 16. he and Sir Matthew Bointon at Gisborough rout a party of 600, killed many, took 15 Prisoners, whereof their Comman∣der Slingsby was one, and 200 Arms.

Sir Thomas Fairfax carries Leeds, and took there four Colours, 500 Prisoners, with much Arms and Ammunition; then Wakefield, and Doncaster yield themselves to the Parliament.

The Earl of New Castle draws down his Forces towards York, to prepare for the Queen's enter∣tainment, and proclaims the Lord Fairfax, and Sir Thomas Fairfax his Son, Traytors, and the Par∣liament did the like for the Earl.

The Parliament resolved to send some Propositi∣ons * 1.60 to the King, and named their Commissioners two of the House of Lords, and four of the House of Commons, to present their Propositions to His Majesty.

The Lords were, the Earl of Northumberland, and the Lord Say, the King refused to grant a safe conduct for the Lord Say, because he had been proclaimed by him to be a Traitor; so another was put in, and four Lords and eight Commoners na∣med to carry the Propositions to the King: and January 28. the King granted his safe Conduct for them to come to him, which was in this form.

CHARLES REX,

Our will and pleasure is, and we do hereby streightly charge, and command all the Officers and Souldiers of * 2.1 our present Army, and all our Ministers and Subjects whatsoever, to permit and suffer our Right Trusty, and Right well beloved Cosins and Counsellors, Alger∣noon Earl of Northumberland, Philip Earl of Pem∣broke and Montgomery, William Earl of Salisbury, and Henry Earl of Holland: Our right trusty and right well beloved Thomas Viscount Weenman, and Richard Viscount Dungarnon, and our trusty and well beloved Sir John Holland, and Sir William Litton, Knights; William Pierpoint, Bulstrode White∣locke, Edmund Waller, and Richard Winwood, Esquires; together with their Servants, to pass and repass to and from us, they being sent to tender us Propo∣sitions from our two Houses of Parliament. This our safe Conduct under our Sign Manual and Privy Signet, we charge and command them, and every of them, punctually to observe and obey as they will answer the contrary at their utmost perils.

Given at our Court at Oxford the 28. day of January 1642.

After this safe Conduct sent from the King, the Parliament Commissioners took their Journey to Oxford, the Commissioners were admitted by the Lords, two with each Lord in their Coaches, which were with six gallant Horses in every Coach, and

a great number of their Servants on Horse back to attend them.

In this Equipage they came to Oxford, where the Governour assigned them their quarters.

They had their first access to the King in the * 2.2 Garden of Christ Church, where he was walking with the Prince, and divers of the Lords attending him. All of them kissed his hand, not as they were ranked in the safe Conduct, but according to their several degrees. Mr. Pierpoint before the Knights, he being an Earls Son, and Mr. Winwood before Mr. Whitelocke, he being the eldest Knights Son; and Mr. Waller was the last. The King said to him though you are the last, yet you are not the worst, nor the least in my favour.

The discovery of a Plot then in hand in London, to betray the Parliament, wherein Mr. Waller was ingaged with Challoner, Tomkins, and others, which was then in agitation, did manifest the King's Courtship to Mr. Waller to be for that Service.

After they had all kissed the King's Hand, the Prince gave them his Hand to kiss.

The Earl of Northumberland read the Propositi∣ons to the King with a sober, and stout carriage, and being interrupted by the King, he said smartly, Your Majesty will give me leave to proceed? the King answered, I, I, and so the Earl read them all through.

The Heads of the Parliaments Propositions to * 2.3 the King, were To disband his Army, and return to his Parliament, leave Delinquents to Trial, and Pa∣pists to be disarmed.

To pass a Bill for abolishing Bishops, &c. and such other Bills as should be presented for Reformation, Re∣cusants to abjure Papacy, to remove malignant Coun∣sellors, to settle the Militia, as the Parliament desired, to prefer to Offices such as the Parliament should name, to take in all that were put out of Commissions of the Peace.

A Bill to vindicate the Lord Kimbolton, and five Members, to enter into Alliance for the Palatinate, to grant a general Pardon, excepting New Castle, Dig∣by, and others.

To restore Parliament Members to their Offices, and to restore their losses.

On the other side the King proposed, * 2.4

That his Revenue, Magazins, Towns, Ships and Forts be restored.

That what hath been done contrary to Law, and the King's Right may be recalled.

That all illegal power claimed, or acted by Orders of Parliament, be disclaimed. As the King will consent to the execution of all Laws, concerning Popery or Re∣formation; so he desires a Bill for preserving the Book of Common Prayer against Sectaries, that all persons excepted against in the Treaty, may be tried per pa∣res, with a cessation of Arms, and for a free Trade.

Thus way was made for a Treaty, but nothing further done in it, till 4. Martii after.

The Queen landed with Officers, Money and Ammunition in the North, and is conveyed to York, where she forms an Army.

Massey attempting to storm Sudely Castle, was beaten off, he possesseth the Garden, fires much * 2.5 Hay and Straw, and under the smoak thereof plan∣ted his Ordnance so advantageously against it, that the besieged rendred it upon quarter, leaving their Arms behind.

A few days after, Prince Rupert with 4000 Horse and Foot, marcheth by it to Cirencester; where the Magazine of the County lay, this he took, put∣ting the Earl of Stamford's Regiment, and many others to the sword: took 1100 Prisoners, and 3000 Arms.

These Prisoners were led in much triumph to Oxford, where the King, and Lords looked on them, and too many smiled at their misery, being tied together with cords almost naked, beaten, and driven along like Dogs.

Among them was a proper handsome man of a very white Skin, where it could be seen for the blood of his wounds, he not being able to goe, was set naked upon the bare back of an Horse, his wounds gaping, and his Body smeared with blood; yet he sate upright upon the Horse, with an un∣daunted countenance, and when near the King a brawling woman cried out to him, Ah you traiterly Rogue, you are well enough served, he, with a scorn∣full look towards her answered, you base Whore: and instantly dropped off, dead from his Horse.

And the beginning of such cruelty by English men towards their Countreymen, was afterwards too too much followed.

Prince Rupert summons Gloucester, which Massey resolves to hold out; and the better to strengthen himself, deserts Sudeley, and other Out-Garri∣sons.

The Welsh Army under the Earl of Worcester, and the Lord Herbert his Son, having beaten Colo∣nel Burroughs his Regiment, sit down before Glou∣cester, which they summoned, but Massey returned a scornfull Answer: Colonel Fines came to him with 200 Horse, and Dragoons; and not long af∣ter, Sir William Waller with his Forces. The Welsh were routed, and the Earl after sive weeks siege, without any memorable Action departed.

The Scots pass over the Tyne with a compleat * 2.6 Army into England, to assist the Parliament. Their General was Lesley, who had been an old Com∣mander * 2.7 in the service of the Swedes, where he had great and deserved Reputation. He was a person of great worth and honour, not so good a Clerk as a Souldier.

The Pope sent into Ireland to encourage the * 2.8 Rebels there, bestows upon them his fatherly Be∣nediction, and plenary Absolution.

The Germans received several defeats from the Swedes in Germany, and from the French; and this year died the famous Polititian Cardinal Richlieu, * 2.9 and not long after him, his Master Lewys the XIII. King of France died in the midst of his Catalonian Conquests, leaving his Son Lewys the XIV under the tuition and government of his Mother the Queen Dowager, and of Cardinal Mazarin, Rich∣lieu's Successour.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Address at York.
• * 1.2

  Message.
• * 1.3

  Hull.
• * 1.4

  Reasons.
• * 1.5

  Answer.
• * 1.6

  Hotham.
• * 1.7

  Hull.
• * 1.8

  Messages.
• * 1.9

  Vote.
• * 1.10

  Militia.
• * 1.11

  Gardiner.
• * 1.12

  Different Opinions.
• * 1.13

  Declara∣tion.
• * 1.14

  Scots in∣terpose.
• * 1.15

  Vote.
• * 1.16

  Order.
• * 1.17

  Nineteen Proposi∣tions.
• * 1.18

  Commis∣sion of Array.
• * 1.19

  Lord Kee∣per Little∣ton.
• * 1.20

  Protesta∣tion at York.
• * 1.21

  Declara∣tion.
• * 1.22

  Message.
• * 1.23

  Earl of Warwick.
• * 1.24

  Lord Wil∣loughby.
• * 1.25

  Votes for an Army.
• * 1.26

  Petition.
• * 1.27

  Money rais'd.
• * 1.28

  Several proclaim'd Traytors.
• * 1.29

  Declara∣tion.
• * 1.30

  Standard at Nottingham
• * 1.31

  Message.
• * 1.32

  Answer.
• * 1.33

  Reply.
• * 1.34

  Vote.
• * 1.35

  Colours.
• * 1.36

  Hull.
• * 1.37

  Directions to the Ge∣neral.
• * 1.38

  Declarati∣on.
• * 1.39

  Oxford.
• * 1.40

  King's Speech.
• * 1.41

  Vote.
• * 1.42

  Yorkshire.
• * 1.43

  Cornwal.
• * 1.44

  Edghill Fight.
• * 1.45

  The King at Oxford.
• * 1.46

  Essex.
• * 1.47

  An Ad∣dress for Peace.
• * 1.48

  Petition.
• * 1.49

  Skippon his Speeches.
• * 1.50

  Turnham-green.
• * 1.51

  The King's Forces re∣treat.
• * 1.52

  Vote.
• * 1.53

  Message.
• * 1.54

  Petition.
• * 1.55

  Letters in∣tercepted.
• * 1.56

  Petition.
• * 1.57

  Answer.
• * 1.58

  City.
• * 1.59

  Sir Hugh Cholmley.
• * 1.60

  Propositi∣ons for Peace.
• * 2.1

  Safe Con∣duct.
• * 2.2

  Treaty at Oxford.
• * 2.3

  Propositi∣ons.
• * 2.4

  The King's Propositi∣ons.
• * 2.5

  Massey.
• * 2.6

  Scots come in.
• * 2.7

  Lesley.
• * 2.8

  Ireland.
• * 2.9

  Richlieu dies. Lewys the XIII. dies.