Ianuaries accovnt, giving a full and true relation of all the remarkable passages of that month, this present yeare, 1645 drawne up together to give a generall satisfaction to the whole kingdome, of the just and legall proceedings of that High and Honourable Court of Parliament.

IANUARIES ACCOVNT, Giving a full and true Relation of all the remarkable passages of that Month, this pre∣sent Yeare, 1645. 1644expand_less

Drawne up together to give a generall sa∣tisfaction to the whole Kingdome, of the just and legall proceedings of that High and Ho∣nourable Court of PARLIAMENT.

THe first day of the Yeare, according to the season of the time, it being good all the month to take off superfluous branches from Fruit-trees: The Commonwealth had a young twig cut from it, proceeding from as bad a body or stocke, Sir John Hotham, father to Captaine Hotham, who about eleven of the clocke the same day, was brought to the Seaffold on Tower-hill, where he prayed, but confessed no∣thing (so difficult a thing it is for great men to deale plainly with

their consciences even at the instant of death) but he justified his actions, and so lying downe on the block, his head being cut oft at one blow. Streight boughs may grow from a crooked Tree but it is worthy to be remembred that the Sonne being lopt off by the Axe of Justice, the same weeke the Father, who like an old Oake had stood the shaking tempests of many Winters should now come to so sad a fall. This Sir John Hotham may be a lecture unto all great persons, to instruct them to keep a true and sound heart, in which part he being rotten, was by the hand of Justice cut downe for his treacherous carriage in many businesses, as his denying my Lord Fairfax necessaries to fight against the Earle of Newcastle; he severall times had in his custody the Lord George, who comming to England alone, hath beene the death of many thousand men, and a million of prejudices to the Kingdome in the estates of men, besides his intent of delivering up Hull, for which the State saw it just and necessary that he should dye; these two executions it is to be hoped, will not only fright those at Oxford from farther tampering with any of our party, but also make all ours interested, to forbear the least thoughts of compliance with the Enemy, for treachery is a staine never got out.

These two, the fatherand the son, being gone out of the world, and which is the greatest misery of all unpitied, the Scripture, now was in a man that should have advanced Religion, and Gods word, fulfilled, The Axe is now laid to the root of the tree, and every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit shall be hewen downe and cast into the fire: for the first part it was well enough knowne that this Tree being first planted in St. John Colledge in Oxford, flourished there a long time, untill he was removed to grow in the fat soil of an Episcopal dignity, being made Archbishop of Canterbury, and now being firmly rooted in that high Grace, he having little grace, did not as the text saith, Bring forth good fruit, unlesse the endeavoring to bring in Popery instead of the Protestant Religion, his persecuting the members of Christ by imprisonment and cutting off ears, his cruel∣ty in the high Commission Court, his silencing of faithfull Mini∣sters, his desiring to be made a Cardinall from Rome, and his op∣posing of Parliaments, and therein his subverting the Lawes of the Kingdome, to bring in the Romish Hierarchy, and many other

wicked plots; unlesse I say these were good fruits, he brought forth none else; so that this Tree being by the judicious censure of Parliament knowne and proved to bring forth nothing but malice, Popery, malignancy, and treason against the Kingdome and State; he was as the Scripture saith, condemned to have the Axe not only laid unto him (though he hoped for mercy) but to be hewen downe: And so on January the tenth, he came from the Tower to the place of Execution, where on the Scaffold heo had many spectators who came to see this old Popish Oake cut downe, who there on the Scaffold on Tower-hill preacht his Fu∣nerall Sermon, upon Heb. 12.1.2.

Let us run with patience that race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the crosse, despising the shame, and is set downe at the right hand of the Throne of God.

His Sermon may be thus epitomized in these briefe heads: First, an application of the words unto himselfe, I have been long in my race, and how I have looked unto Jesus the author and finisher of my faith, is best knowne to him: Then he begins to mocke the people in these words: The Israelites, would not worship the Image which the King had set up: Nor shall I the Imaginations which the people are setting up, nor will I forsake the Temple and the Truth of God to follow the bleating of Jeroboams Calves in Dan and Bethel. Then he blessed the people, and prayed God to open their eyes, that they might see the right way (meaning to Popery.) Then he said that Simon Sudbury a Bishop lost his head in the fury of Wat Tiler, as if he were put to death by Rebels, and in a time of Rebellion: Then he prayes for the King, and professed him∣selfe to dye in the Protestant Religion; but who ever saw a Pro∣testant Bishop desire a Cardinals Cap. But you may read his Ser∣mon at large, which being ended, he plucked off his doublet, and after some prayers, laid his head on the block; and at one blow his policy and Popery were both out off.

Munday the 13. after debate, it was resolved by the Commons,

that the number of the new Army now raised, should be 21000 Horse and Foot.

This day Col. Jepson the Governour of Plimmoth set upon Co∣lonell Gorings Quarters, tooke some Horse and divers Prisoners.

Colonell Mitton also with a party from his Garrison at Oswestree, fell upon three Troops of Sir John Birons Horse, and tooke two Captaines of Horse, one Lieutenant, one Quartermaster, nineteen Troopers, twenty case of Pistols, twelve Carbines, foure Mus∣kets, and routed all the rest.

Ian. 14. The Lord Inchequin was by Commission made Presi∣dent of Munster. The House passed a Vote to this effect: That many Congregations may bee under one Presbyteriall Govern∣ment.

Abington was attempted to be stormed by P. Rupert, Maurice, Colonell Gage Governour of Oxford, and others, with a party of about 1000. Horse, and 800. foot, but they were soone beaten from Cullam bridge, our men marching through the overflowing waters. In this Service we lost of note only Major Bradbury slain upon the bridge, and seven or eight common Souldiers: of the Enemies there were slaine Sir Henry Gage Governour of Oxford, the Major of the Princes Regiment with his Lieutenant; and the Enemy carried away three cart load of dead men.

The Towne and Castle of Cardigan in Wales is taken by Major Generall Laughorne, the Towne with little difficulty, but the Ca∣stle held out obstinately, wherein were taken an hundred Com∣manders and Souldiers.

The States of Holland have desired a passe from the Parliament to goe to Oxford.

It is voted by the Commons, that Pasters, Doctors, Teachers, Elders, and Deacons, should be the Officers of the Church.

Plimmouth hath had great successe against Grenvils Forces, who having then one great Work, were beaten off, with the loste of 75 men left dead on the place.

An Order was made by the Commons for the triall of one Dob∣son a Stationer, by a Councell of War, for Printing scandalous books. There is order taken also for the suppressing of Oxford Aulicasses, Printed at London, or conveyed hither.

An Ordinance was made for the assessement of the Counties for raising of the summe set on them for the maintenance of the twenty one thousand Horse and Foot, according to the new mod∣dell of an Army.

After the defeat at Abington, they were much distracted at Ox∣ford, whither Sir Henry Gage killed at Abington, was brought and buried there. The Lord Savil, the L. Piercy, and the L. Andover, were confined to their chambers; some say for mocking Prince Rupert, and asking him, if he had brought Abington in his pocket? others say, for giving intelligence.

Three hundred Horse and Prisoners were taken by Colonell Holborne, who also forced the Enemy to Bristol, and since hath taken Sydenham house, with a hundred Prisoners, one Captaine, a Lieutenant, many other officers, with store of Armes and Amuni∣tion.

Sir Thomas Fairfax is made Commander in chiefe of the Forces according to the new moddell of the Army: And Major Skippon is made Sergeant-Major-Generall of the same; and severall other Officers are voted by the House.

There is an Appendix to the Directory presented to the Com∣mons, and by them transmitted to the Lords, for the abolishing of Holidayes, and holynesse attributed to places, and a Committee is appointed to consider of certaine dayes for the recreations of Ap∣prentices and servants in a civill orderly way, so that there will be no more drunken Saint-dayes now.

Sir Peter Killigrew returned from Oxford on Wednesday last, January 22. with His Majesties Answer concerning the Treaty, which was sealed up in a Letter of Ruperts to the Lord Generall. The contents of the conduct runne to this effect: That our Com∣missioners, namely, Algernon Earle of Northumberland, Earle of Pembroke, Earle of Salisbury, Earle of Denbigh, of the House of Lords. And the Lord Waiman, Mr. Hollis, Mr. Pierpoint, Mr. Whit∣lock, Sir Henry Vane junior, Mr. Solliciter, Mr. Crew, and Mr. Prideaux, of the House of Commons in Parliament assembled at Westminster. And the Marquesse of Argile, the Lord Louthian, the Lord Muitland, Sir Charles Erskin, Mr. Kereday, Mr. Berkley, Mr. Henderson, and othere, Commissioners from the Parliament

of Scotland, with their attendants, not exceeding the number of a 108. with their Horse, Carriages, and other necessaries, are to passe between London and Ʋxbridge, when and so often as they shall thinke fit, during the time of the Treaty, without any let or molestation whatsoever.

The Propositions from the King are these.

THat His Majesties Revenues, Magazins, Towns, Forts, and Ships, that have been taken or kept from him may be restored. That whatsoever hath been done or published contrary to the known Lawes of the Land, or derogatory to His Majesties legall and known Rights be renounced and recalled, that no seed may re∣main of the like to spring out for the future.

That whatsoever illegall power hath been claimed or exercised over His Majesties Subjects, as imprisoning and putting to death their persons without Law, stopping Habeas Corpus, and putting Impositions upon their estates, (without Act of Parliament) either by one or both Houses, or by any Committee of both or either Hou∣ses, be disclaimed, and the persons committed be forthwith dis∣charged.

That His Majesty will consent to make a Law to establish and to maintain the Protestant Religion: and for the firmer establi∣shing thereof, desires there may be a Bill drawn up for the conti∣nuance of the Booke of Common Prayer, and to maintain it from all soonne and violence.

That there be a Bill also for the e••se of tender Consciences, in such particulars as shall be agreed upon: and that (as to the best expedient thereunto▪ there be a Nationall Synod called legally, with all convenient speed.

That all persons which shall be excepted and agreed upon on ei∣ther side to be excepted out of the Generall Pardon, be tried per Pares, according to the usuall custome, and known Laws of the Land to be either acquitted or condemned.

And to the intent that Trade may not suffer, nor any inter∣ruption to the Treaty, and that there may be a Cessation of Arms, and a free Trade with all possible speed concluded on.

And as to what shall be debated, His Majesty gives power to his Commissioners, or any ten of them, to agree and conclude upon them.

In the new Army of 21000 the chiefe Commanders nominated are Sir Thomas Fairfax to command in chiefe, and Major Skippon to be Serjeant-Major-Generall, the foure Colonels of Horse and Foot are,

• Col. Holborn.
• Col. Middleton.
• Col. Fortescue.
• Col. Barkley.

And honours are by the Parliament to bee conferred on the Earle of Essex and Sir William Belfore, for their valiant and faith∣full services for the Commonwealth.

It is certaine Colonel Holborn hath taken Sydenham house, and therein a 100 prisoners, with the high Sheriffe of Summersetshire, and ten Commissioners of Array. That he hath taken some hun∣dreds of Hoptons forces, and driven the rest towards Bristol; that Plimmouth is in a good condition: That the King hath assigned Prince Maurice to be Generall of Worcester, Hereford, and Shropshire.

The Kings Commissioners are the Duke of Richmond, Marquesse▪ Hartford, Earle of Southampton, Earle of Kingston, Earle of Chi∣chester, Lord Seymor, Lord Hatton, L Capel, L. Culpepper, Sir Or∣lando Bridgeman, Sir Edward Nicholas, Sir Ed. Hide, Sir Richard Lane, Sir Thomas Gardiners, Mr. John Ashburnham, and Mr. Jeffery Palmer, with Doctor Stewart, Dr. Laney, Dr. Shelden, and their at∣tendants to the number of 108. But some of their Commissio∣ners at Oxford must leave their new Titles behinde them, for the Houses wil not allow the new made Lords their Titles, the rest that have gotten new honours since Littleton went away, upon such tearmes. And on Saturday Sir Peter Killigrew posted to signifie so much unto them, and also to carry them a safe conduct upon the same conditions. This Treaty is the great expectation of the King∣dome, and this eclipse may signifie Peace; and that

Eclips'd Religion losing now her light, Yet once shine out again most fair and bright.

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This Treaty brings Englands weale or woe, and therefore wor∣thy to be prayed for; happy were it to see the King as the Sunne doth comming towards us, for then our joy would beginne to spring.

Sir William Breretons Forces have taken Prisoners near Chester, Colonell Woiden, Col. Wen, Lieutenant Colonell Gray, Lieutenant Colonell Gough, Captaine Rorey, Capt. Oneal, an Irishman, with thirteen other Commanders, 200 common Souldiers, as many Horse, store of Armes, and killed and wounded many of them.

Instructions are agreed upon what particulars shall bee treated off the first nine dayes, namely, on the setling of Religion, the Militia, and the affaires of Ireland.

Sir Richard Greenvil hath in the West slaine the two Champer∣noons, in this manner, Colonell Champernoon provoked by him, fired his Pistol upon him without effect, then Greenvil pistoled the Colo∣nell and slew him: his brother fired his Pistoll upon Greenvil, which missing, Greenvil drew his sword and run him through, and so killed both the brothers.

Cornwall begins to rise up in Armes, being weary of the cruelty of this insolent and bloudy Commander Greenvil.

Chester is at this present besieged round; and an hundred and twenty Demy Canon shot were made in one day against Pom∣fract Castle, against which a new mount is raised, and many breaches are made.

An India Ship was caried into Bristol by the treacherous master thereof. Sir Thomas Middleton keeps the Welch in obedience, and maintaines div••rs Garisons there.

Thus have you a true account of the passages of this Month of January, happy in the beginning of the Treary of Peace, unto which God send a blessed issue.

Seen and alowed.