A brief review of the most material Parliamentary proceedings of this present Parliament, and their armies, in their civil and martial affairs. Which Parliament began the third of November, 1640. And the remarkable transactions are continued untill the Act of Oblivion, February 24. 1652. Published as a breviary, leading all along successiviely, as they fell out in their severall years: so that if any man will be informed of any remarkable passage, he may turne to the year, and so see in some measure, in what moneth thereof it was accomplished. And for information of such as are altogether ignorant of the rise and progresse of these times, which things are brought to passe, that former ages have not heard of, and after ages will admire. A work worthy to be kept in record, and communicated to posterity.

1 IN the first year of King Charles his Reign, a Parliament being called at Oxford, two subsidies were granted, no grievances removed, but the said Parliament soon dissolved.

2 The sad effects which the dissolution of this Parliament produ∣ced, were the losse of Rochell, by the unhappy help of Englands Ships.

3 The diversion of a most facile and hopefull war from the West-Indies, to a most expensive and succelesse attempt on Cales.

4 The attempt on the Isle of Ree, and thereby a precipitate breach of peace with France, to our great losse.

5 A peace concluded with Spain, without consent of Parliament, contrary to a promise formerly made to the Kingdom by King James, a little before his death; whereby the cause of the Palatinate was alto∣gether most shamefully deserted by us.

6 The Kingdom suddenly billetted with Souldiers, and a conco∣mitant project set on foot, for Germane Horses, to force men by fear, to fall before arbitrary and tyrannicall taxations continually to be laid upon them.

2 Parliament.

7 The dissolution of a second Parliament at Westminster, in the se∣cond year after a declarative grant of no lesse then five Subsidies, and the sad issues that flowed to the Kingdom thereupon.

8 As first, the violent exacting from the people that mighty sum of the 5 Subsidies, or a sum equal to it by a Commission for a Royal Loan.

9 Many worthy Gentlemen imprisoned and vexed, that refused to pay it.

10 Great sums extorted by Privy Seals and Excises, and the most hopefull Petition of Right blasted.

3 Parliament.

11 A third Parliament called, and quickly broken in the fourteenth year of the King, the best Members clapt up close prisoners, denied all ordinary and extraordinary comforts of life; and so that Paliament was dissolved.

12 Opprobrious Declarations published to asperse the proceedings of the last Parliament, yea Proclamations set out to those effects, there∣by extreamly to dis-hearten the Subjects, yea, and plainly forbidding them once to name a Parliament, or to desire them any more.

13 Whence immediatly gushed out the violent inundations of mighty sums of money, got by that strange project of Knight-hood, yet under a colour of Law.

14 The most burthensome Book of Rates, the unheard of Taxation of Ship-money; the enlargement of Forrests contrary to Magna

Charta; the injurious taxation of Coat and Conduct money; the for∣cible taking away of the Trained-Bands Arms; Ingrossing Gun∣powder into their hands in the Tower of London.

15 The destruction of the Forrest of Dean, which was sold to Pa∣pists, whence we had all our Timber for Shipping.

16 Monopolies of Sope, Salt, Wine, Leather, and Sea-Coal; yea, almost of all things in the Kingdome of most necessary and common use.

17 Restraint in Trades and Habitations; for refusall of which foresaid heavy pressures, many were vext with long and languishing suits; some fined and confined to prisons, to the loss of health in ma∣ny, of life in some; some having their houses broken open, their goods seized on, their studies or closets searched for writings, books, and pa∣pers, to undo them; some interrupted also in their Sea-Voyages, and their Ships taken from them.

18 The crushing cruelties of the Star-Chamber Court, and Coun∣cel Table, where the Recorder of Salisbury was greatly fined for de∣molishing the Picture of the first person in the Trinity, in their great Cathedrall.

19 Thus far for the miseries of the Common-wealth; Popish Ce∣remonies, Romish Innovations, and such like other outrages of the Arch Prelate of Canterbury, and his Prelaticall Agents and Instru∣ments, over the whole Kingdom, in matters of Religion, divine wor∣ship, and spirituall cases of conscience.

20 Additions in the Oath administred to the King, at his first In∣auguration to the Crown, by the Arch-Bishop.

21 Fines, imprisonments, stigmatizings, mutilations, whippings, pillories, gagget, confinements, and banishments; yea, and that into perpetuall close imprisonments, in the most desolate, remote, and (as they hoped and intended) remotest parts of the Kingdome. M^r▪ Burton, M^r Bastwick, M^r Prin.

22 The ruinating of the Feoffees for buying in of Impropriations, and the advancing to Ecclesiasticall Livings Arminians, silencing with deprivations, degradations, and excommunications, almost all the most pious Pastors over the Land, whom they could catch in their snares, and all this under a pretence of peace, unity, and conformity.

23 Printing Presses set open for the Printing and publishing of all Popish and Arminian Tenets, but shut up and restrained from Print∣ing sound Doctrines.

24 Nay, not only thus lamentably molested in England, but at∣tempted

the like in Scotland, indeavouring to impose upon them New Liturgie, and a Book of Canons.

25 They refusing of them, were called and counted Rebels and Traytours; yea, so proclaimed in all Churches in England, and an Army was also raised to oppresse and suppresse them.

26 A mighty and tumultuous rising of Apprentices and young men,

[illustration]

The Arch-Prelate of S^t Andrewes in Scotland reading the new Service-booke in his pontificaliby assaulted by men & Women, with Cricketts stooles Stickes and Stones.

The rising of Prentises and Sea-men on South∣wark-side to assault the Arch-bishops of Canter∣burys House at Lambeth.

in Southwarke and Lambeth side, with clubs and other weapons, especi∣ally at the Arch-Bishops house; which put him in such a fright, as made him flye to Croyden, to convey himselfe to some more private

and remote place: and although Pharoah's Magicians were so honest, that at the sight of the dust of the earth turned into lice, they cryed out, it was the finger of God; but he grew more and more outragious, and caused one to be hanged and quartered, and his head set on London-Bridge; who said at his Execution, he came there by accident, and he must dye.

27 Scotland raising an Army in their own just defence, and by force of Arms, inforcing their own peace.

28 A first pacification being then made by the King, and some of his Nobility, and ratified under hand and Seal, 'twixt them and the Scots, yet was it shortly after quite broken off by the Arch-Prelat of Canterbury, and the E. of Strafford, and burnt by the Hangman at the Exchange.

4 Parliament.

29 A fourth Parliament was thereupon shortly after called again, by those complotters means, but to a very ill intent, and another Par∣liament summoned also at the same time by the Earl of Strafford in Ireland, both of them only to levy and procure moneys to raise ano∣ther Army, and wage a new War against the Scots.

30 The Ships and Goods of Scotland, were in all parts and ports of this Land, and of Ireland also, surprized and seized on for the King; their Commissioners denyed audience to make their just defence to the King, and the whole Kingdom of Scotland and England too, hereupon much distracted and distempered with leavying of moneys, and im∣prisoning all amongst us that refused the same.

31 This Parliament also refusing to comply with the King, Can∣terbury and Strafford, in this Episcopal War against the Scots, was soon dissolved and broken up by them, and thereupon they returned to their former wayes of wast and confusion, and the very next day after the dissolution thereof, some eminent members of both Houses had their Chambers, and Studies, yea, their Cabinets, and very pockets of their wearing cloaths (betimes in the morning, before they were out of their beds) searched for Letters and Writings, and some of them im∣prisoned, and a false and most scandalous Declaration was published against the House of Commons in the Kings Name.

32 A forced Loan of money was attempted in the City of London, to be made a President (if it prevailed there) for the whole Kingdome, but some Aldermen refusing, were sorely threatned and imprisoned.

33 In which interim, the Clergies convocation continuing (not∣withstanding the dissolution of the Parliament) new conscience-op∣prissing-Canons were forged, and a strange Oath with a &c. in it was

framed for the establishing of the Bishops Hierarchy, with severe pu∣nishments on the refusers to take it. The Oath,

That I A. B. doe sweare that I doe approve the Doctrine and Discipline or Government established in the Church of England, as containing all things necessary to Salvation. And that I will not endeavour by my selfe or any o∣ther, directly or indirectly, to bring in any Popish Doctrine, contrary to that which is so established: Nor will I ever give my consent to alter the Govern∣ment of this Church, by Arch-Bishops, Bishops, Deanes, and Arch-Deacons, &c. as it stands now established, and as by right it ought to stand. Nor yet e∣ver to subject it to the usurpations and superstitions of the Sea of Rome. And all these things I doe plainly and sincerely acknowledge and swear, according to the plaine and common sence, and understanding of the same words, without any equivocation, or mentall evasion, or secret reservation whatsoever. And this I doe heartily, willingly, and truly upon the faith of a Christian. So help me God in Jesus Christ.

34 In this Convocation sore Taxations were also imposed upon the whole Clergie, even no lesse than six Subsidies, besides a bountifull contribution to forward that intended War against Scotland.

35 For the advancing of which said sums for this War, the Popish were most free and forward; yea, and a solemn prayer was composed and imposed by the Bishops on their Ministers every where, to be used and read in all Churches against the Scots, as rebels and traytors.

36 The Papists also in a high measure enjoyed even almost a totall toleration, and a Popes Nuncio suffered amongst us to act and govern all Romish affairs, yea a kind of private Popish Parliament kept in the Kingdom, and Popish Jurisdictions erected among them.

37 Commissioners were also (secretly) issued out for some great and eminent Papists, for martiall Commands, for levying of Souldi∣ers, and strengthening their party with Arms and Ammunition of all sorts, and in great plenty.

38 His Majesties treasure was by these means so extreamly exhau∣sted, and his revenues so anticipated, that he was forced to compell (as it were) his own servants, Judges, and Officers of all sorts, to lend him great sums of money, and prisons filled with refusers of these and the other illegal payments; yea, many High-Sheriffs summoned in the Star-Chamber, and to the Councel-board, and some of them impri∣soned for not being quick enough in levying of Ship-money, and such like intolerable taxations.

39 In sum, the whole Land was now brought into a lamentble and languishing condition of being most miserably bought and sold

to any that could give and contribute most of might and malice a∣gainst us, and no hope of humane help, but dolour, desperation, and destruction, to be the portion of all.

40 In which interim, the Scots being entred our Kingdome for their own defence, the King had advanced his Royal-Standard at Yorke, where the cream of the Kingdom, Nobles, and Gentry being assembled, and a Treaty betwixt the prime of both Armies had at Rippon, for a fair and peaceable accommodation, the King was, at last, inforced to take his Nobles councel, and in the first place, a cessation of Arms a∣greed on, and then this 5^th present Parliament (the Parliament of Parlia∣ments) was necessitously resolved on to begin, November 3. 1640.

5 Parliament, Anno 1640. Novemb. 3.

41 But behold a desperate plot and design was herein also immedi∣ately set on foot to spoyle or poyson it in the very Embrio and consti∣tution of it, in the first choyce of the members thereof, by Letters from the King, Queen, Malignant and Popish Earls, Lords, Knights, and Gen∣try, posts into all parts of the Kingdom, to make a strong party for them, but by admirable divine providence, this their plot was coun∣terplotted and frustrated, and the Parliament most hopefully con∣gregated and setled.

42 Shortly after, a very formidable Spanish-Fleet, or Armado, ap∣peared on our English narrow Seas, in sight of Dover, and was coming in (as was on very strong grounds more then probably conjectured) as a third party, to help to destroy us; the Spaniards hoping, that by this time, we and the Scots were together by the ears, but they were by Gods mercy, beaten off from us by our Neighbours of Holland. And we fighting against them, fought against our friends.

43 The Souldiers in their passage to York turn reformers, pul down Popish Pictures, break down rails, turn altars into tables, and those Po∣pish Commanders, that were to command them, they forced to eat flesh on Fridays, thrusting it down their throats, and some they slew.

44 In the time of ours, and the Scots Armies residing in the North, which was in June, 1641. the Malignant Lords and Prelates, fearing the effects of this present Parliament, complotted together to dissaffect that our English Army against the Parliament, and endeavoured to bring it out of the North, Southward, and so to London, to compell the Parliament to such limits and rules as they thought fit. Where∣upon the Parliament entred upon this Protestation.

At the beginning of the Parliament (July 1641) there was a diligent inquisition after oppressions and oppressors, and first upon the Peti∣tion of Mistris Bastwick and M••••…••••…s Burton, two widowed wives, and a Petition exhibited in the behalf of M^r Pryn, D^r Laighton, M^r Smart, M^r Walker, M^r Foxley, M^r Lilburn, and many others, set at liberty, some being banish'd, and all close Prisoners, others fast fettered in irons, and their wives debarr'd from coming to them.

45 The Earl of Strafford then Prisoner in the Tower, attempted an escape, promising to Sir William Belfore then Lieutenant of the Tower, twenty thousand pounds, and the marriage of his Daughter to Sir Wil∣liams Son, if he would but consent, but Sir William hated such Bribes.

46 Then they attempted by false scandals on the Parliament, to intice the Army of the Scots (then still in the North) to a Neutrality, whiles our English Army acted.

Die Veneris 30 July, 1641.

WE the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses of the Commons House in Par∣liament, finding to the great griefe of our hearts, that the designes of the Priests, Jesuites, and other adherents to the Sea of Rome, have of late been more boldly and frequently put in practice than formerly, to the undermining and danger of the ruine of the true Reformed Protestant Religion, in his Majesties Dominions established: And finding also that they have been and having just cause to suspect that there are still even during this sitting in Parliament, endeavours to subv••rt the fundamentall Lawes of England and Ireland, and to introduce the exercise of an Arbitrary and Tyrannicall Government, by most pernicious and wicked counsels, practises, plots, and conspiracies: And that the long intermissi∣on and unhappy breach of Parliaments, hath occasioned many illegall Taxations, whereupon the subject hath been prosecuted and grieved: And that divers Inno∣vations and Superstitions have been brought into the Church, multitudes driven out of his Majesties Dominions, jealousies raised and fomented betwixt the King and his people, a Popish Army l••vyed in Ireland, and two Armies brought into the bowels of his Kingdome, to the hazard of his Majesties Royal person, the con∣sumption of the Revenues of the Crown and Treasure of his Kingdome: And lastly, finding great cause of jealousie that endeavours have been, and are used to bring the English Army into a mis understanding of this Parliament, thereby to incline that Army with force to bring to pass those wicked Councels, Have there∣fore thought good to joyne our selves in a Declaration of our united affections and resolutions, and to make this ensuing Protestation.

The Protestation.

I A. B. Do in the presence of Almighty God, Promise, Vow, and Protest to maintaine and defend, is far as lawfully I may, with my life,

power, and state, the true Reformed Protestant Religion, expressed in the Doctrine of the Church of England, against Popery and Popish In∣novations, within this Realme, contrary to the same Doctrine, and ac∣cording to the duty of my Allegiance, his Majesties Royall Person, Ho∣nour, and Estate, as also the power and priviledges of Parliament, the lawfull rights and liberties of the Subject, and every person that maketh this Protestation, in whatsoever he shall do, in the lawfull pur∣suance of the same. And to my power, and as far as lawfully I may, I will oppose, and by all good wayes and means endeavour, to bring to con∣digne punishment, all such as shall either by force, practice, councels, plots, conspiracies, or otherwise, do any thing to the contrary of any thing in this present Protestation contained. And further, that I shall in all just and honourable ways endeavour to preserve the union and peace between the three Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and nei∣ther for hope, fear, nor other respect, shall relinquish this Promise, Vow, and Protestation.

The Earl of Straffords Speech on the Scaffold, May 12. 1641.

MY Lord Primate of Ireland (and my Lords, and the rest of these Gentlemen) it is a very great comfort to me, to have your Lord∣ship by me this day, in regard I have been known to you a long time, I should be glad to obtain so much silence, as to be heard a few words, but doubt I shall not; my Lord, I come hither by the good will and pleasure of Almighty God, to pay the last debt I owe to sin, which is death, and by the blessing of that God to rise again through the mercies of Christ Je∣sus to eternal glory; I wish I had beene private, that I might have been heard; My Lord, if I might be so much beholding to you, that I might use a few words, I should take it for a very great courtesie; My Lord, I come hither to submit to that judgement which hath past against me, I do it with a very quiet and contented mind, I do freely forgive all the world, a forgiveness that is not spoken from the teeth outward (as they say) but from my heart; I speak it in the presence of Almighty God, before whom I stand, that these is not so much as a displeasing thought in me, arising to any creature; I thank God I may say truly, and my con∣science bears me witness, that in all my services since I have had the ho∣nour to serve his Majesty, in any imployment, I never had any thing in my heart, but the joynt and individuall prosperity of King and people; if it hath been my hap to be misconstrued, it is the common portion of us all while we are in this life, the righteous judgement is hereafter, here we are subject to error, and apt to be mis-judged one of another, there is one thing I desire to clear my self of, and I am very confident, I speak it

with so much clearnesse, that I hope I shall have your Christian charity in the belief of it; I did alwayes think that the Parliaments of England, were the happiest constitutions that any Kingdome or any Nation lived under, and under God the means of making King and people happy, so far have I been from being against Parliaments; for my death, I here ac∣quit all the world, and pray God heartily to forgive them; and in par∣ticular, my Lord Primate, I am very glad that his Majesty is pleased to conceive me not mericing so severe and heavy a punishment as the ut∣most execution of this sentence; I am very glad, and infinitely rejoyce in this mercy of his, and beseech God to turn it to him, and that he may find mercy when he hath most need of it; I wish the Kingdom all the prospe∣rity and happines in the world; I did it living, and now dying it is my wish. I do now profess it from my heart, and do most humbly recom∣mend it to every man here, and wish every man to lay his hand upon his heart, and consider seriously whether the beginning of the happines of a people should be writ in letters of blood; I fear you are in a wrong way, and I desire Almighty God, that not one drop of my blood may rise up in judgement against you. (My Lord) I profess my self a true and obedi∣dient Son to the Church of England, to the Church wherein I was born, and wherein I was bred; prosperity & happines be ever to it: and where∣as it hath been said, that I have inclined to Popery, if it be an objection worth answering, let me say truly, that from the time since I was twen∣ty one years of age, till this hour, now going upon forty nine, I never had thought in my heart, to doubt of the truth of my Religion in Eng∣land; and never any had the boldnesse to suggest to me contrary to the best of my remembrance; and so being reconciled to the mercies of Christ Jesus my Saviour, into whose bosom I hope shortly to be gathered to that eternall happiness that shall never have end, I desire heartily the forgivenesse of every man, both for any rash or unadvised word, or deed, and desire your prayes: And so my Lord farewel, farewel all the things of this world: Lord strengthen my faith, give me confidence and assurance in the merits of Jesus Christ. I desire you, that you would be silent and joyn in prayers with me, and I trust in God that we shall all meet, and live eternally in heaven, there to receive the accomplishment of all happines, where every tear shall be wiped from our eyes, and every sad thought from our hearts: And so God bless this Kingdome, and Je∣sus have mercy upon my Soule. Amen.

[illustration]

The Earle of Strafford for treasonable practises beheaded on the Tower-hill

Anno 1641. Octob. 23.

47 About this time that inhumane bloudy Rebellion, and monstrous massacring of almost 200000 innocent English Protestants, men, women, and children, brake out in Ireland, namely, about October 23. 1641. ha∣ving had their principall encouragements from the Court of England, and of purpose to have made England the chief seat of the war.

48 The Design now went on chiefly against the City of London, for which purpose, the Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir William Belford was dis∣placed, and Cottington made Constable of the Tower; but he was soon displaced, and C. Lunsford was made Lieutenant of the Tower; but he also was displaced, and Sir John Byron was made Lieutenant of the To∣wer in Lunsfords stead; but he also with much ado removed, and Sir John Conyers was put in his place.

To the Kings most Excellent Majesty, and the Lords and Peers now Assembled in Parliament. The Humble Petition and Protestation of all the Bishops and Prelats now called by his M••j••st•••••• Writs to at∣tend the Parliament, and present about London and Westminster for that Service.

THat whereas the Petitioners are called up by severall and respective Writs and under great penalties to attend the Parliament, and have a clear and indubitable right to vote in Bils, and other matters whatsoever debatable in Parliament, by the ancient Customes▪ Lawes, and Statutes of this Realm, and ought to be protected by your Majesty quietly to attem•…•… and prosecute that great Service. They humbly Remonstrate and Protest before God, your Majesty, and the Noble Lords and Peers now assembled in Parliament, that as they have an indu••••••ate right ••o Sit and Vote in the House of Lords; so are they (if they may be protected from force and violence) most ready and wil••i••g to performe their duties accordingly And that they doe abominate all actions or opinions tending to Popery, and the maintenance thereof; as also all propension and inclination to any Ma∣lignant

party, or any other side or party whatsoever, to the which their owne reasons and conscience shall not move them to adhere. But, whereas they have been at severall times violently menaced, affronted and assaulted by multitudes of people, in their coming to perform their services in that Ho∣nourable House, and lately chased away, and put in danger of their lives, and can find no redresse or protection, upon sundry complaints made to both Houses in these particulars. They likewise humbly Protest before your Majesty, and the Noble House of Peers, that saving unto themselves all their Rights and Interests of Sitting and Voting in that House at other times, they dare not Sit or Vote in the House of Peers, untill your Majesty shall further secure them from all affronts, indignities, and dangers in the premisses. Lastly, whereas their fears are not built upon fantasies and conceits, but upon such grounds and objects as may well terrific men of good resolutions, and much constancy. They doe in all duty and humility protest before your Majesty, and the Peers of that most honourable House of Parliament, against all Lawes, Orders, Votes, Resolutions, and Determinations, as in them∣selves null, and of none effect, which in their absence since the 27^th of this instant moneth of De∣cember, 1641. have already passed; as likewise against all such as shall hereafter passe in that most Honourable House, during the time of this their forced and violent absence from the said most Honourable House; not denying but if their absenting of themselves were wilfull and voluntary, that most Honourable House might proceed in all their premisses▪ their absence, or this Protestation notwithstanding. And humbly beseeching your most Excellent Majesty, to command the Clerk of the House of Peers to enter this their Petition and Protestation among their Records.

They will ever pray to God to bless, &c.

Jo. Ebor. Th Dures. Rob. Co. Lich Jo Norw Jo. Asa. Gul Ba. & Wells. Geo. Heref. Rob. Ox. Ma. Ely. Godf. Glouc. Io. Peterb. Morr. Landaff.

[illustration]

The High Commission-Court and Starr-Chamber voted down, and pluralities & non residencies damned by Parliament.

The Bishops had a plot about this time, to subvert the Parliament, by indeavouring to get the King to protest against their proceedings in it; but 12 of them were impeached of high treason, and 10 imprison'd in the Tower, and afterward all disabled from ever sitting in the Parliament.

Bishops Voted down root and branch, Nullo contradicente: The Citi∣zens of London the same night made bonefires, and had ringing of Bels.

The Parliament published an Ordinance, injoyning all Popish Recusants inhabiting in and about the City, all dis-affected persons, and such as being able men, would not lend any money for the defence of the Com∣mon-wealth, should forthwith confine themselves to their own houses, and not to go f••rth without speciall license.

An Ordinance to apprehend dis-affected persons in the City, whereof were four Aldermen put in safe custody, in Crosby house, and some in Gressam Colledge.

A Letter sent to M^r Pym.

M^r Pym, Do not think that a guard of men can protect you, if you persist in your trayterous courses and wicked designs: I have sent a paper-messenger to you, and if this does not touch your heart, a Dagger shall, so soon as I am recovered of my Plague-sore. In the mean time you may be forborn, because no better man may be endangered for you:

Repent Traytor.

50 After this the King himselfe violently rushed into the House of Commons accused five of their most eminent members of Treason, de∣manded their persons to be delivered up unto him, intending to destroy all that resisted him therein, but crost by the happy absence of the Gen∣tlemen. This plot was attempted Jan. 4. 1641.

Col. Lunsford assaulted the Londoners at Westminster-Hall, with a great rout of ruffanly Cavaliers.

The Queen when she went over beyond Seas, one of her Ships where∣in she had great Treasure, sprung a leak, and much was lost and spoyled; and when she returned for England, she had a mighty storm at Sea, which brake the Mast of Van Trom's ship, and after eight dayes boisterous turmoyl, she was driven back again. There was broke and lost 3 Ships of Ammunition, and they that were driven back were almost starved.

Anno 1642.

51 Binion a Silk-man of London, and the Kentish Malignants, where∣in Sir Edw. Deering had a principal hand, framed Petitions against the proceedings of Parliament; but both were rejected, and they fined and imprisoned.

52 The King forsakes the Parliament, and getting the Prince to him, leaves London, and posts into the North, and there attempts to get Hull into his hands.

53 Sir Francis Windebancke, Sir John Finch, the Lord Digby, Jermyn, &c. flye for their lives beyond Sea.

54 The King interdicts the Militia, but the Messenger was hanged at the Exchange.

55 The Lords and Gentry of Ireland and Scotland, petition the King to return to his Parliament; yea and the Gentry and Commons of York∣shire doe the like, but are all rejected.

56 The King set on foot a Commission of Array.

57 Three letters were intercepted, discovering a plot against the Parl. by Wilmot, Digby, Jermyn, Cro••ts, and others, which came to nothing; but we by taking some of their Ships were advantaged.

58 Sir Rich. Gurney Lord Mayor and an Array man, was clapt up in the Tower.

59 Proclamations and Declarations against the Parliament, read in all Churches and Chappels within the Kings power.

60 Sir John Pennington displaced, and the Earl of Warwick put in his place.

61 Hull besieged by the Marquess of Newcastle, and in that interim, Beckwith a Papist, plotted to betray it by firing it in 4 several places.

The Citizens of London proffer their service to attend and guard the Parl. by land to Westminster, to secure them from danger.

By Water also the stout Ship-masters and Marriners made ready a great number of long-boats furnished with Ordnance, Muskets, and o∣ther Sea-warlike instruments, their Vessels gallantly adorned with Flags and Streamers, together with martial musick, Drums and Trumpets; when they came to White-hall and understood that the Parliament were safely arriv'd, the Train'd Bands by Land, and the Sea-men by Water, let flye their thundring shot both smal and great, their Trumpets sound∣ing, and their drums beating in a tryumphing and congratulatory man∣ner, was a singular testimony of their cordial affections.

The same day Buckingham-shire men, both Gentlemen, Ministers, and others of that Countrey on hors-back, with their protestations in their hats, for Reformation of evils in Church and State, and to assure their best services and assistance to the Parliament, on all just occasions; and out of Essex, Hartford, Bark-shire, Surrey, and other Counties of the Kingdome, came one after another.

62 The Earl of Essex was ordained Lord General over all the Parl. Forces, which he faithfully managed, as Edge-hill, Newbury, and other places can abundantly witness.

63 At Edge-hill 16 pieces of Canon shot against 80 of the Earl of Essex Life guard, and not one man hurt: and those 80 brake in upon

1600 of the Kings; four of the Parl. Regiments ran away, and sixteen Troops of Horse, so we were 6000 and they 18000, yet we took their Standard, and cleft Sir Edw. Varney Standard-bearer in the head, and slew the Lord Lindsey General of the field.

63 A plot to have blown up all the Lord Generals Magacine of pow∣der, and another at Beverley in Yorkeshire, to have slain Sir John Hotham, both intended by one David Alexander, and hired thereunto, but both timely prevented.

64 Commissioners granted to Popish Recusants to leavy men and arms against the Parliament.

65 The King received the most bloody Irish Rebels Petition, and per∣mitted their persons with great favour and allowance about him, cal∣ling and counting them good Catholick Subjects; but utterly rejecting the Petition (exhibited by the Lord General) desiring peace and re∣conciliation with him.

66 A Treaty of peace was really intended by the Parliament, but meerly pretended by the King for a while, in which interim, that most bloody bickering at Brainford, was committed by the Kings party, the City of London mightily preserved.

67 New High-Sheriffs, for the better collecting of the 400000 li. Subsidies, intended to have been confirmed to the King in a former Par∣liament, crost; and an O••dinance set on foot for the successefull associ∣ation of Counties for mutuall defence one of another.

68 A design of the Royalists at Oxford, and elsewhere, to proceed a∣gainst the prisoners as Traitors, and so put them to death, by which D^r Bastwicke, Captain Lilburn, were to have been tryed for their lives, but preserved by an Ordinance for execution of a Lex talionis, and so of exe∣cuting the royal prisoners among us.

Anno 1643.

69 A notable plot against the City of London, immediately upon the Cities preferring a Petition to the King, by the hands of two Aldermen, and four Commoners of the said City, in reply to which Petition, the King sending as his messenger, one Captain Hern to the City, and the whole body of the City assembling at a Common-Hal, this Hern desires Faire play above board of them, but the busines being found to be a notable design of the Malignant Citizens against the Parl. and the (then) Lord Maior of London, and the Government of their City, the major part cry out in the Hearing of Hern, they would live and dye with the Parl. and so sent Hern away with a flea in his ear.

70 A letter sent to all the Freemen, Journeymen, and Apprentices of

City, to assemble at their several Hals; and there the Masters and Wardens of all Companies to read the Kings Letter to them, and to perswade them to yeeld to all the Kings commands against the City. This Letter was voted scandalous.

71 A plot to betray Bristol, but discovered, two principal conspira∣tors were by Martial Law condemned and hanged.

[illustration]

The 2 of May, 1643.y^e Crosse in Cheapeside was pulled downe▪ a Troope of Horse & 2 Companies of foote wayted to garde it & at y^e fall of y^e tope Crosse dromes beat tru∣pets blew & multitudes of Capes wayre throwne in y^e Ayre & a greate Shoute of People with ioy, y^e 2 of May the Almanake sayeth was y^e invention of the Crosse, & 6 day at night was the Leaden Popes burnt▪ in the place where it stood with ringinge of Bells, & a greate Acclamation & no hurt done in all these actions.

72 M^r Pryn sent to search Canterburies Chamber and Study: found the original Scotch Service-book with his own hand-writing, the cause of all the Scots wars.

73 London to have been betrayed under a pretence of peace, by M^r Wal∣ler, a Member of Parl. M^r Tomkins, M^r Challenor, and others; but Waller fined 10000. l. and perpetuall banishment; Tomkins and Challenor hang∣ed, the one at the Exchange, and the other in Holborn.

74 Sir John Hotham attempted the betraying of Hull unto the Queen.

An Order sent down to the Church-wardens, to demolish Altars, to remove the Communion Table from the East end, and to take away all Tapers, Candlesticks, and Basons; and to demolish all Crucifixes, Cros∣ses, and all Pictures and Images of the Trinity and Virgin Mary, both within and without all Churches and Chappels.

75 A plot for betraying of Lincoln by the two Purfries, but preserved.

76 Gloucester admirably freed by the City Regiments.

77 A rebellion by the Kentish malignants about Tunbridge.

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78 A Ship bound from Denmark to the King, of about 300 Tun, richly laden with Arms and Ammunition; another Ship bound from Newcastle to Holland, laden with Sea-coale, but in the midst thereof was found between 3 or 4000l. hid in the coals, sent to buy arms for the King; a third great Ship called the Fellowship, of at least 400 Tun, carrying 24 peeces of Ordnance, taken by the Parliament.

79 Scotland with an Army of at least 20000 Horse and Foot, invited thereunto by the Parl. in the bitter depth of winter, when they marched up to the middle in snow, and were forced to bring their Artillery o∣ver the Ice of the frozen River of Tyne; and the Citizens of London lent the Parl. a 100000. l. for the Scots first pay, to encourage their advance to help us against the Kings Forces.

May 23. 1643. Voted the Queen Pawning the Jewels of the Crown in Holland, and therewith buying Arms to assist the War against the Parl. and her own actuall performances with her Popish Army in the North, was high Treason, and transmitted to the Lords. Images, Crucifixes, Papistical Books in Somerset and Jameses were burnt, and five Capuchin Friers sent away.

May 1643. An Ordinance for the making of Forts, Trenches, and Bulwarks about the City. July 1. 43. The Assembly of Divines met, D^r Twiss Prolocutor, 120 the total.

The Bishop of Canterburies first prayer on the Scaffold, Jan. 10. 1644.

O Eternal God, and mercifull Father, look down upon me in mercy, in the riches and fulnesse of all thy mercies, look upon me, but not till thou hast nailed my sins to the Crosse of Christ: look upon me, but not till thou hast bathed me in the blood of Christ, not till I have hid my selfe in the wounds of Christ, that so the punishment that is due to my sins may passe away, and go over me, and since thou art pleased to try me to the uttermost, I humbly beseech thee, give me 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in this great instant, full patience, proportionable comfort, a heart ready to dye for thine honour, and the Kings happinesse, and this Churches preservation; and my zeale to these, far from arrogancy be it spoken, is all the sin, humane frailty ex∣cepted, and all incidents thereunto, which is yet known of me in this particular, for which I now come to suffer. I say in this particular of Treason, but otherwise my sins are many and great, Lord pardon them all, and those especially whatsoe∣ever they be, which have drawne this present judgement upon me, and when thou hast given me strength to bear it, then do with me as seems best in thine owne eyes, and carry me through death, that I may look upon it in what visage soever it shall appear to me; and that there may be a stop of this issue of blood in this more then miserable Kingdome; I shall desire that I may pray for the people too, as well as for my self: O Lord, I beseech thee give grace of repentance to all people that

[illustration]

S^r Alexander Carew, S^r. Iohn Hotham, Captin Hotham & the Arch Bishop of Canterbury, be headed on Iower∣hill for Ireason against y^e Parliament 1645.

have a thirst for blood, but if they will not repent, then scatter their devices so, and such as are or shall be contrary to the glory of thy great name, the truth and sincerity of Religion, the establishment of the King, and his posterity after him, in their just rights and priviledges, the honour and conservation of Parl. in their ancient and just power, the preservation of this poor Church in her turth, peace, and patrimony, and the settlement of this distracted and distressed people, under the ancient laws, and in their native liberties; and when thou hast done all this in mercy for them, O Lord fill their hearts with thank fulness, and with religious dutifull obedience to thee and thy Commandements all their dayes: So Amen, Lord Jesus, and I beseech thee receive my soul to mercy. Our Father, &c.

The Bishop of Canterburies last Prayer on the Scaffold.

Lord I am comming as fast as I can, I know I must passe through the shadow of death before I can come to see thee, but it is but umbra mortis, a meer shadow of death, a little darknesse upon nature, but thou by thy merits and passion hast broke through the jaws of death; so, Lord receive my soul and have mercy on me, and blesse this King∣dome with peace and plenty, and with brotherly love and charity, that there may not be this effusion of Christian blood amongst them, for Jesus Christ his sake, if it be thy will. And when he said Lord receive my soule, which was his signe, the Executioner did his Office.

80 A design to starve the City, by breaking into Surrey, Sussex, Kent, but disappointed by S. W. Waller, with the help of the City Regiments.

81 The King granted a cessation of arms with the bloody Rebels of Ireland, but it was observed he never prospered after that.

82 A Solemn League and Covenant taken by the Lords and Com∣mons in Parl. and by the City of London, and all parts of the Kingdom, in the Parl. power.

83 Nottingham Town and Castle to have been betrayed, but prevented by Col. Hutchinson.

A Ship from Denmark of 300 Tuns laden for the most part with Round∣heads, they were halfe Pike-staves, with a great knob at the end of it, full of iron spikes, sent to the King, and great treasure; but that year the Swedes fell into Denmarke, and took away halfe his Countrey from him, 1643.

84 A plot against the City of London, by Sir Basil Brooke, Col. Read, Mr Ripley, and Vilot, 2 Citizens of London, and others, but prevented.

1644.

85 Two desperate plots for the betraying of Ailsbury, and one a∣gainst Southampton, but all three prevented.

86 M^r Edward Stanford, plotted with Cap. Backhouse for the betray∣ing of the City of Gloucester, and proferred 5000l. for a reward, 300l. whereof was paid to the said Captain, but the plot was frustrated.

87 Our Army in Cornwall preserved, with the losse of our Artillery.

88 A peace pretended at Ʋxbridge, and a treacherous Petition framed by the Malignants of Buckingham-shire, wherein one Sir John Lawrence of that Country was a great stickler, but frustrated.

89 Melcomb Regis, to have been betrayed, wherein divers of the Ma∣lignant Townsmen had a principal hand, and Col. Goring, and Sir Lewis Dives, were agents therein, the Town and Forts recovered, and two Ships with rich prizes from Rhoan in France were seized on to make a∣mends for their trouble.

The Service-Book Voted downe.

90 Earls and Lords from Oxford, submitted themselves to the Parl. The famous Victory of Naisby over the Kings Forces, 5000 prisoners taken. A Jewel of 500l. sent to Gen. Leven by the Parl. All the Kings Commissioners taken at Shaftsbury. Basing-house taken and burnt.

91 A plot in the West against the Parl. by the Glubmen.

92 A sudden p••ot upon Scotland, which was almost over-run by Mon∣tross, but as suddenly recovered again, by Generall David Lesley, and Montross discomfied and beaten away into the mountaines.

93 A Treaty with the Parl. for a well-grounded peace, and yet at that time the Earl of Glamorgan, had a Commission to the ruine of all the Protestants in Ireland, and consequently in England also.

94 The Great Seal broken before the Lords and Commons, on Tues∣day the 11 of August, 1646.

The Negative Oath.

I A. B. Do swear from my heart, that I will not directly, nor in∣directly adhere unto, or willingly assist the King in this war, or in this Cause against the Parl. And I do likewise swear that my comming and submitting my selfe under the power and protection of the Parl▪ is without any manner of designe whatsoever, to the prejudice of the proceedings of the two Houses of this Parl. and without the direction, privity, and advice of the King, or any of his Councell, or Officers, other then what I have now made known. So help me God, and the Contents of this Book.

[illustration]

1646

The King Escapes out of Oxford in a disguised maner

Ordered, That whosoever conceals the Kings person, shall be a Traytor.

A Letter concerning the Kings coming to the Scots Army, May 5. 1646.

RIght Honourable, the discharging of our selves of the duty we owe to the Kingdom of Engl: to you as Commissioners from the same, moves us to acquaint you with the Kings coming in to our Army this morning, which having overtaken us unexpectedly, hath filled us with amazement, and made us like men that dream; we cannot think that he could have been so unadvised in his resolutions, as to have cast himselfe

on us, without a reall intention to give full satisfaction to both King∣doms, in all their just and reasonable demands, in all those things that concern Religion and Righteousnes; whatsoever be his dispositions or resolutions, you may be assured, that we shall never entertain any thought, nor correspondency with any purpose, or countenance any in∣deavours that may in any circumstance incroach upon our League and Covenant, or weaken the union or confidence betwixt the Nations, that union to our Kingdom was the matter of many prayers, and as nothing was more joyfull unto us then to have it set on foot, so hitherto have we thought nothing too dear to maintain it, and we trust to walk with such faithfullnesse and truth in this particular, that as we have the testi∣mony of a good conscience within our selves, so you, and all the world shall see, that we mind your interest with as much integrity and care as our owne, being confident you will entertaine no other thought of us.

Signed May 5. 1646. LOTHIAN.

A Remonstrance exhibited in the name of the Lord Major, Aldermen, and Common-councel of the City of London, to the High Court of Parl. 1 That some strict and speedy course may be taken for the suppressing of all private and separate Congregrations. 2 That all Anabaptists, Brownists, Hereticks, Schismaticks, Blasphemers, and all such Sectaries as conforme not to the publick discipline established, or to be established by the Parliament, may fully be declared against, and some effectuall course settled for proceeding against such persons. 3 That as we are all Subjects of one Kingdome, so all may be equally required to yield obedience to the Government either set, or to be set forth. 4 That no person disaffected to the Presbyterian Government, set, or to be set forth by the Parliament, may be imployed in any place of publick trust.

The King gave speedy order to several Officers for the surrender of the Towns, Castles, and Forts, which then were in the hands of the Kings Commanders, viz. Oxford, Worcester, Litch feild, and Wallingford. A Petition delivered to his Excellency from the Officers and Souldiers in the Army, touching their faithfulness in the Parl. service, doing Summer service in the Winter season, &c. Further presented severall desires of theirs.

1 That an Ordinance of indempnity with the Royal assent be desired.

2 That satisfaction may be given to the Petitioners for their arrears, both in their former service, and in this Army before it is disbanded. 3 That those who have voluntarily served the Parliament, may not be prest to serve in another Kingdom, &c. 4 That those who have lost lives, limbs, or estates, may be provided for, and relieved.

1647.

The Apology in answer to his Excellencies letter, relating their sense of a second storm hanging over their heads, by the malice of a secret ene∣my, worse then the former now vanquished, expressing their sorrow that they cannot desire their owne security without hazard to his Excel∣lency, &c.

Concerning the abuse to divers well-affected to the Army by impri∣sonment, to the ruine of their estates, and losse of their lives.

And for their candid intentions and endeavours declared no less then troublers, and enemies to the state and Kingdom, resolving rather to dye like men, then to be enslaved and hanged like dogs, &c.

A Letter from his Excellency to the Earl of Manchester, concerning the Votes of both Houses, as also his grief of heart for the distractions between the Parliament and Army, desiring that all things may be de∣termined in love, &c.

That the Souldiers of Holdenby, with the Kings consent, brought him away from thence, &c. That his Majesty was unwilling to return back again to Holdenby, &c. And that the removall of his Majesty from Hol∣denby, was no designe, knowledge, or privity on his part, &c.

A particular charge against the 11 Members impeached by the Army. 1 That M^r Denzil Hollis being one of the speciall Commissioners for the Parl. to present Propositions to the King at Oxford, made private ad∣dresses to the Kings party then in arms against the Parl. and did secretly plot and advise them against the Parl. &c. 2 That the said M^r. Denzil Hollis, and Sir Phillip Stapleton, during the late war, when the Earl of Lindsey went from the Tower to Oxford, sent severall messages of intel∣ligence to the Earl of Dorset, &c. 3 That the said M^r Hollis, Sir Phillip Stapleton, Sir Wil. Lewis, Sir John Clotworthy, Sir Wil. Waller, Sir John Maynard, Maj. Gen. Massie, M^r Glyn, M^r Long, Col. Edward Harley, and Anthony Nicholas, in the months of March, April, May, and June last, in prosecution of their evil designs, met in divers places with persons dis∣affected to the State, for holding correspondency with the Queen of England now in France, and incouraged her party there. 4 And indea∣voured to bring in Forraign forces, and listed divers Commanders and Souldiers there, to raise and leavy a new war. 5 And affronted divers Petitioners that came in a peaceable manner, boysterously assaulting them, &c. 6 Imprisoned some Members of the Army, and to dis-ob∣lige the Army from the Parl.

The solemn Engagement of the Citizens, Commanders, Officers, and Souldiers, &c.

This was the Treasonable Ingagement.

WE do solemnly engage our selves, and vow unto Almighty God, That we will to the utmost of our power, cordially endeavour that his Maje∣sty may speedily come to his Houses of Parliament, with honour, safety, and freedome, and that without the nearer approach of the Army, there to confirme such things as he hath granted the Twelfth of May last, in answer to the Propositions of both Kingdomes, and that with a Personall Treaty with his two Houses of Parliament, and the Commissioners of Scotland, such things as are yet in difference may be speedily setled, and a firme and lasting peace established.

The Army Marching towards the City, orders were given to the Trained bands to go to the works. The Auxilaries are raised to defend the City. A Proclamation by beat of drum for all that are able to bear Arms, and are not listed to come to receive them. The House of Commons, and the Lords likewise, met according to the Order of adjournment, July 30. but neither of the Speakers.

At length they proceeded to a new election, and Voted M^r Pelham a Counsellour, and Member of the Commons House, Speaker pro tempore.

The Lords made choice of the Lord Grey to be Speaker of their House pro tempore. The Sergeant at Arms being absent with the Mace when the Commons chose their Speaker, had the City Mace, and chose M^r Norfolk Sergeant at Arms. After which, proceeding to debate the great affairs to ching the City and Kingdom, they voted as followes:

1 Tha the King come to London. 2 That the Militia of the City shall have full power to raise what Forces they shall think fit to the same. 3 That they may make choyce of a Commander in chief to be ap∣proved of by the House, and such Commander to present other Officers to be approved of by the Militia. The Common-councell made choice of Major Generall Massey to command in chief all the City Forces.

Ordered by the Militia that all Reformadoes and other officers should the next day at two of the Clock be listed in St. Jamses fields, where was a great appearance. Order given for staying of Horses in the City, and many listed. Most of the eleven Members sat in the House, and in the afternoon M. Gen. Massey, Sir William Waller, and Col. Gen. Poyntz, were at list••ng the Reformadoes. Declaration of the Lord Maior, Al∣dermen, and Common councel.

A brief of which that his Majesty was surprised at Holmby, and no place for his Majesties residence allowed by the Army nearer then their Quarters; therefore to sattle peace, and establish true Religion, ease the Kingdomes burden, establish his Majesties just rights, maintaine the

Parl▪ priviledges, and relieve bleeding Ireland, they profess the main•…•… their enterprise, &c. A Petition in the names of many thousands wel∣affected Citizens for some way of composure, &c.

At which time Col. Gen. Poyniz and other officers of the new list, at∣tending for their Orders upon the Militia, came into Guild-hall-yard, and most cruelly h••ckt and hew'd many of the aforesaid Petitioners, divers whereof were mortally wound••d, whereof some since dyed.

Lord Say, Lord Magresie, other Lords, with many of the House of Commons, came to the Head quarters, desiring the Generals protection.

Six Aldermen and twelve Common-councel men sent with a letter to the General, declaring their unwillingnesse to a new War. A letter from Southwarke, relating their withstanding the design of raising a new War, desiring protection, Massey sends Scouts, but neer Brainford thirty chased by ten, and took four of Massies.

Col. Rainsborough, Col. Hewson, Col. Pride, and Col. Thistlwet, mar∣ched into Southwarke; the Fort yielded without opposition.

The Members forced away returne. The Houses being sat with their old Speakers, Thomas Lord Fairfax, made high Constable of the Tower.

His Excellency marches through the City from 11 until 8 at night.

A Letter from Lieu. Gen. Cromwel, that his Majesty had withdrawne himself at 9 the last night, having left his cloak and some letters.

His Majesties last Letter, Hampton-Court, Nov. 11. 1645.

LIberty being that which in all times hath been, but especially now is the condition, the aim and desire of all men, common reason shews that Kings lesse then any should endure captivity; yet I call God to wit∣nes with what patience I have endured a tedious restraint, which so long as I had any hopes that this sort of my suffering might conduce to the peace of these 3 Kingdoms, or the hindring of more effusion of blood, I did willingly undergo, but now finding by too certaine proofs, that this my continued patience would not only turne to my personal ruine, but likewise be of much more prejudice to the furtherance of the publique good, I thought I was bound as well by natural as political obligations, to seek my safety, by retiring my self for some time from publique view both of my friends and enemies, and I appeal to all indifferent men to judge, if I have not cause to free my selfe from the hands of those who change their principles with their condition, and who are not ashamed, openly to intend the destruction of the Nobility, by taking away their negative voyce, and with whom the Levellers doctrine is rather coun∣tenanced then punished; and as for their intentions to my person, their changing and putting more strict guards upon me, with the discharging

most of all the servants of mine, who formerly they admitted to wait upon me, do sufficiently declare: nor would I have this my retirement mis-interpreted, for I shall earnestly and uncessantly endeavour the set∣ling of a safe and well-grounded peace, where ever I am or shall be, and that (as much as may be) without the effusion of more Christian blood, for which how many times have I prest to be heard, and yet no ear given to me; and can any reasonable man think (according to the ordinary course of affairs, there can be a setled peace without it, or that God will bless those that refuse to hear their own King? surely no; I must fur∣ther add that (besides what concerns my self) unless all other chief interests have not only a hearing, but likewise just satisfaction given to them (to wit, the Presbyterians, Independents, Army, those who have adhered to me, and even the Scots) I say there cannot (I speak not of mi∣racles, it being in my opinion a sinful presumption in such cases to ex∣pect or trust to them) be a safe and lasting peace: now as I cannot deny but that my personal security is the urgent cause of this my retirement, so I take God to witness, the publique peace is no lesse before mine eyes, and I can find no better way to expresse this my profession (I know not what a wiser man may do) then by desiring and urging that all chief Interests may be heard, to the end each may have just satisfaction; as for example, the Army (for the rest, though necessary, yet I suppose are not difficult to consent) ought (in my judgement) to enjoy the liberty of their conscience, and have an Act of Oblivion or Indempnity (which should extend to the rest of all my subjects) and that all their Arrears should be speedily and duly paid, which I will undertake to do, so I may be heard, and that I be not hindred from using such lawful and ho∣nest means as I shall chuse. To conclude, let me be heard with free∣dom, honour, and safety, and I shall instantly break through this cloud of retirement, and shall shew my self to be Pater Patriae,

C. R.

A great tumult, insurrection, and mutiny in London, breaking open divers houses, and magazines of Arms and Ammunition, breaking open divers houses, seizing on the Drums, Gates, Chains, and Watches of the City, assaulted and shot into the L. Maiors house, and killed one of his Guard, &c.

1648.

MAy 16. Surrey Petitioners came to Westminster, and made a great shout, and cryed, Hey for King Charls; We will pull the Members out by the Ear••s. disarmed two Sentinels, knockt them down, one Sentinell refusing to be disarmed, the Petitioners got within his Arms, one of them

drew his sword and run him through, and the Petitioners drew their swords on the Troopers, and said, fall on for King Charls, now or ne∣ver; but a party of 500 Foot did take some: of the Petitioners were slain four or five, of the souldiers two.

The old L. Goring proclaimed General at the head of the Kentish Ar∣my upon the Hill neer Alisford, consisted of 8000 besides those in Maid∣stone, there were neer 300 slain, and about 2300 prisoners, many of them taken in the Woods, Hop-yards, and fields; also Gentlemen of good qua∣lity, there were about 500 Horse, 3000 Arms, 9 foot Colours, and 8 pie∣ces of Canon, with store of Ammunition taken: Their word at the en∣gagement was King and Kent, Ours Truth: They being routed marched o∣ver Rochester Bridge towards Black-Heath, with about 3000 Horse and Foot, most Cavaliers Prentises and Watermen, and fled over the water into Essex, by Woollidge and Greenwich.

The Duke of Buckingham, L. Francis, E. of Holland, L. Andrew, L. Camb∣den, and others, rose in Surrey, and made Proclamation that they expe∣cted the Parl. would have setled the Kingdom, but because they have not, they would fetch the King, and live and dye with him to settle it.

July 11. 1648. was the surrender of Pembroke Castle.

[illustration]

The Scots Army of 21000. Invaded England Duke— Hambletons Standard had motto Date Cesari, Foot Standard for Covenant, Religion, King and Kingdomes;

Riseing in Kent, Revosting of the Navie, Redusing Colchester, And Quelling the insurection in Pembroke shire— all in 1648:

The Scots entring the Kingdom, July 11. 1648. Maj. Gen. Lambert sent this Letter to Duke Hammilton.

MY Lord, Having received Information that some Forces of Horse and Foot are marched out of Scotland into this Kingdome, under your Excellencies Command, I have sent this Bearer unto you, desiring

to know the truth and intent thereof, and whether they are come in op∣position to the Forces in these parts, raised by the Authority of the Parl. of England, and now in prosecution of their Commands, I desire your Lordships speedy answer, and rest

Your Excellencies humble servant, J. Lambert.

Duke Hammiltons Answer.

NOble Sir, I received yours of the 11 of this instant, in answer where∣unto I shall only say, the informa••ion you received is true, for ac∣cording to the Commands of the Committee of Estates of the Parl. of Scotland, there are Forces both of Horse and Foot come into this King∣dome, under my conduct for prosecution of the ends mentioned in my Letter of the 6. to which I refer you, intending to oppose any that are or shall be in Arms for the obstructing those pious, loyal, and just ends, and so remain

Hambleton.

The Town of Colchester delivered up, Sir Charls Lucas, and Sir Geo: Lisle shot to death. L. Col. Lilburn revolted at Newcastle, declared for the King, Sir Arthur Has••erigge storm'd the Castle, Lilburns head was set upon a pole.

June 5. The L. of Warwick went to Portsmouth, to bring into obedience the mutinous Sea-men; there was with the L. of Warwicke, the Phoenix, Mary, Rose, Robert, Nonesuch, Lilly, Lyon, Bonadventure, Antilope, Swift-sure, Hector, and Fellowship.

A short Abridgement of the Engagement made by the Common Councell, Commanders, Souldiers, and Commission officers in London.

WE decla••e to ingage as much as in us l••es, to defend the King and Parl▪ from all violence, and to the end we may be inabled to perform the same, We humbly offer, that the Forces in the line may be one entire Militia, and no Forces may be rai∣sed, but by Authority of the said Militia, by consent of the Common Councel, We de∣sire no Forces in Arms might come within thirty miles of London, during the Treaty, and for those within, what persons soever shall make any tumu't, shall be put to death. O de∣red, that the Common Councel men and Commanders shall within their severall Pre∣cincts goe from house to house, to receive concurrence to the said Ingagement.

Decemb. 1648. The House having notice of the Kings carrying to Hurst Cast••e, voted, That the seizing his person was without their advice or consent.

Dec. 5. The House Voted, That his Majesties concessions to their Proposals, was ground sufficient to settle the Peace of the Kingdome.

Dec. 6. Col. Rich, and Col. Prides Reg. guarded the Parl. and seized some Members.

Maj. Gen. Brown Sheriff of London, was apprehended, Decemb. 12.

Dec 13. The House Voted, That the Lords and Commons, declare they will make no further Addresses to the King, nor none shall be by any person whatsoever without leave of he Parl. and if any make breach of this Order, they shall incur the Penalty of High Treason, and that they will receive no more any Message from the King, to both or either Houses of Parl.

An Ordinance sent to the Lords for the Triall of the King, but they rejected the Commission, and adjourned 8 dayes, after that they never sate more.

••er. D••n••y Serj. at Arms to the Commissioners, rode into Westminster- Hall, with the Mace belonging to the House of Commons on his shoulder, and some Officers attending him all bare, and six Trumpeters on Horseback, a guard of Horse and Foot attending

in the Pallace yard, and Proclamation was made, All that had any thing for matter of Fact against Charls Stuart, King of England, to bring it in to the Commissioners.

Jan. 19. 1648. That this present Seale of England should be broken in pieces, and a new one forthwith made, and ordered that the Arms of England and Ireland, should be Ingra••en on the one side, on the other side a Map of the Parl. with these words in it, The first yeare of Freedome by Gods blessing restored, 1648.

The Charge of the Commons of England, against Charls Stuart King of England.

That the said Ch Stuart being admitted King of England, and therein trusted with a limitted power, to govern by, and according to the Lawes of the L••nd, and not otherwise; and by his Truth, Oath, and Office, being obliged to use the power committed to him, For the good and benefit of the people, and for the preservation of their Rights and Liberties; yet nevertheless out of a wicked design, to erect and uphold in himselfe an unlimited and Tyrannical power, to rule, according to his will; and to overthrow the Rights and Liberties of the People; yea, to take away, and make void the foundations thereof, and of all redresse, and remedy of mis-government, which by the fundamentall Consti∣tutions of this Kingdome, were reserved on the Peoples behalfe, in the Right and Po∣wer of frequent and successive Parl. or Nationall meetings in Councels; He, the sad Ch. Stuart, for the accomplishment of such his Designes, and for the protecting of him∣selfe and his adherents, in His and Their wicked practises to the same Ends, hath traiter∣ously and maliciously levyed War against the present Parl. and the people therein Represented. Particularly, upon or about the 30 day of June, in the year of our Lord, 1642. At Be∣verley in the County of York, and upon or about the 30 day of July, in the yeare afore∣said, in the County of the City of York; and upon, or about the 24 day of August, in the same year at the County of the Town of Nottingham (when and where he sat up His Standard of War;) and also on, or about the 23 day of October, in the same year, at Edge Hill, and Keintonfield, in the County of Warwick; and upon, or about the 30 day of Nov. in the same year, at Brainford in the County of Middlesex; and upon or about the 30 day of August, in the year of our Lord, 1643. at Cavesham Bridge neer Redding in the County of Berks; And upon, or about the 30 day of Octob. in the yeare last men∣tioned, at or near the City of Gloucester; and upon or about the 30 day of Nov. in the year last mentioned, at Newberry in the County of Berks; and upon, or about the 31 day of July, in the year of our Lord 1644. at Cropredy Bridge in the County of Oxon; and upon, or about the 30 day of Sep. in the year last mentioned, at Bodmin, and other pla∣ces neer adjacent, in the County of Cornwall; and upon about the 30 day of Nov. in the year last mentioned, at Newbery aforesaid; and upon or about the 8 day of June, in the year of our Lord, 1645. at the Town of Leicester; a••d also upon the 14 day of the same Moneth, in the same year, at Naseby field, in the County of Northampton. At which severall times and places, or most of them, and at many other places in this Land, at severall other times, within the years afore mentioned. And in the year of our Lord, 1646. He the said Ch. Stuart, hath caused and procured many thousands of the free peo∣ple of the Nation to be slain; and by divisions, parties, and insurrections within this Land, by Invasion: from forreign parts, endeavoured and procured by him, and by many other evill wayes andmeans, He the said C. Stuart, hath not only maintained and carried on the said War, both by Land and Sea, during the years before mentioned; but also hath renewed, or caused to be renewed the said War against the Parliament, and good people of this Nation, in this present year 1648, in the Counties of Kent, Essex, Surrey, Sussex, Middle∣sex, and many other Countries and places in England and Wales, and also by Sea; and particularly, He the said Ch. Stuart hath for that purpose given Commissions to his Son the Prince and others; whereby, Besides multitudes of other persons, many such, as were by the Parl. intrusted and imployed for the Nation, being by him or his Agents, corrupt∣ed

to the betraying of their trust, and revolting from the Parl. have had entertainment and Commission for the continuing and renewing of War and Hostility against the said Parl. and people, as aforesaid. By which cruel and unnatural Wars by him the said Charls Stuart, continued and renewed as aforesaid, much innocent blood of the Free-people of this Nation hath been spilt; many Families have been undone, the Publike Treasury wasted and exhausted, trade obstructed, and miserably decayed; vast expence and da∣mage to the Nation incurred, and many parts of the Land spoiled, some of them even to desolation.

And for farther prosecution of his said evill Designes, He, the said Ch: Stuart, doth still continue his Commission to the said Prince, and other Rebels and Revolters, both Eng∣lish and Forreigners, and to the E. of Ormond, and to the Irish Rebels and Revolters as∣sociated with him, from whom further Invasions are threatned, upon the procurement, and on the behalfe of the said Charls Stuart.

All which wicked Designes, Wars, and evil practises of him the said Charls Stuart, have been and are carried on, for the advancing and upholding of the personall interest of will and Power, and pretended Prerogative to himself and his Family against the Pub∣lique Interest, Common Right, Liberty, Justice, and Peace Of the people of this Nation, by, and for whom he was entrusted as aforesaid.

By all which it appeareth, That He, the said Ch: Stuart hath been, and is the Occasio∣ner, Author, and Contriver of the said Unnaturall, cruell, and bloody Wars; and there∣in guilty of all the Treasons, Murthers, Rapines, Burnings, Desolations, Damage, and mischief to this Nation, acted or committed in the said Wars, or occasioned thereby.

And the said Iohn Cook, by Protestation (save on the behalf of the people of England, the liberty of exhibiting at any time hereafter, any other charge against the said Ch: Stu∣art, and also of replying to the answers which the said Ch. Stuart shall make to the premi∣ses, or any charge that shall be so exhibited) doth, for the said Treasons and Crimes, on the behalf of the said People of England, Impeach the said Ch: Stuart as a Tyrant, Traytor, Murtherer, and a publick and implacable enemy to the Common-wealth of England; and pray, That the said Ch Stuart King of England, may be put to answer all and every the Premisses; that such Proceedings, Examinations, Tryals, Sentence, and Judgement, may be thereupon had, as shall be agreeable to Justice.

The Kings last Speech made upon the Scaffold.

King. I Shall be very little heard of any body here, I shall therefore speak a word unto you here; indeed I could hold my peace very well if I did not think that hold∣ing my peace would make some men think that I did submit to the guilt, as well as to the punishment; but I think it is my duty to God first, and to my Country, for to clear my self both as an honest man and a good Christian; I shall begin first with my Innocency, in troth I think it not very needfull for me to insist long upon this, for all the wo••ld knowes I never did begin a War with the two Houses of Parliament, and I call God to wi••nesse, to whom I must shortly make an Account, that I never did in∣terd for to incroach upon their Priviledges, they began upon me, it is the Militia they began upon, they confest that the Militia was mine, but they thought it fit for to have it from me; and to be short, if any body will look to the dates of Commissions, of their Commissions and mine, and likewise to the Declarations, will see clearly that they be∣gan these unhappy troubles, not I; so that as for the guilt of these enormous crimes that are laid against me, I hope in God that God will clear me of it, I will not, I am in cha∣rity; God forbid that I should lay it upon the two Houses of Parliament, there is no necessity of either, I hope they are free of this guilt; for I doe believe that ill instru∣ments between them and me, ha's been the cause of all this blood shed; so that by way of speaking, as I find my self, clear of this, I hope (and pray God) that they may too: yet

for all this, God forbid that I should be so ill a Christian, as not to say that Gods judge∣ments are just upon me: many times he does pay justice by an unjust sentence, that is ordinary; I will onely say this, That an unjust Sentence that I suffered to take effect, is punished now by an unjust Sentence upon me; that is, so far I have said, to shew you that I am an innocent man.

Now for to shew you that I am a good Christian, I hope there is a good man (point∣ing to D^r Iuckson) that will bear me witnesse, that I have forgiven all the world; and those in particular that have been the chief causers of my death; who they are God knows, I do not desire to know, I pray God forgive them. But this is not all, my cha∣rity must go farther, I wish that they may repent, for indeed they have committed a great sin in that particular, I pray God with S^t Stephen, that this be not laid to their charge; nay, not onely so, but that they may take the right way to the peace of the Kingdome: So (Sirs) I do wish with all my soule, and I do hope (there is some here will carry it further) that they may endeavour the peace of the Kingdom. Now (Sirs) I must shew you how you are out of the way, and will put you in a way; first, you are out of the way, for certainly all the way you ever have had yet as I could find by any thing, is in the way of Conquest; certainly this is in an ill way, for Conquest (Sir) in my opinion is never just, except there be a good just Cause, either for matter of wrong, or just Title, and then if you go beyond it, that makes it unjust at the end that was just at first: But if it be only matter of Conquest, then it is a great Robbery; as a Pirate said to Alexander, that He was the Great Robber, he was but a petty Robber; and so, Sirs, I do think the way that you are in, is much out of the way. Now Sir, for to put you in the way, beleive it you will never doe right, nor God will never prosper you, untill you give God his due, the King his due, (that is, my Successors) and the people their due; I am as much for them as any of you: You must give God his due, by regulating right∣ly his Church (according to his Scriptures) which is now out of order: For to set you in a way particularly now I cannot, but onely this, A Nationall Synod freely called, freely debating among themselves, must settle this; when that every Opinion is freely and clearly heard.

For the King indeed I will not, the Lawes of the Land will clearly instruct you for that; therefore, because it concerns my own particular, I only give you a touch of it.

For the people, and truly I desire their Liberty and Freedome, as much as any body whomsoever; but I must tell you, that their Liberty and their Freedome, consists in having of Government; those Lawes, by which their life and their goods may be most their owne. It is not for having share in Government (Sir) that is nothing pertaining to them. A Subject and a Soveraign, are clean different things; and therefore untill they do that, I mean, that you do put the people in that Liberty as I say, certainly they will never enjoy themselves.

Sirs, it was for this that now I am come here: If I would have given way to an Arbi∣trary way, for to have all Lawes changed according to the power of the Sword, I need∣ed not to have come here; and therefore I tell you (and I pray God it be not laid to your charge) that I am the Martyr of the people.

Introth Sirs, I shall not trouble you much longer; for I will onely say this to you, that intruth, I could have desired some little time longer, because that I would have put this that I have said in a little more order, and a little better digested then I have done, and therefore I hope you will excuse Me.

I have delivered my Conscience, I pray God, that you do take those courses that are best for the good of the Kingdom, and your own Salvation.

The Bishop of London minding him to say something concerning his Religion.

King. I thank you very heartily (my Lord) for that, I had almost forgotten it In∣troth

Sirs, my Conscience in Religion, I think, is very well known to all the World; and therefore I declare before you all, That I die a Christian, according to the professi∣on of the Church of England, as I found it left me by my Father; and this honest man I think will witnesse it▪ Then turning to the Officers said, Sirs, excuse me for this same, I have a good cause, and I have a gracious God; I will say no more. Then turning to Col Hacker he said, Take care that they do not put me to pain, and Sir, this and it please you. But then a Gentleman coming neer the Ax, the King said, take heed of the Ax▪ pray take heed of the Ax Then the King speaking to the Executioner, said, I shall say but very short Prayers, and when I thrust out my hands—Then the King called to D Iuxon for his night cap, and having put it on, he said to the Executioner, does my heire trouble you, who desired him to put it all under his Cap, which the King did accordingly, by the help of the Executioner and the Bishop, then the King turning to D^r Iuxon, said, I have a good cause, and a gracious God on my side.

D^r Iuxon. There is but one stage more, this stage is turbulent and troublesome, it is a short one, but you may consider it will soon carry you a very great way, it will carry you from Earth to Heaven, and there you shall find a great deal of cordiall joy and com∣sort.

King I go from a corruptible to an incorruptible Crown, where no disturbance can be.

Doct. You are exchanged from a temporall to an eternall Crown, a good exchange.

Then the King took off his Cloak and his George, giving his George to D^r Iuxon, say∣ing, Remember; 'tis thought for the Prince, and some other small Ceremonies past, after which, the King stooping down, laid his neck upon the block, after a very little pause, st••etched forth his hands, the Executioner at one blow severed his head from his Body, his Body was put in a Coffin, covered with black velvet, and removed to his lodging Chamber at White hall.

An Act prohibiting the Proclaiming of any person to be King of England, &c.

WHereas Charls Stuart King of England, being for the notorious Treasons, Tyrannies, and Murthers, committed by him in the late unnaturall and cruell Wars condemned to death; Whereupon, after Execution of the same, severall pretences may be made, and Title set on scot unto the Kingly Office, to the apparent hazzard of the Publique Peace. For the prevention thereof, Be it Enacted and Ordained by this present Parliament, and by the Authority of the same, That no person or persons whatsoever doe presume to Proclaime, Declare, Publish, or any way pro∣mote Charls Stuart, Son of the said Charls, commonly called Prince of Wales, or any other Person to be King or chief Magistrate of England, or of Ireland, or of any the Dominions be∣longing to them, or any of them▪ by colour of Inheritance, Succession, Election, or any other claim whatsoever, without the free consent of the people in Parliament first had, and signified by a parti∣cular Act or Ordinance for that purpose, any Statute, Law, usage or custome to the contrary not∣withstanding. And be it further Enacted and Ordained and it is hereby Enacted and Ordained, that whatsoever shall contrary to this Act, Proclaim, Declare, Publish, or any way promote the said Charls Stuart the Son, or any other person to be King▪ or chiefe Magistrate of England, or of Ireland, or of any the Dominions belonging to them, or to either of them, without the said consent in Parliament signified as aforesaid shall be deemed and adjudged a Traytor to the Common-wealth, and shall suffer the pains of death, and such other punishments as belong to the Crime of High Trea∣son And all Officers, as well Civil as Military, and all other well affected persons, are hereby au∣thorized and required forthwith to apprehend all such offenders, and to bring them in safe custody to the next Iustice of the Peace, that they be proceeded against accordingly.

H. Scobel Cler. Parl. D Com.

Imprimatur

Theodore Iennings.