Memorials of the English affairs, or, An historical account of what passed from the beginning of the reign of King Charles the First, to King Charles the Second his happy restauration containing the publick transactions, civil and military : together with the private consultations and secrets of the cabinet.

Anno 1643.

[Car. 19] The Nineteenth year of King Charles, 1643. be∣gins with a Treaty of Peace between Him and the Parliament, who had named for their Commissio∣ners two Lords, the Earl of Northumberland, and the Lord Say, and four Commons, Mr. Pierpoint, Sir William Ermyn, Sir John Holland and Mr. White∣locke.

The King excepted against the Lord Say, as be∣fore is mentioned, therefore he did not goe, but the other 5 Commissioners. The Earl of Northum∣berland carried with him, his own Plate, and Hou∣sholdstuff, and Accommodations even to Wine, and Provisions, which were brought from London to them to Oxford, where they lived in as much Height and Nobleness as the Earl of Northumber∣land

used to doe, and that is scarce exceeded by any Subject.

[Anno 1643] The King used them with great favour and civi∣lity: and his General, Ruthen, and divers of his Lords, and Officers, came frequently to their Ta∣ble; and they had very friendly discourses, and treatments together. The King himself did them the honour sometimes to accept of part of their Wine, and Provisions, which the Earl sent to him, when they had any thing extraordinary.

The Commissioners finding Whitelocke's Pen use∣full in the service, did put him upon drawing of all their Papers to the King, which were transcribed afterwards by their Secretaries.

Their Instructions were very strict, and tied them up to treat with none but the King himself, whom they often attended at his Lodgings in Christ-Church, and had access at all times when they desi∣red it; and were allowed by His Majesty a very free debate with him.

He had commonly waiting on him when he treat∣ed with them, Prince Rupert, and the Lord Keeper Littleton, the Earl of Southampton, the Lord Chief Justice Banks, and several Lords of his Council, who never debated any Matters with them, but gave their Opinions to the King in those things which he demanded of them, and sometimes would put the King in mind of some particular things, but otherwise they did not speak at all.

In this Treaty the King manifested his great Parts and Abilities, strength of Reason, and quick∣ness of Apprehension, with much patience in hear∣ing what was objected against him; wherein he al∣lowed all freedom, and would himself sum up the Arguments, and give a most clear Judgment upon them.

His unhappiness was, that he had a better Opi∣nion of others Judgments than of his own, though they were weaker than his own; and of this, the Parliament Commissioners had experience to their great trouble.

They were often waiting on the King, and debating some points of the Treaty with him, un∣till Midnight, before they could come to a con∣clusion. Upon one of the most material points they pressed His Majesty with their Reasons and best Arguments they could use to grant what they desired.

The King said, he was fully satisfied, and promi∣sed to give them his Answer in writing, according to their desire, but, because it was then past Midnight, and too late to put it into writing, he would have it drawn up the next Morning (when he comman∣ded them to wait on him again) and then he would give them his Answer in writing, as it was now agreed upon.

They went to their lodgings full of Joyfull hopes to receive this Answer the next morning, and which being given, would have much conduced to a happy issue, and success of this Treaty, and they had the King's word for it, and they wai∣ted on him the next morning at the hour appoin∣ted.

But instead of that Answear, which they ex∣pected, and were promised, the King gave them a Paper quite contrary to what was concluded the Night before, and very much tending to the breach of the Treaty. They did humbly expostulate this with His Majesty, and pressed him upon his Royal word, and the ill Consequences which they feared would follow upon this his new Paper.

But the King told them he had altered his mind, and that this Paper which he now gave them, was his Answer, which he was now resolved to make upon their last Debate. And they could obtain no other from him, which occasioned much sadness and trouble to them.

Some of his own Friends, of whom the Commis∣sioners enquired touching this passage, informed them, that after they were gone from the King, and that his Council were also gone away, some of his Bed Chamber (and they went higher) hearing from him, what Answer he had promised, and doubting that it would tend to such an Issue of the Treaty as they did not wish; they being rather for the continuance of the War,

They never left pressing, and perswading of the King, till they prevailed with him to change his former Resolutions, and to give order for his An∣swer to be drawn, as it was now delivered.

The Treaty upon the King's Propositions, as well as upon the Commissioners going slowly on, and their Instructions being strict, and such as they could not shew to the King when he desired it, he thought fit, Apr. 12. to send a Message to the Par∣liament during the Treaty, to this effect.

That as soon as he was satisfied, in his first Proposi∣tion, and as soon as the Members of both Houses should be restored, and that his Majesty and both Houses may be secured from tumultuous Assemblies, (which he con∣ceived could not otherwise be done, but by adjourning the Parliament to some place twenty miles from Lon∣don, such as the Houses should agree upon) His Ma∣jesty would consent to the Disbanding of the Armies, and would return speedily to his Parliament.

This being intimated to the Commissioners, they disswaded the sending of it, as that which they fear∣ed might break off the Treaty, and the improbabi∣lity that the Houses would adjourn and leave the City of London, their best Friends, and Strength, and put a discontent upon them.

Yet the King was prevailed with to send it, and upon the Receipt of it by the Houses, they present∣ly resolved to call away their Commissioners, and sent their Orders to them to return to the Parlia∣ment, which they obeyed; and so this Treaty ha∣ving continued from the 4. of March to the 15. of April, was now dissolved, and all their labours and hazards become fruitless, and of no effect; and all good English men, lovers of the Peace of their Countrey, were troubled, and disappoin∣ted.

The Earl of Northumberland demeaned himself with much courage, and wisedom, and was full of civility to the other Commissioners, and the port they lived in at Oxford, by the Earl's direction, and managed by his Officers, was full of State and Nobleness.

Mr. Pierpoint acted his part with deep foresight and prudence, and was exceeding courteous to his fellow Commissioners.

Sir William Ermyn was a Gentleman of good un∣derstanding and conversation, and would give his opinion upon good reason.

Sir John Holland, a Gentleman of excellent parts, as well as person, shewed a very good Judgment, and testimony of his Abilities.

Mr. Whitelocke was put upon very much labour, and had both from the Earl, and the rest of the Commissioners, a great share of favour and re∣spect.

When they were come to the Parliament they gave them a particular Account of all their Nego∣tiation, wherewith they were so well satisfied, that they ordered the thanks of the House to be given them, and by vote approved of all their proceed∣ings.

The Lord Brooke having seised the King's Ammu∣nition at Northampton, marched from thence to Warwick, and so to Stratford upon Avon, where

he beat out of the Town the Forces of Colonel Crocker, and Wagstaffe, and coming to Lichfield, the Earl of Chesterfield, and his Forces, left the Town, and betook themselves to the Close. But in the fight, one of his men shooting at the Win∣dow of the Lord Brook's Chamber where his Lord∣ship was, the Bullet pierced his Eye, and my Lord instantly died.

At which Brook's Souldiers inraged, recollected themselvers, renewed the fight, and took the Close, with the Earl, and all his Souldiers and Ord∣nance.

Shortly after the Earl of Northampton with part of the King's Army, enters Lichfield, and drives the Parliaments Forces into the Close; and Sir John Gell, and Sir William Brereton, coming with 3000 Horse and Foot to relieve them, were fought with and defeated; but the Earl was slain in the head of his Forces.

Afterwards Prince Rupert fell upon the Parlia∣ment Forces there under Colonel Russell, who ren∣dred the place upon honourable conditions.

April 17. General Essex sate down before Rea∣ding, where he made two attempts, and was beaten off.

The King marched from Oxford to Wallingford, to relieve Reading, and Essex his Forces encreasing, they worsted and killed many of the King's party at Cavesham, and they furiously playing upon the Town, Fielding the Lieutenant Governour (Sir Arthur Aston being hurt with the fall of a Brick) surrendred the Town to Essex.

Fielding for this was sentenced by a Council of War to lose his Head, but was afterwards par∣doned.

May 3. Cheapside Cross, and other Crosses were voted down. The Queen was voted a Traytor for raising Arms against the Parliament. She met the King at Edg-hill with 3000 Foot, 30 Compa∣nies of Horse and Dragoons, 6 pieces of Ca∣non, &c.

Monsieur Harcout came Embassadour from France, to mediate an Accommodation, but effected no∣thing. The King drew to his assistance the Irish, and the Parliament brought in the Scots, to whom they swore the Solemn League and Covenant.

This was long debated in the House of Com∣mons whether the Members of Parliament should take it or not, and carried in the Affirmative; and those looked upon as ill affected, who were back∣ward to take it: And after that, upon a new and great Debate, it was ordered to be taken by all persons, in the City and Countrey; and those who were known to refuse it, were branded with the mark of Malignancy.

Sir Ralph Hopton at Launceston drove back Chidley and his forces, but by a pannick fear, in a tempe∣stuous Night, they fled back to Launceston. Yet shortly after they defeated the Parliament forces. Chidley revolts to the King, and defeated the Cor∣nish.

May. 27. The Parliament forces gained a Victo∣ry at Wakefield against the King's forces.

Colonel Nathaniel Fiennes discovered a Plot of Yeoman's, and others, to betray Bristol to the King, for which they were sentenced by a Council of War to be hanged, and though the King wrote to the Magistrates, and General Ruthen to Colonel Fiennes the Governour, to spare their lives, yet they were executed.

In the end of this Month of May died Mr. John Pym, that eminent active Member of the House of Commons, and it was believed that the Multi∣tude of his business and cares did so break his Spi∣rits and Health, that it brought his Death.

June began with the Arraignment of Waller (a Member of the House of Commons) Tomkins, Chal∣loner, and others, for conspiring to surprize the City Militia, and some Members of Parliament, and to let in the King's forces, to surprize the City, and dissolve the Parliament.

Waller, a very ingenious man, was the principal Actor and contriver of this Plot, which was in de∣sign when he and the other Commissioners were at Oxford with the Parliaments Propositions. And that, being then known to the King, occasioned him to speak the words to Waller when he kissed his hand, (though you are the last yet you are not the worst, nor the least in our favour) as is before remem∣bred.

When he was examined touching this Plot, he was asked whether Selden, Pierpoint, Whitelocke, and others by name, were acquainted with it: he answered, that they were not, but that he did come one Evening to Selden's Study, where Pierpoint, and Whitelocke then were with Selden, on purpose to impart it to them all, and speaking of such a thing in general terms, those Gentlemen did so in∣veigh against any such thing, as treachery and base∣ness, and that which might be the occasion of shedding much blood.

That (he said) he durst not for the awe and re∣spect which he had for Selden, and the rest, communi∣cate any of the particulars to them; but was almost dis∣heartned himself to proceed in it.

They were all upon their Trial condemned, Tomkins and Challoner onely were hanged, Waller had a Reprieve from General Essex, and after a years imprisonment, he paid a fine of ten thou∣sand pound was pardoned, and travailed into France.

The General Essex being about Thame, ordered the Buckinghamshire Forces to Alarm the Cavaliers, some Skirmishes past between them, Rupert inga∣geth their Body in Chalgrave Field, Routs them, and takes Captain Sheffeild, and many other Pri∣soners, Major Gunter was shot dead in the place, and Hampden wounded, whereof he died a week after.

Some had advised him not to go forth upon this Party he not being ordered to doe it, but his Mettle did put him forward, and his death in∣sued.

He was a Gentleman of the ancientest Extraction in Buckinghamshire, Hampden of Hampden, his for∣tune large, his natural Abilities great, and his af∣fection to publick Liberty, and Applause in his Countrey, exposed him to many difficulties, and troubles, as in the business of the Ship-money, of the Loan, and now in Parliament,

Where he was a most Active and Leading Mem∣ber; he spake rationally and subtilly, and often proposed Doubts more than he resolved; he was well beloved in his Countrey, where he had a great Interest, as also in the House of Commons, he died lamented, about the 24. of June, 1643.

In the West the Parliament Forces took in Taun∣ton, and Bridgwater. The Synod of Divines sate, but concluded upon nothing.

In Germany the Protestant Forces under the Duke of Brunswick endeavoured to reduce Woolfen Bottel. Picolomini for the Emperour, enters the Town, and sets upon Brunswick, but was beaten, and lost 2000 men.

Lamboy for the Emperour about Bohemia, had his Regiment defeated for want of good Guards, and himself taken Prisoner, and sent to France by Count Guebiran, who for this service and taking of John de Wert, received the Marshals Staff.

The Swedes with 7000 fresh men, under Tortoi∣son,

enter Germany, and did gallant Service a∣gainst the Arch-Duke Leopold. Picolomini march∣eth against, and brake through their left Wing at Leipsick, and fell to plunder. The Swedes rally and turn upon the Enemy, and they fly, six thou∣sand of them seized never shot off.

The Swedes take Leipsick and besiege Friburgh, which is relieved by Picolomini, who upon this suc∣cess took leave of the Arch-Duke, and the Empe∣rour's service, and was entertained by the Spa∣niard.

The French prospered in Catalonia.

June 16. The Queen was brought to Bed of a Daughter at Excester, named Henrietta Maria.

The Parliament finding the great failure of Ju∣stice for want of a great Seal, voted, That if the Lord Keeper Littleton did not return with the Great Seal within fourteen days, he should lose his Place, and whatsoever should be sealed with that Great Seal afterwards, should be void.

By their Order a new Great Seal was made, en∣graven on the one side, the Picture of the House of Commons, the Members sitting; on the other side, the Arms of England and Ireland.

Waller with his whole Army was fought with by Greenvile and Slanning, at Lands Down in the West, Greenvile did gallant Service, and was slain there; so was Leake, the Lord Deincourt's Son, with the Enemies Colours about his Arm, and many others of quality.

On Waller's part, the Foot were dispersed and cut off, many Officers and Arms lost. Waller fol∣lows the King's Forces to whom Wilmot was sent with fifteen hundred Horse; they both met at Rowndway Down, near the Devises in Wiltshire, where Waller's Horse upon a pannick fear, fled and left their Foot to the mercy of the Enemy, who flew a great number of them, and took many Pri∣soners, four brass Guns, Ammunition and Bag∣gage.

This caused a diminution of the former Fame of Waller, which was raised up near to a competi∣tion or emulation with Essex himself, and caused some slackning of mutual Succors and Assistance, to the prejudice of their common Cause: But after this Defeat, Waller posted up to London, where his person, being a man known to be of much honour and courage, silenced Invectives against him, and made the better way for Recruits for him.

During these Actions of Waller, their General Essex writes to the Parliament, to incline them to a Peace with the King; at which some were dis∣pleased, and intimated the promoting of Waller in his place: But this was before they received the News from Rowndway Down of this Defeat.

In the North some difference had been between the Lord Fairfax and Sir John Hotham, who refu∣sed to submit to Fairfax, though General for the Parliament in those parts; but Hotham was as high and morose, as the other was meek and cour∣teous. The Parliament hearing of this Contest, intended to displace Hotham, which he discover∣ing by Letters that he intercepted, began to have new Designs.

His Son Captain Hotham being suspected by the Parliament, was imprisoned at Nottingham, from whence escaping, he under-hand treated with the Earl of Newcastle, and coming to Hull, he and his Father stood upon their Guard.

The Parliament doubting the Consequence here∣of, sent Sir Matthew Bointon with a Commission to seize them both, and to be Governour there; who not suspected by Hotham, being his Brother-in-law, had the more opportunity to tamper with the Gar∣rison, and gain an Interest with the Souldiers, so that he gained them and the Magazine.

Then Sir John, too late seeing the Design against him, fled to Beverley, where his own Souldiers set upon him, and forced him back again to Hull, where he was taken by his Brother Sir Matthew Bointon,; and with his Lady, his Son, and all his Children, sent up Prisoners to the Parliament, and Bointon remained Governour of Hull in his place.

His rough carriage, especially to his Inferiours, his very narrow living, and the betraying of the Trust committed to him, rendred him so distast∣full to all sorts of people,

That his Masters (for whom he had done so great Service in resisting the King at his first com∣ing to Hull,) they now cast him off; his Souldiers (who had fought for him) now chase him away from them, and his Brother in Law supplants him, and sends him with his Wife and Children, Pri∣soners to the Parliament. The Exit of his Scene in this Tragick Age, follows in its order of time.

Prince Rupert hovered long about Bristoll, till finding by his Correspondents (whereof he had many in the City) when it was worst provided for resistance, he fell upon it, and Colonel Nathaniel Fiennes the Governour, after three days siege, was forced to surrender it.

For which the Governour was afterwards sen∣tenced by a Council of War, to lose his life, but by General Essex he was pardoned, and gave off his Military Service.

The new Great Seal was at the first committed to the Custody of the two Speakers, to be made use of by the Warrant of the Houses, afterwards it was committed to the Custody of two Lords, and four Commoners, as Commissioners, who had the Authority of Keeper of the Great Seal.

The Lords were the Earls of Manchester and Bullingbrook, the Commoners were Mr. Brown, Mr. S. John, Mr. Wilde, and Mr. Prideaux.

The Courts of Justice were not-yet open, no practice for Lawyers.

August 12. The Earl of Lindsey being released from his Imprisonment by the Parliament, came to the King at Oxford, and was highly welcomed there; but the Earls of Holland and Bedford found it otherwise to them.

For they about August 25. upon some distaste at the Parliament, left them and got to Wallingford, where the Governour Blagge received them with great shews of Honour, and brought them from thence to the King at Oxford.

To him these Lords professed their Duty and Allegiance, acknowledging their former Errours, and promising wholly to desert the Parliament; and to adhere to his Majestie's Interest. But not long after, finding less favour and respect to them from the King and his Party, than they expected; upon this new Discontent, they found means a∣gain to quit Oxford, and to return to the Parlia∣ment.

About the same time the Earl of Clare left the Parliament, and went to the King to Oxford; but finding such Entertainment as Holland and Bedford had done, both from the King and those about him, he stoutly told the King, That he intended to return to his own house in Nottinghamshire, and prayed his Majestie's leave for it. The King wished him not to go, but finding him resolute upon his Journey, sent to have him stopped; but in the mean while the Earl found means to pass the Guards, and got home to Houghton, and from thence to the Parliament.

It was said in Drollery, that these three Earls had much confirmed others to continue with the

Parliament; for they having tried both Parties, found it by Experience that this was the best to be in, and to adhere unto.

A Book set out by Saltmarsh a Minister, gave di∣staste to sober men, by these, among other his Counsells:

• 1. That all means should be used to keep the King and his People from a sudden union.
• 2. To cherish the War under the notion of Popery, as the surest means to engage the people.
• 3. If the King would not grant their Demands, then to root him out, and the Royal Line, and to Collate the Crown upon some body else.

Some excepting against this in the house of Com∣mons, Mr. Henry Martyn said, He saw no reason to condemn Mr. Saltmarsh, and that it were better one Family should be destroyed, than many.

Sir Nevill Poole moved that Mr. Martyn might explain what one Family he meant. Who boldly an∣swered, The King and his Children. Upon this some of the Members urged against his lewdness of life, and the height and danger of these words: And divers speaking sharply against Mr. Martyn, he was committed to the Tower, but shortly after re∣leased, and re-admitted to his place in Parlia∣ment.

Sir Edward Coniers is removed fom his place of Lieutenant of the Tower, and the Charge thereof given to the Lord Mayor Pennington. The Parlia∣ments Commissioners in Scotland send word of a fair Correspondence with the State there, and their readiness to comply with the Parliament; in order to which, they had sent from them the Form of a Covenant to be taken by both Nations.

This the Parliament refers to the Assembly of Divines then sitting, for their Advice in it. Sir John Evelyn of Wilts, had writ a Letter from the Earl of Northumberland's house at Petworth, to Sir John Evelyn of Surrey, which being intercepted, and suspicious; both of them being Members of the house of Commons were Imprisoned.

Both Houses passed an Ordinance, August 28, for demolishing and removing all Monuments of Idolatry and Superstition out of all Churches and Chapels in England and Wales.

Divers Members of both Houses were Members of the Assembly of Divines, and had the same liber∣ty with the Divines to sit, and debate, and give their Votes in any Matter which was in considera∣tion amongst them: In which Debates Mr. Selden spake admirably, and confuted divers of them in their own learning.

And sometimes when they had cited a Text of Scripture to prove their Assertion, he would tell them, Perhaps in your little Pocket Bibles with gilt Leaves (which they would often pull out and read) the Translation may be thus, but the Greek or the He∣brew, signifies thus and thus; and so would totally silence them.

The Lord Willoughby of Parham had done great Service for the Parliament in Lincolnshire. He had taken in Gainsborough, and divers Prisoners there, a∣mong whom was the Earl of Kingston, who with the rest being sent by Water in a close Boat to∣wards Hull,

A party of Cavaliers, as they passed by, called to the Boat to stay, and because they did not, the Cavaliers shot at them, and the Earl with his man, and no other in the Boat, were slain by their own Friends.

The Lord Willoughby kept the Town afterwards against the Earl of Newcastle's Forces, till over-powred with Numbers, he was forced to surrender it upon honourable conditions.

Colonel Cromwell gave assistance to the Lord Willoughby, and performed very gallant Service a∣gainst the Earl of Newcastle's Forces. This was the beginning of his great Fortunes, and now he began to appear to the world.

He had a brave Regiment of Horse of his Coun∣try-men, most of them Freeholders, and Freehol∣ders Sons, and who upon matter of Conscience, en∣gaged in this Quarrel, and under Cromwell.

And thus being well armed within, by the satis∣faction of their own Consciences, and without, by good Iron Arms, they would as one man, stand firmly, and charge desperately.

The Parliament ordered Recruits for the Lord Willoughby, and for Cromwell; and both of them be∣came in the Parliaments favour.

Gloucester was the general subject of discourse; the King was set down before it with his whole Army, the Governour Massey, not only refuseth upon his Majestie's Summons, to render the City to him, but sallies forth upon some of their Quar∣ters, and did cut off 300 of their men.

A Conspiracy of the Mace-bearer, and others, to kill the Governour, and chief Military Officers, was discovered, and the betraying of the Town prevented; some of the Conspirators being exe∣cuted.

Gen. Essex. advanced with his whole Body from Ailesbury towards Gloucester, Aug. 29. The Enemy made a breach in the Outworks, and some Assaults, but was gallantly repulsed. The King drew his Forces from Exeter and the West, to the siege of Gloucester; yet the Besiegers were very doubtful whether to continue, or raise the siege.

Warwick Castle held out against the King's For∣ces, and Colonel Bridges the Governour acquitted himself with much honour. The Earl of Denbigh was made Major General of Coventry, and some part adjacent.

The Lord Gray and Colonel Harvey with their Parties, and many Voluntiers joyned with General Essex, in his advance for the relief of Gloucester. At Plymouth Mr. Alexander Carew a Member of Parliament, and Governour of the Island there, had a design to betray the Town and Island to the King.

But his own Souldiers discovering it, seized upon their Governour, to send him up to the Parlia∣ment; and the Women were so enraged against him for his perfidiousness, that it was difficult to rescue him from their execution.

The House by Vote disabled him from being a Member; and the like they did for Sir John Har∣rison, Sir Henry Anderson, and Mr. Constantine, of whom they were informed, that he designed to be∣tray Poole into the King's hands.

And these, and divers other Members of the House being disabled, and the new Great Seal fi∣nished, they ordered that new Writs should be is∣sued forth to the several places for which they served, to choose new Members in their room.

Sir Edward Bainton another Member, who de∣serted the Parliament, and went to the Isle of Wight, where he spake opprobrious words against them, was put in Prison.

The Town of Lyn in Norfolk, declaring for the King, the Earl of Manchester with three thousand Horse, and fifteen hundred Foot, draws to them, and blocks up the Passages to them by Land: The Earl of Warwick did the like by Sea.

General Essex made the slower marches towards Gloucester, being forced to keep his Army together in a continual posture of Defence, for he was daily

skirmished with by the Lord Wilmot, who attended all his Removes with a Body of two thousand and five hundred Horse.

His Majesty understanding that Essex advanced apace towards the relief of Gloucester, sent to him a Trumpet, with some Propositions to be trea∣ted on.

But Essex too much acquainted with such small designs to hinder his march, returned a speedy Answer, That he had no Commission to treat, but to relieve Gloucester, which he was resolved to do, or to lose his life there. And his Souldiers hearing of a Trumpeter, come with Propositions to treat, they cried out for a long time together with loud acclamations, No Propositions, no Propositions: And so the Trumpeter was dismissed.

The Ordinances for the Covenant, and for the Excise, were at a Conference delivered to the Lords; as having past the House of Commons; the Covenant was read to the Lords, with the Ex∣planation upon it, and the Fifth Article touching the Pacification omitted, and Ireland added.

The Ordinance for the Excise with some A∣mendments of the former was read to the Lords, and their Concurrence to both desired, which was given by them the next Morning.

Sir John Hotham and his Son were examined in the House touching their Treasons, and commit∣ted to the Tower.

Sir William Brereton took Eccleshall Castle, and defeated a Party of the Lord Capel's Forces, under Colonel Hastings. Two of the City Regiments were ordered to march out, and joyn with Sir Wil∣liam Waller: The Major General of his Army, was Colonel Potley, an old Souldier under the King of Sweden, Gustavus Adolphus.

He was of such repute with that Crown, that when he took his leave of them to come for Eng∣land, the Chancellor Oxenstierne, by command of the Senators when they all sate in Council, sent for this Colonel to come in to them, and told him,

That he having been an ancient Servant to that Crown, and who had done gallant Service for them, they held him in the Rank of their Children, and therefore by command of the Senate, he put a∣bout the Colonel's Neck a rich Gold Chain, with a Medal of the late King his Master, to wear in Memory of him.

He told him that the Senate had ordered Two thousand Dollars to defray his Expences, and Four thousand Dollars to bear his Charges to his own Country, and to keep him still a Servant to that Crown, and that he might eat of their Bread as long as he lived, they had given him a Pension of Two thousand Dollars per annum during his Life.

Essex proceeded in his march to Gloucester, and when the Enemy fell upon any of his Companies, (as they often did) Essex relieved them, fought with his Enemies, and made his way through them. The King understanding his near approach to Gloucester, and finding his own Souldiers not for∣ward to fight Essex, as the King intended,

He upon Sunday and Monday, the third and fourth of September, drew off his Carriages, and removed the Siege: and on Tuesday morning, Sep∣temb. 5. 1643. went over Severn with all his Ar∣my, the way to Bristoll. Essex came to Gloucester, Septemb. 6. and sent four Regiments, who entred the Town, and himself the next day finding the Siege totally raised, he sent Three thousand horse to attend the King's march, and keep his Forces in a body, that they might not plunder the Country, er else to fight them.

Upon the coming of the Earl of Newcastle to∣wards Beverly, the Lord Fairfax finding the Town not tenable, and the Inhabitants ill affected to the Parliament, he drew off all the Carriages and Souldiers from thence to Hull; and Newcastle en∣tred, and possessed Beverly.

The Mayors of Barnstable and of Bidiford in the West, betrayed these Towns to the Lord Digby's Forces.

The Lords sentenced Judge Berkley to pay Twen∣ty thousand pounds Fine, and to be disabled from bearing any Office in the Commonwealth, for his Judgment in the business of Ship-money.

The Lord Maitsland, Mr. Henderson, and ano∣ther Scots Commissioner, with Mr. Hatcher, and Mr. Nye, arrived in London; and their Letters of Credence from the States of Scotland, were read to the Lords and Commons, with the readiness of the Scots to assist the Parliament.

This Business was referred to a Committee of both Houses, to Treat with the Scots Commissi∣oners, upon their Propositions, and at two Meet∣ings all was agreed.

The Lords assented to the Covenant with the Alterations made by the Commons, and the Scots Commissioners assented to them likewise.

The King sent his Proclamation to Scotland, forbidding them to Treat any further with the Parliament of England, or to give them any As∣sistance.

Newcastle's Forces from Beverly quartered about three miles distance round on the Lands-side of Hull, upon whom Sir Thomas Fairfax made a sally out of Hull, killed many, and took fifty Pri∣soners.

The Town of Portsmouth petitioned, that Sir William Waller might be their Governour, and it was left to the General Essex to give him a Com∣mission accordingly.

The Speaker acquainted the House with Letters he received from France, That an Army of Twenty thousand was ready at S. Malloes to be shipped for Bri∣stoll, to assist the King.

The News of the King's raising the Siege of Glo∣cester, occasioned various Discourses of that Acti∣on; all men both Friends and Enemies agreed, that Essex herein performed a very gallant Souldier∣like Action: And most men were of opinion, that when the King went to Gloucester, if he had marched up to London, he had done his work.

For at that time the Parliament had no consider∣able body of an Army, and their party in some di∣visions: but by the time of the King's march, and stay at Gloucester, they had recruited their Army, provided Money, and pieced up their Discontents among themselves.

The City of Excester having held out three Months Siege for the Parliament, their Powder and Provisions failing them, surrendred to the King's Forces, upon Conditions which were broken by the Enemy, as those at Bristoll were.

Both Houses ordered Supplies for Gloucester; Essex followed the King, and sends for Sir William Waller to hasten to him.

At Cirencester, Essex beat up the King's Quar∣ters, drove Sir Nicholas Crispe and Colonel Spencer out of the Town, with their two Regiments of Horse, and took thirty Cart-loads of Victuals, and about 400 horse.

Captain Brooke being discovered by his Mari∣ners to have a design to betray the Ship which he commanded, to the King; the Sea-men clapt their Captain under Deck, and discovered his Plot to the Earl of Warwick their Admiral.

Lyn in Norfolk was surrendred to the Earl of Manchester.

There was a Skirmish between the King's, and Essex his horse near Hungerford in Berkshire, about 80 on both sides slain; of the King's part, the Mar∣quess Delavive; Essex surprized a troup of the King's horse, and that night quartered at Hunger∣ford, the Marquess his Corps was brought into Hungerford, and afterwards ransomed by the King's party for 500 pieces.

Sept. 19. Essex marched toward Newbery, his Army in great want of Victuals, both for men and horse; to whom the Country thereabouts was ill affected, and would bring in nothing to them without Compulsion.

The whole body of the King's Army had posses∣sed themselves of the Town of Newbery, on their right hand they had the advantage of the River, and a hill half a mile from the Town where they had planted their Ordnance, so that there was no passage to them, but with great disadvantage, and by a narrow Lane.

Yet Essex finding his Souldiers full of mettle, and resolved to force their way, he in person led them on, first charged the Enemy with his own Regi∣ment, and the Lord Roberts his Brigade of horse, and began the fight about six a clock in the mor∣ning Sept. 20. which continued with very hot ser∣vice till ten or eleven a clock at night.

The Parliament forces beat the Enemy from all their advantages, got the Hill from them, pursu∣ed them to Newbury; and out of the Town again, but the night, coming on, they no further could pursue them, and though the King's forces, (espe∣cially the horse which consisted most of Gentlemen) made gallant resistance, yet this place not being proper for their fight, their foot were thus bea∣ten, and in the night they drew off their Ordnance, and marched away leaving Essex Master of the Feild, who kept it that night, and part of the next day.

When night drew on, the Enemy, both horse and foot, stood in good order on the further side of the green, where they fought, and the Parlia∣ment's forces expected they would have ingaged them the next day, but the King's forces drew off by night.

The Parliament Souldiers had the Pillage of the dead bodies, both parties performed their service with great manhood and animosity, especially the King's horse, who yet were worsted, and the Earls of Caernarvan and Sunderland, who commanded part of them, were slain in the fight.

The Lord Falkland Secretary of State, in the morning of the fight, called for a clean shirt, and being asked the reason of it, answered, that if he were slain in the Battle, they should not find his body in foul Linnen.

Being diswaded by his friends to goe into the fight, as having no call to it, and being no Milita∣ry Officer, he said he was weary of the times, and fore saw much misery to his own Countrey, and did be∣leive he should be out of it ere night, and could not be perswaded to the contrary, but would enter into the battle, and was there slain.

His death was much lamented by all that knew him, or heard of him; being a Gentleman of great parts, ingenuity and honour, courteous and just to all, and a passionate promoter of all endeavours of peace betwixt the King and Parliament. From the time of Essex his remove from his quarters, at a Village called Chilton near Hungerford to the end of this Newbery fight there were of the King's part slain above 2000, besides the three Lords, and di∣vers other Officers of Note.

On the Parliaments part were slain about 500, Colonel Tucker, and the Lieutenant Colonel of Essex his Regiment, and one Captain more of Horse, in this Service the London Regiments did their parts with much Courage and Gallantry.

Essex advanced from Newbery towards Reading, to refresh his men, and no enemy appeared till they came to Theale, a Village four miles from Rea∣ding, where a party of the King's horse fired upon the rear of Essex's Army as they marched up a Lane near to Theale; and they had a hot skirmish for the time, about 60 of the King's horse were slain, and about eight of the Parliaments, the rest of the King's party retreated, and the Parliament forces took up their quarters at Reading.

The Lords and Commons sent a Committee to their General at Reading to complement him, and congratulate his great successes, and to inform themselves what supplies were wanting for the Army, that they might be speedily provided.

They sent another Committee to acquaint the City with the happy Success of the Army under General Essex, and to treat with them about sup∣plies of money, ammunition and other necessaries to be forthwith sent down to the Army.

They also took order to stop the passes between London and Oxford, to prevent the King's Intelli∣gence, and supplies of money and ammunition, whereof they understood he was in great want.

Sept. 25. Both Houses, with the Assembly of Divines, and Scots Commissioners met in St. Mar∣garets Church Westminster, where Mr. White, one of the Assembly prayed an hour to prepare them for taking the Covenant, then Mr. Nye in the Pul∣pit made some observations touching the Covenant, shewing the Warrant of it from Scripture, the ex∣amples of it since the Creation, and the benefit to the Church.

Mr. Henderson one of the Scots Commissioners concluded in a Declaration of what the Scots had done, and the good they had received, by such Co∣venants, and then he shewed the prevalency of ill Counsels about the King, the Resolutions of the States of Scotland to assist the Parliament of Eng∣land.

Then Mr. Nye in the Pulpit read the Covenant, and all present held up their hands, in testimony of their assent to it; and afterwards in the several houses subscribed their Names in a Parchment Roll, where the Covenant was written: the Di∣vines of the Assembly, and the Scots Commissioners likewise subscribed the Covenant, and then Do∣ctor Gouge in the Pulpit prayed for a Blessing up∣on it.

The House ordered the Covenant to be taken the next Lords-day, by all persons in their re∣spective Parishes, and the Ministers to exhort them to it.

The General with the Lord Gray, Sir Philip Stapleton and others came to London, and the Ar∣my removed to Windsor, and thereabouts. Sir Wil∣liam Waller's Forces quartering at Colnebrook, Stanes, and thereabouts.

The House of Commons with their Speaker went to Essex-house, to congratulate the General his safe Return to them, and his happy Success and Valour in the late Business at Newbury: And caused their acknowledgment thereof, and of their Protection by him under God, to be entred in the Journal Book of the Parliament.

The Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London waited in their Scarlet Gowns upon the General, and highly complemented him, as the Protector and Defender of their lives and Fortunes, and of their Wives and Children, and the Trained Bands sent out, as he passed by, loud acclamations of his praise.

In humane probability, the King's Army was the more likely to have prevailed, their Horse more and better than the Parliaments, and their Foot were as good, their advantages greater and their courages higher, and their confidence too much.

God was pleased to raise the Courage of the Parliaments forces, and to give them the success, and indeed all success in war, as well as in other matters, is the free gift of the Lord of Hosts.

Essex and his Souldiers acknowledged much gal∣lantry, and courage in those of the King's party, and the King's party acknowledged the like of Es∣sex and his Souldiers, all were Englishmen, and pitty it was that such courage should be spent in the bloud of each other.

A passage or two I shall here remember of extra∣ordinary mettle and boldness of Spirit. One is of Sir Philip Stapleton (though he would not acknow∣ledg it) that he being with other Parliament Com∣manders in the head of a body of horse, facing ano∣ther body of the King's horse, before whom stood their Commanders, and the cheif of them was Prince Rupert.

This Parliament Officer desiring to cope singly with the Prince, he rode from before his Compa∣ny up to the body of horse, before whom the Prince with divers other Commanders were, and had his pistol in his hand ready cockt and fit∣ted.

Coming up to them alone, he looked one, and another of them in the face, and when he came to Prince Rupert, whom he knew, he fired his Pistol in the Prince's face, but his armour defended him from any hurt, and having done this, he turned his horse about, and came gently off again without any hurt, though many Pistols were fired at him.

Another passage was of Sir Philip Stapleton's Groom, a Yorkshire man, and stout, if not two rash, by this story, he was attending on his Master in a charge, where the Groom's mare was killed under him, but he came off on foot, back again to his own Company. To some of whom he com∣plained that he had forgotten to take off his Saddle and Bridle from his Mare, and to bring them away with him; and said that they were a new Saddle and Bridle, and that the Cavaliers should not get so much by him, but he would go again and fetch them: His Master and Friends perswaded him not to adventure in so rash an Act, the Mare lying dead close to the Enemy, who would mall him, if he came so near them, and his Master promised to give him another new Saddle and Bridle.

But all this would not perswade the Groom to leave his Saddle and Bridle to the Cavaliers, but he went again to fetch them, and stayed to pull off the Saddle and Bridle, whilst hundreds of bullets flew about his ears, and brought them back with him, and had no hurt at all.

The Lord Grey of Groby, Sir Philip Stapleton and divers other Members of the House, and divers Officers of the Army, received the thanks of the House, for their good service done in the late Gloucester journey, and fight at Newbery, and this to be entred in the Parliament journals, for an honour to them, and their posterity.

Amongst the Colours taken at Newbery, one Cornet, was the figure of the Parliament House, with two Traitors heads standing on the top of it, and by them this word ut extra, sic in∣fra, but the Parliament nevertheless exposed them to publick view and censure.

The Commons ordered a Declaration upon a Bull from the Pope intercepted, which was to encourage the Roman Catholicks in Ireland to the rigorous prosecution of the War.

Some discontents had been between the Earl of Essex, and Sir William Waller, which upon a Con∣ference with a Committee of both Houses, and a Letter from Waller to Essex, were made up again, and the General, of a good nature, declared him∣self to be fully satisfied.

The Commons borrowed 30000 l. of the Mer∣chant Adventurers to supply the Navy, and took up other large sums for supply of the Armies.

They past a Declaration against the Cessation of Arms then in treaty between the King and the Irish Rebels, but the same was brought to a conclusion, and many of the Irish came in to the King's ser∣vice here.

This gave occasion for many Invectives, and Pasquils, That the Queen's Army of French and Wal∣loon Papists, and the King's Army of English Papists, together with the Irish Rebels, were to settle the Prote∣stant Religion, and the Liberties of England.

The Charge against Arch-bishop Laud was re∣ferred to a Committee, to be drawn up, and pre∣sented to the Commons and the Committee to manage the Evidence at the tryal against the Arch-bishop.

The Earl of Ormond concluded the Cessation of Arms with the Irish Rebels, and divers of them un∣der Colonel Ernely came over hither to serve the King.

The Earl of Craford for the King, sought to gain the Town of Poole by treachery, and dealt with Captain Sydenham one of the Garrison, who promised to doe his work, and received of him 40 l. and a promise of a great reward and pre∣ferment.

At an hour appointed, Craford comes to the Town with 500 horse, and some foot, Sydenham and the Governor, whom he acquainted with it, let in Craford, and half his men into the Town, and then letting fall a chain shut out the rest, few escaped of those who entred the town, but were killed or taken prisoners.

A Letter from Dr. Featly to Oxford was inter∣cepted, wherein he held correspondence with them, and fished for preferment from them, and the Dr. being a Member of the Assembly of the Divines, was for his Infidelity discharged of his attendance on the Assembly, and of his two Parso∣nages.

Sir Nicholas Crispe upon a quarrel, and affront offered to him in his own quarters by Sir James Ennyon, who challenged him also to fight, he kil∣led Ennyon, but was acquitted for it by the King's Council of War.

Mr. Walter Mountagu was apprehended at Ro∣chester, coming up towards London in a disguise, and Letters of Consequence taken about him. They ordered Copes and Surplices to be taken away out of all Churches.

Monsieur de Cressey came over Embassadour from the French King to the Parliament, and was recei∣ved with all due respect by a Committee of Lords and Commons at Gravesend, and conducted to the Parliament.

The Commons provided money for the advance of the Scots Army, from the City of London.

The French Embassadour demanded the inlarge∣ment of Mr. Walter Mountagu, as one imployed hither by the King of France, but it was de∣nyed.

The Cavaliers plundered and burnt part of Wo∣kingham, and quarter near Reading, upon design to fortify it, and summon the Country for that end.

The Parliament made some Orders for several Regiments to march out, and for money, which was wanting for Essex his Army, and for Sir Wil∣liam Waller's forces, who also desired more power, than his present Commission from Essex allowed him.

The Earl of Manchester having setled Lyn, marched with his Army into Lincolnshire, where he joyned with the Lord Willoughby of Paerham, Sir Thomas Faeirfax, and Colonel Cromwel's forces, and all together made up a very considerable Army.

Upon his desire the Parliament gave him power to levy monies out of the Sequestred Estates in the associated Counties towards payment of his Army. They also sequestred the Estates of such Members of both Houses, as had deserted the Parliament, or were in actual war against them.

By Letters intercepted it appeared, that by au∣thority from the Pope, a new Popish Hierarchy by Bishops, &c. was to be set up in all Counties in England, with Letters sent to Rome about the same matter.

A Minister was voted out of his living, for that he constantly pray'd for the Irish Rebels by the name of His Majestie's Catholick Subjects. Another for Preaching that the King was above the Law, and all those to be Rebels and Traitors that obey not his ver∣bal commands in all things though never so opposite to Law and Justice, and many others ejusdem fairnae, for scandal in their lives and doctrine.

Upon Letters from Colonel Massey of a designe of the enemy to take up their Winter quarters near Gloucester, the more to distress it, they order sup∣plyes to be sent him.

Dr. Ʋsher Primate of Armagh, now at Oxford was voted out of the Assembly.

The Earl of Manchester, with the Lord Willough∣by, and Cromwel's forces, gave a defeat to the Lord of Newcastle's forces at Hornecastle in Lincolnshire, killed 500 of them, took 1500 horse, and 800 Pri∣soners, and 35 Colours.

The King's forces took Daertmouth, which occa∣sioned the Parliament to send forces to the Isle of Wight.

The French Embassador complained that his person was stopped, and his Coach searched as he went out of Town towards Oxford, the Captain of the Guard being examined, justified it, upon notice he had, of letters conveyed by the Embassador to the Enemy; and it was passed over with a fair ex∣cuse to the Embassador.

Massey defeated a party of the King's forces coming to fortify Tewkesbury for their winter quar∣ters, killed about 300, took many prisoners with 500 Armes.

Colonel Bridges Governour of Warwick, with a party from thence defeated a Regiment of Horse under the Lord Mollineux for the King, killed di∣vers, took 100 horse, and many prisoners.

The Commons passed sundry Ordinances for raising monies out of delinquent's Estates, and Newcastle coals, to satisfie those who had lent mo∣neys for advance of the Scots Army into England. And for apprehending all for spies, who shall come from Oxford, or any of the King's forces to any of the Parliament quarters, without licence from ei∣ther House, or from the General.

A Proclamation was published in London for all Officers and Soldiers forthwith to repair to their Colours.

Colonel Ʋrrey who revolted from the Parlia∣ment, and Sir Lewis Dives with a great party of horse entred Bedford, took Sir John Norris, and others prisoners there, and routed 300 of their horse, and sufficiently plunder'd the Town, and other parts of that County.

The Lord Fairfax beat from about Hull part of the King's forces, took from them 9 pieces of Can∣non, of which one was a Demyculverin, one of those which they called the Queen's Gods, and 100 Arms. Baron Trevor was sentenced in the house of Lords, for his extrajudicial opinion in the case of Shipmoney, to pay 6000 l. fine, and be impri∣soned during pleasure.

Colonel Cromwel routed 7 troops of the King's horse in Lincolnshire under Colonel Hastings.

The King sets forth a Proclamation for prohibi∣ting the monthly fast to be kept, the Parliament declare against that Proclamation, and against ano∣ther for adjourning part of Michaelmas Term to Oxford, and held it at Westminster. The Estates of Scotland declare against the Cessation of Armes made with the Irish Rebels, and the Adventurers Petition against it.

Letters of Marque are granted by the Parliament against all such as have taken Armes against the Parliament, or assisted the Irish Rebels.

A Collection was ordered for the maimed and sick Souldiers. The Earl of Manchester took in Lincoln upon Surrender, and therein 2500 Armes, 30 Colours, 3 peices of Cannon.

The Parliaments Commissioners being returned from Scotland, Sir Henry Vane Jun. one of them, made report of all that affair to the House.

General Essex marched forth to his Army to Windsor, and from thence to St. Albans, whither a gallant Regiment of the City under the Com∣mand of Colonel Rowland Wilson came to him, and a commanded party was sent out of that, and other Regiments to Newport Pannel, to dispossess the King's forces there.

This Gentleman Colonel Wilson was the only Son of his wealthy Father, heir to a large estate of 2000 l. per an. in Land, and Partner with his Father in a great personal Estate employed in Merchandize; yet in conscience he held himself obliged to under∣take this Journey, as perswaded that the honour, and service of God, and the flourishing of the Gospel of Christ, and the true Protestant Religion, might in some measure be promoted by this service, and that his example in the City, of undergoing it, might be a means the more to perswade others not to decline it.

Upon these grounds the chearfully marched forth with a gallant Regiment of the City, which, as I remember, was called the Orange Regiment, and went from the Army with the commanded party sent for the reducing of Newport Pannell.

This was the condition of this Gentleman, and of many other persons of like quality and fortune in those times, who had such affection for their Re∣ligion, and the Rights and Liberties of their Coun∣trey, that pro aris & focis, they were willing to un∣dergo any hardships or dangers, and thought no service too much, or too great for their Countrey, but what requital (if they had done it for a requi∣tal) their Countrey gave them, you will find af∣terwards in the Story.

When the Parliament Forces came before Grafton House, and Newport Pannell, after the loss of a few men, and no long attendance, the King's Forces thought it most wisedom for them to retire, which they did, and quitted the House and Town, hasting away to Oxford 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Essex thought fit to fortifie the Town for a Winter quarter.

Twyford and Okingham were plundered by the King's Forces, and then the poor inhabitants could not prevail with the insolent Souldiers but that they burned many of their Houses, affirming they had or∣ders for it from the King's chief Commanders.

At Aulton Sir William Waller surprized 100 of the King's Forces under Colonel Bennet.

Some of the Irish landed at Bristol, to serve the King under the command of Sir Charles Vava∣sour.

Colonel Henry Bulstrode being above sixty years of age yet underwent the hardships and hazards of war in this cause, and was a discreet and stout Go∣vernour of Aylesbury in his own Countrey.

After him succeeded Colonel Alderidge, whom the Lord Byron sought by promises of reward and preferment, to corrupt to betray the Town to the King's Forces; but Alderidge preserved his fidelity, and prevented the design.

The Commissioners to goe into Scotland were na∣med, the Earl of Rutland, Sir Henry Vane Junior, Mr. Hatcher, Sir William Armyn, and Mr. Dar∣ley.

The Prisoners having great liberty, and many private consultations by the favour of the Gaolers, the House made an order against it, upon pein of an Escape in the Gaoler that should permit it.

They also took care for the relief of sick and maimed Souldiers, and of the Widows and Orphans of those who were slain in the Parliaments ser∣vice.

Mr. Chute and Mr. Hern were assigned to be of Counsell with the Archbishop in his Trial, to be shortly had in the Lords House.

The Earl of Warwick was made Governour in chief of all the English Plantations in America, and a Committee to assist him.

The Lord Willoughby of Parham took in Bulling-brooke Castle in Lincolnshire.

The King's Forces at Reading sent a Party to beat up the Parliaments Quarters at Henly, who thought themselves too secure, and their Guards were not placed; about Midnight the King's forces came up a narrow Lane in the Town towards the Cross, where four or five Pieces of Ordance were plant∣ed, but none there with them, save one half drun∣ken Gunner.

He seeing the King's forces advancing towards him, cried out Tom and Jack, and other names, as if there had been many about him, and when he discerned the King's Souldiers to come near him, he made a shift to fire a Gun that stood just against them, which in that narrow Lane did so great exe∣cution both upon Men and Horse, that in a great terrour they faced about, brought off their dead, carrying their bodies back to Reading, but left ma∣ny Horses, and much blood in the Lane, and in the way to Reading.

The House appointed a Committee of some Members, and others to look into the Accounts of the Kingdom for publick satisfaction therein.

Some bickerings were between the forces under Major General Skippon, and Colonel Harvey, and the King's forces in Northamptonshire, wherein (as is usual) fortune was variable.

Many inveighed sharply against a Warrant of Prince Rupert's commanding provisions and labou∣rers to be sent to him, Ʋpon your utmost perils, as the total plundering and burning of your Houses, with what other mischief the licenced, and hungry Souldiers can inflict upon you.

An Ordinance passed for associating Hampshire, Sussex, Surrey and Kent, and Sir William Waller to be their Major General.

Mr. Pierpoint asked leave of the House of Com∣mons to go beyond Seas, but they were so desirous of his assistance, being a Gentleman of great wise∣dom and integrity, that they gave him a friendly denial.

The Speaker Lenthall was made Master of the Rolls, Nov. 8. and Mr. Selden Keeper of the Re∣cords in the Tower.

Sir William Waller sate down before Basing-house.

The Commissioners for the Great Seal were a∣greed upon, the Earls of Rutland and Bullingbrooke for the Lords House, and Mr. St. John, Sergeant Wilde, Mr. Browne, and Mr. Prideaux for the Com∣mons, and the same authority given to them as the Lord Keeper had, and all Acts passed under the Great Seal at Oxford made void.

The Irish forces which came over with Vavasour refused to fight against their fellow Protestants, the Parliament, but joyned with General Essex his Army.

The Archbishop was brought to his Trial in the Lords House, Nov. the 13. where he made a short Speech, and desired that his Counsel might be heard; who were Mr. Chute, and Mr. Herne, and Mr. Hale, who having spoken to the points in Law, the Lords adjourned.

Upon the news of the Cessation of Arms in Ire∣land, many of the Earl of Newcastle's Army laid down their Arms, and offered composition to the Parliament.

The Houses agreed that Committees should one∣ly sit three times in the Week, and the Houses to sit onely the other three Days.

Several of the English Regiments were sent for out of Ireland to assist the King here, and since the Cessation, the Irish Rebels committed many cruel murthers there.

The Earl of Holland returned from Oxford, and, examined here, said that after he heard of the Cessati∣on in Ireland, his Conscience would not give him leave to stay any longer with them at Oxford.

The young Earl of Caernarvon came from Oxford into the Parliament, and was by them committed to the care of his Grandfather, the Earl of Pem∣broke.

A Paper was communicated to both Houses which was sent from the Prince Harecourt to the Earl of Northumberland, by way of general Propo∣sals for an accommodation between the King and Parliament, and that in the name of the French King whose Embassadour he was.

Buisie Mr. Pryn prosecuted Colonel Nathaniel Fiennes for the surrender of Bristol, but it was refer∣red to the Council of War.

The King's Forces besieging Plymouth took one of their Out-works.

Sir William Waller drew off his Forces from Ba∣sing-house, not willing to put them upon a Winter siege.

Sir William Brereton and Sir Thomas Middleton took in Holt Castle, and other places in Shropshire for the Parliament.

Colonel Rigby with the Lancashire Forces routed a party of the King's, beyond them in number near Thurland Castle; killed many, and took 400 Pri∣soners and Arms, and their Commander in chief; which was the more discoursed of because Rigby was a Lawyer.

The Garrison of Poole made several attempts upon the King's forces in Dorsetshire, killed and took divers of them, and 1500 of their Horse, and lost not one of the Garrison.

Divers of the Militia of London made Propositi∣ons to the House of Commons, touching the Re∣cruits of the Armies, &c. the Houses ordered them to search for any Officers of the Armies, who had deserted their Colours, and lay skulking in London, to apprehend them, and send them to the General, to be punished by Martial Law.

Some small bickerings past between Sir William Willer's forces, and the King's near Farnham.

The King sent to his subjects in Scotland, to forbid their taking of the Covenant, or joyning with the Parliament of England, but the States of Scotland returned in answer to the King the Reasons of their undertaking those lawfull actions, and humbly ad∣vise the King to take the Covenant himself.

The Scots generally took it, except Hamilton, and some three other Lords, and the Estates orde∣red it to be taken by all men on pein of confiscati∣on; whereof they gave notice by their Letters to the Parliament of England,

The Houses in answer to the Prince de Harecourt, declared their good acceptance of the affection of the King and Queen regent of France, in their offer of a mediation of a Peace, and that as soon as the Prince should make it appear, that the Propositions were by au∣thority from the King and Queen regent of France, the Parliament will give such an answer, as may stand with the interest of both Kingdoms, and with the Solemn League and Covenant.

A Party from the Garrison of Poole under, Cap∣tain Laye, went by Water to Warham, seven miles from them, whereof the enemy having an alarm, laid Ambuscadoes in the Hedges, in the way from the landing place to the Town, but Laye com∣manded his men, it being in the Night, to keep their Matches close, so that the enemy could not see where to shoot at them.

But the Party of Poole entred Warham in two places, and came into the midst of the Town, where their Garrison was drawn up together, who after one good volley of shot, threw down their Arms, and fled away.

Those of Poole took about 200 Prisoners, much arms, cloth, and provisions, and so returned.

The King's Officers having caused divers of the Parliament to be hanged for Spies, as one poor man by Prince Rupert's order upon the great Elm near the Bell in Henly, and many others.

Now the Council of War at Essex-house condem∣ned two for Spies, who brought a Proclamation, and Letters from Oxford to London, which were taken about them, and they were both hang'd.

The Judges and Officers, were commanded by the Parliament not to adjourn the Term by colour of any Writs, or Proclamations from Oxford, with∣out order of the Parliament.

The Commons pressed the Lords for dispatch of the business of the Great Seal, and the Earl of Rutland named for one of the Commissioners desi∣red to be excused, as not understanding the Law, nor the Oath to be taken by them.

The Castle of Flint was besieged by Sir William Brereton, and Sir Thomas Middleton, the Gover∣nour of it for the King, held it out till all provisi∣ons, even to Horses, failing him, he then rendred it upon honourable terms.

Then the Parliament forces took in Mostyn∣house, belonging to Colonel Mostyn the Governour of Flint, and in Mostyn they took 4 pieces of Ord∣nance, and some Arms.

This Colonel Mostyn was a Gentleman of good parts, and mettle; of a very ancient family, large possessions, and great interest in that Countrey; so that in twelve hours he raised 1500 men for the King, and was well beloved there, living very nobly.

Ships were sent to relieve Plymouth, and secure Milford Haven, and to watch the coming over of any of the Irish Rebels.

The Earl of Rutland was excused from being one of the Commissioners of the Great Seal, and the Earl of Kent named in his place.

Some of Sir Ralph Hopton's forces drove a party of Sir William Waller's Horse into Farnham, but Waller drew his party into the Castle, they being inferiour in number to Sir Ralph Hopton's party.

The Great Seal was carried up by the Speaker of the House of Commons, the whole House attend∣ing him, and delivered to the Speaker of the Lords House, who in the presence of both Houses, deli∣vered it to the Commissioners, and they all took their Oaths, and then carried it to Mr. Brown's House, the Clerk of the Parliament, where it was put into a Chest, with three different Locks, not to be opened but when three of the Commissioners were present.

The Earl of Warwick was voted Lord High Ad∣miral of England, and an Ordinance passed that all who would set forth Private Men of War, should have all Ships and Goods they could take, which were employed against the Parliament, or for sup∣ply of the Irish Rebels.

Sir Peter Osborn Governour of Jersey delivered it up to Sir John Pennington for the King.

A Regiment of the Irish Forces landed about Mostyn in Flintshire for the King's service.

Colonel Hastings marching to relieve Fulbury Castle held for the King, was by the way set upon by the Moore-landers, who routed his Troups, kil∣led 100 of them, took about 150 Horse, 100 Arms, and many Prisoners.

The Commons thought not fit to treat further with Monsieur de Harecourt, untill he shewed that he was Embassadour extraordinary from France, and that he would direct his Papers to one of the Speakers.

The Estates of Scotland by Letters informed the Parliament of England of a French Agent, who had been with them, to propound their desisting from giving any assistance to the Parliament of England, but the Scots justified to him their proceedings.

The Scots declared the Lords, Hamilton, Mor∣ton, Roxborough, and Lonmerick to be publick ene∣mies, and seised their Estates, because they came not in to take the Covenant.

The King's Forces took Arundel Castle, and for∣tified there.

Divers Forces from Ireland landed in Wales, and the Lord Byron went to joyn with them.

Sir Walter Earle was made Lieutenant of the Ord∣nance in the place of Mr. Pym deceased.

The Garrison at Plymouth gave a brush to the King's forces besieging them.

Sir William Waller set upon the Lord Craford's forces in Aulton, routed them, and took about a thousand Prisoners, Arms and rich Booties.

Colonel Morley beat back the Lord Hopton's for∣ces advancing to take Lewys in Sussex.

Mr. Walter Long was by the House appointed Register of the Chancery. Dr. Burges by motion from the Militia of London is made Lecturer at Pauls, with 400 l. per annum salary, out of Deans and Chapters lands.

A Letter of thanks was sent to Sir William Wal∣ler, from the House, for his good service at Aulton.

Mr. Lenthall Speaker was sworn Master of the Rolls before the Lords, and he, and the Commissi∣oners of the Great Seal took the Oaths of Supre∣macy and Allegeance, in the Lords house, they also took the Oath for observation of the Act for the Triennial Parliament.

The Rebels in Ireland proposed to the Council there,

• 1. To have confirmed to them the free exercise of their Religion.
• 2. That all Laws there against Papists may be re∣pealed.
• ...

• 3. That all Lands there belonging to Religion Hou∣ses may be restored.
• 4. That their Popish Bishops and Hierarchy may be confirmed.
• 5. That the English Protestants may pay tithes to the Popish Priests.

These things were after the cessation of Arms in Ireland.

Colonel Norton in Hampshire routed four Troups of Colonel Bennet's Horse, and took about 200 of them.

The Earls of Northumberland, Pembroke, Salis∣bury, and divers Members of the House of Com∣mons were indicted of High Treason at Salisbury, for assisting the Parliament, before Judge Heath, Banks, Forster and Glanvile; but they could not perswade the Jury to find the Bill.

The Commons ordered a Committee to draw up an Impeachment of Treason, against the four Judges, and to consider of a way to vindicate the Lords, and Members of the Commons so indicted.

Several more forces, about 1500 landed from Ireland in Wales, and Sir William Brereton wrote to the Parliament, that some of them were of the Rebels, and the Lord Byron is joined with them.

The like power was given to Sir William Brere∣ton, and Sir Thomas Middleton, for sequestrations, and levying of moneys in Wales, as was given to the Earl of Manchester in the associate Counties.

Five hundred of the Prisoners taken by Sir Wil∣liam Waller at Alton took the Covenant, and served under him.

The Parliament wrote to General Essex to ad∣vance with his Army to joyn with Waller. Essex answered that he held it not convenient for their Ser∣vice; and a little discontent began to kindle be∣twixt him and the House of Commons, and the Committee of Safety.

The Commons ordered that none should elect or be elected Common Council men, or Officers in London, but such as had taken the Covenant.

The Commissioners of the Great Seal sate in the Queens Court Decemb. 22. and sealed above 500 Writs, so desirous were people to have the course of Justice to proceed.

Colonel Brown is made Major General of the Ci∣ty Forces, appointed to go to Sir William Waller.

Essex sent 600 Horse to Waller, and removed his Army from St. Albans to Windsor, to be the more in readiness to assist Waller, and divers Kentish For∣ces came in to him, and he sate down before Arun∣del Castle.

Duke Hamilton proscribed in Scotland, gets to Oxford, and there is committed close Prisoner, an unhappy, or unsteady man, and by this you see the uncertainty of Greatness, and of Princes fa∣vours.

Sir John Meldrum, and Sir William Savile took in the Fort at Barton, and after that, Gainsborough for the Parliament: about 600 Prisoners, some of them Officers of Quality, store of Arms and Ammu∣nition.

The Parliament sate on Christmas day 1643. The Earls of Bedford, and of Clare, came from Oxford back again to the Parliament.

A Letter was intercepted from Oxford to Sir Pe∣ter Killegrew, which brought him into suspicion.

Colonel Hutchinson Governour of Nottingham Castle, acquainted the Parliament with an offer of the Earl of New Castle to pay him 10000 l. and to make him a Lord, and Governour of that Castle to him and his heirs, if he would deliver it to him, for the King, which Hutchinson refused.

The Scots Army of about 12000, advanced near to Berwick, and publish a Declaration as they march, of the justness of their undertakings, in assistance of the Parliament.

Major General Skippon took Grafton House, and in it Sir John Digby, with 20 Officers of note, and Horse, and 200 Foot, Arms and Money.

Some differences fell out at Coventry between the Earl of Denbigh and Colonel Purefoy, a Member of the House of Commons, they were both sent for to London, and reconciled.

Many of the Protestants in Ireland refuse to sub∣mit to the cessation, and joyn with the Scots For∣ces.

The King of Denmark providing to send assistance to the King of England, and sending for men to the King of Poland to infest the Swedes, the Letters being intercepted, the Swedes enter Denmark, and take sundry places there.

Colonel Fiennes was sentenced by the Council of War to be beheaded for the surrender of Bristol.

The King issued a Proclamation for adjourning the Parliament to Oxford, and all the Members who had deserted the Parliament, or been disabled, met at Oxford.

General Essex came to London from St. Albans, and was not well pleased with some Members, and proceedings of the House of Commons.

Jan. 1643. The Earl of Bedford lately come from Oxford to the General to St. Albans, was sent to London, and committed to the Black Rod.

Prince Maurice his Forces before Plimouth recei∣ved a blow from the Garrison, and the Princes men falling sick of the Camp Disease, whereof ma∣ny died, he raised the siege.

Colonel Boswell with 800 Horse from Coventry took by storm Sir Thomas Holt's House, 80 Priso∣ners, store of Goods, Money and Plate.

General Essex sent a new Commission with fur∣ther powers to Sir William Waller, which pleased the House of Commons.

A Plot was confest of setting on work a Petition from the City to the King for peace, and to invite his Majesty to London, and the Plotters were com∣mitted to Prison.

Mr. Riley a Clerk belonging to the Records in the Tower, was committed, for intelligence with Oxford.

The King sent Proclamations to the several She∣riffs to adjourn the Parliament to Oxford, and to summon the Members of that County to appear at Oxford 22. of this month, whereupon the Commons order their House to be called the same day.

Another Proclamation from the King was to ad∣journ the next Term, and all the Courts of Justice from London (which the Proclamation calls the Rebellious City) to Oxford, but the Parliament for∣bad it.

Arundel Castle was surrendred to Sir William Wal∣ler to mercy: there were taken in it, Sir William Ford, High Sheriff, Sir Edward Bishop, Colonel Banfield, and divers Gentlemen of Sussex, 50 Re∣formades, 1200 Prisoners, with their Arms, Mo∣ney, and with Pillage.

The Parliament imparted to the City at a Com∣mon Hall, the late discovered Plot to make a diffe∣rence between the Parliament and City, to divert the Scots advancing hither, and to raise a general Com∣bustion under the pretence of Peace. Sir Bazil Brooke, and Mr. Riley were chief agents in this Plot.

The Lord Byron took in Beeston Castle in Cheshire for the King.

The Parliament ordered the Commissioners of the Great Seal, to issue forth a Proclamation for holding the next Term at Westminster, and all

Judges and Officers to attend here, under pein of sequestration, and forfeiture of their Offices.

The Lords sent to the Commons to hasten the impeachment against the Queen.

A new Ordinance of Excise passed.

The Lord Goring's Letter to the Queen was in∣tercepted, by which he gives her an account of Sup∣plies of Money and Arms coming from France to our King, that Monsieur Harecourt was to treat with the Parliament as the King should direct him, and that all but two or three Jewels of the Crown were now pawned for money.

Upon this Letter, and other Informations, the Commons impeached the Lord Goring of High Treason, and ordered the Letters of the French Ministers of State to be brought to the Committee of Safety.

A Party of Horse under Colonel Ashton in Lan∣cashire, marching to joyn with Sir William Brereton, were by the way surprized, and routed by the Lord Byron: Brereton upon this alarm fell upon the Rear of the Lord Byron's Forces, and killed, and took many of them.

Major Brookban was shot to death, for deserting his Colours, and revolting to the King.

The Parliament wrote to Monsieur de Harecourt at Oxford to acquaint him with their grounds of stopping the Pacquet from France, and with the Lord Goring's Letter from thence.

One Lord and Sir H. Mildmay, and Sir William Strickland were sent to Gravesend, to entertain and conduct the Dutch Embassadour to the Parlia∣ment.

The City invited both Houses of Parliament to Dinner in Merchant Taylor's Hall, on such a day as the Parliament would appoint, and the ra∣ther at this time, the General Essex, and the Earl of Manchester being in Town, that the City might express their thankfulness to the Parliament for their unwearied labours, and care for the defence and peace of the City, and whole Kingdom.

The Houses returned thanks to the City, and ingaged to live and die with them in this Cause; and this was the rather contrived now that the Plot to raise differences between the Parliament and City, and to bring in the King, might appear to be the more frivolous.

The Parliament ordered publick thanks to be gi∣ven at this Meeting, at a Sermon, and the Sunday after, in all Parishes, for the discovery, and pre∣vention of the Plot of Sir Bazil Brook.

A Ship laden with Arms and Ammunition sent from Bristol to relieve the King's Forces at Chester, was, by the Mariners compelling their Master, brought in to Leverpool to the Parliament.

The Archbishop Laud was brought to the House of Peers, and the impeachment against him read, and he required to answer, who said he was an old man and weak, and could not answer without Counsel, and desired a further time to answer, which was granted.

Both Houses dined with the City at Merchant-Taylor's Hall, in the morning they met at Sermon in Christ Church; from thence they went on foot to the Hall, the Trained Bands making a Lane in the Streets as they passed by.

First went the Lord Mayor and Aldermen in their Scarlet Gowns, and the Common Council; then the Lord General, Lord Admiral, Earl of Man∣chester, and other Lords, attended with divers Co∣lonels, and military Officers.

After the Lords came the Members of the House of Commons, and the Commissioners of Scotland, then the Assembly of Divines; and as they went through Cheapside, on a Scaffold, many Popish Pictures, Crucifixes, and Superstitious Relicks were burnt before them.

The Lord Howard of Escrick petitioned for repa∣ration of his losses by the Cavaliers out of Delin∣quents Estates.

The 22. of January being the day appointed for the Anti-Parliament to meet at Oxford, the Parli∣ament at Westminster called the House, and there appeared 280 of their Members besides 100 more in the service of the Parliament in the several Counties; and now they expelled by vote 40 Mem∣bers who had deserted the Parliament.

The Anti-Parliament met at Oxford, but have not taken upon them the name, and power of Par∣liament.

The first day of Hillary Term, the Commissio∣ners of the Seal, and the Judges sate in the several Courts at Westminster Hall. The Ordinance pas∣sed, That if any should deliver Proclamation, or other thing to any persons, from Oxford, or sealed with any other Great Seal,. than that attending the Parliament, that they should be proceeded against as Spies, according to Marshal Law.

Monsieur de Harecourt sent a Letter to both the Speakers, but not intituling them Speakers of the Parliament, but only Messieurs Grey de Werke, and Lenthall, upon which the Parliament refused to ac∣cept the Letters.

Colonel Mitton routed a Party of the King's Horse, convoying Arms and Ammunition to the Besiegers of Nantwich; Mitton fell upon them unexpectedly, killed many, took Sir Nicholas By∣ron Governour of Chester, Sir Richard Willis, one hundred inferiour Officers and Troopers, one hundred and fifty Horse and Arms, and all the Ammunition and Powder which they brought from Shrewsbury.

The Lord Lovelace wrote to Sir Henry Vane Ju∣nior, to perswade a Treaty of Peace, and to raise di∣visions among the Parliaments party. The House authorised Sir Henry, Mr. St. John, and Mr. Brown, to keep a Correspondence with the Lord Lovelace, to sift what they could out of him, and his Lord∣ship was too weak for these Gentlemen.

Three hundred Native Irish Rebels landed at Weymouth, under the Lord Inchiquin to serve his Majesty.

Divers Papists Servants about the King's Chil∣dren, were removed.

Ogle for the King, wrote to Mr. Thomas Good∣wyn, and Mr. Nye, of the Independent Judgment, to make great promises to them, if they would oppose the Presbyterian Government, intended by the Scots to be imposed on England; and much to that purpose.

These two, being persons of great Judgment and Parts, acquainted their Friends herewith, and were authorised to continue a Correspondence with Ogle, who gained no ground upon them.

No more could Ogle upon the Governour of Ailesbury, nor upon Mr. Davenish; the one was sollicited to betray Ailesbury, and the other Wind∣sor, with mountainous promises from Ogle on the King's part, but all were refused.

The Scots Army now entred England, were eigh∣teen hundred foot, and thirty five hundred of horse and Dragoons.

The Recorder and Citizens of London, presen∣ted a Petition to the Commons, for dispatch of the business of the Accounts of the Kingdom, and for re∣cruiting and reforming the Armies.

This gave a stroke of jealousie and discontent to Essex, and his friends, and the more, because the House so well entertained it.

The Commons ordered Worcester-house to be furnished for the Scots Commissioners, who desired

some Members of both Houses might be appointed as a joynt Councel with them.

A Trumpet came from Oxford with Letters to the General, and a Parchment-Roll, signed by the Prince, the Duke of York, Duke of Cumberland, Prince Rupert, about fourty Lords, and one hun∣dred Knights and Gentlemen, sometime Members of the House of Commons, and now met by the King's Proclamation at the Assembly at Oxford, to debate of the State and Peace of the Kingdom, and to prevent effusion of more blood: And therefore they desire the General to treat with his Friends, and those by whom he is imployed, (not naming the Parliament) to appoint a time and place to treat of Propositions of Peace.

The General acquainted the Parliament here∣with, who would not own nor receive the Letters, having no Directions to them, but left it to the General to return an Answer.

An Ordinance past to recruit the Lord General's Army to 7500 Foot, and 3000 Horse and Dragoons, and they to have constant pay, only eleven Offi∣cers to have but half pay.

The Forces of Sir Thomas Fairfax and Sir Willi∣am Brereton joyning together, marched to relieve Nantwich: The King's Forces before the Town drew out to fight them, and gallant Actions were performed on both sides; the event of the Battel was long doubtful, till unexpectedly the King's Forces gave ground, and were pursued by the Par∣liaments, till they were totally routed and dis∣persed.

There were taken Prisoners Major General Gib∣son, Earnley, Sir Richard Fleetwood, Sir Francis Boteler an Irish Rebel, Colonel Monk, (who after∣wards served the Parliament, and this was his first turn:) Colonel Gibs, Harmon, Sir Ralph Downes, fourteen Captains, twenty Lieutenants, twenty six Ensigns, two Cornets, two Quarter-masters, for∣ty Drums, forty one Serjeants, sixty three Corpo∣rals, and fifteen hundred common Souldiers, six Pieces of Ordnance, four Canoniers, twenty seven Waggons loaded.

There were slain in the Fight two Lieutenant Colonels, four Captains, and five hundred men, an hundred and twenty Irish women with long Knives: and they report, that on the Parliaments side were slain not above twenty men, and of them not one Officer.

From Gloucester, Colonel Massey set upon Sir Henry Talbot's Quarters, and surprized him, three Captains, three Lieutenants, three Irish Reforma∣does, a Serjeant-Major, sixty common Souldiers, and much Arms, Ammunition and Provision going for Worcester.

The Commons ordered publick thanks to be given in all Churches for these Victories, and for the Assistance of the Scots come into the Parlia∣ment.

Sir Edward Deering came from Oxford into the Parliament; and upon his Examination said, That since the Cessation in Ireland, and seeing so many Papists and Irish Rebels in the King's Army, and the Anti-Parliament set up at Oxford, and the King's Counsels wholly governed by the Popish party, his Con∣science would not permit him to stay longer with them, but he came to throw himself upon the mercy of the Par∣liament, and according to their Declaration, to compound for his Delinquency. To which he was ad∣mitted, and order given for all others that would come in after him, who was the first.

Massey retook Malmesbury, and the Lieutenant Governour, and took three hundred Ossicers and Souldiers, and their Arms in that Town.

The Commissioners of the Seal gave the Cove∣nant to the Lawyers and Officers, and so many came to take it, that they were fain to appoint another day for it.

The Dutch Ambassadour went from London to Oxford, first to Treat with his Majesty.

Mr. Rowse a Member of the House of Commons, was by them made Provost of Eaton College.

The Commons expelled several other of their Members who had deserted the Parliament.

General Essex advised with his Friends about an Answer to the Letters which came from the Anti-Parliament at Oxford, and his Answer was in a Letter to the Earl of Forth, the King's General, to this effect.

That he received the Letter and Parchment from his Lordship, but it having no address to, nor acknow∣ledgment of the Parliament, he could not communicate it to them. That in maintenance of the Parliament and Privileges thereof, they all resolve to spend their blood, as the foundation of our Laws and Liberties: and he sends to Forth the National Covenant.

The Parliament appointed seven Lords, and fourteen Commons, to be a joynt Council with the Scots Commissioners, but the fewness of the number distasted many who were left out.

The Commons took order for ransoming of the English Captives at Algiers.

Some differences, or rather unkindness, was ap∣prehended between the Lord Willoughby of Parham, and the Earl of Manchester, who carrying Mat∣ters as a General, the Lord Willoughby could the less brook it, knowing himself not to be puisne to him, but all was well reconciled.

The Lord Fairfax took In Birlington Bay, and about a hundred Horses and Arms.

Sir Thomas Fairfax pulled up the Bridges lead∣ing to Chester, and regained three or four Garri∣sons from the Enemy, and took about five hundred men, Arms, and Provisions.

The Estates of the Earl of Clare, and of divers others, were ordered to be sequestred.

An Exhortation of the Assembly of Divines, touching the taking of the Covenant, was ap∣proved.

The Commons allowed five pounds a Week to Sir John Hotham, and as much to Sir Alexander Carew, and three pounds a Week to Mr. Hotham, for their Maintenance in Prison.

Prince Rupert by strickt Warrants, under pain of Fire and Sword, forbids any Provisions to be car∣ried to Gloucester, by which means the City was streightned.

Massey's Brother with a Party of the Gloucester Horse, going to beat up the Enemies quarters, was engaged with the main body of their Horse, and forced to hasten his Retreat with the loss of se∣venteen of his men.

The Scots took Coquet Island, and about two hundred men with their Arms, seven Pieces of Ordnance, and Provisions, and rescued and resto∣red to the Owners a great Herd of Cattel taken away by the King's Forces.

Colonel Grey, the Lord Grey's Brother, came in to them with a Regiment of Horse, and took the Covenant; and the Inhabitants of Northumberland and Westmerland came in great numbers to them, they sent a Summons to Newcastle.

Sir Thomas Fairfax took in Crew-house, and Da∣rison house, and the Lord Brereton he took Pri∣soner, with many others.

The Swedes had great successes in Germany.

Another Letter of the Lord Goring's was inter∣cepted, and He ordered to be Impeached of High Treason.

The Timber upon the Lands of the Lord Tennet, and of other Delinquents, was ordered to be cut down for the use of the Navy.

The Commons ordered to sit every day in the Forenoon in the House, in the Afternoon in Com∣mittees; and every Member that came not before Prayers ended in the Morning, to pay one Shil∣ling to the Poor, and for every Motion made after Twelve a Clock, to pay five Shillings.

The Earl of Westmerland, and divers other De∣linquents came in to the Parliament desiring the benefit of the Declaration of both Kingdoms for Composition.

The Council at Oxford prohibited any to have this Declaration in his Custody, upon pain of Fe∣lony; and that if any went from Oxford without leave of the Governour, they should be proceeded against by Martial Law, as Traytors.

Sir William Brereton reported to the House of Commons, that the Irish and other Forces under the Lord Byron, commit great Spoils and Cruel∣ties where they come; what they cannot devour, they set on fire, commit horrid Rapes and Inso∣lencies, that more of the Irish Rebels are expected to land in those parts, and Prince Rupert to come and joyn with them.

That he sends forth his Warrants, to bring in Provisions on pain of death, and that fifteen hun∣dred more of the Rebels are to be landed in Scot∣land, to interrupt the Scots advance into England.

The Marquess of Ormond, the new Lieutenant of Ireland, forbids the taking of the Covenant: upon this, and his being the chief Promoter of the Ces∣sation there, and of sending Forces from thence to the King, the Commons vote, To impeach him as a Traytor against the three Kingdoms, and disable him of his Lieutenancy, and of all Command in Ire∣land.

Twenty thousand English and Scots in the North of Ireland, have vowed, to live and die together in opposition to the Cessation.

A Trumpet came from Oxford to the Lord Ge∣neral, with Letters from the Earl of Forth by the King's Command, for a new Overture of Peace, desiring a safe Conduct for Mr. Fanshaw, and Mr. Offeley, to come to Westminster with Propositions from the King.

The General acquainted the Parliament with these Letters, but because they did not acknow∣ledge the Parliament, they would not read them, but referred them to the Committee of both Kingdoms.

Sir William Constable in Yorkshire routed three Regiments of Newcastle's Horse, took three hun∣dred of them, Colonel Washingham, a Serjeant Ma∣jor, three Captains, and divers Officers; divers other small skirmishes were in several Countries between both Parties.

The Scots besieged Newcastle, and took a main Outwork, and beat back the Enemy sallying out upon them.

The Marquess of Newcastle being in the Town, burnt a hundred houses in the Suburbs, the Inha∣bitants clamour against him: Seven of the Par∣liaments Frigots, lay in the Mouth of the Haven, to stop their passage by Sea. The Marquess or∣dered the firing of the Cole-mines, but that was prevented by General Lesley's surprizing of all the Boats and Vessels.

Some Irish Rebels landing at Beaumarice for the King, Prince Rupert sent a Regiment to convoy them to Worcester, but Colonel Mitton fell upon them by the way, routed them, and took many Prisoners and Arms from them.

The King's Forces took in some small Garrisons near Gloucester.

A Party of Horse from Northampton, routed Sir William Dormer's Troop near Banbury, and took about fourty of them.

The Commons in favour to the Scots Commissi∣oners, agreed to an exchange of Colonel Goring, for the Lord Lowthian.

They appointed a Committee to take the Ac∣counts of Billets, and free quarter, taken by the Lord General's Forces in Herefordshire, and to make allowance for it.

The two Sir John Evelyns were readmitted to the House upon their Petition, for the benefit of the Declaration of both Kingdoms, and took the Covenant.

There was some disagreement between the two Houses about settling the Committee of Safety, or Council of State, and the Oath of Secrecy to be ta∣ken by them.

The Anti-Parliament at Oxford were busie in drawing up some Propositions of Peace to be ten∣dred to both Houses here.

About twenty men in disguised habits, like wo∣men, with long Knives, were to have entred Not∣tingham, and surprised the Guards, and let in the King's Forces, but they were discovered, and some of them taken.

A Party of the Garrison of Poole, hearing of three thousand pounds sent by Prince Rupert to Weymouth, fell upon the Convoy, took the Money, a hundred Horses, many Prisoners, and their Arms.

More Irish Rebels landed near Chester, under the Command of the Earl of Corke, and the Lord In∣chiquin; some of them plundred the Lady Drake's house in Dorsetshire, stripped the Lady, and then burned her house to the ground.

Sir John Gell routed a party of the King's horse, under Colonel Hastings, took a hundred and twenty horse, many Prisoners and their Arms.

March 1643. The Commons sent to the Lords to hasten the Tryal of the Archbishop of Can∣terbury.

A Trumpet brought a Letter from the Earl of Forth, to the Lord General Essex, and in that was a Letter from the King directed in these words.

To the Lords and Commons of Parliament assembled at Westminster.

Upon this was a great Debate, whether this Letter should be received, because it did not ac∣knowledge the Parliament here otherwise, than those at Oxford, and was not according to the usual Directions, To the Speaker of one, or both of his houses of Parliament, or to the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament. In conclusion this Letter was referred to a Committee to open it, and to make report thereof to the House.

Colonel Cromwell was sent by Manchester to guard Ammunition from Warwick to Gloucester; he by the way took in Hilsden-house, and in it Sir Alexander Denton the owner, Colonel Smith, ma∣ny inferiour Officers, about a hundred horse, thir∣teen Barrels of Powder, store of Pillage, and a hundred seventy three common Souldiers, besides fourty slain, being Walloons, and other Foreigners: then he gave an Alarm to Oxford, and so went on to Gloucester.

Another Party from Warwick fell upon the Prin∣ce's Troop near Banbury, in their quarters, and took sixty of them.

The Lord Willoughby of Parham, and Sir John Meldrum, with about five thousand Horse and Foot, sate down before Newark; the Garrison sallying forth, forced Sir John Meldrum's Regiment to re∣treat,

but the Lord Willoughby came up gallantly with his Regiment, beat them back into the Town, and took a piece of Ordnance, and divers Prisoners, and rescued those whom they had taken of Sir John Meldrum's men.

Divers of the Irish, about fifteen hundred, were cast away at Sea, coming to serve his Majesty.

Poole Garrison beat up the Lord Inchiquin's Re∣giment of Irish Rebels, took divers Prisoners, two pieces of Ordnance, killed many, and fired their Magazine.

It was observed the Irish coming over hither, never did any Service considerable, but were cut off, some in one place, some in another, in all places the Vengeance of God follows blood-thirsty men.

Directions were sent to Mr. Strickland, the Par∣liaments Agent at the Hague, to tender the Co∣venant to all the English in those Countries, and to certifie the Names of such as refused it.

The Prince Elector in a Letter to both Houses, declares the content and satisfaction he takes in the Covenant, and wishes success to their proceed∣ings in pursuance of that loyal and pious Covenant.

The Parliament gave Authority to Sir William Brereton, as to other Commanders, to levy Mo∣neys by Sequestrations, &c. in the Counties where they command, and the like power was given to Commissioners to reside in the Scots Army, and to make supplies and provision for them.

The King's Letter referred to a Committee, was reported to a Committee of both Houses, the effect whereof was, That in regard of the sad Condition of the Kingdom, that some of the Members of Parliament at Westminster, may meet with some of the Members of Parliament at Oxford, to agree upon a place where both those at Westminster and those at Oxford, may meet in a full Convention of Parliament to settle Reli∣gion, with liberty to tender Consciences, the true Rights of the King, Parliament, and Kingdom.

The Lords upon this Letter sent their Observa∣tions to the Commons, That the King expresseth his opinion, that those at Oxford, who have deserted and fought against the Parliament, are yet equal Members with those at Westminster, whom the King hath often acknowledged the true Parliament, and confirmed their Acts.

They propound that a Letter may be sent from both Houses to his Majesty, to represent this to be a free Parliament, and to intreat his Majesty to return to it, according to his Oath, to maintain the Laws, Liberties, and Privileges of Parliament; and that if he return not by a day, then they will take care to ma∣nage Affairs, as shall seem most meet.

They also propounded, That a Declaration be published upon these Points, and to undeceive the King∣dom: To all which the Commons unanimously consented.

The General sent in a List of the Officers of his Army, and a Committee was named to consider with his Excellency, which should continue in Command, and the rest to be provided for, if they will serve as Reformadoes. They took care for the continuance of the Excise and Customs, to pro∣vide Moneys for their Armies.

Five worthy Ministers were appointed to attend upon, and to preach to the King's Children.

The Commons voted to Impeach Mr. Webster, and Mr. Sands, and two other English Merchants in Holland, for being chief Actors in pawning the Crown-Jewels, and sending over Arms and Am∣munition against the Parliament.

The Clergy and others being summoned to Lei∣cester to take the Covenant, and very many of them coming in, Colonel Hastings with four hundred of the King's Horse, roamed about the Country, and took about a hundred Prisoners of those that were going to take the Covenant, and drove the rest home again.

Upon this, about two hundred Horse were sent from Leicester, who unexpectedly fell into the Quarters of Hastings, rescued all the Prisoners, dispersed his Troops, took fifty of them Prisoners, and a hundred and forty Horse and Arms.

Fifteen thousand of the Scots past the River Tyne, and blockt up Newcastle on the South-side, as the other part of their Army did on the North-side.

The Lord Willoughby before Newark, beat the King's Forces from their Outworks, and gained their Bridges, and came within Pistol-shot of the Town.

Colonel Wayte beat up the King's Quarters near Burley-house.

Colonel Norton did the like to some of the Lord Hopton's Forces, and killed and took about eighty of them.

The Scots possest themselves of Sunderland and Durham.

Sir William Constable took Stamford-Bridge, and three pieces of Ordnance, Powder, Shot, Arms for several Troops of Horse, and Provisions.

Colonel Lambert at Leeds surprised eleven Co∣lours of the King's, and Sir William Constable be∣sieged Scarborough; Sir Hugh Cholmley revolted to the King, burnt many houses in Whitbee.

March. 12. The Archbishop came to his Tryal in the Lord's house; the Evidence against him was managed by Serjeant Wild, and Mr. Maynard: The Archbishop in his Defence alledged for his con∣stancy in Religion, that he had converted two and twen∣ty from Popery to be Protestants.

Divers Western Gentlemen came into Plymouth, and submitted themselves to the Parliament.

The Divines of the Netherlands in Answer to a Letter from the Assembly of Divines here; express their content in the proceedings of the Parliament and Assembly, touching the Covenant, and desire to joyn with the two Kingdoms therein.

The Dutch Ambassadour sent a Message to the House of Commons, directed in the usual manner,

To the Speaker of the House of Commons:

And in the Afternoon, they had a private Con∣ference with the Speaker, and some Members.

The Earl of Carlisle deserted the King's Party, and came in to the Parliament.

Colonel Thomas Pyne took the Lord Arundel's House by assault, fifty Prisoners, and two pieces of Ordnance.

Mar. 15. The Commons referred to the Coun∣cil of both Kingdoms, to consider of, and propound to both Houses the most probable, speedy, and effectual means for procuring, and establishing a firm peace: wherein the Lords concurred.

Sir Richard Greenvile was proclaimed Traytor by the General, and the Proclamation nailed on the Gallows.

The Parliament Ships chased the Earl of Marle∣borough; but he (though two to one) did not think fit to fight with them.

The Anti-Parliament at Oxford passed sundry Votes, That the Parliament Members at Westmin∣ster were guilty of Treason. Which Votes the Par∣liament caused to be published, with a Declaration upon them.

A List was agreed of seven Colonels of Foot-Regiments, under the Lord General in his Army.

The Propositions from the Ambassadours of the

States, Were to mediate a Peace between the King and Parliament: For which end they had been with the King, and now they made application to the Parliament, who thought they did not fully acknowledge them as the Parliament, and there∣upon the business past over, with Complements on both parts.

Colonel Purefoy beat up the Quarters of two Troups of the Earl of Northampton's Regiment, took divers Officers and others Prisoners, and 80 Horse,

The Rents of the Universitie of Oxford were secured by the Parliament.

Consideration was had of Regulating Sir William Waller's Army.

The Scots possest Sunderland, by which means Coals were had for London, which before was in great want of them.

Newark Garrison sallied out and surprised 200 of the Besiegers.

The Ordinance past for Regulating the Lord General's Army, and reducing them to seven thou∣sand and five hundred Foot, and three thousand Horse; and thereby his Officers were discontented, and himself not well pleased.

Letters were intercepted from the Catholick Council of the Rebels in Ireland, to Cardinal Ma∣zarini, To put the Queen Regent of France in mind of her promise to assist the Irish with seven thousand men.

An Order past for Trade to Sunderland and Blith in the North.

A difference of Opinion was between the two Houses; the Lords would have a new Committee named, to consider of Propositions of Peace: the Commons would have that Business referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms.

In the debate of this matter, some of the House of Commons seemed averse to any Propositions at all for Peace: Amongst others, one spake to this effect.

Mr. Speaker,

It would be no wonder to see an unanimous Concur∣rence of the whole House, in furthering Propositions for a good Peace.

The Calamities of our Distractions have brought us to it, and who is there amongst us, that hath not in some measure felt the stroaks of them; I am sure, Sir, I have smarted by them.

We may say here, but, I hope, never with the like Application, what Tacitus said of the Romans, Om∣nia discordiis civilibus fessa.

The Land is weary of our Discords, being thereby polluted with our blood.

God hath given you great Successes in many places against our Enemies, and sometimes he is pleased to give our Enemies Successes against us; in all of them, whether of the one or the other Party, the poor English are still Sufferers.

Whose Goods (I pray Sir) are plundered? whose Houses are burnt? whose Limbs are cut, or shot off? whose persons are thrown into loathsom Dungeons? whose Blood stains the Walls of our Towns, and defiles our Land?

Is it not all English? and is it not then time for us who are all English-men, to be weary of these Dis∣cords, and to use our utmost Endeavours to put an end to them.

I know, Sir, you are all here of the same Opinion with me in this Point; and that it was an unhappy mi∣stake of those who told us in the beginning of our War∣fare,

That it would be onely to shew our selves in the Field with a few Forces, and then all would be pre∣sently ded.

We have found it otherwise; let us now again seek to recover these Blessings of Peace, whereof we are told, that Nihil tam populare quam pax, That nothing is than Peace more gracious to be heard of, more plea∣sing to be desired, and more profitable to be enioyed.

I am sorry we have so much, and so sad Experi∣ence, as well as other Arguments, to convince us of this truth.

You think best to refer it to the Committee of both Kingdoms, and you cannot find more able and faith∣full men to trust in this Business: the Lords think fit that another Committee be named, to whom this may be referred.

VVhilst we differ upon the Committee, we lose the Business, and do not pursue Peace. I am perswaded, Sir, you can hardly name any Committee, either with∣in, or without these Walls, but would be ready to take pains to effect this good work.

Unless it were those who have said,

That if this War be well managed, it may last twenty years.

But those were not English-men: and although we have Irish, French, Dutch, and Walloons, as well as other Papists, ingaged for the settlement of the Pro∣testant Religion, and Laws of England:

Yet I am perswaded, that his Majesty and you mu∣tually indeavouring (as it is both your Interests) none can hinder it.

It is true, that these Foreigners help to open the Veins wider but a Peace will rid us of them, and stop the Issue of Blood; but if it bleed on still, we must faint, and perhaps become a prey to Foreigners.

Sir, I humbly move that we may endeavour without more loss of time, to satisfie the Lords with reasons, that it is fittest to have this matter referred to the Com∣mittee of both Kingdoms.

Yet, if their Lordships shall not be satisfied herein, let us consent to name another Committee, rather than to suffer so desirable a business to be protracted. Let us consent to any thing that is just, reasonable, and ho∣nourable, rather than in the least, to neglect to seck Peace, and to ensue it.

The Commons appointed a Committee to draw up Reasons to satisfie the Lords, that it was fittest to refer this Matter to the Committee of both Kingdoms.

The Lord Howard of Escricke had an allowance out of Sequestrations, in satisfaction of his Losses, and the first Precedent herein was of a Lord.

Captain Weere going with a Party from Lyme, was surprised by the King's Forces, and most of his men taken Prisoners, and carried to Collington, and divers killed.

Captain Thomas Pyne having Intelligence there∣of, went out the same Night with a Party of the Garrison of Lyme to Collington, where he found them in Jollity for their Success; and falling upon them he took the Colonel, several inferiour Of∣ficers, about sixty Souldiers, and many Horse and Arms, and rescued all their Prisoners.

Prince Rupert, with a great body of Horse, came unexpectedly upon the Parliaments Forces before Newark, so that they had no time to prepare to receive him; yet Colonel Rossiter, Major Lilburn, Captain Bethell, and Hunt, gallantly charged, and routed the Right Wing led by the Prince.

Other of the Parliaments Forces did not play their parts so well, but five hundred of them de∣serted the great Fort, before they were assaulted, secured their Arms, and went away to Lincoln: By which means the Prince became Master of that Fort, and of the Island, and there intrenched him∣self, and cut of Provisions from the Besiegers, which made them render upon Articles, which were not observed: The Parliament lost there three

thousand Arms, and nine pieces of Ordnance, and the Enemy rejoyced much in this action.

The occasion of this defeat, was the want of a good Agreement amongst the Officers before the Town, who took upon them more power than be∣longed to them; several of them striving to be chief in command, and all thereby were the more careless, and unprepared to resist the Enemy.

The Ordinance passed for compleating and maintaining the Lord General's Army to consist of seven Regiments of Foot, each of 1000 Souldiers, divided into eight Companies, and the General's Regiment to be of 1500 Souldiers, and divided into twelve Companies, and to have six Regiments of Horse, each to consist of 550 Troupers, and divided into six Troups.

Instead of nine great Ships not so usefull in the Navy, it was ordered to fit up twelve Merchant Ships.

The Commons ordered the Lord Mayor and Mi∣litia of London to provide a Store of Corn for the City.

An Ordinance passed for contribution of one Meal a Week for the Auxiliary Forces.

Colonel Harvey was sent forth with his Regi∣ment of Horse to Sir William Waller:

Captain Swanley took a Bristol Ship laden with Arms and Ammunition for the King.

The Scots took a great Fort over against Tin∣mouth, which commands all Ships coming in, or going out of New Castle, and five pieces of Ord∣nance, Arms, Powder, and some Prisoners, and lost but nine men.

Colonel Cromwell, Governour of the Isle of Ely, had the like power for levying money there for his Forces, as the Earl of Manchester had in the asso∣ciated Counties.

General Forth, and Sir Ralph Hopton having drawn together the strength of the King's Forces in those parts, marched towards Sir William Waller, who with Sir William Belfore, Sir Arthur Haslerig, and others, had got together about 10000 Men.

Both Armies lay within a mile of each other, about four miles from Winchester, and two or three days faced each other, and had some light Skir∣mishes between the Horse, and William Waller's Men, took about thirty of the enemy, and slew one Captain, and an Irish Rebel.

March 29. Both Armies fell on upon each other, the King's Forces having the advantage in the num∣ber, both Parties fought very gallantly, and stout∣ly, the London Forces, and Kentish Men with Wal∣ler, and Sir Arthur Haslerig, and Belfore, did very brave service, and after a sharp Fight, the Parlia∣ment Forces totally routed, and dispersed the King's Army.

The first of the King's that are said to run away, were two Regiments of Irish, the other Foot Re∣giments fought stoutly on both sides, and came up to push of Pike; the London Regiments drave the Enemy from the Hedges, which they had lined with Musquetiers, and gained the passage to a Wood, which stood the Parliament Forces in great stead, and shortly after put the Enemy to a Rout, which was so total, that scarce ten of them were left together. Their General Forth and Sir Ralph Hopton fled to Bafing House, their Ordnance, Arms, Bag and Baggage left to the Parliament, about 500 of them slain, besides those in the pursuit, closely followed by Sir Arthur Haslerig.

The Lord John, Brother to the Duke of Lenox, was slain, and many Officers of the King's Party. of the Parliaments Party about 100 Men slain, Co∣lonel Dalbier wounded, and Colonel Thompson's leg shot off.

The News hereof as it was joyfull to the Parlia∣ment, so it took off much of their rejoycing at Ox∣ford for the relieving of Newark, and raising of the siege there.

Notes

• Commissi∣oners at Oxford.
• Message.
• Treaty breaks off▪
• Lord Brook
• E. North∣ampton.
• Covenant.
• Pym dies.
• Waller.
• Hampden.
• Germany.
• Swedes.
• Henrietta Maria.
• Great Seal.
• Sir W. Wal∣ler defea∣ted.
• Hotham.
• Bristol ta∣ken by P. Rupert.
• Great Seal.
• H. Martyn.
• Selden.
• Earl of Kingston.
• Cromwell.
• Gloucester.
• Massey.
• Members disabled.
• Gen. Essex.
• Covenant.
• Col. Potley.
• Gloucester relieved.
• Judge Berkley sentenced.
• Newbery fight.
• Lord Falkland.
• Covenant.
• General Essex.
• Sir Philip Stapleton.
• Pasquils.
• Laud.
• Ormond.
• Poole.
• Dr. Featly.
• Sir Nic. Crispe.
• French Embassa∣dour.
• Manchester
• Ministers.
• French Embassa∣dor.
• Proclama∣tions.
• Commissi∣oners for Scotland.
• Great Seal.
• Laud his Tryal.
• Earl of Holland.
• Col. Rigby.
• Covenant.
• Answer to Fr. Embas∣sadour.
• C. Mostyn.
• Great Seal.
• Fr. Embas∣sadour.
• Scotland.
• Waller.
• Great Seal.
• Irish Pro∣posals.
• Indict∣ment of H. Treason.
• G. Essex.
• Gr. Seal.
• D. Hamil∣ton.
• C. Hutchin∣son.
• Scots Ar∣my.
• Parliament at Oxford.
• Proclama∣tions.
• Plot.
• Letter in∣tercepted.
• Goring.
• Dutch Ambassa∣dour.
• The City invites the Parliament
• Laud.
• City Feast.
• Crommell.
• Members expell'd.
• Ordinance.
• Fr. Ambas∣sadour.
• Mitton.
• Scots.
• Petition.
• Letters from Ox∣ford.
• Nantwich Fight.
• Monk.
• Massey.
• Sir Edw. Deering.
• G. Essex's Answer.
• Scots.
• Orders of the House.
• Irish.
• Ormond.
• Letters from Ox∣ford.
• Mitton.
• Differen∣ces.
• Letters from Ox∣ford.
• Cromwell.
• Newark.
• Irish.
• Covenant.
• Prince E∣lector.
• The King's Letter.
• Observati∣ons.
• Proposals.
• Laud.
• Nether∣land Di∣vines.
• Earl of. Carlisle.
• Parl. of Oxford.
• Dutch Em∣bassadours.
• Gen. Essex disconten∣ted.
• Letters in∣tercepted.
• Newark.
• Army Mo∣del'd.
• Winchester Fight.