KING Charles the first of that name, having soon after his coming to the Crown married Henrietta Maria youngest daughter of Henry the fourth, and sister of Lewis the thirteenth, Kings of France▪ was blessed with a Son on the twenty ninth day of May, one thousand, six hundred and thirty. Upon whose birth, as the King was going in so­lemn manner to the Church of [Page 2]S. Paul in London, to present his gratefull devotions to God for his own and the Nations happinesse, in receiving so eminent a Pledge of his favour, there was observ'd a new Star appearing in the time of mid­day; as if the Heavens seem'd by an extraordinary Production to aemu­late the new splendor of the Earth The young Prince was baptised at S. Iames's on the twenty seventh of Iuly next ensuing by the hand of Dr. Laud then bishop of London (Dr. Ab­bot Archbishop of Canterbury being rendred uncapable by an unhappy accident of shooting a man) and re­ceived his Father's name, Charles: his Godfathers were his two Uncles, Lewis the thirteenth, King of France, and Frederick King of Bohemia and Prince Elector Palatine of the Rhine; whose absence occasioning them to depute their substitutes, the late Duke Hamilton represented his Ma­jesty [Page 3]of France, and the Duke of Rich­mond the King of Bohemia. His Godmo­ther was Marta de Medicis, Queen dowager of France, represented by the Dutchesse of Richmond.

It deserves our notice, that he was born the greatest Prince that e­ver these Nations knew; never any before him having been born heir apparent to the Crowns of England, Scotland, France and Ireland; which was intimated in the Silver coynes made at the solemnity of his Baptism, on the reverse side whereof were the Armes of those four Kingdomes with this Motto, Hactenus Anglorum nulli.

On the fourth day of November, one thousand, six hundred, thirty one, it pleased the Divine Providence to enlarge the Royal Family by the birth of a Daughter, the Lady Mary, who was afterwards (viz. 2. May 1641.) married to VVilliam of Nas­sau [Page 4]Prince of Orange, by whom she hath a posthume Son, named VVil­liam: a Princess whose perfections qualifi'd her for the bed of the great­est Potentate in Christendome, had not the interest of Religion been more consider'd in her match then amplitude of Territory or Title.

By the blessing of Heaven upon the Royal bed, the King became father to another Son, the most illu­strious and renouned Iames Duke of York, upon the thirteenth of October, in the year One thousand, six hun­dred, thirty three; he was solemnly baptised on S. Iames's day next fol­lowing, and within a few dayes after created Duke of York; Title born by his Father, during the life of Prince Henry his elder bro­ther.

This Prince hath, though yet in his youth, so signalized himself by his valour in the Armies of the Kings [Page 5]of Spain and France, that I think this Age (nor perhaps any of old) cannot afford his parallel.

His Majesty likewise had another Son brought forth to him by his Royal Consort upon the twentieth day of Iuly 1640. who was Christned Henry, and created Duke of Glocester: And a Daughter at Excester, during the Warres upon the sixteenth of Iune 1644. named after her Royal mother Henrietta Maria.

This is the surviving Issue of our late Soveraign of blessed memory: And having thus briefly given an ac­count of the Parentage and Birth of these Illustrious Princes, I shall pro­ceed to represent the Life of Him who is particularly the Argument of this Relation, CHARLES Prince of Wales, now our Soveraign Lord King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, &c.

The care of his Infancy was com­mitted [Page 6]to the right honourable the Countess of Dorset, wife to the last Earle; 'till, after some yeares, having out-grown female conduct, the pre­sent Marquess of Newcastle was cho­sen by the King as a fit person to imbue his Youth with all the accom­plishments requisite to greatnesse, and the Reverend Dr. Duppa Lord Bishop of Chichester and now of Sa­lisbury, as one able to form his ten­der mind to true Religion and Virtue.

Every year of his Childhood af­forded new promises and hopes, and even in that age, which usually has not the advantage of discretion either totally to subdue or at least to dissemble the motions of passions, he express'd on all occasions an ex­traordinary goodnesse and sweetness of nature, seeming to have been born with that equal temper of mind, which few men render themselves [Page 7]capable of by the help of Philoso­phy and Religion. Nor were his in­clinations to Virtue more remark­able then those he had to excellent and sol [...]d Arts, which the compo­sednesse of his Genius render'd more acceptable to him then the levity of the most exquisite divertisements.

In the ninth year of his Age he hapned to break his arme, and was very sickly, falling first into a Feaver and shortly after into the Jaundies; but by the favour of the divine pro­vidence, he happily overcame his distempers, and afterwards attain'd a firmer health.

When he came to sit in the House of Peers (1640▪) his first action in publick affairs was the carrying the King's Letter to them, in favour of that noble but unfortunate Lord, the Earl of Strafford; the King hoping that when all other respects could not prevail upon them, at least the [Page 8]consideration of the dignity and goodnesse of this Royal Messenger might something move them to re­flect upon the hard measure they had determin'd for him. But through the cruel fate of this brave man (or rather that of these three King­domes) the heat of I know not what strange zeal had made them so thirsty for his bloud, that a day or two's respite of execution of the se­verest sentence that ever was given, was more then could be afforded to the desires of their King though pre­sented by the hands of their Prince. This repulse he suffer'd, was certainly the beginning (if not the cause) of all his ensuing sufferings, and those of the Nation's too. For soon after hapned that fatall misunderstanding between the King and the Parlia­ment: which occasioning the King's withdrawing from London, he com­manded the Prince to attend him [Page 9]first at Greenwich, then at Hampton-Court, then at Theobalds; the incen­sed Parliament and City in the mean time regretting his escape out of their hands, having design'd to make ad­vantage of his person according as the contingency of their affairs should suggest to them. From thence with the Duke of York he accompa­nies his Father to New-market, and from thence into Yorkshire, where they all stood before the gates of Hull and were deny'd admission by Sir Iohn Hotham, 'till at length the two Princely brothers were by his special favour permitted as children to see the Town.

At York, the Northern Nobility and Gentry offering their service to his Majesty, received thanks for it, but were not made use of (for pre­vention of jealousie) 'till a greater danger induc'd the King to neglect his fafety no longer, and accordingly [Page 10]he selected a company of gallant and loyal persons for his Life guard, which were commanded by the young Prince; His Majesty assuring them they should hazard their lives no further in defence of their Countries Lawes and Liberties then himself; and that they should endanger themselves no farther for his person then his own dear Child.

In this manner he accompanied the King from York to Newark in Nottinghamshire, and from thence to Lincoln, and Leicester, and back again into Yorkshire: in which progress the King endeavoured to satisfie the Counties he passed through, of the uprightnesse of his intentions for the good of the Na­tions, and evidenc'd to them the de­sperate courses the Parliament enga­ging in order to deprive him of the Royalty left him from his Predeces­sours, and this under pretence of [Page 11]Liberty and Religion. At his return into Yorkshire, the King informes the Gentlemen there of the Parlia­ments forwardnesse to a War, desires them to spare him some Armes, and to compleat Prince Charles's Regi­ment for the guard of his person un­der the command of the Earle of Cumberland.

Not long after, the King having gather'd a considerable Army, was met between Kinton and Edge-hill in Warwickshire by that of the Parlia­ment under the conduct of the Earl of Essex; There was the first consi­derable battle fought of our civill Wars. The Prince was then in the field, and the Honourable Earle of Lindsey (who was the King's Gene­rall, and lost his life in the fight) looking upon him very attentively a little before the conjunction of the Armies. I know not by what Pro­pheticall instinct utter'd these words, [Page 12] Ther's a Child, born to end that VVar we now begin. Which how miracu­lously accomplish't, we cannot but gratefully acknowledge; the civill Wars having continued ever since; the Army which had subdued the one Party, afterwards turning their swords upon those that first em­ploy'd them, and the poor Nations being rul'd by the sword, and always in a state of War, and groaning un­der the miseries inflicted on it by ar­med Oppressours.

After this the King retir'd with the Prince to Oxford, and commit­ted him to the Right Honourable the Marquesse of Hertford, then and still Chancellor of that University, who provided for him severall wor­thy persons in the quality of Tutors for his instruction in all such langua­ges and Sciences as were conveni­ent for the accomplishment of a Prince. During his residence there [Page 13]it pleased God to visit him with the Meazles, and that not without some danger of death, which by the Di­vine mercy and indulgence to these Nations he avoided, & is respited we hope for many years. Here he was very diligent in commendable stu­dies intermix'd with ingenious and innocent pleasures; and upon the King's summoning a Parliament thi­ther, which convened the 22 of Ia­nuary 1644. himself with his noble Brother the Duke of York sate with the rest of the Nobility in the Upper Schooles which were designed for the House of Lords (as the Convocati­on House was to the Commons) who were no inconsiderable number, there being present at that Assembly, besides these two young Princes, the Lord Keeper Littleton, the Lord Treasurer Cottington, the Duke of Richmond, the Marquesse of Hert­ford, nineteen Earles, three and [Page 14]twenty Barons, and a hundred and fourty Knights and Gentlemen.

The next year the Prince betakes himself into the field, being now a­bout fifteen years old; his first course was Westward, where by his Maje­sties Order he had attendants ap­pointed him suitable to the grandeur and state of an heir to three Crowns; He set up a Royall Court, and chose out a Retinue at his own pleasure (the King though disapproving the action in a Letter to the Queen, yet admiring his discretion in the Electi­on of them) scarce inferiour (as a great observer affirm'd) to that of his deceased Uncle Prince Henry. During this time the King of Portu­gal sends over an Embassadour, who amongst severall specious proposals relating to his Majesties present exi­gencies, tenders one for a Marriage between the Daughter of that King and the Prince of Wales; which for [Page 15]good reasons the King his father put off with a civill answer, importing a deniall of the proposition, though (as the policy of State-affairs often makes it necessary to do) in words expressing no dislike of it.

After that fatall battle of Naseby. which turn'd the scale to the disad­vantage of the Royall Interest, seve­rall Overtures interven'd between Prince Charles, the Lord Goring, and the Parliamentarian General Fairfax; but the two former al­wayes receiv'd the same answer from him, which signified nothing, viz. That he was but a servant to the Par­liament, and could not exceed his Com­mission, which impower'd him onely to fight; therefore in r [...]ference to a Treaty, application ought to be m [...]de to his Masters at VVestminster. The Prince accordingly writes to him a­gain to grant the Lords, Hopton and Culpepper leave to attend the King, [Page 16]and mediate with him for a Treaty with the Parliament: to which the General upon grave consultation with his Committee of War returns his desire, That his Highnesse would be pleased to disband his Army, and he would conduct him with honour to the Parliament. This seeming too hard a condition, the Lord Capel by the princes command reply'd by Letter,

Such were the honourable, loyal, and good intentions of this noble Prince, and such was the insolence of the Victors, and the fate of this Nation, that no mediation could be acceptable that might prevent its ap­proaching totall ruine: so that this [Page 18]generous Letter receiv'd no other answer but silence.

Shortly after the Prince repairs to Oxford, and there reconciles his Cousins the Princes, Rupert and Maurice, to his Father their Uncle. From thence also he writes severall Letters to the Speaker of the House of Peers, containing Propositions for reconciliation and peace; which notwithstanding took no effect. Therefore he departs into the West, with intent to raise the forces of his Dukedome of Cornwall and the County of Devon for the relief of Exceter, which was at that time be­sieged by Sir Thomas Fairfax. In or­der to which he commits his own Army to the conduct of the Lord Hopton, who soon after resolv'd to come upon the back of Fairfax, and accordingly advanced to Torrington with 5000. Horse, and 4000 Foot. Fairfax hearing this leave his siege, [Page 19]and marches towards Torrington. The Battel began near the Town, which was after a sharp encounter taken, and the Lord Hopton himself shot in the thigh, but escaped away to Stratton. His Highnesse in the mean time was at Lanceston, but understanding the Approach of Fairfax's Army, he quitteth it, leav­ing Colonel Basset behind him with 500. Foot and Horse, who skir­mished with the Parliamentarians and being soon worsted, got off by the favour of the darknesse of the Night. The Prince in the mean time goes to Pendennis, where finding the pursuit so hot, he imbarqued him­self for the Isle of Scilly on the first of March 1646. accompanied by the Lords Goring and Culpeper, and Sir Edward Hide. Soon after his de­parture, the Lord Hopton finding Fairfax's successes daily to increase, and himself unable to do any service [Page 20]to check them with those broken Forces he had left, desires a cessation; but the General summons him to lay down Armes; upon which en­sued a Treaty at Tresilian Bridge, Sir Thomas Fairfax quartering at Tru­ro, and the Lord Hopton further west. ward; between whom it was a­greed, upon the thirteenth of March, ‘That the Lord Hopton should disband his Army in the west, and have fifty Horse of his own and fifty of General Fairfax's, for his Convoy to Oxford: That all strangers should have passes to go beyond Seas, & to carry with them what was their own without Horses & Armes. That all English Officers should go home to their respective habitations, or if they plea's, beyond Sea: each Colonel to have his horse, and two men to wait on him; each Captain one man and horse; the Troopers 20 s. a piece, and to go whither they pleased’

Such was the Fate of the Royall Cause, under the conduct of this He­roical Prince, who wanted fortune rather then virtue to be happy.

Hitherto we have with all suc­cinctnesse and verity represented the adventures and actions of his High­nesse from his infancy here in Eng­land. He was now about sixteen years old, the last six of which he had been a spectatour of his Father's ca­lamities, and the ruine of his native Countrey, having been a sufferer in both, assoon as he was become capa­ble to distinguish between good and evil. Most part of his tender age was spent in Armies, amongst the tu­mults and noise of an unfortunate War; and now he finds himself en­forc'd to quit the Territory of Eng­land, leaving the King his Father with the Duke of York, and the two Palatine Princes, Rupert and Mau­rice, closely besieged in Oxford by [Page 20] [...] [Page 21] [...] [Page 22]the Parliaments Forces, and most of the other Garrisons of the King's ready to surrender to the power of their victorious Armies. The sense of all which certainly had been in­supportable by a spirit lesse couragi­ous and firm against such heavy ad­versities then that of this young He­roe. We must now follow him into the Island of Scilly, where he had not been long, but a solemn message is sent from the Parliament, to invite him to come to them, and to reside in such places as they thought conveni­ent, with such Attendants and Coun­sellors as should be by them appointed. It being no part of my design to comment upon any passages of this History, but only to represent things nakedly as they were done, I shall forbear to make any conjectures what the intentions of the Parlia­ment were in this invitation, leaving the Readers to their own judge­ment. [Page 23]Indeed the Prince had in­ducements enough to move him to accept of their offer, his Father's con­dition in a manner desperate, his own little better, having no hopes left but those slender ones of foreign succour; it might have seem'd the best and safest course to a young Prince to secure his succession at least to the Government to have gone to them upon honourable terms; according to the example of Edward the 3. in the life-time of his father Edward the 2. But loyalty pre­vailed above all other considerati­ons, and therefore upon 24. of April he retur [...]s this prudent Answer; That it became him not to doe any thing in a matter of that concern­ment, without his Royall Father's pri­vity, advice, and free consent; and therefore before he could satisfie the Honourable House, he desired that a passe might be granted for the Lord [Page 22] [...] [Page 23] [...] [Page 24]Capel to go to the King at Oxford, to take his advice, and hearken to his Royall pleasure, and make some over­tures to him in order to a peace. More­over he desired that the Reverend Arch-bishop of Armagh, a person of transcendent learning, great mo­deration, and of an unspotted and in­offensive life, might have liberty to come to him. These proposals, though extreme fair and reasonable, were offer'd to deaf eares, and took no effect,

In the mean time Fairfax having taken in the City of Exceter, and the town of Barnstable upon Articles, marches against Oxford, which put the King upon thoughts of provi­ding for his own safety; and there­fore on the 13. of April, he went out of Oxford in a disguise with Par­son Hudson, waiting upon Mr. Iohn Ashburnham, and upon the 6. os May got to the Scots Army before [Page 25] Newark. Soon after which Sir Tho­mas Glenham surrendred the City of Oxford to General Fairfax upon the 24. of Iune 1646. The Duke of York was carried from thence to Saint Iames's, where he met with his Sister the Princesse Henrietta Maria, who was sent thither from the surrender of Exceter, but was shortly after con­veyed from Oatlands over to her Mother in France, by her Gover­nesse the Lady Dalkeith.

From the Island of Scilly, the Prince removed to that of Guernsey, where he had not long been, but an Ordinance is put out against him in the nature of a Ban, prohibiting all persons to repair to him, or corre­spond with him by letter or other­wise, upon pain of death without mercy. Whereupon his abode here being so uncomfortable, he betakes himself for France, to visit his Mo­ther and that Court; there he was [Page 26]received with great demonstration of joy by all parties, excepting the dissembling Cardinal Mazarine who though he pretended much re­spect, yet was he inwardly glad to see him in distresse and exile. From hence the Queen being willing to comply with the active desires of her Son (which inclin'd him to break through these clouds of misery and retirement, which seem'd whol­ly to obscure him) writes to the King by Major Bosvil, requesting him to permit the Prince to go into the field with his Uncle, the Duke of Orleans, that summer in the head of a French Army, that was then design'd for an expedition into Flanders against the Spaniard. To which his Majesty re­fus'd to condescend, partly for that he judg'd it an imployment below a Prince of Great Britain to serve any other King but his own, whose pay and orders were once receiv'd by a [Page 27] Roman Caesar, and partly because he knew not how soon his service might be necessary for his own Couhtrey: and therefore he commands him to wave that design, and await his fur­ther instructions.

In the mean time it pleased the King of kings to lay his hand upon him, and visit him with an intermit­ting Fever, which continued upon him for the space of some weeks; 'till by the divine blessing upon the Phy­sitian's care, he was recover'd to per­fect health. Soon after which he re­ceiv'd a Commission from his Royal Father to be Generalissimo of all the Loyal forces that survived of the late unsuccessefull battels and garrisons. While he is advising about this affair, the Kingdom of Scotland out of ten­dernesse of the Prince's safety, ho­nour and conscience, move the King, ‘That his Son, the present hope and future happinesse of these Na­tions, [Page 28]might not be exposed in his youth to the dangers which en­compassed him in the French Court, particularly in reference to his Religion, the perversion of which might have fatal conse­quences in these three Kingdomes.’ Whereupon his Majesty from New­castle (whether the Scots, fearing least General Fairfax should fall up­on them and compel them to deliver him up, retir'd with him) writes to him, That he should wait upon his Mo­ther, and obey her dutifully in all things, Religion only excepted, and that he should not stir any whether without his directions. The Scots also (by their Committee of Estates) write themselves to the Prince to invite him thither,

In Answer to this, he desires the Earle of Louderdail to return his ac­knowledgements to the States of Scotland, and assure them he would doe nothing misbecoming a good Prince, or unsuitable to their civi­lity.

But the Prince in pursuance of his instructions, negotiating in behalf of his Father's affairs in the French Court, by his Mother's assistance, [Page 30](whom her nearnesse of bloud, great deserts and low condition made powerfull there) prevails with the French to advance ten thousand pounds for the Marquesse of Ormond, towards the furtherance of his Ma­jestie's affairs in Ireland, as an earnest of greater matters. And some re­mainders of his Cornish Forces get­ting to a head, others upon order marching to him out of Ireland, he goes to meet them at the Island of Iersey, with such Forces as he had gotten together beyond sea, especi­ally in France by his Mother's means, and in Holland by the mediation of his young Brother in Law, VVilliam of Nassaw Prince of Orange, who a­bout this time succeeded his Father Henry in the dignity of General and Admiral of the United Provinces. He possessed himself likewise of some Vessels in the Island, adding others to them which he hired in France.

While his Highnesse lay here, a Letter is sent to him from the Parlia­ment by the hands of Colonel Rus­sel their Governour of Guernsey, which lyes six or seven Leagues di­stant from Iersey. The effect of it was, to desire him for his Father's, his own and the three Kingdomes sake, to return to them, where he should find all due respects Subjects could afford, or his H ghnesse expect. The Design was to get the person of the Prince into their hands, as the Scots had that of the King; but it took no effect; the Prince proceed­ing to manage his affairs by sea and land to such advantage as might [...]n­able his Royal Father to stand in the approaching Treaty on such termes as might consist with his Conscience and his Honour.

On Iuly the 27. following, six­teen General Propositions with sun­dry Qualifications were presented to [Page 32]the King at Newcastle, by the Earles of Pembroke, Suffolk, &c. who were limited to ten dayes; which the King judging unreasonable refused to con­sent to, and defir'd to come to Lon­don and treat personally. After which the Scots general Assembly send a Remonstrance to his Majesty, desi­ring him to settle matters in England according to the COVENANT, and to signe the Parliaments Pro­positions. And Chancellor Lowdon told him plainly there was no other means for him to close with his Two Houses. And moreover if he lost England, he should not be admitted to reign in Scotland. But the King still persisting in his denyal, the Scots who had hitherto some what sharp­ly disputed about the disposall of his Person, are content upon the receit of a good summe of Money, to de­part home and leave the King in the power of the Parliament; who vo­ted [Page 33]him to Holmby House, and sent Commissioners to receive and con­vey him thither, where he arriv'd on the 17. of February 1646/7.

The War was now totally fini­shed, and dissentions brake out be­tween the Parliament and their Ar­my; an accommodement of which is undertaken by Commissioners chosen on both sides. But the Army judging it would be advantageous for their concernments to get the King into their hands, sent Cornet Ioyce to Holmby with 500. Horse up­on the fourth of Iune, who took the King from thence by night, without the privity and consent of the Par­liament, or the General himself (as he profess'd in a Letter to them.) And now the damnable Mysterie of Iniquity begins to work; they march, up to S. Albans against the Parlia­ments order, refuse to deliver the King's person to their Commissio­ners, [Page 34]and mongst other insolen­cies impeach eleven members of the House of Commons. The Speaker (though he had the day before pro­tested against such a dishonourable Act in the Abbey Church at West­minster) flyes to the Army with seve­ral Members. The City stick to the remaining part of the Parliament, for the restoring of the King, and de­clare against the Army. Fairfax marches up to London which pre­par'd to oppose him, enters the City with 20000. Horse and Foot upon the 6. of August, re-establishes the Members, receives their thanks, puts Tichbourn into the Tower of London as Lieutenant, takes up his Head-Quarters at Kingston, and pla­ces the King Hampton Court. With­in a few dayes after several members of the House are accused of Trea­son, as Sir Iohn Maynard, Denzil Hollis, Sir William Waller, Major Ge­neral [Page 35] Massey, &c. Sir Iohn Gayer; and four Aldermen, Culham, Bunce, Langham and Adams are commit­ted to the Tower, and the Earles of Suffolk, Lincoln, Middlesex with the Lords Berkley, Maynard, Hunsdon and VVilloughby of Parham to the Black Rod. All the Works of the City are voted to be cast down, upon pre­tence of bringing in the King; but indeed (according to the design of the Army, sutably to whose pleasure they acted) to disable it from resist­ance. Propositions are sent to the King, the same in effect with the for­mer of Newcastle. Agitators are set up by the Souldiers amongst them­selves to carry on their Interests. The Scots Commissioners send a Letter to the Speaker of the House of Com­mons for a personal Treaty between his Majesty and the Commissioners of both Nations. But whil'st new Propositions are preparing, the King [Page 36]being inform'd of designes against his Life, escapes from Hampton-Court, with intent to go to the Isle of Iersey, where the Prince still lay. At his coming to the sea-shoar, he found himself disappointed of a ship, and therefore goes with Col. Legg to Tedsworth to the Countess Dowa­ger of Southampton's house, and sends Sir Iohn Berkley and Mr. Ash­burnham (which three accompanied him in his escape) to the Isle of Wight to L.G. Hammond, of whom he had with no great reason entertain'd some hopes. Hammond goes with them and fetches the King to Caris­brook Castle. Hence he sends a Letter to the Parliament & the Scots Com­missioners granting all they could de­sire. Whereupon new propositions are sent to him, which the Scots pro­test against as too derogatory to his Honour; and therefore they are re­fused. Hereupon the incensed Com­mons [Page 37]vote no further Addresses to him; which presently endears them to the Army again.

Affairs standing in this ill posture, the Prince with the Duke of York (who had escaped in woman's appa­rel from S. Iames's and landed at Dort in Holland by the help of Col. Bamp­field sent over purposely on that de­sign by the Queen) Prince Rupert, the Lords Hopton, Wilmot, VVillough­by, Brainford, Culpepper, Ruthen, Sir Henry Palmer, &c. in his own ships and those that had revolted, in all twenty sail, with 2000. men, mov'd to and fro in the Downes and upon the southern Coast, to lay hold of any opportunity that might present it self for the service of his Father, sending forth several Commissions to that purpose, to persons of honour and trust who might promote his af­fairs by land; and to the Marq of Ormond, the Lord Inchequin, and [Page 38] Montgomery in Ireland, to the Com­mittee of States in Scotland and their Officers; to the Lord Goring in Kent, and the Lord Capel in Essex, to Sir Thomas Glenham and Sir Marma­duke Langdale in the North, to Col. Poyer, Laughorn and Powel in Wales, as also to Sir Edw. Hales, Sir Charles Lucas, the Duke of Buckingham, the Earles of Holland and Peterborough. Letters of correspondency passe mu­tually between him and the Scots, his Father and the City; whereof some are intercepted, in which the City, the Lord and some Commons are intimated ready to contribute all assistance possible.

For the better satisfaction of the World his Highnesse was pleased to publish a most gracious Declaration which consisted of the ensuing Par­ticulars: 1. For the establishment of Religion according to his Majesties agreement of the 26. of December [Page 39]last, viz. That Presbytery should be continued for Three yeares, and a free debate to be had, between the Divines assembled at Westminster, and twenty whom his Majesty should appoint, about the settlement of Church Government for the future. 3. For the performance of the said Agreement, and pursu­ance of the concessions on the King's part: (which were, That the Parliament should dispose of the Militia, and have the choice of his privy Counsellors du­ring his Reign, &c. That the Arrears of the Army be pay'd, &c. 3. For re­storing the King to a personal Trea­ty. 4. For the just Priviledges of Parliament. 5. for an Act of Obli­vion. 6. For the Liberty of the Subject, and the abolishing Ex­cise, Taxes and Free Quarter, &c. 7. For disbanding of all Armies and setling of Peace. 8. For the de­fence of the Narrow Seas, securing of Trade, support of the Navy and [Page 40]Seamen, &c. This excellent De­claration was seconded with a Let­ter from his Highnesse to the House of Peers, desiring, 1. That a Perso­nal Treaty be had in such place and manner as may consist with the King's Honour, Safety and Free­dome, that the Treaty be not ble­mish'd with any appearance of a re­straint. 2. That Scotland be inclu­ded. 3. That in the mean time there be a cessation of Armes, and an orderly moderate subsistence a­greed on for Forces on Foot on both sides by land and sea, to the Souldiers content and the Subjcts ease.

Hereupon within a short time se­verall attempts were made for the King's service. April the 9. 1643. the London Apprentices made an in­surrection, but were supprest by Fair­fax the next day. Soon after Colo­nel Poyer, and Major General Laug­horn, and Powel, revolted, and re­duc'd [Page 41] South-wales to his Majesties ser­vice. Sir Iohn Owen also got together a party: but they were all routed and enforced to surrender the places they had seis'd, and themselves prisoners. In behalf of the two former, the Prince, under whose Commission they acted, desired Generall Fairfax that they might have the terms and usage of souldiers of war, as those had whom the fortune of war had made prisoners to his Highnesse. But the General answer'd, It was not in his power to act further; the Parlia­ment ordering their tryal, he dar'd not interpose against their justice. So that they were afterwards tryed as Traytor's; but this favour was ex­tended towards them that they should cast lots for their lives: it hap­ned to be Poyer's fate to suffer, and he was shot to death, which he took with much resolution.

The next party we meet with in [Page 42]Armes for the King's deliverance out of a barbarous captivity, and admis­sion to a personal Treaty, and the settlement of the Nation in peace, were the inhabitants of Kent, who having seen the Petitions presented to that purpose to the Parliament by the Counties of Essex, Surrey, and the City of London slighted, and some of the Petitioners murder'd, resolved not to petition but with their swords in their hands. So they as­semble together in a considerable body upon Black-heath near Green­wich, about the latter end of May 1648. under Sir Edward Hales, com­missioned from his Highnesse, Sir George Lisle, Sir Gamaliel Dudley, Sir William Compton, &c. I shall crave leave to be a little more particular in relating the whole management of this and some of the following en­terprises, then I have adventured to be hitherto, because it was carried [Page 43]on by authority deriv'd immediately from the Prince, and was of it self one of the most considerable. Gene­ral Fairfax himself with six thousand Foot, and two thousand Horse, mar­ches forth against the Kentish men, who were near ten thousand, but un­advisedly parted their Forces, and sent away a Brigade to besiege Do­ver Castle. The first intercourse be­tween them was the offer of a Parley, to which the General sent this an­swer.

To this harsh answer, by directi­ons from the Prince they handsome­ly reply'd,

The General being inflexible and they as resolute, they meet at a barri­cado'd bridge between Craiford Heath, and Gravesend, and dispute the passage very stoutly, which at length is gained by the Parliamenta­rians, and another at Northfield: whereupon the Kentish retire to Maidstone. Fairfax reenforcing his Army to the number of 10000. storms the Town on the 2. of Iune, but was twice repulsed with losse; The third assault got him entrance, when the fight grew more hot upon the Assailants then before, as well by the forces in the street, as by conti­nuall shot from the houses. Nor was the victory accomplish't till after six hours fight, and much losse on both sides. Presently after this, the City of Rochester was also yielded to the General's mercy. The Lord Go­ring with the remainder of this De­feat, marches up in a body towards [Page 47] London, and rendezvoused upon Black-heath, expecting some assist­ance from the City, which hope fail­ing, he cross'd over Greenwich Ferry with five hundred men into Essex, where he was met by Sir Charles Lu­cat, and the Lord Capel with two thousand horse and foot, and they march together to the Town of Col­chester. But soon after General Fair­fax leaving Colonel Rich and Hew­son, who had already rais'd the siege of Dover, to take in the other places of Kent which stood out, crosses o­ver into Essex after the Eenemy, and beleagures Colchester with a potent Army.

The Prince with his Fleet, consi­sting, as I said, of twenty good men of War, and two thousand souldiers (some of which were lately revolt­ed with the Parliaments Vice-Admi­ral Batten, who was thereupon Knighted) put in at Yarmouth Road, [Page 48]and would have landed there; bu [...] finding no great alacrity in most part of the people to receive him, and hearing of Colonel Scroop's coming against him with a strong party of Horse and Foot, he sailed from thence to the Downes in Kent, seising what Merchants ships and goods he could meet withall. Whilst he was here, he sent two Letters to the City of London, one to the Common-council, expressing ‘his Highnesse good affection to peace and to the whole City, and his endeavours to vindicate his Father's Liberty and just Prerogative and Rights; To restore the people their Laws, Li­berties and Properties; To free them from that bondage under which they were now held like a conquer'd Nation; To ease them of Excise and Taxes; To settle Religion according to his Father's Agreement made with the Scots, [Page 49]and to reduce all things into their ancient and proper Chanell.’ This Letter was accompanied with his Declaration to the same purpose; the contents of which we mentioned a­bove. The other was to the Mer­chant Adventurers, informing them that he had made stay of three of their ships, but without intent to make prize of any of them; desiring to borrow 20000. l. of them to be re­pay'd out of the Customes: and re­quires their speedy Answer; The Co­pies of these two Letters were brought to the House of Parliament by the Sheriffs of London & some of the Common Council. Upon con­sideration of them, Colonel Harvey (first prolixly aggravating many faul s in the King's Government, accord­ing to the scandalous Remonstrance not long before published against him) said, The Prince was his Fath rs own son, as like him as could be; That [Page 50]he had invited the Scots to come in, and had declared for them, and had been formerly against the Parliament; That he was but a Subject; And mo­ved the House to declare him a Rebel and a Traytour. Sir Peter VVentworth, Mr. Knightly, and Mr. Blakestone se­conded him with much earnestnesse; and so did Edward Ash, who farther moved, That the Common Council and Merchants should give no An­swer to his Letters, alledging, There was no danger the Prince should make prize of their ships, for that he had engaged to the States of the Low Coun­tries to do no act prejudicial to Trade. At last the debate was put off till the next day, when the Speaker putting the House in mind of it again, it was earnestly called upon by the young­er Sir Iohn Evelin, Scot, VVeaver, Hol­lond, Boys, and almost all the godly gang. So the debate was resumed, and VVeaver went very high to try [Page 51]the Temper of the House. But the debate interminis, That the Prince should be declared a R [...]bel & a Traitor, was soon laid by (though violently press'd) chiefly for these reasons. 1. They had not the Originals of the Princes Letters and Declaration (which the Common Council still kept) but only Copies, not so much as attested upon Oath by any authen­tick Clerk; therefore no legall Pro­ceedings could be upon them. 2. It world argue no peaceable inclinati­on in them the same day when they sent Messengers to invite the King his Father to a Treaty of Peace. 3. It could not consist with the Natio­nal Covenant. 4. It is High Trea­son by the Stat. 25. Edw. 3. to endea­vour the destruction of the Prince, the King's eldest Son: but to declare him a Rebel and a Traytor was to endeavour to destroy him, and therefore High Treason, &c. But [Page 52]what they could not do expresly, they did implicitely by Voting all that should adhere to, aid or assist the Prince, Rebels and Traytors. Here­by they put a tye upon the City, not to redeem their ships by lending 20000. l. to the Prince; and yet had a Pyrate taken them, it had been law­full to redeem them. About this time also an Order passed the House of Commons for the Earl of VVar­wick to fight the Prince at sea. It was sent up to the Lords, and passed that House too; whereby it became an Ordinance: yet some of the Lords entred a Protestation against it, as the Earles of Lincoln, Suffolk, Lord North.

The Prince continued still in the Downes with his Fleet in a good con­dition, waiting for that supply of Land forces his Brother the Prince of Orange was very industriously rai­sing for his service in Holland, and in [Page 53]the interim was willing to do some­thing for the relief of Deal Castle, which was besieged by a party of Fairfax's Army left in Kent for that purpose. In order to which he land­ed 500. men, who at first charged handsomely, but being overpowr'd by number were beaten, several slain and taken, and the rest got a­board again. Failing of this attempt, he was inclinable to hazard himself for the relief of Colchester, which bravely held out against Fairfax's whole power; but from this he was disswadeded, as a businesse of too ap­parent danger. Wherefore he con­tinued expecting the event of Hamil­ton's expedition in the North, who was sent into England by the Parlia­ment of Scotland with an Army of 21000. upon the account of the Covenant, viz. for a restitution of his Majesty with safety and honour, and settlement of Presbyterie. On [Page 54]the 15. day of Iuly, the House of Commons (without the Lords) Vote the Scots that were come into Eng­land enemies, and that they might covertly include the Prince, the Question was put, That all such English as had invited the Scots un­der Duke Hamilton to come in ho­stile manner into England should be declared Traitors? and carried in the affirmative.

He that shall consider the House of Commons was still in a manner entire, and consisted of the very same men that so often and by so many Votes, Remonstrances, Decla­rations, Protestations, Vowes and Oaths pretended the defence of the King's person and just authority, set­tlement of these Nations in purity of Religion and preservation of the just Rights and Liberties of the Subject (the very same things now petition'd for by several Counties, & declared [Page 55]for by the parties up in Kent & Essex, and Duke Hamilton in the North) cannot but wonder they should vote them Traitors and endeavour their destruction (with that of the Nations consequently) who took up armes in the greatest sincerity possible for those honourable purposes them­selves alledged to countenance their own against the King. But the truth is the two Houses sate under a force ever since August 6. 1647. when Fairfax march't up with his Army in hostile manner against the City. For from that time the lesser party of the House (who together with some Officers of the Army had layd the blackest design that ever was hatcht by the instinct of the Devil) siding with the Army over-aw'd all the Proceedings of Parliament, and at the same time held the King and the major part of the House in suspence with unfaithfull Treaties, and sent [Page 56]their forces against such as desir'd the same things they would be believ'd themselves intended. The House of Lords too, being strangely supine, in not resenting the frequent sleighting and contempt of their Authority, and not attempting any thing at all for the deliverance of their Sove­raign, the Vindication of their own Honour, that of the Nation with it's rights, priviledges and free­domes, against the Usurpation of an Army and corrupt faction in that of the Commons. An insolence which I am perswaded, none of their great Ancestors we find in Histories under the same Titles, but would have ventur'd both lives and fortunes to the utmost, rather then have endu­red; and certainly their posterity will wonder what they were doing all this while. The Earle of Holland in­deed, though no Souldier, yet dar'd well, and out of a sense of Honour [Page 57]thought himself oblig'd to try his fortune in the Field, if possible he might be an Instrument to avert the Destruction he saw threatned his So­veraign, and the miseries of tyran­nie impendent over this poor Nation by an armed power. By commis­sion from the Prince he assembles together about 500. Horse and Foot about Kingston heath, Iuly 2. having with him the Duke of Buckingham, and his Brother, the L. Francis Vil­lers, and the Earle of Peterborough. But he was soon routed by a stronger Party; himself taken, and after­wards put to death for his noble but unfortunate Attempt. Such were the sinnes of this Nation, and thus the good Providence of God was pleased to bring about the punishment of them, by frustrating all meanes and courses taken to deliver it from the miseries of that threatned it. For soon after, viz. August 17. [Page 58]the great Army under Hamilton is defeated by Cromwell and Lambert at Preston in Lancashire, and the Duke himself taken, and afterwards be­headed by the English Parliament for this action. This Defeat was fol­lowed by the surrender of Colchester which had indur'd a sharp starving Siege of three moneths upon hopes of relief from this Scottish Army. Thus all the Princes Enterprises fail­ing, and his Fleet being in great need of provision, he is forced to give o­ver further Action, and retires to the Hague in Holland to his Sister the Princesse of Orange in expectation and attendance upon Providence. Shortly after, many Counties of England soliciting the Parliament for a Treaty with the King, the honester and greater part take heart again, re­call the Votes of Non-Addresses, Vote a Treaty, send Commissioners with Propositions to the King: All [Page 59]which his Majesty fully consented to, and there was no difference between him and the Houses but concerni [...]g Presbytery, which he granted should be established for three years. All men now hoped for a happy settle­ment. But, alas! now begin the greatest of our woes. The Army who could not think their greatness and power would be durable if the King liv'd, draw nearer to London, petition for their Arrears, and for Justice upon the King as the Capitall cause of the Evils of the Civil War; to which effect also they publish a Remonstrance, requiring withall that a peremptory Day be set for summoning the Prince of VVales, and Duke of York; and if they refuse, to declare them incapable of Go­vernment or succession, and to stand exiled as Traytors; and if they ren­der themselves, yet they to be pro­ceeded against for satisfaction: with [Page 60]other damands of the like strain. To bring their accursed design to passe, Fairfax commands Colonel Ham­mond to deliver up his charge to Co­lonel Ewer, by whom the King is conveyed out of the Isle of VVight to Hurst Castle, Novemb. 30. con­trary to the intentions and consent of the Parliament as they declar'd. And thus the Treaty was violenty bro­ken off. Yet the Lords Vote the King's concessions a sufficient ground for Peace, and so do the ma­jor part of the Commons. But the Army march up to London, discharge the Trained Bands from guarding the Parliament, and order Pride's and Rich's Regiments to supply their places, by whom above fourty Mem­bers are seiz'd on and confin'd, Ma­jor General Brown, ninety odde Members, excluded the House. Then the Army form a new Model of Government which they stile The [Page 61]Agreement of the people, destru­ctive to all the Fundamental Laws of the Land, which was presented to the new molded House by Sir Har­dres VValler and 16. Officers. The House hereupon annull the Votes against Non-addresses, and exclude all Members that will not joyn with them in this proceeding. They then proceed to order the Tryall of the King, and remove him, though the Lords refus'd to concurre, and de­clare no act of the Commons bind­ing without their consent. However force overcomes all Right & Reason. A pretended High Court of Iustice is erected, of which Iohn Bradshaw (newly created Serjeant at Law) is made President. The King is brought before them upon Saturday the 20 of Ianuary 1648. on Monday the 22. on Tuesday the 23. and on Saturday the 27. of the same moneth; where persisting with magnanimity and rea­son [Page 62]to deny the power of the Court, and being most impudently and in­solently treated by Bradshaw, he is condemned to be beheaded for Ty­ranny, Treason, and Murder. Accor­ding to which sentence (having ta­ken leave of his Children here is England, and sent his blessing to his son in Holland, he was put to death be­fore White-hal Gate upon Tuesday the 30. of Ianuary. the Dutch and French Embassadours in behalf of his Majesty made intercession for his life; The Scottish Parliament pub­lish'd a Remonstrance against the Parliaments Proceedings; The Mi­nistry of London declar'd their disal­lowance before God and Men; The House of Peers offer'd themselves as pledges for his Sacred Majesty; but all prevailed nothing. The barba­rous Iuncto are inexorable, being made so desperate by their own guilt that they thought nothing could se­cure [Page 63]their former crimes but this im­pious, detestable and unparallel'd murther of their Sovereign.

During his Majesties tryall, which was carried on with all expedition and speed, the Prince who could not be satisfi'd of that strange turn from a Treaty to a Tryall, writ the follow­ing Letter to his Father by the Lord Seymour.

But, alas! Sad were the tydings the Lord Seymour return'd with into Holland, the most inhumane, illegall and barbarous murther of the King of Great Britain by the hands of his English Subjects: An Act which struck all Europe with horror and a­mazement, and which certainly our Posterity will eternally detest. To represent the sorrow and affliction of our Illustrious Prince, with his Royal Brother the Duke of York, and his Sister of Orange, without doubt [Page 65]surpasses all the power of words. No Prince ever lost a Father whom he was to succeed in Royalty with greater regret; and indeed all cir­cumstances consider'd, I conceive no mortal man had ever greater oc­casion of grief. Certainly had not the extraordinary grace of God sup­ported him he could never have borne up against it. I know not how better to resent his passionate resent­ment, then by imitating the old Gre­cian Painter, who being to pourtray Agamemnon present at the sacrifice of his Daughter, represented all his followers weeping and lamenting, but drew a veil over the Father's face; as hiding the transcendent pas­sion his Pencil was unable to ex­presse.

A few dayes before the King's death, the Commons voted the style in Writs and all Judicial proceed­ings to be altered from Carolus Dei [Page 66]gratia, &c. the Great Seal with the Royal Scutcheon of England to be broken, and a new one made with the Armes of England, & the Harp of Ireland with these words, The Great Seal of England, engraven on one side, and on the Reverse the picture of the House of Commons sitting, with these words, In the first year of Freedome by God's blessing restored 1648. On the evening of that black day on which his Majesty suffered, a Proclamation was set forth by the Iuncto prohibiting all persons upon pain of High Treason to presume to declare or publickly to promote Charles Stuart styled Prince of Wales, eldest son of the late King, or any of the rest of his Children, to be King of England. In pursuance of which determination having taken their King out of the way, they pro­ceed against Kingship, and constitute a select Number of themselves [Page 67]joyn'd with the General and chief Officers of the Army in the Supreme authority. The House of Peers is voted dangerous and unnecessary, and an Act pass'd and proclaim'd in the City of London for the abolishing of Kingly Government and settling these Nations in way of a Free State. It was also published, 1. That it should be Treason to speak against this Form of Goverment. 2. That it should be Treason for any to en­deavour the exercise of Kingships in these Nations in his own Person, or promote it in another; especially Charles the eldest, Iames the second, and Henry the third, Sons of the late King. After which they proceed as far as they could to abolish the very memory of his late Majesty; his Arms are ordered to be defaced in all pla­ces throughout the Nations, and his Statues broken, all the regalia sold and imbezil'd, the Crown Revenue [Page 68]to sale, and all the goods of the Royal Family made prize on by those that had murdered and ex­pell'd the Owners.

Neverthelesse, there wanted not some in this sad consternation, who shew'd themselves so resolute in as­serting the Title of Prince Charles to the Crown of these Nations, as to print and disperse this following Pro­clamation in several places of the City of London.

WE, the Noblemen, Iudges, Knights, Lawyers, Gentlemen, Free­holders, Merchants, Citizens, Yeo-men, Sea-men, and other Free men of England, do according to our Alle­giance and Covenant by these present, Heartily, Ioyfully and Vnanimously acknowledge and Proclaim the illustri­ous CHARLES, Prince of Wales, next Heir to his Father King Charles (whose late wicked murder, and all Consenters thereunto, We from our [Page 69]hearts abominate) to be by Hereditary Birth-right and lawfull Succession rightfull and undoubted King of Great Britain, France and Ireland: And we will constantly and sincerely in our se­veral places and callings defend and maintain his Royal Person, Crown and Dignity with our estates and lives a­gainst all Opposers, whom hereby we declare to be Enemies to his Majesty and Kingdomes. In Testimony where­of we have caused these to be Publish't throughout all Counties and Corpora­tions of this Realm; The first day of February in the first year of his Ma­jestie's Reign.

But the Royal Party was so totally supprest throughout this Nation, that they wanted power to make good what their consciences assur'd them was just and right. This endea­vour testifi'd their Loyalty, and with­all their weaknesse. For though the hearts of most of the Nation were as [Page 70]willing to promote the Son's succes­sion as to withstand the Father's de­struction; yet were they as unable to advance the one as they had been to prevent the other. Indeed Ireland was in a manner wholly for his Ma­jesty, in many places whereof he was by joynt consent both of Protestants and Papists proclaimed King. The Lord Marquesse of Ormond, the Lord Inchequin, and other great persons had considerable Forces in the field for his interest, and all the Garrisons of that Island held out for him, ex­cepting the two most important, the Cities of Dublin and London-Derry, which were kept from returning to their Allegiance, the former by Lieu­tenant General Iones then Gover­nour, and the latter by Sir Charles Coot, who maintain'd their cause and authority who had barbarously mur­der'd his Royal Father in England. Besides the Islands of Iersey, Guern­sey, [Page 71]Scilly and Man remain'd faith­full to him, though they were of no other advantage then to serve as pla­ces of retreat for the small Fleet that was left, after the greatest part of it had again revolted to the Parlia­ments Navy. The Parliament of Scotland, as I said, had protested a­gainst the proceedings of the English against their common King: But at this time that Nation was divided into four grand Factions or Parties. 1. The first consisted of such as had confederated with the English Parlia­ment during the Warres, till they saw their accursed design of destroy­ing the King, and subverting the Go­vernment; these were the prevail­ing party who sent Duke Hamilton with that numerous but unfortunate Army into England 1648. They were willing though upon certain conditions to own and declare Prince Charles for their King; only [Page 72]in this they sided with the English In­dependent Iuncto, That they endea­voured to the utmost to depresse and discountenance the Malignants (as they called those who had adher'd to his late Majesty) who make up the second party. The third consisted of such as were so strictly devoted to the Kirk and Convenant, that they only projected the advancement of them, and car'd not for any other in­terest either of King or Free-State, but strenuously oppos'd both; of which Faction Colonel S [...]a [...]ghern and Colonel Kerre were two great Sticklers. The fourth, and last, and worst were such as by unparallel'd treachery to their Prince, their Na­tive Countrey, and (as it appear'd afterwards) to themselves too, held secret correspondence with the Se­ctarian power and Army of England. This Division I have made will give much light to the understanding of [Page 73]the reasons of the Scottish actions and their consequences, when we come to relate them. At present, it may suffice to intimate that this Discord among themselves retarded them from publickly proclaiming and owning their lawfull King.

In the mean time the King having been a while a close Mourner in Hol­land, and receiv'd the condolements of the Lords States, (who also depu­ted an Oratour Dr. Lotius to represent their sad sence of the inhumane mur­der of his Royall Father, which he performed in an elegant Latine Ora­tion extant in Print he committed the management of his affairs there to the care of his Brother and Sister of Orange; and took a journey to France, both to visit his disconsolate and forlorne Mother and to desire the assistance, which he might reaso­nably conceive, that King oblig'd both in honour, consideration of [Page 74]consanguinity and the generall con­cernment of all Monarchs, to afford him. He was receiv'd in the French Court with much respect, and after a short stay at Paris took up his abode at St. Germains, having his Royall Brother the Duke of York with him.

He had not been long here, but contrary to the expectation [...] as well as hopes of himself and all his Loyall Subjects, news is brought him of the defeat of the Army in Ireland under the Marquis of Ormond, then which a gallanter & richer had scarce been seen during all the late Warrs. The Marquis had laid siege to Dublin on the 21. of Iune 1649. but that City being reinforc'd with a supply of 3000. Horse and Foot from England, and encouraged with the expectati­on of more, the Besieged made seve­rall Sallies out upon them from time to time, and at length in one suppris'd [Page 75]the Marquis's maine Army, and to­tally defeated it, himself not without much difficulty escaping by flight. 'Tis very true, the Marquis had an Army of about 20000. men, but the greatest part of them were Irish, and so such as he dar'd not trust; besides, I have heard it creadibly reported, He might have taken Dublin if he had pleas'd, but forbore to doe it meerly in tendernesse to the numerous Pro­testants were in it, whom the Irish would have without question un­mercifully destroy'd if they had taken the place by assualt; and as yet there was no other way to take it, by rea­son the besieged had high expectati­on of succour from England. This was the first blow receiv'd by the young King, and a great one it was indeed, and so important that it made way for the losse of all that King­dome. About the same time also Sir Ch. Coot issued out of London-Derry, [Page 76]and beat off Sir Rob. Stuart and Col. Mervin that besieg'd it. And imme­diately upon this successe Ol. Crom­well landed in Ireland with the Title of Lord Lieutenant, and was fol­low'd by his Son-in-Law Ireton with about 40. ships. The Royall Field. Army being lost, Cromwell falls upon the Garrisons; the first place he at­taqued was Droghedah (or Tredagh) which he soon took by storme, and with a cruelty unknown since the first rise of Christianity, put the Go­vernour Sir Arthur Aston (a noble Gentleman that had serv'd the late King in England) and all Inhabitants of the Town of all ages and sexes to the Sword. Thus was Providence pleas'd to suffer wickednesse to pros­per. This successe was follow'd with the losse of many considerable Townes and Castles in all parts of Ireland, besides serverall Field-battels obtain'd over the Lords Inchequin, [Page 77]Ardes and Clanduboys, and Lieut. Gen. Farrell by the L. Broghill, Sir Ch. Coot, Col. Venables, Zanchy, Renolds and Hewson. So that in lesse then the space of this year that Kingdome was wholly lost, which in the beginning of it, his Majestie lookt upon as so considerably his own that he was almost perswaded to have gone thither in person; but waved upon mature advice, and went to the Isle of Iersey, where he was pro­claimed by the Islanders immediate­ly, and the L. Iermin Earle of Yar­mouth was made Governour and Sir Geo. Carteret his Deputy. His retinue at his arrivall in this place amounted to about 300. persons. A little before his departue from St. Germains, the Duke of York came to him out of Holland, & was visited by the French King and the Cardinal, of whom he humbly implored ayd in behalf of his Brother. Mazarini answer'd ci­villy, [Page 78]that he might assure himself of all favour and assistance from the King of France as soon as he had the power and opportunity to serve him: In the mean time the Duke is persented with 100000. Crownes. From Iersey his Majesty sends his Summons to Guernsey (which was wholly the Parliament's, saving Cornet Castle) to submit to his obe­dience. But it was to no effect. It is reported by some his Majesty had some expectation from the Level­lers, who at that time had revolted from the rest of the Parliament's Ar­my: but whatever their designe was, they were supprest both in the West and at Burford in Oxfordshire.

The English Plantations in the West-Indies at this time under the Lord Willoughby of Parham refus'd Obedience and Subjection to the Parliament, who thereupon first in­terdicted them all Traffick & Com­merce, [Page 79]and shortly after reduc'd them with a Fleet sent from England under the Command of Sir Geo. Ayscough.

The King at Iersey receiving in­telligence of these unfortunate suc­cesses following one upon the neck of another, his chief hopes and expe­ctations lay now in Scotland. He un­derstood the severall Factions there, and that the Covenanters who were most considerable both for Power and Number, sought their own ad­vantage by him, and would cause much difficulty in his affairs there; wherefore to balance them a little by the honest Royalists who were his and had been his Father's friends, and whom the former endevour'd to keep under, as also to bring them to more equitable Termes, he gives Commission to the noble and va­liant Lord Marquis of Montrosse to raise forces for him in Holland and [Page 80]other parts. The Marquis in a short time sends some few forces into the Isle of Orkney, and some few others landed in the North of Scotland un­der Sir Ia. Montgomery. These the Committee of Estates resolve to op­pose, though rais'd for the King's ser­vice; and notwithstanding after long debate and contest between the op­posite factions, the best of which were infinitely scrupulous, at length resolve upon a Letter of Propositi­ons to his Majesty, and send it by Mr. Geo. Windram Laird of Libberton upon the 25. of Sept. 1649. Upon the 30. of that moneth he arriv'd at Ier­sey and presented his Majesty with these Propositions from the States of Scotland.

1. That his Majesty would sign the solemn League and Covenant, and pass an Act for all persons to take it throughout that Kingdome, and ratifie all that had been done concerning the same.

[Page 81] 2. That he would ratifie divers Acts of Parliament of Scotland made by the two last Sessions; viz. 1. For disclaiming D. Hamilton's last expedi­tion. 2. For receiving of the severall Acts made by the English for the Mi­litia. 3. For the Kings of Scotland to have no Negative voice in their Par­liament.

3. That his Maj [...]stie would recall the late Commissions given to Mon­trosse, &c.

4. That he would dismisse all Pa­pists from about him, and let none be of his Council but Protestants.

5. That he would appoint some place about Holland for a Treaty with their Commissioners; whither they intended to send severall Persons of Honour for that purpose and take care for his En­tertainment during that time sutable to his Dignity.

6. That he would give a speedy an­swer to their Desires.

After some time of debate upon these proposalls, which were vari­ously entertain'd; some upon diffi­dence of the Scots fidelity disswading his Majesty from complying with them (as the Lords Byron, Cleveland, Gerard, &c.) others on the contrary (as the Lords Piercy, Wentworth, Wil­mot, and Sir Geo. Carteret) counsel­ling him not to put that to the ha­zard of war which might be obtain'd by Treaty, (especially his strength being at that time so low, if he should resolve onely upon force,) Letters came to his Majesty from the Queen, urging that if the Scots Pro­positions seem'd at present too se­vere and unsupportable he might have opportunity hereafter when possess'd of that Kingdome to free himself in some measure from the Inconvenience of them: Therefore she judg'd it best to close with them. Montrosse also then in Holland writ [Page 83]to the King to the same purpose, de­siring his Majesty to hearken to the Scots Commissioners, so as to admit of an Agreement with them which might settle his Majesty in that Kingdome with safety and Honour; adding, That, as for himself, he should be contented to be banished perpetually from his Na­tive Country rather then be the least cause of prejudice to his Majestie's af­faires. Thus this incomparable pat­tern of Loyaltie preferred the Inter­est of his Prince above all respects of his own. But his Majestie was too generous to admit of his offer, and therefore answered him, That he had such assurance of his fidelity & so high a sense of his services perform'd to his late Father and himself that he could not in Iustice or in Honour desert him, and therefore desired him to urge him no further to it. At length the advice to close with the Scots seem'd most safe and reasonable, and proceeding [Page 84]from the greater number of suffrages, it was resolv'd to follow it. The next thing therefore to be delibe­rated of, was what answer should be return'd to the Propositions; which requiring some time, Sir VVill. Flem­ming was dispatcht before hand to Edenb. as Agent, till it could be com­pleated & sent by the Lair Libberton.

The New Commonwealth in England in the mean time was mo­dell'd thus. The House of Peers as I said was voted down, the Commons reduc'd to about 100; and a new kind of Senate set up, called a Coun­cil of State, who sate at Whitehall, consisting of forty persons; these in­deed, though deriv'd from the Par­liament, grew to have greater autho­rity then their creators; but though the supreme Power seem'd in appea­rance to be in these two Councils yet it was really in the hands of the Army, the chief Officers of which [Page 85]rul'd them that rul'd the Nations. Their principall business at Home was to fortify their new Government by making severall Acts of Treason, and to terrifie others by putting to death divers of the Nobility as D. Ha­milton, E. of Holland, L. Capel, &c. and such of the Gentry who had oppos'd their Barbarous and Tyrannicall Proceedings. They also employ'd themselves in dividing the Patrimo­ny of the Crown, having murder'd the Father and expell'd the Son; the same course also they took with ma­ny thousands of loyall persons, either confiscating and selling their Estates, or putting them to redeem the same upon great compositions; by this meanes and prodigious Taxes to­gether, drawing all the Wealth of the Nation, both Money & Lands, into their own hands, and sharing the same among themselves & their Lords the Officers of the Army. [Page 86]His Majesty had small hopes of doing any good immediately upon England, although he had friends e­nough in it. However, two noble Gentlemen Sir Iohn Berkly and Col. Slingsby offer'd themselves to serve their Prince in England, and ac­cordingly came from Iersey into the VVest, and went about stirring up their Correspondents to Armes for their King & Country; but they were both accidentally discover'd & taken.

The King had sent Ambassadours to severall great Princes and States, as the Emperor, the King of Spain, the Duke of Moscovy, the State of Ve­nice, the Grand Seignor, and o­thers, to sollicite their ayd and con­tribution for the recovery of his Father's Kingdomes. But from the most of them he received only com­plements & pretenses of their good will to help him. The most consi­derable Embasse, and most proba­ble [Page 87]to take effect was that to his Ma­jesty of Spain by the Lord Cottington, who at his Audience remonstrated in the name of his Master, That the Par­liament of England having been in Armes against his Father had prevai­led against him, and caused him to be put to d [...]ath; That he being Son and heir to the late King, was yet kept out of his Kingdomes by the said Parlia­ment; And therefore he desired his Aid and Assistance to establish him into his Rights and Dignities in his Kingdomes. To this the King of Spain answer'd, ‘That he was sorry for his Father's ill successe, wishing he had been more prosperous; That he condol'd with him for his Fa­ther's death, and was much affe­cted with sorrow at the manner of it; That concerning the difference between him and the Parliament, and the Rights on th [...] one or the other side, they being matters out [Page 88]of his Territories and Iurisdiction he could not take cognizance of them, nor should he meddle there­in: But for any thing within his own Dominions, he should be rea­dy to do him what lawful favour he could.’ But such is the influence Self Interest has upon the minds even of the greatest Potentates, that it many times excludes all conside­rations of generosity. Had the Neighbour-States resented the unju­stice done to this King and his Fa­ther, as they ought, I am confident the Spirits of the Iuncto would have soon been broken. But the course of the world, as I said, is otherwise, his Majesty of Britain is an Exile, his E­nemies are great and powerfull, and therefore in stead of sending assist­ance to the unfortunate Prince, the King of Spain sends and Embassadour to court the new Common wealth of Rebels to a League.

The King hearing of a Fleet of Ships preparing by the Parliament for the Island of Iersey, thought fit to dispatch his answer to the Commit­tee of Estates of Scotland in order to a Treaty, which being drawn up with a Letter directed to the Com­mittee of the Kirk. Assembly, the Laird Libberton departed with it to Scotland. Soon after which, his Ma­jesty to avoid all danger, went from Iersey back again into France, where her resided with his Royal Mother till the time for the Scotch Treaty drew near. Before his going thither, he writ thus to the Lord Marq. of Montross.

The Laird of Liberton being ar­riv'd at Edenburgh, where he was ex­pected with much impatience and longing, assoon as the Committeee of Estates and Assembly of the Kirk were met, deliver'd his Majesties Message and Letters to them, in­forming them also by word of Mouth how greatly inclinable he found him to an Agreement to their [Page 94]Desires; As, 1. That in reference to Ratifying all that the Parliament of Scotland did in their two last Sessions he was willing there should be pass'd a generall Act of Oblivion 2. That such as had serv'd under the Mar­quesse of Montross, and Duke Ha­m [...]lion in his last Expedition should be uncapable of all publick Charge without conssent of Parliament. 3. That he had design'd Breda in Hol­land for the place of a Solemn Treaty upon the 15. of March next ensuing, in order to a perfect Accommodati­on between himself and his Subjects of Scotland.

To the Committee of the Kirk [Page]likewise his Majesty writ a Le [...] much to the same purpose, wh [...]e [...] assoon as they met was delivered to them. Those to the Committee of E­state were first referred to a Subcom­mittee of nine Lords and Burgesses. to present their Opinions thereupon to the Committee of Estates, who were to receive their Reports and prepare the matter for the Parliament of Scotland shortly to be conven'd. And moreover for the more expedi­tion a Joint Committtee was chosen out of that of the Estates and that of the Kirk by common consent to con­sider to sending Commissioners and Propositions to the King. Much was the debate and great the contesta­tion in this Council; the insolent Kirkmen rejecting all other accom­modation, but such as might render his Majestie in a condition wholly subservient to their pleasure, framed higher Propositions then [Page 100]ever. Those of the Estates were more moderate, in comparison, though high enough too; and at length be­came more prevalent. So Commis­sioners were jointly chosen to be sent to his Majesties. The Earle of Cassils, the Lord Lothian, the Laird Burley and the Laird Libberton, Sir Io. Smith and Mr. Ieoffries for the E­states; and Mr. Broady, Lawson, and VVood in behalf of the Kirk. These arrive at Breda, before the King, and therefore the next day they went to meet him at Berghe [...]op Zoom, and came together to Breda 16. March 1640. Three dayes after they were conducted to audience by the Lord VVentworth Master of the Ce­remonies in the Kings Coach. The Earle of C [...]ssills made a short speech as from the Estates, and Lawson for the Kirk; after which they shew'd their Commissions and deliver'd the Propositions and Letters from the [Page 101] Estates and Kirk of Scotland. The Propositions were these.

I. That all Excommunicate should be forbid the Court.

II. That the King would by Solemn Oath and under his Hand and Seal de­clare his Allowance of the National Covenant of Scotland, & of the So­lemn League & Covenant of the three Nations.

III. That he would confirme all Acts of Parliament, enjoin the So­lemn League and Covenant, establish Presbytery, the Directory, the Conf [...]s­sion of Faith and Catechisme in the Kingdome of Scotland, as they are al­ready approved by the General Assem­bly of the Kirk and the Parliament; and that he would observe the same in his own family, and sw [...]ar never to oppose or indevour the alteration of the same.

IV. That he would consent that all Civil matters might be determin'd by [Page 102]the present and subsequent Parlia­ments in Scotland, and all matters Ecclesiasticall by the ensuing generall Kirk Assembly.

After the reading of these Propo­sitions and the Letters his Majestie being told these were all their instru­ctions, answered; That he would take these things into consideration, and doubted not to give them such a full answer, as should give them & his Kingdome of Scotland ample sa­tisfaction.

His Majestie and his Council deli­berate very seriously upon these Heads of the Treaty. Opinions were divided, some persons vehemently disswading him from trusting him­self into the hands of the Scots. But the Covenant was the main thing the King stuck at, and the Commissio­ners most urg'd. In the mean time he withdraw to the Hague to con­sult with the Queen of Bohemia and [Page 103]the Prince of Orange (who was vi­sited by the Commissioners and in­treated to be a Mediator between them and his Majestie) and some o­ther friends what course was best to resolve on. And soon after the Earle of Carnwarth and Mr. Murrey arrive at Breda from the Committee of E­states with further Instructions and Propositions; as 1. That his Majesty should ra [...]ifie all that had been done in the Parliaments of Scotland in some late Sessions; And consent, That Montrosse and his Adherents be prohibited accesse into that Kingdome.

These conditions were sufficient­ly hard, but the posture his Majestie's affairs then stood in seem'd to most of his Counsellours to afford an in­vincible argument to perswade him to accept them. The Marquis of Montrosse, as I said, was commis­sion'd by the King to levy what force he could on that side the Sea and to [Page 104]fall into the North of Scotland, upon hopes his appearance there might induce the States to more modera­tion. In order to which he had solli­cited the Princes of Germany for assistance, but he received little more from any but promises and complements. Onely from the Duke of Holstein he was supplyed with three or four very fair Vessels well arm'd and amn'd. And to expedite his businesse he dispatcht Col. Iohn Ogilby to Amsterdam to intertain such strangers as might be for his pur­pose. But the forgetting his Commis­sion, bestow'd both money & paines in intertaining himself, suffering those who upon any termes would have engag'd to shift for themselves; there being a great number who had fled out of England, and more who had lately deserted the French, or been cashiered the Hollander's ser­vice. By which neglect those goodly [Page 105]ships provided for service were lost, and a limb of the design broken. Nor was this the onely miscarriage that hapned in the beginning of the Marquis's enterprise. For Col. Cochran likewise who had been sent into Poland to deal with the Scotch Merchants there for assistance, ha­ving procured very considerable Summes of money upon that score and other provision, dispos'd of the money to his own use, made sale of the Corn and provision together transportation of it, and himself turn'd tail to the quarrell. And Gene­rall King (whom the Marquis expect­ed out of Sweden with a considerable party of Horse) either could not be ready so soon as was expected, or else delay'd on purpose. Howe­ver, the Marquesse fearing (as is sup­pos'd) he should have an expresse command to desist from his pur­pose, [Page 106]because the Treaty betwixt his Majesty and the Scots Commissio­ners was likely to come to a speedy conclusion, whereby himself should be banisht out of that Kingdome, fa­tally resolves to proceed, notwith­standing all difficulties. So he set forth for the conquest of a Nation settled in a posture of war, and fore­warn'd of his intentions, with about six or seven hundred men at most, strangers and all, about the tenth of April 1650. He had sent him by the Queen of Sw [...]den for the arming such as upon his arrivall should be­take themselves to his party, fifteen hundred Armes compleat for Horse, back, brest, &c. Carbi [...]es, Pistols and Swords; all which after his de­feat in Cathanes were taken un­toucht. Two of his ships with near upon a third part were sent before and directed to stee [...] for the Orcades; but by storm of weather, which is [Page 107]both frequent and dangerous a­mongst those Northern Islands, they were lost with all the men and Arms, nothing sav'd. This was another check and a forerunner of the sad e­vent which follow'd. However no­thing terrifi'd with these unhappy presages, he arriv'd himself at the Isle of Orkney, having with him severall Scotch Gentlemen resolv'd to par­take of his fortune. Here he continu­ed a considerable time to raise such forces and recruits as the place would afford, which were poor, raw, un­train'd fellowes, making up the shew of an Army, but wholly ignorant of war. With these he embarques and lands at Cathanes the farthest point to the Northwest of Scotland, expe­cting the coming of two thousand men rais'd in the Earle of Seaforth's Territories. His arrival, and that with Foreigners, immediately struck a ter­rour into the whole Countrey as far [Page 108]as Edenburth, where the Parliament then sitting forthwith order Lieute­nant General David Lesley, Colonel Straughan and Holborn to march a­gainst him with 7000. foot and 3. Troops of Horse. In the mean time the Marquesse moves but slowly, and to prevent misapprehension (since all the world was much astonisht at his Invasion, whilst the King was up­on a Treaty) puts forth a Declarati­on, to make known, That his inten­tion was only against some particular persons who had against the Laws of the Kingdome rais'd and maintain'd a war against the King's Father, and did now by their subtile practices en­deavour to cir [...]umvent and destroy the Son; That he intended nothing against the generality of the Kingdome. And lastly, exhorted all Subjects of that Na­tion to endeavour to free themselves from the Tyranny of those who for the present ruled the state, and from the op­pression [Page 109]of the Ministry. But the Countrey, partly through fear of the danger, and partly being over-awed by the Earle of Sunderland, did not come to second him as he expect­ed. Straughan who commanded a choice party of Horse, advances be­fore Lesley's body, whilst the Mar­quesse had effected nothing material besides the taking of Dumbath Castle. Upon Straughan's approach, a party of 100. were drawn forth, who en­countred his Forlorn hope, and put them to retreat; but being immedi­ately seconded by Straughan's whole body, who charged upon that of the Marquesse, the Islanders threw down their Armes and were dispers'd; on­ly the Dutch Forces made an orderly retreat into some shrubs hard by, where having very valiantly defend­ed themselves a while, they were at last enforced to yield. This was a totall Defeat: of 1200. which were [Page 110]in the field on the Marquesse's side, 200. were slain, and all the rest taken, saving about a hundred who escaped by flight. Among the Prisoners of note were Major General Sir Iohn Vrrey, the Lord Frendraught, Sir Francis Hay of Dalketie, Colonel Hay of Naughton, Colonel Grey, Lieute­nant Colonel Stuart, with a great number of other considerable offi­cers and two Ministers. The Royal Standard was also taken, in which was pourtrayed the Head of the late King, lying a bleeding, and severed from the body, with this Motto, IUDGE AND REVENGE MY CAUSE, O LORD. The Marquesse himself when he saw the day loft, threw away his Cloak which had the Star on it (having re­ceiv'd the order of the Garter a little while before) deserted his horse, changed his habit with a H [...]ghlander, and fled. The news of this Victory [Page 111]was so welcome to the State and Kirk of Scotland, that they rewarded Straughan with 1000. l. sterling, and gratifi'd other officers. And to as­sure it, they order narrow search to be made for Montrosse, propound­ing a great summe to any that should apprehend him. He had continued three or four dayes in the open fields without meat or drink, with onely one man in his company; till at lenght in this starving condition he discoverd himself to the Lord Aston, who had formerly been a friend of his. But his adversity and the pro­mised reward made him now be lookt upon under another notion, so that either out of fear or covetous­nesse, or both, this Lord sends this Il­lustrious but unfortunate Heroe with a strong guard to David Lesley, by whom he was forthwith sent to Edenburgh, into which he was carri­ed with all the ignominy, malice, as­sisted [Page 112]with zeal could invent: all which he underwent with extraor­dinary constancy and magnanimity. He was brought to the Towns end upon a Cart-horse, and at the Gates he was met by some officers and the Executioner in his Livery Coat. They put him into a high seat in fashion of a Chariot, and bound him about the breast and armes with a cord into a Chair. The Executioner (being so commanded) took off the Marquesse his hat, and the chariot being drawn with four horses, put on his own bonnet, mounted one of the first horses, and so very solemnly drive a­long to the Tol booth. He had at that time many wounds about him, but none uncurable. The Parliament had resolv'd before-hand what sen­tence to pronounce upon him; but the more to disgrace him and to act with formality and insolence. He was brought before them, where he [Page 113]appeared in a rich attire with an un­daunted countenance. His chief ad­versaries were Argile, an inveterate enemy to loyalty and consequently to this Noble Marquis, Lowdon the Chancellor, Ker, and Cassells who was gone in Commission to the King; but especially the fleabitten Ministers of Edinburgh, a generation of people, whose courses and pra­ctises are detested by all that under­stand any thing of the sobriety of Christian Religion. Being brought to the Bar of the House, the Chan­cellour told him first, That he must kneel at the Bar. Whereunto he an­swer'd, My Lord, I shall with all my heart observe any posture you shall ap­point m [...] to appear before you in, where­by I may minifest to you, that I freely submit to the authority of Parliament, and to this present Parliament in a more especiall manner because you have concluded so near a Conjunction [Page 114]with his Majesty my Master in the late Treaty. After which the Chan­cellor made a Speech to him, the substance whereof was this.

Hereunto the Illustrious Prisoner, having defir'd and obtain'd liberty, answer'd,

My Lord, I am glad that I may to answer for my self. Though I am here your prisoner, yet my cause is good; Nor is there any breach of the Covenant on my part, in which I swore to be true to his Majestie, his Heirs and Successors. Concerning what I [Page 116]have done in relation to the VVars & affairs of this Kingdome, I had not one­ly a General Commission, but par­ticular Orders for what I have done from his Majesty, which I was engag'd to obey by the said Covenant. And concerning my coming over now, I was assertain'd that you had profest to comply with his Majesty in the pre­sent Affairs in which he hath employ'd me; and upon that Account it was that I have acted. I desire to refer my self, and to submit unto this present Parlia­ment and the authority thereof to be my Iudges in this Case, whom I own as a true Parliament by authority from his Majesty; and I shall be content, however it shall please God to deal with me. As for my Life, if you take it away by this Authority, it is well known to the VVorld I regard it not: Death is a debt which all owe, and must once be pay'd by every one; And I shall be willing and much rejoice to goe the [Page 117]same way which my Master pass'd be­fore me; and it is the joy of my heart not onely to do, but also to suffer for him.

After he had pronounced this with a very composed gravity, even to the admiration of all that heard him, he was commanded to withdraw. The Parliament were not long in debate, but unanimously resolv'd upon this Sentence of Condemnation, which, he being recall'd, was pronounc'd against him.

You are to be carried back to the place from whence you came, and from thence to morrow being the 21. of May (1650.) to Edenburgh Crosse, there to be hanged on a Gallowes 30. foot high for the space of 3. hours, with your History & Declaration about your neck, and then to be taken down, and your head cut off upon the Scaffold, and set upon Edenburgh Talbooth, and your legs and armes over the gates of the Ci­ties [Page 118]of Sterling, Dundee, Glasgow, and Aberdeen, your Trunk to be buri­ed in the common place for Thieves and Robbers, except the K [...]rk take off your excommunication.

This sentence aggravated by the Chancellor in the utmost terms of horrour his spleen could invent, was undismaiedly receive d by the noble Marquesse, who answered, That he took it for a greater to have his head stand on the Prison gate for this quar­rel, then to have his P cture in the King's Bed-chamber. And least his Loyalty should be forgotten, they had highly honoured him in designing last­ing monuments to bear up his memori­all to all posterity; wishing he had flesh enough to have sent a piece to every Ci­ty in Christendome to witnesse his Loy­alty to his King and Countrey.

The next day, having prepar'd his soul for Heaven, he marcht ma­gnanimously to the Scaffold, and [Page 119]notwithstanding all the interruptions of the bitter spirited Priests, having made a sober speech to the people underwent the cruell sentence with all the ignominious circumstances, to his owne perpetuall glory and the everlasting reproach of his Enemies.

Thus dyed this incomparable Marquis of immortal fame, a great example of unfortunate Virtue, whose barbarous murder, I have more particularly related, because it discovers the temper of that Cove­nanted party who put him to death. Posterity certainly will esteem his memory, and account his Iudges de­serving a more exquisite punish­ment for this and other their inhu­mane actions then that they inflicted on him, if it be possible for the quin­tessence of malice to invent a greater.

Within a few dayes after four o­ther Noble Gentlemen suffer'd for [Page 120]the same cause, Sir Iohn Vrr y (not­withstanding he pleaded the benefit of quarter) Col. Spotswood Laird of Darcy, Sir Francis Hay and Col. Sib­bald; though they had the favour to be beheaded.

Such was the fate of his Majestie's affairs in Scotland, and the brave per­sons that manag'd them; and such was the unparallel'd insolence of the Scots, who dar'd to murther his best friends, while they were in Treaty with him, upon a base and ungene­rous presumption, that the lownesse of his condition would enforce him to put up patiently so high and dete­stable an indignity. Which indeed, he was constrain'd to doe, as his affairs then stood. When the newes was brought to his Majesty at Breda, he was much st [...]rtled at it, and exprest his Resentment of their proceedings by a Message sent them by Mr. Mur­rey ‘That he was griev'd to hear it [Page 121]credibly reported that notwith­standing those hopefull overtures of Peace lately made between him and them, they had shed the blood of some of his best Subjects of the Kingdome of Scotland; and that the manner thereof according to Reports did extremely trouble him. But that he might understand the Particulars more certainly he desir'd an account of the business from themselves.’

In answer to this they profess'd their affections were still reall to him, and their Hearts much joy'ed to hear of his willingness to concur with them in a happy agreement; And desir'd him not to stumble at some seeming Obstacles, as the Death of Montrosse, or their reducing of his Forces; Assuring him there was nothing in what they did, but to accomplish his Ends and promote his Interests to his best Advantage. (This zealous [Page 122]Nation do's God and the King good service, when they illegally and in­humanely murder their fellow-Chri­stians and Subjects.)

These actions of the Scots and the business of the Covenant were the main impediments of the Treaty. But the murder of Montrosse though it might justly have deterr'd his Ma­jesty from trusting himself into those hands which reak'd with his best ser­vants Blood, could not be redress'd; and his necessities enforc'd him to dissemble all further resentment of it. As for the Covenant, he argu'd that it was the Subjects Covenant to bind them to their King, and not for him to swear to; and therefore he thought it sufficient to passe an Act for his Peo­ple to take it. He likewise offered to confirme the Presbyterian Govern­ment in Scotland; Provided that him­self might have alwaies three Chap­laines of his own Election; As also to [Page 123]confirm the Militia in the Hands of the Estates for five years; Provided that afterwards it might return to himself. These particulars were agreed to; & so a conclusion put to the Treaty. The newes whereof being carry'd to Edenburgh, the Parliament forthwith met, and the fourth Faction which I mention'd, viz. such as corresponded with the Sectarian Iunto of England were so strangely and ridiculously impudent as to put it to the Vote, whether any more Adddresses should be made to the King (it seemed they desir'd to ape the abominable Mon­sters at Westminster, who pass'd a Vote of Non addresses after his late Majesty had consented to all their demands) there were 32. of these malevolent Negatives, but the major part carried it in the Affirmative. Whereupon a Message was resolv'd upon to be sent to him, wherein they invited him, To make all possible [Page 122] [...] [Page 123] [...] [Page 124]speed to come to his Kingdome of Scot­land, and protested. They would assist him with their lives and fortunes to establish him in all his Dominions. Yet withall they forbore not to advertise him, they had Testimonies to produce of his actings by Letters to Montross (having belike intercepted 3. or 4.) contrary to his promise to them at the Treaty at Breda, (as they pre­tended.) However they were willing (out of speciall grace) to dispense with him for what was past, so that he would without delay, according to the Arti­cles of Agreement come over into Scotland, and comply with the Parlia­ment and the Kirk.

After this they betook themselves to make preparations for his Rece­ption, Two of the chiefest Houses in Edenburgh were richly furnisht, and the Parliament took into considera­tion the nominating Officers for his Majesties Household, which they [Page 125]did with much arrogance, not per­mitting those to wait upon him whom he chiefly favoured, & whom he judg'd best affected towards him, and by Proclamation prohibiting se­verall great Scotch Lords, as Duke Hamilton, the Earls of Louderdale and S aforth, with many other persons of Quality who had constantly attend­ed on him in Iersey and Hol­land, from returning into Scotland.

Thus we have seen the deport­ment of the Covenanters towards his Majesty and Friends during his absence, we now come to relate their actions after he took possession personally of the Kingdome of Scot­land: Which after the conclusion of the Treaty he did not delay to doe, but about the beginning of Iune he left the Hague and took ship­ping at Scheveling in Holland. By the way he was in some danger by reason of a tedious storm and cer­tain [Page 126] English ships which ply'd about the Coast to way-lay him; but with some difficulty he escaped both, and arrived safe at a place called the Spey in the North of Scotland, whither some Lords were sent to receive and accompany him to Edenburgh. All the way he was entertain'd with the generall joy and acclamations of the people. At Dundee new Propositi­ons were by Commissioners from the Parliament and Kirk presented to him to sign, which after some relu­ctancy he performed. The town pre­sented him of Aberdeen with 1500. l. But the Committee of Estates sent to severall places who had the same in­tentions, enjoyning them whatever Plate or mony they had to bestow, to bring the same into such a Treasury as they should appoint. As if it were unfit for his Majesty to be master of his own Purse. while they were in ex­pectation of his Arrival the Commit­tee [Page 127]of Estates and Parliament consult­ed about forming of an Army for his service as they pretended, and an Act was pass'd for training every fourth man capable to bear Armes through­out the Kingdom, & raising 16000. Foot and 6000. Horse; in which the Earle of Leven was made General of the Foot, Holborn Major General, David Lesley Lieutenant General of the Horse, and Montgomery Major General; the supreme Command being reserv'd for his Majesty. Who arriving at Edenburgh was enter­tain'd with many complements and congratulations, and on the 15 of Iuly solemnly proclaimed King at the Crosse, and should have been Crown'd in the ensuing moneth, had not certain obstacles caus'd the de­ferring of that ceremony. He had not been long there but the Estates and Parliament begin to busie them­selves afresh about modelling his [Page 128]Retinue, and clearing his Houshold of such Malignants (as they term'd them) as were in his Service, exclu­ding them also from all imployment both about his Person and in the Army. As for himself, he had a strong Guard continually about him to at­tend him and observe his mo­tions.

The English pretended Parlia­ment had all this while sufficient in­telligence of the Scots proceedings with his Majesty in the Treaty of Breda, together with their engage­ment to assist him in the recovery of his Rights in England, and this by the perfidiousnesse & treachery of some of the Fourth Faction I mention'd in the Parliament of Scotland. And therefore by the sollicitation of these Traytors, and partly out of policy to prevent an invasion by making one, whereby the Enemies Country would become the Seat of the War, [Page 129]they prepar'd an Army against Scot­land, and sent for Cromwel out of Ireland, on whom they confer'd the Command of Capt. General of all their Forces in the room of the Lord Fairfax, who gave up his Commissi­on, abhorring to be longer a servant to such horrid designes as they had formerly put him upon.

About this time one Ascham whom the Iunto had sent Agent into Spaine was assassinated at Madrid together with his Interpreter Senior Riba by a combination of six or seven men at Madrid, who after the fact took Sanctuary. Dorislaus another A­gent of the Upstart Republick had the same fate also, though more de­servedly, about a year before in Hol­land. It hapned also during the Trea­ty was on foot between his Majesty and his Scottish Subjects, that Prince Rupert's Fleet having for a long time been protected by the King of Por­tugal [Page 128] [...] [Page 129] [...] [Page 130]was utterly destroy'd upon that coast by Blake the English Ad­miral.

On the 28. of Iune, Cromwel got all things in readiness for a War, ad­vanc'd towards Scotland in the head of 11000. Foot and 5000. Horse. And approaching to the Borders sent the Scots a Declaration from the ptetended Parliament of England, and another from himself, to justifie these proceedings. The Scots seem'd much surpris'd at this invasion with­out warning given, and therefore send to expostulate the Cause of it in a paper to Haslerig then Gover­nour of New-Castle, in another to Cromwel, and a third to the Iunto; in which they urg'd the Solemn League and Covenant and the former Union between the two Nations. But it was answer'd by a Declaration. ‘1. That the Scots (contrary to their agree­ment) had once already invaded [Page 131] England under D. Hamilton, and were now ready for a second in­vasion; so that the English were advanc'd against them onely by way of prevention. 2. That they had made a Peace with the Com­mon Enemy, & promised him assist­ance to regain the other King­domes he pretended to. 3. They had resolved to impose their form of Religion upon the English Na­tion.’ These were the grounds the English alledg'd for their pro­ceedings. Accordingly Cromwel mar­ches into Scotland taking all the Gar­risons that lay in his way, till he came to Muscleborough (a place famous for a signall defeat given the Scots in the Reign of Edward the 6.) there he is set upon by Maj. Gen. Montgomery and Col. Straughan; but the assailants were put to the worst. After which the two main Armies having for some time moved at a small distance [Page 132]one from another, the Scots declined engaging till they got the English at a great disadvantage at Dunbar, who by the difficulties of the place were so distress'd for provision, that they began to think of an escape by Sea, and would without doubt have ta­ken that course, had not the Scots confidence of Victory induc'd them to set upon them (contrary to the great prudent maximes of War, viz. To make a bridg for a flying Enemy, & not to drive an enemy Army to the utmost of despair) The event of this engagement was, that the Scots in stead of an assured Victory received a totall overthrow; 3000. of them being slain in the field, amongst whom was the Laird of Libberton & Col. Lumsden, about 8000. with Sir Iames Lumsden Lieut. Gen. of the Foot made prisoners, & 200. Colours (part of those that were afterwards hung up in Westminster-Hall) 15000. [Page 133]armes and 30. pieces of Ordnance taken.

The King in the mean time was withdrawn to St. Iohnston's, being so sensible of the Scots unfaithful­nesse, that he apprehended as much danger from them as from the Ene­mie. Here he received the news of this losse, which was followed with a greater, that of the excellent Prin­cesse his Sister Elizabeth, who dyed on the eight of Sept. 1650. at Caris­book Castle in the Isle of VVight; a Lady of incomparable goodness & piety, and who deserved to have been born in a better Age, and in a lesse Barbarous Nation. The execra­ble murther of her Royall Father hastned her death; whither the same Villaines at the helme of the State contributed any thing towards it, though reported, I will not affirme. Onely I know they were enemies e­nough to that family & base enough, [Page 134]to attempt as great a crime. It is re­corded by some that the decease of this Illustrious Princesse afflicted his Majesty more then the losse of the Army at Dunbar; and perhaps he had reason, since himself seem'd least concern'd in this, the Forces having been raised, and order'd wholly by the States and Kirk's command and for their interest. About this time al­so dyed the renowned Prince of O­range, to the great grief of the King, leaving his Princesse great with her first child, of which she was safely de­liver'd four dayes after being a Son & his Father's Successour.

About this time Col. Eusebius Andrewes having been found with a Commission from his Majesty was condemned by a High-Court of Ju­stice and beheaded on Tower-Hill.

Immediately after this notable Vi­ctory, Cromwel made himself master of Edinburgh and of Leith; onely the [Page 135]Castle of Edinburgh held out for a good while after.

The King being unable to bear the imperiousness and hard impositions of the Estates and Kirk, extorting a Declaration from him to condemn his own proceedings and those of his best affected party, banishing his friends from about him, & usurping the whole Government of all af­fairs both Ecclesiastical and Civil into their own hands, and placing guards about his Person, &c. secretly escapes from St. Iohnston's in much discontent (in order, as some think, to going beyond Sea) accompanied onely with four Horsemen toward the North of Scotland, where the Marquis of Huntkey, the Earls of A­thol and Seaforth, Lords Ogleby and Newburgh with the Gourdons and the men of Athol were ready to appear for him with a considera­ble force.

The Committee of Estates at St. Iohnston's were much surpris'd and troubled at this departure of his Ma­jesty, especially for that they fear'd he was gone to Mai. Gen. Middleton and the Athol men, (who were purely for his interest, disclaiming the Kirk's au­thority with that of Parliament and Estates) for the appeasing of whom, an Act of Indempnity was offer'd them; which they contemning, and falling upon and worsting Sir Iohn Browes Regiment, Lieut. Gen. Lesley is commanded forth against them. In the mean time while the Parliament and Committee of Estates are consulting and debating what course to take with the King, some propounding, That since he had de­serted them, they should look no more after him but leave him to his own wayes; the more moderate jud­ging it fit rather to testifie to his Ma­jesty their sorrow for his departure [Page 137]and desire him graciously to return: a different Faction of the Covenan­ters under the command of Straugh­an and Kerr in the West set forth a Remonstrance to the Committee of Estates taxing them of imprudence and temerity in hastning to conclude a Treaty with, receiving & entertaining the King, before he had given any con­vincing evidence of a reall change, after his commissioning Montrosse to invade Scotland; judging his profes­sion of the Cause & the Covenant meer­ly counterfeit, as appear'd by his fa­vouring Scotch and English Mali­gnants (as they termed them.) And for these reasons they absolutely re­fus'd to submit to his power and au­thority. Of this Faction bisides Kerr and Straughan were the Lord VVarreston (lately a Member of our pretended Committee of Safe­ty) and Sir Iohn Chiesy. An ac­commodation was endeavoured [Page 136] [...] [Page 137] [...] [Page 138]to be made between them and the Estates at St. Iohnston's; but they stood off, and declar'd against King and Lords on the one side, and the Sectarian English Army on the other. Thus was this poor Nation divided among themselves, whilst at the same time a mercilesse forraign ene­my was ravaging in the bowels of it. However the Committee of Estates and Kirk (several of whose great sticklers were become very inclina­ble to his Majestie) resolve at length to dispatch Maj. Gen. Montgomery with a party of Horse after him, hum­bly to intreat his return. Montgomery upon inquiry understanding that his Majesty was at the L. Dedup's House in the North confines of Fife, hastens thither, and first surrounding the House, enters and upon his knees acquaints the King what desires he brought from the Committee of E­state. But he absolutely refus'd at [Page 139]first, as not enduring the Subjection they had made him live in; The news whereof brought to the Estates, set the Kirk Party & such as favou [...]'d the English Sectaries a gog again, who hereupon were very violent for no more Addresses to be made to him, whose motion began to have some influence upon the rest. In the mean time his Majestie was urgent­ly solicited by the Marq. of Huntly & the Athol men that rose for him in the North to adhere solely to them, undertaking to secure him against the Kirk and all others: To which invitation he seem'd very prone to hearken, so that the Breach betwixt him and the Covenanted Party who brought him in, was near become ir­reconcilable. But the consideration of the danger which might redound from the forraign Enemy by occa­sion of this division, the concession of some propositions, together with [Page 140]the importunity of Montgomery & the industry of some attendants a­bout him, induc'd him to returne back with the Maj. Gen. to St. Iohn­ston's. And it was judg'd requisite to unite all parties (if possible) against the common Enemy: to which pur­pose Huntly and Middleton were treated with, who refus'd to submit, and marcht up within a mile of St. Iohnston's where they had like to have been engag'd by David Lesley. But upon some concessions (as to be admitted into places of Trust, &c.) a Treaty was concluded. One would have thought now the service against the Common Destroyer of, their Country would have been una­nimously carried on; yet this recon­ciliation begat another fewd (as if the zealots of this Nation had been infatuated purposely for their own ruin.) The Ministers of Sterling were so farre trom consenting to this [Page 141]Treaty that they past the Sentence of Excommunication upon Mid­dleton, in defiance of the Estates at St. Iohnston's, and being summon'd thither to a general meeting to be held here consisting of King, Lords, Barons, Burgesses, and Assembly of Ministers to consult for the good & safety of the King, Kingdome and Kirk, they refused, and advised the Estates to be at a greater di­stance from the King & his Coun­cil, and rather to come to Sterling. But at length with much adoe they were brought to go to St. Iohnston's. Much time had been lost in these fa­tall differences, and the publick safe­ty was neglected, whilest men mind­ed the satisfaction of their own per­verse and malicious humours. It was now highly requisite to look about them, & therefore Middleton was im­ploy'd with a Commission and In­structions from his Majestie (who [Page 142]well enough understood that the safety of himself and that Nation de­pended wholly on the unanimity of his Subjects) to treat with some for­ces in the H [...]ghlands who still refused to submit.

The grand Assembly convene, & as the first evidences of concord di­vers Scotch Lords formerly in disfa­vour with the Kirk were received in­to the Army or the Parliament, as Duke Hamilton, the Lords Lauder­dale, Buchaim, Leith, Dedup, Crawford; and of the English, Major General Massey, was admitted to a command in the Army.

Col. Ker in the West of Scotland who had stood off from all parties hitherto, at length so far comply'd with the Kirk-Grandees, that he took Straughan prisoner, who by Cromwel's inveglement inclin'd to side with the English (a right Scot.) But not long after Kerr was defeated [Page 143]and taken by Maj. Gen. Lambert; a just reward & consequence of his se­ditious discord. About the beginning of October, some Gentlemen and o­thers in Norfolk took Armes against the Tyranny of the pretended Parlia­ment, declaring for the restitution of the Ancient Government of the Land by a King and the Lawes; but the County Militia and some Forces from Lin suddenly dispersed them, taking some whom afterwards by a solemn new way of murder first pra­ctis'd at VVestminster upon the late King, and afterwards in most places of England upon his friends, they put to death at Norwich. A little before this they likewise executed at Tyburn one Mr. Benson, for having been guilty of the same pretended Trea­son with Col. Eusebius Andrewes for­merly beheaded.

On Decemb. 24. Edenburgh Castle having endur'd a violent siege 3. [Page 144]Moneths surrender'd to Cromwel, & so did other strong Castles & places, as Nesbit, Berthwick and Roswell, &c. so successfull were their Impious Armes, by God's providence, who was pleas'd to use them as a scourge for these sinfull Nations.

Preparations in the mean time were made for the Coronation of his Majesty, for the celebrating of which the 1. of Ianuary had been long be­fore design'd by the Estates. The place was the Town of Scoon, where 150. Kings of that Nation had formerly been Crown'd. Thither therefore his Majesty, with the Nobility, Ba­rons and Burgesses in their robes, re­move'd, the whole Scotch Army standing all the way as a guard ma­king a lane between those two pla­ces. The solemnity was performed with as much Pompe and Ceremo­ny as the present State of things would permit, and with loud Accla­mations, [Page 145]Bonefires, shooting of Guns, &c. His Majesty having first heard a Sermon preacht by Mr. Rob. Douglas, sitting upon a Scaffold e­rected in the Church of Scoone, took the ordinary Coronation Oath and subscribed the National Covenant with the solemn League and Co­venant. After which he ascended up­on a Stage a little Higher then the former, & sate down in the Throne; when the people being demanded four times by the King at Armes, VVhether they were willing to accept of King CHARLES for their King, & becom [...] subject to his Commandments, express'd their consent with loud Acclamations, God save King CHARLES the Second. This being done, his Majesty was cloathed by the Lord Chamberlain with his Roy­all Robes; the Crown was set upon his Head by the Marquiss of Argyle, and the Scepter put into his hand, [Page 146]the Sword was girt about him by the Earle Marshall, and the Spurs put on by the Earle of Eglington. Then the Nobility being called by the He­rald, one by one swore allegiance & fealty to his Majesty, touching the Crown upon his head with their right Hand, in these Words, By the E­ternal & Almighty God who liveth & reigneth for ever. I shall support thee to the uttermost. The people also holding up their hands swore obe­dience to hi [...] M [...]sty according to the usuall Oath. And to conclude [...]ll, an exhortatory Oration was made by Mr. Rob. Duglasse and a Prayer. Which being done his Maje­sty and the Nobility departed out of the Church in the former Order and Pompe, the Earle of Glencarn car­rying the Sword before him.

The Ceremonies being thus end­ed his Majesty and the Nobility were intertain'd at a Stately and Magnifi­cent [Page]Dinner; which done, they all re­turn'd to St. Iohnston's in the same manner they came in; his Majesties Guard consisting of the Sons of di­vers great Scotch Lords and other Members of Parliament, the Captain whereof was the Lord of Lorne Son to Argile. I have omitted the full relation of all the passages at his Majesties Inauguration, because they have been already frequently publish'd, and lest they should adde too much to the bulk of this vo­lume.

This business being over, it be­hoved his Majesty to provide for the defence of his Crown and King­dome; in order whereunto he set up his Standerd at Aberdeen, to which a considerable number of men in a short time repaired, of whom him­self was General, Duke Hamilton Lieut. General of the Army, David Lesley Major General, Middleton [Page 148]Lieut. Gen. of the Horse, and Massey Commander in chief of all the Eng­lish Forces.

The Parliament of Scotland which had adjourn'd during his Majestie's Coronation, reassembled about the beginning of March and much con­test there was for several Lords of the Royal Party to be admitted to their Seats in the House; which by reason of the opposition of the Kirk-assemblies at Sterling and Aberdeen could not be obtain'd till they had pass'd the Stool of Repentance; which Duke Hamilton did with some kind of splendour, having a Table plac'd before him covered with black Vel­vet with a Cushion of the same, and making a great Feast that day.

In this Session a Committee was appointed to consider of the State of Affairs, and examine obstructions; by whom severall persons that were [Page 149]found to hold correspondence with the English Army had their Estates sequestred and some were try'd for their lives; Arguile at the same time and other Covenanteer Lords repi­ning at the admission of the Royall Lords into the Parliament & Army, as if they should thereby become o­verpower'd or utterly discarded. And indeed to these two pernicious qua­lities, Treachery and particular Am­bition (peculiar almost to that Na­tion) his Majestie's and that King­dome's ensuing misfortunes ought to be ascrib'd.

In the mean time his Majesty was ve­ry active in modelling his new Army, whose Rendezvouse was at the East of Fife, encouraging them many times with his presence and speech, the English gaine two very strong Castles, Hume and Trimptallon lying between Berwick and Edenburgh, the former by Colonel Fenwick, and [Page 150]the other by Colonel Monck. But to prevent their further progresse, his Majesty personally visited all the Garrisons of Fife, and put them in a posture to hinder the English from landing on that side the Frith; after which he went to the Assembly at Aberdeen to endeavour by his pre­sence and authority to compose Dis­sentions. And having taken this or­der at home, he imploy'd the Earle of Dumferling Ambassadour into Holland, & Mr. Crofts into Russia, be­sides others into other Nations to solicite for assistance. Thus he ac­quitted himself as far as humane pru­dence could reach; but abroad his Ambassadours receiv'd nothing but fruitlesse promises and empty com­plements, amongst whom Sir Henry Hide Lieger at Constantinople had the worst fortune; for I know not up­on what contest between him and Sir Thomas Bendish that lay there in [Page 151]behalf of the New State, Bendish got him into his hands, and sent him o­ver into England, where (as other Loyall Subjects had formerly been) he was formally tryed before a par­cel of Murderers in apretended High Court of Iustice, condemned and beheaded near the Old Exchange in London on March 4. 1650. A per­son he was of great parts, honesty and loyalty. Of the same cup also and from the same hands tasted Ca­ptain Brown Bushel, an expert Sea­man, who had lately done notable service for his Majesty by sea. He was beheaded on Tower-hill on the 25. of April 1651.

But to proceed; No considera­tions could unite the dissenting Co­venanted Scots; The Clergy like fire brands were as eager to ruine their Countrey with their tongues, as the Sectarian Army could be with the sword; Guthry, Cant, Duram, [Page 152]Galespy, men of hot spirits, inflaming inconsiderable discontents to high outrages, as if a spirit of division had wholly possess'd them, and so per­verted their judgements, that petty animosities were prosecuted with greater zeal then the publick Cause. Malignants it seems had commands given them, and grew potent; this was the ground of contest. Some co­venanted Lords too, either for that they were Kirk-ridden, or blinded with envy and ambition, began to be dissatisfi'd: whereupon Louden was discharged from being Chancellor, & the Lord Burleigh substituted. This begat ill bloud. The Earle of Suther­land assembled about 500. men, and seem'd to intend them upon another account. What course then should his Majesty take amidst this perverse Nation? However, he omitted no means that the most prudent and di­ligent Prince could use, aswell to re­concile [Page 153]Differences as to compleat his levies; to which purpose he ob­tain'd an Act of the Parliament for levying fifteen thousand foot, and eight thousand horse. Soon after which the Parliament adjourned till the seventeenth of April de­volving the Civill Power in the mean time into the Hands of a Select Council, and the Military upon a Committee of VVar consist­ing of twenty persons chosen out of each of the Three Estates. Spe­ciall care was taken about the for­tifying of Sterling, the King him­self going often to hasten the compleating of them, and shortly after removed his Court from St. Iohnston's thither. The 29. of May, being his Majestie's Birth-day was solemniz'd with great rejoycing throughout Scotland, the Parliament adjourning and his Majesty dining that day with most of the Nobility [Page 154]at a great Feast; and the Town of Dundee to expresse their affections beyond all the rest, presented his Ma­jesty with a rich Tent, 6. Field-pieces of Ordnance, and advanced a brave Regiment of Horse for his service at their own charges. Mean while the English pursue their advantages, and Col. Monk takes Blacknesse a strong place between Edinburgh and Sterling by surrender. Which losse was not so considerable as that of the Earle of Eglington (a person of e­minent worth and authority) who having been sent into the West with some other Commanders to raise Forces, and coming to Dunbarton to put his Commission in execution, was there surpris'd by a party of Horse sent thither for that purpose by Col. Lilburne, together with his Son Col. Ia. Montgomery, Lieut. Col. Colburn, &c. and carried to Edin­burgh.

About this time also, the pre­tended Parliament of England, jud­ging it advantageous to get into their power those lesser Islands which held out for his Majesty, sent their General Blake to that of Scilly, who with three hundred Seamen in a short space reduc'd the most impor­tant places in it.

The Parliament of Scotland being reassembled at St. Iohnston's after their adjournment, his Majesty sent a Message to them, desiring, 1. That the Act about the Classes of Mali­gnants might be repeal'd. 2. That no more mention might be made of the name of Malignants amongst them. 3. That Duke Hamilton, the Earles of Calendar and Seaforth and others might have full command m the Ar­my. These proposals which were of high importance to the common safety, and consentaneous aswell to Religion as season of State, were [Page 156]notwithstanding vehemently op­pos'd by Argyle and the Co­venanted gang; yet the moderate party pre­vail'd, and they were carried in the affirmative. And having pass'd these and the Act of Indemnity, and taken order for the pressing of men, they dissolved about the beginning of Iune. For the expediting the Levies, Argyle, Huntly and Seaforth were dispatcht away to their several Ter­ritories. Cromwel in the mean time had been very sick, so that there pass'd little of action during that time; nor were the Scots willing to engage till their forces were com­pleated. Maj. Gen. Massey had re­ceived instruction to fall into Eng­land with the English Horse and Foot under his command, and together with the Duke of Buckingham and the Lord Wilmot to join with a party in Lancashire that were to rise for the King. The designe was chiefly pro­moted [Page 157]at London by some of the Presbyterian Clergy, who held cor­respondence with Maj. Gen. Massey, and contributed divers summes of money to his assistance. But a ship bound for the Isle of Man being dri­ven into Ayre in Scotland, was ta­ken and Letters found in her which discover'd the whole Confederacy: whereupon the chief heads of it in London were apprehended, Mr. Cook, Gibbons, Love, Ienkins, Drake, and others; Two of whom, viz. Mr. Love, and Mr. Gibbons had a formal tryall before a pretended High Court of Iustice. & were beheaded on Tower-hill Au. 22. 1651. The rest upon their re­pentance and supplications were af­terwards released. By this means the intended Irruption and Insurrection were frustrated.

Cromwel being now recovered from his sickness, & having contracted all his forces into a Body by drawing in [Page 158]his out-guards or petty Garrisons, and having receiv'd great supplyes of Ammunition from Berwick and 80000. l. from the Iunto by Sea for his Souldiers, resolves upon a speedy encounter. His Forces consisted of 14. Regiments of Horse and 12. Re­giments of Foot, 6. Troops of Dra­goons and 16. pieces of Ordnance. With these about the latter end of Iune he advances into Lithgow, and endevour'd to dare the Scots to an engagement, who lay strongly en­camped at Torwood within 3. miles of Sterling; But they thought fit to decline battle till their Forces were compleated. Wherefore to intercept their supplies of provision Col. Over­ton was commanded with 1600. foot and 4. Troops of Horse, to fall into the North of Fife; who accordingly embarking his men in small Boats landed them at the North-Ferry in spight of all opposition; Cromwel [Page 159]himself in the mean time marching with his whole Army close up to the Scots, intending to fall upon their Rear in case they mov'd to disturb the Enterprise. However, Maj. Gen. Sir Iohn Brown and Maj. Gen. Holburn were dispatcht to drive the English out of Fife again; but before they could come up to them, Lambert and Okey were joyn'd with Overton with 2. Regiments of Horse and two of Foot. And with this unexpected reinforcement, the English wholly defeated the Scots, killing 2000. up­on the place, and taking above 1200 prisoners, among whom was the Commander in chief Maj. Gen. Brown, who did not long survive this losse, but dyed (as is conceiv'd) of grief, having alwaies approved him­self to his Majesty a person of much fidelity and courage. This de­feat was the bane of the Scotch af­fairs. For soon after the English took [Page 160]in Garrisons almost as fast as they approacht them. Brunt Island and a strong Forth called Innesgarvy sci­tuate in an Isle lying in the Frith were reduc'd by Maj. Gen. Lambert; and within a few dayes after Cromwel took the Town of St. Iohnston's after one dayes siege by surrender. This prodigious successe caused his Maje­sty to alter his Counsels, and designe an irruption into England; which was resolv'd upon out of probable hopes that many of his loyall Subjects there would betake themselves to his assi­stance when they understood he was in the head of an Army in it. This in­deed was a desperate course; but (ac­cording to that of the great Physi­tian,) what matter's it whether the remedy be desperate when there is but one? Scotland was in a manner already lost, the Army he had levyed were raw unexperienc'd men, and all the Garrisons round about were [Page 161]possest by the Enemy, whose Forces were far more numerous, and better provided of Ammunition and able Horses, and besides had been ani­mated by frequent Victories, and the spoil of such places, as they had ta­ken. Possibly in England his Majesty might soon have forces competent to match them; at least he should not be beset with so many difficulties, and one fortunate Field might whol­ly turn the Scale. Accordingly, upon Thursday Iuly 31. 1651. all things being in readiness the Scotch Army left their Camp at Sterling (which was soon after deliver'd to Lieut. Gen. Monk) and the sixt day after being about 16000. entered England by the way of Carlisle. Upon intelli­gence of this sudden March, Crom­wel's Army (of which the greatest part was in Fife) forthwith cros'd the Frith and first Lambert is sent with 5. Regiments of Horse and Dragoons [Page 162]to fall upon the Scots rear; Cromwel himself soon after ( Aug. 6.) follow­ing with 8. Regiments of Foot, 2. of Horse, and 8. great Guns, having left 6000. horse and foot with Lieute­nant General Monck to reduce the remaining garrisons of Scotland. Ma­jor General Harrison being advanc'd the nearest England, with 3000. horse and Dragoons attended the motion of the Scotch Army, and the VVestminster Iuncto suddenly bestir themselves to raise the Militia of the whole Nation, and make an Act to forbid all relief and succour to be gi­ven to his Majesty or his Forces un­der penalty of High Treason. Im­mediately the Militia's of most Counties were drawn into the Field against him, and for the hindring of his progresse, 2000. of the County Militia of Staffordshire, and 4000. out of Lancashire and Cheshire under Colonel Birch joyned with Lambert [Page 163]and Harrison; whose first attempt upon the Royal Army, was at VVar­rington bridge, the passage of which was very sharply disputed, but at length gain'd by the Scots with the losse of some men. In the mean time a party in VVales began to rise for the King, intending to have joyned with the Earle of Derby from the Isle of Man; but the design was crusht before it came to any thing. The march of the Scotch Army was manag'd with extreme civility to the people as they past, no souldier daring to plunder or steal the least thing whatever, having been terrifi­ed by the punishment of one of their number who was shot to death for entering an Orchard. But as this carriage of theirs, together with his Majesties invitations, did not so pre­vail upon the people to come in to him as he expected, so by the way fear depriv'd him of about the fourth [Page 164]part of the Army he brought out of Scotland. It was deliberated by bis Majesties council whether or no to march forthwith to London; but the way was too tedious, and the soul­diers were much wearied with their journey already, and it was hoped the interest Major General Massey had in Glocestershire would procure a confluence of men from those parts. Asson as the Army entred England, and afterwards at every Market-town his Majesty was pro­claimed King of England by an En­glish man whom he had created King at Armes, with much satisfaction of the Country. However, such was the fate of these Nations, for the punishment of whose sins a severe yoke was reserved by Providence, (for I know not what apparent rea­son to ascribe their actions to in this occasion) that in stead of assisting their just and lawfull Prince, they a­rose [Page 165]generally in Armes against him. The Lord Fairfax (who till then had been believ'd sensible of some re­morse for his former proceedings) appear'd in the F [...]eld with a formida­ble body to flank the Royal Army as they marcht, London pour'd out her numerous Militia, and the adjacent Counties were by strict order of Parliament enjoin'd to set out Horse and Men at their own charges. The King in the mean time receiv'd no considerable supply, saving one Troop of Horse commanded by a noble young Gentleman Sir Cecill Howard, son to the Lord Howard of Estrich. Neverthelesse there wanted not courage in the breasts of the No­bility and Gentry with his Majesty, whose great resolutions made them hope even in the midst of despair. From Tong-Norton his Majesty sent a Trumpetter with a Letter and Summons to Col. Mackworth Go­vernour [Page 166]of Shrewsbury which I shall venture to insert with the Answer; His Majesties Letter was in these words.

Col. Mackworth. Having sent you herewith a Summons to render into my hands my Town with the Castle of Shrewsbury, I cannot but perswade my self you will doe it, when I consider you a Gentleman of an ancient House, and of very d fferent principles (as I am informed) from those with whom your imployment ranks you at present. If you shall peaceably deliver them un­to me, I will not onely pardon what is past, and protect you and yours in your persons and all that belongs to you, but reward fo eminent and seaso­nable a Testimony of your Loyalty with future Trust and Favour, and doe leave it to your selfe to propose the particular, being upon that condi­tion ready to grant you presently any thing you shall reasonably desire, [Page 167]and to approve my self your Friend, C. R.

The Summons also which ac­companied this Letter was to the same effect. But whether the Gover­nour lookt upon his Majestie's con­dition too forlorn to engage on his side, or acted really out of an hostile principle, I will not deter­mine: but the answer he returned to his Soveraign Lord the King was in the following termes directed,

About the same time also his Ma­jesty sent the like summons to Sr Tho­mas Middleton, Governour of Chirk Castle in Shropshire; but this Gen­tleman was not altogether so civil as the former; for in stead of return­ing any answer at all, he caus'd the Messenger to be seized and sent a­way prisoner to VVrexham, who was afterwards hanged at Chester for this service.

It having been resolv'd upon de­bate by his Majestie's Council rather to march Westward then towards London, his Army accordingly en­ter'd the City of VVorcester upon Friday the 22. of August. 1651. after one or two repulses by the Forces that kept the City; the Inhabitants not onely not opposing the Scots entrance but helping to beat the Eng­lish Souldiers out. In his Majestie's March hither he had sent a Copy of his Declaration (in which he offer'd pardon to all that would return to their Allegiance) enclosed in a gracious Letter to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London, which by order of the Usurping Iun­to at Westminster was on the 26. of Aug publickly burnt at the old Ex­change by the Hangman. And a day or two after at a Muster of 14000. men in Moorfields the insolent Speaker Lenthall repaired thither, [Page 170]and caused a fellow with a Link to burne a Copy of his Majestie's De­claration in the head of every Regi­ment.

On Saturday the 23. of Aug. his Majesty was there proclaimed King of Great Brittain, France and Ireland by Mr. Thomas Lisens Mayor and Mr. Iames Bridges Sheriff of the City, with the great acclamations and joy of the loyall Citizens. And on the same day also his Majesty sent abroad a Declaration, given at his City of Worcester, for summoning all the neighbouring Nobility, Gentry and others from sixteen years of age to sixty, upon their Allegiance, to ap­pear in their persons with Horse and Armes at Pitchcroft on Tuesday fol­lowing the 26. of Aug. where his Majesty would be present. On which accordingly appear'd at the said Ren­dezvous these loyall persons follow­ing, Francis Lord Talbot (now Earle [Page 171]of Shrewsbury) with about 60. Horse, Mervin TouchetEsq Sir Iohn Packington, Sir VValter Blunt, Sir Ralph Clare, Ralph Sheldon of BeolyEsq Iohn VVashburn of WitchingfordEsq with 40. Horse, Tho. ActonEsq Rob. Blount of KentswickEsq Rob. W gmore of LuctonEsq Thomas Hor­nyold of Blackmore ParkEsq with 40. Horse, Francis KnotsfordEsq and divers others.

The works of this City had for the most part been slighted a while before, and therefore all endea­vours were us'd to fortify it again. About two or three dayes before the King's arrivall at VVorcester, the Earl of Derby landed at VVeywater in Lancashire with 250. Foot and 60. Horse from his Isle of Man; which leaving with the King he return'd in­to that County & his interest in it got together a Body of 1500. with which he was hasting to Manchester [Page 172]to join with 500. more, and would probably have increas'd his forces in a short time to a greater number. But Col. Lilburn being order'd to pre­vent him with 3. Regiments and some Horse out of Cheshire, was forc't to an engagement by the Earl; out of a purpose to hinder him from joining with other forces which were sent against him. The contest was sharp and doubtfull for an hour, till at length the Earl's Forces were put to flight, & himself being wound­ed, narrowly escap'd to Worcester; se­verall persons of quality were slaine of his Party, as the Lord VViddring­ton, Sir Tho. Tilsley, Col. Trollop. Col. Galliard with some others of good note: Among the taken were Maj. Gen. Sir VVill. Throckmorton, Sir Ti­mothy Fetherstonhaugh, Col. Matthew Bointon, Major Chester, Col. Rich. Legg, Col. Iohn Robinson, Col. Ratclif Gerard, besides other Officers (some [Page 173]of which soon after dyed of their wounds) 400. private Souldiers were taken with all the Armes and Ammunition, the Earles George, Gar­ter and 3. Cloaks with Stars, and a­bout 60. slain. The Earle of Derby & Col. Roscarrock after this overthrow, which was on the 25. of Aug. by the assistance of one Mr. Snead and one Mr. Elliot got to his Majesty at Worcester; where neverthelesse his Majesty & the Forces with him were resolute against all disasters; the For­tifications were carried on with all possible diligence, and the Mount at the South-East end of the Town strongly secured.

On the other side the Parliament by their new levies had encreased their Forces to a prodigious num­ber, which as their own writers re­cord, amounted to above 80000. About three dayes after the former Victory Cromwel marcht up before [Page 174] Worcester with 17000. Horse and Foot, besides the parties under the Lord Grey of Groby, Lambert and Harrison, which in all made up above 30000. men. The first encounter was at Vpton-Bridge 7. miles from Worcester, which the Royalists had broken upon newes of their com­ing, onely one Plank (either through negligence or treachery) was left of it; over which Lam­bert pass'd some Redcoats, who per­ceiving the Scots took the alarum, fled into a Church. Whereupon Maj. Gen. Massey gave a camisado to the Church; but in the mean time Lam­bert having pass'd over a supply of Horse, fell upon the back of the Royallists, and overpowering them put them to a retreat, which was performed by Maj. Gen. Massey with much gallantry who was in the rear, sometimes marching off and some­times fighting, till he escaped to Wor­cester; [Page 175]in which service he received a shot in the Arme and his Horse was slain under him.

After this the Enemies disposed themselves in the manner they con­ceiv'd most convenient to streighten the Town. To which purpose Fleet­wood having left a sufficient force to secure the passe at Vpton, approacht nearer the City, & Cromwel gave or­der for two Bridges to be made, the one of boats over Severne under Bun-hill a mile below the City, and the other over Teame a lesser River that falls into Severn; and this, for the better conjunction of the Army.

On the 29. of Aug. Cromwel fac'd the City with a great body of Horse and Foot, but drew off again and at­tempted nothing.

But on Saturday Aug. 30. It was resolv'd by his Majesty at a Council of Warre to beat up the Enemies Quarters that night with 1500. [Page 176]choise Horse and Foot, commanded by Maj. Gen. Middleton and Sir Wil­liam Keyth, all of them wearing their shirts over their Armour for distin­ction: the result was accordingly put in execution, and might in all proba­bility have prov'd importantly suc­cessfull, had not the designe been most traiterously discover'd to the Enemy by one Guyes a Tailor in the City, who was rewarded with a Halter for his treachery; but the Westminster Iunto to shew how af­fectionately they regarded base and treacherous actions, gave Guyes wife 200 l. down and 200 l. per annum during her life. This sally was made with much gallantry and resolution; but the Enemy having receiv'd intel­ligence of the design, were in readi­ness to receive the Royalists; and ne­vertheless were unable to bear the shock, till bringing on successively fresh forces, their number con­strain'd [Page 177]the Assailants to retire. In this Action Major Knox was slain, and some few made prisoners.

In this condition was his Majesty at Worcester having about 10000. Scots and 2000. English with him, and surrounded with a numerous Army of three to one in an ill-forti­fied City. Which odds, being consi­der'd, I presume no rational man will account it a Miracle for the better cause and lesser number to be worst­est by the greater. The Hearts of the besieged were as couragious as those of their enemies, and no doubtlesse burnd'ned with lesse guilt. They were also animated by the example of his Majestie's hero [...]cal resolution, who determin'd not be behind any of his party in danger And now the fatall day appear'd the third of Septem­ber, on which the year before, the Scots were so considerably over­thrown at Dunbar; which defeat oc­casion'd [Page 178]the losse of that Kingdome.

In the morning his Majesty held a Council of War upon the Top of the Colledge-Church Steeple, the bet­ter to view in what manner the Ene­my lay From whence perceiving the Enemie's new bridges, and a kind of a skirmish at Powick bridge, he forth­with commanded all to their Armes, and march'd thither himself, where he gave order for the making good of that passe and opposing that of the Enemy over Severne. Soon af­ter his return to the City, the Enemy assaulted Powick bridge fu­riously, which was valiantly defend­ed by a Brigade of Horse and Foot under Maj. Gen. Rob. Montgomery and Col. George Keyth, till the former being dangerously wounded and his Ammunition spent, was forc'd to retire disorderly into Worcester, and the latter was taken prisoner by the Enemie.

This place being won, there was no time to deliberate longer. Where­fore it was resolv'd to engage Crom­wel forthwith, who lay at Perry-wood within a mile of Worcester. The on­set was given with a great deal of fury by the Royallists, insomuch that Cromwel's invincible Life-guard was unable to bear the shock and compell'd to give ground in some disorder; their great Guns also were for some time in the power of the Royalists. The Rebell Commanders had put the new rais'd County for­ces to bear the first brunt of the in­counter, of whom the Royalists made a horrible slaughter.

His Majesty himself lead up the Scots Foot in this battle, and that with so much courage and gallantry, that his inveterate ene­my Cromwel could not but ap­plaud his valour. The Fight con­tinued for the space of three or [Page 180]four houres very sharp and fierce, during which his Majesty had his Horse twice shot under him, and rallyed the Infantry himself; untill by the successive supplyes of fresh forces they were in a manner all lost. The Rebels had great advantage not onely in being more numerous, but fighting both with Horse and Foot against his Majestie's Foot onely; for the Scotch Horse did not engage at all in this encounter, which some im­pute to the treachery of David Lesley who in the mean time commanded a brave body of Horse to stand still, and look on the ruine of their King and Fellow-subjects, threat­ning the first man that stirr'd with death. For the truth of which relation I dare not undertake; but it is certain the Scotch Horse under Lesley were scarce any more then spectators of the battle, nor is it in­credible but that treachery might be [Page 181]practis'd by a Scot, and money imploy'd by Cromwel for conquest as well as force. The remainder of the forlorne Royall Army being put to flight were pursued into the Town by the Victors; his Majesty was as one of the last in the field, and could hardly be perswaded to out-live that day.

At Sudbury-gate, through which the routed Royalists fled, an Ammu­nition Waggon was overthrown & lay crosse the passage, so that his Ma­jesty was enforc'd to alight and enter into the City on foot. In the Fryers street he to k [...] fresh Horse, and per­ceiving many of his Foot throw down their Armes, and decline fight­ing, he rode up and down among them, sometimes with his h [...]t in his hand, intreating them to stand to their Armes, and sell their lives as dear as they could. But seeing his en­couragements ineffectuall, he said, [Page 182] I had rather you would shoot me then keep me alive to see the sad consequences of this fatall day. Neverthelesse the Earle of Cleveland, Sir Iames Ha­milton, Col. VVilliam Carlis (then Major to the Lord Talbot) and some Officers rallyed what force they could (which was unproportionable to that of the Assailants,) and gave a check to to the Enemy as they were entring in at Sudbury Gate and va­liantly disputed that street with them. Which action was very important to secure his Majesties flight. In the mean time Fleetwood's men were on the o her side of the City masters of St Iohns, and having wholly disperst all opposers fell to plunder. Assoon as Cromwel had made his way into Sudbury-street, whilest some of his Forces were furiously k [...]lling and slaying all that were in the streets, he hasten'd with some Regiments to the Fort Royal, commanded by Col. [Page 183] Drummond, where he found coura­geous opposition, and lost 300. Cheshire men; but at length re­ducing it with twice the num­ber of the defenders, he put eve­ry man of them to the sword, to the number of 1500. Then was there seen the saddest spectacle that hu­mane imagination is capable to con­ceive, the streets being all strew'd with carcasses and cover'd with blood, houses broken open and pillag'd, and the whole Town fill'd with the noise of the insolent Victors and the cryes of the poor inhabitants; till having satiated their cruelties & rapacious desires, or rather tired themselves with barbarous execu­tions and inhumanities, they began to think of securing prisoners. The slain were reckon'd about 4000. amongst whom was Duke Hamilton, who being taken dyed so on after of his wounds, a very Noble, coura­geous [Page 184]& loyall person, & worthy of immortal fame. The Prisoners taken in the battle and the City were about 7000. in which number were the Earls of Carnwarth, Rothes, Kelly, the Lord Synclare, Sir Iohn Packing­ton, Maj. Gen. Montgomerry, Maj. Gen. Piscotty, Mr. Rich. F [...]nshaw his Majestie's Secretary, the General of the Ordnance, the Adjutant Gene­ral of th [...] Foot, and the Marshal Ge­neral, besides several Colonels and others inferior Officers, 158. Co­lours (which together with those taken the year before at Du [...]bar were hung up in VVestminster Hall) the King's Standard, his Collar of Ss, Coach and Horses, with other things of great value.

How many of the Rebels fell in this fight, we h [...]ve no [...]r [...]ditable re­lation; their own Pamphlets men­tion onely the losse of Quartermaster Gen. Mosely, Capt Iones, and [Page 185]about 200. common Souldiers and 300. wounded, among whom was Charles Howard, afterwards Captain of Cromwel's Life-guard, & another Captain.

This is the truest and most impar­tiall account I can meet with of this remarkable overthrow, which was then lookt upon as the decision of the Cause between King and Com­monwealth. But it pleased God that in this great losse the Forturne of Eng­land was preserved, whose bloud was the onely thing wanting to ce­ment the foundations of the new Republick. The manner of his Ma­jesties escape was in a s [...]rict sense not miraculous, yet as near a miracle as almost any thing that is barely possi­ble by natural means. Certainly, he that shall deliberately consider the paucity of such of the Nobility as e­scaped the fury of the fight, and dili­gence of the pursuers (of all the [Page 186]Lords there, onely the Duke of Buckingham & the renowned Lord Wilmot getting undiscover'd beyond Sea) the instruments of his Majestie's preservation, such whom indigence or fear might have induc'd to prefer reward or security before faithful­ness to a Prince, who in all humane probability was unlikely ever to re­quite them for their dangerous loy­alty; and the places where his Maje­sty was concealed, in the midst of his enemies, and in such Counties as had rais'd most men against him in this unfortunate expedition; He, I say, that shall consider no more but this, will no doubt think himself oblig'd to adore the Divine Providence, which never own'd the Royall Cause more apparently then in this Deliverance, and which at the same fastned the yoak of slavery up­on the necks of these Nations and by an extraordinary goodness preserv'd [Page 187]the Person from destruction, by whom alone their lost Estate was possible to be restor'd. Many are the relations of the manner of his Maje­stie's escape, and at this day almost as various and different in publisht Histories, as the conjectures and ru­mours of people were immediately after it. I shall endeavour to offer what the most credible authors and reports have deliver'd concerning this particular, for obtaining the ex­act knowledge of which I have o­mitted no industry, that might grati­fy the curiosity which possesses all the World touching so extraordinary a Providence. It seems not yet conve­nient to a Noble Person instrumen­tal in it to discover all the circumstan­ces of it, though she is pleas'd to put us in hopes of obtaining that favour from her after some short time. In the mean while, it is desired the Readers would receive at least with alike [Page 188]candour what we have taken pains to find out for their satisfaction, as the relation of theirs who make truth the least of their care, and pro­miscuously take up any slight reports upon trust.

But to returne to our purpose. His Majesty having kept the field till all was lost, and being pursu'd to the Town-G [...]tes, (while the victorious Enemies were disputing) Sudbury-street in Worcester with the Earle of Cleveland, Sir Iames Hamilton, Col. William Carlis, and some other re­solute and couragious Royalists) he marched out at St. Martin's Gate about six a clock in the evening with his main body of Horse, which had not engag'd to any purpose, but yet were in much confusion. When he was come to Barbon's bridge a­bout half a mile out of Worcester, he made severall stands, and mov'd the Lords and Officers with him [Page 189]that they might rally and try the fortune of another Fight. But many of the Troupers being observ'd to throw off their Armes and shift for themselves, there was no encourage­ment to proceed in that course. Whereupon, the chief and onely care was to preserve his Majestie's Person from the hands of those blood-thirsty Sectaries, who ac­counted it the interest of their Reli­gion and new State to murder him. To which purpose it was re­solved to march for Scotland, and one Walker (formerly Scoutmaster to Col. Sands) undertook to be the guide; but being come as farre as Kniver-heath not far from Keder­minster, and day-light being gone, the guide was at a losse which way to go. Upon which his Majesty ma­king a stand, and being almost spent with his extraordinary action in the field, and the wearisomness of his [Page 190]flight, advis'd with some Lords whe­ther he might march, onely to take some few houres rest. The Earle of Derby told his Majesty, that in his flight from Wiggan to Worcester (af­ter he had been defeated by Lilburn) he had met with a very faithfull per­son and great convenience of con­cealment at a place called Boscobel-house.

This House is seated in Shropshire, but upon the consines of Stafford­shire, and lyes between Tong-Castle and Brewood; it is a very obscure ha­bitation though a fair building, and standing in a very lovely grove, was therefore so called from Bosco bello which in Italian signifies Fair­wood; it belongs to one Mr. Fitz-Herbert, though himself liv'd not in it at that time. Thither his Majesty resolved to go, being accompanied by the Duke of Buckingham, the Earls of Derby and Lauderdail, the [Page 191]Lords Talbot and VVilmot, the Colo­nels Thomas Blague, Edw. Roscarrock, Mr. Marmaduke Darcy, Rich. Lane, VVill. Armorer (since Knighted) Hugh May, Peter street, and Charles Giffard, who undertook to conduct them by the assistance of Francis Yates his servant, and one very expert in the wayes of that Country. Lieut. Gen. Lesley with his Scotch Horse in the close of the evening took the direct way Northward by Newport.

His Majesty and his Train upon deliberation marched through Stur­bridge a considerable Town in Staf­fordshire; but the better to prevent discovery order was given for all persons to speak onely the French Language. Boscobel was the place in­tended; but that the Company might not know so much, his Majesty was conducted by Mr. Giffard to a House within half a mile of it, called VVhite­ladies [Page 192]which name it ha's retain'd ever since it was a Monastery of Cistertian Nuns, who were habited in white. Here they arriv'd about 3 a clock in the morning, having rid 26. miles from VVorcester; and being en­ter'd into the House, which was kept onely by Servants, a consultation was held how to escape the fury of the blood-thirsty Enemies: the result of which was that all possible care should be taken for his Majesties concealment in that place till he could have a safe opportunity to waft over into France, and that his Retinue of loyall Lords and Gentle­men should shift for themselves some other way. In the mean time the Servant that kept Boscobel House, cal­led VVilliam Penderel, was sent for, and a brother of his nam'd Richard Penderel, who liv'd near hand at Hobbal Grange. Who being come and conjur'd to fidelity, the next [Page 193]course taken was to disguise his Ma­jestie's Person. This was done by blacking his face and hands, cutting of his haire, & exchanging his Buffe Coat and gray breeches richly lac't for a Doc-skin doublet and green breeches of Richard Penderels. His Majesty as he undress'd himself gave a Spanner string being a gold chain worth 300 l. to a servant of his then ready to depart. His cloaths were buri­ed under ground for a long time after.

And now it behov'd his loyall fol­lowers to forsake him, which they did with sad hearts, being more sensi­ble of his Majestie's hard fate, then solicitous what destiny attended themselves only the L. Wilmot stay'd & was convey'd by Io. Penderel to Mr. Whitgreaves. Time it was for them to depart, for within half an hour after, some of Col. Ashenhurst's Troop, who quarter'd at Cotsal 3. miles di­stant, came to the House. But before [Page 194]that, Richard Penderel had conducted his Majesty out at a backdore into a wood belonging to Boscobel house called Spring Coppice, in the borders of which William, Humphrey and George (3. of Richard's brothers) scouted about to bring intelligence.

The Lords and their company being about 40. Horse (of which number his Majestie's pad-nag was one, and ridden by Mr. Lane one of the Bedchamber) took the North road to Newport, in hope to have overtaken or met General Lesl [...]y who was gone that way with the main body of Scotch Horse. But they had not travell'd far before a party of the Parliamentarians who were in pursuit of the Lord Leviston (Captain of his Majestie's Life-guard) overtook them. The Lords resolu­tely fac'd about and stopt their speed, some of the pursuers being slain & the rest put to flight. Neverthelesse they [Page 195]had no long contentment in this good successe; for a little beyond Newport, some of Col. Lilburne's men met them in the Front, and another party of Parliamentarians from Wor­cester fell in upon their Reare; so that themselves and horses being extre­mely tir'd with the former dayes ser­vice and the long and hasty march of the night without the least re­freshment or succour, the Noble Earle of Derby, and the Earle or Lau­derdail with Mr. Giffard their guide and some others were taken priso­ners. The Earle of Derby was carried to Chester and there tryed by a Iunto of Officers, and sentenced to be be­headed at Bolton in Lancashire. The Earle of Lauderdail was carried to VVindsor-Castle and there kept priso­ner for many yeares. Mr. Giffard escap'd not long after from an Inne in Bunbury in Cheshire. In this conflict the Duke of Buckingham with the [Page 661]Lord Leviston, Col. Blague, Mr. Dar­cy, and Mr. May fled into a by road, and got into Chessardine woods near Newport; and there the Duke by the assistance of two honest Labourers put himself into a disguise, and was by one Nath. Matthewes a Carpen­ter convey'd to the house of a loyall Gentleman, Mr. Hawley, at Bilstrop in Nottingamshire, from whence he went to that Lady Villiers house at Brooksby in Leicestershire, and at length after various difficulties got secure to London, and pass'd into France. The Lord Leviston and the other 3. Gentlemen having quitted their horses, were conceal'd in little cottages by some loyall Coun­try-men, till they had means to escape beyond the Seas. The Lord Talbot, after the routing of the Noble Com­pany, hasted towards his Father's house at Longford near Newport, where he was by providence pre­serv'd [Page 197]in an. Out-house from being discover'd by some of the Enemies forces who had pursu'd him thither, & searcht the house four dayes toge­ther. These were the severall fates of those noble persons that accompa­nied his Majesty in his flight; let us now return to the place where we left his sacred person, in the midst of Spring-Coppice near Boscobel house, on Thursday morning Sept. 4. ha­ving a wood-bill in his hand, and ac­companied only with Richard Pen­derel, three other of the brothers be­ing vigilant to descry the approach of passengers. It hapned to be a ve­ry rainy day, so that the Trees af­forded not sufficient shelter to keep his Majesty from the inconvenience of the wet, nor was there any thing for him to sit on, till Richard stept to a neighbours for a bla [...], which serv'd for both uses. [...] [...]lso caus'd the wife of Francis Yates (above [Page 198]mentioned) to provide something for his Majesty to eat, and bring it into the Wood. The fare was such as the place and time afforded; A messe of milk and sugar, some Eggs, and a Dish of Butter. His Majesty being something surpriz'd at the pre­sence of the Woman that brought his Dinner, said to her, Good woman, Can you be faithful to a distressed Ca­valier? To which she answer'd ve­ry heartily, Yes Sir, I will rather die then discover you: which words gave his Majesty great satisfaction. When night was come, his Majesty went with these Corydons to Richard's house at Hobbal-Grange, where their old mother was overjoy'd to see his Majesty in safety, & that her sons had the happinesse to be instrumental to it. Further care was forthwith taken to disgui [...]e his Majesty, and he took upon him the name of VVilliam Iones, and pretended to be a Wood-cutter, [Page 199]newly come thither to work; and this, to the end he might be unsuspected by the rest of the family. The good mother pre­par'd his Majesty a cleanly Fricasse of Bacon and Eggs, part of which be­ing eaten by him, and the rest by the Rusticks, his Majesty set forth with Richord Penderel on foot for VVales, intending to goe that night to the house of an honest Gentle­man of Richard's acquaintance at Madely in Shropshire, 5. miles from VVhiteladies. When they had gone about 2. miles, an accident befell them wherewith they were in some fear. For as they were passing Eve­lin Mill, the Miller, who had then in his custody some considerable Royallists, hearing some persons passe by, came out and demanded who is there? To which no answer was given, but his Majesty and his conducter immediately left the way [Page 200]and waded through a Brook, which something asswag'd the galling of his feet; and so they got free of the Miller, who was on the other side no lesse fearfull of them. As they pass'd through the Water his Maje­sty was in some danger of loosing his guide, had he not been directed by the rusling of his Calve-skin bree­ches (as he afterwards pleasantly observ'd) it being an extreme dark night. At mid-night they got to Mr. VVoolf's house, and were by him heartily entertain'd. But the fre­quent passing of the Enemies forces through that Town, and conse­quently the likelyhood of their coming quarter at that house, made this Gentleman apprehend it unsafe for his Majesty to lodge in it, and therefore he secur'd him and his servant Richard in a hay-mow. Du­ring their stay Mr. VVoolf had intelli­gence brought him by a trusty ser­vant [Page 201](sent abroad to that end) that all the bridges over Severne were kept by guards of the Enemies and all the passage-boats seised on. Whereupon by his advice having spent all that day (Fryday) in the barne, and being refresh'd at evening in the house (where M ^rs Woolf also made him a lotion for his hands with boyl'd Walnuttree-leaves) he departed about 11. a clock at night for Boscobel house, where he arriv'd about 3. on Saturday morning. Col. Carlis (whom we formerly men­tion'd with honour for susteining the brunt of the enemies in Sudbury street in Worcester till his Majesty got out of the Town) was fled into these parts, near which he was borne (na­mely, at Bromhall in Staffordshire within two miles of Boscobel) and having lain in the wood for some time, was come that morning to the said house to get some relief of his [Page 202]old Acquaintance, William Penderel; and by this meanes his Majesty and the Colonel met together there; where congratulations being pass'd, they were entertain'd with rustick fare, as bread & cheese and a Posset, and care taken for refreshing his Ma­jestie's feet which were much sur­bated and galled with travell. After which his Majesty and the Colonel, conceiving the house lesse safe then the wood, accordingly betook them­selves thither, and by the help of the Corydons climb'd into a large Oake, the thickness of whose leaves suffi­ciently conceal'd them from being discern'd by any spectator from be­low. Upon this Oak, being accom­modated with two pillowes & some mean fare, they continued all the day, his Majesty leaning in the Colo­nel's lap, and taking some slumbring rest, of which he had had little or none the two preceeding nights; [Page 203]and in the mean time some of the loyall hearted Country people ho­ver'd near the place, and others went abroad to get intelligence.

During his Ma estie's journey to Mr. Woolfs at Madely, the Lord VVilmot understanding his departure from White-ladies removed from Mr. Whitgreaves house at Mosely to that of Col. Iohn Lane at Bently near VValsal, South-East from Mosely about 4. miles, and intended to make use of an offer made him by M ^rs Iane Lane the Colonel's Sister to accom­pany her to Bristol in order to his escape beyond Sea, she having by accident procured a Passe from a Parliamentarian Officer for her self and a man to go thither to see her sister who was then near her time of lying in.

His Majesty and the Colonel de­scended from the Oak at evening & entred into Boscobel house, where [Page 204] VVilliam Penderel shew'd his Majesty the secret place in which the Earl of Derby had been conceal'd after his overthrow at Wigan, which the King lik'd so well that he resolv'd to make his abode in it, till further opportu­nity were offer'd for his escape be­yond Sea, and not to go more to the Royall Oake, which afforded lesse convenience. Humphry Penderel the miller having been that day at Shef­nal a Town a few miles distant, where he was examin'd by a Parlia­mentarian Colonel (who had heard of the Kings having been at White-ladies) and threatned with the penal­ty of concealing his Majestie's Person, which was death without mercy, and withall inform'd that the Iunto propounded 1000 l. for a reward to any that should discover him. But this true-hearted person was proofe against all temptations to disloyalty, and related this passage to his Majesty [Page 205]at night. Who having been enter­tain'd with a dish of chickens took up his lodging upon a Pallet in the secret place. On the Sunday morn­ing, his Majesty being desirous of some mutton for that dayes food, & all other wayes being dangerous, Col. Carelis with the help of William Penderel borrow'd a sheep out of the neighbouring flock, part of which his Majesty and the Col. together cut into collops, and cookt it in a frying pan for their own repast; after which his Majesty spent some part of the day in reading, in a handsome tetir'd arbor in the garden, the loyall Brethren in the mean time scouting abroad for intelligence. And whether it were through particular provi­dence or for that it was known that onely some servants kept Boscobel house, the same was never searcht all the time of his Majestie's aboad there, but VVhiteladies upon a credi­ble [Page 206]report his Majesty had been there, often. On the same day his Majesty sent to inform the Lord VVilmot where he was, who there­upon desir'd to meet his Majesty that night at a place appointed in a field near Mr. VVhitgreave's house at Mosely which lay in the mid-way, viz. five miles on the one side from Boscob [...]l, and five miles on the other from Colonel Lane's house at Bently. His Majesty being disabled by his former travel on foot, was forc'd to make use of Humphrey Penderel's Mill horse (which was suitably ac­coutred) to go thither, leaving be­hind him the faithfull and renown­ed Colonel Carlis, who heartily pray'd for his Majestie's preservation. Upon the way his Majesty was at­tended by the five loyal Brothers, VVilliam, Iohn, Richard, Humphrey and George Penderel, and Francis Yates, each of them being arm'd with [Page 207]a good Bill or Pike staffe, and some with pistols, intending to have us'd the same in case they should have met with a number not too great. Two of them march'd before, and one on each side of his Majestie's horse; the other two at a distance behind: and they took all the by-wayes they could. His Majesty being arriv'd at the place appointed, met one Mr. Huddlestone, an honest Gentleman, there, ready to conduct him into Mr. VVhitgreave's house. But before he entred he gave VVilliam, Humphrey and George the honour to kisse his hand, and thanking them for their fidelity, with promises to reward it, if it pleased God, he dismiss'd them with the horse. My Lord Wil­mot testified extreme joy at the sight of his Majesty, who also embraced him, and after some refreshment gi­ven to his Majesty, and civill expres­sions which he was pleased to use to­wards [Page 208]the two loyal Gentlemen Mr. Whitgreave and Mr. Huddlestone, he was conducted to the secret place intended for his lodging, which was more secure then commodious for his rest. Before the Lord Wilmot betook himself to his repose, he con­sulted with the two Gentlemen con­cerning the watching of all avenues, that timely notice might be given of the approach of any souldiers. And if it should so fall out (said he) the Re­bels have intelligence of your harbou­ring any of the King's party, and should therefore put you to any torture for confession, Be sure you discover me first; which may perhaps stop their further search, and preserve the King. Such was the Heroical generosity of that noble Lord, and his superlative affection to his Prince.

On the afternoon of the next day notice was given to Mr. VVhitgreave that some souldiers were in the [Page 209]neighbourhood with intention to apprehend him for having been with his Majestie at VVorcester. This was a very surprising alarm. But Mr. Whitgraeve forthwith se­cured his Royall Guest, who was laid upon Mr. Huddlestone's bed, and the Lord Wilmot in the secret place; and then setting open all the chamber-doors went boldly down to the Souldiers, convincing them by the testimony of his neighbours that he had not been from his own house in the last fortnight. Wherewith the Souldiers being satisfi'd went not up staires at all; and so this imminent danger was escaped. The same night the Lord Wilmot repair'd to Col. Lane's at Bently, in order to his Maje­stie's going thither also; and during his absence his Majesty spent the next day in conversation with Mr. Hud­dlestone, in which he intimated to him that his Councils had been by [Page 210]some treacherous instruments very often discover'd to the Rebels be­fore they were put in execution by his loyall Subjects. At midnight Col. Lane came from Bently to attend his Majesty thither; whereupon he took leave of M ^rs Whitgreave, saluting her and giving her thanks for his en­tertainment: He exprest himself also with much gratitude to Mr. Whit­greave and Mr. Huddlestone, advising them to be very carefull of avoiding the dangers which might ensue to them in case they should be disco­ver'd to have been instrumental in his concealment; and therefore di­rected them to a Merchant in Lon­don, to receive moneys for their tran­sportation beyond Sea, if they thought fit. And lastly he promis'd them to remember their civilities and fidelity to him, when ever it should please God to restore him to his Do­minions. Such was the goodnesse [Page 211]of this excellent Prince, and his care for the preservation of his preservers. After this, his Majesty gave them his hand to kisse, and they return'd him their zealous prayers and wishes for his safety. His Majesty being safely arriv'd at Bently staid there but a short time, but took the opportunity of M ^rs Iane Lane's Passe, and rode before her to Bristol, in the quality of her Servant, the Lord Wilmot riding for the most part at some distance from them. There his Majesty hop'd to have gotten convenience of trans­portation into France; but his expe­ctations fail'd him: for no Master of a Vessel durst undertake to waft over any single person, unlesse he knew certainly beforehand what he were. So that it being a Town of great resort, his Majesty was enforc'd to depart from it. Whither he went afterwards is not hitherto certainly known: Nor ha's it pleas'd his Maje­sty [Page 212]or that Lady to discover to any. Severall passages are written to have hapned indangering his discovery both at Bristol and elsewhere, but the relators have not the least ground for any of them, and have rather chosen to gratify vulgar rea­ders with impertinent fictions then to confesse their ignorance of that which they did not and cannot yet know. The loyall Lady in all her journeys with his Majesty comport­ed her self with extraordinary pru­dence and fidelity, expressing her ob­servance as often as opportunity safely permitted it, and at other times acting her part in the disguise with much caution and discretion. A further relation of his Majestie's pro­gresse in England, and the manner of his transportation into France, assoon as it comes to our hands from the honorable person who, besides his Majesty, is now alone able to impart [Page 213]it, shall be presented to the world. In the mean time I am glad I can re­cord that he took ship at Brighthemp­ston in Sussex about the end of Octo­ber 1651. and having by the Divine Providence escaped the greatest dangers imaginable, in England, and some too upon the Sea, landed safe­ly at Diep in Normandy, where he stay'd not, but went forthwith to Roan, and from thence dispatch'd Letters to Paris to give notice of his arrival; and in the interim was fur­nisht with accommodations befit­ting his quality by the Duke of Longueville. Intelligence of his safe arrivall being brought to Pa­ris, the Duke of Orleance his Ma­jestie's noble and generous Un­cle sent his own Coach for him, which met him on the way as far as Magny, and coming nearer the City he was met by a company of No­bles and Gentlemen and conducted [Page 214]to the Louvre. Entertainment was there forthwith provided for him, and the Queen his Mother, and the Duke of Orleance visited him the same night; The next day also the Duke of Orleance and Madamoiselle his daughter visited him together with the Dukes of Beaufort and Guise, Marshal Turein, and other of the great Peers and Nobles of France, congratulating his happy de­liverance; Nor was it long before the King of France, and the Queen Mother did the like, expressing their regret for his Majestie's disasters, and the great interest they took in his safety.

Thus I have drawn into as nar­row compasse as I could the particu­lars and circumstances of his Maje­stie's preservation, in each of which is remarkable his great patience and goodnesse, and withall his exempla­ry fortitude in undergoing the [Page 215]greatest calamities that could befall a Prince on this side death. I have perhaps made too long a story of it for this little Volume, but it was for the Reader's sake, who I hope will be stirr'd up by it to praise the King of kings that deliver'd his Anointed from becoming a prey to those that thirsted after his bloud. Certainly not only we, but even the succeed­ing generations will have cause to blesse the Divine Providence, for that in the midst of his judgements upon these Nations, he was pleased to preserve so precious a mercy for them in store; to the end that ha­ving been sufficiently chasten'd with the Scorpions of bloudy and tyran­nical Governours for their sins a­gainst their natural, pious and graci­ous Sovereign, they might in due time be restor'd to the blessings which they had forfeited under the government of his excellent Son [Page 216]and his posterity to the end of the world.

In the pursuit after this fatal battle were taken besides the Earles of D [...]r­by, Lauderdale, Cleaveland, and his son the Lord Wentworth, the Earle of Kenmore, David L [...]l [...]y, Lieu­tenant General Middleton, Major General Vandruske, the Lord Spyne, Sir VVilliam Fleming, with many o­thers of quality. Of 3000. horse which fled, 1000. were taken about Beudley, in Staffordshire, more in o­ther places, partly by souldiers, and partly by rising parties of Countrey people, who barberously knock'd many stragglers on the head in York­shire, Cheshire, Lancashire, Shrop­shire and VVarwickshire. Major Ge­neral Massey having with many wounds upon him escaped out of the field, and finding himself unable for flight, yielded himself to the civi­lity and mercy of the Countesse of [Page 217] Stamford; to which he was induc'd upon the Account of former friend­ship, he having been Major General under the Earle her husband in the Wars between his late Majesty and the Parliament. How far this La­die's generosity extended, I know not; but her son the Lord Grey of Groby understanding it, forthwith se­cured him as a Prisoner till his wounds were cured, and then he was sent up to the Parliament, and committed to the Tower, from whence he escaped not long after by an ingenious wile, and went into France to his Majestie.

The news of this victory caused great rejoycing amongst the preten­ded Parliament, who now look't upon their new Commonwealth as founded to Eternity. And to tell the World that they were the Favou­rites of Heaven, and that God had owned their cause, a day of solemn [Page 218]Thanksgiving was appoint'd through­out the whole Nation. And indeed though there was nothing miracu­lous in the victory, the Parliamenta­rians being six times the number of the Royallists; yet it may be said to have been the Work of God, and they the instruments of his wrath upon the people of this Land, and the scourges of God, as Attila, that terrible destroyer of Christendome was once called Flagellum Dei. The only Miracle was his Majestie's deli­verance, in which the King of kings was pleased to remember mercy in judgement, and give us cause to ad­ore his Providence both in afflicting this Nation in this excellent Prince, and suffering wicked Tyrants, Mur­derers and Oppressours to prosper; in the mean time preserving him in whom our hopes lay, from the hands of his bloud-thirsty ene­mies.

And as if successe attended impi­ous Armes, the Garrisons of Scotland fell every day into the power of the English. Sterling Castle was deli­ver'd to Colonel Monck while Cromwell was at VVorcester, and in it great store of warlike Ammunition, with many of the Royal Ensignes. Old General Lesley Earle of Leven, with several other Scotch Lords in­tending to have levied a party of men for his Majesty, & to have rais'd the siege of that strong and loyal Town Dundee, were surprized by a party of English horse; shortly after which the Town was taken by storme, and the City of St. Andrews and Aber­deen, with other Towns, Castles and Forts surrendred upon summons.

On the 12. of September Cromwel entred triumphantly into London (ha­ving sent the poor captive Scots thi­ther before him,) and on the 16. he went to the Parliament-House, and [Page 220]had a congratulatory Oration made to him by Lenthal, the Speaker, and was the same day feasted by Iohn Kendrick Mayor of London. From whence he never after went forth upon any expedition.

About the latter end of October, the Island of Iersey was reduc'd by Colonel Hain and General Blake from Sea, and the Isle of Man was surrender'd to Colonel Duckenfield upon Articles by the Countesse of Derby, whose renowned, pious and valiant Lord was at Chester adjudge­ed to death for engaging with the King at VVorcester, by a Council of War, after quarter given, and be­headed at Bolton in Lancashire on the 15. of October, with the teares and lamentations of most of the Spe­ctatours. Severall executions were also done upon others by shooting or hanging in divers places for the same cause, as on Sir Timothy Fether­stonehaugh, [Page 221]Captain Bendbow, &c.

They were tryed upon the pre­tended Act made after the King's coming into England, viz. Aug. 12. 1651. prohibiting correspondence with his Majesty or his party under the penalty of High Treason.

His Majesty having upon his arri­val at Paris been visited & congratu­lated by the King, Queen & Nobles of France, had a Princely Attendance assigned him, and lodgings in the Louvre, where he lead a retired life in expectation of some happier oppor­tunity which it might please Pro­vidence to present him with for the recovery of his Kingdomes, which he had now small hopes to obtain by the assistance of his own Subjects in either of them; England being so strictly overaw'd by the numerous Army kept on foot for that purpose, and Scotland and Ire­land being in a manner wholly sub­dued [Page 222]by the English Armes. Yet in Scotland there were still some small Forces up in the North, as the Mar­quis of Huntley with about 1500. men, and the Lord Belcarris. The Marquis of Argyle also fortified his houses at Ander-arran and Lorne & the Castles in Arran Island; and was expected to join with 4000. with the former. Moreover the Clergy were still very high against the Eng­lish. But it seemes the designes of the Noble men were onely to make themselves considerable, that they might treat upon better termes; For shortly after the Marquis of Huntly made his peace, the Lord Belcarris & divers other Lords came in to the protection of Lieut. Gen. Monck, and Argyle having made an attempt to summon a Parliament, and shuf­fled off and on for some moneths at length submitted, and afterwards testified under his hand his agree­ment [Page 223]to the making of Scotland a Commonwealth with England, and protested fidelity to it as establisht without King, or House of Lords, &c. Upon which termes he was left at liberty with assurance to enjoy his Estate. Had these Lords been cor­diall to the Royall interest, to which they had so solemnly sworne a little while before, they might easily have maintain'd the Highlands against all opposition, these places being na­turally almost inaccessible and invin­cible.

Notwithstanding this low posture of his Majestie's affairs, he was treat­ed with much honour by the Princes and Nobility in France, and Mada­moiselle de Orleans daughter to the late Duke of that Title, being a very rich Princesse, worth 60000. per an­num and Soveraign Dutchesse of Montpensier, shew'd great inclina­tions towards him in relation to mar­riage. [Page 224]It is also reported that there was a match designed between his Majestie's Brother the Duke of York and a daughter of the Duke of Lon­gueville (a Prince descended from the Royall House of France) who was by her mother heire to the rich possessions of the Count of Soissons. But the great troubles arising about that time between the King and the Princes of the Blood hinder'd the successe, the Duke of Orleans and his Daughter being far ingag'd with the Prince of Conde against the King of France in a civil War, occasioned by the imperiousness of Cardinal Ma­zarine, who during the King's mi­nority, had by means of his great fa­vour with the Queen ingrossed the whole Government of that King­dome in a manner into his own hands, usurp'd an inordinate power and all the grand offices, & had com­mitted several enormous, miscar­riages [Page 225]during the Queen Mother's Regency. The Princes of the Blood and generality of the Nation became so incensed against him hereby, that an Arrest was passed by the Parlia­ment of Paris for the banishment of the said Cardinal, who thereupon retired to Colen, and all his goods were confiscated. But the Queen having a great inclination to bring him back again into France, the Duke of Orleance and Conde vehe­mently opposed it; and when no ac­commodation could be made, the Prince withdrew his forces (which he commanded for the King's ser­vice against the Spaniard) to Stenay, a strong Garrison, where making great levies he got a considerable power into the field. The Cities al­so of Paris and Bourdeaux owned the Prince's cause and quarrel. Whereupon the King rais'd a great Army commanded by Marshal Tu­rein [Page 226]and Count de Harcourt. Several encounters pass'd between them, the Illustrious Duke of York first serving as a Volunteer, and afterwards com­manding a Regiment at the siege of Estampes, where he behav'd himself extreme honourably in two con­flicts. The Cardinal in the mean time return'd into France with 6000. men, and the Princes on the other side invited the Duke of Lorrain, to their assistance who had a merce­nary Army of 10000. in the service of the King of Spain.

His Majesty of Great Britain un­derstanding sufficiently the fatal ef­fects of civill combustions, partly out of sincere intentions for the good of France, and partly out of the consi­deration of the advantageousnesse of its peace to his own affairs, inter­ceeded as a Mediatour between the King and the discontented Princes, and his motion was gratefully acce­pted [Page 227]of by both Parties, and thereup­on Deputies were sent severall times by the Princes to represent their grievances; but the King of France persisted resolute not to part with the Cardinal, though the King of England urg'd him as far as possible, to gratifie his incensed subjects, if not by dismissing him altogether, yet at least by sending him upon some honourable foreign imploy­ment. Of all which generous en­deavours this noble, prudent and Christian Prince obtain'd no other fruit, but an extreme hatred from Mazarine.

At the same time his Majesty im­ployed himself in reconciling the French King and his subjects, upon hopes of those endeavours succeed­ing, he thought fit to deal with the Duke of Lorrain to transport his Ar­my into Ireland, where some Garri­sons still held out. Which affair [Page 228]was so far proceeded in, that Arti­cles were drawn up between the Duke of Lorrain, and the Lord Taaf on behalf of his Majesty, by which it was agreed amongst other things, That the Duke should at his own char­ges land an Army of 10000. for the reducing of Ireland to his Majesty; That he should be invested with the Ti­tle of Protector Royal of Ireland, and have four Towns put into his hands for security for his disbursements, with restrictions and cautions. But these Articles never came to be sign­ed, partly because the Duke was conscious of his disability to goe through with the enterprise and de­fray the charges of it, and partly be­cause he was at the same time dealt with underhand by the King of France to relinquish the Prince's par­ty, and offer'd by him such termes as they were not able to give him. And as ill fortune would have it, the man­ner [Page]of discovery of their agreemen [...] made the King of England be lookt upon as the Agent and procurer of it. For the French King's Army under Turenne marching into Brie in view of the Lorrain Army, the Duke of Beaufort was extreme desirous to en­counter with them. To which pur­pose he went into the field, where he found King Charles and the Duke of York with the Duke of Lorrain, who upon the approach of Beaufort, pre­sently withdrew. And then this Duke urging him of Lorrain to fight, found an extreme coldnesse in him to the business, and presently after under­stood his conjunction with the Court-interest. Whereupon the in­censed Princes exclaimed against the perfidiousnesse of the Duke of Lor­rain, and against the English Princes as the causes of it. Who though they made it sufficiently apparent that their transactions with the Duke [Page]of Lorrain were wholly about an­other affair, yet the indignation of the Princes and people for this col­lusion so blinded their reasons, that they would not be convinc'd of the innocency of the King and his Bro­ther, but bitterly inveigh'd against them and the Queen Mother, whom they also were resolv'd to believe had been instrumental in the busi­ness: so that they were induc'd to withdraw from the Louvre to St. Germains, and the Queen to Cha­liot.

Shortly after the Victory at Wor­cester the pretended Parliament, as I said, executed abundance of the Royall party; and such as were suf­fer'd to live, had their Estates con­fiscated and were kept severall yeares after in prison. Their principall Acts pass'd the remainder of this year were, I. An Act for the increase of shipping and encouragement of Navi­gation, [Page 231]in which it was enacted, 1. That no goods or commodities of the growth or manufacture of any places whatsoever should be brought hither but onely in English Ships, and that from the very places of their growth and manufacture onely; Also that no Fish, or Oyle made of Fish, or Whale­bone, should be imported, but onely such as should be caught in English Vessels, nor any salted Fish exported in any o­ther save English Bottomes, &c. This Act was apprehended by the Dutch as highly prejudiciall to the Trade which they had driven with extreme advantage above us during our inte­stine Wars, and proved a great cause of the War that shortly follow'd be­tween this State and the Vnited Pro­vinces. II. An Act to determine the Session of this Parliament on Nov. 3. 1654. Their dissolution was a point they did not love to think of; but being urg'd by the Army and several [Page 232]Petitions for a new Representative, after many debates and delayes they resolv'd to continue their sitting 3. yeares longer; but they reckon'd without their Host, and receiv'd a quietus about a year and half after from Cromwel. III. An Act of Obli­vion, which was loaden with many heavy provisoes and exceptions. IV. An Act for incorporating Scot­land into one Commonwealth with England, the Government of which they invested in these Commissio­ners, Ol. St. Iohn, Sir Henry Vane, Maj. Gen. Lambert, Maj. Gen. Deane, Col. Fenwick, Alderman Tichburne, Major Salwey, and Lieut. Gen. Monck. As for Ireland, the Government of it having been wholly referred to Cromwel, he constituted his Son in Law Ireton to command in chief there w [...]th the Title of Lord Depu­ty.

In December 1651. arrived at Pa­ris [Page 233]the Gentlewoman, Mrs. Iane Lane, who had been instrumental in his Majestie's deliverance after the overthrow at Worcester; of which fearing danger by the discovery of some unfaithful confidents, she went on foot in disguise to Yar­mouth, and there took ship for France. She was conducted into Pa­ris with great honour, his Majestie himself with the Queen his mother, and the Dukes of York and Glocester going out to meet her; upon the first sight, his Majesty took her by the hand and saluted her, with this obli­ging term, VVelcome my Life. The French Court also regarded her with much respect and honour, together with her Brother Col. Lane who ac­companied her thither.

About the Spring of the year 1652. broke out a furious War between the English & the Dutch Common­wealths, after Embassadors had been [Page 234]sent to no effect from either. The first Act of Hostility was on the 19. of May 1652. After which many bloody Sea-fights pass'd between them both in the British Sea, and the Streights, with great losse of Ships and men on both sides; but the Dutch were most commonly worst­est. During this sharp War, his Ma­jesty was as mindfull of his Interests, using all endeavours for an accom­modation between the King of France and the Princes, as also be­tween the Kings of France and Spain; in the mean time also sending Em­bassadours to severall Potentates to desire assistance, as the Lord Wilmot, (whom he had created Earle of Ro­chester) to the Imperial Diet at Ratis­bone, the Lord Culpeper to the Hague, and the Lord VVentworth to the King of Denmark. But the Catholick Princes were the colder in grati­fying his Majesty, for that he shew'd [Page 235]no pronesse to embrace their Reli­gion, as the Emperor once expresly signified to him. And indeed such was his Majestie's constancy that no temptations of worldly advantages, no resentment of adversity, nor the sollicitations and arguments of seve­rall grand Catholicks, who endea­vour'd to pervert him (as Mr. Mon­tagu, Militiere, and Salmonet) could prevaile any thing upon him. He propounded to the Dutch that if they would furnish him with a squa­dron of Ships, he would set up his own Flags and command them in person. Some of the Provinces were very inclinable to the motion, but that of Holland which stood out a­gainst the admitting of the young Prince of Orange for Capt. Gen. was also backward to comply with his Ma­jestie's desires or undertake his inter­est; then which act nothing could have been more honourable to [Page 236]them, nor perhaps more beneficiall. All that he could bring them to, was, that they granted liberty for his Ships to ride in their Ports with their Fl [...]gs up, as King of Great Brittaine, &c. The King of Denmark professed willingnesse enough to gratify his Majesty; but his affairs were then in a doubtfull Estate, and depended much upon the successe of the Dutch, with whom he had partly en­gaged.

On December 1652. the English Iunto, resolved to be rid of his Majestie's younger Brother the Duke of Glocester, and referr'd it to the Council of State to consider with what accommodation and to what place to send him. The Coun­cil, that they might seem to do some­thing handsomely, ordered him to go into Holland & gave him a Bill for 1000. l. to be paid to him upon his ar­rival; but such was their honesty, that [Page 237]they took care that he should never receive one penny of it. However, he was extremely respected at all the places he came at in the Low-Coun­treys, as at Dunkirk, Antwerp, the Hague, Leyden, &c. And having been for some time entertain'd by his Royal Sister, where he had the honour of the Garter sent him from the King, he departed to the Court of France, being attended by Sir Marmaduke Langdale, and Sir Ri­chard Greenvile; his Majesty him­self, the Duke of York, Prince Ru­pert, and others going two leagues out of Paris to meet him.

Towards the latter end of the year 1652. his Majestie's hopes be­gan to be something desperate con­cerning any considerable succour from France; for that King in stead of uniting with the Prince's his subjects, sent an Embassadour Mr. de Bordeanx Neufville to treat a Peace with Eng­land, [Page 238]to which he was the rather in­duc'd for that Admiral Blake had not long before beaten and destroy'd the French ships under the Duke of Ven­dosme that were going to the relief of Dunkirk; which defeat occasion'd the loss of that Town to the Spaniard. Nor were his hopes likely to prove more successfull in the united Pro­vinces, for they were so weary of the War, that they sent a Letter to Eng­land to cast about for an accommo­dation. But before they effected any thing, Cromwell finding his am­bitious projects ripe, being embold­ned with former successes, and backt with a strong Army, on the 20. of April 1653. entred the Par­liament House, attended with some officers, where he represented to them that their Dissolution was im­portant to the publick good and wel­fare of the Nation, with many rea­sons for it; which none daring to [Page 239]oppose, the Members departed the House. To justify which Action He and his Council of Officers put forth a Declaration, wherein it was pretended, The Parliament was over­ruled by a corrupt Party, who intended to perpetuate themselves, deluding the Nation from time to time with hopes of a New Representative, notwith­standing the Petitions of the Army and severall Counties; That the Cause which God had so greatly blessed languisht in their hands and was in danger to be lost by their negligence of the publick and self-seeking, with many more like crimes. And thus fell this great Idol of the Nation, this Parliamentum Infame, which in a dozen yeares time had wrought more mischief to these Kingdomes, then all the preceeding Parliaments had ever done good. After this Cromwel with his Officers took the administration of Affairs into their [Page 240]own hands, the Armies in Scotland and Ireland, and the Fleet assenting to their proceedings. But to gull the people a little longer and render Parliaments more contemptible to them, Cromwel upon the 8. of Iune following sent out a summons in his own name, to such persons as he pleas'd to meet at VVestminster on the 4. of Iuly. Who accordingly ap­pearing to the number of six score, he impowred them by a writing un­der his Hand and Seal to be the Su­preme Authority and Governours of the three Nations, and that 40. of them should be a Quorum to dis­patch business. This Iunto of Secta­ries and Officers of the Army going into the Parliament House, in three dayes time gravely resolved that they would be called the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England, and that their Chairman Mr. Rous should be called Speaker, and that they [Page 241]would have a Sergeant at Armes and a Mace. Thus they began ridicu­lously, and continued in all their Actions for four moneths, in which they voted down the High-Court of Chancery, made a silly Act for Mar­riages Births and Burials, confirmed the unjust Bill for Sale of the Estate of Sir Iohn Stowell Knight of the Bath, ordered Sale of the remainder of the Royall Revenue, made a tax for 6. moneths at 120000 l. per men­sem, struck fiercely at Tythes, and Universities; and then being partly weary and partly asham'd of them­selves, some of Oliver's faction by underhand appointment repaired to Cromwel, and resigned their power into his Hands, who at first seeming unwilling and excusing his inability, was prevail'd with by importunity to accept it; which he did with the Title of Lord Protector of the Com­monwealth of England, Scotland [Page 242]and Ireland. The rest of the Sectarian Convention who refus'd to break up the Parliament and doe as their fellowes had done, Cromwel sent Souldiers to turn them out of the House; which was accordingly done, and the doors lockt against them, Decemb. 2. 1653. And upon the 16. of the same moneth, having by the advice of his Officers framed and published an Instrument of Go­vernment consisting of 42. Articles, he sent for the Commissioners of the Great Seale, the Major and Alder­men of London with the Iudges and the Officers of the Army, and was by them solemnly installed in Westmin­ster-Hall, taking an Oath to rule ac­cording to his Instrument and the Lawes of the Land, though nothing could be more repugnant to the Lawes then that Instrument.

In this last year, notwithstanding the former offer of Accommoda­tion, [Page 243]severall encounters had been between the Ships of this Nation & those of the United Provinces; in which the Dutch suffer'd much, so that the common people there were in a great consternation. Two of the principal Battels were on the 3. of Iune and the 29. of Iuly. In the for­mer the English got a remarkable Victory, though with the losse of one of their Generals, Dean, by a great shot, taking above 1300. prisoners and 11. Ships of War, besides 6. sunk. In the latter, being the greatest blow the Dutch ever received from us, their Admiral Martin Harper van Trump one of the most expert and renowned Seamen in the world was slain with a Musket shot, and 2000. men more, 1000. Prisoners taken, and 27. Ships of War sunk and fired. Which losses quite broke the spirits of the Dutch, who there­upon began seriously to think of peace.

This Summer also it pleased God to visit his Majesty with a Fever which held him for some time with violence; so that the London Pam­phlets publish'd it to be mortal. But the Divine Providence intended better things to this Nation, and a­bout the latter end of August reco­vered him to perfect health. After which he departed from the Court for some time to Chantilly not far distant from Paris, for better aire, being accompanied with Prince Ru­pert, who after various fortunes at Sea and separation from his brother Prince Maurice by a Hericano (who was never after heard off) put in with his Ships at Nantes at Britany, and resided with his Majesty for a long time at Paris in the Palace Royall.

This year the Lord Hopton, who had commanded an Army for his late Majesty in the Rebellion of Eng­land, dyed of a Fever after five dayes [Page 145]sicknesse, at Bruges in Flanders; a person of great learning, piety, tem­perance and valour.

In the beginning of the next year his Majestie's hopes of doing any good upon the United States were absolutely extinguish'd. He had us'd all possible means by the inter­cessions of his friends to avert them from reconcilement with England, and to that purpose was very active, upon the arrival of Monsieur Boreel their Embassadour to negotiate a League with France to promote the conclusion of it; but they had so deeply tasted of the English valour in the Sea war, & were so impatiently desirous of peace and Trade, that all he could gain of them in the end was a Letter of complemental civi­lity. And accordingly, applications being made to the new pretended Protectour by two Dutch Embassa­dours, the Lords Newport and Yong­stall, [Page 246]a Peace was concluded be­tween the two States, the Articles of which were proclaimed in London, April 26. 1654. Nor were his Ma­jestie's solicitations for a Peace be­tween France and Spain more suc­cessefull, though he prosecuted it with his utmost ardour, as judging it the most important expedient, whereby he might obtain assistance from these two Potent Monarchs; and other Princes also, together with the Pope himself, interpos'd for a Reconciliation. For the politick reasons of Cardinal Mazarine, who knew the peace of the Kingdome of France depended on his removal out of it, induc'd him to venture the fortune of war, rather then be sacri­fic'd (though deservedly) to the tran­quillity of that Kingdome. And ha­ving taken this resolution, he judg'd it also his interest in the next place, to make a sure friend of the new [Page 247]Protector of England, who being an Usurper too, he conceiv'd would be more willing to join interests. To which purpose, all considerations of Honour, Generosity (yea of affinity & chariry) set aside, by the Cardinals means, instructions were sent over to Monsieur de Bordeaux Neufville (who had layen here a long time be­fore, but had done little by reason of the unsettledness of the Govern­ment) to treat a League and Confe­deracy with the pretended Pro­tector. Whether the Cardinal had any particular malice towards the King of England (as some affirme) I cannot determine; but this ha's been apparent in all his actions, That he will not stick to promote his own ambitious interest by the ruine of that or any other what­soever, being a greater Politician then to stickle at such rules as the sense of Honour, goodnesse, or ju­stice [Page 248]it self may lay in the way of his proceedings. This his Majesty sufficiently understood, and foresaw that by naturall consequence the U­nion of the English Mahomet and this Ecclesiastical Politician would produce his Exclusion out of France. Wherefore, he thought it more ho­nourable to depart that Kingdome voluntarily, then stay till he were dismiss'd by Articles; and according­ly on the 1. Iuly 1654. took leave of the King and Queen of France, and of his Royall Mother, with the French Grandees, from whom he receiv'd such dissembling language as that ceremonious Nation uses on all occasions. He went first to Chatil­lon a House belonging to the Prince of Conde, being accompanied with his Illustrious Brother the Duke of York and his Cousins the Princes Palatines Rupert and Edward; having made some stay here, his Royall Brother [Page 249]returned to Paris, and from thence to the Army with the Title of Lieu­tenant General under Marshall de Turenne, who then lay with his For­ces besieging the Archduke and the Prince of Conde with a numerous Spanish Army in their Trenches be­fore Arras. Prince Rupert also here kist his Majestie's Hand and departed to Heydelberg to his Brother's Court, and from thence to that of the Em­perour, and prince Edward went to Bourbon. From Chatillon about the latter end of the same moneth his Majesty went to Cambray, and from thence passing through Liege to the Spaw.

In the mean time Cromwel playes the Tyrant in England at a high rate, and on Feb. 18. he sent 11. persons of quality to the Tower, for a conspi­racy against his Highnesse's person; but having no evidence against them, besides his own guilty feares [Page 250]which suggested to him that most men wanted the power rather then the will to dispatch him out of his Usurped dignity) they were soon af­ter set at liberty. The first Act of him­self and Council was to repeal the engagement made by the Infamous Parliament against a Single Person; which was done by an Ordinance Ian. 19. next the style of publick writings was alter'd from The Kee­pers, &c. to Oliver Lord Protector, &c. Then an Ordinance was pass'd by his Highness and Council, de­claring Offences of Treason; which were made of three sorts, 1. Attem­pting any thing against Cromwel and his Government. 2. Corresponding with, or promoting the right of his Majesty. 3. Declaring that any Par­liament was at present in being or had any continuance, &c. So we see it came about that owning of the Commonwealth interest as they call'd [Page 251]it was now as great an offence as malignancy. Moreover to gratify Sectaries he made an Ordinance to eject scandalous Ministers, by which many worthy Ministers were depri­ved of their livings in several Coun­ties; and to shew the more exquisite malice, such ejected were not to be admitted ever after to any Ecclesia­stical preferment, nor to teach schole or officiate as Chaplains in the Houses of persons of quality. He also set up an Inquisition for approba­tion of Ministers, by whom ignorant Fanaticks were prefer'd before grave and learned Divines, the Commissi­on running in termes that they should have especiall regard to such as were indue'd with gifts and graces though they wanted humane learn­ing. Of these Inquisitors were Rob. Tichburne, Hu. Peters, Ph. Nye, Th. Goodwin, St. Marshal, Pet. Sterry, Syd. Simpson, and, others of the like [Page 252]stamp. And that he might according to the course of Tyrants establish his power in blood, by deterring all that lov'd their Country from attempting its deliverance, and removing some of those he judg'd loyall and valiant enough to do it, upon the 20. of May a Plot was discover'd, for which severall persons of quality were ap­prehended, as Sir Gilbert Gerrard and Col. Iohn Gerrard, Humphry Bagaley (Secretary to the late Earle of Derby) Sidney Fotherby, Somerset FoxEsq ^rs, Mr. Tuder an Apothecary and Mr. Vowel a Schoolmaster; there were also committed to the Tower the Earle of Oxford, Maj. Baily, Col. Ashburnham, and amongst others Sir Richard Willis. For the Tryall of these Conspirators a High Court of Iustice was erected by an Ordinance of Cromwel's Iune 13 of which Iohn Lisle was President, and Steel, Tich­burne, Sir Will. Roberts, and some [Page 253]twenty more (right qualifi'd for any murder it pleas'd the Protector to put them upon) Commissioners. Of the Gentlemen committed one­ly three were tryed, Iune 30. Mr. Ge­rard, Mr. Vowel, and Mr. Fox, who were adjudged within the new-made Ordinance, and guilty of Treason, though by no Law of the Land, Glyn, Prideaux and Ellis like good Instruments of a Tyrant, ur­ging the Protectors will for Law. Yet the latter of them was repriev'd, and the two former suffer'd death with much resolution and cou­rage, Mr. Gerard being beheaded on Tower-Hill and Mr. Vowell hanged at Charing Crosse, Iuly 10.

Scotland was not yet so absolute­ly subdued, but that there appear'd some still in Armes for his Majesty in the Highlands; The Earles of Sea­forth, Athol, Glencarne, Kinoole, the young Marquis of Montrosse, the [Page 254]Lord Lorne, Sir Arthur Forbes, and Sir Mungo Murrey having gather'd together several parties of Horse and Foot, and making severall irruptions upon the English in the Low-lands: whereby they much molested them in their new possessions, sometimes taking considerable booty, and sometimes being worsted and flying into the Mountains where the pur­suers could not follow them. And thus they continued in expectation of greater Levies and the arrivall of Lieut. Gen. Middleton with supplyes out of the Low-Countryes. But in the mean time the English met with the most considerable party under the Earle of Glencarn and defeated them, the Earle himself hardly escaping; other like successe also befell severall other parties; so that they could not unite into one Body as they intend­ed. At length Lieut. Gen. Middleton arrived out of Holland, with the ex­pected [Page 255]provisions of War, and a Commission to be General, and Monroe to be his Lieut. Gen. This disposing of Commands so incensed Glencarne who had been imploying his utmost interest in levying Forces, which he now saw must be com­manded by others, that instead of conspiring together against the com­mon Enemy, these great Officers quarrell'd among themselves; Glen­carne was contented to be Lieut. Gen. but Monroe would not agree to it; whereupon a single combate ensued between them, in which the Earle having wounded and disarmed his Adversary deserted the service with about 500. Gentlemen and made composition with the Gover­nour of Dunbarton to live peaceably at home. The same course was also taken by others by degrees. How­ever Middleton stood out still with much resolution, till at length being [Page 256]set upon a great disadvantage by Gen. Monck and Col. Morgan first in Arguyl and then at Loughary about the midst of Iuly, he was wholly o­verthrown. Nevertheless he conti­nued in the High lands with some Foot for some time after, till he saw most of the Nobility were either ta­ken or made their submissions, and then he retir'd back into Holland. The Kirk of Scotland was likewise concern'd in the publick desolation, being broken up by Col. Morgan, and the petulant Ministry reduc'd to subjection.

As for Ireland, it was by the Eng­lish Armes brought to such a condi­tion, as there was no fear of distur­bance for the future; onely some few Tories that kept themselves in inac­cessible places, sometimes made irruptions to steal and plunder. The Parliament also erected a High-Court of Iustice there, of which Cook [Page 257](so infamous for being an instru­ment in the murder of his late Maje­sty) was President. By whose sen­tence a great number of the Natives (and amongst them many of the an­cient Irish Nobility) were sentenced and executed for being found guil­ty of the bloody Massacre commit­ted upon the Protestants in the be­ginning of the Rebellion, and about 14000. were sold to the King of Spain, and many transported into other foreign parts, who had ren­dred themselves upon Proclamati­on: the rest were all driven into the Province of Cormaught, and there circumscribed to inhabit. The o­ther three Provinces, Vlster, Mun­ster and Leimster were allotted to the English, and all forfeited Lands divided among such Adventurers as had advanced money towards the management of the Irish affairs, and the souldiers for satisfaction of their [Page 258]Arrears. In the room of Deputy Ireton who had succeeded Cromwell in the chief Command of that Nati­on, and died of the pestilence at Li­merick, Cromwell constituted Lieu­tenant General Fleetwood who was become his son in-law by the marri­age of his eldest daughter, Bridget, Ireton's Widow.

His Majesty having for some moneths resided at the Spaw, where he enjoy'd the company of his Royall Sister the Princesse of O­range, and having recived 200000. Ryxdollers from the Emperour and the Imperiall Colledge (who also enacted that no scandalous book publish'd against him should be bought or sold in Germany under pain of death) departed from thence to Collen, where he arriv'd with his Royall Sister on the sixt of October, the great Guns being discharged at their entrance, and the Deputies of [Page 259]the City going forth to meet them in solemn manner and conducting them to the Palace provided for them by the chief Magistrates. On the 28. of the same moneth the said Magistrates exprest their affections to his Majesty by entertaining him and the Princesse with a sumptuous collation; who also the next day upon invitation went to Dussel-dorp, where the Duke of Newburgh treated them with all possible magnificence for some dayes. After which the Prin­cesse Royall took her journey to­wards Holland, and his Majesty ha­ving accompanied her on the way as far as Bedinguen return'd to Col­len.

At his Majestie's departure out of France, he was over-intreated by the Queen his Mother to permit the Duke of Glocester to stay with her at the Palace Royall but with condi­tion that no attempt should be made [Page 260]upon him to pervert him from his Religion. But shortly after (by the instigation of the French Court and some English Catholicks about her) the Queen was willing he should be solicited to turn Catholick, and for that purpose permitted him to be carried to Pontoise, where some bad Instruments taking advantage of Mr. Lovell his Tutor's absence at Paris, set upon him with all motives they could invent both spirituall and temporall to incline him to the Po­pish Religion; But the former kind of Arguments were refell'd by his Highns with greater reason & resolu­tion then could prob [...]bly have been expected from a person of his years; and for the temptations of worldly advancement, he rejected them with contempt, and the danger of his Majestie's displeasure; urging withall the Queen's promise to the King be­fore his departure in this very parti­cular, [Page 261]and complaining of this un­worthy advantage taken against him in the absence of his Tutour, who was fittest to judge of their propo­sals. Wherefore he was removed to Paris, to the House of Mr. Crofts, from thence to Pontoise again & the instruction of Mr. VValter Montagu Abbot of Nanteul, and his former Tutor dismiss'd. Of these attempts some cordial Protestants certifi'd his Majesty at Colen with all possible speed, who resented them so highly, that being ready to goe to dinner, when the intelligence was brought him, he would not think of eating till he had dispatcht Letters away to Paris. In the mean time his High­nesse was restlessely importun'd with perswasions to return to the True, Ancient, Apostolical, Roman Church, to embrace the Religion wherein most of his Ancestours liv'd and di'd, and most of the Christian world, to­gether [Page 262]with the King of France, his Royal Mother, and her Alliance profess'd; which were also back't with the allurements of the greatest Church-Dignities and Revenues, and the Honours which that whole Nation would be ready to pay his Highnesse, &c. All which he declin'd with very ingenious answers; and shortly after a Gentleman went to his Highnesse with a Letter from his Majesty, and was admitted to his presence; but not being able to deli­ver the same privately, he caus'd it to be deliver'd by another hand. In that Letter his Majesty minded him of the strict command he had lay'd upon him at his departure out of France, of the horrid injury offer'd to his conscience, honour, and fa­mily, of the vanity of his perswaders motives, and the falseness and empti­ness of their promises; He also de­clar'd to him the more eligiblenesse [Page 263]of any degree of suffering, and urg'd to him the fidelity of God's pro­mises, whose love he must ex­pect to loose, together with that of himself a most affectionate Bro­ther, in case he yielded to the in­veiglements of his Temptours. Moreover, he desir'd him to reflect on their dead Father's last charge, solemnly given him the day before his Glorification, with the entail of his blessing annexed. And in con­clusion, added, That if he either chang'd his Religion, or put himself into the Iesuites Colledge, he had the last Letter from him, and must never look to see England or his face again: And that if (which God for­bid) their businesse miscarried for e­ver, the whole ruining of their Fami­ly, and all the Nations too, must be laid with all the consequent mischiefs at his doore as the chief cause of it. Assoon as his Highnesse had read this [Page 264]admonitory Letter, he transcrib'd a copy of it, and sent it to the Queen, desiring her permission to come to Paris, both in regard of these com­mands of the King and of his Bro­ther the Duke of York's approching return from the Army. To which her Majesty answer'd, that she should not cease wishing his eternall good by his conversion, to which never­theless she would not force him, but wish'd him to hearken to what Mr. Montagu should further deliver to him, which was that he would be willing to go to the Iesuites Col­ledge, where he should have ex­treme freedome in every thing. But all would not prevail upon his reso­lution; However he return'd to Pa­ris; whereabout the 18. of November the Marquis of Ormond arriv'd from Germany with Letters and new In­structions having taken a long and dangerous voyage by reason (the [Page 265]lately dissolved French Army had betaken themselves to the robbing of all passengers.) Before the intent of his journey was known the Queen of France and the Cardinal very clo­sely press'd him, and so did her Ma­jesty of England both her self apart, and by Mr. Montagu. Which im­portunities proving fruitlesse, some severities were proceeded to, which occasion'd his Highnesse to leave the Palace Royal and go to the House of the Lord Hatton's in the Fauxbourgs, where the former solicitations were renew'd, but with as little successe. After which the Duke desir'd the favour to see the Q. his Mother before his departure, but was refus'd; which denial having receiv'd with much grief, he went away with my Lord of Ormond to Collen where his Majestie resided.

But let us look back a little upon the actions of the Usurper of his [Page 266]Majestie's Dominions. Cromwel's new Instrument enjoin'd the sum­moning of Parliament every three years, and accordingly he sent out his new fashioned Writs and new contriv'd Indentures for the return­ing of Members, and that after a new way, ten or a dozen for most Coun­ties, one or two for Cities and Bur­roughs, and many of these left whol­ly out. The reason of which was be­cause it was easier to pack ele­ctions in Counties by the interest of Army-Officers and other Crea­tures, then in Borroughs. They assembled at Westminster on the 3. of Septemb. 1654. Cromwel meeting them in the Painted Chamber, made a Speech, in which he indevor'd to shew the necessity of his taking the Government upon him, and re­counted the excellencies of it, telling them also that he did not designe to be a Lord over them, but their Fellow-Servant [Page 267]to the publick. After which they chose Lenthall for their Speak­er, and betook themselves to their business. The first debate was, Whe­ther the Legislative Power should be in a si [...]gle Pe [...]son and a Parliament. It was bandied with some heat, till Cromwel thinking them too busy in making a Question of that which he would have believ'd sufficiently de­termin'd by his Instrument, resolv'd to make them sensible of it; where­fore sending for them into the Paint­ed Chamber about 8. dayes after their first assembling, he check'd them severely, telling them, 1. That the Fundamentals in the Government (viz. such as were constituted by the Instrument) could not be altered; whereof that which they d [...]bated was one; and 2. that the Militia was not to be trusted in any one hand or power, but so, that the Parliament ought to have a check upon the Protector, and [Page 268]He upon Them. 3. That Parliaments should not be perpetuall nor alwaies sitting. 4. That there ought to be Li­berty of Conscience in Religion. Other things in the Government were exa­minable and alterable according to the State of Affairs. For his own part, his heart was even overwhelm'd with grief, to see any of them should go about to overthrow what was settled, (viz. by his Instrument) contrary to their trust received from the people. After this Preface he deliver'd them a Pa­per (called a Recognition) to be sub­scribed by such as intended to sit; in which they were to engage to be faithfull to the Lord Protector and the Commonwealth, and not to propose or give consent to alter the Government, as it was setled in one Person and a Parliament. Such as refus'd to sub­scribe were excluded from sitting, the rest repair'd again to the House; where they took the Instrument in [Page 269]hand again, and prepar'd a Bill for the settling of the Government & some others which they intended to pre­sent to the Protector to be sign'd to­gether. But he having information given him all the way of their pro­ceedings by some false Members, suf­fer'd them to spend 5. months allotted them by the Instrument to sit with­out interruption, and the very next day after went to the Painted Cham­ber, where upbraiding them with Parricide in not owning the Authori­ty that called them thither, and endea­vouring to subvert the Government owned by God, as being the dispensation of his Providence after 12. years VVar, he dissolv'd this Parliament (as he had done two before) Ian. 22. 1654. Within two dayes after their Disso­lution a Plot was discover'd, which Cromwel said was occasioned, if not hatched by the Parliament it self. Sir Henry Littleton, high Sheriff of Wor­cestershire [Page 270]and Sir Iohn Packington of the same County were committed to the Tower thereupon; and seve­rall persons more in the North and Northwest Counties of England, where the design was laid for an In­surrection. Shrewsbury and Chrik-Castle were to have been surprised, but it was prevented; the discovery of the whole Conspiracy having been made to Cromwel by some se­cret insinuating Agents of his from the first birth of it, till it was mature to break out. At Shrewsbury the Lord Newport, & Sir Thomas Harris, who were the chief there, was taken prisoners and sent up to London. Ne­verthelesse others were not deterr'd from attempting something for the deliverance of their Native Country from Bondage; for upon the 11. of March 1654. a body of 200. con­sisting most of Gentlemen surprised Salisbury and took away all the Hor­ses. [Page 271]From whence in expectation of greater Forces to join with them, they marched towards Cornwall; but they were overtaken by one Capt. Crook with a party of Sectarian Horse, at Southmolton in Devonshire, & after four houres sharp conflict de­feated. Sir Ioseph VVagstaffe the chief of this loyall party escaped; the three other most eminent Leaders, Col. Iohn Penruddock, Capt Hugh Groves, and Capt. Iones were taken with 50. others. Another rising was also in Yorkshire at Hexham Moore; but of 4000. which should have met, not above 200. appearing, they were soon dispers'd by the Forces of Col. Lilburne, Sir Henry Slingsby the chief taken, and Sir Rich. Maleverer with much d fficulty escaping▪ At the same time likewise another attempt was made to rise at Sherwood Forrest in Nottinghamshire; but the Gentry that design'd it were supprest by Col. [Page 272] Hacker. Nor were the Levellers lesse pleas'd with the Tyrannical Usurpa­tion of Cromwel, though their de­signes were not upon the account of loyalty; For Maj. Gen Harrison, Mr. Carew, Rich. Courtney, and Maj. Wildman were discover'd to have fram'd a Plot against him, and se­cured: These latter sort of Conspira­tors were in favour of the Sectaries and in consideration of former assist­ance in Rebellion and the murder of his late Majesty, more gently pro­ceeded with; for Harrison was shortly after committed to Portland Castle, Carew to St. Maur's in Cornwal, and Courtney to Carisbrook Castle in VVight Island; But on March 31. 1655. a Commission was issued forth for tryall of the Gentlemen in the West, to Serjeant Thorp, Glyn, & Steel; And another for tryall of them in the North to Serjeant Newdigate, Nicolas, VVindham, Hatton; but of [Page 273]these persons Serjeant Newdigate and Thorp conscientiously refusing to try any man for treason upon Cromwel's Declaration, as Law, had writs of ease given them.

But the Protector wanted not in­struments in the West to execute his bloody pleasure: for at Salisbury, Iohn Lisle, one of his Princes Murderers sentenced Col. Penruddock and Capt. Grove to the block, and at Exceter seven other persons to the Gallowes. And now Cromwel resolv'd to rule onely by the sword, seeing the peo­ple so hated his Tyranny; to which purpose he constituted eleven of his Officers to preside over all the Coun­ties of England with the Titles of Major Generals, allotting four or five Counties as Provinces to each, with sufficient authority not only in Military affairs, but also in Civil and Ecclesiastical. For the support of these Bashawes he made an Ordi­nance [Page 274]that all Cavaliers or Gentle­men of the late Kings party, should (notwithstanding the late Parlia­ments Act Oblivion, their former compositions, and their peaceable demeanor since) pay the tenth part of their yearly revenue; which was accordingly severely exacted by the Major Generals. He also, the better to provide against future Insurrections, set up Auxiliaries in every County, consisting of Horse and Foot, which Were to be ready upon all occasions within an houres warning; their pay was 8 l. per annum to a Horseman & 3 l. to a Footman; And finally that he might disenable all loyal persons from attempting any thing for their Countries Liberty, he put forth an Ordinance to se [...]se all sorts of Armes found in the Houses of those he cal­led Malignants. Such were the courses he took to secure himself at home.

About the beginning of the year 1655. a great Fleet was sent against the King of Spain's Territories in A­merica. The designe was kept secret till it came to be executed upon the place, nor did he declare war against that King till afterwards, though the Marquesse of Leyda, Governour of Dunkirk came over as Extraordina­ry Embassadour to know his inten­tions. Many of such as had been im­prisoned for the late insurrections had been barbarously sold to foreign plantation: some that were left, and several indigent people were by force sent in this service together with di­vers Regiments of old souldiers; Ve­nables commanding the Land-forces, and Pe [...] being General at Sea. But it pleased God to check the Tyrants insolence by a considerable losse in the very first enterprize, which was undertaken so unjustly and against the faith of Nations (though the [Page 276]propagation of Religion was pre­tended, and other slight reasons for it;) an Army consisting of 9700. Foot, besides a party of Horse by the Generals indiscretion was landed in the Island Hispaniola at a place ten leagues from the chief Town Sto. Do­mingo, whereby being ready to pe­rish miserably with thirst and the ex­cessive heat of the Sands through which they marcht, they were shamefully routed by no greater a party then 70. Spaniards and Negroes, 1200. were kill'd in the conflict and the pursuit, the rest escaped by flight. An incredible thing, had not the faintnesse and weaknesse of the Eng­lish render'd it rather an execution then a fight. The remainder of this overthrow having afterwards en­dur'd extreme hardship for want of provision, even to the eating of their horses, seis'd upon another Island called Iamaica, which though a bar­ren [Page 277]place, wanteth not some consi­derable advantages. But for the dis­honour occasion'd to our Nation by this unfortunate expedition, a­mends was in part made by General Blake, who entring Porto Ferino at Tunis with his Fleet, fir'd nine Tur­kish Ships in it, notwithstanding the strong fortifications upon the shore, and came off with the losse of onely 25. men.

Whilst affairs were thus strangely managed in England by the violent Protectour, his Majesty resided at Colen, entertaining himself with such studies as best became a Christian in his own and his Countries calami­ties, such exercises as were befitting a Prince, and such company as his affection made most pleasing to him, namely, that of his brother the Duke of Glocester, and the Princesse Royal of Orange. The Duke of York con­tinued still in France, having onely [Page 278]made a journey of no long stay to the French Leaguer before Pavia. His Majesty to divert himself from the resentment of his unsuccesseful affairs, made a progresse of state and pleasure from Colen to Frankfort-Fair, being accompanied with the Duke and the Pnncesse, & attended on by the Lord Marquess of Ormond, the Earle of Norwith, the Lord New­burgh, the Lady Stanhop, and several other persons of Honour; They went by Coach a little beyond Bon­ne the Arch-bishop of Colen's Electo­ral Seat, where they enter'd into a Gondelo or Pleasure boat; through every Princes Territories that they past, the chief Officers of State were sent to complement them, and the great Guns saluted them from all their Towns and Castles. More e­specially the Prince Elector of Mentz, sent his grand Marshall to in­vite them to his Court; but his Ma­jesty [Page 279]sent the Lord Newburgh back with the grand Marshall to return his acknowledgements to the Elector, and to promise him to accept of his civility as he came back from Franc­fort. His Majesty being arrived there had intelligence that Christina. Queen of Sweden (who had volun­tarily resigned her Crown on Ian. 17. 1654. to her Cousin Carolus Gu­stavus, and had for the most part since continued at B [...]uxels) intend­ed to passe that way to Italy; where­upon he sent one of his Lords to her to signify his desire to wait upon her Majestie at what place she should be pleased to nominate. To which message she return'd thanks for the honour his Majesty intended her, and appointed Coningstein, a village near Francfurt in the Electorate of Mentz. for the place of Interview. His Majesty was accordingly recei­ved there by her with many expres­sions [Page 278] [...] [Page 279] [...] [Page 280]of respect, and had private con­ference with her alone for almost an hour; after which the Duke of Glo­cester was admitted to her presence alone, and then the Prince Elector Palatine, and his Brother Prince Ru­pert, who came thither on purpose, and the refst of the great Lords that attended the King. The Elector Palatine invited his Majesty to his Court, but his Majesty waved his civility; and after many comple­ments between these Princes, his Majesty returned to Francfurt, the Prince Elector and his Brother to Heidleberg, and the Queen of Sweden proceeded without stay in her jour­ney to Italy. At his Majestie's return­ing from Francfurt which was by water, the Elector of Mentz having provided magnificent entertainment for his reception, came inperson a great part of the way to meet him, and conducted him to one of his [Page 281]Palaces, where he treated him for four dayes in a most sumptuous and splendid manner; after which him­self accompanied him for some part of the way to Collen; in which City four Burgomasters were appointed by the Magistrate to wait upon his Majesty and the Princes, and to testi­fy the satisfaction they took in their return thither. And thus we see what respect his Majesty found in a for­reign Country and in his lowest for­tune, the greatnesse of his vertues causing him to be every where extre­mely valued, not for what he injoy'd but for what he truly deserv'd. Shortly after the Princesse Royal took leave of his Majesty and the Duke of Glocester, and departed for Holland.

In the mean time in England Crom­wel's feares or his malice were rest­lesse; for about Iune most of the Gentry in all parts of the Nation [Page 282]were clapt up by his Major Generals; not would any securiry be taken for them, but rhey were kept in Inns & such like places with guards of Soul­diers at an excessive charge and in convenience for many months to­gether; Among others the Lord Falkland, Lord Willoughby of Parham and the Lord Newport were com­mitted to the Tower upon suspition of Treason; but it seems, it was rather his own guilt that induc'd him to do thus then any reasonable cause which could he have found, no que­stion they had paid their lives for his security.

There having been this year a barbarous Massacre committed up­on the Protestants of the Valleys of Piedmont by the Souldiers of Charles Emanuel Duke of Savoy, the Prote­ctor testifi'd his resentment of it by appointing a solemn day of Humilia­tion to be observ'd, and a large con­tribution [Page 283]to be gathered throughout the Nation for their relief. The col­lections came to a vast sum; but how well they were pay'd to those for whom they were pretended, is not unknown to them that were employ'd about this affair into Sa­voy.

Also toward the latter end of this year Proposals were made to Crom­wel by Manasseh Ben-Israel a Iew in behalf of the Iewish Nation for their free admission to trade and exercise of their Religion in England. They had been excluded for the space of almost 400. hundred years; yet Crem­wel out of a sense of charity for their conversion and in consideration of 200000 l. was willing to listen to their reentertainment. But the de­signe was so vehemently oppos'd by the Divines a [...]d Merchants that it took no effect.

In the beginning of the next year [Page 284]1656. the King of Spain being sen­sible of Cromwel's perfidiousness, so­lemnly proclaimed Warre against England. Whereupon Cromwel en­ter'd into a strict league both Offen­sive and Defensive with the King of France, who was then at Wars with the King of Spain both in Flanders, Italy and Catalonia. One of the chief Articles of the Confederacy was, that his Majesty with the Dukes of York and Glocester and all his Relations and Adherents (saving the Queen Mother) should be excluded out of France. In which it is to be wondred with what sense of honour that King could consent to so base and ignoble a proposall, made by one that had murdered his Uncle and Usurped his Dominions, and withall to banish such Princes as were so near of Blood to him, and came to him for succour and relief. But selt-interest (not self-preservation for what [Page 285]could France fear from Cromwel, when he was ingag'd with the King of Spain, and jealous every day of the people he tyrannis'd over?) self-interest, I say, of not of the King of France, at least of Cardinal Maza­rine the Queen's creature, prevail'd above all respects of honour, justice, and the sense of humane calamities. The King wisely withdrew before, and the Duke of Glocester not long after; there remain'd onely the Duke of York, who during his service in the French Army had acquir'd to himself a great renowne and a high command. Neverthelesse he had some small time respited for his stay, in which he was visited, and ho­nourably treated by Marshal Turenne (who infinitely esteem'd and lov'd him for his extraordinary courage & skill in Martial affairs) & others of the French Lords as also by the Duke of Modena (who was then occasionally [Page 286]in that Kingdome.) And shortly after he took his leave of the King of France, the Queen his Mother and the rest of the Court, and departed into Flanders. In the mean time the King of Spain partly out of a noble generosity, and partly out of consi­deration that having engag'd in a Warre against Cromwel, his Ma­jestie's interest might be of some advantage to him, caused Don Iohn, of Austria his Governour in the Low-Countries to invite his Majesty into his Territories, which invitati­on was made by the Count of Fuen­saldagne, a great Commander, and lately Governour of Milan. His Majesty accepted of the offer, and departed from Colen to Bruges in Flanders, where he was received with great expressions of honour and respect. Thither also the Duke of York went to his Majesty, having taken Bruxels in his way, and been [Page 287]extremely caress'd by Don Iohn and his Court, who expressed much joy in having the most valiant Prince of his age in the world come to assist persona [...]ly in the war.

In England Cromwel being much necessitated for money, and withall impatient to tarry longer for a con­firmation by the people (which al­though he could not obtain of the preceeding Parliament he hoped he might gain of another) attempted once more to call a new Represen­tative. But remembring the carriage of some in the former, he gave pri­vate intimation to certain persons in several Counties to obstruct (if pos­sible) their Election again in the en­suing Session, and writ Letters to some Sheriffs to the same purpose. Neverthelesse though they were chosen after the new mode, 10. in a County and 1. in a Burrough, the successe of these practises did not so [Page 288]well please him, but that when they assembled ( Sept. 17. 1656.) above seven score of the returned Mem­bers were excepted against by the Protector; and when they addressed to the rest that were admitted into House to have their Elections exa­min'd, the Parliament unworthily betray'd their own Priviledges, and referr'd them to Cromwel's Council. Sir Thom. VViddrington was chosen Speaker. After this beginning, they proceeded to make the following Acts. I. An Act for disannulling his Majestie's Title to the Government of the three Nations, pass'd nemine contradicente. II. An Act making it Treason for any to attempt compasse, or imagine the Protector's death; and appointing such Offenders to be tryed not by a Iury of 12. sufficient men, but by a High Court of Iustice. This Act was occasion'd by a Plot of one Syn­dercomb, who had designed to mur­ther [Page 289]the Protector, and was therefore try'd at the King's Bench Bar, (his accuser being one Toope of Crom­wel's Life-guard) and condemned to be hanged drawn and quarter'd. But the night preceeding the day ap­pointed for his execution; he was poysoned either by himself or some others. III. An Act for an Assesse­ment for 60000 l. per mensem for 3. years. IV. An Act for conti­nuing Tonnage and Poundage. V. An Act for preventing multiplicity of Buildings in and about the Suburbs of London. This Act concerned not onely such as were to be built here­after, but also those that had been reared upon new Foundations for almost 40. years before; for which the owners were fined one year's Rent to Cromwel: and it extended to buildings ten miles round about London. VI. An Act for Excise of Merchandise imported; Hobby-horses, [Page 290]horses, Children's Rattles, and old shirts not exempted. But the great Act of all was called An Humble Pe­tition and Advice, in which the Go­vernment was settled upon Cromwel for his life, and upon whom he should nominate to succeed him. While it was in agitation it was mov'd in the House by Alderman Pack (a Knight of Cromwel's making) that he might be desir'd to take upon him the Title of King. The Iunno who knew his mind in part before, pre­sently prosecuted the motion, and appointed St. Iohn, Glyn, VVhitlock, Lisle, Fines, Lenthall, and others of the like stamp to be a Committee to attend him to that purpose. These men courted him very eagerly to ac­cept of that Title; nor did he seem much averse, yea it is more then pro­bable he thirsted after it; & that the design was fram'd by himself; for Thurloe, his Secretary openly pro­moted [Page 291]it. Nevertheless he shuffled off and on in many conferences with them at VVhite-Hall; till at length, being deterr'd by the non-com­pliance of the Army, he answer'd that he could not undertake the Go­vernment with the Title of King. Whereupon it was resolved he should be still term'd Protector. By this Petition amongst many other things, it was enacted there should be an Other House consisting of 70. persons to be nominated by Cromwel himself, and summoned thither by writs, as the Peers of England were wont to be. And this was design'd by Cromwel as a way to gratifie his great Officers, whom he intended by this means to make Lords; as also to the end, that having effected his desires by this Iunto who both esta­blish'd him in his Government and gave him 1900000 l. per annum, be­sides all Crown Lands unsold, with [Page 292]all other Emoluments, to maintain it for his life, if after Parliaments should attempt to rescind these Acts, his other House, might perpetually check them by their negative voice. These Acts being past by him, he was on Iune 26. 1657. solemnly sworn and invested with Robes of Purple Velvet by the Speaker of the Iunto in Westminster-Hall, having also a Sword, a Scepter and a Bible deliver'd to him. In which formali­ties he return'd home, and the Iunto prorogued their sitting to the 20. of the next Ianuary.

In the Spring of this year Cromwel according to agreement made with the French King sent over 6000. Foot under Col. Reynolds into Flan­ders to assist him there against the Spaniard; these Auxiliaries did the taking of Montmedi and St. Venant, two very advantageous places, and [Page 293]also not long after of the strong Fort of Mardike. Which the Spaniards looking upon as a place of great im­portance to the keeping of Dunkirk, resolv'd to employ their utmost ef­forts to regain. His Majesty of Britain had an Army at that time consisting of 2000. English, Scotch and Irish re­formadoes, which despairing of any other occasion to employ as yet, he permitted upon request to be made use of by the King of Spain. They were commanded by the Duke of York, and amongst other Forces ap­pointed for the attempting of Mar­dike. Accordingly an assault was made upon the place by night, with much resolution and courage; but the assailants were forc'd after six hours conflict, to retire. The English and French hereupon forthwith be­girt Dunkirk with a straight siege, the former being commanded by Col. Lockhart and the latter by Marshall [Page 294] Turenne. To oppose this design Don Iohn of Austria, the Duke of York, the Prince of Conde, and the Marquis of Caracene assembled 7000. Foot and 9000. Horse, and brought them to Fuernes Fort. The besiegers were indeed more numerous, and there­fore left sufficient Forces to secure their Trenches, and drew forth the rest to encounter the Enemie's Ar­my The first onset was made by a Forlorne hope of above three hun­dred English Foot, who were se­conded by the rest of their Country­men under Lockhart. They charged with such fury upon the Spanish Foot (who had advantageously drawn up upon a Sand-Hill) that notwithstanding that difficulty, they totally routed the whole Body. Whereupon the Spanish Horse also, seeing their Infantry put to the rout, betook themselves to flight, nor could by any indeavours be perswa­ded [Page 295]to make a stand. Upon which occasion, the French Horse who had stood spectators onely of the conflict, fell in upon pursuit of the flying Enemy, from whom they found little opposition but what was made by the Duke of York's Re­giment, who put such a stop to the impetuous career of the whole French Army, as conduc'd much for the safety of the routed Spaniards, who otherwise had in all probability been totally cut off. Neverthelesse at length the numerousness of the pur­suers overpowred the valour of these Resisters, so that being much tyred with the violence of the encounter, and no relief coming, they were en­forc'd to desert their station and be­take themselves to flight. Few of them escaped; among which were the Dukes of York and Glocester; though the first was not heard of till three dayes after; which gave occa­sion [Page 296]to a general suspicion that he was taken by the French Forces, and secretly dismiss'd at a fit opportunity by the Marshal of Turenne. In this battle of the Spaniards 800. Officers were taken prisoners, and 2000. pri­vate Souldiers; the number of slain was uncertain. The consequence of it was the losse of Dunkirk; the Mar­quis of Leyda (Governor thereof) being slain in a Sally, it was surren­dred upon Articles, and by the King of France and the Cardinal in per­son put into the hands of the English, Iune 25. 1658.

While these things were in agi­tation beyond Sea, the pretended Parliament reassembled on Ian. 20. and those Members who had been excluded the last Session were now admitted. There was also an assem­bly of Officers and some few others in the House of Peers, summon'd thither by Cromwel as Lords. But the [Page 297]Commons, being now a full House, began to review the late Humble Pe­tition and Advice made by a packt Iunto, and refus'd to treat with the Other House as Lords, Wherefore Cromw. in a great fury hasted to them in a Hackney Coach and having ra­ted them sufficiently dissolved them Feb. 4. yet with this word of consolati­on to his Other House, My Lords! ye are Lords and shall be Lords. This was the fourth Parliament he dissolved; ha­ving before violently turn'd out the Long-Parliament, the little Parlia­ment, the Recognition Parliament, & this garbled Iunto. There goe's a saying concerning the three latter, which were summoned by Cromwel himself; that the First was called but not chosen, the Second did just no­thing, and the Third did nothing just.

However, Cromwel resolv'd to maintain what he had gotten per fas [Page 298]& nefas. He had called his eldest Son Richard out of the Country to inure him to a Court life and Publick Affairs, and placed his second, Henry, in Ireland the room of Fleetwood, whom he recalled from thence, wanting, as he said, his Presence and Counsel. Moreover he had married his two youngest Daughters in the foregoing November, one to Mr. Rob. Rich. heir apparent to the Earldome of VVarwick, and the other to Thomas Viscount Faulconbridge. And having thus settled himself, he re­solv'd to rule at his pleasure, dispair­ing of ever having the complyance of a full and free chosen Parliament. On the twelfth of March he sent for Tichburn then Lord Mayor of Lon­don, the Aldermen and Common Council, and acquainting them with the imminent danger of the Com­monwealth by reason of secret Ma­chinations from some Ill-willers to [Page 299]his Government, gave them order for settling the Militia. Whereupon the guards were doubled and a strict watch was set in all parts of the City. Shortly after divers persons were ap­prehended and imprisoned; and a­mong others Doctor Iohn He wet Mi­nister of St. Gregories near Paul's, Mr. Iohn Russell brother of the Earle of Bedford, Sir VVilliam Compton bro­ther of the Earl of Northampton, Mr. Iohn Mordant brother of the Earle of Peterburgh, Sir Richard VVillis, Sir VVilliam Leighton, & many more of lesse quality. Hereupon follow'd a day of solemn Humiliation, and a High-Court of Iustice; before which was brought first S. Henry Slingsby of Yorkshire; he was accused of Treason by one VVaterhouse and one Overton Officers in the Garrison of Hull, for conspiring to seize upon that place for the King; Next him was brought to Tryall Dr. Hewet; he was im­peached [Page 300]of Treason for holding correspondence with the King, and delivering his Commissions to seve­ral persons for levying Forces against the Government; But the Doctor refused to own the authority of the Court. The same day Mr. Mordant was also arraigned before the said High-Court for a treasonable design; but he made his innocence so appa­rent against all the evidence, that he was acquitted. Sir Henry Slingsby and Doctor Hewet received sentence of death (pronounced upon them by President Lisle) on the 2. of Iune, and notwithstanding the intercessions of great friends, were beheaded on Tower-Hill on the 5. of the same moneth. A few dayes after one Mallery, the betrayer of all the rest, was try'd pro forma and condemn'd, but repriev'd. Other persons were also try'd, whereof some were ac­quitt'd, some condemned and re­prieved; [Page 301]but three persons were dealt with in the greatest rigour, being hang'd, and quarter'd, namely Col. Edw. Ashton in Tower-street over against Mark-lane end, Iohn Bettely in Cheapside, and Edmund Stacy before the old Exchange, Iuly 17. These murders were usher'd in with a Fast and concluded with a day of Thanksgiving. Sad newes was this to his Sacred Majesty, who could not but be infinitely sensible of the sufferings of these loyall persons, as well as of the calamitous state his interest was thereby brought into. However he gave not himself up to pensivenesse and unprofitable sor­row, but repaired for a while to Antwerp with the two Dukes his Brothers and the Princesse his Sister, from whence also he went to Bruxels and resided there for a good space, being entertain'd there splendidly by Don Iohn of Austria and desired [Page 302]to be present at most consultations for carrying on the War against the French.

In August Elizabeth Cleypole daughter to Cromwel and wife to one Iohn Cleypole dyed at Hampton-Court, much troubled in mind by reason of the bloody actions of her Father (as was reported.) But whe­ther it were so or no, this is certain that Cromwel never injoy'd himself after her death, and did not survive her a full moneth. He lay some while in a very sad condition with extreme torment and pain in his bowels; ne­verthelesse he could not endure to think of dying, but said the night be­fore his death, That God had revealed to him that he should not dye, and that he had a great deal of glorious work for him still to do in these Nations. But on Friday Sept. 3. he departed this life, or as some say on Aug. 30. at what time was the most furious violent [Page 303]wind, that ever hapned in the me­mory of man. Immediately upon his death, his Council met, and upon the affirmation of Dr. Goodwin that he nominated his son Richard to suc­ceed him, or for that they judged it the most expedient course, they or­der'd him to be proclaim'd Prote­ctor accordingly. Which was done the next day in the City of London, and his new Highnesse took an Oath prescrib'd in the Humble Petition and Advice. Richard's first care was the Interment of his Father, and search was made into the Records to see what had been expended upon the buriall of former Kings, to the end greater cost might be bestow'd upon his. All the gaudry was not provi­ded till the 23. of Novemb. and then his Image was drawn in great pomp to Westminster Abbey and lay'd in a stately Herse. What became of his carcase is not certainly known. Thus [Page 304]ended this great. Tyrant after almost 5. years usurpation, during which he spent vast sums of Treasure to main­tain his ill-gotten power, and yet his Funeral charges amounting to above 30000 l. are unpaid for at this day. Assoon as the ceremonies were over young Cromwel was urg'd by his wants of money and other pr [...]ssing occasions to call a Parliament; to which end he sent forth writs, (not according to the Instrument of Go­vernment, but after the old way, two in a County, &c.) In the mean time many congratulatory addresses were made to him from Counties, Cityes, Burroughs, and Regiments of Soul­diers, full of flattery and profanesse, some of them comparing, the old Tyrant to Moses and his Impe to, Ioshua, the Guides and conductors of Gods people out of Aegyptian thraldome. The chosen Members assembled at VVestminster on Ian. 27. [Page 305]and so did the Other House. Great de­bates were amongst them touching the recognition of the Government, & transacting with the Other House as Lords, (during which two Speakers successively dy'd) till the young Pro­tector being undermined by a Caball of Officers, Fleetwood, Desborough, &c. weakly yielded to the Dissolving of the Parliament on Friday April 22. shortly after which (a Fast being solemniz'd) the remainder of the Long Parliament who had been dis­solved by Cromwel in April 20. 1653. were invited by Lambert to sit again; which they did on the 7. of May, excluding by violence such of their Fellow-members as they had before secluded in Decemb. 1648. though they were the greater num­ber. Richard was thereupon depriv'd of his Government, & so was his bro­ther Harry in Ireland. And now this old Iunto being advanc'd again and [Page 306]congratulated (as other Govern­ments had formerly been) from Scotland, Ireland, and the Fleet, be­gin to act like subtile Politicians. And to the end the Army might be kept in obedience to them, they made the Speaker of the House Ge­neral, cashir'd many Officers, and caus'd new Commissions to be de­liver'd by the Speaker in the House of Parliament to all the Command­ers both of Land and Sea-Forces. The affections of the people they did not much value, so long as the Army would stand to them. To gratifie whom they impos'd a whole years Tax at 35000. l. per mensem, to be paid immediately. After which about Iuly they pass'd an Act for set­tling the Militia of Counties in such hands as they pleased: But Lambert and the other Officers (who intended to have the whole guard of the Rump, and aim'd at other [Page 307]designs) not relishing this proceed­ing, it was laid aside.

Nothing could have been more odious to the Nation then this re-establishment of the Rump-Parlia­ment; who taking these courses to secure the perpetuall continuance of their sitting and resolving never to encrease their number by admitting their fellow-members or new ones legally elected in their places, awake­ned the spirits of most of the Gentry of the Nation to attempt something for their Countries liberty by restitu­tion of the ancient Government. A great inclination there was in most Counties to take up Armes, and several Offers were made in divers places, but none was so considerable as that in Cheshire, Lan­cashire, and the parts adjoyning un­der Sir George Booth, Sir Thomas Middleton, and other Gentlemen in those parts. They declar'd for a full [Page 308] and free Parliament to be elected by the People. Sir George Booth had ta­ken Westchester, and was reported to be very numerous. Whereupon Lambert was sent out against him with an Army of six or seven thou­sand men, and a train of Artillery; moreover forces from all quarters were appointed to draw to him, so that all meeting he had a very puis­sant Army. The party under Sir George Booth had been in Armes a a good time before Lambert came against them in expectation that o­ther Counties would have done the like; but this hope failing, upon Lambert's approach, many of them withdrew from him. The rest came to an encounter with Lambert at Northwich, and were without much difficulty defeated. The number of the slain was not many, but the Pri­soners were in great multitudes; Sir George Booth himself was also with­in [Page 309]a few dayes after taken in a dis­guise in an Inne at Newport-Pagnel in Bedfordshire as he was coming up to London. Persons of quality taken besides him were the Earle of Derby, the Lord Kilmurrey, Major General Ranulph Egerton, Sir William Neile, Sir Thomas Powel of Flintshire, Col. Massey of Cheshire, Major Peter Brook. The Earle of Stamford and Sir Thomas Leventhorp were also impri­son'd in other places with some hundreds of Gentlemen for design­ing to levy war against the Com­monwealth. The Rump overjoy'd with this successe presented Lambert with 1000. l. to buy him a jewel, but he thought it more suitable to his designes to distribute it amongst his Army.

During these actions in England his Majesty privately withdrew from Bruxells together with the Duke of York; it was imagin'd by many that [Page 310]they were come concealed into Eng­land in expectation of the event, or at least lay upon the Sea-coasts ready to have transported some forces in a Fleet which rode upon the Coast of Flanders, in case matters had suc­ceeded prosperously. But not long after the suppression of the Cheshire Insurrection, they appeared again at Bruxells; from whence his Majesty dispatcht an Embassadour to attend with certain Proposals at the Inter­view of Cardinal Mazarini for the French King and Don Lewis de Haro for the Spanish, who met upon the confines to treat a Peace between the two Crowns and a Marriage be­tween the King of France and the In­fanta of Spain. The Embassadour was entertain'd by the two grand Ministers with very high testimonies of honour and respect, and promised to have his Master's Interest taken into consideration assoon as the con­cernments [Page 311]of their own would per­mit.

But in England the pretended Parliament fell eagerly to their old beloved Trade of Sequestration, and determin'd, to exercise the utmost of severity upon the actors in the late Insurrection. And no doubt they they would have prosecuted their in­tentions, had not Providence divert­ed their malice by a breach which fell out between them and the prin­cipal Officers of the Army. Lambert (whose ambition instigated to him to be so active in the late change of Government, and so popular in the management of his late expedition) together with other grand Officers thought the Parliament so oblig'd to them for restoring them to Power and preserving them in it, that they conceiv'd none of their demands ought to be denyed. Whereupon at their return to London, a Petition [Page 312]was presented to the House by Des­borough, for a General. The Iunto remembring how their former Ge­neral had serv'd them not only deni­ed this request, but vacated the Com­missions of Lambert, Desborough and 7. others, and voted the supreme command of the Army into the hands of seven Commissioners, whereof two or three were Army-men, the others Members of Parlia­ment. Lambert and his Companions were so incensed herewith that up­on the 11. of Octob. Forces were drawn out on either side at VVest­minster; those for the Iunto com­manded by Haselrig, Morley and o­thers; those for the Army, by Lam­bert himself, Desborough, Berry, and other Colonels; and had not the Council of State interpos'd, they had charg'd one another. Never­thelesse the Army-party prevail'd, and turn'd the Rump out of doors, [Page 313] Oct. 13. Which being done the great Officers being assembled in Coun­cil at Wallingford-house dispos'd of commands among themselves, Fleet­wood was made General, Lambert Lieutenant General, Desborough Ge­neral of the Horse, and that they might satisfy Gen. Monck too, who govern'd Scotland, they made him Major General of the Foot. As for civil Affairs they erected a Commit­tee of Safety, consisting chiefly of Army-Officers and some Members of the dissolved Iunto, who cided with them, as Vane, Salwey, &c. The council of Officers also for satisfa­ction of the people put forth a De­claration concerning their late pro­ceedings, charging the Rump with high Crimes, and making void their late pretended Acts. Moreover they appointed certain persons to frame a Model of Government: which no question would have prov'd an ex­cellent [Page 314]one, when onely Sword-men and Tradesmen were to be the con­trivers. But that which check'd their contentment in these courses was the dissatisfaction of Gen. Monck in Scotland. Letters of expostulation past to and fro between the Gene­ral and Fleetwood; but the English Army in the mean time prepar'd to march against him forthwith, and was led towards the North by Lam­bert, consisting of about 12000. men. The General seeing them thus be­forehand with him, sent Commissio­ners to Westminster to treat, yet with all march'd Southward with what Forces he could raise and for­tifi'd Berwick upon Tweed. The Commissioners going beyond their Instructions, the General was not satisfi'd with the Treaty, and there­fore soon after desir'd another at New-Castle; during which he call'd a Convention of Estates in Scotland, [Page 315]who not only approved his under­taking but assisted him in it. While things stood thus, the City of London, though they well enough lik'd the turning out of the Rump, would by no means join with the Army; But about the beginning of December, the Apprentices and some others fram'd a Petition to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen for a Free Parliament; the Souldiers understanding it inter­pos'd, and a great hurly burly there­upon arose in the City, some being slain and others wounded. Fleetwood was therefore desir'd to draw his Forces out of the City; but instead of doing that he placed Garrisons in several parts of it, threatning to fire it if the Citizens stir'd. At the same time Haselrig, Morley and some other Rumpers seis'd on Portsmouth, and declar'd against the Army; and part of the Navy under Vice-Admiral Lawson did the like, and blockt up [Page 316]the Thames. The City in this condi­tion would declare neither for Par­liament nor Army, but still desired a free Parliament, which at last was consented to upon divers enslaving qualifications and proclaim'd by the Committee of Safety to begin on Ian. 24. Upon the borders all this while nothing was done, the Treaty took no effect; neverthelesse Gen. Monck kept from engaging, nor was it pos­sible for Lambert to draw him to it, whose Forces quartered in a cold barren Country, unable to march by reason of the hardnesse of the wea­ther. At length Fleetwood having treated with Lawson to no effect, and his souldiers being ready to mutiny for want of pay, was forced out of apprehension of worser conse­quence, to give over ruling; and the Rump slipt into the House again on Decemb. 26. late in the evening by Torch-light. Upon the news hereof [Page] Lambert's Army deserted him, and General Monck enter'd into England with his, about the 6. of Ian.

Whilst affairs were thus turbulent in England, his Majesty being at Diepe in Normandy receiv'd an invitation from Don Lewis de Haro the great Spanish Minister at the Frontier of Spain. Which his Majesty accepting, rid post incognito through France, being accompanied onely with the Lord Marquis of Ormond, and the Earl of Bristol. Upon information of his approach to Bayonne, the Spanish Favourite went forth with a splen­did Traine to meet him, and upon the first sight of him alighted from his Horse, and notwithstanding the inconvenience of the place, in a ve­ry humble posture embraced his Majestie's knees; from whence also he conducted him (riding all the way bareheaded) to the best lodgings the place afforded. On the next day [Page 318]his Majestie was visited by Mazari­ni, whom he entertain'd with that discreet warinesse that he let him know he sufficiently understood his projects. The result of his Majestie's consultations with Don Lewis, was, that the Favorite in his Masters name promised him all assistance both of men and mony, assoon as the con­clusion of the French peace permit­ted. Whereupon his Majesty after high caresses and treatments, return­ed privately by Post to Paris, where staying with the Queen his Mo­ther some few dayes, he departed to his former residence at Brussels.

This private journey occasion'd so certain a belief in the Sectarians here in power, that his Majesty and the Duke of York (who lay at Calis) were come over into England, that many persons were apprehended for them and particularly one Mr. Colt was taken and imprison'd for [Page 319]the Duke of York, and others also for his Majesty.

We left Gen. Monck upon his march out of Scotland; all parties had their hopes fixt upon him, the Rump presuming by his assistance to quell the refractory City; and the Citizens, that he would enforce the Rump either to call in the Members secluded in Dec. 1648. or to fill up the House with new Elections; yet none knew certainly his intentions. During his March he was address'd to by several Counties, for the same things that the City desir'd, who also sent their Swordbearer as far as New-Castle to congratulate his coming, and tender the respects and affections of the City to him. Yet he gave such answers as were not satisfactory to any. The Rump also sent two of their Members ( Robinson and Scot) to wait upon him, but indeed rather as spies to watch and observe him. At St. [Page 320] Albans some Aldermen and Com­mon-Council men of London were sent to him from the City to court him, but were return'd, as all others, only with thanks for their respects. On Friday Feb. 3. he marched into Lon­don, and was lodg'd at White-hall; being much caress'd by the Rump, and receiv'd their thanks in the House. The City continuing still their refractoriness to the Rump; and perceiving they so delay'd the filling up of the House, as if they never in­tended it, on VVednesday Feb. 8. pass'd a Vote in Common Council, not to pay or levy any Taxes until such time as they might have a full & free Parliament. This so enrag'd the Rump that they order'd the General to march with his Army into the City, pull up the Chains and Posts, break down the Gates and Port­cullis, and imprison divers Alder­men and Commissioners. Which [Page 321]was accordingly executed the next day to the great terror and amaze­ment, not onely of the City, but of the whole Nation when they heard the report of it.

But this consternation did not last long; for the General reflecting on the odious service the Rump had put him upon, and apprehending their intentions to retrench his power (which indeed his Commission be­ing that day expir'd they did accor­dingly, joyning him with some of their Members and Officers in the supreme command of the Army) on Saturday Feb. 11. drew his Army in­to Finsbury fields, and presently after upon some conference with the Lord Mayor and some chief Ci­tizens, writ a Letter to the Iunto, as from VVhite-Hall, subscribed by Himself and 14. of his chief Officers, wherein he told them with what re­gret he had executed their late Orders [Page 322]in relation to the Chaines, Posts and Gates of the City, which he fear'd would be so far from answering the ex­pected end, that it would rather en­crease the discomposure of mens spi­rits in the Nations; minding them also, That the ground of his coming into England was, not only to return them to their trust, but also to vindi­cate the Liberties of the People, &c. He also complain'd, That Lambert, Vane and others, impeached of Trea­son, & that had acted in the illegal and tyrannical Committee of Safety, were yet suffer'd to continue in and a­bout the City, and some too in the House and in the Army, &c. That they were contriving to take away the maintenance of the Ministry; That they were framing another Oath to im­pose upon the people, and to that pur­pose had countenanced a bold and dan­gerous Petition from the Fanatick Party. And lastly he desir'd, That by [Page 323]the Fryday following they would issue out VVrits for filling up the House upon due and reasonable Qualificati­ons, and put a certain and speedy pe­riod to their sitting, according to their frequent Declarations. This Letter produc'd not greater regret in the Rump, then it did joy to the City and whole Kingdome, which was testi­fi'd at night by Bone-fires and ring­ing of Bells, &c.

The time set for filling the House being expir'd, and nothing done by the Rump in order thereunto, the formerly secluded Members upon addresse to the General, and engage­ing to him not to be against a single person, were on Feb. 21. permitted to take their seats in the House, after 11. years exclusion. The House now augmented by above a 100. Mem­bers, take care for settling the Na­tions; and first they constituted Ge­neral Monck Commander in chief of [Page 324]all the forces of England, Scotland and Ireland, Sir VVilliam VValler Lieutenant General, Colonel Rossi­ter General of the Horse, General Montague Admiral af Sea. Then they appointed a New Council of State consisting of Gen. Monck, the Lord Fairfax, Mr. Annesley, Sir VVilliam VValler, Mr. Hollis, Gen. Montagu and others to the number of 30. And with all speed they re­leased severall Gentlemen impri­son'd by the Rump, and amongst others Sir Geo. Booth; ordering also the City Gate▪ to be repaired at the publick charge. And lastly having made provision for settling the Mili­tiaa of the Kingdome, and calling a new Parliament to convene at West­minster April 25. they dissolved themselves by Act on Friday March 16. And thus ended that unhappy Long Parliment after almost 19. years from their first assembling, ha­ving [Page 325]been interrupted for 5. years to­gether by Cromwel, and for ten weeks by Lambert.

His Majesty in the mean time re­mov'd from the Spanish Court at Brussels to Bruges in Flanders, and resided there for a good space; but being now in fair hopes of restitution to his Dominions departed from thence toward the latter end of March to Breda, a handsome Town scituate in Brabant, about 10. leagues from Antwerp, and belonging to the Prince of Orange.

In this interval the Council of State prudently manag'd affairs▪ pro­claiming against all disturbers of the peace, under whatsoever pretence, and tendring an engagement for peaceable demeanour to be sub­scrib'd by such as they suspected of disturbance, which Lambert refusing, was committed to the Tower. The General also purg'd his Army of Fa­naticks, [Page 326]both Officers & Souldiers, & sent down two Colonels to displace Overton from the Garrison of Hull, which he pretended to keep till the coming of Iesus Christ. But about the midst of April a great distur­bance had like to have hapned. For Lambert having made an escape out of the Tower, appear'd in armes about Northampton in the head of a party, many cashier'd souldiers and fanaticks repairing to him. But this danger was timely remov'd by Col. Rich. Ingoldsby, who without fight­ing took Lambert with his own hand, and sent him up to London pri­soner, together with a son of Hasil­rig's, Col. Cobbet and Major Creed. They were brought by Coach through Hide Park on April 24. at which time 20000. Horse and Foot of City Regiments and Auxiliaries were training there.

The Parliament according to ap­pointment [Page 327]assembled at VVestmin­ster, & chose Sir Harbottle Grimstone Speaker, the Nobility also taking their places in the upper-House by virtue of their Peerage, & choosing the Earle of Manchester Speaker. Within a few dayes after their meet­ing, the Lord Viscount Mordant and Sir Iohn Greenvile one of the Gentlemen of his Majestie's Bed­chamber, arrived at London with Letters from his Majesty dated at Breda April 4/14. One was to the House of Peers, another to the House of Commons, another to Gen. Monck and his Officers, and another to the Lord Mayor, Alder­men and Common Council of London. These Letters were accom­panied with a Declaration, and de­livered accordingly on May-day. The two Houses received them with great joy and loyal affection, & so did his Excellency and the City; [Page 328]from whom Sir Iohn Greenvile re­ceiv'd 200 l. and 500 l. from the Parliament, as a gratuity, to buy him a Iewel. The Letters were full of very gracious expressions, and in the Declaration his Majesty offer'd I. A Free and General Pardon to be passed under the Great Seale to all persons whatsoever, who within 40. dayes af­ter the publication thereof shall sue it out; Excepting such as should be ex­cepted by the Parliament. II. A liberty to tender consciences in matters of R [...] ­ligion, so as the peace of the Kingdome be not disturb'd, and to pass such an Act to that effect, as the Parliament should think fit to offer. III. The deter­mination concerning Sales and Pur­chases, to the Parliament. IV. And last­ly, satisfaction of Arrears to the Offi­cers and Souldiers of Gen. Monck 's Army, and reception of them into his own service upon as good pay and con­ditions as they now enjoy. Hereupon [Page 329]the House of Commons Vote his Majestie's Letters and Declaration satisfactory, and the Government to be in King, Lords and Commons; soon after which both Houses or­dered a certain number of their Members to go to his Majesty with Letters, and to invite him to his Kingdomes; also 50000 l. was or­dered to be immediately sent to him, 10000 l. to the Duke of York and 5000 l. to the Duke of Glocester. The City also deputed several worthy Members to wait upon his Majesty with a Letter, and 10000 l. as a pre­sent. Moreover Admiral Montague was commanded to attend him up­on the coasts of Holland with a squa­dron of Ships. But the General first of all dispatcht away his Brother Sir Thom. Clerges with a Letter to his Majesty, wherein was enclos'd an Addresse of the Officers professing their Allegiance to his Majesty. On [Page 330] Tuesday, May 8. his Majesty was so­lemnly proclaimed in London, and soon after in all Counties▪ Cities, and Borroughs of England, and that with greater transports of joy then had e­ver been known upon the like or a­ny other occasion. In the mean time great numbers of persons of quality daily flocked over to Breda to his Majesty, who stay'd not long there, but removed to the Hague, where himself and the English Gentry were splendidly entertain'd at the charge of the States, who also presented him with gifts of great value. From thence the Queen of Bohemia with the Princesse of Orange, and the young Prince, accompanied his Ma­jesty and the two Dukes to the Sea­side, where they were entertain'd in the Naseby with a magnificent col­lation, and so his Majesty took leave of them, and set sail for England. At his landing at Dover he was met by [Page 331]the General, who immediately kneel'd to kisse his Royal hand; but his Majesty embraced him graciously and took him with his two Brothers into his Coach to Dover, where after a Treatment by the Magistrates, he rid to Canterbury, where he was met by the Mayor and Citizens, who pre­sented him a golden Cup full of gold; and the Ministers, who pre­sented him a Bible.

Having rested there on Sunday, the next day he went to Cobham-House, and on Tuesday May 29. (be­ing his Birth-day) he came towards London, attended by the Duke of Buckingham, the Earles of North­hampton, Norwich, Shrewsbury, Litchfield, Cleaveland, the Lord Mordant, and Sir Iohn Robinson, with their several Troops of the chiefest Nobles and gentry of the Kingdome, and the General with ten Regiments of his best horse, be­sides [Page 332]innumerable companies of people that flock'd from all the adja­cent Counties. On Blackheath near Greenwich he was met by Major Gener [...]l Brown with a gallant Com­pany of young Citizens and others, &c. and at Southwark he was met by the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, & 300. Citizens in Velvet Coats and Gold Chaines representing the several Companies, and entertain'd with a Collation in a Tent erected on pur­pose; and from thence about 5. a clock in the afternoon he rode into the City between his two Brothers, the streets being on one side beset with the several Companies in their Gownes and on the other with Souldiers, the windowes adorn'd with Tapistry and other hangings, the Conduits running with Wine and the people testifying their joy with incessant shoutings and Accla­mations.

Arriving at White-Hall, the Speak­ers of both Houses congratulated his return in two solemn Speeches, to which his Majesty answer'd that the People's acclamation (together with his journey) though gratefull to him as demonstrations of affection, had so disordered him that he could not give such an answer as he desir'd. But they should find him a sincere Defender of the Lawes and Liberties of the people, and the Parliament should not be more ready to ask his consent to any thing fitting to be done then he would be to grant it. After which he retir'd out of the Banquetting House to his Lodg­ings.

Thus we have trac'd out all the principal actions of this great King's Life, in his Infancy, Youth,. and Manhood to this present, as well in his own Territories as beyond the Seas, and withall given an account [Page 334]of the most considerable events here in England during the Oligarchy of the late long Parliament, and the Tyranny of Ol. Cromwel. In all which we have endeavour'd to give an im­partiall Relation with as much bre­vity as the smalness of this Volume (containing more strange occur­rences then have hapned in some A­ges) would permit. May the God of Heaven, who of his infinite and un­deserved mercy towards these poor Nations hath restor'd his Majesty to his Dominions, long preserve his Sacred Person for the good both of Church and Commonwealth, and multiply the years of his Reign in Honour, and Prosperity.

Glory be to God on High; and on Earth Peace and good Will towards Men.