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.

December, 1645.

[Car. 21] (1.) Debate about the Propositions for Peace, * 1.1 and therein voted, that Sir T. F. be made a Ba∣ron, and five thousand pound a year setled on him, and his Father to be made an Earl.

That Lord General Cromwel be made a Baron, * 1.2 and to have two thousand five hundred pounds per Annum.

That the Earls of Northumberland, Essex, War∣wick * 1.3 and Pembroke be made Dukes, and the Earls of Salisbury and Manchester to be made Marquesses.

That the Lord Roberts, Lord Say, Lord Willow∣by * 1.4 of Parham, Lord Wharton, and Lord Howard, be made Earls.

That Mr. Hollis be made a Viscount.

That Sir William Waller be made a Baron, and to have two thousand five hundred pounds per An.

Sir Arthur Hazelrigge, to be a Baron, and to * 1.5 have two thousand pound per An.

Sir Henry Vane Senior to be a Baron.

Sir Philip Stapleton to be a Baron, and to have two thousand pound per an.

Sir William Brereton to have one thousand five hundred pound per An.

Major General Skippon to have a thousand pound per An.

A Committee named to consider of matter of Priviledge of the Members, and to examine any complaints of Bribery, &c. against any Mem∣bers, &c.

The Anti-Parliament at Oxford voted against the Directory, and for the Common Prayer.

Intercepted Letters of the King to Pr. Rupert ex∣pressed * 1.6 little forwardness to Peace.

(2.) Proceedings about Propositions of Peace.

Letters from G. Leven, dated two miles from Newarke, desiring Money and Cloaths for his Ar∣my, whereof present care was taken by the House, and both Houses agreed that G. Leven should Com∣mand * 1.7 in Chief, all the Forces, both English and Scotch, at the Siege of Newarke.

Ordinances passed for the settlement of the Go∣vernment of Bristol.

The Scots took a Fort of the Enemy at Muscham∣pe Bridge, and so blocked up Newarke on the North; and Lievetenant General Pointz, Col. Rossiter, and others on the South side of it.

Col. Ireton and Col. Whaley with two Regiments of Horse, sent by Sir T. F. into Bucks, to stop the Incursions of the Kings Forces.

(3.) Debate about the Church-business.

Part of the Propositions for Peace sent up to the Lords for their concurrence.

New High-Sherriffs named.

The return of Mr. Sandford to be Burgess

for Cockermouth in Cumberland voted to be void, because the Precept and Indentures were not returned.

(4.) Debate about the Propositions touching the Militia of London.

Order for one hundred pounds for Doctor Twisse Prolocutor of the Assembly of Divines.

Ordinance passed for Money for Munster in Ire∣land, and another for the Assembly to meet daily, and proceed upon the Catechisme.

A Petition of the Hartford shire men touching Tythes, laid aside.

(5.) Debate about the Church-business.

Orders for new Elections.

A Petition and Declaration of the County of Brecknock was read, of their resolutions to comply with, and wholly to submit to the Commands of the Parliament.

A Committee appointed to draw an answer to it, of granting their desires, accepting their submission, and commending their Resolutions.

A Committee of both Houses named to reside in the Scots. Army before Newarke.

Ordinance passed for renewing the Power of Martial Law in Kent.

A Pass for Sir H. Bruce to go beyond Sea, and order for a new High-Sheriff of Suffolk, and for three hundred pound to Mr. Hancock, in part of his Arrears.

Order for paying the disbursments of the Com∣missioners that went to Scotland.

Lathom house defended two years by the Coun∣tess * 1.8 of Derby, was surrendred to the Parliament upon Articles, and in it were taken twelve pieces of Ordnance, all their Arms and Ammunition, and store of rich Prize and Pillage.

(8.) Debate touching Ireland, and voted that the Government thereof should be in one hand, under one Governor to be yearly chosen.

Order for six thousand Suits of Apparel to be sent to Sir Tho. Fairfaxes Army.

Thanks returned to the Citizens of London for * 1.9 their readiness to advance Money for the Scots Ar∣my, and for the Publick, upon all occasions.

Order touching Compositions of Delinquents.

The Speaker of the House of Peers presented a Letter to the Houses, which he received from Sir Thomas Glemham, Governor of Oxford; and there∣in * 1.10 one inclosed from the King, desiring that a safe Conduct might be granted to the Duke of Lenox, the Earl of South-hampton, Mr. Jo. Ashburnham, and Mr. Jeffery Palmer to come up to the Parlia∣ment of England at Westminster, with Propositions for Peace; this was ordered to be debated next day.

Sir T. F. Sent another Party of Horse with M. Desborough to joyn with Col. Whaley in streight∣ning Oxford.

A Letter in answer of that from Sir T. F. to the Prince, was written by the Lord Capell, to Sir T. F. signifying the Princes desire of Peace, but that he would not quit his Piety and Loyalty to the King.

(9.) Order for Arrears for Sir Thomas Fair∣fax's Officers.

Order for the Ministers about London to give thanks to God the next Lords Day, for the Surren∣der of Lathom House, and a Collection for the Poor of Manchester.

Another Order for Col. Harvey to have Liberty to transport eight hundred and fifty Calve-skins.

Order for five hundred pounds for Arrears of Dutch Officers, and for bayling Sir Roger Twisden,

Letters from the Worcester-shire Committee in∣formed that Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice with an hundred and sixty Horse were gone from Worcest, and in the way meeting with some opposition from that Country men under Sir Edward Dingly, they slew five of them, wounded others, and so got to Oxford.

Order that Col. Booth with the Lancashire Forces that took in Lathom House should joyn with Sir William Brereton before Chester.

A Ship was taken in Blith-Haven in the North, Fraught with Cannon, Arms, and Ammunition for Montross.

Another Ship taken at Burlington Haven, and three at Sutton loaden with Deal, and Timber, very useful for the Siege of Newark. * 1.11

(10.) An Answer agreed upon to the Kings Letter touching propositions for Peace, That the Parliament were most desirous of it, could not consent to the coming of the Duke of Lenox, &c. into their Quar∣ters, because of the danger thereof, but were themselves in consideration of Propositions for Peace, to be sent by way of Bills to his Majesty, and herein the Scots Commissioners concurred.

The Custody of the great Seal continued in the present Commissioners, till the last of next February.

Some Letters and Papers of the Kings, taken at * 1.12 Naseby, relating to Holland, ordered to be Printed, and sent over to Mr. Strickland, and the Lord Dig∣by's Letters at Sherburne ordered to be Printed.

M. Arch-bold, Governor of Cannon-Froome for the Parliament, fell upon the enemies Quarters at Mava, and took eighty of their Horse and Riders.

(11.) Divers of the Assembly came to the House and informed them that a Printed paper, in the na∣ture * 1.13 of a Remonstrance was published by the dissen∣ting. Brethren of the Assembly, which they con∣ceived Scandalous to them, and they desired they might make an Answer to it.

The House named a Committee to peruse the Remonstrance, and consider of the Scandal in it, and by what Authority it was published.

Divers being summoned by a forged Warrant, to appear at London, the House ordered that none should serve any Warrant from any Committee, but by Deputation from the Serjeant at Arms.

Order for slighting the out-works of Wrestel-Castle, belonging to the Earl of Northumberland.

Mr. Bond made Master of the Savoy Hospital, under the Great Seal.

Letters informed that Sir Charles Cooke, and Sir Robert Steward with their Eorces slew five hundred of the Irish Rebels.

(12.) Debate touching the propositions for Peace, and a day set for Delinquents to come in to make their Compositions; and this Order to be published * 1.14 and that those who came in, and did not take the Covenant, should be taken as Spies, and an Ordi∣nance to be drawn to injoyn them to take the Cove∣nant.

Instructions passed for the Commissioners, who are to reside in the Scots Army, and a thousand pounds ordered to defray their Expenses.

An Order for Money for the Forces of Lincoln, and of Lynne Regis.

(13.) An Ordinance sent to the Lords to make C. Welden Governor of Plymouth.

Order for supplys for that Garrison, of Ammu∣nition, and Money.

An Ordinance committed for establishing the Garrison at Abbington.

Order for a thousand pair of Pistols, and three thousand pair of Boots to be sent down to the Scots Troopers.

The Siege was so streight at Chester, that in the Town they ate Horse-flesh.

(15.) Proceedings about the Propositions for Peace, and in the afternoon upon private Petiti∣ons;

and voted a Rate upon French Commodities imported, and English exported thither.

Mr. Bedding-field had a Pass to go beyond Seas, and was released out of his imprisonment by both Houses.

Order for three thousand pound to pay the fifth part of the Arrears of the reduced Officers.

(16.) Some difference of Opinion between the Houses, and the Scots Commissioners about the answer to the Kings Letter for Peace.

Reference of a Petition of Sir Robert Cooke.

Order for two thousand pound per An. out of the Court of Wards, for the Lord Say, in conside∣ration of his Losses, and great Services.

Thirty pound given to the Gallery-keepers at St. Margarets Church.

A Party sallied out of Newark, but were beaten back with four of their men killed, but pursuing too far, Captain Peat had twenty of his men ta∣ken Prisoners.

Another Party Sallying out of Newarke, their Captain singled himself out by way of Challenge, and was incountred by Captain Thorney's Lievete∣nant, his Horse killed, and himself taken Priso∣ner.

G. Leven left the Leager and went to New-Castle.

Letters informed that Sir. Tho. Fairfax had ta∣ken divers of the Kings Garrisons near Exeter, * 1.15 whereby they were streightned, that his Forces took in Ful-ford House.

That a Troop of Col. Okey's Dragoons surpri∣zed a Ship laden with Serges, going to the Lord Pawlet.

That divers Cornish men sue to make their Peace with the Parliament, and that they generally refuse there to give Quarter to Gorings men.

Sir Tho. Fairfax sent a Regiment of Horse, and two Regiments of Foot, to take in Corse-Castle, and Dunster-Castle was Besieged.

(17.) Another Letter from the King was communi∣cated * 1.16 to both Houses, wherein he admires they should deny a Convoy for those he would send with Propositions; telling them of their Protestations to agree to Peace, and conjures them by the Miseries, and Blood which hath been shed; and as they will answer it at the dreadful day of Judgment, not to delay an answer, and consent to so blessed a work.

This Letter being the same in effect with the for∣mer, the same answer was agreed should be made to both.

Captain Pickring returned from Worcester, where he had been negotiating the business with Prince Rupert and his Company, who had desired Passes to go beyond Sea, which was not well carried on their part.

Pickering had fifty pound more added for his Charges, and Fisher, Willis, Honey-wood, and Boul∣ton, Colonels, who came with him from Worcester, had liberty to go beyond Sea, or stay in England, and orders were made for security to all, who should come in from the King.

Several Orders for Recruits, Money, and Sup∣plys for Garrisons.

(18.) Proceedings touching the propositions for Peace.

An Act read against Pluralities of Benefices.

A day appointed to consider of the Priviledges of Members, and of the Powers exercised by Coun∣try Committees.

A Party of fifteen hundred from Oxford, and the Kings Garrisons thereabouts, marched out with a design to relieve Chester, but Col. Bridges, and o∣thers of the Parliament Forces about Warwick, broke down Avon-Bridge, and other Bridges where they were to pass, and lined hedges with Musque∣tiers, so that the Kings Party retreated, and were disappointed of another design against Colonel Lidcot.

(19.) Debate touching propositions for Peace.

Order for the Speaker to write to M. G. Lang∣herne to send up Sir Walter Lloyd a Prisoner, to the Parliament.

The Lords sent a Petition of the Earl of Hollands, * 1.17 wherein he desired forbearance of a Rent payable by him to the Crown; but upon the Question, it was laid aside, to the great discontent of this Earl, and the House were Censured to be too forward to provoke particular persons in small matters, and too backward to oblige them.

(20.) Debate about the Government of Ire∣land.

The Scots Commissioners desired there might be a Treaty, upon the propositions for Peace, which was not thought fit by the Parliament; who found * 1.18 great interruption in their affairs, by the mixt Coun∣sels of both Kingdoms.

A Scout, taken in the Leager before Newarke, discovered a new design of the King to relieve Che∣ster.

Letters from Col. Morgan informed that he with Col. Birches Forces, in all two thousand, sent a par∣ty in the night disguised, who by Stratagem en∣tred Hereford Town, surprised the Centinells, and being seconded by a sudden and fiery assault, Mor∣gan became Master of the Town in a short time, without opposition, saving a little at the main Guard, in the body of the Town.

There was little loss on either side, they took in the Town eleven pieces of Ordnance, forty Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen of worth, most of them * 1.19 Papists, whom they sent Prisoners to Glocester. They took many Officers, and the Soldiers, and much Riches and Prize in the Town was secured.

(22.) Proceedings upon the propositions for Peace, and a Vote, That the Kings Answer shall be desired to them, without any Treaty, and that the same be signified by a Letter to the Parliament of Scotland, with the reasons why the Parliament of England cannot consent to the desire of Scotland, to have a Treaty for Peace with his Majesty.

Letters from. Col. Birch informed the particu∣lars * 1.20 of the taking of Hereford.

That he hired six men, and put them in the form of Labourers, and a Constable with them, with a Warrant to bring these men to work in the Town, that in the night he lodged these men within three quarters Musquet-shot of the Town, and an hundred and fifty Fire-locks near them, and himself with the Foot, and Col. Morgan with the Horse came up in the night after them, and cut off all in∣telligence from coming to the Town, so that they were never discovered.

That one night they came too short, but the next night with careful Spyes and Scouts, they carried on the business, and in the morning upon letting down the Draw-Bridge, the six Countrymen and the Constable went with their Pickaxes and Spades to the Bridge.

That the Guard beginning to examine them, they killed three of the Guard, and kept the rest in play till the Fire-locks came up to them, and then made it good till the Body came up, who entred the Town with small loss, and became Masters of it.

Col. Morgans Secretary, who brought the first news to the House, had thirty pound given to him, and Col. Birch's Messenger had twenty.

Order that thanks be given to God for this suc∣cess the next Lords-day.

That Col. Birch be Governor of Hereford, and his Regiment recruited to a thousand two hun∣dred and for setling a Godly Ministry there, and in Glocester, and for sending Cloaths to the Soldiers of Glocester.

M. G. Langherne took in Embleden-Castle in Wales, and had hot Service before Abernsteck Castle in Cardigan-shire, with loss on both sides.

The Commissioners of Parliament, the Earl of Rutland, the Lord Willoughby, Sir William Ermin, * 1.21 Sir Edward Ascugh, Sir Christopher Wraye, appoint∣ed to reside in the Scots Army before Newarke, took their Journey.

(23.) Proceedings upon the propositions for Peace.

A Petition of the Brewers touching the Excise, referred to a Committee.

Oders for Money and for supplys for the Army, and for Garrisons, and for the imploying Horse at Wickham, and other Forces.

The Parliament Forces quitted a Fort at Poul∣dram, to the Kings Forces in the West, and the same night Col. Okey with some of his Dragoons fell upon the Enemies Quarters near Chimley, took a Captain, a Cornet, nineteen Horse, and twelve Troopers, and Sir Hardress Waller took at the L. Chichester's a Captain, a Lievetenant, a Cornet, six Soldiers, and two hundred Foot, and allarm'd them to the Walls of Exeter. In another place they took some Horse and Commodities going to Exeter to cloath the Soldiers.

Captain Bell one of Greenvils Captains came in with thirty Horse to Sir T. Fairfax.

(24.) Orders for Money for the Forces before Chester, and for the Forces in Hereford.

On Ordinance for a Tax in England, for the Brit∣tish Forces in Ireland.

At the Committee of Priviledges, the Election for Bucks was hotly debated, and the lye given by Mr. Fountain, one of the House to Mr. Vivers a witness in the Case, yet the Committee thought not fit to report it to the House, upon which the Petitioners Council craved leave to desist, because their Witnesses were so discouraged, which the Com∣mittee took as an affront, and voted to report that to the House.

A Party from Faxington surprized some Coun∣trymen, as they were choosing a new Burgess for Calne in Wiltshire.

(25.) This Christmass day the House sat about an Ordinance to make the Members of both Houses liable to Arrests.

Reference of the Accounts of the Treasurers at War to the Committee of Accompts.

Orders for the Arrears of the Assesment for Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army; and that the Committee of the Army should see all free Quarters, and Billet∣ings of Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army to be satisfied, and Officers made liable to Taxes.

Notwithstanding the Ordinance, yet generally this day, in London, the Shops were shut up, and the day observed.

(26.) from the Leaguer before Newarke, In∣telligence came, that the Garrison made many Sal∣lys * 1.22 out, and were beaten back again, at one time nine of them taken, and at another time two hun∣dred of them Sallying out upon Col. Rossiters Quarters, were repulsed, and followed to their Re∣serve, many wounded, some slain, and among them Col. Leake, Son to the Lord Deincourt.

The House voted, that Parliament men who were only Lodgers, and attending the Parliament should not be rated in London to the Assessment.

(27.) Reference to a Committee of the Petition of the Gold Wyre-drawers and Refiners, against the Excise on those things.

An Ordinance sent to the Lords for Money for the Forces before Chester.

Days appointed as formerly for debate of the business of the Church.

Order for the Benchers of the Middle Temple to * 1.23 call Baron Tomlins to the Bench.

A Party of Sir. Tho. Fairfax's Army took in Cataline house near Exeter, and therein thirty Horse and Prisoners with Arms.

Letters informed the Surrender of Skipton Castle; to the Parliaments Forces upon Articles.

A Trumpet came to Town from Oxford, with * 1.24 Letters from his Majesty to the Speaker of the House of Peers, about a Treaty for Peace.

(29.) Votes for Recruits, Arms, and Money for Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army.

Ordinances agreed on, that impressed Soldiers be punished if they run away from their Colours, that Parks shall be liable to assessments, and Officers likewise, and about Provisions for the Navy, and next Summers Fleet, and for Money for the Wag∣goners, all sent up to the Lords.

The Kings Letters which came by the Trumpet the other day, were read in both Houses, and were to this effect.

That his Majesty conceiving, that by Reason of the want of Power conferred upon Messengers, the former Treaties have not proved effectual. He therefore propounds, That if he may have the engagement of both Houses of Parliament, the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland, The Lord Mayor, Aldermen, Common-Council, and Militia of London, the Commander in Chief of Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army, as also the Scots Army, for his free and safe coming to abide in London, or Westminster, with three hundred followers for forty days, and after that time for his free and safe return to Oxford, Worcester, or Newarke, which he shall name. And that he doth propound to have a personal Treaty with the Houses of Parliament at Westminster, and the Commissio∣ners of Scotland, on all matters that may conduce to the restoring of Peace.

He declares, That he is willing to commit the trust of the Militia for such time, and with such power as is expressed by his Commissioners at Ʋx∣bridge, to these Persons, viz. The Lord Privy Seal, the Duke of Richmond, Marquess Hertford, Marquess Dorchester, Earl of Dorset, Lord Cham∣berlain, Earl of Northumberland, Earl of Essex, Earl of Southampton, Earl of Pembroke, Earl of Salisbury, Earl of Manchester, Earl of Warwick, Earl of Denbigh, Earl of Chichester, Lord Say, Lord Seymour, Lord Lucas, Lord Leppington, Mr. Pierepont, Mr. Hollis, Mr. De-la-ware, Mr. Spencer, Sir Tho. Fairfax, Mr. John Ashburnham, Sir Gervase Clifton, Sir Hen. Vane, Jun. Mr. Ro∣bert Wallop, Mr. Tho. Chichely, Mr. Oliver Cromwel, and Mr. Phil. Skippon.

If these Persons do not satisfie, he offers to name one half, and the Parliament to name the other half.

A day set to debate upon this Letter.

A Party of Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army took in Ash∣ton House, and the Kings Forces in the West drew together, designing to Relieve Exeter.

Col. Sir John Digby, for the King, attempted to gain Plymouth by Treachery, and offered a great sum of Money to Col. Kerre the Governor for that end, but he refused it, and the Agent was hanged by Martial Law.

(30.) Debate about the Kings Letter, and the * 1.25 House adhered to their former Votes, and to have

no Treaty, but to proceed upon the propositions for Peace, to be sent to the King, by way of Bills, and that the Militia should remain in the hands of both Houses of Parliament, as now it was.

They referred it to the Committee of both King∣doms, and the Scots Commissioners to draw up an Answer accordingly, and desired the Lords concur∣rence therein.

Sir Peter Killegrew came from Oxford with an An∣swer from the King, to the Parliaments last Letter to his Majesty, and this was to the like effect, of desires of Peace, adding that the King would consent to any neces∣sary course for the payment of the debts of the Kingdom, particularly to the City of London, and to the Kingdom of Scotland. This Letter was referred to the Com∣mittee of both Kingdoms.

An Ordinance read, giving power to the Militia of London, to provide for the safety of the City, and adjacent parts, upon the present flocking of Malignants to London, and to search for them, and expell them the City.

Orders for strict Guards, and persons to examine all Passes.

Orders for new Elections.

(31.) The day of the publick Monthly Fast after the last Sermon, about forty of the new Elect∣ed Members took the Covenant.

The House ordered Mr. Strong, one of this days Preachers to be added to the Assembly of Divines, and ordered an hundred pounds for Mr. Reynolds.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Si. T. Fair∣fax voted to be made a Baron.
• * 1.2

  The like for Crom∣wel.
• * 1.3

  Essex, &c. to be made Dukes.
• * 1.4

  Roberts, &c. to be made Earls: Hollis a Vicount.
• * 1.5

  Waller and others to be made Barons.
• * 1.6

  Letters In∣tercepted.
• * 1.7

  Leven be∣fore New∣arke.
• * 1.8

  Lathom House sur∣rendred.
• * 1.9

  Thanks to the City of London.
• * 1.10

  A Letter from the King.
• * 1.11

  Answer to the Kings Letters.
• * 1.12

  Letters ta∣ken and ordered to be Printed
• * 1.13

  Remon∣strance by Dissenters.
• * 1.14

  Ordinan∣ces.
• * 1.15

  Letters.
• * 1.16

  Another Letter from the King.
• * 1.17

  The House Censured.
• * 1.18

  Perplext by the Scots.
• * 1.19

  Vote up∣on the Propositi∣ons for Peace.
• * 1.20

  The ta∣king of Hereford.
• * 1.21

  Commissi∣oners to reside in the Scots Army.
• * 1.22

  Newarke.
• * 1.23

  Order for Baron Tomlins.
• * 1.24

  Letters for Peace.
• * 1.25

  Debate a∣bout the Kings Let∣ter.