CHARLES the second Son of King James, was borne at Dum­ferling in Scotland the 19 of No­vember 1600. who during his In­fancy was of a very weak and sick­ly temper, but arriving to riper yeares, proved to be of a very healthfull Constitution. Whilst he abode in Scotland was created Duke of Albany, Marquesse of Ormond, Count Ross, and Lord of Ardmannoth, and was the sixt of January 1604. in presence of all the Lords of the Privy Coun­cell, and other Peeres of the Realme, at West­minster Created Duke of Yorke, with all usuall and accustomed solemnities.

Count Gundamore being sent over Ambassa­dour from the King of Spaine, to treate of a Match betwixt the young Prince and the Infanta of Spaine, who confidently affirmed, there was no other way to regaine the Palatinate, and to settle a perpetual Peace in England, but by this Match.

King. James having a naturall inclination to peace, gives great attention, and by advice of the Privy Councell, the Prince on the 17 of Feb. 1622. is sent disguised with the Duke of Buck­ingham, attended by Endimion Porter, of the Bed-Chamber, and Richard Greenham, Master of the Horse to the Duke, who were met at Dover by Sir Francis Cottington, Secretary to the Prince, who being Imbarqued, Land at Boloigne, and so post to Paris, where staying one day, he had a transient View of that excellent Lady the Princes Henerettae Maria, at a Mask, which The Great Disposer of all things had preserved for him.

On the 7 ^th of March he arrives at Madrid, and alighted at the Earle of Bristolls house, then extraordinary Ambassadour, whose suddaine ar­rivall startled Bristoll, who was altogether a stranger to the Journey.

The next Morning notice was given to Count Olivares, the Spanish favourite (and by him Com­municated to King Philip) of the arrivall of the Duke of Buckingham, who in private informed the King of the Princes hazardous adventure to have a sight of the Infanta, which accordingly was afterwards performed with a great deale of seeming affection. But the crafty Spaniard could by no means be drawne to admit the restitution of the Palatinate, but would reserve it as a [Page 3]Gratuity to be freely bestowed after the Mar­riage.

Much time was spent, and Articles were drawn on both sides ready to signe, when on the sud­daine Pope Gregory dies, who was to give his dis­pensation for the Match; application is made to Pope Ʋrban, which protracted much time: the Prince being sensible of delay, desires leave to re­turne, & with many Complements takes his fare­well of the King and Infanta, and with much dan­ger arrives the fist of October at Porchmouth, the next day posts to London, where he was received with unspeakable joy of the people, and soone after hasts to Royston, where the King then re­sided; to whom he gave an ample and large account of the whole proceedings: the King communicates it to the Councell, who concluded to acquaint a Parliament with it, and forthwith a Parliament was summoned to meet in February following. Which being met, he declared the ne­cessity of a mutuall compliance betwixt a King and his Parliament; urging it with the parallel of Christ and his Church, the husband & the wife; and so falls upon the businesse, giving a short account of his Sons going to Spaine, with Buckingham to attend him, and his endeavours therein for the peace and welfare of Christendom, and desires their advice and assi­stance for the good of the Common-wealth, Religion, his Son, his Children of the Palatinate, how that his Estate and welfare consisted with theirs, and that he was free to follow their advice; and conclu­ded with serious and Christian Protestations, that never wayfaring man in the burning desarts more desired water to quench his thirst, then he thirsted and longed for the happy successe of this Parlia­ment.

The House after debate desired a further ac­count of the particulars, which accordingly was performed by the Duke of Buckingham and the Prince.

Buckingham having satisfied the curiosity of a searching Parliament, was by them greatly e­steemed and looked upon as the preserver of the Nation.

The Parliament after nature Consideration, advise the King to break off the Treaty, and to proclaim open warre; the King being natu­rally of a peacefull disposition, was very timo­rous of it, and urges his great want of money to maintaine it, the Exchequer being much drained by his Sons Journey into Spaine, Ambassadours, the maintenance of his Children abroad, who eate no o­ther bread but by him; besides, he was loath to shew his Teeth, and could not bite; he is willing to dis­solve the Treaties, but if he should begin a warre, God onely knows when it will end, but he would ingage his Son for the Recovery of the Palatinate, and in his old age will, if need require, assist in per­son, promising the disposall of the moneys to a Com­mittee of Parliament.

Forthwith a Councell of War is chosen, who order 6000 men to be sent immediately into the Low Countryes, in order to their passage into Germany.

Buckingham is accused of treason by the Spa­nish Ambassadour, but nothing came of it.

The Prince growing in yeares, and in the favour of the people, the Treaty with Spaine being null'd, some overtures are made for a Match with the Princes Henneretta Maria, the youngest sister of the French King; King James breaks it to his Pri­vy [Page 5]Councell, which joyntly applaud it, a Parlia­ment being summoned, and the businesse pro­pounded, it was entertained by them with an una­nimous consent, and proposed that an Ambassa­dour be forth with sent to negotiate in behalfe of the Match; the Earle of Holland is with all Ex­pedition sent to feele the pulse of the French King, in whom he found a ready inclination, so that he could easily guesse at the event; having advertised his Majesty of it, instantly the Earle of Carlile is sent as an additionall Ambassadour to the Earle of Holland; the French King sends Mar­quesse D'Effait for, England in the quality of an Ambassadour; the Noble Instruments plyed their businesse so close, that on the tenth of November 1624. Articles on both sides were signed, & there wanted nothing for the Compleating the Match, but a dispensation from Rome, for which the King of France sollicited.

In the Interim King James being molested with a tertian Ague, which drave him into a Feaver, delivers up his soule to God the 27 of March 1625. at Theobalds, leaving his three Kingdomes to his Son.

Various rumours past among the people con­cerning a plaister which the Duke of Buckingham caused to be laid to the Kings wrists; but his Physitians, Sir Matthew Lister, D ^r Chambers, and others, being examined, cleared the Duke of that scandall.

He was accounted and called Great Britaines Solomon, by some Courtiers; a Generall Scholler, and made all his Studies and Learning subservient to that of Divinity.

He was a perfect hater of Arminianisme, [Page 6]the Semipelagians, and of the Calvinisticall Pres­byterian humour, which severall times attemp­ted to break forth in his Raigue, but he by his wisdome supprest; an excellent Oratour, and by some charg'd with Epicurisme: A man studious of peace.

The sad Newes of King James his death came to Whitehall just when Bishop Laud was in his Sermon, which made him to breake off in com­pliance with the sadnesse of the Congregation.

His Son Charles was immediately proclaimed at the Court Gate, King of Great Britaine, France, and Ireland, who presently, dispatcheth aviso's of his Fathers death to all Confederate Princes and States to Next he took care for the solemne Interring of the Royall Corps, which on the 14 of May was performed with all funerall Rites; his Statue was lively presented on a magnificent Heare, King Charles being present thereat. His funerall Sermon was preached by Dr Williams Lord Keeper and Bishop of Lincolne.

King James (by his death) had intailed a war and an empty Exchequer upon his Successour, which in all humane probability was the occasion of the great differences and vast breaches betwixt him and the people.

The King, though much possest with griefe, yet there remained some part for love, he had still an eye toward France, and to manifest it, he sent out Letters of procuration to the Duke Chevereux to Espouse the Lady Heneretta Ma­ria, which Espousalls were solemnly performed in the Church of Nostredam in Paris.

The Bride prepares for England: the Duke of Buckingham and the Earle of Montgomery, [Page 7]with divers other Gentlemen of quality, were sent to attend her: At Bulloigne she was attended with one and twenty Ships, and divers Ladies of Ho­nour, and on Sunday the 12 of Jane 1625. she landed at Dover; the King then lay at Canter­bury, and the next day met her at Dover, whence with all solemnity she was conducted to Somer­set-House in London, where a Chappel was pre­pared for her devotion, with a Covent adjoyning of Capuchin Fryers, according to the Articles of Marriage.

London at that time was much visited with the Contagion, which broke out under the same roof that it formerly did at King James his Initiation into the Government; and that which is more remarkable, on the same day.

The King was not altogether Rapt up with the enjoyment of his deare Consort, but he was mindfull of the affaires of State; summons a Par­liament, which being met, he speaks to this pur­pose.

Which being ended, he valed his Crowne.

This Speech I set downe at large, it being the first, and I think not Inferiour to any for Rhe­torick.

Though this Speech consisted of very pressing Arguments, yet the Parliament made but slow hast; for they had two Petitions, one for Religi­on, the other for Grievances: which were pre­sented to King James the last Session, but received no answer: which Petitions were presented to the King with this pretence, that he might have time to consider and give a deliberate answer.

To the Petition for Religion, his Majesty pro­mised very faire: but to the Petition for Grievan­ces, his Majesty gave very many satisfactory An­swers; he caused the Accounts of the severall disbursments relating to the Army and Navy, to be delivered in to the Parliament, which wrought such good effect, that they gave him freely two Subsidies from Protestants, four from Papists, and three from the Clergy.

The King taking notice of the small appear­ance in the House by reason of the Infecti­on, Adjourn'd the Parliament to Oxford; and the first of August the Parliament met at Oxford, where they presented his Majesty a Peti­tion against Recusants, which the King readily and freely assented to.

The King urgeth the speedy Contributions, which caused great debates, some were very free and willing, others were backward, and pretend­ed the businesse was managed with green heads, [Page 10]speaking very unworthily of the Duke; the grea­ter part that refused, resolved upon a Remon­strance; the King being informed of it, and fear­ing the distemper would grow too high, dissolves the Parliament.

In September the States of Holland send over an Ambassadour to request a League offensive and defensive, against their common enemies, the Emperour, and the King of Spaine; which the King consented to, on condition they would bear a fourth part of the charge of the Fleet, Buck­ingham and Holland are sent over into the Low Countryes, to advise with the Ambassadours of severall Princes, about the restauration of the Kings sister; but they were disappointed, for the Danes denied ability, the French unwilling; up­on their returne came the sad newes of the ill suc­cesse of our Fleete, who put out the 8 of October, and by the 12. were dissipated by reason of a fu­rious storme, which was so violent, that 50 ships of 80 were missing for some time; the storme being over, a Councell was called and concluded to annoy the Ships in Gades Bay, but finding it difficult by reason of a Fort just before it, orders were issued out to cleere it or secure it in order to the designe; but finding it Impregnable by Sea, they conclude to attempt it by Land, Captain Burroughs an experienced Commander, with a Regiment of foote was ordered for that service, who managed it with so much care, that a parley was immediately granted; the Sea-forces being permitted to goe on shore, took such liking to the Spanish wines, that they grew disorderd, which occasioned the Admirall to prevent fur­ther mischiefe to hasten home.

The Contagion raging in London, Michaelmas Terme was ordered at Redding, and speciall In­structions were given to the Judges to put in execution the Statutes against Recusants.

February the 2 ^d 1625. was the day appointed for the Kings Coronation, which was performed with all usuall and accustomed solemnity, ex­cept his passage through London, which saved some money, the Exchequer being low.

A Parliament was called, and met the 6 of Feb. the Commons began where they left, concerning Religion; the Lords present the King with a Pe­tion concerning Grievances of their order. The King promised speedy redresse. M ^r Pim of the Commons, discovers to the House a Letter, and signed to the Lord Mayor of York for reprieving some Priests and Jesuits: a Committee is ordered to examine it.

The King being sensible of the necessities of the Kingdome, demands supply, and by Sir Rich­ard Weston tells them, That the Fleete was retur­ned, victualls spent, and the men in great necessity for want of pay, for which they were ready to muti­ny, which would be of dangerous consequence; and that there were 40 sale ready to goe out, which want a present supply; that the Army on the Sea-coast wants victualls, and clothes, with other pressing wants and necessities. In stead of a supply M ^r Cle­ment Coke, a Member of the House of Commons, Insolently delivers this; It is better to die by a for­raine Enemy, then to be destroy'd at home. The King being advised of it, was sensibly troubled at it, sends Sir Richard Weston to require satisfaction, but they made very slow hast in it, which occa­sion'd him to summon both Houses together, and [Page 12]by the Lord Keeper delivers his mind in part to them in a large Speech (much in vindication of the Duke) which being ended, the King spake as followeth.

I must withall put you in mind of times past, you may remember my Father mov'd by your coun­cel and woune by your perswasion, brake the Trea­ties. In these perswasions I was your Instrument to­wards him, and I was glad to be Instrumentall in any thing which might please the whole body of the Realme; nor was there any one then in greater favour then this man whom you now traduce, and now when you find me so far intangled in war, that I have no honourable nor safe retreate; you make my necessity your priviledge, and set what rate you please upon your supplyes, a practice not very oblig­ing toward Kings: M ^r Coke told you it was bet­ter to die by a forraine Enemy, then to be destroy'd at home. Indeed I thinke it is more honourable for a King to be invaded and almost destroy'd by a for­taine Enemy, then to be dispised at home.

The Commons nothing startled at this, made a quick reply concerning the Remonstrance, the King would have them to dispatch businesse of greater concernment, and there would be time enough for that. But the Houses thought nothing of more concernment, then proceeding against the Duke; which gave occasion to the Lord Dig­by, who long'd for nothing more then to exhibit 12 Articles against the Duke: The Duke being wary and vigilant, had long before provided Articles against Digby, though wanting one of the others number, which the next day were ex­hibited in Parliament.

Many rejoyced at it, that by their quarrelling [Page 13]truth was discovered, and they were so equally matcht, that it was hard to discover which had the better of it. But it rested not here, for with­in few dayes the Commons drew up 13 Articles against the Duke, & presented them to the Lords, and sent a message, desiring he might be commit­ted. Sir Dudly Digs, and Sir John Eliot, two principall. Actors in the Charge, were serit to the Tower. The House Remonstrate to the King, upon which they were discharg'd; the Duke ha­ving made his defence, deliver'd it to the Lords, who sequestred him from sitting till the tryall was over.

The defence was exprest with a great deale of humility and modesty. But the Commons having gon so far, were resolved to bring it to an up­shot, drew up a Declaration, to back it before the subsidyes, at which the King being much Incenst, the next day, June 15. 1626. he dis­solved the House; some interceding for some time, he replyed, No not a minute. That very day was the Earle of Bristoll committed to the Tower; and Proclamation for burning all Copyes of the Commons Declaration before their dissolution.

The breaking up of the Parliament was by some charg'd upon the Kings Indulgence toward the Duke.

The King of France pretending a martiall de­signe against Italy, and the Vatoline, craved of King James his ayd, at whose request the King promised to lend the Vantgard, a gallant Ship of the Navy Royall; the Merchants on satisfaction to lend 6 more. The Rotchellers being most Hugo­nets, on pretence that the King had not slighted For Lewis, according to agreement, and taking [Page 14]the advantage of the Advance of the French Ar­my for Italy, surprized the Isle of Rhe, together with many Ships that were in the Harbour. King Lewis understanding of it, makes what warlike preparation possibly he could, requires ayd of the Dutch. King Charles to performe his Fathers promise, lends the Ships to King Lewis, who to­gether with the French and Dutch Ships, fall on Subize the Stasiarch, the chiefe Rebell, retaketh his strong Holds, and chaseth him to the Isle of Oleron.

King Charles being sensible of his Brothers mis-implying his Ships, sent to demand the re­stitution of them; who answered that his subjects detained them contrary to his mind, and that he might get them as he could. The King, not being satisfied with this demand, and wifely foreseeing it might occasion a further breach, looks home, and finds the French who attended the Queene, very insolent, who Imposed on the Queene a strange kinde of penance, viz. That she should goe barefoot from Somerset-House to Tyburn Gallowes, to offer up her prayers for Priests and Jesuits there executed for treason. For which the King was ve­ry much discontented, and on the first of January 1626. he came to Somerset-House, attended by the Duke, and diverse Officers of State, (all the Queens servants and attendants being the day before summoned to attend) he spake as fol­loweth.

Divers endeavoured to excuse themselves, but the King replyed, I name none: the Queen en­deavoured to pacifie the King, but it would not serve; for a speciall Order was signed for their departure, and sent the Lord Charlton to give his Brother a true account of that action. The French King being informed of his Message, would not permit him audience, but sent Monsieur the Mar­shall de Bassom Pierre, as extraordinary Ambas­sadour, to demand their Restitution, who might as well have saved the labour, for it was in vaine, the King would by no means permit it: all the Merchants Ships were stopt by an Imbargo at Burdeux; which incenst the King so high, that he resolv'd on open wars with France.

And accordingly in October a Fleete of thirty sail, under the Command of the Earle of Denbigh and the Lord Willowby, set out; which by a violent storme were very much damaged, and forc't to return.

Anno 1626. dyed the Reverend Prelate Bi­shop Andrews, a man very well skil'd in the Ori­entall Languages, truly pious and devout. Three hundred thousand pound was borrowed by Loane toward the Reliefe of Rotchell, which was then intended to be besieged by the Duke of Guiz.

On the 27 of June the Duke with six thousand horse and foote, and ten of the Navy Royall, assisted with ninety Merchant men, set sale for Portsmouth, and published a Manifesto of the Kings undertaking for the reliefe of the Prote­stants.

Sir John Burroughs, with divers Gentlemen of quality, and 1200 Souldiers landed in the Isle of Rhe, who were received by the French valiant­ly, which by their valour made it hard to distin­guish who had the better.

The Duke perceiving the backwardnesse of the French to engage, lands his horse, and sends Sir William Beecher with 500 foote and some horse, to the reliefe of Rotchell. Upon their approach to S ^r Martins Towne, the Inhabitants immediate­ly fled into the Castle. The Duke being possest of the Towne, raised batteries against the Castle, where after he had laine before it two moneths without doing any considerable hurt, and by poysoning their springs, had almost inforc't them to yield, had not Monsieur Balon at high water by twelve Pinaces in the dead of the night sup­plyed their necessities; and on the 29 of October Marshall Schomberg at Port dela Pree, landed 4000 foote, and 200 horse, who facing the be­siegers, put them to a great fright: whereupon they resolve to rise & be gon, and in their retreat had diverse skirmishes. The French with fury fell in on the reare of my Lord Mountjoys Troops, who endeavouring to fly, routed our own party; which the Enemy perceiving, pursue with vio­lence. We lost in that Encounter neere 2000 common Souldiers, and 50 Officers, prisoners of note 35. besides 100 common Souldiers, which the King dismist out of respect to his Sister.

But the Duke being returned with those few scattered Troops, the King resolves speedily to besiege Rotchell, endeavouring to gain the Towne by famine, built three Forts, and drew a line to­ward the Land with many Redoubts within Mus­ket-shot [Page 17]of the Town, and by the Advice of Car­dinall Ritchlew made a Huge Boone or Baracha­do a-crosse the Chanell, almost 1500 yards in length, leaving a small space for the ebbing and flowing of the Sea.

The Rotchellers perceiving their utter ruine ap­proaching, send over Deputies into England, to solicite the King in their behalfe, who promised what assistance he could.

The Kings necessities were at that time very great, wanting almost what ever was necessary for a warre.

He resolves to summon a Parliament to meete on the 17 ^th of March 1627.

March 17. 1627. the Parliament met, Sir Jo. Finsh was chosen Speaker; And thus the King speaks to them:

The Parliament being deeply affected with the necessities of our neighbour Protestants and freinds in eminent danger, forthwith granted five subsidies with unanimous consent; Secretary Cooke brings the news to the King, who wept for joy, and bid him tell them, he would deny them no­thing of their just liberties.

Immediatly the House fall upon the peoples liber­tyes, and vote, that no freeman be imprisoned by King or Councell, without legall cause alledged.

They draw up a petition to this effect: 1. That no person be compeld to make, give, or yeild any gift, loan, benevolence, tax, but by common consent of Par­liament.

2. That no freeman be imprisoned or detained of his [Page 19]liberty, but by the Laws of the Land.

3. That the souldiers and mariners be removed from billiting, and the people eased for the time to come.

4. That martial Law be revoked.

Which petition was presented, to which his Ma­jesty gave a speedy answer, with plenary satisfacti­on, and withal told them, he having done his part, if the Parliament have not a happy conclusion, the sin was theirs, he was free.

Which answer was received with great acclamati­on and Joy. The House having fared so well, fall a ripping up of old fores, and drew up a Re­monstrance, which reflected upon the Duke, at which the King stood amazed.

They likewise were drawing a Bill against Tun­nage and Poundage, which the King would by no means permit. On the 26 of June the King proro­gued the Parliament to the 20 of October; and in his speech made an ample illustration of his conces­sions to the petition of right, which by some was ac­counted a great failing. And now a 3 ^d Fleet is rea­sdy at Portsmouth, for the releif of Rotchel. The Duke was very diligent in preparation, when on the 23 of August 1628. the Duke having prepa­red himselfe to wait on the King (who made that in his progresse) cal'd for his breakfast; the Duke comes downe from his chamber to a lower parlour. where taking leave of Sir Tho. Frier one of his Colonels, Just as he was going in, one Felton stabd him to the heart with a knife, which the Duke took out, but the effusion of the blood was so great, that he died instantly: the Earl of Cleveland and others that were within hearing, reported, that the murtherer seconded his blow [Page 20]with these words, The Lord have mercy upon thy soul. The murtherer imediatly went into the Kit­chin; the report throughout the house was, wher's the murtherer, w ^ch he misconstrued, her's the mur­therer, suddenly starting, cried, I am he; who was imediatly secured, and hardly escaped the fu­ry of the servants: The King was at his devotion when the news was brought, who was not in the least startled at it.

The commons rejoice at it, and by this means hoped of a freer and more permanent correspon­dency betwixt the King and people, which the event suddenly shewed.

The Dukes body was inter'd the 25 of Sep­tember, at Westminster, at the charge of his Exe­cutors.

Felton was arraigned at the Kings bench-bar, who upon examination confest, That the only motive that induced him to the fact, was the late Remonstrance of the Commons, and that he could not sacrifice his life to a nobler cause, then by delivering his Country from so great an enemy. He being found guilty, was hanged at Tiburne, and his body afterwards sent to Portsmouth to be hanged in Chaines.

This tragicke act nothing hindred the Fleets motion, which by the personal industry & care of the King, set fail from Portsmouth the 8 of Sep­tember 1628. the Earl of Linsey being Admiral, and being arived at the mouth of the haven, found that monstrous Boone and Baracado finished, which was designed by Cardinal Ritchlew, a cross wind suddenly arose & beat them back with great confusion, which the Rotchellers beholding from the bulwarks, imediately set open the gates and [Page 21]submitted themselves wholly to the King, who entred the 8 of October, and found onely four thousand remaining of twenty two thousand; the Fleet upon the news returned home safe.

A Proclamation was proclaimed against Pa­pists.

The 20 of October the Parliament met, divers complaints and petitions were exhibited touching the seising of marchants goods for Tunnage and Poundage. The King had notice of it, summons them to the banquetting house, and thus speaks:

The occasion of that meeting was a complaint made in the lower House for staying some merchants goods, for denying Tunnage and Poundage, which difference might be soon decided, were his words and actions rightly understood; for if he did not take these duties as appendixes to his hereditary prerogative, and had declared he chalenged them not of right, and onely desired to enjoy them by the gift of his peo­ple, why did they not passe the Bill as they promised to him, to clear his by-past actions and future procee­dings, especially in this his time of so great necessi­ty.

Therefore he did now expect they should make good what they promised, and put an end to all questi­ons emergent to their delay.

Two Committees were appointed, one for Re­ligion, the other for civil affairs; that for Religion report, that upon due inspection they find it in a very tottering and declining condition:

The other report, that many marchants had had their goods seised for not paying the customes of Tunnage and Poundage, being then against the Pe­tition of Right and priviledge of Parliament; for which S ^r Jo. Worsham, M. Daws, M. Carmarthen, [Page 22]Farmers of the Customes, were required to give an account. The King intervenes, and tels the Par­liament that what they did was as men addicted to his command, neither were they commissiona­ted to take it as a due debt, but he presumed the Parliament would performe their large professi­ons and grant it by bill.

They replyed the Farmers did it without war­rant, the warrant being only to levy and collect, not to seize; for the Bill they desired his pardon, being to insist on matters of Religion first.

The King requests them to forbeare prosecu­ting these men, and intimated that what they did was by his warrant. The House in great discontent adjourned for some few dayes, and being met again, they resolved upon a Remonstrance, which the Speaker refusing to read, and offering to rise, Mr. Hollis held him, and swore he should fit there so long as they pleased; which not prevai­ling; Mr. Hollis read these ensuing Articles as the Protestation of the House.

1. Whosoever should bring in Innovation of Religion, or by favour seek to introduce Popery, or Arminianism, or other opinions disagreeing from the true and orthodox Church, shall be re­puted a Capitall enemy to the Kingdome and Common wealth.

2. Whosoever shall councell or advise the taking and levying the subsidies of Tunnage and Poundage, not being granted by Parlia­ment, or shall be an actor or instrument therein, shall be reputed a Caitall enemy to this Com­mon-wealth.

[Page 23] 3. If any man shall voluntarily yeild or pay the said Subsidies of Tunnage and Poundage, not being granted by Parliament, he shall be reputed a beirayer of the Liberties-of England, and an enemy to the Common-wealth.

At which the House gave a great shout.

The King advised of it, sent the Usher of the blacke rod to dissolve the Parliament who would not be admitted; Sir Miles Hobert lockt the door. The King incensed at their contempt, sent for the Captain of the Pensioners and the Guard to force a passage, the members fearing the issue, slunk away.

The King went presently into the House of Lords, and delivered his mind as followeth.

And now my Lord Keeper doe what I com­mand you; who in the Kings name dissolv'd the Parliament.

The Parliament being dissolv'd, the King sets forth a Declaration of the Causes, Grounds, and Motives, that caused him to dissolve them, toge­ther with an account of all the Transactions of this and the last Parliament.

Not long after the King sent for ten of the last Parliament to appeare at the Councell Table, viz. Mr. Hollis, Sir Miles Hobert, Sir John Eliot, Sir Peter Hayman, Mr. Selden, Mr. Stroud, Mr. Correton, Mr. Valentine, Mr. Long, Mr. Kirton, who having been examin'd by the Lord Treasu­rer, some were sent to the Tower, some to the Gate-House, others to the Fleete: which after­ward begot a very high controversie in Law.

The Queen being affrighted, was before her time delivered of a Son, who was baptized Charles, which lived not above two houres.

The States of Venice sent over an Ambassadour to mediate for a peace betwixt us & the French, [Page 25]which was concluded in eight Articles, and con­firmed with solemn Oaths on both sides.

Two great Reasons were given for the Kings suddaine consent to a peace; the one was the ill successe and bad fortune that alwayes attended his warlike designes; the other and maine, the sinews of war being dried and shrunk up, the Exchequer was very barren.

Peter Reuben, the famous Painter of Antwerp, came over into England, and made overtures of a peace with Spaine, by offering the restitution of the Palatinate (then which nothing was more desirable of the King) but he had not full power to performe.

On the 29 of May 1630. the Queen was de­liver'd of her second Son, who was baptized the 27 of June at S ^t James's, with all Princely cere­mony, and named Charles, which caused great rejoycings and acclamations among the people, excepting the Puritan party.

At his birth a Star appeared visibly at noone day, just as the King went to S ^t Pauls Church to give thankes; where he was presented with these Verses.

The King being deeply sensible of his brothers miseries, and being informed of a Diet at Rats­bone, sent Sir Robert Anstruther Ambassadour to [Page 26]the Emperour, and Estates in Germany, to medi­ate in his brothers behalfe; to which the Empe­rour return'd Answer, that no forraine businesse was to be medled withall at the Diet, but as soone as possibly he could, he would doe that which might be for his Honour, and he hoped to his Majesties content: upon which the Am­bassadour returnes.

One Layton, a Rigid Presbyter, who published a book, call'd Zions Plea, (in which he excited the Parliament and People to kill all the Bishops. Very abusive also to the Queene, calling her the Daughter of Heth a Canaanite, an Idolatresse) was sentenced in the Star-Chamber to have his nose slit, his eares cropt, and stigmatized in the forehead; which he for some time prevented, by an Escape out of the Fleete, but being taken, un­derwent it.

The Peace betwixt England and Spaine was at last concluded, the Articles being the same in ef­fect, with those that were betwixt King James and Philip the Third, excepting that the King of Spaine should dispose of all his Interest in the Emperour toward the restitution of the Palati­nate; which was proclaimed Sunday the 27 of November 1630. with Great solemnity.

Aprill the 25. 1631. Mervin, Lord Aud­ley, Earle of Castle-Haven, was arraigned at the Kings-Bench. Bar, before Thomas Lord Coventry, who for that day was appointed Lord High Trea­surer of England, he being found Guilty of Rape and Sodomy, was by his Peeres condemned, and Executed the 14 of May at Tower hill.

And on the 27 of June following, Mr. Broad­way, and Fitz Patrick, servants to, and concri­minaries [Page 27]with the Lord Audley, were tryed at the Kings-Bench-Bar, and being found Guilty, the one of Rape, the other of Sodomy, were con­demned, and on the sixt of July were executed at Tyburne.

The Queene was the 4 ^th of November, 1631. deliver'd of her eldest Daughter, who was bap­tized Mary.

December 2 ^d, 1632. The King was visited with the small Pox, but by Gods blessing soone reco­vered.

Anno 1632. The Church of S ^t Paul (which by the pious zeale of our Auncestors was raysed to that huge bulke, that all Christendome was not able to paralell) being through age decayed, was by the piety of his Majesty, the Bishops, the Nobility, Gentry, and Commonalty of the Nation, begun to be repaired, and a very great progresse was made therein, but the unhappy differences of the Nation ensuing caus'd its ob­struction.

Anno 1633. The King having been often so­licited to goe into Scotland, in order to his per­sonall Coronation; on the 13 ^th of May he sets forward, with a Princely Traine: most of the English Nobility, all the Scots that attended here; and on the way was very Nobly treated by di­verse of the Nobility and Gentry, ospecially by the Earle of Newcastle at Welbeck.

On the 10 of June he came safe to Edenbo­rough, where he was Crowned with all outward seeming affection; and on the 20 of July return'd safe to the Queen at Greenwich.

In the beginning of August dyed the Reverend Prelate, George Abbot, Archbishop of Canterbu­ry; [Page 28]William Laud then of London immediately succeeded him.

October the 13 ^th 1633. the Queen was delive­red of her second Son, who was baptized James; and on the 24 of the same moneth was by Letters pattent created Duke of York.

The King taking into his Princely care the Irreverend and remisse service of God in the Kingdome of Scotland, sent Orders to be obser­ved by the Deane of his Chappell, as in Eng­land.

• 1 That prayer be said twice a day, according to the English forme.
• 2 The Sacrament to be administred once a moneth, and to be received Kneeling.
• 3 That he which Officlates on Holy dayes, doe it in his Surplice.

Which though backt with a Letter, requiring exact obedience, the Deane durst not performe, for feare of discontenting the people.

The King by the Advice of the Bishops and Councell, Reviv'd his Fathers Declaration for tolerating Lawfull Sports on the Sunday, which gave great distast to the people, especially to the puritanicall party.

On the second of February being Candlemas day at night, the King and Queene were enter­tained at White Hall with a Mask of the Gentle­men of the Inns of Court; The like was never in England seene before for State and Magnificence; and afterward were Royally entertained by the Lord Mayor of London, with a stately Feast and Banquet.

1634. The English Coast was much perplext with Pirates of severall Nations, and the Kings [Page 29]Dominion in the narrow Seas evidently usurped by the Dutch, and defended by Grotius in his book, Entituled, Mare Liberum; which was exactly Answered by the Learned Selden in his Book, Entituled, Mare Clausum.

The Exchequer at that time was very much drained: The King having tyed himselfe up by granting the Petition of Right, could not tax or levy money without consent of Parliament, and how to expect it from them, with whom he had parted so fouly, he could not imagine. He de­clares his Intentions to his Attorney Noy, toge­ther with the Necessity of raysing money, but desires it to be done Legally, who after much study and paines finds out an ancient president of raising a Tax for setting forth a Navy in case of danger without a Parliament. The King was very glad of it, Writs were Instantly Issued out to the Sea-port Townes, to raise money for a certaine number of Ships well provided, for the safety of the Nation: they complained that it equally concern'd the whole Nation; upon which a Tax was laid throughout the whole Kingdome, every one endeavoured to excuse it; and some alledged it was against the Petition of Right, it being done out of Parliament, which begat a great quarrell.

Great Contest happened in Ireland this yeare between the Protestants and Papists; which occa­sioned the Lord Strafford, then Lord Deputy to summon a Parliament, for the raysing of mo­neys, for the payment of the Army, and the Kings Revenue, which was managed with so much wisdome and prudence by the Lord Depu­ty, that he obtained his desire.

There was likewise a Synod called, wherein the Articles of 1615 were repealed, and the 39 Arti­cles of the Church of England established in their room: they did likewise unanimously declare their consent and agreement with the Church of England in the profession of the same Christian faith.

The Scots were now Hatching mischievous designes against the King, which they colour'd with specious pretences; as, The Kings endea­vouring to Intrench on their Liberties, and after some time were so Insolent as to charge the King with favouring of Papists, in a desperate Libell, which by the care and diligence of the Lords of the Councell was supprest: the Author was discovered to be one Hagge, and the prin­cipall abettor the Lord Bellamore, who being found Guilty, received the sentence of death, but upon his application to the Kings mercy was pardoned.

The 29 of September (by the procurement of the Earle of Arundell) one Robert Parr aged 160) was brought to London, one of the wonders of this last age.

In November following, the Prince Elector came to London, to tender his respect to his Un­cle, and to solicite touching his restitution; and not long after came his second Brother Prince Robert.

On the 28 of December 1635. was borne the Kings second Daughter, and was the second of January baptized Elizabeth.

March the sixth, William Juxson, Lord Bi­shop of London, was made Lord Treasurer; a man of great Piety and Integrity.

At this time, if ever might England be said to be in a happy condition; the Church the most Glorious and splendid that ever was since the Apostles times; the Civill Government managed by a King, who for piety and morality was not Inferiour to any in the Christian world; Incom­passed about with peace on all sides; what mor­tall would ever have imagined, that this bright Sun-shine of Felicity should be so soone E­clipsed.

William Land, Lord Archbishop of Canter­bury, taking notice of the carelesse observance of the Ecclesiasticall Canons, which he strictly put in practice in his solemne Visitation, and in his zeale gave order for the Removing of the Communion Table to the East end of the Church, upon an ascent, and to be rayled In, to prevent profanation; which gave great distast to the pu­ritan party, who charg'd him with Innovation.

1636. In July set forth the Kings Royall Fleete, to scowre the Seas of Pirates, and to pre­vent the Intrenching of the Hollander in Fishing upon our Coasts, which was effected; but by their humble Request, the King Indulgently Granted them Liberty.

In September the Earle of Arundell was sent Extraordinary Ambassadour (attended by a No­ble Traine) to the Emperour, to solicite in be­halfe of the Prince Elector, who being wearied with delayes, return'd in a discontent.

The unhappy Controversie of Ship-money began now to be disputed.

The Writs for raysing Ship-money having been formerly Issued out, divers refused to pay, among the rest Mr. Hamden of Buckingham-shire, [Page 32]by wilfull default refused, and desired it might be argued in Law, which occasioned the King to write a Letter to Sir John Brampston, Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench, Sir John Finsh, Lord Chiefe Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, Sir Humphry Davenport, Baron of the Exche­quer, and to the rest of The Judges of the seve­rall Courts, to know their opinion, who joyntly and severally gave their opinion, that it was Law­full: upon which, Processe is immediately Issued out against Mr. Hamden, who demurr'd and desi­red the Judges opinion, which was argued in the Exchequer, the Major part was for the King, onely Judge Crooke and Judge Hutton seemed to favour the other party, but Judgement was past by the Barons against Hamden.

On the 17 of March 1636. was borne Anne the Kings third Daughter.

In June following, Mr. Prin, D ^r Bastwick, and Mr. Burton, three violent and restlesse spiri­ted men, were sentenc'd in the High Commission Court, for seditious and scandalous Libells, by them made and disperst against the Bishops, and their Ecclesiastical Government; which sentence was by some accounted harsh and severe.

The King knowing the necessity of a mutuall Compliance in matters of Religion, and under­standing his Fathers Intention in composing a Liturgy for the Church of Scotland, Orders the Bishop of Canterbury, the Bishop of Ely, toge­ther with diverse other Bishops of both Nations, to revise and correct, as they should think meete, the Service, Compiled in his Fathers life time, (which very little differ'd from that of England) orders it to be sent to the Councell in Scotland to be made use of.

When on the 23 of July 1637: the Dean of Edenborough began to read the Book in S ^t Giles Church, a suddain uproar began by the women and baser sort of people; The Bishop appointed to preach goes into the Pulpit, hoping to con­vince them of their Irreverend Carriage, which nothing prevailed, for they were the more Inso­lent, flinging stones, stooles, and what ever else came next to hand, so that he hardly escaped with life.

Diverse other Churches were likewise Infested with the like fury and madnesse; but by the In­dustry of the Archbishop of St Andrews, Lord Chancelour, and other Magistrates, the tumult was appeased, some were afterward apprehended, and endeavours made to finde out the first be­ginner.

But it rested not here, for not long after it was observed, that a great concourse of people from all parts of that Kingdome came to Eden­borough, which occasioned the Lords of the Councell to put forth severall Proclamations to prevent the like disorders; but they nothing pre­vailed; for the next day the Bishop of Galloway going to the Councell, was followed by a great multitude, railing and reviling him, untill he came to the Councell-doore, where he was no sooner enter'd, but they beset the House with very great multitudes, threatning destruction to all that were within. The Councell immediately require ayde of the Provost and other Magistrates of the Ci­ty, who returne answer, that they were in the like danger. The tumult still increasing, they of the City were forc't for the safegard of their own lives to subscribe as followeth.

• [Page 34]1. To joyne in opposition to the Service-Book, and to Petition against it.
• 2. To restore Ramsey and Rollock, two silenced Ministers.
• 3. To receive in Mr Henderson, formerly silenced.

Which being signed, the Councell thought was a good step to suppresse the tumult, but en­tring into the High street, The Lord Treasurer and other Lords were afresh assaulted, trodden under-foote, and brought back by violence to the Councell-House, where being in great dan­ger, they require ayde of diverse Noblemen dis­affected to the Common-prayer-book, who pro­mised what assistance they possibly could, and in the end return'd home safe.

In the afternoon proclamation was made at the crosse of Edenborough, for prevention of the like disorders, but to smal effect; some Citizens demanding the restitution of the Ministers, and the performance of what was subscribed.

Suddenly two petitions were presented against the Common-prayer book, and the Composers and Abettors of it, which petitions were sent to the King (with the narrative of the whole) who immediatly sent instructions for adjourning the Tearm to Sterling a strong place, and to make proclamation of severe penalties to be inflicted on the breakers and contemners of the peace; which was no sooner proclaimed, but the Lord Hume, Lindsey and divers others protest against it, and in contempt of Authority, compeld the Heralds to hear the Protest, or Covenant read, all which being imparted to the King, he sends [Page 35]Marquesse Hamilton as high Commissioner, to settle peace, and a right understanding, who dealt treacherously and deceitfully, trifling away eleven moneths time, having three times returned to and again for England, and at last published the Kings gracious Proclamation, nul­ling the Service book, and high Commission, promising an Assembly to be held at Glascow, Novem. 21. 1638. and a Parliament at Edenbo­rough the 15. of May 1639, but this nothing satisfied, for the more the King granted, the more averse they were.

During the treaty the Covenanters had pro­vided Officers, Armes, and what was necessary for a war. The General Assembly being met, they proceed to declare against the Book of Common prayer, which occasioned the Bishops to draw up a protest against their proceedings, and in conclusion by the Unanimous consent of all the Councel, excepting Argile, the Assem­bly was dissolved. Proclamation was made and published throughout the Nation, shewing the grounds and reasons of their dissolution, which proclamation was opposed by the Covenanters, with a protestation to adhere to all their former Covenants to put by all the Bishops: Some they excommunicate, and not long after totally abo­lished Episcopacy, as being (as they pretended) inconsistant with the word of God and Lawes of that Nation. Which occasioned the Marquesse and Commissioners to returne for England see­mingly much discontented.

In the interim the Covenanters began to raise Armes, Levy souldiers, Impose taxers upon the people, seize some of the Kings Castles, raise for­tifications, [Page 36]and prepare for a war, and chose David Lesley an old souldier to be General.

Toward the latter end of October 1638. came the queen mother into England, many of the Common people were troubled at it, as being generally by them lookt upon as a forerunner of a greater mischiefe.

The Scots are very high and insolent, assu­ming all authority, and invent new and unheard of Judicatures in defiance to the King and Coun­cel; and having cast of Episcopal Jurisdiction, de­clare for the Calvinistical presbyterian Govern­ment which for a long time had bin hatching in that Kingdome, but could never take head till then.

The King to suppresse their insolency, by the advise of the Bishops, prepares an Army, which they contributed very largely to, and being bac­ked with the assistance of the Nobility and Gen­try, a considerable force is raised, the Earle of Arundell being made Generall.

The King on the 17 of March, the day of his Inauguration advances against the Scots.

The Scots hearing of the Kings advance, march forward under the Conduct of their Generall David Lesley to meet him, with Petition in one hand, and their Armes in the other, and on the 28 of May both Armies came within view. The Scots after some time sent to treat about a pacifi­cation, the King willingly consented to it; and for the English were chosen the Earls of Holland, Pembroke, Salishury, and Barkshire, and Sir Hen­ry Vane: for the Presbyterian Covenanters, the Earle, of Rothes and Dunferling, Lord Louden. Douglas, Archibald, Johnson, and Alexander Hen­derson; [Page 37]Who after much Consultation conclude Articles of pacification on both sides, which were signed the 18 of June. Which Articles were as follow.

On the Kings part.

• 1. His Majesty to confirme what his Com­missioners promised in his name.
• 2. That a Generall Assembly be called to sit at Edenborough, August 6.
• 3. That a Parliament be called and sit at Edenborough the 20 of August.
• 4. That he recall all forces by sea and land, and restore all ships arristed and detained since the pretended Assembly at Glascow, upon the Covenanters disarming and dishanding of their forces, dissolving their tables, and resto­ring to the King all his castles, forts and ammu­nition, and releasing all the persons, lands and goods, then under restraint since the pretended Assembly at Glascow.

This to be done by declaration.

On the Covenantes part,

• 1. All the forces of Scotland to be disbanded within forty eight houres after publication of the Kings declaration.
• 2. They to render up after the said publica­tion, all Castles, Forts, Ammunition of all sorts, so soone as the King should send to re­ceive them.
• [Page 38]3. They to hold no meetings, treatings or consultations, but such as are warranted by act of Parliament.
• 4. They to desist from all fortifications and these to be remitted to the Kings pleasure.
• 5. They to restore to all the Kings subjects their lands, liberties, houses, goods, and meanes taken or detained from them since the first of Feb. last.

Notwithstanding the declaration, the Scots are stil averse, and draw up a Protestation of sticking close to the late Generall Assembly at Glascow, and to their solemne Covenant, and perfidiously broke all their Articles of agreement, continue their meetings, neglect slighting the fortification and continue their officers in pay; which with many other insolencies, compeld the King to con­sider of reducing them to obedience. The King fummons his Privy Councel, who conclude a Parliament to be called the 13 of April 1640, and for the present, each of the Councel (except Hamleton who pretended poverty) subscribed large Contributions for the carrying on of the war, untill such time as the Parliament should convene, which was a leading card for the rest of the Nobility, the Judges and others.

The Scots being informed of the Kings Prepa­ration for a war, sent the Lord Dunferling, Lord Louden, Sir Will. Douglas, and M. Markham, as Commissioners to represent the affaires of their transactions, which were friendly received by the King, and he well hoped that all differences might be composed with lenity and gentlenesse: [Page 39]but it could not possibly be, for during the treaty most of the Nobility that wisht well to the Kings interest in Scotland are imprisoned, procured old souldiers out of Holland, made divers fortificati­ons, required ayd of the King of France, and by colouring their designes with the pretence for Religion and the cause of God, they had gained a very strong party here in England.

By this time Episcopacy was totally extirpa­ted in Scotland, and the Presbyterian Contagion began to reigne here in England.

The Bishop of Canterbury, a man learned, pi­ous and devout (though unseasonably zealous) was by the vulgar lookt upon as a great freind and favourer of Popery, by reviving ancient Cere­monies in the Church, and service of God, which gave great occasion of discontent to the more precise and godly party.

On the 13 of Aprill 1640. the Parliament be­gan, and were composed for the most part of persons of Honour, affectionate to Religion, and their Country, onely some sew violent restlesse spirited men, that endeavoured to represent all the transactions of the King in the most ugly colours.

The King laid before them the treacherons designs of the Scots, and demands 12 subsidies, Mr. Pim and divers other members made long speeches, reciting the greivances both of Church and State, which were very many; for it is with Government both Ecclesiasticall & Civil, as it is with watches, that how good and excellent soe­ver they be, length of time disorders them, they urge that there was never more need of redres­sing grievances, and that would be the onely way [Page 40]to procure the Subsidies required. The King promised to redresse the grievances afterward. The King seeing them very backward concerning the Subsidies which his pressing necessities call'd for, on the sift of May came into the House, and dissolv'd the Parliament, using Civill Lan­guage, protesting that he would governe as much according to Law, as if a Parliament were con­stantly sitting; yet Mr Bellosis, and Sir John Ho­tham were committed for speeches a small time, and M ^r Crew Chaireman to the Committee for Ministers, was committed to the Tower for re­fusing to discover some Petitions presented to the Parliament.

The Convocation now sitting had formed an Oath for maintaining their Hierarchy, (as the Scots on the other side had Covenanted for the destruction of Episcopacy;) for which they were much blamed by many good men.

They likewise granted a large Contribution of 45. in the pound for six years to be assest on all the Clergy of England, toward the carrying on of the Scotch war, which was lookt upon as Illegall, being without consent of Parliament.

And now the English in Imitation of the Scots, began in a rude manner to assault the Archbishop of Canterbury (as they did the Archbishop of St Andrews) conceiving him to be the onely man that advised the King to break up the Parliament; and on Munday the 16 of May 1640. a great number of rude disorderd persons meet together, and goe to his house at Lambeth, beset it, but he being forewarned had sufficiently provided for his own safety. Some of the principall were ap­prehended, and committed to the White Lyon in [Page 41] Southwarke, which not long after was violently by the multitude broke open, and the prisoners discharge. One of the Principall Riag-leaders was afterwards apprehended, and condemned to be hang'd drawn and quartered, to terrifie the rest.

The King being in want, applyes himselfe to the City for supply, but they being discontented at the last dissolution, pretend poverty, a likely thing, after so many yeares of peace, plenty, and prosperity, as they had enjoyed under his Go­vernment; besides they are a little troubled at the questioning of their London-Dery Lands in Ireland by the Star-Chamber.

They Gentry were generally more free, and afforded large Contributions, by which meanes the Army began to Muster, the Earle of Nor­thumberland was appointed Generall, and the Earle of Strafford Lievtenant Generall; but both being indispos'd in health, the King resolved to goe himselfe in person.

In July 1640. The Queene was delivered of a Son, who was baptized Henry.

August 20. 1640. The King advances to­ward the North, the Army having rendevouzed some dayes before; whether being come, he was informed of the sad disaster of a defeate given by Lessly to 1200 Horse and 3000 foote, under the Command of the Lord Conway, who were lest to secure the passe over the River Tine, nere Nu­burne; as likewise Sir Jacob Astley Governour of Newcastle, quit the Towne, after he had sunck all the Ordinance, as being no way tenable.

By this time the Earle of Strafford was re­cover'd, and came to his command, much trou­bled [Page 42]at my Lord Conways loss; which Conway stoutly alledg'd, was neither through neglect nor oversight.

Yet notwithstanding the Covenanters had a Check in their own Country, Lesley having left some superfluous Ordnance at Dounse, which the Garrison of Warwick being advertised of, adven­ture forth, and did seaze them; which allarum'd the Earle of Haddington, who with 2000 horse and foote pursue, and with a very sharp Encoun­ter rescue them, which were carried back to Dug­lasse. The Earle being at dinner the next day with diverse Knights and Gentlemen in a roome over the Magazine of Powder, in the midst of their mirth they were suddenly blowne up, whether by easualty or on purpose, it was not known.

In September following, the King was at Yorke presented with a Petition, subscribed by eleven of the English Nobility; To which he made Answer as followeth.

Before the receipt of your Petition, his Majesty well foresaw the danger that threatens himselfe and Crowne, and therefore resolveth the twenty-fourth of this moneth to summon all the Peeres, and with them to consult what in this case is fittest to be done, for his own honour, and safety of the King­dome, where they with the rest may offer any thing that may conduce to these ends.

And accordingly they were by Writs from the Lord Keeper summoned to attend the 24 of Sep­tember.

Great were the sufferings at that time of the Northerne Counties; for Lesley the Scots Gene­rall had imposed a tax of 350 l. per diem on the Bishoprick of Durham; and 300 l. per diem on [Page 43] Northumberland, on penalty of plundering; and likewise seaz diverse English Ships laden with Corne in Newcastle Road, as lawfull prize.

On the 24 of September, the Lords assembled at Yorke, where it was resolv'd that a Parliament should assemble the third of November follow­ing, and to desire a speedy Treaty with the Scots at Yorke; the Scots replied, it was no way safe for them, by reason that my Lord of Strafford, Generall of the Kings Army, had proclaimed them traytors in Ireland, before the King had done it in England; he being an utter Enemy to them, and one whom they did Intend to Im­peach.

At last Rippon is the place agreed on; The Commissioners on both sides are Chosen; The Scots present their demands to this purpose.

• 1. To confider how their Army should be maintain'd till the Treaty be ended, and their peace secured.
• 2. If more Commissioners be required, they may be convai'd with safety.
• 3. All Intercourse of Letters betwixt them, and the Parliament, to be convai'd with safe­ty.
• 4. That there may be a free correspondency of Commerce with Newcastle, especially for Victualls.

Which Proposalls at first seem'd very hard to the English, who thought it more reason first to provide for their own Army; but the Conquering sword decides the Controversie. The English must yeeld to the Scots unreasonable demands.

After many meetings of the Commissioners, at last in thirteen Articles they agreed upon a cessation, which was signed by the King the 16 of October: but the Grand Treaty, was by their supplication to the King, appointed at London; and in the meane time all acts of Hostility to cease.

At that time the Earle of Montrosse, who had acted all along with the Covenanters, began to discover the treacherous Designes of the Scots; and now plainely saw that they meant nothing lesse then what they pretended, viz. The Honour of his Majesty, and the preservation of Religion (as alwayes the vilest actions, are covered with the most specious pretences) yet was so wise as not presently to discover himselfe, but from time to time advertiz'd his Majesty of the proceedings; which Letters by Hambiltons advice were taken out of the Kings pockets, transcribed and sent to the Covenanters, who dissembled it to the Earle, but cast durt in his face, raising frivolous asper­sions, endeavouring to make him odious to the people.

Great was the Expectation of the whole Kingdome for the happy meeting of the Parlia­ment, and every small obstruction was lookt on as a great Impediment, many Good men hoped for the redresse of Grievances; others waited to spit that venom, which they had a long time con­tracted.

In November 1640. the Parliament began, where the King in a Gracious Speech, declared his earnest desire for the happinesse and prosperity of the Kingdome, giving an account of the Scotch war, and desired them, as he promis'd he would, to [Page 45]lay aside all prejudice, and he would now clearely and freely put himselfe upon the love and affection of his English subjects; desiring them to consider the best way for the safety and security of the King­dome of England, and in order to it, for satisfaction of their just Grievances, wherein he would heartily concur, that the world might see his Intentions were to make this a Glorious and flourishing Kingdome; freely leaving it to them where to begin; and con­cluding, That it should not be his fault if this were not a good and happy Parliament.

Many Members made long Speeches about Grievances, as Sir Ben: Ruddier, Mr. Grimston, Mr. Pim, Sir John Clotworthy, and others, which were backt by diverse other Members.

Their first businesse was to Vindicate distressed Ministers, diverse were inlarged, and restored to their former Livings. Many Petitions were pre­sented from most parts of the Kingdome for Re­dresse of Grievances.

The Lords complaine that the priviledges of their House were broken, because the Earle of Warwick, and the Lord Brooks, had their Studies and Cabinets searched.

The House discharged Mr. Prin, Mr. Burton, and D ^r Bastwick out of prison; and Voted Mr. Burton 6000 l. damage: Mr. Prin and D ^r Bast­wick 5000 l. a piece.

Mr. Denzill Hollis, not many dayes after, was sent from the Commons to the Lords to Impeach the Earle of Strafford of High Treason; Mr. Pim made a report to the House what Capitall Crimes were objected against him, upon which in four­teen Articles he is Charg'd by Mr. Pim. The Earle is forthwith sequestred the House, and com­mitted to the Black Rod.

On the 18 of December, Bishop Wren, and Bishop Laud, are Voted by the Commons Guil­ty of High Treason, and a Charge was immediate­ly brought in against Bishop Laud, upon the Reading of which he is order'd to the Tower, but upon his request was respited for two dayes.

Sir Francis Windibanke principall Secretary of State fled, and not long after him my Lord Finsh, one that had been very Active for Ship-money, which was then Voted Illegal; and most of the Judges were Voted Delinquents.

The Parliament began to strike a terror into all that had any way offended, or had been vio­lent in action, both in Church and State.

In December Alderman Penington with a great multitude out of London (for now it was custo­mary for Petitioners to come in great numbers) Petitioned the House against Episcopall Govern­ment, and other Ceremonies of the Church, of which a Committee was appointed to consider.

The Armies in the North lay heavy upon the Kingdome, which moved the House to allow 100000 l. toward their present pay, and the mo­ney to be borrowed of the City of London, un­till the same be raysed by subsidy.

The King summons both Houses together to the Banqueting House, and declares himselfe not satisfied with their slow proceedings, and the Great Charge of maintaining two Armyes; next of the low condition of his Navies and Forts, whereby his enemies are encouraged, and his friends disheartned; and likewise tooke notice of diverse strange Petiti­ons presented to the House against the Government of the Church; he told them, he was content with a Reformation, not an alteration of Church-Go­vernment. [Page 47]He tooke notice of a Bill preparing in the House, for frequent Parliaments to be elected by the Sheriffes, without his consent, which he could by no means admit of, it being an Inseparable right of his Crowne; and did freely confesse that frequent Par­liaments were the best means for preserving a right understanding betwixt him and his subjects.

These were the two principall rocks he would have them avoyd.

Not long after, arrived the Dutch Ambassa­dour, to negotiate in behalfe of a Match, betwixt the Prince of Orange and the Lady Mary, the Kings eldest daughter, which the King thought fit to Impart to the Parliament, they for the pre­sent doe nothing in it, but proceed to the draw­ing up the Bill for a Trienniall Parliament, which being past by both Houses, was the 16 of Feb. presented to his Majesty for his consent.

To whom he declares himself, reminding them, that this was one of the two rocks which he formerly tould them of, and that the Consequence of it was such, that never Bill past the House of more favour to the subject then this; minding them that by rea­son of their proceedings, he might justly question the doing it, and took notice how they had taken the Go­vernment all in pieces; how that a skilfull Watch­maker to clense his Watch will take it asunder, and when it is put together, it will goe better, provided no pin be omitted. Now I have done this on my part, you know what to doe on yours, reposing Great Trust and confidence in your affection.

The passing of this Bill, was by wise men thought to be none of the least of his failings.

Judge Barkly was by the Usher of the black Rod arrested, as he sat on the Kings Bench, for high treason.

Thomas Earle of Strafford was next brought upon the stage, the Articles exhibited against him were from 14 made 28. and on the 22 of March 1640. his Triall began. The place appointed was Westminster-Hall, where scaffolds were raised on both sides, nine degrees in height: The two uppermost for the Scotch Commissioners, and the Irish Lords: In the midst in a lower ascent sat the Peeres of the Realme; a Throne also was erected for the King, but he never appear'd publiquely, but was every day of the Triall in a Close Gal­lery to heare and observe the whole proceedings, and took notes. The Earle of Arundell was Lord High Steward, and the Earle of Linsey Lord High Constable.

The Charge was principally managed by Mr. Glin and Mr. Maynard, both Members of the Commons House; fifteene dayes together was the Earle arraigned, and gave in his answer to every particular Charge.

The Commons Charge him afresh by Mr. Pim concerning some Notes taken by Secretary Vane, which were discover'd by his son, of his telling the King, be had an Army in Ireland which his Majesty might Imploy to reduce this Kingdome to obedience.

He is againe call'd to the Barre, and Mr. Glin and Mr. Pim endeavour to prove him Guilty by Law; They extend his Crimes, and make him as Odious as possible they can. The Earle moves for Councell, which the Peeres could not in rea­son deny: The Commons oppose, but after three dayes contest, the Peeres prevaile; Councell is assign'd him, viz. M. Lane, The Princes Attur­ney, Mr. Gardner, Recorder of London, Mr. Loe, [Page 49]and Mr. Lightfoote; and Saturday the 17 of A­prill was appointed for him and his Councell to appeare, where his Councell argued his case in Law; that day they adjourn, not appointing any time for their next meeting.

The Commons House Vote him Guilty of high Treason, upon the evidence of Sir Henry Vanes notes, which Bill of Attainder was sent up to the Lords, which in their House was much opposed.

Some few dayes after, Mr. S ^t John, The Kings Soliciter, was sent by the Commons to the Lords, to Justifie the Bill by Law, which accordingly was by him performed in Westminster-Hall; The Earle being present, and The King in his accu­stomed place.

The Peeres in their House proceed to Con­demnation.

The King having notice of it, on the first of May Calls both Houses together, where he de­clares, that he had been present at the whole Tri­all, and that in Conscience he could not condemne him of high Treason.

He likewise in Vindication of the Earle, de­clares.

• 1. That he never had any Intention to bring o­ver the Irish Army, nor ever was advised by any body so to doe.
• 2. That there never was any debate before him, either in publick Councell, or private Committee, of the disloyalty of his English subjects.

And that though he could not in Conscience condemne him of high Treason, yet he could not cleare him of misdemeanours; He desired them to consider what a tender Conscience was, and that [Page 50]to satisfie his people, he would doe much, but in this of Conscience, neither fear nor any other respect, should make him goe against it. He desired them to find out some middle way, and was of opinion that for misdemeanours he thought him not fit to serve him, or the Common-wealth, in any place of trust, no not a Constable.

This speech gave much discontent to both Houses.

Sunday, May the second, The Prince of Orange was married to the Lady Mary at White Hall, with Great solemnity and triumph.

The next day diverse seditious persons had stir­red up the multitude, to the number of 5000 or 6000. who in a Tumultuous manner came arm'd to Westminster, crying out for Justice to be exe­cuted on the Earle, committed outrages on di­vers Lords, but by faire promises of my Lord Chamberlain, they were appeased.

They likewise posted at Westminster Hall Gate, and the Exchange, a Catalogue of those that op­posed the Bill of Attainder, under the title of Strafordians.

The fift of May a Motion was made in the House for a loan of 650000 l. to be Lent till it was Levied by Subsidy, provided the King would pass a Bill not to adjourne, prorogue, or dissolve this Parliament, without the consent of both Houses; upon which Motion a Bill was order'd to be drawne up.

The Lords by advice of the Judges, Vote the Earle Guilty of the 15 and 19 Articles. And at a Conference of both Houses, it was ordred, That some Lords be sent to the King with the two Bills; one for executing the Earle, The other for [Page 51]continuance of this Parliament; which accord­ingly was done on Saturday; and The King pro­mised his answer on Monday.

All the Sabbath day he was much perplext within himselfe. The Clamours of the multitude, were great, he sends for the Judges to advise, summons the Privy Councell, and with them spends much time in arguing the Case, sends for five Bishops, viz. London, Lincolne, Carlile, Dur­ham, and Bishop Ʋsher, who for Law wholly re­mit him to the Judges, and for Conscience, he having heard the whole proceedings, if he con­ceiv'd him Guiltlesse, he ought not to condemne him.

The Judges in part satisfie the King, by de­claring that he was Guilty of high Treason.

The Earle himselfe that day writ a Letter with his own hand, To set his Majesties Conscience at Liberty, humbly requesting him, to prevent such mischiefes as might ensue upon his refusall, to pass the Bill; and, That his consent herein, should ac­quit him to God more then all the world beside.

Munday the 10 ^th of May, his Majesty being wearied with complaints, granted a Commissi­on to the Earle of Arundell, Lord Privy Seale, Lord Chamberlain, and others, to pass the two Bills.

The next day being much afflicted in his spirit, he wrote to the Lords, and sent it by the Prince, wherein he requests, That although he had past the Bill of Attainder against The Earle, yet desir'd to shew mercy, by letting that unfortunate man to end his life in Close Imprisonment; but if no lesse then life can satisfie my people, I must say, Fiat Ju­sticia. The Postscript was, If he must die, it were [Page 52]Charity to reprieve him till Saturday.

The House returnd answer, that his request could not possibly be admitted without apparent danger to Him, his Wife, and Children.

On Wednesday the 12 of May, he was brought from the Tower to the scaffold on Tower-hill, attended by Bishop Ʋsher, where he made his last Speech to the people, Protesting his Innocency in that for which he was condemned, acquitting all the world, and desired God to forgive them, wishing presperity and happinesse to the Kingdome, and de­sired they would seriously consider whether the Re­formation of a Kingdome should be written in Let­ters of blood; much fearing they were in the wrong way; professing he died a true sonne of the Church of England, wherein he was borne, and in which he was bred: addressing himselfe to his brother Sir George Wentworth, desired to be remembred to his Wife and Children, willing him to Charge his Son never to meddle with the patrimony of the Church, for it would prove a Canker to his estate; and after a short time spent in prayer, he submitted his neck to the Block, which was struck off by the Executioner at one low.

There was at that time a discovery made of di­verse persons that had endeavour'd the Earles escape out of the Tower, diverse Gentlemen of worth were engaged in it, but the timely disco­very prevented its execution.

Upon which the House oderd some Lords to be assistant to the Lievtenant of the Tower for the safety of the City.

Severall Great persons were displaced, as, The Earle of Essex made Lord Chamberlain, in the roome of Pembroke; The Marquesse of Hart­ford [Page 53]Governour of the Prince, in the roome of the Earle of Newcastle, D ^r Juxon Lord Treasurer, resigned his Office to five Commissioners; The Lord Cottington Master of the Wards, was dis­placed, and the Office conferd on the Lord Say.

In May last the Parliament to engage the peo­ple to stick close to them, framed an Oath or Protestation, which was by them taken, and sent through England to be taken by the people.

The Parliament being secured for their ever­lasting sitting, began to consider of the raising of moneys for the payment and disbanding of the two Armies; much Plate was melted downe; and the Earle of Holland was by joynt consent of King and Parliament order'd to goe downe as Generall to disband the English Army.

The House in February following, Voted 300000 l. for the Scots, and dayes of payment to be appointed.

For the Levying of this money a Bill was brought into the House for Pole-money, Viz. a Duke 100 l. a Marquesse 80 l. Earles 60 l. Vicounts and Baronets 40 l. Knights of the Bath 30 l. Knights Bachelours 20. l. Esquires 10 l. every Gentleman able to expend 100 l per annum 5 l. and so every one according to their degree, no person exempted, every Head paid six pence; which Bill with two other were offerd to the King, one for putting downe the Star-Chamber, another for putting downe the high Commission, at which the King was a little startled.

The House Voted he should signe all, or none, which notwithstanding, he past that for Pole-money, and tooke time for the other two, and not long after with much Importunity he past them also.

Sir Thomas Roe was sent in the quality of an Ambassadour to the Emperour, to solicite the restoration of the Prince Elector, which after much stay and nothing effected, he returnes.

The Parliament considering the heavy burdens of the Northern Counties, Order 100000 l. part of the 300000 l. to be paid to the Scots; and in August following both Armies were quietly disbanded, and departed to their own homes.

Bishop Wren is committed to the Tower for misdemeanors amounting to treason.

The Judges that gave their opinion for Ship-money are questioned, and severall Charges drawne up against them.

The King having Inform'd the House of his resolutions to take a Journey to Scotland, on the tenth of August set forward out of London to­wards Scotland, but that very Morning came to the House and past diverse Bills, and likewise sign'd a Commission for the passing of Bills in his absence, the Commissioners appointed were the Lord Keeper, the Lord Privy Seale, Marquesse of Hartford, Earle of Lindsey, Earle of Essex, Earle of Dorcet, Earle of Bath.

He likewise signed another Bill, constituting the Earle of Essex Generall of all the Forces on this side Trent, by which he had power in case of necessity to Levy an Army.

The Parliament adjourned from the eight of September till the 20 of October, and appointed a standing Committee of fifty Members to act in the Intervall.

The Parliament being adjourn'd, and the King gone to Scotland, every one tooke advantage to vent the humour of his own braine; many using [Page 55]Irreverend behaviour during the time of divine service, many outrages and riots were committed against Clergy-men, and the Prelaticall party (as they cald them) strange and unheard-of practices were used, as tub-preaching, and that openly in the streets; which gave occasion to many sober minded men to thinke evill of the Parliament, as though it was their contrivance.

During the Kings being in Scotland, a Letter was sent from the English-Committee in Scot­land, to the standing Committee at Westminster, discovering a plot against the lives of Marquesse Hamilton, and others the greatest Peeres in Scot­land, the Earle of Craford, and others, being the Conspirators: which occasioned the standing Committee (to prevent the like here) to ap­point strong guards in severall parts of the City, and so to continue till the next meeting of both Houses.

Before the King return'd from Scotland, about the end of October 1641. brake out the most bar­barous and inhumane Rebellion in Ireland, that ever was heard of in any age of the world. The Innocent Protestants turn'd out of their estates, and above two hundred thousand persons, men, women, and children, most barbarously and cru­elly murdered.

But we will leave Ireland weltring in her blood, and look home.

Where in November 1641. we find the King return'd from Scotland, and was by the City of London feasted, and in Great State conducted to Hampton Court, with much seeming expressions of Joy; some few dayes after the King Invites the Aldermen and principall Citizens to Hampton [Page 56]Court, where they were sumptuously feasted, and diverse Aldermen were Knighted.

During the Kings residing at Hampton Court, the Commons present the King a Remon­strance of the state of the Kingdome, with a large recitall of all the Grievances and oppressi­ons that the people had groaned under since the beginning of his Raigne. Upon which within few dayes the King published a Declaration in an­swer to their Remonstrance.

And now began visibly to appeare the sad breach betwixt the King and his Parliament, which did daily increase, untill the Kingdome was involved in a sad war.

Great endeavours are used to stir up the Com­mon people with a dislike of the Kings actions, to which purpose freedome was given to every party without contradiction, to write and pub­lish many bitter and Invective Pamphlets against the Bishops, and their Government, and all the ill actions of the Kings Ministers were laid upon him, and not content with that, they came downe in Great multitudes to Westminster, and by the way gave uncivill and threatning Language to diverse Gentlemen at Whitehall-Gate.

Which caused the King to send to the Lord Major to summon a Common Councell, to re­ceive his pleasure, which by the Chancelour of the Dutchy, he declares his utter dislike of the numerous multitude coming in that rude manner, and desires care may be taken to prevent the like for the future, assuring them of his care and pro­tection.

And the same day the King sent to the City, the Commons Petition for a Guard to defend [Page 57]them from a malignant party now prevalent; which Petition the King denied, promising them in the word of a King, That his care for their security should be as great as for his wife and chil­dren, and if that wauld not serve their turne, he would appoint a Guard of such as he would be an­swerable to God for.

Proclamation was made against the Irish Re­bells, and the King desires the two Houses to enter into Debate concerning reliefe, and pro­poses, that 10000 Volunteers be raised and sent over, if the Commons will pay them.

The King being inform'd of a designe carried on by diverse Members of the House of Com­mons, which held Intelligence with the Scots, endeavouring to subvert his Authority; and the better to carry on their designes, countenanced the Tumults in the City, causes Sir William Kil­ligrew and Sir William Fleming, to goe to the Chambers and Studies of diverse Members of the House of Commons, to seale up their Trunkes, and to seize on their papers, as the Lord Kimbol­ton, M ^r Pim, M ^r Hamden, M ^r Deuzill Hollis, Sir Arthur Haselrig, and M ^r Stroud, but none of their persons could be met with: they presently make report to the House, who immediatly Vote it a breach of the priviledge of Parliament, and that it shall be lawfull to make resistance, and to require the ayde of a Constable to keepe such persons endeavouring to seize on any member, till the further pleasure of the House.

On the third of June the King sent his Attur­ney Sir Edward Herbert to demand the five Mem­bers, and sent a Sergeant at Armes to charge them with Articles of high treason, and with them [Page 58]the Lord Mandevill, the Earle of Manchesters second son; which Articles were these.

• 1. They endeavoured to subvort the Go­vernment, to deprive the King of his Legall power, to place on the subjects an Arbitrary and tyrannicall Power.
• 2. They had endeavoured by foule aspersi­ons upon his Majesties Government, to alie­nate the affections of his people from him.
• 3. That they endeavoured to draw his Ar­my from his obedience, to side with them in traiterous designes.
• 4. That they traiterously invited and en­couraged a forraine Power to invade his Ma­jesties Kingdome of England.
• 5. That they had traiterously endeavoured to subvert the very rights and beings of Par­liaments.
• 6. That they had endeavoured by force and terrour to compell the Parliament to joyne with them in their traiterous designes, and to that end have actually raysed and counte­nanced tumults against the King and Parlia­ment.
• 7. That they traiterously conspir'd to Le­vy, and actually have Levied war against the King.

The 4 ^th of January 1641. The King attended with diverse Gentlemen came to the House-door, he onely enter'd the House of Commons, seating himselfe in the Speakers Chaire, demands five [Page 59]Members of that House to be delivered to him; Their names were Sir Arthur Haselrig, Mr. Den­zill Hollis, Mr. Pim, Mr. Hamden, Mr. Stroud. The King finding they were not there (for they were absent by appointment of the House) rises from the Speakers Chaire, and tells them he was very sorry for that occasion, and that no King ever was, nor should be more carefull to preserve the pri­viledges of Parliament then he should be, that those five Members were dangerous men, he protested in the word of a King, that he never intended any force, but to proceed against them in a Legall way; he ex­pected they would send them so soone as they came into the House.

The King is no sooner gone out of the House, but they are in a great confusion, crying out. Priviledge, priviledge; and the next day Voted the Kings coming to the House a breach of the priviledge of Parliament.

The King made Proclamation the next day for their apprehension, which the day following the Commons Voted illegall and scandalous.

The day after he had been at the House, be went in his Coach to London, being inform'd they were fled thiher, where all the way as he went, the Citizens and others flock'd about his Coach, desiring him not to Infringe the priviledge of Parliament: Upon his returne one Walker flung into the Kings Coach a seditious pamphlet, enti­tuled, To your Tents O Israel; for which he was apprehended.

The Gentlemen of the Inns of Court, offered their service to the King as a Guard; a smal Court of Guard is built at White-Hall-Gate, and some Gentlemen entertained: Within two dayes after [Page 60]a great multitude came out of London in their ac­customed manner, to Petition against Bishops, and in their passage by White-Hall using mena­cing tearmes, which the Gentlemen not brook­ing, some small mischiefe was done.

At Westminster they offered violence to di­verse Bishops, which caus'd 14 of them to draw up a Protest against the proceedings of the House.

The Commons resent it ill, and Vote them Guilty of High Treason.

The City Petition the King concerning the putting of persons of Honour out of the Tower, and placing others in their roomes; and of the Great preparations in the Tower, of the fortify­ing White-Hall, and withall desire, that the five Members may not be restrain'd, nor proceeded a­gainst, but by consent of the House; to all which his Majesty gave an answer.

Two thousand Petitioners came out of Buck­ingham-shire to Petition the King in the behalfe of Mr. Hamden, their Country-man, desiring that he and the rest of the five Members may injoy the Priviledges of Parliament; which moved the King to send to the Parliament, that for the pre­sent he would wave his proceedings against the five Members.

The multitude not being content with the de­struction of Bishops, they openly demand the Liturgy of the Church to be abolished, condem­ning the use of all set-formes of prayer.

The Pulpits every where sounded aloud that now was the time that the Israelites should plun­der the Egyptians, and that the Just should wash their footsteps in the blood of the ungodly; and [Page 61]publickly exhorted the people, to take up armes against the Kings Evill Councell (as they calld it) and to destroy all such as joyned with them: and to this effect these following Texts of Scrip­ture were pressed by the zealous Ministers, Luke 19.27. Those mine enemies that would not that I should Raigne over them, bring hither and slay be­fore me. Judges 5.23. Curse ye Meroz, Curse ye bitterly the Inhabitants thereof, because they came not to help the Lord against the Mighty. Jer. 48.10. Cursed be he that doth the work of the Lord deceitfully; and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood. Thus there was no way for Reformation in these mens accounts, but to pluck up and to destroy, and all for the Love of God, and for the advancement of the Kingdome of Jesus Christ.

The great multitudes still resorting to West­minster every day, caused the King for his own safety to repaire to Hampton Court, with the Queen and Prince, for which by many good men he was much blamed.

The next day after the King went to Hampton Court, many Citizens, with a great company of boats, with Guns and flags, Guard the five Mem­bers, in Triumph, to Westminster; which gave oc­casion to the King to dislike the City.

The House of Commons Petition the King for the Militia; To which he gives a speedy answer, though not satisfying to them.

They likewise Petition that the five Members may be estated and cleared of that Imputation of Treason; To which he answered, That he had ground and proofe enough to accuse them, but he is willing to forbeare prosecution; if that will not doe, [Page 62]to satisfie the people, he will pass a free and Generall pardon, as they shall think fit.

The King after he had been at Hampton Court some small time, sends for the Earle of Essex, then Lord Chamberlain, and the Earle of Holland, Groom of the Stoole to attend him; but they refused, rather choosing to obey his Writ; upon which he sends a Messenger for the Staffe and Key, the Ensignes of their Office, which they willingly resign'd.

The Queen having receiv'd a Message from both Houses by the Earle of Newport and the Lord Seamor, that they intended to charge her with Treason.

She answered, she never saw any Articles in writing, and therefore gave little credit, and she hop'd they would lay no aspersions upon her that never mistrusted the actions of one single person, much lesse the whole House, and that she ever wisht a happy and right understanding be­twixt the King and his people.

In February the King and Queen went to Canterbury, and so to Dover, with the Princess Mary, wife to the Prince of Orange. The Queen went along with her into Holland; and some af­firme, carried the choicest Jewells of the Crown with her to pawn.

During the Kings stay at Canterbury, he sign­ed the Bill to take away Bishops Votes in Parlia­ment.

The King came back to Greenwich, and sends for the Duke of York to attend him in his going to York, where he intended to reside.

From Greenwich he removes to Theobalds, where he is presented with a Petition for the Mi­litia, [Page 63]and likewise to reside neer London, and not to take his Son with him. The King refused to give any other answer to the Militia, then what he had already done; and that he should take such care of his Son, as should justifie him to God as a Father, and to his Dominions as a King, and that he conceiv'd himselfe not safe neer London.

The House immediatly Vote, That his Ma­jesties answer was a flat deniall, and likewise Or­der The Earle of Northumberland, Lord High Admirall, to take care for the providing and rig­ging of the Royall Navy for the service of the Kingdome.

The House seeing they could not prevaile with the King for the Militia, past an Order for set­ling the Militia throughout England and Wales in confiding persons hands.

From Huntingdon the King sent a Message to both Houses, shewing the Grounds and Reasons of his removall to York, desiring them to expe­dite the necessary supplyes for Ireland, and for­bids them by any pretence of Order or Ordi­nance to meddle with the Militia, or to doe or execute any thing against Law, he being tyed up by the Law as well as his subjects, and must o­bey. Upon which the House drew up a Declara­tion of their utter dislike of his proceedings.

The King at Stamford puts forth a Proclama­tion for putting in execution the Laws against Papists.

And being at York puts forth a Proclamation for Tunage and Poundage.

The eight of Aprill 1642. the King sends a message to both Houses, declaring his Intentions to goe himselfe in person to chastize the bloody [Page 64]rebells, and that he intended to raise forthwith by Commission a Guard for his own person, consisting of 2000 foote and 200 horse, and to arme them from his Magazine at Hull.

Upon which the Houses Petition to remove the Magazine from Hull.

The Gentry, Ministers, and Freeholders of the County of York, Petition the King, to which his Majesty gives a speedy and gracious answer.

The House again Petitions, that (the Maga­zine at the Tower of London being much drai­ned) that from Hull may be brought up; to which his Majesty answered, That for the Charge of Locking to the Magazine at Hull, as it was by them at first voluntarily undertaken, though un­necessarily, yet you may free our good people of that Charge, and leave it to Ʋs to look to, who are the proper owners of it.

The Parliament, though they could not pre­vaile by Intreaty, resolve to doe it by possicy, for they had sent to keep out the Earle of New­castle, and committed the Towne and Fort to a faithfull Friend of theirs, Sir John Hotham.

The County of York petition the King, that the Magazine may remaine there for the security of the Northern Countyes; and during the Contests, the Parliament went on might and maine, setling the Militia in many Countyes; and by Reason the Earle of Northumberland was indisposed in health, and could not attend the Sea-service, they petition that the Earle of War­wick may be Admirall.

The King utterly refuses the Earle of War­wick, yet notwithstanding the Earle of War­wick being Encouraged by some Votes of the [Page 65]House, though with some opposition, got pos­session of most part of the Navy.

The King attended by many of the Nobility, a great number of Gentlemen, and some Souldi­ers, came before the walls of Hull, but found the Gates shut, and the Bridges drawne up by the Command of Sir John Hotham, a Member of the Commons House.

Sir John Hotham appeared on the wall, Kneel­ling downe, Intreating his Majesty not to command that, which he must be inforc't at that time to deny, and that he could not admit him in, without breach of trust to the Parliament, craving leave that he might have time of acquaint the Parliament. The King being very wrath, desired to know if he had any Order in writing, expressly to deny his en­trance: And after some houres stay, Proclaimed Sir John Hotham a Traytor, after he had received The Duke of York and the Prince Elector out of the Town, who had been there one day.

The King forthwith sends a Message to the Parliament, accusing Hotham for a traytor; and likewise sent a Letter to the Mayor of Hull, to take care that no part of the Magazine should be conveyd away without his consent: there were Scouts appointed to Intercept all Letters between London and Hull; and a Letter accordingly was Intercepted going from the Parliament to Hull, giving encouragement to Sir John to continue firme, nothing doubting but they would stick by him.

The House being Informed of the Intercept­ing of their Letter, Voted it a high breach of the priviledge of Parliament; and that what Sir John had done, was in obedience to that House; and that [Page 66]the proclaiming him a traytor without due process of Law, is a breach of their priviledge, against the Laws of the Land, and the liberty of the subject.

They likewise past an Order to prevent the Levying any Souldiers in Yorkshire, or Lincoln­shire, to force a passage into the Towne of Hull; and the more to enrage the King, Hotham is or­dred to Levy The trained bands, which being come into the Towne, he disarmes and dismisses them.

There was a select Committee appointed to goe to Hull, with Instructions for the safety of the Counties of York and Lincoln, to whom all Sheriffs, Justices of the peace, Constables, and other Officers, are requir'd to be ayding and as­sisting.

Things began to grow very high; The King summons the Gentry of the County of York, where he gave them a large account of all the messages and replyes touching Hull, and the Rea­sons why he did not signe the Bill for the Mi­litia. To be short, You see my Magazine is going to be taken from me directly against my Will; The Militia against the Law (and my consent) is going to be put in execution; and lastly, Sir John Hothams Treason is countenanced; all which be­ing considered, none can blame me to apprehend dan­gers, and upon this reall Ground to tell you, that I am resolv'd to have a Guard onely to secure my per­son; In which I desire you assistance, that I may be able to protect you the Laws, and the true Pro­testant Religion from any affront or Injury.

Which speech was by them received with great affection.

The Parliament being inform'd of the Kings [Page 67]Speech to the Yorkshire Gentry, declare that it is against the Laws and liberties of the Kingdome, that any of the subjects thereof should be command­ed by the King to attend him at his pleasure, and that whosoever upon pretence of his Majesties com­mand shall take up Armes in a warlike manner, shall be esteemed disturbers of the peace, and to be proceeded against accordingly: and likewise signed an Order to the Sheriffe of that County, to take care to suppresse the raising of the trained bands upon the Kings Command.

But the Parliament Issue out Commissions to all parts of the Kingdome, appointing certain dayes for all the trained bands to be exercised in each County; and that severall Members be sent into the severall Counties to see the Com­missions put in execution, and all the Magazines in the severall Counties to be put into the hands of their confiding friends.

Which Commissions were answered by Pro­clamation from the King, forbidding the trained bands and all others to rise or muster, on pretence of any Ordinance of Parliament, without his consent.

The breach was now growne wide; the Par­liament still opposing and thwarting the King on all occasions, moved diverse of the Members to desert it, and repaire to the King, so that in a small time, the Lords at York were more in num­ber then those at Westminster.

The names of those that went, were, the Mar­quesse of Hartford, the Earle of Lindsey, Cum­berland, Huntington, Bath, Southampton, Dorset, Salisbury, who presently return'd, Northampton, Devonshire, Bristoll, Westmerland, Barkshire, [Page 68]Munmouth, Rivers, Newcastle, Dover, Carnar­van, Newport, the Lord Howard, Charlton, New­wark, Pawlet, Paget, Matreverse, Willowby, Rich, Fawconbridge, Chandois, Coventry, Love­lesse, Savill, Seymor, Mohune, Dunsmore, Lord Capell, Gray of Ruthen; Together with above fifty of the Commons House, whose departure startled the active men of the House, who not­withstanding having gone so far, proceed and Vote, That it appeares that the King being se­duced by evill Councell, Intends to make war against the Parliament, and that when he doth, it is a breach of trust reposed in him; and likewise that whosoever shall ayd or assist him in the said war, are traytors by the fundamental Laws of the King­dome.

And on the 30 of May by Vote summon nine of those Lords that went, to returne, but they ut­terly refused, which the House deemed a sleight­ing of them, which occasioned Mr. Hollis after a long Speech to Impeach them of high treason, which the Peeres afterwards confirm'd, in Vo­ting them never to sit in the House more, and to be uncapable of any priviledge of Parliament.

And not long after the Lord Keeper Littleton, sent away the Great Seale to the King, and im­mediately followed it, which put the House to a great plunge for the present.

In June 1642. The two Houses sent a Petition with 19 Propositions to the King, to which he reutrn'd a smart answer, taxing them, that they had contrary to law pressed their Ordinances on the people, wrested from him the command of the Mi­litia, countenanced the Treason of Hotham, and had directed to the people Invectives against his Govern­ment, [Page 69]asperst him with the favouring of Papists; and with an utter dislike of the Propositions, pro­tested, that if he were vanquisht and a prisoner, in worse condition then any the most unfortunate of his predecessors had ever been reduced unto, he would never stoop so low as to Grant those demands, and to make himselfe of a King of England, a Duke of Venice.

And now both sides prepare for war: The Parliament the 10 of June 1642. past an Order for bringing in money and plate to maintaine horse and foote for defence of the publick peace, for which they did engage the publick faith.

The King on the other side receives advice by Letters from Amsterdam of a considerable quan­tity of Armes and Ammunition, which was pro­vided upon some Jewells pawned by the Queen; he likewise sends Commissions of Array, with Letters to the Lieutenants of the severall Coun­ties, making use of the Parliaments Vote, and de­clares, That the Kingdome being in danger of E­nemies abroad, and a Popish party at home, it is ne­cessary to put the people in a posture of defence, that you immediately cause to be restored all the ancient trained bands, and free-hold bands, and to appoint Collonells and Captaiens, and other Officers, to command them.

The Parliament Vote the Commission to be a­gainst Law, and the actors therein, to be esteemed disturbers of the peace.

Whereupon the King summons the Lords of the Councell, with the rest of the Nobility at York, and declares that he requires no obedience of them, but what shall be according to law, and re­quires them to yeeld to no commands Illegally Im­posed [Page 70]by any other, and that he will not Ingage them in any war against the Parliament, except for ne­cessary defence against such as shall Invade him or them; Upon which, with unanimous consent, they all freely engag'd to him their duty and allegi­ance.

The King sends a Letter to the Lord Mayor of London, Aldermen and Sheriffes, forbidding any contribution of money and plate toward the raising of any Armies whatsoever for the Par­liament.

By this time the Armes were arrived from Hol­land, but the King wanted men to weild them, yet by his Speeches and Declarations, had gained the affections of many of his people, and a conside­rable number was got together; and from Bever­ly he sends a Message and Proclamation to the Parliament, of his Intentions to goe against Hull, requiring it might be delivered up to him, which they answer'd with a Petition, moving him to ac­cord with his two Houses; they likewise set out a Declaration for the safety of Hull, promising satisfaction for all damages sustained.

On the 11 of June 1642. The Parliament Vote that an Army shall be raised for the defence of King and Parliament, and the Earle of Essex to be Generall.

The King according to his former Intentions, with an Army of 3000 foote and 1000 horse, Intends to besiege Hull by Land, and made Pro­clamation that none on paine of death carry any provisions into Hull.

Hotham being Inform'd of the Kings advance, summons a Councell of War, which resolve to hold the King play with their Ordinance, till the [Page 71]tide came in, and then to draw up their sluces, which accordingly was performed with much damage to the Kings Souldiers.

Hotham likewise sends to the Parliament, re­quiring 500 men for the safety of the Towne, and provisions.

Upon which by command of the Parliament, Drums are beaten p in London, and other adja­cent Counties, for Volunteers to goe immediatly to Hull, and within a week 500 men and more were sent by Sea under the command of Sir John Meldram, to assist Sir John Hotham.

The King calls a Councell, and resolves to break up the siege.

By this time the Earle of Warwick was possest of most of the Fleete for the service of the Par­liament, and they were in a considerable way to raise an Army, by the assistance of that mass of money and plate that was brought in, for it is al­most Incredible with what zeale and affection (by the Ministers perswasions) the people were willing to be rid of their Treasure, every one vy­ing who should contribute most; nay the women and maidens spared not their Rings, Thimbles and Bodkins, for the advancement of the cause.

The Earle of Essex with much prudence raiseth a considerable body of horse and foote. The Earle of Bedford was Voted to be Generall of the Horse.

Collonell Goring, eldest Son to the Lord Go­ring, was sent down to Portsmouth by the Parlia­ment; but suddenly he declares for the King.

The King being return'd to York, summons the Gentry, and requires their assistance for the rai­sing of a Regiment for the Princes Guard, to be [Page 72]commanded by the Earle of Cumberland.

The Parliament declare against the Commissi­on of Array, & Vote it Illegall: on the other side, the King being Inform'd of the Earle of Essex his raising an Army, proclaimes hm a Rebell and a Traytor to the King and his Crowne, and that all Collonells and other Officers under his Command, that shall not Instantly lay downe their Armes, are Guilty of High Treason. And likewise Commands the Marquesse of Hartford, to raise what Forces he could to suppresse him.

Great was the Contest almost in every Coun­ty, betwixt the Parliament Commissioners, and the Commissioners of Array. In some Counties the Kings party prevailed, in others the Parlia­ments. London the Great Metropolis was not ex­empted; for Sir Richard Gurney, then Lord Ma­jor was committed to the Tower, for causing the Kings Commission of Array to be read, and was by the Lords deprived of his Majoralty, never to beare Office in City or Common-wealth, and to continue prisoner during the pleasure of the House.

The King being at York publisheth a Grand Declaration of all the proceedings from the be­ginning of this Parliament to this present time, concluding with a solemn Protestation of his af­fections to Parliaments, and the peace and happi­ness of the Kingdome; and within few dayes sends a Message to the Parliament, taxing them with borrowing 100000 l. out of the Adventures mo­ney for the reliefe of Ireland; to which they re­turne a speedy answer.

The King in person moveth from place to place; On the 22 of July he made a Speech to the [Page 73]Gentry in Leicestershire; on the 4 ^th of August, to the Gentry in Yorkshire; and that war might not want its solemnity, on the 20 of August, he sets up his Standard Royall at Nottingham, and by Proclamation requires the ayd and assistance of all his Subjects on the North side Trent, and within twenty miles Southward thereof, for his just defence; and that whosoever shall supply him with money and plate, he (as God shall en­able him) will repay and reward, accordin gto the measure of their love and affection to him and their Country.

On the 25 of August 1642. from Nottingham the King sends a Message to both Houses, by the Earles of Southampton and Dorset, and Sir John Culpepper, for a treaty of peace; and that an equall number may be chosen to meet where they should appoint, that there may, if possible, be an ac­commodation, out of a deep sense of the Calamities that attend the Kingdome. To which they answer, That untill he recalls that Proclamation which pro­claimes them Rebells, and takes down his Standard, they will by no meanes heare of it: To which he re­plyes, That to remove all scruples that may hinder the Treaty, by him so much desired, so that a day be appointed by the Parliament for revoking their De­clarations against all persons as traytors assisting him, he will with all chearfulness on the same day recall his Proclamations, and take down his Stan­dard; and likewise promised to grant any thing that should be for the good of his subjects, assuring them that his greatest desire was to get a right under­standing.

To which they humbly answer and petition, that his Majesty would take down his Standard, [Page 74]withdraw his Declarations, and leave his Forces, and returne to the Parliament, and receive their faithfull advice, of whose reall affection he need not to doubt.

Within few dayes the King sends a second re­ply, That he could neither doe nor offer any more then he had already, and that he should think him­selfe cleare fromany blood that might be spilt in this quarrell.

The Parliament give encouragement to the well affected, that what moneys they should lend, should be satisfied out of Delinquents estates; and declare, that whosoever shall returne from the King to the Parliament within ten dayes shall be pardoned, excepting the Duke of Richmond, the Earles of Newcastle, Cumberland, Bristoll, Rivers, and Carnarvan, Mr. Edward Hide, En­dimion Porter, Secretary Nicholas, Vicount New­wark, Vicount Haltland.

The Parliament being Inform'd that the Queen was soliciting the States of Holland to contribute Armes and Ammunition for the King, send Mr. Walter Strickland, a Member of the House, over into Holland, with Credentiall Letters. They likewise drew up a Declaration to the States of Holland to satisfie them of their whole proceed­ings.

Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice in September arrive in England, and offer their service to their Uncle, who were immediatly put into Com­mand.

Prince Rupert with a small body of Horse flew up and downe through diverse Counties, and gained a considerable body together.

The King himself moves, though with a slow­er [Page 75]pace, and had gotten a great number together, marches to Shrewsbury (a place of great con­cernment, as being the Inlet to Wales) where he orders a Mint to melt down the plate, which was largely contributed by the Gentry, and offers the Crowne Lands in Morgage to ease the Country of the burthen of taxes and free Quarter.

The Earle of Lindsey is chosen Generall for the King, and the Generall Rendevouz of his Forces was appointed at York.

The Earle of Essex Generall for the Parlia­ment, appointed a Rendevouz of all the Parlia­ment Forces at Northampton, being about 20000 Horse and foote, who gave stirct Charge to re­straine all prophaness and disorders in their Ar­my.

He divided his Army into severall bodyes, to prevent the Roving of Prince Rupert, and to find out the King: from Northampton he marches to Coventry, thence to Warwick.

Worcester was possest by Sir John Byron: a skirmish happened betwixt Prince Rupert, and Mr. Fines, Collonell Sands, Captain Hales, and others. Thus, the Prince came out of Worcester into a greene Meadow, resolv'd to fight those he could first meete withall; The passage to the Meadow was narrow; Collonell Sands being o­ver-valiant Charg'd with his Regiment before the rest could come up; both sides being equall in number, fought with Great resolution, but the prince fearing the Generalls approach, reti­red into Worcester, though with some loss in the Reare, being pursued through the Towne by the Parliaments Forces: Collonell Sands, and Ser­geant Major Duglaas were slaine at the first [Page 76]Charge. There was found dead in all thirteen person.

The Prince marcht immediately to Ludlow, and the King with some horse marcheth into Wales, and made a Speech full of protestations to the Gentry of Denbighshire and Flintshire, and returnes to Shrewsbury, where his strength much increased, being 16000 foote, and 5000 Horse and Dragoones.

Both Armies think of providing winter Quar­ters; Collonell Essex, with two Regiments of foote, is appointed Governour of Glocester, but not long after was order'd to Bristoll. The towne being divided, and hearing of his coming, began to mutiny, but he had a party which opened the gates to him in the night, and surpriz'd the Mu­tiners.

Upon Essex Removall from Glocester, Collo­nell Massey was appointed Governour.

The Earle of Essex sends horse and soote to the Lord Wharton, to make a body, to prevent the Cavaliers going to Wollverhampton.

The King being at Shrewsbury, summons the County to bring horse and carts for his remo­vall, who marches neer Coventry, and that night lay at Southam.

The King so exceedingly increased in strength, that he caused feare in those at London, who or­der all the trained bands of London, and the adja­cent Counties, to be in readiness, and to set up Posts and Chaines in all the passages into the Ci­ty, and order twelve Companies out of London for the security of Windsor Castle.

The Parliament Vote that it was and should be lawfull for all Counties in England to enter into [Page 77]a mutuall association, for the defence each of o­ther.

The danger that the Parliament apprehended was reall, for the King had gotten between the Earle of Essex and London, and they conjectur'd it more fesable forhim to attempt London, then fight the Army.

Yorkshire at that time abounded with Cavaliers, commanded by the Earle of Cumberland, Sir Francis Wortley, Sir Marmaduke Langdale, and Sir Thomas Glenham.

In Cornwall there was a considerable strength for the King, who were commanded by Sir Ralph Hopton.

In Wales they began to body, besides the Ar­my the King Commanded, and a great body of horse commanded by Prince Rupert.

The King with an Army of 14000 foote and 4000 Horse and Dragoones came on Saturday the 22 of October within six miles of Keynton, and quarter'd his Army at Crepeda and Edghill.

The Earle of Essex quarter'd at Keinton with his Army.

On Sunday the 28. both Armies draw up in a body. The King having the advantage of a high hill, called Edg Hill, at the foote of which was a vale, call'd the Vale of the red horse, where Essex his Army was drawne up upon a Rising Ground, in Battalia, three Regiments of horse on the right wing, commanded by Sir Philip Stapleton, Sir William Belford, and the Lord Fielding, Sir John Meldram commanded the Van; the Generall, Collonell Hollis, and the Lord Brooks, in the Reare; on the left wing twenty Troops of Horse commanded by Sir James Ramsey.

The Earle of Lindsey was Generall for the King, but the Battaile was order'd by the Lord Ruthen Earle of Forth. The Generall on foote led on the maine body of the Army with a pike in his hand.

The Earle of Essex shewed personall Valour, till he was disswaded not to expose himselfe to danger, and so retir'd to the body.

The Forlorn on the Kings side was command­ed by Major Backstake and Captain Hamond, who being come downe to the bottom of the hill, charg'd the Parliaments Forlorn, which was no sooner done, but the Kings Canons began to play.

Prince Rupert, Generall of the Horse, Com­manded the Right wing, Charg'd furiously the Left wing of Essex his Army, and Routed them, pursuing them to Keinton Towne, tooke the Car­riages, the Earles Waggons, and Cloak-bag, be­ing too Eager of the plunder.

The Earle of Lindsey being too adventurous was kil'd, and by reason of the absence of Prince Rupert, the maine body of the Kings was assaulted with great fury, and his Standard taken (Sir Ed­mund Varney the Standard-bearer being kil'd) which was afterwards retaken, by an unknown person, and convey'd away.

The foote on both sides Charge with equall Valour, untill the night came on, which parted the fight.

Both Armies continue in the field all night, and the next day the King made Proclamation of pardon to such as would lay down their armes and submit. The Victory was much disputed, both sides returning thanks to God for Victory. [Page 79]Indeed there was reall signes of Victory on both sides, by the taking of Colours and Canons of equall number. And although the Parliament lost more men, yet the King lost more men of quali­ty. The number of the slaine was computed to be between five and six thousand.

The Kings Army drew off toward Keinton, and the Earle of Essex withdrew toward War­wick.

In Examining the Earle of Essex his Cabinet, they discover'd one Blake that attended the King to be Treacherous, by holding a Corresponden­cy, who was immediatly condemn'd by a Coun­cell of War, and hang'd in the high way.

On the Parliaments side were slain of note, the Lord S ^t John, Collonell Ch. Essex, Lieutenant Collonell Ramsey.

The Parliament take care to recruite their Ar­my by giving Liberty to apprentices to serve their time in the war, which occasion'd very many to leave their trades, and repaire thi­ther.

They likewise solicite the Scots to raise and Ar­my for their own defence.

The King on the other side sends a Declarati­on to his Councell in Scotland, Stating the quar­rell betwixt him and his Parliament, requiring their assistance.

The King and Prince Rupert repaire neer Lon­don with a flying Army, which occasioned the Parliament to provide for their own safety.

The Earle of Essex likewise drew neer to the City, quartering his men at Acton, and the places adjoyning.

The Kings Artiffery with some Troopes of [Page 80]Horse, advance from Colebrooke to Branford, eight miles from London, fell upon Collonell Hol­lis his men, which quarter'd there, but the Lord Brooks and Collonell Hamdens Regiments came speedily to their reliefe, and for a time maintain­ed a bloody fight.

The Earle of Essex was sitting in the House when the news was brought, who immediately horst, and with what strength he could, hastens to meete the King, but night approaching, the King retired.

All that night vast numbers of Souldiers flockt from the City, above three times the number of the Kings Army, and they had hem'd hm in on every side, had not Kingston bridge been left de­stitute, over which the Kings traine of Artillery was drawne, whilst a body of Horse faced the E­nemy, and then retired toward Oxford.

The Parliament orders the Generall to follow him, and fight him.

The Kings Forces in the North under the Com­mand of the Earle of Newcastle, and the Earle of Cumberland, being 8000 Horse and foote, were too potent for the Lord Fairfax, Lieutenant for the Parliament. The Earle marches to tadcaster, where the Lord Fairfax, and Captaine Hotham were, fell on the Towne, and forc't the Lord Fair­fax with some loss to quit the Towne, and march to Cauwod and Selby for supplyes for his Army: Sir Thomas Fairfax is sent to Leeds with diverse Troopes of Horse, but was forc't to retire.

In December, Goring with Armes, money, and eighty old Commanders, with the Queens Stan­dard, arrives from Holland, and joynes with the Earle of Newcastle.

The Counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge, Hartford, Essex, associate, and the Lord Gray of Wark is appointed Major Generall over them.

The Parliaments Forces possesse themselves of Winchester and Chichester.

The Parliament send Propositions to Oxford by four Lords and eight Commoners; To which the King returnes a speedy answer.

The Queen arrives the 16 of Feb. 1642. and brings over Arms, money, and Ammunition with her from Holland. The Earle of Montross, and the Lord Ogle present their service to her at York, with two Troops of Horse, which she af­terward made up a considerable body.

The Earle of Essex in the Spring marcht forth of his winter quarters, resolving to besiege Read­ing, which was possest by the Kings Forces, in it was 3000 Souldiers, and twenty pieces of Or­dinance; the Generall sits downe before it in Aprill 1643. with an Army of 16000 foote and 3000 Horse, which after sixteen dayes, was deli­vered up on easie conditions by the Deputy Go­vernour Collonell Fielding, Sir Arthur Aston the Governour being indisposed by reason of his wounds.

At Cirencister was the most considerable party for the Parliament in all those parts; Prince Ru­pert with a considerable Army marches against it, the Towne not being fortified, he falls on with a furious assault, which at first was Gallantly re­ceived, but after two houres dispute possest him­selfe of the Towne, the most part of the Earle of Stamfords Regiment being cut off, seized a con­siderable Magazine with above 3000 Armes, and eleven hundred persons, which were convey­ed to Oxford.

Immediately he faces Glocester, summons the City; To which Massey Replyed, That he kept the City for King and Parliament, and would not deliver it to any forraine Prince.

The Army in Wales raised for the King, ad­vance toward Glocester, and in their march, fall on a Regiment of Collonell burroughs, which they rout, diverse Officers being slaine, took fifty prisoners, and so march on to Glocester.

News was brought to the Parliament of a considerable defeat given to their forces in De­vonshire, and that Prince Maurice, and the Mar­quesse of Hartford had Intentions to secure all the West for the King.

And not long after there was a discovery made for the betraying of Bristoll, but by timely no­tice it was prevented, and the Conspirators exe­cuted.

Likewise a discovery was made in London of a plot to settle the Kings Commission of Array, for which Mr. Tomkins and Mr. Chaloner were both Executed.

The Lord Brookes, a very active man for the Parliament, being in Staffordshire with his For­ces, with Intentions to dissipate those Gentlemen that were got together for the King, advances to Litchfield. The Earle of Chesterfeild had some Forces in the Towne for the King, who upon the Lord Brookes his advance to the Towne, quits it, and retires with his Forces to the Close, which was far more tenable then the Towne.

Brookes takes possession of the Towne, and be­ing in a Window peeping to watch an advantage against the Enemy, was shot into the Eye, and died immediately. His Souldiers notwithstanding [Page 83]the losse of their chiefe Commander, fall on with much resolution, and after a short dispute possest themselves of the Church and Close, took the Earle of Chesterfeild, with divers Commanders, and many common Souldiers.

Prince Rupert immediatly lays siege to Litch­field, and having notice of the advance of some of the Parliaments forces under the Command of Brereton and Gell to raise the siege, drew out neer a thousand Horse and Dragoones, fell on the ene­my, which they put to flight, and by their flight left Bag and baggage to the Kings forces, with divers pieces of Ordinance, and many priso­ners.

But the Earle of Northampton Charging in the head of the body was slaine, they returne to the siege, spring a mine, and scale the walls; where­upon the besieged desire a Parly, and on reasona­ble conditions quit the Towne.

In May 1643. the Lords and Commons Vote that an Act be past for an Assembly of Divines immediately to be call'd to settle Religion.

They likewise Vote the making of a new Great Seale, a thing never heard or read of in the Nati­tion; which Mr. Prin defens in his book, enti­tuled, The opening of the Great Seale of Eng­land.

Sir John Hotham sends word to the Earle of Newcastle, that Hull and Lincolne shall be deli­ver'd up to him for the service of his Majesty, and both father and son resolve to stand on their own Guard at Hull.

M ^r Jermin Generalissimo for the Queen, was at New-wark, who levying a considerable party for the securing of the County, she with thirty [Page 84]Companies of Horse and Dragoones; and three thousand foote, meets the King at Edghill, it be­ing the first time she saw him since her departure into Holland. The King and Queen retire to Ox­ford.

The Parliament draw up Articles of High Trea­son against the Queen; That she had pawned the Jewells of the Crowne, raised the Rebellion in Ire­land, endeavoured to raise a party in Scotland a­gainst the Parliament, that she had appeared in the head of a Popish party, which was at last past by both Houses.

They likewise Vote that the King and Queens revenue should be detained, and imployed in the publick service.

They likewise Voted a new and unheard of tax to be laid upon Beer, Wine, Tobacco, and whatsoever is necessary for support of life, which they call'd Excize.

Sir John Hotham and his son are both taken prisoners by Sir Matthew Beynton, their estates seazed and confiscate, Sir John endeavouring to escape, was knockt downe by a Souldier at the same Gate that he denied the King Entrance. They are both sent by Sea prisoners to the Par­liament, and Sir Matthew took possession of the Towne.

June 17. 1643. The Earle of Essex at Tane, orders the Buckingham Forces to beat up the Kings quarters, which accordingly they did; Prince Rupert having notice of it, falls in with a body of Horse, Routed and disperst most of the party; There was slaine the Earle of Musgraves Son, and Mr. Hamden, one of the five Impeached Members, a man violently active against the King.

At that time the Parliaments Army was much visited with the Contagion, many dying daily.

On the fift of July was a great defeat given to Sir William Waller in the West (after he had continued there victoriously for some time) by a party from Oxford, conducted by the Lord Wil­mot, which defeate gave a great Check to the Parliament.

The Generall by reason of the sicknesse, and other great wants of his Army, marches towards London, quartering them at Kingston on Thames, and other adjacent places.

Great were the successes of the King almost in every part of the Kingdome; for Sir William Waller was quite routed in the West, Sir Ralph Hopton in the head of a Gallant Army, upon whom the King was pleased for his fidelity and Valour, to confer the Honour and Title of a Baron.

Prince Rupert was order'd to besiege Bristoll, which in short time was deliver'd to him.

Prince Maurice besieged Exceter (whither the Earle of Stamford was fled) which on the fourth of September 1643 was diliver'd up to him upon Articles, Sir John Barkly was made Go­vernour.

The Lord Fairfax, Sir Thomas Fairfax, and most of the Parliaments forces in the North were defeated & driven into Hull, by the Lord of New­castle, who at that time commanded the Greatest Army in England, and not onely able to terrifie the Parliaments Forces in England, but likewise formidable to any Scotch forces that should come to their assistance.

Collonell Goring landed at Newcastle with 200 old Souldiers.

The Earle of Newcastle in his march from Tad­caster, surprized Leeds, and in it diverse persons of quality, friends to the Parliament; he likewise proclaimes the Lord Fairfax traytor.

The King in the Head of a Gallant Army sum­mons Glocester, offering free pardon and protecti­on to the Inhabitants, if they would lay downe their Armes, requiring a positive answer in two houres. In the Interim he surrounds the Towne with six thousand Horse and foote; by the time appointed, the Magistrates, Officers, and Souldi­ers, returne this answer; That they kept the Towne for his Majesty and his Royall posterity, and doe accordingly conceive our selves wholly bound to obey the Commands of his Majesty signified by both Hou­ses of Parliament, and are resolved by Gods Help to keep the City accordingly.

The King stood amazed at their confidence, for at that time they could not hope for reliefe; In the Towne was onely one Regiment of foote, an hundred Horse, beside the trained bands, in all not exceeding fifteen hundred men. The King resolves to lay a close siege, and a considerable party Intrencht on the South and East side, though they within sallied out with some damage to the Kings forces, the Welsh and Worcestershire forces on the North west side, Generall Ruthen on the South-side, the East and South parts were dam'd up with Earth: They within make no lesse then eight sallies in ten dayes, with no small pre­judice to the besiegers.

The King prepares for a storme, which with much valour was performed on both sides; a mine was sprung under the East gate, which they countermand by the industry of Collonell Massey the Governour.

The Parliament being inform'd of the Kings Intentions toward Glocester, order the Generall to march out, who mustred about 10000 Horse and foote at Hounslow, and so marches forward for the reliefe of the Towne. They likewise took care for recruiting an Army for Sir William Waller. The Generall being come within seven miles of Glocester, fired some pieces of Ordinance to give notice of his approach. On the first of September a party of Horse is sent to face him, whilst the King drew off from the siege.

Many of the Kings friends much blamed him for sitting downe before the Towne, when he might without difficulty have come to London, and fully ended the work; for the Parliament were never in so low a condition since the begin­ning of the warre, as they were when the King first sat downe before the Towne.

The Lords House being sensible of the danger, Uote a Treaty, and the Commons were consult­ing of it.

The Parliament sent to require the assistance of their brethren of Scotland, and Vote 30000 l. be instantly borrowed for their advance.

The Solemne League and Covenant was drawn up, and taken by all the Members of both Houses, and orderd to be Imposed on all the associated Counties; Doctor Featly, a reverend and lear­ned Divine, was Imprisoned for refusing to take it.

The King immediately sends out his Proclama­tion against it, in these words; Whereas there is printed a paper pretended to be order'd by the Com­mons in Parliament, on the 21 of September last, to be printed and published, which Covenant, though [Page 88]it seemes to make specious expressions of piety and religion, it is indeed nothing else but a traiterous and seditious combination against him, and against the established religion and Lawes of this King­dome, in pursuance of a traiterous designe and en­deavour to bring in forraine forces to invade this Kingdome: his Majesty doth therefore straitly charge and command all his loving subjects, of what degree and quality soever, upon their allegiance, that they presume not to take the said seditious and traiterous Covenant; most straitly forbidding all his subjects to tender the said Covenant, as they will answer the contrary at their extreamest perill.

The Earle of Bedford and Holland came to Ox­ford to tender their allegiance to the King, but after a short stay return'd to the Parliament.

The Marquesse of Ormond, the Kings Lieute­tenant Generall in Ireland, upon the Kings Letter sends over five Regiments of Souldiers for the Kings service, every Officer and Souldier first took an Oath to defend the Protestant cause, and the Kings person against all enemies.

Essex suddenly surprizes Cirencester, by killing the Centery, marcht into the Towne without any opposition, and in it took Great store of Armes and Ammunition, with thirty Cart Load of pro­visions, which was there reserv'd for the Kings Army. From thence he marches to Chilleton.

The Kings Forces drew up on Maverne hills.

The Earle of Essex drew off toward Hunger­ford, and from thence toward Newbery, which the Kings Forces had possest before-hand.

On Wednesday the 20 of September 1643. was fought the famous battell of Newbery, on which depended the condition of the whole Kingdome. [Page 89]The Kings Forces early in the morning had pos­sest themselves of Biggs hill: Essex his own Re­giment assisted with Collonell Barkleys and Col­lonell Holburnes Regiment marcht, and Charg­ing furiously beate them from the Hill and pos­sest it.

By this time a great body of the Kings Horse fell on a party of Horse commanded by Sir Phi­lip Stapleton, who received the Charge with much resolution, and beate the Enemy up to their maine body. The fight continued till neer night.

The London Trained bands and Auxiliaries be­haved themselves with much Valour and resolu­tion.

The number of the dead was not certainly known. There were diverse persons of quality slaine, and wounded on the Kings side, as like­wise diverse Colours were taken and sent up to London.

Collonell Massey from Glocester moves up and downe with a party of Horse, and doth much mischiefe to the Kings Forces.

The Kings forces Garrison all round about Glocester, a party of the Kings Horse and foote rove up and down, and seaze upon diverse good booties.

But the Kings maine body was orderd toward Reading, which was then besieged by Essex.

Arundell Castle having been 28 dayes besie­ged by Sir William Waller, was deliver'd on Con­ditions.

The King in December 1643. summons the Members of both Houses to appeare in January following at Oxford, to advise in setling the peace of the Kingdome; where on the 22 ^th of January [Page 90]they meet at the Great Hall in Christ-Church, where his Majesty declar'd, That if he had the least thoughts of disagreeing with the happinesse of this Kingdome, he would not advise with such Councellers as they were.

The Lords sat in the Upper Schooles; the Commons in the Great Convocation House.

There were assembled, the Prince, the Duke of York, Cumberland, Fr. Cottington, Treasurer, Ed. Littleton, Keeper of the Seale, the Duke of Richmond, and Marquesse of Hartford, 19 Earles, 18 Lords, 126 Knights and Gentlemen, beside a Great quantity of Noblemen, Knights, and Gen­tlemen, imployed in his Majesties service in the severall parts of the Kingdome.

Their first work was to endeavour a peace, to which purpose a Letter is sent to the Earle of Essex, which he communicates to the House at Westminster.

On the 16 of January 1644. The Scots Ar­my, consisting of 18000 foote and 2000 Horse, enter England by the way of Newcastle, and set forth a Declaration of the justness of their Cause, the Lawfulness of their Call.

New-wark having been three weeks besieged by Sir John Meldram, with an Army of 7000. Prince Rupert with a body of 4000 Horse and Dragoones, and 1000 foote raises the siege.

The Lord Fairfax and his Son Sir Thomas goe on victoriously in the North, and in severall En­counters gave diverse defeats to the Earle of Newcastles forces.

The Parliament at Oxford having sat from Ja­nuary to Aprill, and done no great matter, the King after a Speech prorogues them to the 8 of [Page 91] October, and afterwards by Proclamation till the 9 of November.

The Queen went from Oxford toward the West of England, in order to her going over into France, was attended the first dayes journey by her two eldest Sons, and many of the Nobility.

The King in presence of the Peeres at Oxford, received the Sacrament from the hands of Bi­shop Ʋsher, using these solemne Protestations.

My Lords;

I espie here many resolv'd Protestants, who may declare to the world the Resolution I doe now make, I have to the utmost of my power prepar'd my soule to become a worthy receiver, and may I so receive comfort by the blessed Sa­crament, as I doe intend the Establishment of the true reformed Protestant Religion, as it stood in its beauty in the happy dayes of Queen Elizabeth, without any connivance at Popery. I blesse God that in the midst of these publick distractions, I have still liberty to communi­cate, and may this Sacrament be my damna­tion, if my heart doe not joyne with my lips in this Protestation.

The Countesse of Darby held out Latham House against a considerable force of the Parlia­ments for neer 18 weeks; The besiegers hearing of Prince Ruperts advance for the Countesses re­liefe, drew off from the siege, upon which they sally out and did great Execution upon the Ene­my.

The Parliament at Westminster Vote it treason for any Member of either House to desert them, [Page 92]and goe to the King, and the Member or Mem­bers so doing, never to be receiv'd more into the House.

In June 1644. Collonell Massey summons Malborrough, which was commanded by Col­lonell Hen. Howard, who refusing to deliver it up to him, causes a Great battery, and with some Great Ordinance forc't his passage, who with much Courage enters the Towne, put the Enemy to flight, and took above a hundred prisoners.

Sir William Waller with a body of Horse and foote attends the Kings motion from place to place, and neere Crepida bridge, the Kings Horse faced Sir William, and Charg'd them through and through, kill'd 150 men, and took all his Traine of Artillery, together with diverse considerable Officers, prisoners.

The King presently marches to Bath, with in­tent to follow the Earle of Essex, who was gone that way.

On the 23 of July 1644. he came to Kings­more, and by the first of August came to Liskard, some few miles distant, where he encompast the Earle of Essex his Army, his Majesty and Prince Maurice at Boneke; on the one side Sir Richard Greenvill in Bodnim, and Sir Jacob Astley at Hall.

The Kings Souldiers were very desirous to fight, but it was thought more convenient to keep them up from provisions.

In eight dayes attendance very little was per­formed, but some small skirmishes of Horse; a party of 1500 foote was sent West to prevent all provisions coming that way.

Essex his Army marcht toward Foy, leaving [Page 93]most of their great Pieces behind them, the King followed, and fell in upon the reare, forc't them to retire in disorder, and had not night preven­ted, in all probability, the whole Army had been destroyed.

The next morning Early the Earle of Essex quit his command, and went by boate to Pli­mouth; They require a Parly, and chose Collo­nell Barkley, Collonell Whichcot, and Collonell Butler on the Parliaments party; On the Kings side, Prince Maurice, the Lord Generall, and the Lord Digby, in eight Articles the agreement was made, to deliver up all their Artillery, with all their bag and baggage, no person under the de­gree of a Corporall to weare any kind of wea­pon, all Officers above onely sword and pistoll; There were accordingly deliver'd up 49 Pieces of Brasse Ordinance, 200 barrells of powder, with bullet and match proportionable, 9000 Armes for Horse and foote, some thousands of the common Souldiers were immediately upon their desire entertain'd in his Majesties service.

Essex endeavoureth to excuse it to the Parlia­ment, as if by reason of Wallers not pursuing the Kings Army.

Yet notwithstanding this Great Victory, the King sends a Message to both Houses of Parlia­ment for a peace, and likewise a Letter to the Earle of Essex to the same purpose.

The Nobility likewise subscribe a Letter to the Earle of Essex.

The King from Tavestoke sends another Let­ter to both Houses for an accommodation; but the Parliament were so averse that nothing could prevaile.

The Parliament at Oxford met againe, but un­fortunately they fell into divisions and factions, which the King plainly perceived could produce no good effect, in March following he dissolves them.

Not long after the Estates of the Low Coun­tries send over Ambassadours to mediate in be­halfe of a peace betwixt the King and Parlia­ment.

Prince Rupert goes on Victoriously with a fly­ing Army, relieves Bolton, Stopford, and Lever­poole, advances to York (in his way Raises the siege of Latham House) which was at that time besieged by the Parliaments Forces. Upon his approach the Enemy drew off their siege. They within sally out and doe some mischiefe to the reare of the Enemy. The Prince pursues them, with a Resolution to give them Battaile.

At last he comes to York, upon whose approach the besiegers drew off; the Prince follows, in­tending to fight them, and accordingly the third of July 1644 at seven a clock in the morning the fight began, the Parliaments Forces having the advantage of the ground, being on the South side of Marston Moore, within four miles of York; the Prince with the Right wing fell on the Parliaments Forces, routs them; the Generall Goring, and Sir Charles Lucas, fell on the maine body of the Enemy, and routed them, but pur­suing them too far, the Enemy Rallied, and fell on the divided bodyes, totally disperst them, took 3000 prisoners, 20 pieces of Ordinance, beside a considerable quantity of Officers.

Immediately the Lord Fairfax and his Son, the Earle of Manchester surround York; Sir Tho­mas [Page 95]Glenham being then Governour for the King, but by reason of Marston-Moore-fight, all their powder and Ammunition was spent, Sir Thomas was compeld to deliver it on ho­nourable tearmes.

In December 1644 William Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, after above an hundred times At­tendance on the House, was by the Commons Voted Guilty of High Treason, and therefore condemn'd to be hang'd, drawne, and quarter'd, which sentence he patiently received; but upon his Petition, they Vote him to be beheaded: he likewise Petitions for his Chaplain D ^r Sterne, to whom they joyne M ^r Marshall (whom he re­fused) for the Comfort of his soule; and accor­dingly on the tenth of January he was conduct­ed by Penington to the scaffold on Tower-hill, where he made his last Sermon to the people, enlarging himselfe on this Text, Heb. 12. and 2 ^d, Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith, who for the Joy that was set before him, endured the Crosse; and despised the shame, and is now set downe at the Right hand of the throne of God; which Sermon or Speech continued almost an houre, and after prayer, and some short Eja­culations, laid down his head upon the block, which the Executioner struck off at one blow, and thus with much patience and Christian mag­nanimity he deliver'd up his soule to God.

Sir John Hotham in December 1644. was sen­tenc't to loose his head, Captain Hotham was like­wise Condemn'd and Executed the first of Janua­ry, Sir John the second of January on Tower­bill.

Not long after there was a treaty of peace ap­pointed at Ʋxbridge; The Commissioners on both sides being met, the Proposals on both sides were made, but all hopes of peace were frustrate; M ^r Love was much complained of, who preach­ing there, told them, That the Kings Commissio­ners came with hearts full of blood, and that there is as great distance between this treaty and peace, as between heaven and hell, for which in stead of being checkt, he is taken into favour by the Par­liament.

In March 1645. Sir Lewis Dives took Way­mouth for the King; In which was good store of Ordinance, and all other provisions answerable, with forty small Vessells in the Harbour.

The Kings Forces lay siege to Melcomb Regis. Crumwell intends to joyne with Waller for its reliefe.

They of the Garrison of Plimouth issue out, and beate the Kings Forces from Mount Stam­ford, and took 150 prisoners.

Sir Marmaduke Langdale went out of Oxford with 2000 Horse and Dragoones, fell upon the Lincolnshire Horse, and forc't them to retire confusedly, having taken two compleate troops, marcht forward with Intentions to cause the Par­liaments Forces to draw off, thereby to relieve New-wark, Belvoire, Ashby de la zouch, with provision to enable them to hold out the longer when they shall be attempted.

They likewise endeavour the reliefe of Pomfret Castle, but my Lord Fairfax is ready with a bo­dy to receive him.

However, Sir Marmaduke advances, falls on the Enemy, and after he had kild and taken di­verse [Page 97]hundreds, relieves the Castle, and returnes to New-wark, from thence to Litchfeild, that thereby he may make choice either of going to Oxford, or joyning with Prince Maurice.

The King at Oxford takes care to furnish it, as also Wallingford and Banbury, with all neces­sary provisions for six moneths, and to get a for­midable Army into the field this Summer.

The House of Lords made the Earle of Nor­thumberland, and his Lady, Governour and Go­vernesse of the Kings Children at Whitehall.

The Earle of Northampton lying at Banbury with foure hundred Horse, fell on the Northamp­ton Horse▪ routed and kild many.

Major Generall Browne at Abbington sent out severall parties at times, who returned very suc­cessfull, with good store of provisions, having kild diverse of the Enemy.

The Commons conceive the Earle of Essex too mild in the prosecution of the warre, he having had such ill successe in the West; and began to thinke of New Moddelling the Army; to which purpose a Bill is brought into the House for Sir Thomas Fairfax to be Generall. They likewise Vote the Earle of Essex, to pacifie him, 10000 l. per Annum out of Delinquents estates.

Both Houses Vote Sir Thomas Fairfax, a Gen­tleman descended from a Noble and ancient fami­ly, to be Generall for the Parliament, who with much modesty accepted of it.

On the first of Aprill he issued out Commissi­ons; and on the third of Aprill went privately to Windsor, to assist in the New Moddelling of the Army.

They likewise continued Lieutenant Generall [Page 98] Cromwell, a stout Champion for his Country, who having received his Commission, immediate­ly marcht and found the Enemy, and ingag'd them at Ipsley Bridge; the Enemies Brigade con­sisted of the Queens, Colonell Wilmots, the Earle of Northampton, and Colonel Palmers Regiments, Routed them, kild many, took 500 Horse, and 200 prisoners, together with the Queens Stan­dard; and pursues them to Blechingdon-house, which Colonel Windebank kept for the King.

He sends a sharp Summons to the Governour to be speedily answered; The Governour doubt­ing of reliefe from Oxford, immediately surren­ders the House, with all the Armes and Ammuni­tion; Cromwell immediately slighted the house, and sent the Armes to Alsbury.

For which Windebank was sentenc't by a Coun­cell of War at Oxford to be shot to death.

The Generall having compleated the Army, was at a losse which way he should steere his course, either to Oxford, or the West; Oxford was the Kings chiefe Garrison, and there lay the most part of his traine of Artillery, which if he could take, would be of very great consequence: but the distressed estate of Taunton, then close besieged by the Kings Forces, ballanc't the scale, and at a Councell of War it was resolved to re­lieve Taunton.

The King at that time was in a condition to take the field, and had sent severall Dispatches to that purpose.

Sir Thomas Fairfax on the first of May ad­vances with the whole Army, first to Blauford, then to Salisbury, excepting that party of Horse and Dragoones, Commanded by Lieutenant Ge­nerall [Page 99] Cromwell, and foure Regiments of foote, which were ordered to joyn with him.

The King taking the advantage of the Armies march into the West, draws forth his Artillery from Oxford, and began to gather into a conside­rable Body; Lieutenant Generall Cromwell and Browne were orderd to attend him; but being too few in number to engage, The Generall by the Committee of both Kingdomes was commanded back, all but a Brigade for the Reliefe of Taun­ton, which were neer 5000 foote and 2000 horse, who march without any impediment till they came within ten miles of Taunton, where they discharged ten pieces of Ordinance, to give the Enemy notice of their arrivall.

The Enemy being inform'd that the Generall and the whole Army were within ten miles, pre­pare to draw off; upon which Blake made a sally out, and fell upon the reare, kild and took di­verse. Colonel Wildon sends a party of Horse, who approach to the walls, for the Enemy had quit it.

The viewing the Towne was one of the sad­dest spectacles that ever eyes beheld, it being al­most consum'd by fire, and the people almost starv'd.

The Generall, and most of the Army, being come back to Newbery, were met with an order of the Committee of both Kingdomes, immedi­ately to lay close siege to Oxford; Cromwell and Browne, that attended the King, were command­ed back to assist in the work, and after fifteen dayes surrounding the Towne, it was by a Coun­cell of War thought altogether Inconvenient to continue the siege, & the Kings Army unattempt­ed [Page 100]in the field, which the Generall presents to the Committee.

The King Horses most of his foote, and moves up and downe (and taking the Advantage of the Scots advance toward Westmorland) and after he had relieved Chester, comes on and faces Leicester, Prince Rupert sent a Summons to the Towne, offering quarter to the Souldiers, Townsmen and Countrymen. The Committee and Officers with­in, desire till next morning to returne their an­swer. The Trumpeter no sooner comes to the Kings Army, but immediately a Drum is sent to require an answer in a quarter of an houre, which while they were debating in the Towne, the Kings Canons from the battery began to play, and all were commanded to their Charge, in order to a storme; the Contest continued a day and a night, with a great deale of Resolution on both sides. In some breaches they came to push of Pike.

On Saturday at three of the Clock they enterd the Towne, and in hot blood many were put to the sword, some plunderd.

On the other side, Colonel Massey with 2000 Horse and foote, having laine two dayes before Evisham, storm'd the Towne, and took it, with the Governour, and twenty Officers, 500 foote, 120 Horse, with all the Armes and Ammuni­tion.

The Commons order six hundred men to be sent for the security of Portsmouth.

There came news from the West, that Gene­rall Goring, Sir Ralph Hopton, and Sir Richard Greenvill, had joyned together, and falne upon that party that had relieved Taunton, and forc't [Page 101]them to retire to Taunton in great disorder.

Upon the news of the taking of Leicester, the Commons order that the straightning of Oxford be turned to a close siege; Lieutenant Generall Cromwell was orderd toward Ely, to prevent the Kings breaking into the associated Counties: they like vise order the Earle of Leven to ad­vance with the Scots Army, and to joyne with Colonel Vermuden, to prevent the Kings going Northward.

But upon second thoughts the Commons or­der the Generall to raise the siege at Oxford, and to take care to preserve the associated Counties, and fight the King.

The Generall on his removall viewed Bostoll House, and ordred a party to besiege it.

He likewise sent a party of Horse and foote, Commanded by Colonel Rainsborough, to sum­mon Gaunt House; The Governour upon the first summons return'd answer, that he liked not Win­debanks Law, but the next day Rainsborough ha­ving provided all things ready for a storme, the Governour caused a parly to be beaten, and sur­renderd upon Quarter.

Lieutenant Generall Cromwell, moving up and downe in Cambridge-shire, Huntington, and Ely, managed his businesse with so much discretion, as that he was able to have raised an Army of 12000 men to assist him in following the King.

But leaving those Counties in a posture of de­fence, he marches toward the Generall with 600 Horse and Dragoones.

The King sends a party of Horse, and faces Northampton, he himselfe being at Harborough with the maine Body.

The King sends 1200 Horse with good store of Cattell and sheepe to Oxford) which immedi­ately returne.

Sir Thomas Fairfax came with the Army to Wotton, thence to Glastenborough, within five miles of Burrough hill, where the Kings Forces were all drawne up in a readinesse.

The Generall for the Parliament advances from Gilling to Naseby, endeavouring to ingage the Enemy, the scouts discover that they were at Harborough, and great bodyes of Horse appeared on the hills nigh Harborough; he orders a Rande­vouz of the Army neere Naseby, and to put them in such a posture, that should the King advance toward them, they might, having the advantage of ground, receive him. By this time the Kings Army advances, endeavouring to get the winde, which occasioned Sir Thomas Fairfax to draw off the Army into a large fallow field, toward the Northwest of Naseby, which was defended on the right hand with a Hedge, a place very convenient for a battell.

January 13. 1645. the King draws off from Burrough hill, the scouts bringing Intelligence of the Parliaments Army approaching, took up their quarters in Naseby.

Ireton with a flying party of Horse fell upon the flanke of the Enemy, kild some, and took di­verse prisoners, which so allarum'd the King that he posts to Harborough for better security; sum­mons a Councell of War, and considerd that should they draw off and march to Leicester, if the reare were ingaged, the whole Army might be in danger, and they could with no safety march with the Van till the Reare was secured; where­upon [Page 103]it was resolv'd to give battell, which was the most fatall and destructive to the King that ever hapned since the first beginning of the quar­rell; yet many of the principall Officers endea­voured to perswade to avoyd fighting.

The King Commanded the maine body; The Right wing was Commanded by Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice; The Left by Sir Marma­duke Langdale; The Right Hand Reserve by the Earle of Lindsey, and Sir Jacob Astley; The Left by the Lord Bards, and Sir George Lisle.

Sir Thomas Fairfax Commanded the maine Body; Lieutenant Generall Cromwell the Right Wing; Ireton the Left: Prince Rupert falls in on the Left wing, Routs them, pursues them to Nase­by Towne, and being too eager of the plunder, lost the King the day; for in his absence Lieute­nant Generall Cromwell Charges furiously on the Kings Left Wing, and forc't them to retire from the body; Sir Thomas Fairfax with the maine body advances, falls on the Kings body, who re­ceived them with much Valour and courage; Great Rallyings there was on both sides, and for a long time the battell was fought with Equall Courage, but it pleased God to give the Victory to the Parliaments Forces; for upon their Rally­ing they recovered Courage and Charged with greater fury, forcing the Kings Forces to fly, and had the pursuite of them within two miles of Leicester, which is neere fourteen miles. They left behind them all their traine of Artillery, bag and baggage, many were slaine, 4000 taken pri­soners, 200 Wagons, 3000 Horse, many Offi­cers of note.

On the Parliaments side about 1000 Officers [Page 104]and Common Souldiers, diverse Officers wound­ed.

Great were the successes of the Parliament in diverse places.

In the field was taken the Kings Cabinet of Letters, which were sent up to the Parliament, and by them published.

The Marquesse of Winchester held out Basing House for the King a long time after it was be­sieged. The Parliaments Forces despairing of gaining it drew off.

This was the last pitcht Battell that ever the King fought. The King with some forces fled to Leicester, and not conceiving himselfe safe by rea­son of the Parliaments forces advance, goes to Ashbe de la Zouch, where after he had rested himselfe a small time, in the dead of the night went to Litchfield, and so into Wales.

Sir Marmaduke Langdale fled the same night to New-wark.

Munday the 16 of June, the Parliaments Ge­nerall and Army comes before Leicester: The Generall summons the Governour immediately to deliver the Towne, with all the Armes and Ammunition: the Lord Hastings being Gover­nour returnes answer, that he would not deliver it, but hold it out to the last man; which occa­sioned the Generall to Issue out Warrants to summon the Country to bring in Ladders and things necessary for a storme.

And on the 17 of June they began to storme; the Governour perceiving the danger, sends a Trumpet to desire a parly for the delivery of the Towne; which was concluded in then Articles, and the next day the Towne was delivered up. [Page 105]In it was 14 piece of Ordinance, 30 Colours, 2000 Armes, 500 Horse, with diverse other ne­cessaries for warre.

The King returnes for Hereford with 2000 foote, that Major Generall Gerhard had raised in Wales for him, and posts over Severne toward Bristoll; Prince Rupert following him with 3000 Horse.

Sir William Brereton in Shropshire, sell on a party of the Kings, routed them, and took 300 prisoners.

Not long after Sir Thomas Glenham, Gover­nour of Carlile for the King, having been a con­siderable time besieg'd, and having no hopes of Reliefe, delivers up the Towne on honourable Conditions.

Sir Thomas Fairfax marches with the best part of the Army to the Reliefe of Taunton, then be­sieged by Goring.

At that time there was in the West a multitude of Rude people called Clubmen, who declaring for the King, did great mischiefe to diverse of the Parliaments Garrisons; they boldly Capitulate with Sir Thomas Fairfax at Dorchester, and de­sire safe passage for such as they should appoint to goe both to the King and Parliament, in or­der to an Accommodation.

Sir Thomas civilly sends them an answer, which not answering their expectation, and fearing to oppose so potent an Army, they draw off in dis­content, not without doing some mischiefe to the Governour of Linne then for the Parliament.

Upon the news of Sir Thomas Fairfax his ar­rivall within a dayes march of Taunton, Goring draws off his forces, the besieged sally out, and [Page 106]forced the reare to retreate in disorder; upon the Enemies flight, the Army advances, falls upon the Reare, and took diverse prisoners.

They still pursuing, at last engaged Goring at Langport, whom they worsted and put to flight, having taken diverse Colours, some Armes and Ammunition.

The Generall returnes with the Army, and resolves to besiege Bridgewater, and having staid some time till supplyes came, he closely begirts the Towne, summons the Governour, who re­turnes a resolute answer, being every way well fortified and provided. The Generall resolves to storme it on Munday the 22 of July 1645. Which accordingly was performed with much Resoluti­on; but the enemy within being nothing daunted, fling Granadoes and other combustible stuffe, to the prejudice of the besiegers.

The Generall the next day sends a Message, telling them that their deniall had wrought in him no thoughts of Compassion, but onely to women and children, who might otherwise suffer by the Governours obstinacy, and accordingly diverse Ladyes and Gentlewomen and Children came out of the Towne.

The Generall assaults them againe, and at last compells them to a surrender; they all to submit themselves prisoners, and the Towne to be pre­served from plunder, which accordingly was per­formed.

Immediately after Pomfret and Scarborough Castles were surrendred; no Reliefe being ex­pected.

Toward the latter end of July, the Generall summon'd Bath, which was accordingly sur­rendred.

In August 1645. Lieutenant Generall Crom­well falls on the Club-men, who at that time were very high and insolent, kills diverse, and took above 300 prisoners.

The Generall summons Sherburne Castle, of which Sir Lewis Dives was Governour, who re­turn'd a resolute answer; but the next day was taken by storme.

The Generall immediately resolves to besiege Bristoll, which was govern'd by Prince Rupert; Orders were sent for Ships to begirt it by Sea, he summons the Governour, who refusing to surrender, immediately he surrounds it; they within sally out six or seven times, not without losse on both sides: at last it was agreed, to send a positive summons, and upon refusall to storme it.

The Prince requires leave to know the Kings minde, but the Generall would by no meanes permit it.

Upon the Princes refusall, at a Councell of War it was resolv'd to storme it, which accord­ingly was with much Courage performed; the Towne was fired in many places, which moved the Prince to request a parly, which the Generall consented too, on condition that care should be taken to quench the fire, and accordingly by Ar­ticles of agreement the 11 of September 1645. The City with all the Armes & Ammunition was deliver'd up.

The Prince with the rest, immediately march to Oxford.

During the time of Bristolls siege, news was brought of the severall successes of Montrosse in Scotland, against the Covenanters, which moved [Page 108]the Generall, Lieutenant Generall, and all the Colonels of the Regiments, to subscribe a Letter to General Leaven of the Condition of the King­dome, and their willingnesse to spare forces for their assistance.

All this while the King moves up and downe, sometimes in Wales, sometimes in one County, sometimes in another, still hearing the mishaps and disasters hapning on the neck one of another; so that all his hopes were almost frustrate.

Lieutenant General Cromwell with part of the Army marches Westward, who after he had soundly batterd the Castle at the Devizes, forc't it to be surrendred; and not many dayes after he comes before Winchester, and summons it, which was on honourable Conditions surrenderd.

He immediately marches to Basing-House, (which for a time had been besieged, but to no purpose) and having summon'd it, he on refusall resolv'd to storme it, by which meanes he got it.

The General was now before Tiverton, and had raised severall Batteries, by which meanes he gained the Towne.

In October 1645. Langford-House was deli­vered up to Lieutenant General Cromwell.

The General approaches neere Exceter, Octo­ber 20. 1645. summons it, and received a flat deniall; it was for sometime besieged, but by reason the King had a body moving up & down, it was twice deserted, onely a party left to sur­round it; upon the Armies returne from the West after it was storm'd, was delivered up on Articles.

He likewise summons Dartmouth, on refusall, took it by storme.

A great defeate was given to Hopton at Tor­rington, who not long after was forced to disband his Army in the West.

Sir Marmaduke Langdale received a great de­feate neare Sherburne.

In March, Ashbe de la zouch was surrendred to the Parliaments forces.

In the same Moneth Prince Charles set saile for Scilly, with diverse Lords and Gentlemen.

Other Garrisons, as Westchester, Barnstable, S ^t Michaels Mount, Ruthen Castle, Woodstock, together with diverse other Garrisons were de­livered up to the Parliament.

The Scots Army was at that time besieging New-wark, with the assistance of some York-shire Horse.

There was not at that time a Towne or Castle in England, but what was either besieged or blockt up by the Parliaments forces.

The Commons Vote the Committee of Dar­by-House, to take care to besiege Oxford, and accordingly the Generall having secured the West, returnes with intent to besiege it, which at that time was the Kings Royall seate.

The King Causes a Muster of Horse, which in all amounted to 1100 Horse and Dragoones; great care is taken to make good the Workes, and to repaire what ever is amisse.

The Towne being besieged, the King offers to come to the two Houses, upon assurance of the safety of his person, and to advise with them for the good and safety of the Kingdome, Pro­vided all that have adhered to his Majesty may have Liberty to goe to their own homes in safety, their sequestrations to be taken off; upon these con­ditions [Page 110]his Majesty is willing to disband all his Souldiers, and dismantle his Garrisons, passe an act of oblivion and free pardon to all.

These Propositions the Parliament would by no meanes consent unto, they having him at that advantage.

The King seeing no hopes, on the 27 of Aprill 1646. in disguise came out of Oxford, attended by M ^r John Ashburnham, and one more; severall conjectures past which way he should goe.

The Parliament being mis-inform'd that he was come to London, Order that Proclamation be made, that whosoever shall conceale his Majesty, shall dye as a traytor, and forfeit his estate.

On the sixt of May 1646. His Majesty came to the Scots Army, and had cast himselfe upon them, which occasioned the Scotch Commissio­ners to write to the Parliament, that contrary to their expectation the King was come to their Ar­my, ingaging to stand for the Interest of the Kingdome.

The Commons Vote that his Majesties person be disposed of, as both Houses shall desire and direct, and that he be sent to Warwick Castle.

Upon the Kings desire to the Governour, Newark was deliver'd up to the English.

The Scots marcht away to Rippon with the King.

The Parliament seeing the King was got into the Scots possession, sent a Letter to the Prince of Wales, then in Gersie, to invite him to come to London, with promise of Honour and safety, but he durst not venter.

The siege before Oxford being more close then formerly, the Generall sent a summons to Sir [Page 111] Thomas Glenham the Governour, who sent a ci­vill answer, with a request, that Sir John Min­son and M ^r Philip Warwick, may informe his Ex­cellency in order to a Treaty, and accordingly on Articles it was surrendred on Honourable tearmes.

The 19 of May the Scots Army came with the King to Newcastle; the reason of their retreating Northward, was for feare that Sir Thomas Fair­fax should have falne on them, and compeld them to deliver up the King.

A great dispute was at Newcastle betwixt the King and M ^r Alexander Henderson, which was since published.

Divers Propositions were presented to the King, by the Commissioners from the Parlia­ment, who were, the Earle of Pembrooke, Earle of Suffolke, Sir Walter Earle, Sir John Ipsley, Mr Goodwin, and M ^r Robinson, who came to Newca­stle the 27 of July, and ordered to return in ten dayes; the next day the Propositions were pre­sented, and his Majesty promised an answer with­in the time; but withall told them, that if they had not power to treate, they might as well have sent a Trumpet; at the reading of the Propositions his Majesty protested he would never give away his Crowne and Militia, and further told M ^r Marshall, he could not in Conscience signe some things therein required.

His Majesty gave the Commissioners in a Pa­per, which not being satisfactory they returne to London.

The Scots likewise petition him to take the Covenant, and likewise they set out a Decla­ration of their Intentions for the good of both Kingdomes.

Litchsield, Worcester, and Wallingford, were all deliver'd on Articles.

In July 1646. Prince Rupert went for France, and Prince Maurice for the Hague, where they both safely arrived.

The Duke of York came for London, and was Honourably received by the Nobility.

His Majesty wrote four times to Montrosse, at the Scots Commissioners request, to lay downe his Armes.

In August 1646. the Commons order the Presbytenan Government to be settled in Lon­don.

In the same Moneth the Commons caused the Great Seale to be broken in the Lords House.

The 14 of September 1646. dyed the Noble Earle of Essex, of an Appoplexie; a man truly faithfull to the Interest of his Country. The House having respect to his former service, Vo­ted 3000 l. to be given toward his funerall; Mr. Vines preached his funerall Sermon; he was Ho­nourably attended to his Grave, not without much Lamentation.

Upon the Kings refusall of the Propositions, the Scots sent Commissioners to the Parliament to desire an agreement betwixt them.

Pendennis and Ragland Castle are in August surrendred.

The Scots Commissioners demand 500000 l. upon the payment of which they offer to deliver up the King. And accordingly it was Voted by the House to deliver 200000 l. then borrowed of the Citizens of London, and raised out of the saile of the Bishops Lands, together with the as­sistance of the Excize, and 200000 l. more secu­red [Page 113]to them to be payd at severall times.

October the 8 ^th 1646. the House Votes to every Member 1000 l. a piece, in recompence of their Good service, and that so many as are Lawyers may have Liberty to plead within the Bar; and likewise the Lord Fairfax 1000 l. per Annum.

The Scots being encouraged by the Votes of the House, pretend, that Scotland was much ex­hausted by the late war, and that his Majesties pre­sence in Scotland, might endanger the peace of that Nation; so that it may truly be said of him, as the Scripture expresseth of our Lord and Savi­our; He came to his own, and his own received him not.

At last it was concluded, 100000 l. to be told at York, sealed and put in boxes; The Scots to give Hostages to deliver up Newcastle, Tinmouth, and all other Garrisons, thereabout; the other 100000 l when they shall goe on the other side of Tine; The other 200000 l. to be secured to be paid out of Delinquents estates; They to deliver up the King, and depart home, and quit all their Garrisons.

The Assemblyes Confession of Faith, was Vo­ted by the House to be printed.

And likewise an Ordinance past for continuing the Army under Sir Thomas Fairfax for six moneths, and the disbanding Major Generall Masseys Brigade.

The Common Enemy being quite beaten out of the field, there hapned sad divisions in the Par­liament and Army at home; They were distin­guished into two severall parties, under the title of Presbyterian and Independent, the Independent being the most subtill and close, Insinuated into [Page 114]the most part of the Army, and carried on their designes with greater Vigor and Resolution then the other, as the sequell will manifest.

The King from Newcastle on the 20 of De­cember 1646. sends a Message to both Houses of Parliament at Westminster, and to the Commis­sioners of the Parliament of Scotland, for a per­sonall Treaty.

The Lords and Commons after some time, sent a Letter by Sir Peter Killigrew, in answer to the Kings Message.

Both Houses Voted his Majesty to come to his House at Holmbey in Northampton-shire, a House not Inferior to any in the Kingdome.

They likewise Vote, that the Earle of Pem­brooke, the Earle of Denbigh, and the Lord Moun­tague, Sir Walter Earle, Sir John Holland, Sir James Harrington, Sir John Cooks, Mr. Crue, and Major Generall Browne, with M ^r Marshall and M ^r Caryl to attend them, be sent as Commissioners to re­ceive the King at Newcastle, and to conduct him to Holmbey.

They likewise orderd diverse servants to at­tend him.

The sixt of February 1646. The Scots accord­ing to agreement quit Newcastle, and the English possest it; they likewise deliver'd up his Majesty to the Commissioners sent by the Parliament; his Majesty seemed somewhat unwilling at first to goe to Holmbey, rather choosing to goe to New­market; but after a short time he was satisfied; but by no meanes he could be drawne to heare Mr. Marshall or Mr. Caryl preach, hoping they will allow him his Conscience.

Munday the 8 of February, his Majesty with a sad and sorrowfull Countenance set forward with the Commissioners, attended with 900 Horse, and that night came to Durham, on thursday to Aukland, fryday to Richmond, saturday to Rip­pon, and there rested the Sabbath day, Munday to Leeds, tuesday to Wakefeild, wednesday to Rothe­ram, so to Mansfeild, thence to Leicester, where he stays the next Lords day; on Munday He sets forward for Holmbey, whither being no sooner come, but Proclamation is made, that none that had deserted the Parliament and assisted the King, should presume to come neare his Majesty.

Sir Thomas Fairfax came to Leicester with a considerable part of the Army, where he was met with the Mayor and Aldermen in state.

His Majesty sent a Letter to the House to re­quest his Chaplains to be sent to him, he named twelve; viz. Bishop of London, Bishop of Salis­bury, Bishop of Peterborough, D ^r Shelden, D ^r March, D ^r Sanderson, D ^r Bayly, D ^r Hamond, D ^r Beàle, D ^r Haywood, D ^r Fuller, D ^r Taylor, but desired any two; hearing no answer, he sent [Page 117]a second Letter, but still they delayed sending an answer.

The 25 of February, his Majesty at the Com­missioners request, kept the fast, ordred by the Commons, it hapning on the same day that he had appointed, for the Calamities of Ireland.

February the 28 his Majesty was pleased to bestow a visit on the Earle of Pembrooke, who was at that time dangerously sick.

His Majesty made a Resolution to keep every fryday a day of solemne fasting and humiliation.

The Commons Vote and Order what Garri­sons shall be slighted, and which continued.

The Parliament Vote likewise the remainder of the Army to disband, all but those that were appointed for Ireland, and the severall Garri­sons.

Upon which diverse Petitions came in from se­verall Counties to the Generall, not to disband till such time as he had fully settled the King­dome; whereupon immediately the Army had a Randevouz, and draw up a Petition to be pre­sented to the Parliament, That their arreares might be payd; An act of Indempnity passe, to se­cure them; that the foote might not be compeld to serve out of the Kingdome; that the widdowes and children of such as had lost their lives in the service might be provided for; which Petition was pre­sented by Colonell Hamond, Colonell Rich, and Colonell Ireton.

The Parliament shewed their dislike of the Pe­tition, and Vote that those that shall continue in this disturbing condition, shall be proceeded a­gainst as enemies to the State.

Petitions were likewise on the other side out [Page 118]of Essex, and other Counties, presented to the Parliament, of their utter dislike of the Armyes proceedings. But to close the breach, Commis­sioners are chosen by the Parliament and Army, and meete in order to a Right understanding.

The Parliament order 60000 l. a moneth for payment of the Forces appointed, to prevent free quarter.

Upon his Majesties desire to come neere Lon­don, the Lords Vote him to come to Otelands, so soone as the House can be provided; to which the Commissioners consent.

After his Majesty had been neere five moneths at Holmbey, on the fourth of June 1646. neare a thousand Souldiers, Commanded by Cornet Joyce, came somewhat late to Holmbey, and desi­red to speake with his Majesty; it was answered that then it was unseasonable; However, with much Importunity Cornet Joyce was admitted in­to his Majesties presence, where he tould him he was come by command of the Army to remove him from that place; his Majesty replyed, it was then too late, but in the morning he would speak further with him.

His Majesty according to his promise came downe in the morning to the Cornet, where he was attended by the Souldiers; he askt them by what Authority they came there; they replyed from the Army; He further askt if they came from Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army; the Cornet replyed from the Army.

His Majesty said, what if I should refuse to goe with you, would you compell me; they replyed, we hope your Majesty will not refuse, but we have command to bring you.

His Majesty replyed, I have these Questi­ons to put to you, which if you consent to, I will goe with you.

The first was, That he might have no violence offer'd to his person; they all unanimously shouted and cryed out, none, none.

Secondly, He desired that his trunks and pa­pers might not be rifled and tumbled; they promi­sed to set a Guard on them, and that they should not be toucht.

Thirdly, He requir'd such servants to attend him, against whom there was no just acceptions; they answered he should.

Lastly, He desired that nothing be Imposed up­on him contrary to his Conscience; they answered, it was not their Judgement to force-any thing a­gainst conscience on any one, much lesse on his Majesty; At one of the Clock his Majesty went along with them.

The next day the Generall sent a Letter to the Parliament, to certifie that he knew nothing of the party that attended his Majesty, neither what number, nor by what Authority: the reason that the party had sent to him, he sends up, which was that there were certaine persons that intended to take away his Majesty, thereby to make a new warre, the plot and plotters they were able to prove, when call'd thereunto, which necessitated them to secure his Majesties person.

His Majesty was according to his own desire, convey'd to Newmarket; by this we see clearely, that the Greatest in the world, are but pilgrims on Earth.

The Generall and Army Randevouz at S ^t Al­bones, and sent a Letter of his Intentions to come [Page 120]to London with the Army.

Eleven Members of the Commons House are Impeached by the Army.

On the 28 of June, 1647. His Majesty was brought to Hatfield, the Duke of Richmond at­tending him, with many of the old Courtiers.

D ^r Hamond and diverse others of his Chap­lains were admitted to read divine service to him, according to the Ancient custome of the Church of England.

The House being Informed of the Duke of Richmond, and the Chaplains attendants on his Majesty, Order a Letter to be forthwith sent to the Governour for their removall.

The Generall by Letters certifie the Parlia­ment of his Majesties desire to see his Children, and his request for continuance of those persons about him; and further to satisfie them, that the Army have no treaty with his Majesty, nor ayme at nothing more then the setling of the peace of the Kingdome.

From Hatfield his Majesty was removed to Causum, attended by all that waited on him at Hatfield, excepting the Duke of Richmond, who voluntarily absented himselfe.

The House according to the Kings request, or­der his Children to goe to him, and the Earle of Northumberland to attend them; his Majesty was Joyfull at the sight of his Children.

The Generall being in the presence Chamber was much respected, which moved the Princess to aske who it was, who being Inform'd it was the Generall, she immediately addrest her selfe to him with great civilitie, and thankt him for this great happinesse, that she then enjoyed the sight [Page 121]of her deare Father, effected by him alone, which she should ever thankfully acknowledge, and en­deavour to requite.

The Generall return'd humble thankes, and that what he had done was but the least of those duties he was oblig'd to serve his Majesty and Children in, and kissing her Hand withdrew.

The Eleven Members discharge themselves of their charge, and require leave of the House to goe beyond Sea, which was consented too.

Upon the Armyes removing to Bedford, his Majesty was brought to Wooborne, a House of the Lord of Bedfords, with his old attendance.

The Parliament Order the Militia of London to raise Forces, and immediately the Train'd Bands and Auxiliaries are commanded to man the Forts, upon Information of the Armyes com­ing to London; Colonell Massey was appointed Major Generall, Colonell Poins and others are put into Command.

The Generall Orders a Randevouz at Houn­slow, in order to his coming to London; thither di­verse of the Members of both Houses with the Speaker repaire, and consult of Getting the Citie without blood, and accordingly a party is sent to face Southwark Fort, upon whose approach it was deliver'd up to them.

The City petitions the Generall.

The Generall requires all the Forts from Ty­burne to the Thames, to be delivered up to him, that he might Guard the Parliament, and secure the eleven Members.

On the seventh of August the Generall and Army march in triumph through the City, most of the Souldiers having Bays in their hatts in token of Victory.

Immediately Sir Thomas Fairfax is made Con­stable of the Tower, by which he hath power to constitute a Lieutenant, and accordingly the Ho­nour was conferd on Colonell Titchburne.

Massey and Poyns fly over into Holland.

The Generall presents a Declaration to the House of the Grounds and reasons of the Ar­myes March.

The Lords and Commons Null all those Votes that past during the time that the Major part of the House went to the Generall.

On the twelfth of August was appointed a thanksgiving for the preservation of the City.

His Majesty was remov'd to Oatlands; on the 23 of August, he went to Sion to visit his Chil­dren, and rested that night.

Upon his Majesties desire he was remov'd to Hampton Court, and his Children orderd to be with him.

Both Houses order the Casting downe of the Workes about the City, the maintaining where­of was very chargeable and burthensome.

The Houses Vote of sending Propositions to his Majesty; to which the Scotch Commissioners consent, and on the seventh of February 1647. they were carried to his Majesty by Major Gene­rall Browne, and the Scotch Commissioners, who were to bring an answer in six dayes; upon the Receit of the Propositions, he desired to know whether they were the same with those he recei­ved at Newcastle; it was answered, there was onely some little alterations as to persons that served him in the late war; then he desired to know of the Scotch Commissioners, if they con­cur'd, they answer'd they did.

His Majesty said they were matters of Great concernment, and requir'd serious consideration, but he would take care that they should have an answer within the time limited.

The Committee and Commissioners order 6000 foote, 2400 Horse, and 500 Dragoones, to be sent into Ireland, and care was taken to provide all necessary provisions.

The Commons likewise Order a moneths Gra­tuity to be given to the Army.

They likewise Vote a standing Army of 18000 foote, 7200 Horse, and a 1000 Dragoones be kept up as a standing Army for England.

An answer came from his Majesty, which was by the House Voted not satisfactory.

The Commons took into consideration the Actions of diverse Eminent Citizens in London tending to a new war, Vote a Charge of high na­ture be brought in; and the Lord Mayor, Alder­man Adams, Alderman Langham, Alderman Bunce, and Sheriffe Cullam, with diverse other active Citizens were taken into Custody; diverse Lords were committed to the Black Rod, as the Earle of Lincolne, Earle of Suffolke, Lord Barkley, Lord Willowby, Lord Maynard, Lord Hunsden.

September the 28. 1647. The Commons once more Vote to send to his Majesty, and to that purpose they considered of severall Propositions; That about Religion being the maine thing; They also Vote his Majesty be desired to give his consent to such Act or Acts of Parliament, as shal be presented to him for setling of Presbyterian Government, according to the matter of severall Ordinances of Parliament, for the Directory or Church Government to continue for the space [Page 124]of three yeares, from the time that the King shall give his consent to such Act or Acts.

They likewise Voted the Common-prayer-booke shall not be used in private.

The Souldiers about his Majesty are very ci­vill, permitting his Majesty to Hunt with the Duke of Richmond, Marquesse of Hartford, Mar­quesse of Ormond, Earle of Southampton, and di­verse others of the Nobility, without any Inter­ruption.

His Majesty sent a Letter to the Generall, de­siring his Children to stay with him a night or two, it being too great a Journey to goe and come to S ^t James's in a day; which he communi­cates to the Parliament.

They Order the Earle of Northumberland to satisfie his Majesty about his Children.

The Heads of the Propositions agreed upon by both Houses, to be presented to his Majesty, were these.

1. The Militia for twenty yeares in the hands of Parliament, or Committee of Parliament, in In­tervalls.

2. Money be raised to pay the publique debts of the Kingdome.

3. All Honours bestowed by his Majesty since the 22 of May 1642. to be Null and Voyd.

4. Nulling his Majesties Great Seale, and con­firming that of the Parliament.

5. Totally to abolish Bishops, and their Hierar­chy, roote and branch.

6. All their Lands to be sould for the payment of publique debts, and other necessary Charges of the Kingdome.

7. Make voyd the cessation of Ireland.

[Page 125] 8. The Election of all the Chiefe Officers of trust, as Treasurer, Admirall, be by Parliament, and they to hold during their good behaviour. The De­puty of Ireland to be appointed by Parliament, and to hold during pleasure.

9. The Presbyterian Government to be settled, as to the Religious service of God.

10. The Treaties betwixt England and Scot­land be confirm'd, as it is now agreed.

11. Justices of peace and Sheriffs to be Chosen by Grand Jury men.

12. That his Majesty restore all such servants to their places, as have been put out for adhering to the Parliament.

13. That his Majesty passe an Act for the sale of Deane and Chapters Lands, and the money to be dispos'd of, as both Houses of Parliament shall think fit.

14. That his Majesty shall not give pardon of Life to seven excepted persons.

15. That his Majesty passe an Act for the dis­forresting all the Forrests and Chases in England.

16. That his Majesty passe an Act for securing the arreares of the Souldiers of the Army, and all other Souldiers that have serv'd the Parliament, and those arreares to be payd out of the Remainder of Bishops Lands.

17. That the Count of Wards be null, and that his Majesty have 50000 l. per Annum in lieu of it.

18. A period may be set to this Parliament.

All which being Granted, His Majesty, the Queene, and Prince, to Enjoy their revenues, and the King to Governe.

The Commons order diverse of his Majesties [Page 126]old servants be discharg'd, and that there be a stricter Guard then usuall.

The Scotch Commissioners sent a Letter to the House of the deep sense of his Majesties Imprison­ment, withall desiring his Majesty may come to London, to treat with Honour, Freedome, and Safety, and advise that it would withall be the most profitable and effectuall meanes for attain­ing of a happy peace, and setling Religion, the Restoring of his Majesty to his just Rights, and continuing and strengthning a good understand­ing with both Nations.

Which Letter was layd aside.

News was brought to the House, that his Ma­jesty had made an escape out of his restraint from Hampton Court. The manner thus;

November 11. 1647. He according to his cu­stome, withdrew himselfe to be private a little be­fore Evening prayer, staying somewhat longer then was usuall, it was taken notice of, yet at first without suspition; but he not coming forth sud­denly, there were feares, which increased by the Crying of a Grayhound severall times within in the room; and upon search it was found that the King was gone, and by the way of Paradice, a place so call'd in the garden, much about the close of the Evening. He left on the Table three Papers, one to the Parliament, one to the Com­missioners, and a third to Colonell Whaly; one of them was as followeth.

His absence struck all into amazement; The Parliament order his neere attendance to be un­der restraint untill examination; all the Sea-ports to be layd to prevent his Majesties Transporta­tion.

They likewise Voted that whosoever shall con­ceale his Majesty, shall forfeit Life and estate.

Every one was big with Expectation to know what was become of his Majesty.

On the 15 of October, 1647. Information was brought to the House that his Majesty was safe at the Isle of Wight, and had put himselfe into the protection of Colonell Hamond, then Governour of the Island.

His Majesty told the Governour, that there was a designe against his person, which moved him to fly thither for safety.

The Lords and Commons were well satisfied [Page 130]with his Majesties being there; and Order those servants that attended him at Hampton Court, to attend him there.

On the 18 of November, his Majesty sent a Letter to the Parliament, and another to the Scotch Commissioners, giving them to understand of his being, as he apprehended, in more safety there then at Hampton Court, and doth professe his readinesse as to an agreement, and though he cannot consent to alter the Government by Arch­bishops and Bishops, neither as a Christian, be­cause Apostolicall, nor as a King, because at his Coronation he swore to maintaine this order, yet he is willing to consent, that their power be so limited that they be not grievous to tender Consciences. For the sale of Church Lands, he accounts it sacriledge, that it subverts the Intent of the Donors, discourages learning; He is wil­ling Presbytery be continued for three yeares, provided those that cannot concur be not ob­lig'd, and that a free debate be had with the Di­vines at Westminster, and twenty that he shall ap­point, to resolve how Church Government here­after shall be setled, with full Liberty to all that differ, yet without toleration of Popery, A­theisme, or blasphemy.

He is willing to put the Militia both by Sea and Land to be disposed of by his two Houses, or who they shall appoint for his Reigne, provi­ded it returne to his Successors; that it be limited to suppresse disturbance in this Kingdome, and against forraine Invasion, and that the power goe from his Majesty by Grant of Patent to those that act.

He is willing and consenting to the payment of [Page 131]the arreares of the Army, and that he will under­take to raise 400000 l. in eightteen moneths, and if that will not doe, he is willing to give way for the sale of Forrest Lands; and for payment of other debts his Majesty is willing to passe such an Act as both Houses shall consent to.

He is willing the Parliament doe choose privie Councellers during his Reigne, provided they have their Pattent from him.

He is willing the Court of Wards be taken away, provided there be a valuable consideration al­low'd, and that care may be had of his Children, who were by that Court cared for.

And that the memory of these late sad di­stractions may be quite wiped away, he is willing to Null all Oaths, Declarations, Proclamations, against both or either Houses of Parliament, or any Inditement against any for adhering to them.

And his Majesty offers as the best expedient, an Act of oblivion to all his subjects.

And although his Majesty cannot in Honour and Justice make voyd all his Acts and Grants under his Seale, since the 22 of May 1642. yet he doubts not but upon perusall, to give full sa­tisfaction to his two Houses in that.

And thus he conceives he hath satisfied all In­terests, for other things that may be propos'd to him from both Houses of Parliament, on his part he moves earnestly for a personall Treaty at Lon­don; all which being done, he believes the Hou­ses will thinke it reasonable to thinke of such Proposalls as were made by the Army, touching the succession of Parliaments, and their due E­lection.

For the Kingdome of Scotland, he is ready to give satisfaction to what shall be propounded.

Not long after the Scots sent a Letter to the Parliament, that they Regret that no answer is given to their Letter, and that they are inform'd that Propositions are to be sent without allowing any competent time to consider. They take no­tice of his Majesties being carried from Holmbey, and his just cause of going from Hampton Court. And in regard the Kingdome of Scotland are highly concern'd in the safety of his Majesties per­son, and in duty bound to doe their best to pre­vent his ruine, they therefore desire his Majesty may come to London, to treate with Honour, freedome and safety, and that neither he nor his Parliament be Inviron'd with Souldiers, that so their consultations being free, all differences may be ended by a personall Treaty, the best way to settle a sure and lasting peace.

See the uncertainty of men in the world, that those very Scots that had not long before decla­red, that it was altogether Inconvenient for the Parliament to admit his Majesty to come to Lon­don, untill he had given satisfaction to their just and reasonable desires, should now desire the King to come to London, which at that time swarm'd with Malignants, apt for any tumult, nay the Parliament it selfe at that time could not sit with safety, without an Army to guard them.

On the 23 of November, 1647. both Houses Voted not to have any personall Treaty with his Majesty.

Yet after three dayes debate in the House, they conclude that foure Propositions be drawne [Page 133]up in forme of Acts, to be sent to his Majesty to signe, which when he had signed, they would ad­mit a personall Treaty at London. The Propositi­ons were as followeth.

1. That a Bill may be past into an Act by his Majesty for setling the Militia of the King­dome.

2. A Bill be past by his Majesty, calling in all his Declarations, Oathes, Proclamations against the Parliament, and those that have adhered to them.

3. To passe an Act that those Lords who were made after the Great Seale was carried to Oxford, may be made uncapable of sitting in the House of Peeres thereby.

4. That power may be given to the two Houses to adjurne, as the two Houses of Par­liament shall thinke fit.

On the 30 of November, the King sent a Letter to the Generall and Army, by Sir John Barkley, desiring their furtherance of a personall treaty, with a promise of Recompence when all should be setled. To which answer was return'd, that they had wholly left it to the Parliament, and that they would be passive.

The Army sent a large Declaration to both Houses, taxing them with neglect, contrary to promise, and laying forth the wants of the Ar­my, by reason they had not expedited their pay, which must necessitate them to take free quar­ter, and be burthensome to the subjects, if not by them timely prevented.

His Majesty sent another Letter to the Lords, wherein he expresseth himselfe, that if any thing had been of more concernment then the peace of this Kingdome, he would with patience have ex­pected an answer to his former Letter, but his tender affection to his subjects welfare, hath pre­valency with him to presse a personall Treaty, and Intimates, that if the Houses please that he come among them, it will no doubt speed a good end.

The Lords and Commons according to their former order, Vote the Lord Qenbigh, and the Lord Mountague for the Upper House, Mr Lisle, M ^r Goodwin, M ^r Kemp, and M ^r Bulncley, for the Commons, to carry the four Propositions to his Majesty, which if he signe they will admit of a personall Treaty.

The Scots Commissioners likewise went to his Majesty, and after some conference with him, declare against the four Bills to this effect;

That they had endeavour'd by all wayes and meanes with the Parliament of England for the fur­thering of a happy peace, but having seene the Pro­positions now brought to his Majesty, they apprehend them to be prejudiciall to Religion, the Crowne, and the Ʋnion betwixt both Kingdomes, and therefore in the name of the Kingdome of Scotland declare their dissent.

Colonell Hamond wrote a Letter to the Par­liament, that he could not secure his Majesty, un­lesse they would allow him more strength, there being so great a concourse into the Isleland; upon which the Commons order, that his Majesties person be secured, and more Forces be sent for the security of the Island.

The Commissioners return'd with a large Mes­sage from his Majesty, shewing the Grounds and reasons why he cannot passe any thing till the whole Treaty be concluded on, professing he is willing to give any reasonable satisfaction to whatsoever shall be requir'd.

He now againe earnestly presses for a personall Treaty, of which he will not despaire, there being no visible way left for the Kingdomes peace, but by it; However, his Majesty is at peace and quietnesse within himselfe, in having fulfild the offices both of a Christian, and a King, and will patiently waite the good pleasure of Almightie God, to incline the hearts of his two Houses to consider their King, and compassionate their fellow subjects miseries.

Its very observable that his Majesty received the Parliaments Commissioners very gratefully, desiring them all to be assistants to him in promo­ting a wel=grounded peace, the expression he said was theirs, but it was a very good one; he tould them, there were many Interests to be considered of, Viz. the Parliament, Army, and Scots, he de­sir'd all might be considered; but when he was inform'd of a dissenting Declaration of the Scots, he tould them, he was very sorry for it, and he hoped they might agree in the maine, though they might differ in circumstances. His Majesty deliver'd his Message to the Commissioners o­pen, with Injunction to keep it secret till they had deliver'd it to the Parliament.

There hapned a tumult at Newport in the Isle of Wight, diverse declaring for the King, and one Captain Burleigh caused a drum to be beaten up for the service of his Majesty; the Mayor and o­thers that came to his assistance, fell upon them, [Page 136]disperst them, took the Captain, who was after­wards executed.

This tumult caused the Governour of the Is­land immediately to discharge all such as had ayded and assisted his Majesty in the late War against the Parliament.

Munday the third of January, 1657. The Com­mons tok into consideration his Majesties Mes­sage, and finding the same as it appeares to them, not satisfactory, nor that he hath any Inclination to a composure, it was put to the Question, Whe­ther any addresses should be made hereafter; after many houres debate it was Resolv'd;

That 1. No addresses shall hereafter be made to him by the Parliament of England.

2. That none shall on paine of Treason, make any addresse without leave from the Parliament.

3. That no written Paper, Message, or Decla­ration, be received from his Majesty on penalty of Treason.

They likewise Vote, that Colonel Hamond and Sir William Constable, shall have power to dis­place any man from his Majesty whom they shall thinke fit.

Immediately they take care for the managing of the affaires of the Kingdome, by compleating the Committee of Darby-House, who were to transact the whole businesse of the Kingdome; they Vote the Earle of Kent in the roome of the Earle of Essex who was dead.

M ^r Nathaniell Fines and M ^r John Evelin in the roomes of Sir Philip Stapleton dead, and M ^r Glin, who was sequestred the House, Sir William Wal­ler was continued.

The Committee being compleated were 21 in [Page 137]number, Viz. the Lord of Northumberland, Earle of Kent, Earle of Warwick, Earle of Manchester, Vicount Say and Seale, Lord Wharton, and Lord Roberts; For the Commons, M ^r Perepoint, M ^r Nathaniell Fines, Sir Henry Vane, senior, Sir Ar­thur Haslerig, Sir Gilbert Gerard, Sir William Ermine, Sir John Evelin, Sir Henry Vane, junior, Sir William Waller, Mr Crew, Mr Soliciter, S ^t John, Mr Wallop, Mr Samuel Browne, Lieutenant Gene­rall Cromwell.

A Generall Councell of the Army being met at Windsor, they were very Joyfull, and unani­mously approv'd of the Votes of the House touching his Majesty, and ordred two Declarati­ons to be drawne up, one to shew their good lik­ing of the Houses proceedings, with promise to ayd and assist them in setling the Kingdome, yea without the King, or against the King; the se­cond, for the maintenance of the Peerage of Eng­land, with Resolution to stand by Lords and Com­mons to the last man.

On the 17 of January, the Votes for non-ad­dresses past the Lords House; They Ordred Co­lonel Barksteds Regiment to quarter in White Hall, Colonel Rich his Regiment of Horse to quarter in the Mews.

His Majesty having heard of the Resolves of both Houses, continues very chearfull, and is much retired.

The Scots Commissioners desire leave to Re­turne.

The House of Lords added four of their order to the Committee of Darby-House, Viz. the Earle of Salsbury, the Lord Mograve, Earle of Denbigh, and Lord Howard.

The Earle of Pembrooke was Voted Chancellor of Oxford.

Both Houses Vote that the Committee of Darby-House have plenipotence to order the dis­pose of the Army Commanded by Sir Thomas Fairfax, as they shall thinke fit.

The Commons consider'd of Commissioners to goe to Scotland, to acquaint the Parliament of Scotland with the miscarriages of their Commis­sioners here. And Order Mr Goodwin, M ^r Ashurst, M ^r Brian Stapleton, and Colonel Birch, to receive their Instructions from the Committee of Dar­by-House.

The Lords joyne the Earle of Nottingham, and the Earle of Stamford to goe with them.

The second of February, the Commons past an Order, that all the servants lately made by the Commissioners, attending his Majesty, be remo­ved, and that the Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax place such about his Majesty as he should thinke fit, provided they exceed not thirty.

They likewise order'd a Declaration to be drawne up, to satisfie the Kingdome of the Grounds and Reasons of their passing the Votes for non-addresses.

The 21 of February, Judge Jenkins was brought to the Bar of the House, where he refused to kneele; a Charge was read against him, That he had condemn'd or pasT sentence upon men to be hang'd, drawne and quarter'd, for not assisting a­gainst the Parliament: That he tooke up Armes himselfe, that he stir'd up others to levy war and assist against the Parliament, that he accused the Parliament, and charg'd them with counterfeit­ing the Great Seale; and bein requir'd to speak [Page 139]what he had to say for himselfe, he answer'd, that they had no power to try him, he assur'd with confidence the Militia was in the King alone; he said Kings did not formerly covenant to main­taine the Law, but onely to be mercifull to the people: He endeavoured to terrifie the Parlia­ment with his Majesties numerous Issue in Geni­ollogy, he pray'd the Laws might be protected, he saith there can be no Laws without a King, and that there is none in Venice nor the Ʋnited Provinces; for his ill deportment and words, which were indeed a breach of the priviledge of the House, he was fined 1000 l. and the House Voted a Charge to be brought in against him.

His Majesty at Caresbrooke Castle is very much dejected and discontented at his confinement, and the removall of his old servants; he will not permit his haire nor beard to be medled withall, but by a Barbar of his own choosing, by which meanes he is growne very hairy.

The Scots Commissioners Report to their Par­liament, much to the prejudice of the Parliament of England, touching their proceedings with the King.

The Lords and Commons Concur, that no for­ces be raised in London, nor ten miles round, but by speciall warrant from the Committee of Dar­by-House.

The House being Inform'd that one Colonell Poyer, Governour of Pembroke Castle, had refu­sed to deliver it up, being required thereunto by Letters from the Generall, Order that if the said Colonell Poyer shall not within twelve houres after notice hereof, surrender the Castle, with all the Armes and Ammunition therein, that then the [Page 140]said Colonell Poyer, and all that shall adhere to him, are hereby declared Traytors, and Rebells; and the Generall is hereby required to reduce the said Castle, and to bring the said Colonell Poyer and his adherents to Justice, and the Gene­rall was requir'd to send this Order, that the Co­lonell might not plead excuse.

Colonell Langhurne likewise raised a body of men, and came to the assistance of Colonell Poy­er, and had gathered together a considerable bo­dy of men neere 2000 Horse and foote.

They publish a Declaration of their Resoluti­ons to establish his Majesty in his full power and dignity.

The Generall Order'd thirty Companyes of Horse and foote to suppresse them, under the Command of Colonel Horton.

The King though set aside, and confin'd to the Isle of Wight, was more formidable this Summer then ever he was since the beginning of the late troubles; for the very name of a King was now grown into great credit with the people through­out the Kingdome, and by it not onely tumults, but Armyes were raised.

A mutiny hapned at Bury about a Maypole; some discontented persons declare for the King; the House order the Generall to send some for­ces, who besieged it, and after some time was de­livered up to mercy.

Chepstow was likewise surprized for the King.

On the 22 of Aprill, the Earle of Northum­berland Inform'd the House of the escape of the Duke of Yorke from S ^t James's; The manner thus; The Earle went, as his custome was, to at­tend the Duke at eight a clock at night, after [Page 141]some stay the Duke came from his brothers Chamber; when the Earle was gone the Duke went out againe, as his manner was, in way of play, to obscure himselfe, that his Gentlemen might seeke him, which accordingly they did, but could not find him, upon search they Informe the Earle, who upon enquiry dilcovers that he had borrowed the Key of the Garden doore the day before of the Gardner; as also there was dis­covery made of his footsteps.

The Parliament in Scotland order a Committee for safety, who advise that an Army of 40000 men be forthwith Levied for the preservation of his Majesty and Kingdome of Scotland, notwith­standing diverse Lords, Knights and Gentlemen, Members of the Parliament, Remonstrate of their utter dislike of it.

Immediately the Parliament of England Order the fortifying of Newcastle and Hull, to prevent the Scots Invasion.

The Parliament men being summon'd to at­tend the House, were cald over, and found to be neere 320 men.

A Petition was presented to the Parliament from the City, Requiring the Armyes removall from the City, and that the Posts and Chaines may be put up for the safety of the City, and that Major Generall Skippon be appointed Major Generall for the City, and all the Forces within the late Lines of Communication, with resolutions to adhere to them according to the Covenant.

Immediately the Houses approved of Major Generall Skippon, and orderd him to put the Mi­litia in Execution, and the Posts and Chaines to be set up as formerly; They likewise Voted all [Page 142]the Members that had not taken the Covenant to take it.

On the 28 of Aprill, the Commons proceeded in setling the Kingdome, and Voted that they would endeavour to continue the Government by King, Lords and Commons, and that they might have Liberty to debate such Votes as had past concerning the King; they likewise Voted that the Propositions presented to his Majesty at Hampton Court, were subject matter for a settle­ment.

The second of May, the Generall sent a Let­ter to the Parliament, approving of the Cities choice in Electing Major Generall Skippon, Major Generall for the City; and finding the City desi­rous of the Armyes removall from them, had sent an order for Colonell Barksted to draw his Regiment out of White Hall, and Colonell Rich to draw off his Regiment from the Mews. He likewise desir'd them that they would provide a Guard for themselves.

The Common Councell of the City Order 600 l. per Annum for their Major Generall, and a Guard for the Parliament, that so the Army might draw off.

A considerable party of Scots and English sur­priz'd Barwick; The manner thus; The party that came was much about an hundred, with swords drawne, and pistolls Cockt, entred the Towne on the South side, as soone as they had past the bridge, they drew it up, seaze on the Mayor, and all other eminent persons.

Drums were likewise beaten up in Colchester, and severall Townes in Suffolke, for the service of his Majesty.

On the third of May, Letters were brought by Colonell Marshall to both Houses from the Par­liament of Scotland, giving them to understand their results concerning England; and withall, that he had but fifteen dayes time allotted him to stay for an Answer.

The Heads of the Scots Declaration were these, That his Majesty may come to London, or some of his Houses neere, and that with safety; That Repa­ration be made for his carrying away, or satisfacti­on, by punishing them that did it; That the Army under the Lord Fairfax be disbanded; That Pres­bytery be setled, Sectaries punisht; That all Mem­bers of the House be restored.

The same day the Commons Consulted whe­ther they should in the settlement of the King­dome, take in the Scots or not, or whether to make addresses to his Majesty againe or not.

May the fourth, came above a thousand Pe­titioners on Horseback, and neere as many more on foote, out of Essex, to Petition the Parliament for a personall Treaty with the King, and to ex­pedite a course for the satisfaction of the Army, and their disbanding.

The Lords returne Answer, that they will se­riously consider of their Petition; and the Com­mons take notice of their good affection to the Parliament, desiring them to returne, and to sa­tisfie their Country.

May the fift, The Commons agreed, first, that they will keep their Covenant and Treaty with the Kingdome of Scotland.

Secondly, That they will be ready to Joyne with the Kingdome of Scotland, upon the Propo­sitions agreed to be sent to his Majesty at Hamp­ton [Page 144]Court. And that a Letter should be sent to the Parliament of Scotland about the surprize of Barwick, by some that were enemies to both Kingdomes.

They likewise ordered the seven Northerne counties be put into a posture of defence, and that the Committee of Darby-House take care to pay them.

At a Councell of War at Windsor, it was or­derd, that Lieutenant Generall Cromwell goe to Wales to suppresse Poyer and Langhorne, others for the security of the North with what strength they could.

Colonell Horton sent a Letter of the defeate of the Welsh Army, consisting of 8000 foote and 400 Horse, who being terrified with the news of Lieutenant Generall Cromwells coming, Resolv'd to fight Horton, which he nothing more desired; they fell upon him, but he soone Routed them, took 1500 Officers, 3000 Common Souldiers; for which a day of thankesgiving is appointed.

On the 16 of May, diverse hundreds came out of Surrey with a Petition, much in the same na­ture with that of Essex; some bickering hapned betwixt the Country-men and Souldiers, in so much that from words they came to blowes, and some of the Coutry-men were kild.

The Scots goe on amaine to raise their Army, Duke Hamilton, a selfish unfortunate man is made Generall (Generall Lesley is contented with a pension, and willing to be quiet) The Earle of Callendar Lieutenant Generall.

Their Levies goe on amaine, they have orderd forty dayes pay at their Generall Randevouz.

In the meane time, Sir Marmaduke Langdale [Page 145]with a small body of Horse goes on the Scotch side of Tweed to Carlile, to raise men, in expecta­tion to joyne with Sir Philip Musgrave his for­ces in Cumberland and Westmerland, who being well respected, the Country flockt to him a­maine.

And now the Kings party began to swell big with expectation, not looking upon themselves as vanquished, but rather Conquerors.

The Southerne part of the Kingdome was not free from Insurrections, for news was brought to the Parliament, that 600 disaffected persons had seazed and secured Rochester, possest themselves of the City, planted Ordnance on the bridge, and compeld all that came, to signe their Petiti­on, and increased to the number of 10000.

The City of London was likewise backward in raising a Guard for the Parliament, to relieve the two Regiments, which the Generall then wanted.

In Cornwall likewise were insurrections, and di­verse disaffected were landed; Sir Hardresse Wal­ler sent a party of Horse and foote to subdue them.

The Commons Vote, that if his Majesty will grant the Militia, settle Religion, and Recall all Proclamations and Declarations, they will Treat with him.

Diverse forces orderd Northward, were cald back to suppresse the Kentish Insurrection.

Chepstow Castle was retaken by Colonell Ewer.

Sir Thomas Glenham had seazed on Carlile for the King, and Sir Marmaduke Langdale was come as far as Appleby with a formidable Army.

Major General Lambert marcht up and down, to prevent him from Injuring the Country.

The Generall musters his Army at Hounslow heath, he sends a party round by Sussex to relieve Dover Castle, then besieged by the Kentish men.

He with the rest marcht into Kent, severall small skirmishes hapned betwixt both partyes, he comes to Maidstone, which he found to be stoutly man'd, well provided with Ordinance and barracadoed, and the Enemy drawne up into a body; it was thought unconvenient to ingage the body, and leave the Towne unattempted, in which were the most resolute persons.

A party of old Souldiers were drawne out to face the Towne, whilst the body was drawne up, ready to receive the Enemy.

The old Souldiers assaulted the Towne by se­ven at night, where they met with men of like Resolution, there being the stoutest men of the Enemies Army, Apprentices and Seamen, and such as had been in Armes for the King.

The fight continued for six houres, they vali­antly disputed in every streete; at last the Towne is taken, with the loss of sixty men; in it were taken 1300 prisoners, diverse of quality, 400 Horse, eight pieces of Ordinance, with good store of booty.

The Generall shewed personall Valour by Charging in his slippers.

Many of the Kentish forces march over Rot­chester bridge toward London, where on Black heath they muster a considerable Army, whither many apprentices and resolute persons repaire, under the Command of old Goring.

The Essex men had by this time secured the Committee men, and sent to require an answer to their Petition, to which the Parliament speedi­ly send an answer.

The Sea-men likewise Revolt, and refuse to receive the Earle of Warwick, but upon their own tearmes; they likewise sent Vice-Admirall Rainsborough on shoare, and unanimously declare for the King.

Whilst the Earle of Warwick shews his affecti­on for the Parliament, his brother the Earle of Holland unfortunately riseth in armes with the Duke of Buckingham, and the Lord Francis, who with 500 Horse at Kingston, take the ad­vantage of the Armyes dividing.

But by the care and industry of Sir Miles Li­vesey, who fell on them, they were put to flight; The Lord Francis refusing quarter, was kild; Major Dalbere, and diverse others were kild: the Earle of Holland fled to S ^t Needs, where he was totally subdued, and taken by Colonell Scroope, and immediately sent prisoner to War­wick Castle.

While the Essex men were requiring an act of Indempnity, Sir Charles Lucas was come to Chensford with a party of 2000 Horse and foote, Colonell Whaly was orderd to goe against them.

Those with Goring being denied a passage over London bridge, come over on Essex side, secure Bow bridge with a small party, whilst the rest march further into the County.

Sir John Owen in North-Wales endeavours to raise forces for the King, which the Sheriffe of a County Indeavoured to impede, but being too [Page 148]weake was taken prisoner, and his party supprest; a second time, severall partyes well affected to the Parliament joyne together, and with contrary successe to the former, fell upon Sir John Owen, tooke him prisoner, and totally disperst his forces.

Pomfret castle is likewise surprized by one Morrice.

The Generall spared what forces he could over into Essex, with the assistance of the well affected of the County, who pursued the Enemy till they came to Colehester, which Towne they closely begirt, but diverse times sallyes were made out to fetch in provisions.

The Lieutenant Generall having laine long be­fore Pembrooke Castle, and hearing of the Scots on their March for England, and the Report of the Prince & Duke of York being at Sea, thought fit to give Conditions to Poyer and Langhorne, for the delivering up of the Towne and Castle, that thereby he might have Liberty to advance Northwards, which Conditions were accepted.

And to say truth, as things then stood, it was of a considerable value, as to the service of the Parliament.

On the 13 of July Marquesse Hamilton enterd England with an Army of 9000 Horse and foote, the Generality of the people of Scotland were wholly averse to it, the Ministers every where ex­claiming against the Duke.

The Duke immediately sent a Letter to Lieu­tenant Generall Lambert of the Grounds and Motives of their coming into England, which the Lieutenant Generall as speedily answer'd.

The Parliament immediately Vote, that those [Page 149] Scots that enter England in a Hostill way with authority of Parliament, are enemies to the Kingdome of England, and shall be proceeded against as such.

July the 17. the Commons debate to what place his Majesty shall come, and concluded the King name three places, two whereof within twenty miles of London, and one within ten, and the Parliament to make choice of one of the three.

M ^r Ashurst comes from Scotland with a Decla­ration of the Councell of Estate, in which they declare that they were Invited in; upon which the Parliament Vote all those hat Invited them in, to be traytors.

On the 18 of July, the Commons consider'd of a personall treaty with his Majesty, and ha­ving duly weighed all the Inconveniences that might arise by his Majesties coming to London, and duly considerd all the objections against his Majesties granting the three Propositions before the Treaty, they resolv'd that the Treaty should be in the Isle of Wight, and that it be with Ho­nour, freedome and safety; they appointed a Committee to consider of time, manner, and place.

July 30 they Vote to send to his Majesty to nominate a place in the Island to trat in; two of the Commons were orderd to goe to his Ma­jesty to that purpose.

They likewise order the Earle of Warwick to fight with the Revolted ships, notwithstanding their specious Declaration.

Information was brought to the Parliament that Colonel Bourton Governour of Scarborough [Page 150]Castle had declar'd for the King.

Major Huntington left the Army, having taken distast at the proceedings of some Grandees.

The Prince from aboard in the Downs, sent a Letter to the Speaker of the House of Peeres, re­lating to a Treaty with his Majesty, and diverse other particulars, which was laid aside.

On the same day a Petition was presented from the Court of Aldermen and Common Councell of the City of London, for a personall Treaty, his Majesty to be freed of his restraint, Church Go­vernment to be setled, according to the Cove­nant, all Acts of Hostility to sease, to which the Commons promised a speedy and satisfactory answer.

Lieutenant Generall Cromwell being joyn'd with Lambert, their force is 5000 Horse and Dragoones, and 7000 foote, he sent a Letter to the House, giving them an account of his pro­ceedings, with a returne of thanks for their care in providing for his Army.

Tinmouth Castle Revolted, but was suddenly retaken.

The Lieutenant Generall immediately marches to Pomsret, assaulted the Towne with much Re­solution, kild thirty, and took an hundred pri­soners.

The Lorch of Middlesex return'd from his Ma­lesty with his answer, which was to this effect, That if the peace of his Dominions were not dearer to him then any Inlerest, he had too much reason to take notice of severall Votes that past against him, with his sad condition seven moneths together; and sets down what soever he conceives is necessary to so blessed a worke, professing he can no more treat in [Page 151]this condition, then a blind man judge of colours, or that he can run a race whose foote is tyed, and there­fore desires the recalling of those Votes, that bar mean from coming to him, and that all that he shall send for, for necessary use, may have leave to come unto him, and waite on him in this treaty, the place New­port, and that he may be in the same condition that he was in at Hampton Court, conceiving he cannot treat in honour so long as men are afraid to come to him; for safety he mentions not, as not fearing his person in danger, requiring the assistance of the Scots, and that he hath fully accepted of the treaty proposed, and gives it all the furtherance that lies in him, by demanding the necessary meanes of effecting, not doubting of the Parliaments ready compliance. He conjures them is Christians, and good Patricts, that they will make all possible expedition, by hast­ing downe their Commissioners, praying the God of peace to blesse all endeavours, that all his Domini­ons may enjoy a safe and happy peace.

A designe was laid for the betraying of Staf­ford for the King, but by the Industry of Captain Stone it was prevented.

The Commons upon the City Petition Order a Bill to be brought in, that Major Generall Skippon lift no more, but by speciall Order of the House.

The Earle of Pembrooke was made Constable of Windsor-Castle, in the roome of the Earle of Holland.

The Lords communicate to the Commons their Votes touching the Kings Letter, which were to this purpose, That the four Votes of non-addres­ses formerly made by both Houses be null.

And 1. That his Majesty may have all such to [Page 152]come to him as are necessary for the carrying on of the Treaty on his part.

2. That he have such servants as are needfull to attend his person.

3. That the Treaty be at Newport.

4. That his Majesty may also invite the Scots to the Treaty, to treat on the Propositions at Hampton Court, wherein they concur'd.

5. That the number of Lords to treat be five, and the Commons to appoint ten.

6. That his Majesty may have as much Liber­ty as at Hampton Court.

Lastly, That all possible expedition may be made therein; this being apprehended to be the most necessary for the setling of a peace.

Tinmouth Castle at that time Revolted, and retaken; the manner thus; The Governour be­ing absent, the Deputy-Governour sends all the old Souldiers abroad in parties, he suddenly de­clares for the King, Armes all the prisoners, In­vites Seamen, and other discontented persons to his assistance; one making an escape over the walls, Informes Sir Arthur Haslerig of it, who immediately sent a party under the Command of Colonell Alhfeild, also 100 Dragoones, who with what Ladders could be got, scaled the wall, Major Cobbet led on the forlorne, after a very hot Encounter enterd the Castle, put all in armes to the sword; The Deputy-Governour was found dead.

The Prince having laine long in the Downs, and effected nothing, resolves upon Laud service, to which purpose they land eight hundred on the Kentish shoare, diverse of which were Resor­mades, and persons of quality; Colonell Hewson [Page 153]being orderd for the security of the Kentish for­ces, draws together what force he could, which were betwixt three and four hundred, who toge­ther with the assistance of Major Husbands with 100 Horse, fell upon them, kild many, totally disperst them, took diverse prisoners.

In Herefordshire 200 Horse were got toge­ther, Commanded by Sir Henry Lingen for the King, who suddenly surpriz'd the County troop and destroyd them.

The Commons fell into debate of the Heads of the Kings Letter concerning a treaty, they agreed to all, excepting their calling the Scots to their assistance, who had broke the peace, and enterd England in an hostile manner, secur'd the townes of Barwick and Carlile, but after a long debate, they assented, that the King should Invite any of the Kingdome of Scotland to come and treate in the behalfe of that Kingdome, and that they should have safe conduct.

They likewise orderd Instructions for Colo­nell Hamond, and order that he so deport him­selfe, as that the King may be in the same condi­tion as at Hampton Court, viz. with freedome, Ho­nour and safety.

The Lieutenant Generall and Lambert being Joyn'd, the whole Army was concluded to be 12000 fighting men. The Army march of Gis­burne, where there was a skirmish betwixt Major Righy and some part of the Enemy: The next day the Army marcht to Stonyhurst, a great house in the way to Preston, a party was drawne out com­manded by Major Sanders, who fell on the Ene­mies out-guards, and took the Earle of Con­nought, a Scotchman, and six others prisoners. [Page 154]The next morning early the Army marcht to Preston, where the whole Army of the Enemy both English and Scotch lay, which by computa­tion could be little lesse then 24000 fighting men; a forlorne was commanded out by Major Smithson, consisting of 500 foote, 200 Horse, and two Troops of Dragoones, who charg'd furi­ously upon the Enemy, pursuing them from lanes and Villages with great resolution, which so al­larm'd the whole Army, and caus'd them to draw up upon a More, two miles East of Preston; out forelorne notwithstanding the deepnesse of the wayes, behaved themselves with much Gallantry, who after they had cleared the lanes, our foote drew up; the Van consisted of Colonell Bright, The Lord Generall, and the Lancashire Regi­ments; The Reare of Colonell Overtons, Deane, and Prides Regiments; The Battle of a suddaine was very hot, and there was a fierce dispute for two houres; the enemy having lined the hedges, did much mischiefe both to Horse and foote, but by the Courage of our men, they quickly clear'd the Hedges, and forc't them to retire: The ene­my still gave ground, and we still pursuing from hedge to hedge; our Horse pursue them through Preston Towne: the enemies Army divides and retreats two severall wayes.

A body of 3000 Horse move toward Lancn­ster, the rest of their Horse and foote retreat o­ver the river Ribble; our men follow, and pursue them severall wayes; Colonell Twissleton and Colonell Thornelow pursue them Northward, o­vertook, Rout, scatter, and took multitudes pri­soners.

But the maine of our Army followed that part [Page 155]that went Southward, there was a very hot dis­pute over Ribble birdge, which they Gallantly defended for two houres, at length a body of our Pikes runs furiously upon their Muskets, and for­ced them to retire; we kild and took many of them, but night approaching hinderd the pur­suit.

The next morning the Enemies whole body was drawne up upon a hill on the side of Preston, our men fall on with courage, and forced them to retire in disorder; we kild and took many, and that night they fled to Wiggon, which they plunderd.

The next morning the Enemy came within two miles of Warington, where they drew up in a very strong field, which had high banks like forti­fications; where O swold King of the Northum­bers was formerly slaine.

We fell upon them, though with very great disadvantage, our Horse Charge Resolutely; The dispute was long and sharp, untill such time as the foote could come up to engage, which no sooner came but they retire, and we pursued them to Warington bridge; there was kild of the Ene­my above a thousand, and above two thousand taken prisoners, the rest fled over Warington bridge, where the foote were left by the Horse, who fled; upon our advance they sent a parly, and above 4000 well accoutred men with the Lieutenant Generall laid downe their Armes, and submitted to mercy.

Those that went with Duke Hamilton, move up and downe in Cheshire; the Country people in Armes on their own defence, seaze on diverse straglers, many expecting no good, leave him, [Page 156]at last he moves toward Staffordshire.

Severall parties of Horse were sent after them, one meets with Middleton, who commanded 400 Horse, falls on him, disperst his company, and took him prisoner.

Sir Marmaduke Langdale is appareheded in an Inne.

The Duke sent to the Lord Gray for a Cessa­tion, and to render himselfe prisoner to him, which accordingly he did; Immediately Com­missioners are appointed by the Parliament to examine him.

Colonell George Monroe being newly come into England with a considerable body for a re­serve, understanding the totall defeat of Hamil­ton, returnes back into Scotland: and not long after came the Marquesse of Argile, Lord Lou­den, Leaven, and other of the Nobility to Lieute­nant Generall Cromwell, to manifest their utter dislike of Hamiltons coming with an Army, and Monroes endeavours to Levy Forces for the prosecution of the War, and to desire his assi­stance against him: To which the Lieutenant Generall return'd answer of his wiilingnesse to assist them, and to joyne with them to subdue Monro, and that he did really believe, that God gave the Dukes Army into the hands of those under his Command, to make way for the reliefe of the faithfull in Scotland; he forthwith com­municates it to the House, who accordingly Vote that they approve of his Entring Scotland, for the assistance of those that endeavour'd to oppose Hamiltons Levies.

The Parliament Orders so many of the Scots prisoners, being in all 15000 that were forc't a­way, [Page 157]be sent home in regard of the dearnesse of provissions; The rest to be sent to severall parts abroad.

The King from Caresbrooke, August 28. 1648. sent a Letter to the Speakers of both Houses; thus;

He likewise Inclosed the Names of those persons which he desir'd might attend him, most whereof were Granted him.

The Towne of Colchester having held out the longest siege of any Towne in England since the first beginning of the troubles, in Expectation of Relief from the North; but the Scots Colours being brought before the Towne, totally disap­pointed them of their Expectation, and being by famine the sorest of Calamities, compeld to deli­ver the Towne up to mercy (they having sed neere ten dayes together on Hors-flesh) The Great ones endeavouring to escape were turn'd back by their own men. The Towne was deliver'd up on these Conditions.

The Generall permitting the Common Soul­diers to depart with life, and the Officers to re­maine at his disposall, he to exempt from mercy whom he pleased, the remainder to be remitted to the mercy of the Parliament.

The Towne to Rayse 14000 l. to preserve it from plunder.

And accordingly August 27. they marcht out on the Conditions above exprest.

The miseries of the Towne were great, there being hardly so much as Hors-bread lest to have preserv'd them alive one day.

On the 28 of August at a Councell of War, it was resolv'd that Sir Charles Lucas, Sir George Lisle, and Sir Barnard Jaskin, a Papist, be shot to death.

And accordingly Sir Charles Lucas was brought out into the Castle yard, where he in­sisted upon an appeale, but being deni'd, he took [Page 159]Courage, and looking death in the face with an undaunted resolution, submitted himselfe.

Sir George Lisle was next brought forth, who Kist Sir Charles being dead, and after private prayer desir d a speedy death, more desperate then many of the ancient Romanes on Record.

Its Credibly reported by Eye-witnesses, that upon the very place where they were executed, there groweth no grasse, notwithstanding all the ground thereabout is very fertill.

Sir Barnard Jaskin was reprieved.

The Generall sent immediately a Letter to the Commons, giving them an account of the whole proceedings as to Colchester; as likewise certified the names of those Officers prisoners, which were neere two hundred, and to know their pleasure; withall Telling them that to satisfie the Souldie­ry, and to take vengeance, he had caused to be shot to death Sir Charles Lucas, and Sir George Lisle; the first having contrary to promise falsi­fied his word with him; the second, directed the shooting of poysoned bullets, both being against the Law of Armes.

August the 31. the Commons took into Con­sideration the Kings Letter, and those persons that he had nominated; And by reason that some of them were exempted persons, others prisoners, or under bail, they were not all allowed.

The rest that his Majesty had nam'd had free­dom to goe.

The next day the Lords and Commons nomi­nated their Commissioners to treat with his Ma­jesty, viz. The Earle of Northumberland, the Earle of Pembrooke, Lord of Salsbury, Lord of Middlesex, Lord Say and Seale: for the Com­mons, [Page 160]M ^r Hollis, the Lord Wainman, M ^r Pere­point, Sir Harbottle Grinastone, Sir Henry Vane, Junior, Sir John Corbet, M ^r Crew, M ^r Samuel Browne, M ^r Glin, and M ^r Bulkley.

The Commons order a Letter to be sent to his Majesty, with the names of the Commissioners, withall letting him know how far they had pro­ceeded in the Treaty.

They further considered of Instructions for the Treaty, and require money of the City to de­fray the Charge.

The Prince Riding in the Downs with the Re­volted ships, sent a summons to the Earle of Warwick, to tender and submit himselfe to the Kings Majesty, for the better security and settle­ment of the Kingdome. The Lord Admirall re­turnes answer, that God-willing he will performe the trust reposed in him; and for setling the Kingdome, he leaves that to the Parliament.

September 11. a Petition was presented to the Commons, entituled, The humble Petition of thou­sands well affected in the City of London, giving di­verse Reasons why they assisted them in the war with their lives and fortunes, giving them to un­derstand that they expected other meanes for a settlement, then a personall Treaty; as likewise taking particular notice of the severall wants and necessities of the Nation, concluding that they had laid to heart the blood and losse of the peo­ple, and wisht them seriously to consider, whe­ther an act of oblivion will satisfie Gods Ju­stice, and appease his wrath.

Which Petition was laid aside.

Money being provided, on the 14 of Septem­ber the Commissioners set forward for the Isle [Page 161]of Wight, forty dayes was the time limited; his Majesty desir'd that the first day, on which no­thing was performed but visits, might not be reckoned for one of the forty.

The next day the Personall Treaty began, and it may very well be call'd Personall, for was it ever knowne that a King of England argued and disputed alone with able men selected out of the Parliament, they personally to argue pro and con with a King?

His Majesty being seated in a Chair of State, those his assistants by him were silent.

His Majesty desir'd a Copy of the Heads that they came to treat upon, the Commissioners an­swered, they were the same with those at Hamp­ton Court.

His Majesty replyed, some of those Heads concern'd Scotland; the Commissioners said they came to treat onely of those that concern'd Eng­land and Ireland.

The King desir'd the Scots might be Inclu­ded; to which the Commissioners answered, they had no Instructions to permit it; his Maje­sty further desired that what papers he might put in during the Treaty, might be no way obliging till such time as all was agreed.

The Commissioners Insisted on the first Arti­cle, which was, that his Majesty should recall all his Declarations; to which he brought many pres­sing arguments, professing he was in a very great straight, to yeild would leave a blot and staine up­on himselfe and those that assisted him, and to breake off the Treaty upon that, would be very prejudiciall to him, and the whole Kingdome, desiring some expedient might be found out. [Page 162]The next day the Commissioners gave weighty reasons to his Majesty, which mov'd him to signe it with this proviso, that if the whole was not concluded, this concession of his should not be taken advantage of.

The second Proposition wholly related to the settlement of the Church, which being very long took some time; In it he scrupled at two things, first at his own taking the Covenant; the second a­gainst pluralities, much wondring that this should be put on him, when the Parliament had granted more pluralities to some men, then ever he did to any: after much serious consideration, the King gave in a Paper, wherein he agreed; First, to settle the Directory; secondly, to passe an Act to con­firme the Assembly; thirdly, that Presbyterian Go­vernment be setled for three yeares, in the Inte­rim, a consultation be had what Government shall be setled at the expiration of the three yeares, provided he and his party may have Liberty to use the old forme; he liked not the sale of Bi­shops Lands for ninety nine years, and utterly re­fused to take the Covenant; Further, adding that when he came to London he should be willing to passe any thing that his two Houses should ad­vise to.

As to the Proposition for taking away all Ho­nours since 1642. his Majesty is consenting that all persons on whom Honours have been con­fer'd since May 21. 1642. shall be uncapable of sitting in the House without the consent of both Houses of Parliament.

Concerning Delinquents his Majesty consents that all persons that have had any hand in the plotting contrary designes, or assisting the Re­bellion [Page 163]of Ireland, shall expect no pardon.

For Delinquents his Majesty desires they may compound moderately for their Estates; and fur­ther, for the quiet and settlement of the King­dome, his Majesty is willing that all those Delin­quents whom the Parliament shall not thinke fit, be not admitted to Councell or Court without the consent of both Houses.

The Commissioners being bound up to receive a positive answer, durst not accept of that.

Divers meetings and arguings were on both sides, for and against; at last on the 21 of Octo­ber, the King put in a Paper containing the Heads of those things that he requir'd, which were:

• 1. That he be put in a condition of freedome, Honour and safety, and have the faith of the two Houses therefore.
• 2. That he may be restored to his Lands and Revenues.
• 3. That he may have compensation for the Court of Wards, and such other of his revenue as he shall part withall.
• 4. An Act of Oblivion and Indempnity be past.

Which Propositions the Commissioners com­municate to the Lords, who upon debate finde them to be so reasonable, as to consent to them all; They likewise Informe the House of his Ma­jesties answer to Religion, and the Covenant, which the House Vote not satisfactory, and will by no meanes permit him the use of the Com­mon prayer, but for the Covenant they are con­tent to suspend it, but order the Commissioners to proceed on the rest.

The Lords Vote that they approve of his Ma­jestie; [Page 164]suspension of Episcopacy for three yeares, provided it take no place afterward but by con­sent of Parliament.

The Lords and Commons Vote their Commis­sioners returne from the Treaty, excepting the Earle of Northumberland, M ^r Perepoint, and M ^r Hollis.

The Commons debated of his Majesties Pro­positions, and Vote that they agree.

• 1. That he be in Honour, freedome and safe­ty, according to the Laws.
• 2. That he have his revenue as before, excep­ting the Dedications of such Forts and Garrisons, as were of old accustom'd to be allow'd mainte­nance.
• 3. That he have compensation for the Court of Wards.
• 4. That an Act of Oblivion be past.

All which they communicate to the Lords.

The King having Granted the Parliament to dispose of all Great Offices for ten yeares, they Vote it satisfactory.

Lieutenant Generall Cromwell enters Scotland, and puts out strict Proclamation for the Civill deportment of his Army; He no sooner enters the Kingdome, but Monroe and others dispairing of successe, disband the new Levies, and returne malancholly to Edenborough.

The Lieutenant Generall was with many of the Officers of the Army Nobly feasted by the Nobility and Gentry of that Nation at Eden­borough.

The Scots send Commissioners to London, to the Parliament, to shew their Just dislike of the late Levies.

On the 9 ^th of October, he had Carlile deliver'd up to him, who immediately appointed Sir Ar­thur Haslerig to be Governour.

Endeavours were made for the betraying of Pendennis Castle, but it was timely prevented.

Lanerick the Governour of Barwick sent, de­siring Conditions for the delivering of the Town, which was accordingly consented to.

The Lieutenant Generall with the Army re­turne out of Scotland, not without much thanks from the Generality of the Nobility.

The Committee of York Petition the Lieute­nant Generall to take care of the siege of Pom­fret, who accordingly sent a sharp summons to the Governour, to which the Governour sent a Reply, which in effect was a deniall.

Major Generall Skippon Reports to the House the great danger they were in, by reason of the great concourse of Malignants and disaffected persons into the City, together with the plots tending to assassinate many of the Members, and of his Inability to assist them without a Guard, requiring if they thinke it convenient, that some of the Army come to Guard them, upon which the House appointed a time to consider of it.

The Complaint of the Country every where was very Great, by reason of free quarter, which the Officers of the Army upon serious Inspection, discover a designe to stop their pay, to make them more odious to the people.

At a Councell of War held at the Bull in St Albanes, where were present sixteen Colonels, besides other Officers, a Declaration was read of all their Grivances, and desires, containing 26 sheets of Paper, which was orderd to be presen­ted [Page 166]to the House Nemine contradicente.

The Commons order the drawing of severall Acts to be sign'd by his Majesty.

As, 1. An Act for Justifying the War made by Parliament.

2. An Act for Nulling all Honours, since the carrying away of the Great Seale.

3. An Act for explanation, and preventing fu­ture Interpretations of the Statute 25 Ed. the 3 ^d, and all other Acts of Treason, and that of the 11 of Henry the 7 ^th, concerning the subjects aiding the King in his Wars, for the better securing the Kingdomes peace, and subjects lives and estates, which being sent to the Commissioners, together with the Votes of the House concerning the Bi­shops & their Lands, were by them presented to his Majesty, who seemed very much dissatisfied. The Commissioners againe press upon the King, to which he replies, that he had given his answer already, and could not with a safe conscience con­sent to the abolishing of Bishops, nor approve of the alienating of their Lands, because he is per­swaded the first is Apostolicall, the second sacri­legious. He further tould them, that if his two Houses will not recede from their former Votes, and content themselves satisfied in order to peace, He can be content with Christ to suffer any thing that can befall him, rather then deprive himselfe of the tranquility of Conscience, still hoping that the Parliament will consent.

To which the Commissioners answer that the Parliament conceive it necessary that his Majesty grant their request for the peace and welfare of the Kingdom, assuring that it is not the Aposto­licall Bishop which they require, but the Bishop [Page 167]establisht by Law, growne up to that height of pride and state, Insulting over all power, and burthensome to the persons and estates of the subjects.

And for alienating Bishops Lands, they answer, they were settled by Law, and by Law may be alienated, and that it was an ordinary practice of his Majesties Predecessors in the Case of Abby Lands.

On the 26 of November, was presented a De­claration of the Army to the Commons House, which was the day before subscribed by the Ge­nerall, it contained 26 sheets of paper, shewing the misgoings of King & Parliament severally, also in all Treaties betwixt them, especially that they are now in: They conceive the Parliament hath a­bundant cause to lay aside any further proceedings in this Treaty, and to returne to their Votes of non­addresses, and settle with or against the King, that he was Governe no more, by rejecting those demands of the King, especially concerning his restitution, and coming to London with freedome, Honour and safety, and that they proceed against the King in way of Justice, and that a peremptory day be set for the Prince of Wales, and Duke of York to come in, if not, to be declared uncapable of any Govern­ment, and stand Exiled for ever as traytors.

The Governour of the Isle of Wight sends a Let­ter to the Lords, that he may be discharged of his Imployment, which they would by no meanes consent to, but ordered him to continue his Im­ployment.

The Generall Orders Collonell Euers Go­vernour of the Island, and sent for Colonell Ha­mond to the head quarters at Windsor; whither [Page 168]being come, He was for some time detained.

The Generall sent a Letter to both Houses, of the Grounds and reasons of his advance with his Army toward the City, in pursuance of their for­mer Declaration.

And on the second of December, accordingly the Generall and Army enter the Lines of Com­munication; The Generall quarterd at White Hall, with a Regiment of foote, the Horse and the rest of the Army quarter in the Mews, S ^t James's, York House, and diverse other places about the City.

The King from Newport was by the new Go­vernour convey'd to Hurst Castle, a very noy­some and unwholsome place, where during his restraint he composed his book, entituled, The portraiture of his sacred Majesty in his solitude and sufferings, a Royall Monument which he left to posterity.

The House sat all day and night till eight of the Clock next morning; many Speeches were made by divers Members of the Kings Conces­sions, among the rest M ^r Prin made a long Speech, proving the Kings Concessions to be a Ground for a setled peace, which was afterwards Voted in the House, 129 being for it, and 84 against it.

Wednesday December the sixt, some part of the Army having a List of those Members that were to be taken into custody, according they did it, not permitting them to enter the House, the number seazed was thirty-four, two whereof, viz. Sir Benjamine Ruddier and M ^r Nathaniel Fines, were by the Generall discharged, the rest were carried to the Kings head in the Strand, [Page 169]and divers other places of Westminster, having Guards upon them.

Presently after was publisht the Reasons why the Army had secluded divers Members which were; First, That very many had turn'd Malig­nants, and had brought such into the House, and kept them in, notwithstanding Votes to the contrary; secondly, They endeavouring to bring the King in upon his own tearmes; thirdly, Their protecting the 11 Members from Justice; fourthly, Their abet­ting and pertaking with the Cities violence on the House, and tumults; fifthly, Encouraging the Ci­ty and others to Petition for a personall Treaty; sixthly, Encouraging the late Insurrections, and calling in the 11 Members.

The remaining Members continue sitting; on the seventh of December, Lieutenant Generall Cromwell came to the House, and had their thankes for his faithfull service both in England and Scotland.

The same day the Lords Voted his Majesties Concessions a Ground for peace, and forthwith adjourne.

Severall Regiments of Horse and foote were quarterd in Black Fryers, St Pauls Church, and all the Houses adjacent.

On the ninth of December, a Petition was pre­sented to the Councell of War at White Hall, by the Officers and Souldiers of divers Regiments, That the Grand and Capitall Enemies of the Common-wealth may be speedily brought to Justice.

The Committee fitting in White Hall, order a Representative of 400 persons to be chosen throughout the Nation, for the settlement of the Kingdome.

December 13. the Remaining part of the Com­mons House Nuld and Vote for his Majesties Concessions, and order the Generall to take care of the King.

The Councell of War were orderd to sit to draw up a Charge against the King, and accord­ingly orders were Issued out for his removall.

December the 10 ^th, his Majesty came from Hurst Castle, dined at a Ladyes, and that night came on Hors-back to Winchester, where he lay all night; The next night to Farnham, attended by Colonel Harison, and a Guard of 2000 Horse; the next day he came to Windsor, and was deli­ver'd up to the Governour, who had Instructi­ons not to permit him to be spoken with, nor vi­sited by any, but by speciall order from Parlia­ment or Generall.

Divers of the secluded Members were dis­charged by the Generall.

on the 23 of December, The Commons order a Charge to be drawne up against the Capitall of­fenders of the Kingdome, and amongst the rest the King was named.

Decem. 28 an Ordinance was brought into the House nominating divers persons to try the King, which being tenderd to the Lords was refused.

Major Pitcher an Active stout man for the King, having his life Granted on promise to goe out of the Land, was apprehended and shot to death in S ^t Pauls Church-yard.

The Commons seeing the Lords averse pro­ceed themselves, and agreed to the Commission brought in for Triall of the King, and order the Commissioners to meete on Munday in the pain­ted Chamber, to consider of manner, time, and place.

January the9 ^th, the Lords Vote that the King could not commit Treason against the Common­wealth, and order a Declaration to be drawne up of the Grounds and reasons of their rejecting the Commission for triall of the King; and another, That no Act of the Commons is binding, without the consent of the Lords.

The Queene sent a Letter to both Houses, craving leave to come over to visit her husband, but it would not be Granted.

The Ministers of London (though now too late) came to the Generall at White Hall, to de­clare their dislike of the proceedings, which be­gat a High contest.

The Commons Adjourne part of Hillary Tearme in order to the Kings Triall.

Some Judges for dissenting from the Kings Triall are displaced.

Jan. 17. The Commissioners for Triall of the King meet in the painted Chamber, and debated whether they should have in Court the Mace and Sword, and accordingly it was Resolv'd to have both Mace and Sword; the Sword alone being too terrible.

The Commons upon the Kings request Order D ^r Juxson, Bishop of London, to attend him as Chaplain.

Proclamation was made in Westminster Hall, and the Old Exchange, for witnesses to come in against the King.

Fryday the 19 of January, the King was brought from Windsor Castle, and was met by a Regiment of Horse four miles from London, and that night lodg'd at S ^t James's.

The Kings Bench-Bar and Chancery were ap­pointed [Page 172]for the Commissioners to sit in, which were Rayled and Scaffolded; in the midst was placed a Crimson Velvet Chaire for the Presi­dent, with a Desk before him, on which lay a Crimson Velvet Cushon; The Seates all Cove­red with Red; Beneath was a Table with a Tur­ky Carpet for the Carkes.

On saturday the 20 of January, the King was brought with a strong. Guard of foote through S ^t James's Parke to White Hall, and from thence was convay'd by water to Sir Robert Cottons House, with a Guard of twenty Partesons.

The President Sargeant Bradshaw, with his Traine held up, before whom was Carried the Sword by Collonell Humphrys, and the Mace by Sergeant Dandy; after whom came seventy Com­missioners; the Councell was M ^r Aske, a Lawyer of the Inner Temple, Dr Daureslaus a Civilian, and M ^r Cooke of Grays Inne was Solicitor Gene­nerall for the businesse.

The Court being sat, the Commission by which they sat was Read, together with the Commis­sioners names.

The President commanded the Sergeant at Armes to fetch in the Prisoner, who immediately brought the King (attended by a Guard of Par­tezons) and placed him in a Chaire; He was no sooner sat, but with a sterne Countenance he viewed the Court, Lookt up toward the Galle­ries, and rising from his Chaire, turn'd himselfe to behold the vast multitudes of Souldiers and others that were in the Hall.

It was further observable, that at his Majesties first coming into the Court, the top of his staff fell off, which none stooping for he took up him­selfe.

Silence being Commanded, the Lord President told the King they were assembled by the Au­thority of the Commons of England, to proceed to the Triall of Charles Stuart King of England, who had betrayed the trust reposed in him by the people, and Commanded the Charge to be read in Open Court, which was to this effect:

The Lord President Replyed, Sir you have now heard your Charge Read, and in the Close it is prayed in behalfe of the Commons of England, that you answer to your Charge; The Court Expects your Answer.

The King, I would know by what Power I was cald hither; I was not long agoe in the Isle of Wright, how I came thither is too long to re­late, or then I thinke now to speak of; there I was in treaty with both Houses of Parliament, was as much publique faith as its possible, we were almost come to the Conclusion of a Trea­ty; I would now know by what Authority, I meane lawfull, for there are many unlawfull Au­thorities in the world, theeves and robbers by the high way; but I would know by what Lawfull authority I was brought from thence, and carried from place to place, and when I know by what Lawfull Authority, I shall answer: Remember, I am your King, and what sins you bring upon your heads, and what Judgements upon this Land, thinke well upon it; I say, thinke well upon it, before you goe from one sin to a greater; There­fore let me know by what Lawfull Authority I am seated here; In the meane time I shall not be­tray my trust, I have a trust committed to me by God, by old and Lawfull descent, I will not be­tray it, by answering to a new and Unlawfull Au­thority.

Lord President, If you had been pleased to have observ'd what had been hinted to you by the Court at your first coming hither, you would have knowne by what Authority. Which Au­thority requires you in the name of the people of England, by which you are Elected King, to answer them.

The King, No Sir, I deny that.

Lord President, If you acknowledge not the Authority of the Court, they must proceed.

The King, I doe tell them so, England is an hereditary and not an Elective Kingdome, and hath been so neare 1000 yeares; therefore let me know by what Authority I am cald hither; I stand more for the priviledge of my people, than any that are seated here; still urging to know by what Authority he was seated there, and he would answer; otherwise not.

President, Charges the King with Interroga­ting the Court, which did not beseeme him in that condition.

The King tould him, he was brought from the Isle of Wight by force, and he did not come there as submitting to the Court, professing to stand for the priviledge of the House of Commons, still urging a Legall Authority, warranted by the Word of God, or the Constitution of the King­dome, and he would Answer.

President, Seeing you will not answer, the Court will consider how to proceed; in the meane time, you are to be carried away by them that brought you hither.

The Court desires to know whether this is all you will answer.

The King, Sir, I desire you would Give me and all the world satisfaction in this, its no sleight thing you are about, I am sworne to God for the peace of my Country, and therefore you would doe well to satisfie God, and then the world by what Authority you doe this, there is a God in Heaven that will call you and all that Gives you power to account.

President, The Court expects your finall an­swer; you desire satisfaction of their Authority, it is upon Gods Authority, and that's our pre­sent Work.

The King, That which you have said, satis­fies no reasonable man.

President, That's in your apprehension, we thinke it reasonable that are your Judges.

The King, Neither your apprehension nor mine ought to decide it.

President, Commands the King to be taken away.

And accordingly he was convey'd back to St James's.

Two dayes after on the 22 of January, the Court meet in the painted Chamber; where they order that the King shall not be sufferd to argue the Jurisdiction of the Court, and that in case the King should againe dispute their Authority, the President is to let him know, that the Court hath consider'd his demands the last day, and that he ought to rest satisfied with this answer, That the Commons of England assembled in Parliament have constituted this Court, whose power may not, nor shall not be disputed against by him.

Further, That in case the King shall not answer, the President is to let him know, that the Court doth take it as a contumacy, and record it, and in case he answer with a saving notwithstanding of his pre­tended Prerogative above the Jurisdiction of the Court, the President to refuse his protest, and re­quire his positive answer whether he will own the Court or not.

And in case the King shall continue in his con­tempt, The President shall command the Clarke to [Page 179]demand of the King them; Charles Stuart, King of England, you are accus'd in behalfe of the people of England, of divers high Crimes and Treasons, which Charge hath been Read to you; The Court requires you to give your positive answer, either to confesse or deny.

And forthwith the Court assembles in West­minster Hall, where after their Names are cald over, the Captaine of the Guard is commanded to fetch the King, who being brought and sea­ted, as before, a Great shout was made by the people; Soliciter Cooke againe accuseth the King as before, the Charge being Read, he required he might give a positive answer, which if he refuse, the Charge to be taken pro Confesso, and the Court proceed to Justice.

President, Requires the King to give a posi­tive answer, and either confesse or deny, it is of­ferd in behalfe of the Kingdome to be made good against you, for the Authority of the Court they avow it, and the whole Kingdome are to rest sa­tisfied with it, I therefore require your positive answer.

The King persisted in his former protest a­gainst the Jurisdiction of the Court, and that a King could not be tryed by any superior Juris­diction on Earth, and tould them that pretend what they would be stood for their Liberties; for if Power without Law may alter the funda­mentall Laws of the Kingdome, what subject is he that can be secure of his Life or Estate; and going to shew reasons why he could not allow them a Court, he was Interrupted by the Presi­dent, who tould him they would not allow him to dispute the Authority of the Court, desiring a [Page 180]punctuall and direct answer.

The King, I understand Law and reason, and therefore under favour I doe plead for the Liber­ty of the people more then you doe, and there­fore if I should Impose a beliefe upon any man without reasons given for it, it were unreasona­ble. The President againe Interrupted him, tel­ling him he might not be permitted to speake of Law and reason there; The Vote of the Com­mons of England assembled in Parliament are the reason of the Kingdome: Sir, you are not to dis­pute our Authority, and it will be taken notice of that you stand in contempt of the Court, and your contempt will be recorded.

King, I doe not know how a King can be a Delinquent by any Law, I ever heard of, I de­mand to be heard my reasons, if you deny that you deny reason.

President, Sir, Neither you nor any man shall be permitted to dispute the Authority of the Court; further telling him that if he demurr'd to the Jurisdiction of the Court, they sitting there by the Authority of the Commons of England, he and all his Predecessors are responsible to them.

The King, I deny it.

President, You ought to disturbe or In­terrupt the Court in speaking; They have consi­derd of their own Jurisdiction.

King, I say, Sir, The Commons of England were never allow'd a Court of Judicature.

President, Sir, you are not to be permitted to goe on in these discourses.

Then the Clarke Read as was Ordered in the painted Chamber, requiring the King to answer; [Page 181]Upon which the King promised to answer, so soone as he knew the Authority of the Court.

President, If that be all you have to say, then take away the Prisoner; To which the King re­ply'd, I require to give in my Reasons, which the President would not permit; The King urges a­gaine to give in his Reasons, but the President tould him his Reasons were not to be heard a­gainst the highest Jurisdiction. To which the King answered, shew me the Court where Reason is not to be heard.

The President againe commands the Prisoner to be taken away, who was accordingly convey'd back to S James's.

The President ordered to record the default.

On the 23 of January, 1648. The Court met againe according to the usuall manner, and the Prisoner was brought with his Guard, and seated in his Chaire; Soliciter Cooke made a formall Speech, addressing himselfe to the President, and in the Close craved Judgement to be pronounced against the Prisoner.

The President addresses himselfe to the King, and tells him, That it was not for him to dispute the Jurisdiction of the supreame and highest Au­thority of England, from whom there is no ap­peale; and further to let him know, that the Court was sensible of his delays, and that they ought not to be thus trifled with, and that they might in Justice take advantage of those delays, and proceed to Judgement against him; yet ne­verthelesse, by direction of the Court, I require a positive answer whether you are Guilty or not Guilty of the Treasons laid to your Charge.

To which the King reply'd, when I was here [Page 182]last I did desire to speake for the Liberties of the people of England, but was Interrupted, I desire to know whether I may speake freely or not.

President, Sir, I must let you know from the Court, that you are not to be permitted to run out into any discourses, untill such time as you have given a positive answer to the matter that hath been Charg'd upon you.

The King, For the Charge I value it not a rush, its the Liberty of the people I stand for, I that am your King, and sworne to maintaine the Laws, for me to acknowledge a new Court that I never heard of; here he was Interrupted. Sir, you ought not to Interrupt me; How I came here I know not, there is no Law for it, to make your King your Prisoner.

President, Sir, you must know the pleasure of the Court.

The King, By your favour Sir.

President, Nay Sir, by your favour you may not be permitted to fall into these discourses; The Court once more demands your positive an­swer.

Here the Clarke Read the same as before.

To which the King replyed; To give satis­faction to the people of the Clearenesse of my proceedings, not by way of answer, but to satisfie them that I have done nothing against the trust that hath been committed to me, but to acknow­ledge a new Court against their priviledge, or to alter the fundamentall Laws of the Kingdome, you must excuse me.

President, Sir, This is the third time you have disownd the Court, and put an affront upon it; how far you have preserv'd the priviledge of the [Page 183]people your actions have spoke it; mens Intenti­ons are knowne by their actions, you have writ­ten your meaning in bloody Characters; but Sir, The pleasure of the Court is, that the Clarke Re­cord your default, and you Gentlemen that take Charge of the Prisoner, take him away.

Who was Immediately convey'd back to S ^t James's as accustomd.

On the 27 of January, 1648. The Court met againe in Westminster Hall, being in all seventy eight.

Whose Names were:

• John Bradshaw, Sarje­ant at Law, Presi­dent.
• Oliver Cromwell, Lieu­tenant Generall.
• Commissary Generall Ireton.
• Major Gen: Skippon.

Lords.

• Thomas Lord Gray of Groby.
• Philip Lord Lisle.

Colonells.

• Edward Whaly.
• Thomas Harrison.
• Isaac Ewer.
• Thomas Pride.
• Rowland Wilson.
• Richard Ingolshy.
• William Purofoy.
• Henry Martin.

Hewson.

• Edward Ludlow.
• Robert Titchburne.
• John Huchinson.
• Owen Row.
• Adrian Scroope.
• Robert Lilburne.
• John Harrison.
• Richard Deane.
• John Okey.
• John More.
• William Goffe:
• John Desborough.
• Edmond Harvey.
• Francis Lasseley.
• John Venne.
• John Downes.
• Anthony Stapeley.
• George Fleetwood.
• James Temple.
• Thomas Hamond.
• [Page 184] Thomas Wait.
• John Barkstead.
• Godfry Boswell.
• Mathew Tomlins.
• Herbottle Morley.

Knights.

• Sir Henry Mildmay.
• Sir John Danvers.
• Sir. William Brereton.
• Sir. Miles Livesey.
• Francis Thorpe, Sar­geant.
• Aldermen of London.
• Isack Pennington.
• Thomas Atkins.
• John Fowkes.
• Thomas Scott.
• Thomas Andrews.

Esquires.

• Gilbert Millington.
• John Blackstone.
• William Heinington.
• Cornelius Holland.
• Miles Corbet.
• Francis Allin.
• John Carme.
• John Jones.
• Peregrine Pelham.
• John Gowden.
• Thomas Chaloner.
• John Aldred.
• William Say.
• Dennis Bond.
• Henry Smith.
• Gregory Clement.
• Humphry Edwards.
• Henry Smith.
• James Chaloner.
• John Fry.
• Abraham Burrell.
• William Cowley.
• Nicholas Love.
• John Lisle.
• Vincent Potter.
• John Corbet.
• Thomas Blunt.
• Thomas Boone.
• John Lawnes.
• Augustine Caranell.
• John Downe.
• John Dexwell.

Silence being Commanded at the Kings com­ing into the Court, there was a great Cry made in the Hall for Execution, Execution.

The King desir'd to speake, and hopes he shall give no occasion of Interruption.

President, You may, but you must heare the Court first; the King presses to be heard before Judgement, to which the President promised he should.

Then the President began his Speech, addres­sing himselfe to the Court, how that the Prisoner at the Bar hath been severall times Charg'd with Treason in the name of the people of England, and requir'd to answer; That he hath been so far from obeying the Court by submitting to their Justice, that he began to offer reasoning and de­bate unto the Authority of the Court, and being requir'd to answer, he was pleased to be contuma­cious, and refused to answer; whereupon the Court have thought fit to take the matter into their consideration, and have considerd of the Notoriousnesse of the fact Charg'd upon the Pri­soner, and upon the whole, are agreed and re­solv'd, of a sentence to be pronounced on this Prisoner, but in respect he desires to be heard be­fore sentence, the Court are resolv'd to heare him, provided he meddle not with the Jurisdicti­on of the Court, but if he have any thing to say in his own defence, the Court is willing to heare him.

The King tells them, a hasty sentence once past, may sooner be Repented then recald, de­siring he might be heard in the Painted Cham­ber before the Lords and Commons. I cannot be Judge of that I have to say, but if it be reason, and really for the welfare of the Kingdome, and Liberty of the subject, I am sure it will be well worth the hearing before my sentence be past, therefore I doe conjure you, as you love that you pretend, I hope its reall, the Liberty of the subject, and the peace of the Kingdome, that you will grant me a hearing before you passe sen­tence; to which the President Reply'd, that it was a further declining of the Jurisdiction of the Court.

The King craving pardon for his Interrupti­on, endeavour'd to cleere it, that it was not a de­clining of the Court, although he could not own it.

The President tould him they had with much patience waited his leasure as to an answer, and that what he had offerd tended to a delay, and such delayes neither the Kingdome nor Justice could admit of, but the Court is content to with­draw for a time, and you shall know their further pleasure.

The Sarjeant at Arms declares from the Court, that the Prisoner was to be withdrawne, untill such time as they should send for him.

After halfe an houres space, the Court being set, The President Commands the Sarjeant at Armes to send for the Prisoner, who being brought, The President tould the King, that the Court had withdrawne pro forma Tantum, that they had considerd of what was offerd, and of their own Authority, which was founded by the supreame Authority of the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England, and that they had acted according to their Concession, but the re­turne that you are to expect from them is, that they have been too much delay'd by you already, and Judges are no more to delay then to deny, and notwithstanding what you have offerd, they are resolv'd to proceed to punishment and Judge­ment, and this is their unanimous resolution.

The King, Sir, It is in vaine for me to dispute, I know you have power enough, but it would have been for the Kingdomes peace, if you would have shewn the lawfulnesse of your power; it is not my own good I look at, but the Kingdomes [Page 187]peace, and welfare; I doe put at your doores all the Inconveniences of a hasty sentence, I confesse I have been here eight dayes, its but a little de­lay of a day or two more that may give the Kingdome peace, whereas a hasty Judgement may bring on that trouble and perpetuall Incon­veniency to the Kingdome, that the child unborne may repent it, therefore once againe I desire to be heard by the Lords and Commons in the pain­ted Chamber.

President, You have already received the Re­solutions and Judgement of the Court in it, they desire to know if you have any thing more to say before sentence.

The King, If you will grant me this delay, I doubt not but to give some reasonable satis­faction, therefore I require you as you will an­swer it at the dreadfull day of Judgement, that you will consider it.

To which the President replyed, If you have nothing more to say, we must proceed to sen­tence.

The King, I have nothing more to say.

President, The Court hath something to say to you, though it will not be acceptable to you, dilating upon the Charge, and the severall par­ticulars whereof the Prisoner was Guilty, Illu­strating his speech with divers examples sacred and prophane, that the people have deposed, nay executed their Kings for mis-government. In the Close of which the King desired to be heard (before sentence) concerning those Impu­tations Charg'd upon him. The President Re­plyed, that his time was now past, and he was not far from sentence. The King againe moves to be [Page 188]heard concerning those Imputations; but the President tould him that he not acknowledging them to be a Court, they could not admit of what he had to say; and further, Insisting upon his guilt, minding him what the Scripture saith, For to acquit the Guilty is of equall abomination as to condemne the Innocent: We may not acquit the Guilty, what sentence the Law denounceth to a Traytor, a Murtherer, and a Publique Ene­my to the Country, that sentence you are now to have read unto you, and that is the sense of the Court.

O yes, and filence Commanded, the President appoints the Clarke to read the sentence, which was;

That whereas the Commons of England in Par­liament assembled, have appointed them a High Court of Justice for the trying of Charles Stuart King of England, before whom he had been three times Convented, and at the first time a Charge of High Treason and other Crimes and misdemea­nours was read in behalfe of the Kingdome of Eng­land, &c. Reading the Charge. To which Charge he the said Charles Stuart refused severall times to answer.

For all which Treasons and Crimes this Court doth adjudge that the said Charles Stuart, as a Ty­rant, Traytor, Murtherer, and a publique Enemy, shall be put to death by severing his head from his body.

The sentence being read, the President tould him, The sentence read, and published, is the Act, Sentence, Judgement, and resolution of the whole Court; Upon which the Court stood up, assent­ing to what the President had said.

The King would have been heard, but the President tould him he was not to be heard after sentence, and forthwith commanded the Prisoner to be carried away, who was convey'd to White Hall.

The Reasons why he could not consent to the Court, are as followeth, which he Intended to deliver on Munday Jan. 22. in writing, but was not permitted.

Having already made My protestations not on­ly against the illegality of this pretended Court, but also that no Earthly power can justly call Me (who am your KING) in question as a Delin­quent; I would not any more open My mouth upon this occasion, more than to refer My self to what I have spoken, were I alone in this case alone concerned. But the duty I owe to God in the preservation of the true liberty of My people, will not suffer Me at this time to be silent: For, how can any free-born Subject of England call Life, or any thing he possesseth, his own; if Power without Right daily make new, and abrogate the old fundamentall Law of the Land? which I now take to be the present case. Wherefore when I came hither, I expected that you would have en­deavoured to have satisfied Me concerning these grounds which hinder Me to answer to your pre­tended Impeachment; but since I see that nothing I can say will move you to it (though Negatives are not so naturally proved as Affirmatives) yet I will shew you the Reason why I am confident you cannot judge Me, nor indeed the meanest Man in England; for, I will not (like you) with­out shewing a reason, seek to impose a belief up­on My Subjects.

Hereabout I was stopt, & not suffe­red to speak any more con­cerning Rea­sons.There is no proceeding just a­gainst any Man, but what is warran­ted either by Gods Laws, or the mu­nicipall Laws of the Country where he lives. Now I am most confident, that this dayes proceeding cannot be warranted by Gods Law, for on the contrary, the authority of obedience unto Kings is cleerly war­ranted and strictly commanded both in the Old and New Testament; which if denied, I am ready instantly to prove: and for the Question now in hand, there it is said, That where the word of a King is, there is power, and who may say unto him, what doest thou? Eccles. 8.4. Then for the Laws of this Land, I am no lesse confident, that no learned Lawyer will affirm, that an impeachment can lye against the King, they all going in His Name; and one of their Maximes is, That the King can do no wrong. Besides, the Law upon which you ground your proceedings, must either be old or new: if old, shew it; if new, tell what Authority warranted by the fundamentall Laws of the Land hath made it, and when. But how the House of Commons can erect a Court of Judica­ture, which was never one it self (as is well known to all Lawyers) I leave to God and the World to judge: And it were full as strange that they should pretend to make Laws without King or Lords-House, to any that have heard speak of the Laws of England.

And admitting, but not granting, that the peo­ple of Englands Commission could grant your pretended power, I see nothing you can shew for that; for certainly you never asked the question of the tenth man of the Kingdome, and in this way [Page 191]you manifestly wrong even the poorest plough­man, if you demand not his free consent; nor can you pretend any colour for this your pretended Commission without the consent at least of the major part of every man in England, of whatsoe­ver quality or condition, which I am sure you ne­ver went about to seek; so far are you from ha­ving it. Thus you see that I speak not for My own right alone, as I am your KING, but also for the true liberty of all My Subjects, which consists not in sharing the power of Government, but in li­ving under such Lawes, such a Government as may give themselves the best assurance of their lives, and propriety of their goods. Nor in this must or do I forget the Priviledges of both Hou­ses of Parliament, which this dayes proceeding doth not only violate, but likewise occasion the greatest breach of their publick Faith, that (I be­lieve) ever was heard of, with which I am far from charging the two Houses: for all the pre­tended crimes laid against Me, bear date long be­fore this late Treaty at Newport, in which I ha­ving concluded as much as in Me lay, & hopefully expecting the two Houses agreement thereunto, I was suddenly surprized, and hurried from thence as a Prisoner, upon which account I am against My will brought hither, where since I am come I cannot but to My power defend the ancient Laws and Liberties of this Kingdome, together with My own just right; Than for any thing I can see the higher House is totally excluded. And for the House of Commons, it is too well known that the major part of them are detained or deterred from sitting, so as if I had no other, this were suf­ficient for Me to protest against the lawfulnesse [Page 192]of your pretended Court. Besides all this, the peace of the Kingdome is not the least in My thoughts, and what hopes of settlement is there so long as Power reigns without rule of Law, changing the whole frame of that Government under which this Kingdome hath flourished for many hundred yeares, (nor will I say what will fall out in case this lawlesse unjust proceeding a­gainst Me do go on) and believe it, the Commons of England will not thank you for this change, for they will remember how happy they have been of late years under the Reign of Q. Eliza­beth, the King My Father, and My Self, untill the beginning of these unhappy Troubles, and will have cause to doubt that they shall never be so happy under any new. And by this time it will be too sensibly evident, that the Arms I took up were only to defend the fundamentall Laws of this Kingdome, against those who have supposed My power hath totally changed the ancient Go­vernment.

Thus having shewed you briefly the Reasons, why I cannot submit to your pretended Authori­ty, without violating the trust which I have from God, for the welfare and liberty of My People; I expect from you either cleer Reasons to con­vince My judgement, shewing Me that I am in an Error (and then truly I will readily answer) or that you will withdraw your proceedings.

Sir Hardresse Waller, Harrison, Deane, and Okey, Colonels, with Lieutenant Generall Ire­ton, are by the Court appointed to consider of time and place for executing the King, who re­solve that the Open streete before White Hall is [Page 193]a fit place, and that the King be there executed the next day being the 30 of January 1648. and that the scaffold he covered with black.

January 27. the King lay at White Hall, the next day being Sunday, the Bishop of London preached before him in his Chamber; The same day all the Members of the Court kept a fast in the Chappell at White Hall.

Munday his Children were permitted to visit him at S ^t James's, but staid not long.

Tuesday the 30 of January, the fatall day, he prays and receives the Sacrament, and at ten a Clock attended by a Regiment of foote, and his Guard of Partisons, with Bishop Juxson on one hand, and Colonell Tomlinson on the other, walks afoote through the Parke; as they were going he bids them goe faster, telling them he now went before them to strive for a heavenly Crowne with less solicitude, then he had oftentimes bid his Souldi­ers to fight for an earthly Diadem; he goes into his Cabinet Chamber at White Hall, continuing in his devotions, refusing to dine, but about twelve a Clock he eat a bit of bread and drank a glasse of claret wine; neere one of the Clock he was convey'd through the Banqueting-house, and past through the great window upon the scaffold co­vered with black, where he beheld two Execu­tioners disguisd with vizards, the Ax and Block ready, which nothing affrighted him; he addrest himself to Colonell Tomlinson as followeth.

I Shall be very little heard of any body else, I shall therefore speak a word unto you here: Indeed I could have held My peace very well, if I did not think that holding My peace would make [Page 194]some men think that I did submit to the guilt, as well as to the punishment: But I think it is My duty to God first, and then to My Countrey, to clear My Self both as an honest man, a good King, and a good Christian.

I shall begin first with My innocency, and in troth, I think it not very needfull for Me to insist long upon this, for all the World knows that I never did begin a War with the two Houses of Parliament, and I call God to witnesse, to whom I must shortly make an account, that I never did intend to incroach upon their Priviledges, they began upon Me; it is the Militia they began up­on; they confest that the Militia was Mine, but they thought it fit for to have it from Me; and to be short, if any body will look to the dates of Commissions, of their Commissions and Mine, and likewise to the Declarations, he will see clearly that they began these unhappy troubles, not I; so that as for the guilt of these Enormous crimes that are laid against Me, I hope that God will clear Me of it: I will not (for I am in cha­rity) and God forbid that I should lay it upon the two Houses of Parliament, there is no neces­sity of either, I hope they are free of this guilt; but I believe that ill Instruments between them & Me, have been the chief cause of all this blood­shed; so that, as I finde My self clear of this, I hope (and pray God) that they may too: yet for all this, God forbid that I should be so ill a Christian, as not to say that Gods judgements are just upon me: Many times he doth pay Ju­stice by an unjust sentence, that is ordinary: I will only say this, That an unjust Earl of Strafford. sen­tence that I suffered for to take effect, [Page 195]is punished now, by an unjust sentence upon Me; so far I have said, to shew you that I am an In­nocent man.

Now for to shew you that I am a good Chri­stian: I hope there is Poiating to Dr. Juxen B. of London. a good man that will bear Me witnesse, That I have forgiven all the World; and even those in particular that have been the chief causers of My Death; who they are, God knows, I doe not desire to know, I pray God forgive them.

But this is not all, My charity must goe fur­ther, I wish that they may repent, for indeed they have committed a great sin in that particu­lar; I pray God with S ^t. Stephen, That this be not laid to their charge; and withall, that they may take the right way to the peace of the King­dom; for My charity commands Me not only to forgive particular men, but to endeavour to the last gasp, the peace of the Kingdom: So (Sirs) I doe wish with all My Soul. Turning to some that wrote. (I see there are some here will carry it further) that they may endeavour the peace of the Kingdom.

Now (Sirs) I must shew you both how you are out of the way, and put you in a way; first, you are out of the way, for certainly all the way you ever have had yet, as far as I could finde by any thing, is in the way of Conquest; certainly this is an ill way; for Conquest in My opinion is never just, except there be a good and a just cause, either for matter of wrong, or a just Title, and then if you goe beyond the first quarrel that you have, that makes it unjust at the end that was just at first: For if [Page 196]there be only matter of Conquest, then it is a great Robbery; as a Pirate said to Alexander, that he was the great Robber, himself was but a pety Robber, and so, Sirs, I doe think for the way that you are in, you are much out of the way.

Now Sirs, for to put you in the way, believe it, you will never go right, nor God will ne­ver prosper you, untill you give God his due, the King his due (that is my Successour) and the people their due; I am as much for them as any of you.

You must give God his due, by regulating rightly his Church (according to the Scripture) which is now out of order: and to set you in a way particularly now I cannot, but only this, A National Synod freely called, freely debating among themselves, must settle this, when every opinion is freely and clearly heard.

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

For the people. Truly I desire their liberty and freedom, as much as any body whomso­ever; but I must tell you, That their liberty and their freedom, consists in having Govern­ment under those Laws, by which their Lives and their Goods may be most their own. It is not in having a share in the Government, that is nothing pertaining to them. A Subject and a Soveraign are clean different things; and therefore, untill you doe that, I mean, That you doe put the people into that liberty as I say, certainly they will never enjoy them­selves.

Sirs, It was for this, that now I am hither come: for if I would have given way to an Ar­bitrary way, for to have all Laws changed ac­cording to the power of the Sword, I needed not to have come here; and therefore I tell you, (and I pray God it be not laid to your charge) That I am the Martyr of the people.

In troth Sirs, I shall not hold you any longer; I will only say this to you, That I could have de­sired some little time longer, because I would have put this that I have said in a little better order, and have had it a little better digested, then I have done; and therefore I hope you will excuse Me.

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

Will your Majesty (though it be very well known what your Majesties affections are to Religion, yet because it may be expected, that You should say somewhat) declare your self for the Worlds satisfaction in that point.

I thank you very heartily (my Lord) for that I had almost forgotten it. In troth Sirs, My Conscience in Religion, I think, is very well known to all the World; and therefore I de­clare before you all, That I die a Christian ac­cording to the profession of the Church of Eng­land, as I found it left to Me by My Father; and this honest Pointing to the Bishop. man, I think, will witnesse it. Then turning to the Officers, He said, Sirs, excuse Me for this [Page 198]same. I have a good cause, and I have a gracious God; I will say no more.

There is but one Stage more, This Stage is turbulent and troublesome; it is a short one: But You may consider it will soon carry You from Earth to Heaven: and there You shall finde a great deal of cordial joy and com­fort.

I goe from a corruptible to an incorruptible Crown, where no disturbance can be, no di­sturbance in the World.

You are exchanged from a temporal to an eternal Crown; a good exchange.

Then the King, after some short and servent ejaculations in private, with hands and eyes lift up to Heaven: immediately stooping down, laid His neck upon the Block: And then the Executioner appointed to give the fatal blow, putting His hair under His Cap, the King said, Stay for the signe.

And after a very little pause, stretching forth His hands, the Executioner at one blow severed His Head from His Body, and he changed a trou­blesome life for a quiet death.

His body was put in a Coffin covered with black Velvet, and from thence carried to his House at St. James's, where it was put in a Cof­fin of Lead, laid there to be seen by the people. On Wednesday the 7 ^th of Feb. his Corpses was delivered to two of his servants to be buried at Windsor; whether the next day, The Duke of [Page 199] Richmond, the Marquess of Hartford, the Earls of Lindsey and Southampton, together with D ^r. Jux­on, and divers others repaired, where with much difficulty they finde a Vault in S ^t. Georges Chap­pell, where King Henry the Eighth was formerly buried: which being prepared, a small piece of Lead, some two foote long, and two inches broad was provided; on which was inscribed;

King CHARLES 1648.

which was sawdred to the brest of the Corpse: all things being in readinesse, the Corpse was brought to the Vault by the Souldiers of the Gar­rison, over which was a black Velvet Hearse-Cloth, which was supported by foure Lords, the Bishop of London stood weeping by, then was it deposited in silence and sorrow, the Hearse-Cloth being cast in after it.