IT was in June in the year 1650. That CHARLES the Second, undoubted heir of CHARLES the First, of Glorious Memory, King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, (After his Royal Father had been Barbarously murder'd, and Himself Banish'd [Page 2] his own Dominions, by his own rebellious Subjects) took Shipping at Scheevling in Hol­land, and, having escap'd great dangers at Sea, arriv'd soon after at Spey in the North of Scot­land.

On the first of January following, His Ma­jesty was Crown'd at Scoon, and an Army raised in that Kingdome, to invade this; in hope to recover His Regalities here, then most unjust­ly detain'd from him, by some Members of the Long Parliament, and Oliver Cromwell their General; Who soon after most traiterously assum'd the Title of Protector of the new minted Common-wealth of England, Scotland and Ireland.

The first of August 1651. His Majesty with His Army began His March into England, and on the fifth of the same Month, at His Royal Camp at Woodhouse near the Border, publish'd His Gracious Declaration of General Pardon and Oblivion, to all His loving Subjects of the Kingdom of England and Dominion of Wales, that would desist from assisting the Usurped Au­thority of the pretended Common-wealth of England, and return to their obedience. Ex­cept only Oliver Cromwell, Henry Ireton, John Bradshaw, John Cook, and all others, who did actually sit and vote in the murder of His Royal Father.

[Page 3] His Majesty, after the publication of this gracious Offer, march'd his Army into Lanca­shire, where He received some considerable Supplies from the Earl of Derby (that Loyal subject,) and at Warrington Bridge met with the first opposition made by the Rebels in Eng­land, but His Majesties presence soon put them to flight.

In this interim His Majesty had sent a Copy of His Declaration, enclosed in a gracious Letter to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London, which, by order of the Usur­pers then sitting at Westminster, was (on the 26. of August) publickly burnt at the Old Ex­change by the Hangman; and their De­claration Proclaimed there and at Westmin­ster, by beat of Drum and sound of Trum­pet; by which His Sacred Majesty, (to whom they could afford no better title then Charls Stuart,) His Abettors, Agents and Complices, were Declared Traytors, Rebels and publique Enemies.—Impudence, and Treason beyond Example!

After a tedious March, His Majesty with His Army arriv'd at Worcester on the 22. of August, (being near three hundred miles from S. Johnstons in Scotland,) having left the Earl of Darby in Lancashire, as well to settle that and the adjacent Counties in a [Page 6] liam Penderel, the house-keeper and his wife, who, to preserve so eminent a per­son, adventur'd to receive my Lord, and kept him in safety till Sunday night fol­lowing, when (according to my Lords de­sire of going to Worcester,) he convey'd him to Mr. Humphry Elliots house at Gataker Park, (a true hearted Royalist,) which was about nine miles on the way from Boscobel thither. Mr. Elliot did not onely freely en­tertain the Earl, but lent him ten pounds, and conducted him and his company safe to Worcester.

The next day after His Majesty arrival at Worcester, being Saturday the 23. of Au­gust, He was Proclaimed King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, by Mr. Thomas Lisens Mayor, and Mr. James Bridges Sheriff of that Loyal City, with great acclamati­ons.

On the same day His Majesties sent abroad a Declaration, Given at His City of Wor­cester, summoning, upon their Alleage­ance, All the neighboring Nobility, Gen­try and others, from sixteen to sixty, to appear in their persons and with Horse and Armes at Pitchcroft on the Tuesday fol­lowing, where His Majesty would be pre­sent.

[Page 5] Upon Sunday 24. August. Mr. Crosby (an eminent Divine of that City,) preach'd before His Majesty in the Cathedral Church; And in his Prayer styled His Majesty Supreme head over all persons in his Dominions: At which some of the Scots took exception, and Mr. Crosby was afterwards admonish'd to forbear such expressions.

Tuesday the 26. of August was a Rende­vouz in Pitchcroft neer the City, of such Loyal Subjects of that and the adjacent Counties as would come in to His Majesties aid; Here appeared Francis Lord Talbot (now Earl of Shrewsbury) with about sixty horse; Mr. Mer­vin Touchet, Sir John Packington, Sir Walter Blount, Sir Ralph Clare, Mr. Ralph Sheldon of Beoly, Mr. John Washburn of Witchingford, with forty horse, Mr. Thomas Hornyold of Black­more park, with forty horse, Mr. Tho. Acton, Mr. Rob. Blount of Kenswick, Mr. Rob Wigmore of Lucton, Mr. Francis Knotsford, Mr. Peter Blount and divers others. Notwithstanding which access, the number of His Majesties Army both English and Scots, was conceiv'd not to exceed 12000. men, (viz.) ten thou­sand Scots and about 2000. English, and those too not excellently Arm'd, nor plentifully stored with Ammunition.

Mean time Cromwell (that grand Patron of [Page 6] Sectaries) had amass'd together a numerous Body of Rebels, commanded by himself in cheif, and by the Lord Grey of Groby, Fleetwood & Lambert under him, consisting of above thirty thousand Men, (being generally the Scum and Froth of the whole Kingdome;) One part of which were Sectaries, who through a Fanatique zeal, were become Devotes to this great Idol; The other part seduc'd persons, who either by force or fear were unfortunately made Actors or participants in this so horrible and fatal a Tragedy.

Thus then began the Pickeerings to the grand Engagement. Major General Massey with a commanded party, being sent by His Majestie to secure the Bridge and Pass at Upton upon Severn, 7. miles below Worcester. On Thursday the 28. of August, Lambert with a far greater number of Rebels attaq'd him, and atter some dispute gain'd the Pass, the river being then fordable. Here the Major General behav'd himself very gallantly, re­ceiv'd a Shot in the hand from some Mus­ketiers the Enemy had placed in the Church, and retreated in good order to Worcester.

During this Encounter, Cromwell himself, (whose Head-quarter was the night before at Pershore,) advanc'd to Stoughton within 4. miles of the City on the Southside, and [Page 7] that Evening a Party of his horse faced it.

The next day ( August the 29.) the Sultan appear'd with a great body of horse and foot on Redhil within a mile of Worcester, where he made a Bonne- mine, but attempted nothing; And that night his Head-quarters were at Judge Berkleys house at Speachley.

Saturday (August 30.) It was resolv'd by His Majesty, a Council of War, to give the Enemy a Camisado, by beating up his Quarters that night with 1500. select horse and foot, commanded by Major General Middleton, and Sir William Keyth; All of them wearing their Shirts over their Armor for distinction; which accordingly was attempted, and might in all probability have been successful, had not the design been most traiterously disco­ver'd to the Rebels by one Guyes, a Tailor in the Town, who was hang'd afterwards as the just reward of his treachery: In this Acti­on Major Knox was slain and some few taken Prisoners.

A considerable party of the Rebels com­manded by Col. Lambert, Col. Ingoldsby, (not yet a convert) and Col. Gibbons being got over the Severn at Upton, march'd the next day to Powick Town, where they made an Halt; for Powick-bridge, lying upon the river Team (between Powick Town & Worcester,) was guard­ed [Page 8] by a Brigade of His Majesties horse and foot, commanded by Major General Robert Montgomery, and Col. George Keyth.

The fatal 3. of September being come, His Majesty this morning holds a Council of War upon the top of the Colledge-church­steeple, the better to discover the Enemies posture; Here His Majesty observ'd some firing at Powick, and Cromwell making a bridge of boats over Severn under Bunshill, a mile below the City towards Team mouth; His Majesty presently goes down, commands all to their Arms, and marches in person to Powick bridge to give orders, as well for main­taining that bridge, as for opposing the ma­king the other of boats, and hasted back to his Army in the City.

Soon after His Majesty was gone from Powick bridge, the Enemy assaulted it furious­ly, which was well defended by Montgomery, till himself was dangerously wounded, and his Ammunition spent, so that he was forced to make a disorderly retreat into Worcester; And Col. Keyth was taken Prisoner at the Bridge.

At the same time Cromwell had with much celerity finisht his bridge of boats and plancks over the main river, without any considerable opposition, whereby he might communicate [Page 9] with those of his party at Powick bridge, and was the first Man that led the rest over, and then went back himself and rais'd a Battery of great guns against the Fort-royal on the South­side the City.

His Majesty being return'd from Poick bridge, march'd, with the Duke of Buckingham and some of His Cavalry, through the City, and out at Sudbury gate by the Fort-royal, where the Rebels great shot came frequently neer His Sacred Person.

By this time Cromwell was got to an advantageous Post at Perry wood within a mile of the City, swelling with pride and confident in the numbers of his men; but Duke Hamilton (formerly Lord Lanerick,) with his own Troop and some High-landers, Sir Alexander Forbus with his Regiment of Foot, and divers English Lords and Gentlemen vo­luntiers, by His Majesties command and en­couragement, engaged him, and did great execution upon his best men, forced the great Sultan (as the Rhodians in like case did the Turk) to retreat with his Janizaries, and were once Masters of his great Guns.

Here His Majesty gave an incomparable Ex­ample of valor to the rest, by charging in Person, which the High-landers especially imitated in a great measure, fighting with [Page 10] the but-ends of their muskets, when their Ammunition was spent; but new Supplies of Rebels being continually poured upon them, and the Scotch Horse not coming up in due time from the Town to His Majesties relief, His Army was forced to retreat in at Sudbury gate in much disorder.

In this Action Duke Hamilton (who fought valiantly) was mortally wounded, of which he dyed within few days; Sir John Douglas also received his deaths wound, and Sir Alexander Forbus was Shot through both the calves of his legs, lay in the wood all night, and was brought a prisoner to Worcester the next day.

The Rebels in this Encounter had great advantage as well in their numbers, as by fighting both with horse and foot, against His Majesties foot only, the greatest part of His horse being wedg'd up in the Town; and when the foot were defeated, a part of His Majesties horse afterwards fought against both the Enemies horse and foot, upon great dis­advantage.

At Sudbury gate a Cart loaden with Ammu­nition was overthrown, and lay cross the pas­sage of the gate, so that His Majesty could not ride into the Town, but was forc'd to dismount and come in on foot.

[Page 11] In the Friers street, His Majesty put off his Armor, (which was heavy and troublesome to him,) and took a fresh horse, and then percei­ving many of His Foot-souldiers begin to throw down their Arms and decline fight­ing; His Majesty rod up and down among them, sometimes with his hat in his hand, entreating them to stand to their Arm's and fight like Men, other whiles encouraging them; but seeing himself not able to prevail, said, I had rather you would shoot me, then keep me alive to see the sad consequences of this fatal day: Such was the magnaminity of this Prophetique King.

During this hot Engagement at Perry-wood and Red-hil, the Rebels on the other side the Water possess'd themselves of S. Johns, and those of His Majesties Army that were there, without any great resistance laid down their Arms and submitted to mercy.

When some of the Enemy were entred, and entring the Town both at the Key, Castle hill) and Sudbury gate, without any Conditi­ons Th' Earl of Cleveland, Sir James Hamil­ton, Col, William Carlis (then Major to the Lord Talbot) Capt. Tho. Hornyold, Capt. Tho. Giffard, and Capt. Richard Kemble, (Captain Lieutenant to the Lord Talbot) rallied what force they could (though inconsiderable to [Page 12] the Rebels numbers,) and Charg'd the Ene­my very gallantly at Sudbury gate and in the Street or that name: Here Sir James and Capt. Kemble were desperately wounded, and others slain; yet this Action did much secure His Majesties march out at S. Martins gate, who had otherwise been in danger of being taken in the Town.

About the same time Colonel Drummond with a Party of Scots maintain'd the Castle hill with much resolution, till such time as Con­ditions were agreed on for Quarter; So that the Rebels, having at last subdued all their opponents, fell to Plundring the City unmer­cifully, few or none of the Citizens esca­ping, but such as were Sectaries and of their party.

When His Majesty saw no hope of Rally­ing His thus discomfited foot, He march'd out of Worcester at S. Martins gate, about six of the Clock in the evening with his main Body of horse, as then commanded by Gene­ral David Lesley, but were now in some con­fusion.

The Foot consisting most of Scots were al­most all either slain or taken, and such of them (who in the Battle escaped death,) liv'd longer to dye for the most part more misera­bly; many of them being afterwards knock'd [Page 13] o'the head by Country people, some bought and sold like slaves for a small price, others went begging up and down, till Charity failing them, their necessities brought upon them di­seases, and diseases death.

Before His Majesty was come to Barbon's bridge, about half a mile out of Worcester, He made several Stands, faced about and desired the Duke of Buckingham, Lord Wilmet, and other of His Commanders, that they might rally and try the fortune of War once more. But at the Bridge a serious Consultation was held, and then perceiving many of the Troop­ers to throw off their Arms and shift for themselves, they were all of opinion, the day was irrecoverably lost, and that their only re­maining work was to save His Majesty from those ravenous Wolves and Regicides; Whereupon His Majesty, by advise of His Council resolv'd to march for Scotland.

Immediately after this Result, the Duke ask'd the Lord Talbot, If he could direct the way Northwards, His Lordship answer'd, that he had one Walker in his Troop (former Scout­master to Col, Sands) that knew the way well; Who was accordingly call'd to be the Guide, and perform'd that duty for some miles; but being come to Kinver heath, not far from Kederminster, and day-light being [Page 14] gone, Walker was at a puzzle in the way.

Here His Majesty made a Stand, and con­sulted with the Duke, Earl of Derby, Lord Wil­mot, &c. whether He might march at least to take some hours rest; The Earl of Derby told His Majesty, that in His flight from Wiggan to Worcester, he had met with a per­fect honest man, and a great convenience of concealment at Boscobelhouse (before mentio­ned,) but withall acquainted the King, it was a Recusants house. And it was suggested, that those people (being accustomed to persecution and searches,) were most like to have the readiest means and safest contrivances to pre­serve Him; His Majesty therefore resolv'd to goe thither.

The Lord Talbot being made acquainted with His Majesties resolution, and finding Walker dubious of the way, called for Mr. Charles Giffard, (a faithful Subject, and of the noble Family of Chillington) to conduct His Majesty towards Boscobel, which office Mr. Gif­fard willingly undertook, having one Yates a servant with him, very expert in the wayes of that Countrey; and being come neer Sturbridge, it was under consideration whe­ther His Majesty should march through that Town or no, and resolved in the affirmative, and that all about His Person should speak [Page 15] French, to prevent any discovery of His Maje­sties presence.

Mean time Lesley, with the Scottish Horse, had, in the close of the Evening, taken the more direct way North-ward by Newport, His Majesty being left onely attended by the Duke of Buckingham, Earl of Derby, Earl of Lauder­dail, Lord Talbot, Lord Wilmot Colonel Tho­mas Blague, Colonel Edward Roscarrock, Mr. Marmaduke Darcy, Mr. Richard Lane, Mr. Wil­liam Armorer, (since Knighted) Mr. Hugh May, Mr. Charle Giffard, Mr. Peter Street, and some others, in all about sixty Horse.

At a house about a mile beyond Stur­bridge, His Majesty drank and eat a crust of bread, the house affording no better provisi­on; and as His Majesty rode on, he discoursed with Col Roscarrock touching Boscobel-house, and the security which the Earl of Darby and he found at that place.

Upon further consideration by His Majesty and Council, and to the end the Company might not know whither His Majesty directly intended, Mr. Giffard was required to conduct His Majesty to some house neere Boscobel, the better to blind the design of going thither: Mr. Giffard proposed Whiteladies (another Seat of the Giffards) lying about halfe a mile be­yond [Page 16] Boscobel, and 26. miles from Worcester, and stil reteins its ancient name of Whiteladies, from its having formerly been a Monastery of Cistertian Nuns, whose habit was of that co­lour.

His Majesty and his Retinue (being safely conducted to Whiteladies by Mr. Giffard) a­lighted, now, as they hop'd out of danger of any present surprise by pursuit; George Pendrel (who was a servant in the house) open­ed the Dores, and after His Majesty and the Lords were entered the House, His Majestes Horse was brought into the Hall, and by this time it was about break of day on Thursday morning: Here every one was in a sad consult how to escape the fury of bloud-thirsty Ene­mies, but the greatest solicitude was to save the King, who was both hungry and tired with this long and hasty March.

Col. Roscarrock presently caused Barthol. Martin (a boy in the House) to be sent to Bos­cobel for William Penderel, and Mr. Charles Giffard sent also for Richard Penderel, who li­ved near hand at Hobbal Grange, they both came forthwith to Whiteladies, and were brought into the Parlour to the Earl of Derby, who immediately took them into the inner Parlour, where the King was, and told Willi­am Penderel in particular, This is the King, [Page 17] (pointing at His Majesty) thou must have a care of Him, and preserve Him as thou didst me; to which commands William yielded ready obe­dience, and Mr. Giffard and also much conjure Richard to have an especial care of his Charge.

Whilst William and Richard were thus sent for, His Majesty had been advised to rub his hands on the back of the Chimney, and with them his face, in order to a disguise, and some person had cut off: his Locks of hair His Maje­sty, having put off his blue Ribband, Buff-coat, and other Princely ornaments, put on a nog­gen course shirt of Edward Martins, who lived in the House, and Richard Penderels green Suit, and Leather Doublet, but had not time to be so exactly disguised as he was afterwards; for both William and Richard Penderel did ad­vertise the company to make haste away, in regard there was a Troop of Rebels comman­ded by Colonel Ashenhurst, quarter'd at Cotsal, but three miles distant; some of which Troop came to the House within half an hour after the Company were gone.

Richard Penderel conducted the King out at a back dore, unknown to most of the Compa­ny, (except some of the Lords and Colonel Roscarrock, who waited on His Majesty into the backside, and there with sad hearts took leave of him) and carried him into an adja­cent [Page 18] wood belonging to Boscobel, call'd Spring Coppice, about half a mile from Whiteladies; William, Humphry and George scouting abroad, and bringing what news they could learn to His Majesty in the wood, as occasion requi­red.

His Majesty being thus, as they hoped, in a way of security, the Duke, Earl of Derby, Earl of Lauderdail, Lord Talbot and the rest (having for their guide Mr. Charles Giffard, and being then not above 40. horse, of which number His Majesties pad-nag was one, rode by Mr. Ri­chard Lane, one of the Groom's of His Ma­jesties bed-chamber) march'd from Whiteladies Northward by the way of Newport, in hope to overtake or meet General Lesley with the main Body of Scotch horse.

As soon as they were got into the Road, the Lord Leviston (who commanded His Ma­jesties life guard) overtook them, pursued by a party of Rebels, the Lords with their Fol­lowers faced about and repeld them; but when they came a little beyond Newport, some of Lilburn's men met them in the Front, other Rebels from Worcester pursued them in the Rear, themselves and horses being suffici­ently tired, the Earl of Derby, Earl of Lauder­dail, Mr. Charles Giffard and some others, were taken and carried prisoners, first to Whitchurch, [Page 19] and from thence to an Inn in Bunbury, where Mr. Giffard found means to make an escape; but the noble Earl of Derby was carried to Westchester, and there tryed by a pretended Court Martial, held the first of October 1651. by vertue of a Commission from Cromwel, grounded on an execrable Rump-Act, of the 12. of August then last past, the very title whereof cannot be mentioned without horror, but it pretended most traiterously to prohibit correspondence with CHARLES STUART (their lawful Soveraign) under penalty of high Trea­son, loss of life and estate—Prodigious Rebels!

In this black Tribunal there sate, as Judges, these persons, and under these titles:

• Col. Humphry Mackworth (who was plac'd in the Sella Curulis) President.
• Major General Mitton.
• Col. Robert Duckenfield.
• Col. Henry Bradshaw.
• Col. Thomas Croxton.
• Col. George Twisleton.
• Lieu. Col. Henry Birkinhead.
• Lieu. Col. Simon Finch.
• Lieu. Col. Alex. Newton.
• Capt. James Stepford.
• Capt. Samuel Smith.
• [Page 20] Capt. John Downes.
• Capt. Vincent Corbet.
• Capt. John Delves.
• Capt. John Griffith.
• Capt. Tho. Portington.
• Capt. Edward Alcock.
• Capt. Ralph Pownall.
• Capt. Rich. Grantham.
• Capt. Edw. Stelfax.

This was the Authority, and some of these the persons that condemned this noble Earl to death, notwithstanding his just Plea, That he had Quarter given him by one Captain Edge, who took him Prisoner. But this could not obtain Justice; nor any Intercession, mercy; So that on the 15. of October, He was executed at Boulton in Lancashire, in a most barbarous and inhumane manner.

The Earl of Lauderdail with divers others were carryed prisoners to Windsor castle, where they continued many years.

Whilst the Rebels were plundring these noble persons, the Duke, with the Lord Levi­ston, Col. Blague, Mr. Marmaduke Darcy, and Mr. Hugh May, forsook the road, and betook themselves to a by-way and got into Chessar­dine woods, not far from N [...]wport, where they receiv'd some refreshment at a little obscure [Page 21] house, and afterwards met with two honest: Laborers in an adjoining wood, to whom they commmunicated the exigent and distresse which the fortune of war had reduc'd them to, and finding them like to prove faithful, the Duke thought fit to imitate his Royal Master, quitted his horse, delivered his George (which was given him by the Queen of England) to Mr. May (who preserved it through all difficul­ties, and after restor'd it to his Grace in Hol­land) and chang'd habit with one of the Work­men; and in this disguise was convey'd by one Nich. Mathews a Carpenter, to the house of Mr. Hawley an hearty Cavalier at Bilstrop in Nottingamshire, from thence to the Lady Villi­ers house at Brooksby in Leicestershire, and, after many hardships and encounters, his Grace got secure to London, and from thence to His Maje­sty in France.

At the same time the Lord Leviston, Col. Blague, Mr. Darcy, and Mr. May, all quitted their horses, severally shifted for themselves, and most of them, through various dangers and sufferings, contrived their escapes; In particu­lar Mr. May lay 21. dayes in a hay-mow be­longing to one Bold an honest husband man, who liv'd neer Chessardine; Bold having all that time Rebel-souldiers quartered in his house, yet faild not to give a constant relief to his [Page 22] more welcom Guest, and when the Coast was clear of Souldiers, Mr. May came to London on foot in a disguise.

The Lord Talbot (seeing no hope of rally­ing,) hasted towards his Fathers house at Long­ford neer Newport, where being arrived, he con­vey'd his horse into a neighbours barn, but was immediately pursued by the Rebels, who found the horse sadled, and by that concluded my Lord to be not far off, so that they search'd Longford house narrowly, and some of them continu'd in it four or five dayes; during all which time my Lord was in a close place in one of the outhouses, almost stifl'd for want of air, and had infallibly perish'd for want of food, had he not been once relieved in the dead of night, and with much difficulty by a servant; yet his Lordship thought it a great providence, even by these hardships, to escape the fury of such enemies, who sought the destruction of the Nobility, as well as of their King.

In this interim the valiant Earl of Cleveland, (who being above 60. years of age, had mar­ched 21. dayes together upon a trotting horse) had also made his escape from Worcester when all the fighting work was over, and was got to Woodcot in Shropshire, whither he was pursued, and taken at one Mris. Broughtons house.

The Scotch Cavalry (having no place to re­treat [Page 23] unto neerer then Scotland,) were soon after totally dispersed, and most of them taken by the Rebels and Country people in Cheshire, Lancashire, and parts adjacent.

Thus was this Royal Army totally subdued, thus dispersed; and if in this so important af­fair any of the Scottish Commanders were treacherous at Worcester, (as some suspected,) they have a great Account to make for the many years miseries that ensued thereby to both Nations, under the tyrannical government of Cromwell

But to return to the duty of my attendance on His Sacred Majesty in Spring Coppice; By that time Richard Penderel had conveyed Him into the obscurest part of it, it was about sun-rising on thursday morning, and the heavens wept bitterly at these calamities; insomuch as the thickest tree in the wood was not able to keep His Majesty dry, nor was there any thing for Him to sit on; Wherefore Richard went to Francis Yates house, (a trusty neighbour, who married his wifes sister,) where he bor­rowed a blanket, which he folded and laid on the ground for his Majesty to sit on.

At the same time Richard spoke to the goodwife Yates, to provide some victuals, and bring it into the wood at a place he appointed her, she presently made ready a mess of milk [Page 24] and some butter and eggs, and brought them to His Majesty in the wood; Who being a little surpriz'd to see the woman (no good concea­ler of a secret,) said cheerfully to her; good woman, Can you be faithfull to a distressed Cava­lier? She answered, Yes Sir, I will dye rather then discover you; with which Answer His Ma­jesty was well satisfied.

The Lord Wilmot in the interim took John Penderel for his guide, but knew not determi­nately whither to goe, purposing at first to have march'd Northwards, but as they passed by Brewood Forge, the forgemen made after them, till being told by one Richard Dutton, that it was Col. Crompton whom they pursued, the Vulcans happily, upon that mistake, quitted the chase.

Soon after they narrowly escaped a party of Rebels as they passed by Coven-brook; so that seeing danger on every side, and John meeting with William Walker (a trusty neighbour,) committed my Lord, to his care and council, who for present conveyed them into a dry marl-pit (where they staid a while,) and after­ward to one Mr. Huntbaches house at Brinsford, & put their horses into John Evans barn, whilst John Penderel goes to Wolverhampton to see what convenience he could find for my Lords coming thither, but met with none, the Town being full of Souldiers.

[Page 25] Yet John leaves no means unessayed, hast­ens to Northcot, (an adjacent village) and there, whilst he was talking with Goodwife Underhill (a neighbour,) in the instant Mr. John Huddle­ston (a sojourner at Mr. Thomas Whitgreaves of Moseley, and of Johns acquaintance) was acci­dentally passing by, to whom John (well assu­red of his integrity,) presently addresses him­self & his business, relates to him the sad news of the defeat of His Majesties Army at Worcester, and discovers in what straits and confusion he had left His Majesty and His followers at White­ladies, and in particular that he had brought thence a person of Quality, (for John then knew not who my Lord was) to Huntbaches house, who, without present relief, would be in great danger of being taken.

Mr. Huddleston goes home forthwith, takes John with him and acquaints Mr. Whitgreave with the businesse, who freely resolved to ven­ture all, rather then such a person should mis­carry.

Hereupon Mr. Whitgreave repaires to Hunt­baches house, speaks with my Lord, and gives direction how he should be privately convey'd into His house at Moseley about ten of the clock at night; and, though it so fell out that the directions were not punctually observ'd, yet my Lord and his Man were at last brought in­to [Page 26] the house, where Mr. Whitgreave, (after some refreshment given them) conveys them into a secret place, which my Lord admiring for its excellent contrivance, and solicitous for His Majesties safety, said, I would give a world my friend (meaning the King) were here; and then deposited in Mr. Whitgreaves custody a little bag of Jewels, which my Lord received again at his departure.

As soon as it was day Mr. Whitgreave sent William Walker with my Lords horses to his neighbour Col. John Lane of Bentley near Wal­sal, South-east from Moseley about four miles, (whom Mr. Whitgreave knew to be a right ho­nest Gentleman, and ready to contribute any assistance to so charitable a work) and wished Walker to acquaint the Colonel, that they were the Horses of some eminent person a­bout the King, whom he could better secure than his horses: The Col. willingly receives the horses, and sends word to Mr. Whitgreave to meet him that night in a Close not far from Moseley, in order to the tender of farther service to the owner of the horses, whose name nei­ther the Colonel nor Mr. Whitgreave then knew.

On Thursday night, when it grew dark, His Majesty resolv'd to go from those parts into Wales, and to take Richard Penderel with him [Page 27] for his guide; but, before they began their journey, His Majesty went into Richards house at Hobbal Grange, where the old Goodwife Penderel had not onely the honour to see His Majesty, but to see Him attended by her son Richard: Here His Majesty had time and means better to complete His disguise; His name was agreed to be Wil. Jones, and His arms a wood Bill: In this posture about nine a Clock at night (after some refreshment taken in the house) His Majesty, with His trusty ser­vant Richard, began their journey on foot, re­solving to go that night to Madeley in Shrop­shire, about five miles from Whiteladies, and within a mile of the River Severn, over which their way lay for VVales; in this Village li­ved one Mr. VVoolf, an honest Gentleman of Richards aquaintance.

His Majesty had not been long gon, but the Lord VVilmot sent John Penderel from Mr. Whitegreaves to Whiteladies, to know in what security the King was, John returned and ac­quainted my Lord that His Majesty was marched from thence; Hereupon my Lord began to consider which way himself should remove with safety.

Col. Lane, having secured my Lords horses, and being come to Moseley according to ap­pointment on Friday night, was brought up to [Page 28] my Lord by Mr. Whitgreave, and (after mu­tual salutation) acquainted him, that his sister Mrs. Jane Lane had by accident procured a Pass from some Commander of the Rebels, for her self and a man to goe to Bristol to see her sister, then near her time of lying in; and freely offer'd, if His Lordship thought fit, he might make use of it, which my Lord seem'd inclinable to accept; and on Saturday night was conducted by Col. Lanes man (himself not being well) to the Col. house at Bentley, His Lordship then and not before discovering his Name to Mr. Whitgreave, and giving him many thanks for so great a kindnesse in so im­minent a danger.

Before His Majesty came to Madeley, He met with an ilfavoured encounter at Evelin Mill being about 2. miles from thence; The Mil­ler (it seems) was an honest-man, but His Ma­jesty and Richard knew it not, and had then in his house some considerable persons of His Majesties Army, who took shelter there in their flight from Worcester, and had not been long in the Mill, so that the Miller was upon his watch, and Richard, unhappily permitting a gate to clap, through which they passed, gave occasion to the Miller to come out of the Mill and boldly ask who is there? Richard, think­ing the Miller had pursued them, quitted the [Page 29] usuall way in some hast, and led His Majesty over a little brook, which they were forced to wade through, and which contributed much towards the surbating and galling His Majesties Feet. Here His Majesty (as he afterwards plea­santly observed) was in some danger of losing his Guide, but that the rusling of Richards calves-skin breeches was the best direction His Majesty had to follow him in that dark night.

His Majesty arrived at Madeley about Mid­night, Richard goes to Mr, Woolfs house, where they were all in bed, knocks them up and ac­quaints Mr. Woolfs Daughter, (who came to the dore) that the King was there, who presently re­ceived him into the house, where His Majesty refreshed himself for some time; but, under­standing that the Rebels kept several Guards upon Seavern, and it being fear'd that some of their party (of which many frequently passed through the Town,) might quarter at the house (as had often hapned,) it was apprehen­ded unsafe for His Majesty to lodge in the house (which afforded no secret place for conceal­ment,) but rather to retire into a barn near ad­joyning, as lesse liable to the danger of a surprise, whither His Majesty went according­ly, and continued there all the day following, His servant Richard attending him.

During His Majesties stay in the Barn, Mr. [Page 30] Woolf had often conference with him about His intended journey, and in order thereto took care by a trusty servant (sent abroad for that purpose,) to inform himfelf more parti­cularly of those guards upon Seavern, and had certain word brought him, that not only the bridges were secured, but all the Pas­sage-boats seized on; Insomuch as he con­ceived it very hazardous for His Majesty to prosecute His design for Wales, but rather to go to Boscobel-house, being the most retired place for concealment in all the Country, and to stay there till an oppotunity of a further safe conveyance could be found out; which advice His Majesty inclined to approve: And there­upon resolv'd for Boscobel the night following; in the mean time His hands not appearing sufficiently discoloured, suitable to His other disguise, Mris. Woolf provided Walnut-tree leaves, as the readiest expedient for that pur­pose.

The day being over, His Majesty adventured to come again into the house, where having for some time refreshed himself, and being fur­nished with conveniecies for His Journey, (which was conceived to be safer on root than by horse) He with his faithfull guide Richard about eleven of the clock at night, set forth towards Boscobel.

[Page 31] About three of the clock on Saturday mor­ning, being come near the house, Richard left His Majestie in the wood, whilst he went in to see it no Souldiers were there or other dan­ger; Where he found Col. William Carlis, (who had seen, not the last man born, but the last man kild, at Worcester, and) who, having with much difficulty, made his escape from thence; was got into his own neighbor-hood, and, for some time concealing himself in Bes­cebel wood, was come that morning to the house to get some relief of William Penderel, his old acquaintance.

Richard having acquainred the Col. that the King was in the wood, the Col. with William and Richard goe presently thither to give their attendance, where they found His Maje­sty sitting on the root of a tree, who was glad to see the Col. and came with them into the house, and did there eat bread and cheese hear­tily, and (as an Extraordinary) William Pende­rels wife made His Majesty a Posset, of thin milk and smal beer, and got ready some warm water to wash His feet, not onely extreme dir­ty, but much galled with travail.

The Col. Pull'd off His Majesties shoos, which were full of gravel, and stockens which were very wet, and there being no other shoos in the house that would fit His Majesty, the [Page 32] good wife put some hot embers in those to dry them, whilst His Majesties feet were washing and his stockens shifted.

Being thus a little refreshed, the Col. Per­swaded His Majesty to go back into the wood, (supposing it safer then the house,) where the Colonel made choice of a thick leafed Oak, into which William and Richard help'd both the King and the Col. and brought them such provision as they could get, with a cushion for His Majesty to sit on; In this Oak they con­tinued most part of that day, and the Col. humbly desired His Majesty (who had taken little or no rest the two preceding nights,) to seat himself as easily as he could in the tree, and rest his head on the Colonels lap, who was watchfull that His Majesty might not fall; and in this posture His Majesty slumbred away some part of the day, and bore all these hardships and afflictions with incomparable Patience.

In the Evening they returned to the house, where William Penderel acquainted His Majesty with the secret place, wherein the Earl of Der­by had been secured, which His Majesty liked so well, that He resolved, whilst He staid there, to trust onely to that, and go no more into the Royal Oake, as from hence it must be cal'd, where he could not so much as sit at ease.

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[Page] [Page 33] His Majesty now, esteeming himself in some better security, permitted William Penderel to shave Him, and cut the hair of his head, as short at top as the Scissers would do it, but leaving some about the ears, according to the Country mode; Col. Carlis attending, told His Majesty, Will was but a mean Barber; To which His Majesty answered, He had never been shav'd by any Barber before: The King bade William burn the Hair which he cut off, but Will. was only disobedient in that, for he kept a good part of it, wherewith he has since pleasur'd some per­sons of Honor, and is kept as a civil Relique.

Humphry Penderel was this Saturday de­sign'd to goe to shefnal, to pay some taxes to one Captain Broadway; At whose house he met with a Colonel of the Rebels, who was newly come from Worcester in pursuit of the King, and who being inform [...]d the King had been at Whiteladies, and that Humphry was a near Neighbor to the place, examin'd him strictly, and laid before him as wel the penalty for concealing the King, which was death with­out mercy; as the reward for discovering him, which should be one thousand pounds certain pay, but neither fear of punishment nor hope of reward, was able to tempt Hum­phry into any disloyalty; He pleaded ignorance and was dismiss'd; And on Saturday night re­lated [Page 34] to His Majesty and the loial Colonel at Bos­cobel, what had pass'd betwixt him and the Re­bel Colonel at Shefual.

This night the Good wife (whom His Ma­jesty was pleased to call My dame Joan) provi­ded some chickens for His Majesties supper, (a dainty He had not lately been acquainted with,) and a little Pallet was put into the se­cret place for His Majesty to rest in; some of the brothers being continually upon duty, watching the Avenues of the House and the road way, to prevent the danger of a sur­prize.

After supper Col. Carlis ask [...]d His Majesty what meat he would please to have provided for the Morrow, being Sunday, His Majesty de­sired some mutton, if it might be had; But it was thought dangerous for William to goe to any market to buy it, since his Neighbors all knew he did not use to buy such for his own dyet, and so it might beget a suspition of his having strangers at his house; But the Col. found another expedient to satisfy His Maje­sties desires; Early on Sunday morning he re­pairs to Mr. William Stauntons sheep-coat, who rented some of Boscobel grounds, here he chose one of the best sheep, sticks him with his dagger, then sends Wil. for the Mutton, who brings him home on his back.

[Page 35] On Sunday morning ( Sept. the seventh) His Majesty got up early (his dormitory being none of the best, nor his bed the easiest,) and near the secret place where the lay, had the con­venience of a Gallery to walk in, where he was observ'd to spend some time in his Devo­tions, and where He had the advantage of a window, which surveid the Road from Tong to Brewood; Soon after His Majesty coming down into the Parlor, his nose fell a bleeding, which put his poor faithful servants into a great fright, but His Majesty was pleased soon to remove it, by telling them, It often did so.

As soon as the Mutton was cold, William cut it up and brought a leg of it into the Par­lor, His Majesty cal'd for a knife and a tren­cher, and cut some of it into Collops and prick'd them with the knif's point, then cal'd for a frying-pan and butter, and fry'd the Col­lops himself, of which he ate heartily, Col. Carlis the while being but Under-Cook, (and that honor enough too,) made the fire and turn'd the Collops in the Pan.

When the Colonel afterwards attended His Majesty in France, His Majesty calling to re­membrance this passage, among others, was pleased merrily to propose it, as a problemati­cal Question, whether Himself or the Col. [Page 36] were the Master-Cook at Boscobel; and the supremacy was of right adjudg'd to His Ma­jesty.

All this while the other brothers of the Pen­derels were in their several stations, either scout­ing abroad to learn Intelligence, or upon some other service; but it so pleas'd God, that, though the Soldiers had some Intelligence that His Majesty had been at Whiteladies, and none that he was gone thence, yet this House (which prov'd a happy sanctuary for His Maje­sty in this sad Exigent,) has not at all been search'd during His Majesties aboad there, though that had several times, this perhaps the rather escaping, because the Neighbors could truly inform none but poor Servants to be here.

His Majesty, finding himself in a hope­full security, spent some part of this Lords-day in a pretty Arbor in Boscobel garden, which grew upon a Mount, and wherein there was a Stone Table and Seats about it. In this place He pass'd away some time in reading, and com­mended the place for its retiredness.

His Majesty, understanding by John Pende­rel, that the Lord Wilmot was at Mr. Whit­greaves, (for John knew not of his remove to Bentley,) was desirous to let my Lord know wh [...]re he was, and in what security.

[Page 37] To this end John Penderel was sent on Sun­day morning to Moseley; But John, finding my Lord remov'd thence, was much troubled, and then acquainted Mr. Whitgreave and Mr. Huddleston, that His Majesty was re [...]urn'd to Boscobel, and the disaccommodation He had there; whereupon they both resolve to goe with John to Bentley, where having gain'd him an access to my Lord, His Lordship design'd to attend the King that night at Moseley, and desired Mr. Whitgreave to meet his Lordship at a place appointed about 12. of the clock, And Mr. Huddleston to nominate a place where he would attend His Majesty about one of the clock, the same night.

Upon this Intelligence my Lord made stay of Mrs. Jane Lanes Journey to Bristoll, till His Majesties pleasure were known.

John return'd to Boscobel in the Afternoon with intimation of this design'd meeting with my Lord at Moseley that night, and the place which was appointed by Mr. Huddleston, where His Majesty should be expected. But His Ma­jesty, having not recovered his late foot-jour­ney to Madeley, was not able without a horse, to perform this to Moseley, which was about five miles distant from Boscobel, and near the mid from thence to Bentley.

It was therefore concluded that His Majesty [Page 38] should ride upon Humphry Penderels Mill-horse (for Humphry was the Miller of whiteladies Mill,) The horse was taken up from Grass, and accoutr'd not with rich trappings or furni­ture, befitting so great a King, but with a pit­tiful old Saddle and a worse bridle.

When His Majesty was ready to take horse, Col. Carlis humbly took leave of Him, being so well known in the Country, that his atten­dance upon His Majesty would in all probabili­ty have prov'd rather a disservice then other­wise, however his hearty praiers were not want­ing for His Majesties preservation.

Thus then His Majesty was mounted, and thus he rode towards Moseley, attended by all the honest brothers, William, John, Richard, Humphry, and George Penderel, and Francis Yates, each of these took a Bill or pike-staff on his back, and some of them had pistols in their pockets, two march'd before, one on each side His Majesties horse, and two came behind a loof off; their design being this, that in case they should have been question'd or en­countr'd but by five or six troopers or such like sma l party, they would have shew'd their valor in defending, as well as they had done their fi­delity in otherwise serving His Majesty: And though it was near Midnight, yet they conduct­ed His Majesty through by-ways, for better Se­curity.

[Page 39] After some experience had of the horse, His Majesty complain'd, It was the Heaviest Dull Jade he ever rode on, to which ( Humphry the Owner of him) Answer'd (beyond the usual notion of a Miller,) My Leige! Can you blame the horse to goe heavily, when he has the weight of three Kingdoms on his back?

When His Majesty came to Penford Mill, within two Miles of Mr. Whitgreaves house, His Guides desired Him to alight and goe on foot the rest of the way, for more security, the Foot way being the more privat and the near­er, and at last they arriv'd at the place appoin­ted by Mr. Huddleston, (which was a little grove of trees in a Close of Mr. Whitgreaves cal'd the Pit-leasow,) in order to His Majesties being privately convey'd into Mr. Whitgreaves house; William, Humphry, and George, return­ed with the horse, the other three attended His Majesty to the House; but His Majesty, being gon a little way, had forgot (it seems) to bid Farewel to William and the rest, who were going back, so He cal'd to them and said, My troubles make me forget my self, I thank you all, and gave them His hand to kiss.

The Lord Wilmot, in pursuance of his own appointment; came to the meeting place at his hour, where Mr. Whitgreave receiv'd him and conveyd him to his old chamber, but hear­ing [Page 40] nothing of the King at his prefixed time, gave occasion to suspect some mis­fortune might have befaln him, though the night was very dark and rainy, which might possibly be the occasion of so long stay; Mr. Whitgreave therefore leaves my Lord in his chamber, and goes to Pit-leasow, where Mr. Huddleston attended His Majesties coming, and about two hours after the time appointed His Majesty came, whom Mr. Whitgreave and Mr. Huddleston, convey'd, with much satisfaction into the house to my Lord, who expected him with great solicitude, and presently kneeld down and embraced His Majesties knees, who kiss'd my Lord on the cheek, and ask'd him earnestly, what is become of Buckingham, Cleve­land, and others? To which my Lord could give little satisfaction, but hop'd they were safe.

My Lord (addressing himself to Mr. Whit­greave and Mr. Huddleston,) said, though I have conceal'd my friends name all this while, now I must tell you, this is my Master, your Ma­ster, and the Master of us all; not knowing that they understood it was the King; Where­upon His Majesty was pleased to give his hand to Mr. Whitgreave and Mr. Huddleston to kiss, and told them he had receiv'd such an Account from my Lord Wilmot of their fidelity, that [Page 41] he should never forget it; and presently ask'd Mr. Whitgreave, where is your secret place? which being shewed His Majesty, He was pleas'd therewith, and returning into my Lords cham­ber, sate down on the bed-side, where his Nose fell a bleeding; and then puld out of his pocket a handkercher, suitable to the rest of his apparel, both course and dirty.

His Majesties Attire, as was before observ'd in part, was then a leather-doublet, a pair of green breeches and a Jump-coat (as the Coun­try call's it) of the same green, a pair of his own stockens with the tops cut off, because embroider'd, and a pair of stirrop stockens, which were lent him at Madeley, a pair of old shoos, cut and slash'd to give ease to his feet, an old grey, greazy hat without a lyning, a nog­gen shirt, of the coursest linnen, His face and hands made of a reechy complexion, by the help of the Walnut-tree leaves.

Mr. Huddleston, observing the coursness of His Majesties shirt to disease him much and hinder His rest, ask'd my Lord, if the King would be pleased to change His shirt, which His Majesty condescended unto, and presently put off his course shirt and put on a flexen one of Mr. Huddleston's, who pul'd off His Maje­sties shoos and stockens, and put him on fresh stockens, and dry'd His Feet, where he found [Page 42] some body had innocently but indiscreetly put white paper, which, with going on foot from the place where His Majesty alighted to the house, was roll'd between his stockens and his skin, and serv'd to encrease rather then asswage the soarness of his feet.

Mr. Whitgreave had by this time brought up some bisket and a bottle of sack, His Ma­jesty ate of the one, and drank a good glass of the other; and, being thus refresh'd, was pleas'd to say cheerfully, I am now ready for another March; And if it shall please God once more to place me in the head of but eight or ten thousand good Men, of one mind, and resolv'd to fight, I shall not doubt to drive these Rogues out of my Kingdoms.

It was now break of the day on Munday morning the eighth of September, and His Ma­jesty was desirous to take some rest: In order whereto a Palet was carried into one of the se­cret places, where His Majesty lay down, but rested not so well as His Host desired, for the place was close and inconvenient, and they durst not adventure to put Him into any bed in an open Chamber.

After some rest taken in the hole, His Ma­jesty got up, and was pleased to take notice of, and salute Mr. Whitgreaves Mother, and (ha­ving His place of retreat still ready) sate be­tween [Page 43] whiles in a Closet over the Porch, where He might see those that pass'd the road by the house.

Before the Lord Wilmot betook himself to his Dormitory, he conferr'd with Mr. VVhit­greave, and advised, that himself or Mr. Hud­dleston would be alwayes vigilant about the house, and give notice if any Souldiers came, and (sayes this noble Lord) If it should so fall out that the Rebels have intelligence of your harbouring any of the Kings Party, and should therefore put you to any torture for confession, be sure you discover me first, which may haply in such case satisfie them, and preserve the King. This was the expression and care of a loyal Subject, worthy eternal memory.

On Munday His Majesty and my Lord re­solv'd to dispatch John Penderel to Col. Lane at Bentley, with direction for the Colonel to send my Lords horses for him that night about midnight, and to expect him at the usual place: My Lord accordingly goes to Bentley again that night, to make way for His Maje­sties reception there, in order to a resolution taken up by His Majesty to go Westward, un­der the protection of Mrs. Jane Lanes Pass; it being most probable, that the Rebels wholly pursu'd His Majesty Northwards, and would not at all suspect Him gone into the West.

[Page 44] This Munday afternoon Mr. Whitgreave had notice that some Souldiers were in the neigh­borhood intending to apprehend him, upon in­formation that he had been at Worcester Fight: The King was then lain down upon Mr. Hud­dlestons bed, but Mr. Whitgreave presently se­cures his Royal Guest in the secret place, and my Lord also, leaves open all the Chamber dores, and goes boldly down to the Souldiers, assuring them (as his Neighbours also testifi­ed) that he had not been from home in a fort­night then last past; with which asseveration the Souldiers were satisfied, and came not up stairs at all.

In this interval the Rebels had taken a Cor­net in Cheshire, who came in His Majesties Troop to Whiteladies, and, either by menaces or some other way, had extorted this confessi­on from him concerning the King, (Whom these Bloud-hounds sought with all possible diligence) that he came in company with His Majesty to Whiteladies, where the Rebels con­ceived He might still be; whereupon they posted thither without ever drawing bit, al­most kill'd their horses, and brought the faint­hearted Prisoner with them.

Being come to Whiteladies on Tuesday, they call for Mr. George Giffard, who lived in an appartiment of the House, present a Pistol [Page 45] to his breast, and bad him confesse where the King was, or he should presently dye; Mr. Giffard was too loyal, and too much a Gentle­man to be frighted into any infidelity, reso­lutely denies the knowing any more, but that divers Cavaliers came thither on Wednesday night, are up their provision and departed, and that he was as ignorant who they were as whence they came, or whither they went, and beg'd, if he must dye, that they would first give him leave to say a few prayers: One of these Villains answered, If you can tell us no news of the King, you shall say no prayers: But his discreet answer did somewhat asswage the fury of their Leader, yet they searched every corner of the house, broak down much of the Wainscoat, and at last beat their Intelligen­cer severely for making them lose their la­bours.

During this Tuesday, in my Lord Wilmots absence, His Majesty was for the most part at­tended by Mr. Huddleston, Mr. VVhitgreave being much abroad in the neighborhood, and Mrs. VVhitgreave below stairs, both inquisi­tive after news, and the motions of the Soul­diery, in order to the preservation of their Roy­al Guest; the old Gentlewoman was this day told by a Countrey man, who came to her house, that he heard the King, upon his re­treat, [Page 46] had beaten His Enemies at VVarrington bridge, and that there were three Kings come in to his assistance; which story she related to His Majesty for divertisement, Who smiling, answered, Surely they are the three Kings of Co­lein come down from heaven, for I can imagine none else.

His Majesty out of the Closet window, espy'd two Souldiers, who pass'd by the gate in the Road, and told Mr. Huddleston, he knew one of them to be a Highlander and of his own Re­giment; who little thought his King and Colo­nel was so near.

And His Majesty for entertainment of the time was pleas'd to discourse with Mr. Huddle­ston the particulers of the Battle of Worcester (the same in substance with what is before re­lated.) And by some words which His Maje­sty let fall, it might easily be collected that His Councils had been too often sooner disco­vered to the Rebels, than executed by His loyal Subjects.

Mr. Huddleston had under his charge young Sir John Preston, Mr. Thomas Palyn and Mr. Francis Reynolds, and on this Tuesday in the morning (the better to conceal His Majesties being in the house, and excuse his own more than usual long stay above stairs) pretended himself to be indisposed and afraid of the soul­diers, [Page 47] and therefore set his schollers at several Garret windows, that survey'd the roades, to watch and give notice when they saw any Troopers coming; This service the youths perform'd very diligently all day, and at night, when they were at Supper, Sir John cal'd up­on his Companions, and said (more truly then he imagin'd,) Come Lads, Let us eat lustly, for we have been upon the life-guard to day.

On Tuesday night between twelve and one of the clock, The Lord Wilmot sent Col. Lane to attend His Majesty to Bentley, Mr. Whit­greave meets the Colonel at the place appointed, and brings him to the Corner of his Orchard, Where the Colonel thought fit to stay, whil'st Mr. Whitgreave goes in and acquaints the King that he was come: Whereupon His Majesty presently took his leave of Mris. Whitgreave, saluted her and gave her many thanks for his entertainment, but was pleas'd to be more par­ticular with Mr. Whitgreave and Mr. Huddle­ston, not onely by giving them thanks, but by telling them, he was very sensible of the dan­gers they might incur by entertaining Him, if it should chance to be discover'd; There­fore His Majesty advis'd them to be very care­ful of themselves, and gave them direction to repair to a Merchant in London, who should have order to furnish them with moneys and [Page 48] means of conveiance beyond sea, if they thought fit. However His Majesty concluded, that if it should please God ever to restore him to the Government of His Dominions, He should not be unmindful of their civilities and fidelity to Him. Thus grateful was this Ex­cellent King, for even that which was every good subjects duty, and thus sollicitous (in the midst of His own dangers) for their Se­curity.

After His Majesty had vouchsaf'd these gra­cious expressions to Mr. Whitgreave and Mr. Huddleston, they told His Majesty, All the ser­vice they could now doe Him, was to pray heartily to Almighty God for His safety and preservation, and then kneeling down, His Majesty gave them His hand to kiss, and so went down stairs with them into the Orchard, where Mr. Whitgreave both humbly and faith­fully deliver'd his great Charge into Col. Lanes hands, telling the Colonel who the person was he there presented to him.

The night was both dark and cold, and His Majesties cloathing thin, therefore Mr. Hud­dleston humbly offer'd His Majesty a Cloak, which He was pleased to accept and wore to Bentley, from whence Mr. Huddleston after­ward received it.

As soon as Mr. Whitgreave and Mr. Huddle­ston [Page 49] heard His Majesty was not onely got safe to Bentley, but march'd securely from thence, they began to reflect upon His advice, and, lest any discovery should be made of what had been acted at Moseley, they both absented themselvs from home; The one went to Lon­don, the other to a friends house in Warwick­shire, where they liv'd privately til such time as they heard His Majesty was safely arriv'd in France, and that no part of the aforesaid trans­actions at Moseley had been discover'd to the Rebels, and then return'd home.

This Mr. Whitgreave is descended of the ancient family of the Whitgreaves of Burton in the County of Stafford, and was first a Cornet, afterwards Lieutenant to Capt Tho. Giffard, in the first War for His late Majesty.

Mr. John Huddleston is a younger brother of the renowned Family of the house of Hutton-John in the County of Cumberland, and was a Gentleman volunteir in His late Majesties ser­vice, first under Sir John Preston the Elder, till Sir John was render'd unserviceable by the desperate wounds he received, and after under Colonel Ralph Pudsey at Newark.

His Majesty, being safely conveyd to Bentley by Col. Lane, staid there but a short time, took the opportunity of Mris. Janes Pass, and rode before her to Bristow, the Lord Wilmot at­tending, [Page 50] for the most part at a distance. In all which Journey Mris. Lane perform'd the part of a most faithful and prudent Servant to His Majesty, shewing her observance, when any op­portunity would allow it, and at other times acting her part in the disguise with much dis­cretion.

But His Majesties particular Gists to Bristow and to the houses of several loyal subjects, both in Somersetshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire and so to Brighempston in Sussex, where He, about the end of October 1651. took shipping, and lan­ded securely at Deip in France, and the several accidents, hardships and encounters, in all that Journey, can now be exactly related by none but His Majesty himself; since the much la­mented death of that faithful Subject and ex­cellent Souldier the Lord Wilmot, who was cre­ated Earl of Rochester, as a part of that recom­pence His Majesty thought due to so great a fidelity.

The very next day after His Majesty was gone from Boscobel, being Monday the 8. of September, two parties of Rebels came thither, the one being part of the County Troop, who search'd the house with some civility; The other, Capt. Broadwayes men, these search'd severely, eat up their little Store of provision, plunder'd the house of what was portable, and [Page 51] one of them presented a pistol to William Pen­derel, and much frighted My dame Joan; yet both Parties return'd, as empty as they came, of that intelligence they so greedily sought after.

This danger being over, honest William be­gan to think of making satisfaction for the fat Mutton, and accordingly tender'd Mr. Staunton its worth in money; but Staunton, understand­ing the Sheep was kil'd for the relief of some honest Cavaliers, who had been shelter'd at Boscobel refus'd to take the money, but wish'd, much good it might doe them.

These Penderels were of honest Parentage, but mean degree, six brothers born at Hobbal Grange in the Parish of Tong, and County of Sa­lop William, John, Richard, Humphry, Thomas and George; John, Thomas and George were Sol­diers in the first War for His late Majesty, Thomas was slain at Stow fight, William, as you have heard, was a servant at Boscobel, Humphry a Miller, and Richard rented part of Hobbal Grange.

His Majesty had not been long gone from Boscobel, but Col. Carlis sent William Penderel to Mr. Humphry Ironmonger, his old friend, at Wolverhampton, who not only procur'd him a Pass from some of the Rebel Commanders in a disguised name to goe to London, but fur­nish'd [Page 52] him with money for his journey, by meanes whereof he got safe thither, and from thence into Holland, where he brought the first happy news of His Majesties safety to His Royal sister, the Princess of Orange.

This Col. William Carlis was born at Brom­hall in Staffordshire, within two miles of Bos­cobel, of good Parentage, is a Person of ap­proved valor, and was engag'd all along in the first war for His late Majesty of happy memo­ry; and since His Death has been no less active for His Majesty that now is; for which and his particular service and fidelity before mentio­ned, His Majesty has been pleased by Letters Patents under the Great Seal of England to give him, by the name of William CARLOS (which in Spanish signifies Charls) this very honorable Coat of Armes, in perpepetuam rei memoriam, as 'tis expressed in the Letters Pa­tents.

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[Page] [Page 53] The Oake is now properly call'd The Royal Oake of Boscobel, nor will it lose that name whilst it continues a Tree: And since His Ma­jesties happy Restauration, that these mysteries have been revealed, hundreds of people for many miles round, have flock'd to see the fa­mous BOSCOBEL, which (as you have heard) had once the honour to be the Palace of His Sacred Majesty but chiefly to behold the Royal Oake, which has been depriv'd of all its young Boughs by the visiters of it, who keep them in memory of His Majesties happy preser­vation.

This Boscobel-house has yet been a third time fortunate; for after Sir George Booths Forces were routed in Cheshire, in August 1659. the Lord Bruerton, who was engaged with him, took sanctuary there for some time, and was preserved.

When His Majesty was thus happily con­vey'd away by Col. Lane and his Sister, the Rebels had an intimation that some of the bro­thers were instrumental in His Majesties preser­vation; so that besides the temptations Hum­phry overcame at Shefnal, William Penderel was twice questioned at Shrewsbury on the same ac­count by Capt. Fox and one LLuellin a Seque­strator, and Richard was much threatned by a peevish Neighbour at Whiteladies; but neither [Page 54] threats nor temptations were able to batter the Fort of their Loyalties.

After the King had entred into the Kingdom, Dan. 11. 9. and returned to his own land, the 5. Brothers attended Him at White-hall, on Wednesday the 13. of June 1660. when His Ma­jesty was pleased to own their faithful service, and graciously dismiss'd them with a Princely Reward.

And soon after Mr. Huddleston and Mr. Whitgreave made their humble Addresses to His Majesty, from whom they likewise receiv'd a gracious acknowledgment of their service and fidelity to Him at Moseley; and this in so high a degree of gratitude, and with such a con­descending frame of spirit, not at all puff'd up with prosperity, as cannot be parallel'd in the best of Kings.

Here let us all with glad and thankful hearts humbly contemplate the admirable Provi­dence of Almighty God, who contriv'd such wonderful wayes, and made use of such mean Instruments for preservation of so great a Per­son: Let us delight to reflect minutely on eve­ry particular, and especially on such as most ap­proach to Miracle; let us sum up the number of those, who were privy to this first part of His Majesties disguise and concealment; Mr. Gif­fard, the five Penderels, their Mother and three [Page 55] of their Wives, Col. Carlos, Francis Yates and his Wife, some of the Inhabitants of Whitela­dies, Mr. Woolf, his Wife, Daughter and Maid, Mr. Whitgreave and his Mother, Mr. Huddleston, Col. Lane and his Sister; and then consider whether it were not indeed a Miracle, that so many men, and (which is far more) so many wo­men should faithfully conceal so important and unusual a Secret; and this notwithstanding the temptations and promises of reward on the one hand, the danger and menaces of punishment on the other.

To which I shall adde but this one cir­cumstance, that it was concealed by per­sons, for the most part, of that Religion, which has long suffer'd under an imputation (laid on them by some mistaken Zelots) of disloyalty to their Soveraign.

And now, on my bended knees, let me joy­fully congratulate His restored Majesty, and humbly offer Him this short and hearty wish, O KING, Dan. 3. 10. LIVE FOR EVER. And not content with my own inconside­rable Prayers, with all my Soul I beg the uni­versal assistance of others, earnestly inviting all the Nation, even all the three Nations, to sing

Te Deum Laudamus.