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, 1645.

1. Upon a Petition from the Militia of London, the House ordered, that the Committee of the Mi∣litia at the Savoy, should execute the Warrants of the Militia of London, upon the Ordinance for searching for Delinquents and Papists, and turning them out of the lines of Communication, and should be saved harmless therein by the House.

They also took care for the payment of the Ar∣rears, to the Waggoners of Sir James Harrington's Brigade.

Orders for Writs, for New Elections in several places. And that none who had taken up Arms a∣gainst the Parliament, should be capable to be chosen a member of Parliament.

Orders for pay for the Garrison of Leicester, and for a Collection for the poor in that Town and County.

Order for the Committee of the three Counties, to sign a Warrant to their Treasurer, for a fort∣nights pay for Reformadoes.

Intelligence came, that the Clubmen of Gloucest∣er, and Somerset-shire, have expressed good affection to Sir Thomas Fairfax's Army.

That Somerset-shire, raised 2000 men, who joyned with a party of Sir Thomas Fairfax's Army, and they took the strong Fort of Ports-head-point, and in it, 6 peices of Ordnance, a Demy Culverin, and 200 Arms; and that 36 of the Garrison had terms to go to their houses, the rest were run a∣way before, one of the terms was an Oath, never to bear Arms against the Parliament.

That the Parliament Forces seized upon a Ship in Avon, with 12 peices of Ordnance, 50 priso∣ners, and store of Ammunition.

That Sir Bernard Ashley, and Colonel Daniell, ri∣ding out of the works at Bristol, to see the Parlia∣ment Leagure, Colonel Daniel was slain, had 7 bul∣lets in his Body, and Sir Bernard Ashley was taken prisoner.

2. In a Letter from M. G. Major, was inclosed another by him intercepted, from G. Goring to the King, who informes his Majesty, that he is ready to joyn with his Brigade of horse, to raise the siege of Bristol, and that his Army consists of between 11 and 12 thousand.

The Ordinance of Sequestration explained, as to the fifth part for Wifes and Children of Delin∣quents and Papists, That it shall not be extended to those who come purposely out of the King's Quarters to the Parliament, to have this fifth part, but to such as have been, or shall continue in the Parliaments Quar∣ters, and to such Children of Papists, as shall be brought up in the Protestant Religion.

Order for a fifth part to the Widows and Chil∣dren of Souldiers, slain in the service of the Parlia∣ment.

Intelligence came from Scotland, that Montrosse had summoned Edenburg and many of the Scots Lords were come to Berwicke, and the Chancellor of Scotland went to get L. G. Lesley, with his horse to advance thither.

Order for money for the Army, and for the For∣ces of M. G. Pointz.

Intelligence coming to the House, that the King had again left Oxford, and was gone with 3500 Horse and Dragoons towards Camden, they order∣ed M. G. Pointz, and Colonel Rossiter, to attend his motions; and if he went towards Hereford, to Correspond with G. Leven, and assist him, and if the King went towards Bristol, then to Correspond with Sir Thomas Fairfax, and the Scots Commission∣ers to have notice of this Order.

Pointz and Rossiter, accordingly with other For∣ces followed the King, and the Common Council of London did agree, that every one of them should furnish out a horse and arms, to make up with other Forces a flying Army to attend the King.

Basing house continued blocked up by Colonel Dalbier.

3. The House fell into the debate of the great business of the Church, the points of Excommunica∣tion, and Suspension from the Sacrament.

Seld••n declared his Opinion.

That for 4000 years, there was no sign of any Law, to suspend persons from Religious exercises.

That under the Law, every sinner was eo nomine, to come to offer, as he was a sinner: And no Priest, or other Authority had to do with him, unless it might be made appear to them, whether another did repent or not, which was hard to be done.

Strangers were kept away from the Pass-over, but they were Pagans, and such as were not of the Jewish Religion; The question is not now for keeping away Pa∣gans in times of Christianity, but Protestants from Protestant Worship. No Divine can shew that there is any such command as this, to suspend from the Sacra∣ment.

If after Christ suffered, the Jews had become Chri∣stians, the same ground upon which they went as to their Sacrifices, would have been as to the Sacrament. And certainly, no way nor command to keep any one from partaking of it.

No man is kept from the Sacrament, eo nomine, be∣cause he is guilty of any sin, by the Constitution of the reformed Churches, or because he hath not made satis∣faction.

Every man is a sinner, the difference is only, the one is in private, and the other a sinner in publick. The one is as much against God, as the other.

Dic Ecclesiae, in S. Matthew, was the Courts of Law, which then sate in Jerusalem. No man can shew any Excommunication till the Popes, Victor & Zepho∣rius (200 Years after Christ) first began to use it up∣on private quarrels: thereby Excommunication is but humane Invention; it was taken from the Heathen.

Another of the Members spake to this effect.

Mr. Speaker,

The Assembly of Divines, have petitioned and advi∣sed the House of Commons, that in every Presbytery or Presbyterian Congregation, the Pastors and ruling El∣ders, may have the power of Excommunication, and the power of suspending such as they shall Judge ignorant or scandalous persons from the Sacrament.

By Pastors, I suppose they mean themselves, and others who are or may be Preachers in the several Con∣gregations, and would be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Bishops, or overseers of those Congregations.

By ruling Elders, I take their meaning to be a select number of such as in every one of those Congrega∣tions shall be chosen for the Execution of the Church Government, and Discipline in them respectively.

They may properly enough be called Pastors from our Saviour's charge to his Disciples, pasce oves meas, feed my Sheep, so that a Pastor is to feed those committed to his charge, with spiritual food, as the Shepherd feeds his flock with temporal: if so, how improper then will it be for those who are to feed the flock to desire the power to Excommunicate any, to keep them from food, to suspend any from the Sacrament, to drive them from feeding on the bread of life, to forbid any to eat of that whereof Christ the great Shepherd of our Souls hath said, take, eat, &c.

To forbid those to drink whom they shall judge unwor∣thy, when our Saviour himself said, drink ye all of this, and S. Mark, chap. 14. saith, and they all drank of the Cup.

In the Old Testament, Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the Waters, and he that hath no money, come ye buy and eat, yea come buy Milk and Wine without Money and without Price, said the Prophet Isaiah; yet now his successors would be authorised, to say to some persons, you do not thirst, though themselves say they do, and to deny them Milk and Water, Bread and Wine, when they desire it.

Surely it is not proper for Pastors, for Feeders of flocks to deny food to any of their flock who shall de∣sire it.

But some have said, that it is the part of a good Shep∣herd if he see one of his Sheep going astray into a ground where the grass will bring the rot, to chace him out of that pasture. And they apply it to spiritual Pastors, suspending those from the Sacrament whom they fear by the unworthy receiving of it may eat and drink their own damnation.

This may be a charitable simile, but will hardly be found a full answer, for it is not the receiving of the Sacrament, but the unworthiness of the Receiver that brings destruction. And whether he be unworthy or not, it is not in the Judgment of Pastor, or of any other, but of the party onely who is the Sinner, for none can know his heart but himself, and a Commis∣sion will scarce be produced for any other to be judge thereof. The person refused may say to the Pastor in this case quis constituit te judicem?

Besides the Authority desired is not onely of suspen∣sion, but of Excommunication which is a total dri∣ving, or thundring away of the party from all spiritu∣al food whatsoever. And if a Shepherd shall chace a∣way his Sheep from all pastures, that indeed will bring the hunger-rot upon them.

The more sinful persons are, the more they have need of instruction; and where can they have it better than from the lips of the learned and pious Pastors, which ought to preserve knowledg.

But it hath been said that the ruling Elders are to joyn with them, let us inquire who they are, in some Congregations in Country Villages, perhaps they may not be very learned themselves; yet the authority to be given them is sufficiently great.

The word Elders amongst the Hebrews signified the men of greatest power and dignity: The Members of their great Sanhedrim were styled Elders, so were the Princes of their Tribes.

The Grecians had the appellation in like esteem, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which we translate Elders, was given to their greatest men, and from thence is fetched the Name of Presbyters or Priests, Presbytery and Presbyterian Government.

The Phoenicians, Tyrians, and other particular Nations used the word Elder in the like sense, and sty∣led their Generals and Princes by the name of El∣ders.

The Romans did the like, their Senate and their Se∣nators came all from Senes, Elders, and from them to this day the French, Spaniards, and Italians re∣tain the Titles of Seigneur, Seigniori, Seniori and the like for their greatest men. And in England we give the name of Earls to our great Lords, from El∣der, and to the King himself the title of Sir, abstrac∣ted from Seigneur an Elder.

In Towns they still keep the title of Aldermen, that is Eldermen for the Chief and Rulers of the Corporation. And so they may allow the title of Elders to the cheif and select men of every Presbytery.

Yet if this Power, Excommunication and Suspen∣sion be allowed them, they may well challenge the title of Elders in the highest signification.

The Power of the Keys is a great power; The Ro∣mish Church will acknowledge it, and the foundation of their Supremacy to be built upon it. Whatsoever they bind or loose on earth to be bound or loosed in heaven is a power which may claim the highest title imaginable.

Although I can never presume that the reverend and pious learned Gentlemen, who aym at this power, can have the least supposition of any such effect by it; yet if any petitioners should sue to you to be made Judges or Justices, I believe you would judge their Petition the less modest, and them the less fit for such Offices, but to this I make no application, and I hope none shall make any use of it.

Power is thought fit to be given to suspend from the Sacrament two sorts of persons, the ignorant and the scandalous.

I am sure that I am a very ignorant person, and I fear we are all more ignorant than we ought to be of the truth of Christ, and some more than others. And the most learned, I doubt may be called in the large sense ignorant. Even amongst the Pastors and perhaps amongst the Ruling Elders, in some places the most learned may in other places be adjudged igno∣rant.

The more ignorant people are, the more some will blame their Pastors who ought to instruct them, and by private conference inform them, and rectify their un∣derstandings: And that is a good part of Spiritual food. And to keep an ignorant person from the Ordi∣nances, is no way to improve their knowledge.

Scandalous persons are likewise to be suspended; And who shall be said scandalous is to be referred to the judgment of the Pastors and Ruling Elders: But where a Commission is extant for them to execute this judicature will be hard to shew.

Both Pastors and Elders, and people are all scan∣dalous in the general sense. We are all of us gross sinners, and our best performances are but scanda∣lous as to the true and sincere profession of the Gospel of Christ.

Those who are scandalous sinners ought to be admo∣nished to forsake their evil ways, and to amend their lives; and where can they receive this admonition, and hope for more Conviction of their Consciences, than by hearing good Sermons, and being admitted to be per∣takers of the holy Ordinances, but to excommunicate them, deprives them wholly of the best means for their cure.

The best Excommunication is for Pastors, Elders, and people to Excommunicate sin out of their own hearts, and conversations: to suspend themselves from all works of iniquity, this is a power, which put in execution, through the assistance of the Spirit of God, will prevent all disputes about Excommunication and Suspension from the Sacrament.

A man may be a good physitian though he never cut off a Member from any of his patients, a body may be very sound though no member of it was ever cut off. And surely a Church may be a good Church though no member of it hath ever been cut off.

I have heard here many Complaints of the Jurisdic∣tion formerly exercised by the Prelates who were but a few, there will be by the passing of this now desired, a great multiplication of Spiritual men in Govern∣ment.

Where the temporal Sword (the Magistracy) is sufficient for punishment of offences, there will be little need for this new Diseipline; nor will it be so easily granted.

After a long debate, the House referred this matter to a further Consideration by the grand Committee to whom it was formerly referred.

Votes for new Elections of Members for several Towns, and Counties.

Order for advance of the Forces under Major General Pointz, and for Horse and Arms to be sent to the Scots Army before Hereford, and notice to them of the party appointed to attend the King's motions.

A Conference and reasons given to the Lords for passing the Ordinance for sale of Delinquents E∣states.

A Party of about 120 horse came from Walling-ford, and Dunnington, to gather Contribution near Reading, and Col. Baxter with a party of about 30 horse marched after them, beat up their Rear; but they facing about, one of Baxter's men was slain, and 20 wounded and taken.

Then a party of 100 horse, who by accident quartered at Reading, came forth to relieve Baxter, routed the Enemy; recovered all the Prisoners, took 25, and Captain Barker their Commander, 50 Horse, and 40 Arms.

Montrosse carryed all things in Scotland without opposition, and had many Eminent Prisoners, and forced divers to fly to Berwick.

The funeral of the Countess of Dorset in much State.

4. An Ordinance for a Collection for the poor of Leicester.

Another sent to the Lords for supply of the Forces in the Eastern Association.

Order for the Brigade under Lieutenant General Lesley to march into Scotland for their assistance there.

Order for 100 horse from Southwark, to be sent to Basing-house, and the Militia to fine such as refused.

Goring, Greenvile and Mohun marched with 6000 in the West, summoned all between 16, and 60 to come in to them, and forced such as they met with to serve under them. Massey attends them. Sir John Seymore brought 1000 men to the Leaguer be∣fore Bristol.

Seven Parliament Ships were in Kings Road.

5. The publick Fast day by reason of the Plague, and the ill success of the Brethren in Scotland.

The King was about Worcester with about 5000, Pointz and Rossiter followed him.

A party from Shrewsbury fell upon a party of the King's at Bishops Castle as they were plundring on a faire day, routed them, rescued all the Plun∣der, took 200 horse, and many Prisoners.

6. Care was taken for payment of the allowance to the Prince Elector.

The Declaration sent to the Lords for the Unde∣ceiving the People of Wales.

A Committee appointed to cast up the Arrears due to the Earl of Essex, and to consider of a way for payment of them; and what mark, or badge of honour is fit to be bestowed on him for his great services.

An Ordinance past for raising horse and Dra∣goons in London, the Lord Herbert of Ragland was sent into Ireland to sollicite supplies from thence for the King.

Debate of the point of suspending from the Sa∣crament, Voted, that the Presbytery should not med∣dle with any thing of meum and tuum, till it were de∣termined by the Civil Magistrate.

An Ordinance touching the Wives and Children of Delinquents, if dwelling here, and Protestants to have the 5th part of the Delinquents Estates, Passed.

Letters certified that the Scots. Army had raised their Siege from before Hereford, and were mar∣ching Northward to goe home again.

Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army before Bristol kept a day of humiliation, and after that intended to storm the Town. The Clubmen declared that they would all assist Sir Thomas Fairfax.

The Governour of Weymouth with the assistance of some Seamen entred Corfe Island, took a Fort there, and a Demy Culverin, and slighted the Fort.

200 Reformadoes were surprised in their Quar∣ters near Thame, by Forces from Oxford and Bo∣stall-House, 120 horse and men were taken, and the rest of them escaped.

9. Mr. Pëters was called into the House, and gave them a particular Account of the Siege of Bristol, and the cause of sitting down before it to pre∣vent the plunder and cruelties of Prince Rupert in that Country, and he pressed the desire of Sir Thomas Fairfax to have Recruits sent to him.

Several Orders passed for Recruits and money, shoes and stockings, and all necessary supplies, for the Army, and touching the pressing of able men to serve in the Army, and not such as were vaga∣bonds, who could not be found out, if they ran from their Colours.

Intercepted Letters signified, that a Peace was concluded by the King and the Irish Rebels, and that many of them were expected to be shortly here to assist the King.

10. Debate of the Church business.

Order for the burial of Mr. William Strode a Mem∣ber of the House, in the Abbey of Westminster, near the Corps of Mr. Pym; and for all the House to accompany his Corps at his Funeral, and that 500 l. be paid to his Executors.

Divers private Petitions answered, and one day in every week appointed to hear private peti∣tions.

Sir Thomas Fairfax being provided to storm Bristol, sent in to Prince Rupert to offer him honou∣rable Propositions, if he would forthwith surrender the Town, to avoid shedding of more bloud, and spoil of the City, The Prince desired liberty to send a Mes∣senger to the King to know his pleasure, but that was denyed as too much delay.

Then the Prince, declyning a Treaty by Com∣missioners sent high Propositions of his own which Sir Thomas Fairfax refused; but returned his final Answer to the Prince how far he would grant what was desired, and no further, but this was not ac∣cepted by Prince Rupert.

11. Order for a Declaration to be drawn of the cruel acts done by the Governour of Jersey, upon the Inhabitants there, and that, if for the future he shall put to death any of the Isle whom he shall take Prisoners, for every one so slain, the Parlia∣ment will hang up three of the King's men their Prisoners.

12. Debate about the business of the Church.

A Committee of both Houses appointed to re∣ceive from the Scots Commissioners what they had to impart to them, touching the marching of the Scots Army northwards.

Writs ordered for new Elections of Members in several places.

Letters and Messengers from Bristol informed that Prince Rupert having delayed the Treaty for surrender of it, till his Counterscarfes, and inmost Lines were finished, and then refused the honourable Conditions offered to him by Sir T.

Fairfax; thereupon Sir T. F. ordered to storm the City in this manner.

Col. Welden to have one Brigade of his own, Twiseldens, Fortescues, and Herberts Regiments, who were to make good Somersetshire side, and to storm in three places.

Col. Mountague to command the General's Bri∣gade, consisting of the Generals, Mountagues, Pickerings, and Sir Hardres Waller's Regiment, to storm on both sides of Lawford Gate.

Colonel Rainsborough's Brigade of his own, Skippon's, Harmond's, Birche's, and Berkley's Re∣giments were to storm on this side the River Froome, and two hundred of them to go in Boats with the Seamen to storm Water Fort.

One Regiment of foot and another of horse to be moving up and down in the Close, to alarm the Royal Fort.

One Regiment of Dragoons, and two Regi∣ments of Horse, to attempt the Line and Works by Clifton.

September 9. At Twelve at Night, all the Army both horse and foot were drawn round the City in a posture to storm; the signs when to begin were by the kindling of a fire of straw, and discharging four great Guns; the Parliaments word during the storm, was, David, and after the Line was en∣tred, the Lord of Hosts.

About Two in the Morning the storm began, the Souldiers shouted for joy; the service was hot, especially at the Prince's Fort, where Rainsborough performed very bravely: They cut in pieces most of the Souldiers within the Fort, with their Cap∣tain Price, and took four great Pieces in the Fort, and two more in a Redoubt.

Colonel Mountague's men took sixteen Pieces in the several Works and Half-moons, which they gained by storm.

Welden's Brigade fell on with great resolution, but the Mote being very deep on Somersetshire-side, and his Scaling-ladders too short, he only alarm'd them on that side.

The Club-men terrified the Enemy on Bedmin∣ster-side.

In Rainsborough's and Mountague's Brigades, not above forty men slain.

The Parliaments Horse entred with the Foot, the Pioneers having thrown down the Line: The Prince's Horse were beaten off, and Colonel Taylor, formerly a Member of Parliament, wounded, and taken three Majors, and other Prisoners. On the Parliaments part, Captain Ireton, and M. Bethel were wounded.

Prince Rupert fled into the Castle, and sent to Sir T. Fairfax for a Parley, who yielded to it, and the City was surrendred upon far lower terms on the Prince's behalf, than he was before offered.

Three Messengers who brought this good News, had 20 l. a piece given to them.

13. Debate about providing money for the Ar∣my, and sale of the Lands of Bishops, Deans, and Chapters, for that purpose.

Report, that the Commissioners of Scotland had ac∣quainted the Committee of both Houses, with the Calamities in Scotland, which occasioned the ad∣vance of their Army Northward, and some Flou∣rishes about it.

A Committee to consider of the Excise; an∣other of what Prisoners are fit to be ransomed.

15. Upon the Report touching the Speaker and his Brother's sending 6000 l. to Oxford, from the Committee of Examinations; it was voted by the House, a false and malicious scandal, and they refer∣red to a Committee, to consider what punishment was fit to be inflicted on the Authors of it.

Divers of Bristoll petitioned, That M. G. Skippon might be Governour there, and the House referred it to Sir Thomas Fairfax. L. G. Lesley marched with his Forces beyond Tweed.

M. Temple with a Party from Henley, came un∣discovered to a Village near Wallingford, where a Party of the King's were quartered, killed the Sentinels, took a Captain, and six and thirty Horse.

The King's Forces burned down Master Cart∣wright's House at Ayno, and all the Outhouses, and plundered him to the value of eight hundred pounds.

16. The House ordered, that all the Books and Manuscripts of the Lord Littleton, which should be discovered, should be bestowed upon Whitelocke, and the Speaker to grant his Warrant to search for them, and to seize them, and deliver them to him.

Whitelocke undertook this business, as he had done others of the like kind, to preserve those Books and Manuscripts from being sold, which the Sequestrators would have done; but he sa∣ved them to have the present use of them; and re∣solving, if God gave them an happy accommoda∣tion, to restore them to the Owner, or to some of his Family.

An Ordinance was sent up to the Lords, touch∣ing the Church in Covent-Garden.

The Hangings taken at Bridgewater, after being sold; the moneys were sent to Sir T. F. to bestow among the Officers and Souldiers.

Several Ordinances about Money, and for pay∣ment of their Debts to Tradesinen.

The Prince Elector's Ordinance debated.

An Ordinance for the Government of Ʋlster, and disposing the Church-lands there, by Sir Ar∣thur Onslow, and Sir Robert King, and others.

Five thousand pounds Composition on the Earl of Devon.

The Scots Papers referred to a Committee.

17. Debate about the Church-business.

Orders for new Elections.

Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax, and Lieutenant General Cromwell, brought by Colonel Mountague, and Colonel Hammond, informed the particulars of the taking of Bristoll as before; and that Prince Rupert went for Oxford, convoyed by two Regi∣ments of their horse.

That they took in it about a hundred and forty pieces of Cannon mounted, store of Arms and Am∣munition, and Provisions.

In Cromwel's Letter was this passage:

It may be thought that some praises are due to these gallant men, of whose Valour so much mention is made; their humble suit to you, and all that have an interest in this blessing, is, that in remembrance of God's praises they may be forgotten.

It's their Joy that they are Instruments to God's glory, and their Countries good. It's their honour that God vouchsafes to use them. Sir, they that have been im∣ployed in this Service, know, that Faith and Prayers obtained this City for you.

Sir Thomas Fairfax lost but two hundred men in the Siege and storm. They retook here and at Bridgewater, all the Cannon which the Earl of Es∣sex lost in Cornwall.

The Sickness was much in Bristoll, yet but one

of the Parliament Souldiers died of it, though they were often in the infected Quarters.

A day of thanksgiving ordered for the Success at Bristoll, and a Collection for the poor there; and a Letter of Thanks to Sir Thomas Fairfax and his Officers and Souldiers, and a Committee appoin∣ted to consider what reward is fit to be given them.

The House sate in the Afternoon about private Petitions.

18. Debate about besieging Chester.

The Speaker rose, not being well, and the House sate in a Grand Committee in Debate of the bu∣siness of the Church.

A Paper published, taken in the King's Cabinet at Naseby Fight, wherein the Earl of Portland late Lord Treasurer acknowledgeth to have received of the King's Gift Ten thousand pounds, and in Gratuities, which some call Bribes, Thirty three thousand five hundred pounds more, and the King's hand was to it in allowance of it.

Letters from the Earl of Argile and others, to the Scots Commissioners here, and communicated to the House, informed, that they had cut off all Montross's Foot, and routed all his Horse, taken many Prisoners, and some General Officers. That Lieutenant General David Lesly was prosecuting the Victory.

19. A Letter of Thanks to Sir Thomas Fair∣fax passed, and another to Lieutenant General Cromwell.

Order for the Ministers in and about London the next Lords-day, to give thanks to God, for the late good success against Montross in Scotland, and some of their members were sent to the Scots Commissio∣ners to Congratulate this Victory.

Order for imploying the horse under Colonel Jephson, till they be ready to be transported into Ireland.

About six hundred in Sussex were risen, in the Nature of Club-men, but well armed, and declared for the King; The House referred it to the Com∣mittee of both Kingdoms, to take special care for the suppressing of them.

The Clubmen of Devonshire, declared for the Parliament, killed the Governour of Barnstable Sir Leven Apsley, and divers of his party.

20. The Grand Committee for money sate, and after much debate voted, That the Court of Wardes, and all the tenures, except soccage should be taken away, and in lieu thereof should be raised in England and Wales, 100000 l. per. ann. this was confirmed by the House, and Ordinances appointed to be brought in for this purpose, and to free from Wardship, those whose Fathers died in the service of the Parlia∣ment.

Whitelocke made report of the answer which he drew to the Scots papers, and a day was set for the debate of it.

An Ordinance for money for Portsmouth.

Sir Thomas Fairfax, with his Army, advanced to∣wards the Devises, the King from Worcester, at∣tempted to go to Oxford, but was hindred by M. G. Pointz.

22. Order for money for Souldiers Widdows.

Disabling of Sir Ralph Verney, to be a member of Parliament, and an Order for a new Election at Aylesbury.

Orders for raising money and Forces.

Major Young dispersed the Club-men in Sussex, took two Ministers leaders of them, and divers other prisoners.

News came from Oxford, that Prince Rupert, and Colonel Legg, were confined, and Sir Thomas Glen∣ham made Governour there; M. G. Pointz took about 100 of the King's horse.

23. Order, That the Scots Army be desired to sit down before Newarke, and that they gather no Contribution, nor levy any Tax in England. Ano∣ther Order for money for their Army.

Upon a Letter from Sir Thomas Fairfax, of the good service of Mr. Ash, and Mr. Moore, in Somer∣setshire, they had the thanks of the House, they being members of it.

Letters informed of the taking of the Castle of the Devizes, by L. G. Cromwell, surrendred to him upon conditions, and in it five peices of Ordnance, Provisions for a Year, and store of Arms; they gave the messenger of this news twenty pounds.

Letters informed of the storming, and taking the outworks of Chester, wherein Colonel Jones, who commanded the Parliaments horse, with Captain Louthan, who commanded the Foot, drew off over night, and fell on the next morning early, and stor∣med before they were discovered.

The messenger had ten pounds for the good news.

The Scots pursued their Victory against Mon∣trosse, and blocked him up in Duglas Castle, they took and killed between two and three thousand men, and took a Book, wherein were the names of all such as intended to come in to them, and thereby were all discovered.

Debate of the business of the Church.

The House being informed of an intended Peti∣tion, for establishing Presbytery, as the Discipline of Jesus Christ, they voted it to be scandalous.

25. Upon a Petition from some Cheshire-men, Sir William Brereton was appointed to command the Forces which he formerly commanded, for four months longer, and ordered money for those Forces.

Order, That none shall sit as Committee-men, who have been against the Parliament, till the House allow it.

Serjeant Glanvil disabled to be a member of the House, for his Delinquency.

Votes for several high Sheriffs.

Glamorganshire-men declared themselves for the Parliament, and took in Cardiffe Castle, sixteen peices of Ordnance, store of Arms and Ammu∣nition.

The King came to Ludlowe, in order to releive Chester, and M. G. Pointz followed him.

26. Prince Charles sent a Letter to Sir Thomas Fairfax, for a pass for the Lord Culpepper, and Lord Hopton, to go to the King; to advise him to comply with the Parliament; the Letter was sent by Sir Tho∣mas Fairfax to the Lords, they Communicated it to the Commons.

Colonel Devereux, took in Lacocke House, in Wiltshire, upon conditions.

Letters from M. G. Langherne informed, that he had cleared Pembroke-shire for the Parliament, and he desired supplies of men and moneys, for which order was given, and the House gave to him the Estate of Mr. Barlowe a Delinquent.

Order for the Ministers the next Lord's day, to give thanks to God for the good success of the Par∣liaments Forces in Pembroke-shire, at the Devizes, and Lacocke-house.

Debate of the business of the Church.

27. Care for money for the Scots Army.

A Report of the causes of their withdrawing from Hereford, Montrosse's success in Scotland, and other eminent matters occasioning of it.

Mr. Swinhoe, committed to the Tower.

Letters informed, that the King with about Five thousand horse and foot advanced to re∣leive Chester, M. G. Pointz pursued close after the King, and within two miles of Chester, ingaged with the King's whole body, was at the first worst∣ed, but made good his ground upon the retreat.

In the mean time Colonel Jones, with five hun∣dred horse, and A. G. Louthian came from the Lea∣guer before Chester, to the assistance of Pointz, gi∣ving notice of their coming, by shooting off two great Guns: and by that time Pointz had rallyed his Forces, then Pointz in the Front, and Jones in the Rear charged, and utterly routed the King's whole body.

The King with about three hundred horse fled into Chester, and the pursuit was so violent, that he immediately left the Town, and fled into Wales, the rest of his party were utterly dispersed, killed, and taken.

In the fight and pursuit, were slain the Lord Ber∣nard, Earl of Litchfield, and one other Lord, two Knights, one Colonel, with above four hundred more Officers, and Souldiers.

There were taken Prisoners, eleven Colonels, most of them Knights, seven Lieutenant Colonels, five Majors, about forty other Officers, and one thousand common Souldiers, and one hundred horse and sixty Prisoners taken by the Countrey after the rout, store of Arms and Pillage.

Some members of the House sent to Sir Thomas Fairfax, to the Bath, to advise with him about the prosecution of this Victory, and a day of thanks-giving was appointed for it, and they gave a Pre∣sent of five hundred pounds to Major General Pointz.

Berkley Castle was rendred to the Parliament by Sir Charles Lucas, upon Articles.

L. General Cromwell disarmed and dispersed the Hamp-shire Clubmen, about Winchester.

29. Mr. Wolchier, a Delinquent Minister sent for, to answer about a scandalous Sermon preached by him.

An Ordinance debated for setling Sir John Win∣ter's Estate on Major General Massey.

Mr. Tomlins, made the Cursitor Baron of the Ex∣chequer.

Order, That one thousand pounds, per. ann. be al∣lowed to each of the Judges, in lieu of their former fees and profits.

Colonel Parsons, made a particular Relation to the House, of the late fight at Chester, and they gave him one hundred pound to buy him horses, and referred it to the Committee of both Kingdoms, to prosecute this great Victory.

The Scots Army did not sit down before Newarke as they were desired, but marched on towards Newcastle.

30. The account of Auditor Wilcox, of the late Army under the Earl of Essex, was dissallowed.

Orders touching money for payment of Tra∣desmen, and of a Ship imployed by the Lord In∣chiquin.

Both Houses agreed, that Serjeant Rolls, should be a Judge of the King's Bench, Serjeant Pheasant, a Judge of the Common Pleas, and Serjeant Atkins, a Baron of the Exchequer.

At a Conference the Commons desired, that the Lord Savile might be recommitted to the Tower.

The House sate in a Grand Committee about the Ordinance for sale of Delinquents Estates.

L. General Cromwell came before Winchester, and found the Town fortifyed, but after a short dis∣pute he fired the Gate, and his men entred, and he began to batter the Castle with two Great Guns.

Notes

• Militia.
• New Ele∣ctions.
• Clubmen.
• Ordinance explain'd.
• Montross.
• The King leaves Ox∣ford.
• Church Affairs.
• Selden.
• Montross.
• Countess of Dorset.
• Fast-day.
• Prince E∣lector.
• E. Essex.
• Presbytery
• Bristoll.
• Clubmen.
• Intercep∣ted Let∣ters.
• Mr. Strodes.
• Bristol••.
• Jersey.
• Manner of storming Bristoll.
• Speaker.
• Bristoll.
• Bristoll.
• Cromwell.
• Montross.
• Club-men.
• Courts of Wards.
• Club-men.
• Scots.
• Cromwel.
• Chester.
• Presbytery.
• Prince Charles.
• Scots Ar∣my.
• Defeat at Chester.
• Judges.
• Scots.
• Judges.