ALthough this Island is now be­come famous, by reason of the Rich Commodities there pro­duced; Yet in regard it is but of late yeeres that it hath been had in such high estimation, we shall give you a briefe relation of its former estate and condition, and how it hath attained to that height it is now in.

Not many yeares since, this Island was in a very low condition, in regard the Commodities (then there produced) were onely Tobaccoes [Page 2] and Cotton-wools, which (by reason of the great quantities transported from thence, and other places) was of very small value: Insomuch that Merchants begun to neglect the supplying of it in so large a manner as formerly they had done, which presented it in a declining condition, and small hopes appeared of raising any fortunes there for the future, the Inhabitants (being so wearied out with the small profits they reaped of their toylsome labours) daily run from the Island in Boats, being very much indebted both to the Merchants, and also to one another.

The decaying condition of this Island (so plainly appearing) some of ingenious spirits set their wits at worke to consider which way the desolation of this Plantation might be preven­ted; which could not possibly be effected, with­out the producing of some richer commodities to invite the Merchant to supply them.

And considering Sugar was not the least of commodities, (finding the scituation of the place promising that way) resolved to make tryall thereof, and accordingly did; and with divers yeeres paines, care, patience, and industry, with the disbursing of vast summes of money, brought the same to perfection. The Originall whereof were some that now are forced from thence, and unjustly compelled to leave their relations and estates; who communicating their knowledge [Page 3] therein to others, caused a farther going upon this designe, insomuch that in few yeares there was a considerable number of works erected, so that (for these divers years last past) there hath been, and is, a very faire Correspondency held with England, New England, Holland, Hambrough, and other places, many both Mer­chants (and others) having thereby raised them­selves very considerable Fortunes. There being many Millions of Sugars transported from thence yearely, and the number of Ships that come yearely to that Island, not lesse then a hundred Sayle; the commodities (being not onely Sugar) but also Indico, Ginger, with Cotton­wools, and some small quantities of Tobacco.

All the time of Englands troubles we retain­ed peace amongst us, (though not without heart-burnings from those of the Kings party, towards those that wished the Parliaments pro­sperity) and although Commissions came over, (some from the King, and others from the Par­liament) yet we considering that it could not any way conduce to their advantage, (for us to to have Parties and Sidings amongst us) con­clude rather to imbrace Neutrality, and accor­dingly doe, holding a very faire Correspon­dency each with other for severall years toge­ther with great content.

Towards the latter end of the Warrs, (when [Page 4] the Sun of the Cavaliers expected Conquest, be­gun to be retrograde, and God was pleased to shew himselfe, highly countenancing the Parli­aments Forces; and by his (ever to be ho­noured) Instruments began to vanquish the Ca­valre, divers of them came over to our Island, pretending to have done great service for his Majesty, and that therefore the Parliament had Sequestred their Estates, and themselves forced to fly for Refuge.

These men were by the Governor (and o­thers of their owne Spirits, who had the Go­vernment in their hands) very courteously Im­braced, and looked upon as the men onely truly deserving, in so much that in short time, they begin to possesse Estates, (though other mens) and by the subtile practicing of Absalons pol­licy, began to insinuate themselves into the peo­ples favour, and to gaine the esteeme and repute of the onely knowing men; Insomuch that not­withstanding their little or no knowlodge of the Country, the People, (or the Estate or con­dition of either) they must and were made Counsellers, and no Seate could become them to Sit in, but at the helme of State; And now the ship of that flourishing Common-wealth must run what course they please.

But this is not all, after their advance to this height of Eminency; they are upon new [Page 5] designes, and (under pretence they had received Letters from England, that the Spaniard would visite us) the Country must be put in a posture of Warre, themselves being Commanders in chiefe, creates such inferiour Officers under them (as resembling a nose of wax was subject to stand any way they pleased to set it) and fit to receive any Impression they should put upon it.

Having fitted themselves for their intended progresse, they begin to Act in a very high na­ture, and with no lesse severity then cruelty be­gin to prosecute all such persons as any way seemed to declare their approbations of the Parliaments proceedings against the King; cut­ting out of tongues, Stigmatizing and Banishing all such persons, as they had any thing against concerning him.

These things (how unjust soever deemed and apprehended by many) yet for quietnesse sake were passed by, and not publikely spoke against by any.

These new-modell'd Magisters being very active in their places, (and no lesse studious how to pick a quarrell with the Parliaments friends in generall, then formerly they had beene ex­treame in Executing their pleasures upon some in particular) set their wits at work which way they should bring these their designes to per­fection; [Page 6] And (not finding the least symptome or appearance of any cause given them by those they would so gladly quarrell withall) were very much at a stand; but at length resolve upon the businesse, and from amongst them­selves, viz. the Counsell and Assembly, make choyce of a certaine number of such persons, (as were most subject to conception, after a recep­tance of Sathans seede) giving them power to sit in Counsell, and to prescribe a way to the rest, how to accomplish their so earnest de­sires.

These Commissioners (as we must call them, for they will not be called a Committee) having conceived, instead of a Manchild brought forth a Monster called Present Banishment; conclu­ding that Forces should be raised and kept a­foot, till all such as they pleased to nominate were sent off the Island.

But ere they begin to fall into extremity, (to be delivered) they sweare each other to secrecy, that whatsoever was nominated or propounded in their time of private Consultation, should not be revealed to any whatsoever.

After their deliverance (when conveniency of time presented) this monster was presented to the Governour, Counsell and Assembly, (first swearing them) that if what they had to present them withall should not be approved of and [Page 7] accepted, they should not reveale the same, nor any one particular that should occasionally passe amongst them, swearing to prosecute that par­ty to death that should divulge their secrets in any of these particulars.

This is concluded on. And now it onely re­maines to be disputed, whether the fruits of their conception, great travell, and tedious paynes, is fit to have admittance, or whether to be buried in the grave of oblivion, as an abortive, or rather an abominable birth.

A long discourse is entertained upon this sub­ject; And the Parents of this new birth, being much taken with it, and though it appeared, and was a Monster in the esteeme of others, yet being the fruits of their Travells it appeared a Child to them. And therefore no Arguments must prevaile against its acceptance, yet at last (though with much difficulty) it was dis-owned totally, for this reason; That to banish men, and show no cause, nor appearance of cause, neither any pretence of cause, would be a thing apprehended of all to be ridiculous, and might cause a too quick discovery of their intentions.

Before we proceede any further in this our intended Discourse, it will be necessary to an­swer an Objection which haply some may make thus.

Object.

How we came to know their private [Page 8] Conferences had together; they having sworne each other to secrecy, and further to prosecute that man to death that should reveale any one particular.

Ans. Our answer to this Objection is; That Lt. C C. C. one of themselves was the discover­er of these and many more their intents and purposes, who acknowledged himselfe appre­hensive of an obligation binding his conscience to reveale things of so high a nature as this; seeing there was no reason for the doing of any such thing. For this his offence he was censured to pay twenty thousand pounds in Sugar, fine, and to depart the Island.

To proceede in our Discourse, we must take notice that at this instant of time, when this thing called [Banishment] was objected against, as not convenient at that time to be put in Exe­cution; A brother of that Fraternity, being fearfull his brethren might miscarry, had drawn up an Act and Oath, which hee then presented to the Assembly, who after a serious view taken thereof, finding enough in it to procure a dis­like of it, in all or most men, especially in those that made conscience of their wayes, con­firmes it. And ordered the publishing thereof, in the severall Parishes of the Island.

A Copy whereof you have here ensuing: viz.

Before we proceede to the particulars of the Oath (before mentioned) let us a little take notice of these mens proceedings, how plainely and palpably they throw dirt in the faces of those that differ in judgement from themselves. And how odious they endeavor to make them appeare unto the people, by fathering upon them all the desolations, and dissolutions of Kingdomes and Estates; and that they professe Religion for no other end nor purpose, then to make it the cloke of their mischievous acti­ons. And under the pretence of granting liber­ty, would bring us under the greatest of bon­dages, for by this their Act, if any man be found comming or going to or from (any thing they please to call a Conventicle) shall for the first offence be committed to prison, there to remaine for the space of three moneths without bayle or maineprize; and not onely so but must be fined and ransomed at the pleasure of the Assembly; And for his second offence shall be [Page 13] imprisoned (therein his body suffers) and shall forfeit all his Lands, Goods, Chattells and Debts; (hereby is all his Estate gone:) but this is not all, he shall be deemed a publick Enemy to the Common-wealth, and proceeded against accordingly. Now, no doubt his life goes to it, for all besides is gone. Hereby you may plaine­ly see the tempers of these mens Spirits, that under the pretence of liberty doe most subtilly labour to insnare us in the greatest slavery that ever was exercised upon the Theater of the earth.

The Bishops (in their time) were content with part of all, but these men will have all; all Bodies, all Estates, and nothing sounds well with them but All, All; Oppression, Tyranny, Slavery and Cruelty; whilest they pretend free­dome and liberty: And if you please to take notice, you shall finde them by and by (as soone as they perceive the mystery of their iniquity discovered) acting quite contrary to this their Act of grace (as they call it) and are fining and banishing all such as will not pin their faiths up­on their sleeves, and beleeve as they do.

Having observed the contents of this their Act, let us proceede to the Oath, which they entitle a further expedient for the supportation of that their then present Government.

The contents whereof is as followeth: viz.

The policy of the Author, in this thing, is not altogether to passe without an observation, how subtilly hee begins with undeniable truths, and with so much pollicy presents his Amma­zella, that the splendor of her beauty seems to be of force to attract, not onely the Eye but the heart (upon the first view) to apprehend it a rarity composed of vertue it selfe, and to cause a generall embracing of it by all men, for its very out-sides sake, without any examination of its inward properties: but as the Serpents sting is in his Tayle, so the poyson of this lies in its hind parts, so that whosoever shall discover his strength to this Delilah, shall be sure to lose it, and have the Philistims come upon him, who will pull out his Eyes, and make him slave in the Mill of their pleasures. This Oath is presented to the People, by them to be taken voluntarily and freely, and is to proceed from them as a free-will-offering, so that the People shall vo­luntarily and freely (without feare or compul­sion) inslave themselves, and give away their birth-rights for lesse then a messe of Pottage. They doe not tell us what they will doe to those that deny this Oath, but deny it and you shall be fined and banished; If you will not give a­way your just rights and priviledges, you shall be forced from your Relations and Estates; and if you will not both be their slaves and vassalls, [Page 17] one of them you must and shall: and if you desire Law and Reason to be showen you for these their proceedings, they will show you an Army of devouring Caterpillers, that shall eate you into better manners, then to oppose their pro­ceedings. By this Oath you acknowledge their Government to be lawfull and just, and sweare to maintaine it with your life and fortune; now what unjust Act soever they are guilty of, you must not onely cease to oppose it, but must approve of and defend them in it; And having already acknowledged that no power can ab­solve you of that Oath, but that which admini­stred it, you must never expect they will ab­solve you of this Oath, to accuse them guilty of unjust actions. If you take notice of this their Act and Oath, you shall finde it meerely a pain­ted Sepulcher, full of rotten bones, and all man­ner of abominable filthinesse.

This Act and Oath being (by the Governor, Councell, and Assembly) confirmed, was Or­dered to be published in the severall Parishes in the Island, and after publication, the Oath to be administred to the Inhabitants in generall.

But before the publishing thereof, one of the grand Agents therein presented a copy of it to some friends of ours, and (Serpent like) used all the faire pretences that might be to animate them to relish it, alledging the great convenien­cies [Page 18] contained in it for the uniting of the Inha­bitants, with divers other expressions.

But the parties to whom it was showne, de­clared their utter dislike of it, That it tended to the perpetuating them and theirs in place of authority; and to the setting up of a Government of will and power. That there was no reason why they should have such a tie upon the people, seeing they had no ingagement from them to govern according to the known Lawes of the Land; That the Island was in peace, and like so to continue; and for any such ingagement there was no apparent necessity. That the People were, in generall, obedient to the present Go­vernment, and what would they desire more?

The party that presented the aforesaid copy, seemed not a litle troubled, that this Oath, and Act was no better relished; affirming there was nothing in it but what tended to the uniting of the People, and the continuation of peace a­mongst them.

These our friends having had a sight and view of this Act and Oath, gave others to under­stand the contents thereof, finding it to in­trench too much upon the Peoples just rights and priviledges, bethought themselves which way it might be possible to prevent the publish­ing thereof, which they apprehended must be by repairing to the Governour, which they did, [Page 19] desiring him to take into his consideration the large extent thereof; That it was contrary to the Law of God, Nature and Nations, for them to impose any such Oath upon a free People as they were; That of necessity they had some sinister ends in it, it being such a thing as no preterit time could shew any president for.

Hereupon the Governor exprest himselfe to this purpose, That he had suffered this Act and Oath to passe, onely for quietnesse sake, having to do with men of violent spirits: his opposing them might cause farther troubles, and his de­sire was for the preservation of that precious jewell, Peace, which we had so long happily in­joyed: that although he had suffered them to passe, yet he apprehended inconveniencies in them; That if they pleased to leave him to him­selfe, he would not be backward in applying him­selfe to the considering of what was best to be done.

These Gentlemen had not been long gone from the Governour, but Colonell Humfrey Wallrond came, to whom the Governour after some discourses had together, declares hee had that day received a Letter from a Magistrate, wherein he gave him to understand, that the Clarkes (in drawing of severall Copies of the Act and Oath) had mistaken themselves, and [Page 20] writ nonsence; And for that reason it was con­cluded, with Waldronds advice, absolutely neces­sary they should be cal'd in, and the errors of the Clarks rectified.

This opportunity was imbraced by the Go­vernour, and his Letters sent to the Priests of every Parish to omit the publishing thereof, which was in like manner done.

This stop being made in the businesses for the present, did well; but the life of our liberties being now in much danger, speciall care was taken how to prevent the publishing of these totally. And after due and serious considerati­on taken, it was concluded upon, that the Go­vernour should be petitioned for the choyce of a new Assembly, wee apprehending it our just rights and priviledges to have a yearely electi­on. By this time severall copies of this Act and Oath is procured, and the Countrey sensible of the contents thereof, which they generally dis-relish, and conclude to petition for the choyce of a new Assembly: which they accord­ingly doe. A Copy whereof for the Readers better information wee have here inserted: viz.

The Governor being sensible of the Coun­tries disapprobation (with reference to the Act and Oath) calls his Councell together to con­sider (as is supposed) what was best to be done in this businesse. This opportunity was taken (by the Country) and being sensible of their then Sitting, presented their Petitions, who were accepted of, and (by the Governour granted) they containing nothing but the Peoples just Rights and Priviledges.

But the Councell and Assembly (considering that upon the choyce of a new Assembly, some of them might be dismissed, and being out of place were lyable to give an account of all their illegall actions, and unjust proceedings; which they well knew would appeare very foule, and a taske which they were very unwilling to un­dergoe) were very much discontented at the granting of these Petitions, or as we may justly say, inraged to see that their designe of Inslaving the Country, began to be discovered, insomuch that now they must not neglect the attempting of any thing, (how unjust soever) whereby they may keepe themselves in places of Authority. And to that purpose pretend they will procure crosse Petitions, wherein the Country should approve of their proceedings, and desire their Continuance. But knowing this to be in vaine, (the Countries minds being already exprest in [Page 24] their Petitions) they conclude upon another de­signe, and informe the people, of that part of the Country where their chiefest motion was, that the Petitioners were Independents, and that they had a designe to cut off all the Loyall affect­ed to his Majesty, and to alter the Government of Church and State, by bringing in the Parlia­ments power, for the Establishing of which they had Commissions from the Parliament. That now it was high time to look about them, the which if they neglected they were all dead men. Alledging that they must not expect fairer tearmes from those here, then his Majesty (and others) received from their Brethren in Eng­land: with many other perswasions whereby to intice and stir up the people to mutiny and Re­bellion; to which purpose they write severall libells, and scandalous papers, throwing some up and downe, and putting others upon Posts: severall whereof we have here inserted, being as followeth, viz.

Here we may see at a distance, the intentions and resolutions of the studiers of our destructi­ons; They have long laboured to find out some seeming cause or pretence for a quarrell, that the chiefest of them may not faile of their pur­poses, to pay their old debts by a new device. Waldrond and his associates being in place of Au­thority, have a promising opportunity, & all their time is, and must now be imployed to stirre up the people to an extremity of zeale to his Ma­jesty; declaring his great hopes of their for­wardnesse to shew their Loyalty. That now is the time to vanquish the Parliaments friends, otherwise (if not speedily put in Execution) themselves should be all routed; he knowing this to be one way to pay the Creditor, puts on his maske of pretended Loyalty, and forth­with gets company enough. For most of the brethren of his fraternity is more on the Debter then Creditors side of the book; and they cast up their Caps and cry, heigh for King Charles! By and by comes a company, and they are resolved men, and scorn whispering, or any thing lesse then God Damne'm heres a health to King Charles. These (you may take notice) are a Generation of young Cavees lately come over from Eng­land; (I doubt some not unsent for) and be­ing Heires to great inheritances in England, (which is kept from them by the right owners) [Page 36] pretend all is sequestred by the Parliament, and they having lost that they never had right to there, intend to make that theirs here, which was never intended them; well, these are wel­come to Waldrond, with a Gentlemen I'le mount you, shortly &c. By and by comes a Troop brave­ly mounted, and they exceede those formerly spoken of, for they sweare God Damne'm they will sheath their Swords in the hearts of all those that will not drink a health to the Figure of II. and another to the confusion of the Independent doggs. These are likewise welcome to Waldrond, with A-I wonder Gentlemen you were not the first, having Horses at Command: But let us a little examine what these are; well, these are a Generation of people called Agents or Factors for their Masters (the London Mer­chants and others) and having out-run the Constables in England, and run out their principalls here, resolve to foote it no longer, but now let the Sugar-mill stand, and their Ma­sters expect returnes; they will waite on Wal­drond, for he is the man from whom they expect honour and preferment, for by Banishing the Roundheads, and bidding defiance to the Parliament, they shall procure a Proclamation of Rebellion against them, which will be a no­table excuse for their not comming home to give their Masters an account there. And if to [Page 37] that purpose they send hither, their servants are advanced to place of authority, and their time is so taken up about State matters, that they are not at leasure to draw up accounts.

By this time they have perswaded the People (residing in that part of the Countrey) that the Independents had a designe, as aforesaid, and that they onely were the originalls of the Petitions to accomplish the ends aforesaid; And now the businesse begins to worke very well to their purposes, so that they are ready to give the Allarum; In which posture wee will leave them, and come to speake a word or two of the Governour, who hearing of their con­tinuall motion amongst the People, animating them to take up Armes, not knowing any cause they had given them so to doe; and having had the experience of the dispositions of the Wal­dronds and others, that their Aime was to di­sturb the peace of the Countrey for the accom­plishing of their owne ends, upon the nine and twentieth day of April 1650. put forth a De­claration, under his hand, (the particulars whereof you have at large in the ensuing De­claration) That no man should take up any Armes, nor act in any hostile manner upon paine of death; but this is not taken notice of by those men, they have more respect to their owne ends, then to any obedience to Government, [Page 38] and therefore must and will proceed. Upon notice given of their perseverance herein, the Governour sent forth particular commissions to Lieutenant Colonell Drax, and others, to raise forces for the preservation of our peace, which hee found much threatned by some turbulent spirits, which were very active in labouring to imbroyle the Inhabitants in an unnaturall War. By this time these men have raised an Alarum, and are advancing towards the Bridge; here­upon the Governour sends away a second Com­mission to Lieutenant Colonell Drax, to this purpose, that he should apprehend the bodies of the Waldronds (and their abettors) as fo­menters of Rebellion; upon the sending of this Commission the Governour sends Commissary Generall John Parrat, to require Waldronds ap­pearance before him. And in case of re­fusall to command his Commission from him, the which if he should deny to deliver, then to proclaime him Rebell. Upon the receipt of the Governours Letter, Waldrond goes along with the Messenger, with whom we will leave him, and come to speake of the Governour, who having received an invitation to dine at the Bridge that day, (with some Neighbours ac­companing him) rid thitherward; who, upon the way, was met by Colonell Edmond Reade, who then commanded a Troope of Horse, and [Page 39] after the exchanging some few words with him, wheeles about, and leaving him, rides with his Troope towards the Bridge, where ere long the Governour came, and entered the House, where sometime himselfe and Counsell used to sit. About three or foure houres after Wal­drond came to the Governour, and presents himselfe more like a Saint then a Rebell, and pleads Not guilty of any intention of evil in the least. In briefe, he was discharged at that pre­sent, upon which he forthwith repaires to the Army, then upon a march, from whom the Governour in short time receives Propositions. And wee may take notice that Waldrond, who (ere while) presented himselfe a composure of innocency it selfe, to the Governour, is now become the head of the Rebellious Army, for so we may justly call them, in regard they did not onely take up Armes, without but contra­ry to the Governours command in contempt thereof in the highest nature. These Proposi­tions were presented the first of May, and an­swered the second with some exceptions, the third of May, the Replies were made to the Ex­ceptions, and the Propositions granted by the Governour, the particulars of all which is here ensuing, as followeth, viz.

We have here a particular of the Propositi­ons, and what they containe (which is diverse particulars) as to have the Independents, as they call them, disarmed: the Magazine delivered up to them, the King instantly solemnly pro­claimed. Twenty such as they shall nominate delivered into their custody, to be brought, [Page 44] say they, to a legall tryall: also an Act of In­demnity for all that have ingaged with them. In briefe, they will have all power in their own hands, that they may act all what they please, the Governour must stand for a cipher if he will not subscribe to their pleasures. If hee will submit hee may repaire to them, but if hee will not, they have an Army on foot to force the accomplishing of their ends. The Gover­nour loving peace, and looking upon these their so suddaine unwarrantable Actions, as proceeding from heate of bloud occasioned by some false informations, subscribes their Pro­positions▪ not questioning but upon due delibera­tion taken, and both parties being heard speak, things would be moderated, and those preten­ded differences happily composed. But alas, the Serpent is as subtill as the Dove is harme­lesse; for after (with their pretences) they had prevailed with the Governour to come to them, they will have all things as they please; and he must issue forth his Warrants for the ac­complishing of their selfe-ends.

These disturbers of our peace, must and will have an Act of indemnity; for (say they to the Governour) the lawfull Armes we have taken for the defence of your selfe and the publick; if they had said (for the offence of your selfe and the publick) they had both spoke truth [Page 45] and sense, but now they speake neither; if they had beene taken up for the defence of the Go­vernour and Countrey, then lawfully taken up; and if lawfully taken up, what needs an Act of oblivion and Indemnity? but they were taken up contrary to the Governours expresse command in his Declaration put forth upon paine of death, to force both him and the Countrey to submit to their illegall, and most horrid proceedings, to the Countries exceed­ing losse, hinderance and prejudice.

This done, they nominate the twenty men, mentioned in their Propositions, whose Names we shall give you by and by, who were, divers of them, required by a Colonell of their party, to repaire with him to their Armies head quar­ters, who after some time being there, were permitted upon their Paroll, to returne to their Habitations, where wee will leave them till the next summons, and give you the re­lation of a further policy which they acted with as much fallacy as subtilty, thus. Waldrond bethinking himselfe that whilest hee was active in raysing forces, hee had given out that the Independents were in Armes, intending to cut them off, and well knowing there were none in Armes (besides themselves) but onely those that were raysed by Lieutenant Colonell Drax, by the Governours especiall Order, [Page 46] and particular Commission to that purpose; They being but twenty Horse, and betwixt eighty and a hundred Foote, who had not acted any thing at all, saving onely the appre­hending of one of Waldronds sonnes, who was with an Officer posting about to rayse Forces for the Armies assistance. Forthwith advises a Colonell of their owne party (whose Name we shall omit to insert) to send Order to his Lieutenant Colonell and Major for the ray­sing of his Regiment, and their advance to a place by him appointed. This Colonell (to the end they might bring about their designe with applause) repaires to the Governour, and presents his Regiment at his service as a guard to attend him, who knowing nothing of their designe, gives way to the raysing of the Regi­ment, and command is forthwith sent to the parties aforesaid; and by way of private Ala­rum, the Souldiers are in Armes, and appeare in their usuall place of exercise, and from thence are commanded to march, which they doe, and as a further expedient for the accom­plishing of the designe intended, it is given forth by the Officers of the Regiment, That Waldrond had raysed Forces, and surprized the Governour, and that their march was for his reliefe. That night they pitcht their colours in the Field, expecting in the Morning to [Page 47] march for the Governours reliefe (as was at first pretended they should) but alas they are mistaken, instead of marching they must coun­ter-march home every man to his habitation upon paine of death; Waldrond hath effected his designe, and now his pretence is that this Regiment was raysed in opposition to him, and therefore are held and deemed Delin­quents and Disturbers of the peace, and must be proceeded against accordingly; And Forces of Foote and Horse imployed to disarme them forthwith, which was done, and they left to the cruelty of their slaves, who were of ability enough to destroy, and murther them, had not God in mercy restrayned their cruelty.

Having given you the particulars of this their Device and Invention, we shall returne to speake further of Waldrond and his crue, who now require the Governour to performe his ingagement with reference to his subscribing the Propositions; which begins to be done, and in order thereunto the twenty spoke of for­merly in their Propositions, is sent for by a Troope of horse, whose Names we shall give you ere we proceede any further, which is as followeth, viz.

• [Page 48]THomas Mathews
• John Klincket.
• John Bayes.
• Constant Silvester.
• Col. Io. Fitz Iames.
• Major VVilliam Fortescue.
• L^t. Thomas Rous.
• L^t. John Iohnson.
• Richard Haukins Esq.
• Thomas Pears.
• Christofer Lyne.
• Samuel Hyat.
• Henry Massey.
• Lieut. Col. Iames Drax.
• Captaine Thomas Midelton.
• Captaine Renoald Alyne.
• Captaine David Bix.
• Captaine Lewis Morris.
• Captaine Iohn Hockeridge.
• Captaine Peter Edney.

You may observe that divers of these Gentlemen are gone aboard a Ship (ere these are summoned) not thinking it safe to stay the tryall of any further of their enemies pro­ceedings, finding their beginning so unjust; but those not gone aboard, made their appearance before the Assembly, who had drawne up a [Page 49] charge against them: containing matter of high crime and misdemeanour, as indeavouring the ruine of those loyally affected to His Ma­jesty; altering the Government of Church and State (formerly established) and bringing in of the Parliaments Authority, with some additions, concluding their charge with this sen­tence, That for these their crimes and offences they should pay one Million of Sugars fine, and be banished the Island.

This charge is denied, and the impeached de­sire to answer to every particular charged against them, but this is denied; They further desire a legall tryall, but this is answered with, The Army must be kept a foote till their tryall was over; which would be a great charge, and wi [...]l undoubtedly fall upon them; others threat­ning the Army should advance and eate them into better manners. With these and the like expressions they were discharged, and for that night committed to a guard, till the next mor­ning, at which time they were againe (by order) brought before the Assembly; who against their comming had provided their Sentence, which was read unto them. The contents where­of was to pay these severall sums of Sugar fol­lowing, and to depart the Island three moneths after, viz.

Here you see the Legall Tryall they spake of in their Propositions, I question not but the Reader will take notice they are men that are capable of putting a quick dispatch to businesse; There is no reply to be made to their Sen­tence, but it must be as they have concluded, and this is the Legall Tryall they intended, only they have not fined all they called before them, because they aime at all they have.

At this their present sitting they proceede to an Act of extent (as we may call it) but they call it, viz.

The further we proceede in our discovery of these mens Actions, the more fallacies we shall meete withall. If they had said these Gentlemen formerly fined (being part of the twenty) had voluntarily and freely promised to pay one hun­dred and ninety pounds of Sugar, they had spoke sense, though not truth; but they say con­sented: now where a consent is given there must be something Commanding, requiring or de­siring a consent, which being granted, the Act is not free nor voluntary, but is occasioned either by force or perswasion; you have already heard the moving cause which is compulsive, they must pay these Fines, or the Army shall eate them into better manners; If this be not enough, pray take notice of their proceedings (with the rest) in this their Act, where they say expresly, shall pay such quantities of Sugars and Tobacco for a Fine and Ransome for their of­fence, and Delinquency, &c. Now that these they looke upon as their chiefe opposers, should be left to a free choyce of paying or not paying of Fines; And those that are not in so high a Nature lookt upon, is compell'd to it, this we understand not; and that these men should vo­luntarily give away 190000 pounds of Sugar, whosoever beleeves, will finde himselfe guilty of mistaking; but we must not expect to find either order or honesty in their proceedings, they are [Page 58] resolved upon the designe, and it must and shall goe forward right or wrong. They are still putting false names upon their Acts and pro­ceedings, in their Propositions they are requi­ring an Act of oblivion for their lawfull taking Armes (as they say) for the defence of the Go­vernour and publick, but it plainly appears it was for the offence of both; they proceede and title this their Act, (An Act for the preservation of the present and future peace of this Island) when experience cries already aloud in our eares, and tells us, it is for the (destruction) of the present and future peace of the Island. They add, and for the punishing of the late disturbers thereof, this they might most properly have left out, (themselves being the men) whom time and happy successe may cause to be found out with­out a Lanthorne and a Candle: These Officers they nominate to be tryed by a Court Marshall, are the Commanders of those forces now raised by the Governours Command; and of that Regiment raised by their owne device, as was formerly hinted in the preceding part of our discourse. This is the fruits of their first weeks proceedings, (which must be and was published in every Parish-Church in the Island, for the peopler Satisfaction, who expect to heare of a plot discovered, in which expectation we will leave them, and proceed to the next, which [Page 59] is (by them called) a Commission for Composi­tions of Delinquents Estates.

You here see the great care they take for an exact proceeding and close carrying on of their designe, and having begot a beliefe in the peo­ple of their owne Faction, that the aforesaid plot (fathered upon the Independents) was a most horrid plot, and would undoubtedly have beene brought about, had not their wisdomes discovered and prevented it; with this Siren song they have lull'd the poore People fast asleepe, and so leave them, and proceed to the further putting off their designes in execution, to which purpose (as here you see) they have drawne up a very large Commission for the Le­vying of Fines upon mens Estates, higher or lower, at their pleasure, and to make Sale there­of, if the Fines they impose be not satisfied ac­cording [Page 63] to their Order and Commands. But not a word now of a Legall tryall, such pro­ceedings are out of date with them, and now Will and Power is all in fashion: In their first Act they are pleased to give us leave to enjoy (or rather looke upon our Estates whilst they enjoy them) for the space of three months next ensuing; But here is new news a comming by and by, you must not expect any (acting by such principles as they doe) but be reall in any thing but fallacies, plentifully indued, with which we will leave them, and a litle take notice of the people, who generally begin to be weary with sleeping, and now grow sick of an expectation, wondering there is no further discovery made of this Independents plot so long discourst of, and hearing of the great Fines and Banish­ment imposed upon them without any Legall tryall in the face of the Country as was expect­ed, they begin to whisper somewhat loud, and to expostulate the businesse thus; That if these Independents (as they call them) were guil­ty of so horrid a plot as they had given out they were, why were they not prosecuted in law, and punished according to the nature of their so heinous offence? But if they had not of­fended in that nature, why were they so highly Fined, (and Banished) not knowing for what? Further alledging that these men so fined and [Page 64] Banished, had (the most of them) lived a long time in the Island, many of them having beene men of Eminency in place of Authority, and had ever laboured and endevoured to set designes a foote for the good and benefit of the Island; That they were (generally) men of good Estates in the Island, and having so long beene Studiers of peace, it did not sound well that they should now be disturbers of the same, further considering that Waldrond and his adhe­rents were men but newly advanced to place of Authority, and besides men of no fortunes there, onely had thrust themselves into Plantations; which as yet more properly appertained to o­thers then themselves; That they had deluded them by pretending the Independents were in Armes, intending their surprisall and Ruine. That being advanced very neere them they found it not so, but to the contrary none were in Armes but by the Governours order, and who had upon his Command disbanded and the like, upon these and the like considerations; The Soldiery Petitioned to be disbanded, seeing none was found in any such posture as was pre­tended to them. Waldrond and his abettors, finding the people begin to grow sensible, and by their discourse had together to sift out the truth of the businesse: They must take counsell together, what is best to be done to prevent the [Page 65] peoples any further being privie to the mystery of their iniquity; and finding no way of conve­niency but one, they conclude to hasten the de­parture of those they purposed to Banish, which they proceede in, and performe, under the pre­tence that keeping of forces a foote was very chargeable to the Country. Now what neede there was for keeping of forces a foote, (seeing they had disarmed all they pleased) we shall leave to the judicious to consider of; and pro­ceede to the Act for present banishment, it be­ing as followeth.

This Act being (by their Order) published, is so farre from giving the People satisfaction, that it rather begets further jelousies; for they looke upon this Act as the conclusion of the businesse, and that now it is in vaine for them to expect any further or other proceedings, but that all is meerely done under a pretence to bring designes about for the accomplishing of their owne private ends. This doth not a little trouble these new modell'd States men, to see that the People begin more and more to discover them; And therefore they conclude (once more) to make a show of doing some­thing to the purpose, and therefore a Com­mission is forthwith drawne up for certaine particular men therein nominated; for the sitting and summoning in of such of the Coun­trey, as they shall thinke fit, to see if possibly [Page 71] they could fright some (children-like) to say after them, that so if possibly they might pick up some thing or other to charge us withall, that might be suteable to their scandalous Li­bells and forgeries, which they have unjustly charged us withall, in their Acts and Declara­tions formerly by their Order published.

The Commission followeth, viz.

You may take notice of their former Acts for Fines and banishment, wherein they have proceeded so far, that they have nominated every particular man they aime at, and have prefixed an absolute day by which they are to depart, under the penalty of forfeiting all their whole Estates; but this all is not all the all they [Page 74] have to say, for we must undergoe a further censure of the Governour, Counsell, and As­sembly; doubtlesse they will now have our Lives, for our Estates are already gone, and yet a further censure is to passe upon us. If we will not be gone by the second of July, and leave our estates to be managed by such as they can confide in; whether any Ships will carry us or not, gone we must be, and no question should, to our long home, had not the pro­vidence of God otherwayes provided for us.

You have seene their proceedings in their former Declarations, and Commissions (be­fore this last) wherein they accuse severall persons of being Sectaries, Non-conformists, Disturbers of their peace, and the like; you finde them fining and banishing men under these pretences, and by these Fines and Banish­ments to put an end to that businesse. But you may please to take notice, that after all this is done they grant a Commission to such and such men, to call before them such persons as they shall thinke fit, For the discovery of the late Disturbers of the Peace of this Island. First, they Fine men (naming them) which they Fine and banish as Disturbers of the peace, and then grant a Commission for the examining of Witnesses, and to doe all thi [...]gs requisite for the discovery of the said D [...]bers, please but [Page 75] to view their Commission, and these you shall finde the expresse words of it; which present you with an admirable (we will not say excel­lent) piece of injustice. This is absolutely to hang men, and then sit and judge them; But Waldrond wants not an excuse for this, he hath not served an Apprentiship for nothing, he can father this illegitimate upon the Clarke, as his brother did the nonsence in the Act and Oath; and tell you it was granted for a fur­ther discovering of the intended plot, the In­dependents had against them; or the discovery of a greater number of persons, that thereby their summes of Sugars might be augmented. And this wee are subject to believe, for some of themselves have boasted that their designe was for Sugar, of which (by the course they have taken) they are in a great possibility to be masters of vast sums, for we are banished, and must not leave any to act for us, but such as they can confide in; so that in plaine english, they have granted this last Commission to blinde the Countrey, and to deprive us of all, for in their whole discourse they cry for no­thing lesse then all, all, all; according to the tenor of the Commission (last mentioned) the Commissioners fit, and call before them such persons as they know are fit subjects for them to worke upon.

First, administring the Oath Ex officio; and then, having nothing else to discourse of, examine them who it was that told them that the Act and Oath did intrench upon their Liberties? and who it was that brought the Petition to them? Perswading them that the Independents were the originalls of it; and fur­ther, that they admired they would seeme to have any hand in subscribing a Petition with them, seeing they were Hereticks; And had murthered their Gracious dread Soveraigne Lord King CHARLES, and had banished his Sons, the now CHARLES the second, and his Brother the Duke of Yorke, and most mi­serably ruined the most Glorious Kingdom (one of them) in the World.

That their Religion led them to such actions, and therefore they must beware how they had a hand with them in any of their proceedings.

Then speakes another of that Fraternity and declares that the man (now in question before them) was his acquaintance, and had beene many years. That hee had borne office in the Church, and was very zealously affected that way: and never knowne to use the company of any Heretick or Sectaries, with any affection to their wayes.

Then another Brother he makes reply, that he heard a very good report of him, and that [Page 77] he was perswaded the man had not willingly subscribed the Petition, but was meerely drawn in by these subtill Sectaries. Then Sir John sub­ject to the times, viz. one of the Burgesses of the Parish, he begins to declare himselfe to the great vindication of his Parishioners, assuring them that undoubtedly he was animated to it by others: for himselfe was a man subject to yeeld all due obedience to authority, and was never knowne to be guilty of any such thing be­fore, craving their pardon for him, und [...]rta­king that he shall never offend in the like kinde any more; by this time they have discourst old Jeremy into a pale countenance, and a won­dering what will become of him at last; but whilest he is betwixt hope and despaire, the head of the combined Faction begins to recrute his routed sences, by telling him that all the Gentlemen there had a good opinion of him, and for that cause they would for this offence omit fining him, in regard they had such a good relation of him, advertising him to avoide bringing himselfe into the like Premunire for the future. That he might see what misery the Independents had brought upon themselves by not submitting to them, advising him to take example at them, and learne not to oppose nor question the actions of men in authori­ty, &c.

This poore soule goes away very thankfull, apprehending their clemency hath extended wonderfully towards him, and having escaped once, resolves that Balaams Asse shall remaine alone upon Record for complaining of his Ma­sters cruelty towards him; as for his part he will be an Assembly mans Asse to ride upon while he lives, ere he will be so frighted againe. Thus they fright poore simple Creatures into any thing they will have them to be or say. Now we must take notice that whilest these Com­missioners are sitting, and examining such as they see convenient for their purposes; There is another Generation, viz. the Commissi­oners for Compositions of Delinquents e­states, (as their brethren title them in their Commission) they fit under the same roofe, and their businesse is to summon all those that are nominated to be banished. And (because the Countrey shall thinke they will at last doe something) Warrants are published in every Parish-Church, (to this purpose) that all such persons as are appointed to depart the Island, make their personall appearance before the Commissioners at the Indean-Bridge on such a day; and for the further perswading the people into ignorance, the Commissioners for exa­mination, issue forth their Warrants to the Constables of every Parish, to summon all [Page 79] those that subscribed the Petition (that were not ordered to depart the Island) to make their appearance at the House of Master John Jobsons at the Indian-Bridge, and there give their attendance, and not depart till they have licence from the said Commissioners so to do. Well, now the Countrey is possest with a new faith, and have a strong beliefe, that now at last this plot will be discovered, and their long expectations shall now be accomplished; But alas poore soules! they are as farre from the marke as ever they were, and are mecrely drawne into a fooles paradice, for there is a plot found out, but not that they expected. The Commissioners for Compositions doe (in­steed of bringing men to a legall Tryall) take a List of mens Lands, and under them to bring in their fines according to their first Act made and published to that purpose.

In plaine English, giving them to understand, that if they were not very quick in bringing in their Fines, they would take it by way of straint, or otherwayes make sale of their Estates ac­cording to the tenor of their Commission; this and onely this is their whole and onely businesse: and as for their brethren (the Com­missioners for Examination) they proceede as hath beene said, calling the Inhabitants of one Parish (this weeke) and the Inhabitants of [Page 80] the next Parish the next weeke, and so divers weekes are spent in deferring of time till the Fines were gathered in, and the time expired that the banished had to stay, and if they could but blindefold the People till then, all would be well. All this time their Troops of Horse are riding about the Countrey, and those Cavees we formerly spoke of, are now mounted in­deed, upon the choicest Horses in the Countrey, and if they are not well mounted to day, to morrow they will be, for all the Horses the Independents have, are, (nay must, shall be at their service) and no opposition must be made against them, for they have an Act of oblivion, and Indemnity already past for what they had, or should doe whilest they were in Armes.

These are now the Lords of the Land, and command what they please, quartering one while at one Plantation, and another while at another, destroying and consuming the choycest Provisions the Countrey doth afford: and all too little to give them content, but must and doe receive from them all the incivill and abu­sive language they can devise; And this is all done to perswade the People that the plot begins to be discovered, and was dangerous, that not­withstanding we were all long before disarmed, yet they durst not discharge their forces of Horse, for feare of some treachery: with these [Page 81] pretences, they have anew besotted and blin­ded the People, hoping so to keepe them till we were gone, and then the worke would be finished.

But whilest they feede themselves with these hopes, the people begin to awake from their long dreame of expectation, and consider with themselves what the event of all this would be at last; They likewise take into serious con­sideration these Peoples grosse abuses they put upon us, and how contrary to all reason they kept their Forces of Horse still up, to the great prejudice of the Countrey, and that a great uprore had beene raised in the Countrey to the Inhabitants great disquiet, and all under pre­tence of that which in all this time they had not in the least made appeare. That it appeared to them that they had a designe to set up them­selves and their adherents, and to make that Island a receptacle for men of their owne spirits: intending the ruine of all those that should oppose them; so that now it did con­cerne all men to looke about them, and if pos­sible (to the utmost of their powers) labour the prevention of what was like to fall upon them in generall. These considerations cause many People (though Cavaliers) to murmur at their proceedings: insomuch that some of them were questioned, and lookt upon as ad­herents [Page 82] to and favourers of the Independents (as they call them.) This fire being kindled would not be so speedily quenched, but they resolve (in some measure) to make the grandees ac­quainted with their thoughts concerning their proceedings, and to that purpose be­ing at a Feast (which at present is the greatest of their imployments.) The twelfth day of Iune, 1650. the Captaines of their Army being likewise invited with them, made repaire into the roome where they were, and exprest themselves unto them to this purpose; That they heard there were great discontents in the Countrey occasioned by their so harsh dealing with the Independents, fearing that thereby Trade might be obstructed, which would be the certaine ruine of the Coun­trey; and that by their bidding defiance to the Parliament, (in so high a nature) they should be proclaimed Rebells to their native Countrey, and deprived of all their faire & free corespon­dency, which they had so long enjoyed; That when they commanded them in Armes they pretended it was onely to show their loyalty, and forwardnesse to and for His Majesty; And further that a plot was pretended to them that the Independents had to destroy all the loyally affected to His Majesty, which as yet had not appeared according to expectation, with divers [Page 83] the like expressions, desiring them that such a composure might be made of all differences betwixt them, and those they had accused, that a finall destruction and perpetuall ruine might not ensue, which was much feared by divers the Inhabitants of that Island.

These discontents of the People they seeme to remove, with incouraging them, that they needed not suffer their thoughts to be possest with any such thing, as that the Parliament would take notice of their proceedings against them, alledging, they had their hands full otherwayes, that if it were not so, they might fix their eye upon Virginia, Bermoudas, and the like, who had shown them a president for what they did; and yet the Parliament had not once taken notice of it; That they would find wayes of protection, viz. by the Hollanders, so that they neither did, nor would, neither had cause, to mind the Parliament, nor what they would, or could doe to them, with divers sleighting expressions, and contumelious words to the same effect.

These expressions (however smoothed up, and seemingly taken no notice of to the eye of the People) yet notwithstanding is Gall and Vineger, bitter unto them; now they apprehend the mystery of their iniquity begins to be dis­covered through the thin vaile of their preten­ces, [Page 84] and Simeon accuses Levi of the same ini­quity he himselfe is guilty of; So that now or never they must save their credits with the People, who begin to be jealous of them; and the more because their Generall Waldrond his Maske of pretended loyalty is grown so thred­bare, that the face of covetousnesse appeares through it most apparently: the appearance of which frights the People out of a good opinion of them into a bad, and therefore with all ex­pedition something or other must be done: to which purpose, having nothing else to helpe themselves withall, they make this insuing pre­tence, and publish it, concluding that they wil at last satisfie the Peoples expectations, and their own lusts at once.

These men want not of resolution to carry on their designe, they Banish us from all thats deare unto us, (that they can Banish us from) and yet they will have us acknowledge they have dealt very favourably with us; They charge us with Impudence, but it is Shimeis disposition to raile, and therefore we will passe it by as an [Page 88] Imperfection in him, and onely take notice that their proceedings are carried on with confi­dence in the best nature; charging us with most palpable untruths, in all their Declarations, and who so will but take notice of them, shall find them fathering all manner of forgeries upon us. They charge us with going from place to place to stir up the people to side with us, accusing us of reporting they were ashamed of what they had done, which thing is most false. But this we conclude, that if the spirit of grace were so pre­valent with them, as the spirit of deceit and falshood is, they would and justly might be a­shamed of that way they have so unjustly and perniciously proceeded in; But it fares with them as with the Bankrout, when seeing he is over-shoos, steps further into the deepe of a de­sperate condition, and concludes it cannot be worse then it is; These men have decreed a wicked decree to ruine men, their Wives and Children to perpetuity, to advance themselves and theirs, and the Serpent that perswaded them to begin it (as yet) failes them not, but presses them on to effect the businesse they have begun; And to that purpose fits them with new supplies of false and scandalous suggestions, fathering the discovery of all their mischievous actions upon us, when all that are not wilfully blind may run and reade them. It is worthy the taking no­tice [Page 89] of, how this potion (given them by their owne party) works, It inflames the blood, of­fends the stomach, disturbs the braine in so high a nature, that they are no better then meerely mad; And seeing their designes discovered (ere it was totally effected) they are now re­solved that as the Father of lies hath shewed them the way, they will with all diligence pro­ceede and finish a bloudy Tragedy, (if God by his providence doe not gratiously prevent it;) And being brought to their last shift, they will not looke upon any thing as an obstacle in their way, but lives as well as Estates shall goe to sa­tisfie their lusts. It was the expresse words of Colonel T. M. (one that is no small man a­mongst them) to one of our friends, that if he acted so high in the businesse as the Waldronds did, he would hang good store of us, and by that means engage the Country in the quarrell; So that the Country (if any opposition came) be­ing as deeply engaged as themselves, might stand by them: You may apparently see what their Intentions are, by this their last Act of Imprisoning and confining men; for seeing the Country will not have a good opinion of them, they will endeavour to procure it though by bloud, which they may easily doe, by picking out such a sort of men for Juries as they know are of their owne temper, and will not faile to [Page 90] accomplish their designes for them, to the ut­most of their desires, in hopes of being advanced (by them) to places of Honour and Eminency; The consideration of these their utmost and un­paralleld proceedings against us, their variable proceedings in Acting, and re-acting, in their Proclaiming, and Anti-proclaiming of this, and that, one thing this day, and another the next, argues them to be double minded men, and un­stable in all their waies; making Lies the origi­nall of this their utmost quarrell, and their re­fuge in all their proceedings; and therefore so many of us as had any conveniency or opportu­nity, thought it more safe to submit to their former Acts of Banishment, then to stand to what might ensue, knowing their wills to be their Law, and having forces on foote to com­pell their wills to be Executed, there remains small hopes of any justice in their proceedings: and further, we had certaine Intelligence from some that Act with them, (though unwillingly) onely for the preservation of their Estates, That they were resolved upon the businesse, and their resolution was to Condemne so many men, by vertue of which Condemnation their Estates would be confiscated; (which is the onely thing they aime at) this being done as they see occasion, they would Reprieve some, or it might be most of them, upon acknowledging [Page 91] of their proceedings to be just, and they merci­full men; If any seeme to be faithlesse in the be­liefe of this thing, in regard it is of so high and horrid a nature, that men should aforehand de­termine of proceedings in this nature, we shall cleare it by good & perfect Testimony. But that will not neede, for we rest confident, wofull ex­perience hath made it manifest ere this time, up­on our friends left behind us; if the wisdome and providence of God doe not gratiously prevent them, by putting a hooke into their Nostrils, as many times he doth, whereby he restrains the Rage of ungodly, cruell, & bloudy▪minded men.

Thus (courteous Reader) as briefely as with conveniency we could, you have the true and perfect relation of all their proceedings, of which if thou dost but take a serious view, (with the eye of impartiality) thou wilt find them (whilst charging us with a plot against them) most plainly plotting, complotting, and con­spiring first against us for our Estates, and now at last for our lives; we shall now proceede to a Declaration, wherein we shall not assert any thing but truth it selfe, which we declare and affirme to God and the world, (being well as­sured that we must give an account thereof, as well as of all other our words and actions at the last and dreadfull day of the Lord;) By which their shame and our innocency will most plaine­ly apppeare.

This Charge containes matter of Fact in a ve­ry high nature indeed, & were it not that Sathan can transforme himselfe into an Angell of light, and when he intends the greatest mischiefes, [Page 98] pretend the most of goodnesse, we should more then admire the fallacies of fraile man, (whose breath is in his Nostrils) who in the Morning flourisheth and boasteth great things, and in the Evening is cut downe and withered; who doth attempt to make God himselfe, as it were a Fig-leafe, to cover the nakednesse of their most detestable and abhorred actions: But leaving this we come to answer the particulars of their Charge. And first, as for Armes there were none taken up but by the Governours ex­presse order, and particular Commissions then immediately directed to Lieutenant Colonell James Drax and others. Secondly, the forces that were raised, did not exceede the number of one hundred and forty both Horse and Foote; who acted no hostility at all, save onely that one of Waldrond his Sonnes rideing about (with an Officer of theirs) to raise forces for the Assist­ance of their Army, was taken by one of the Scouts and brought to the house of Lieutenant Colonel Drax, where he received all civill re­spect, and was discharged soone after upon the Governours order; This is all that was done or offered to be done by any of the said Forces, (for which they had the Governours expresse order) upon whose Command they disbanded, being not guilty of any other Act of hostility then what is here declared. You may take notice [Page 99] of a small party of Horse which the Governour had to waite upon him (after he had notice Waldrond was resolved to raise Rebellion) the number of which did not exceede thirty. As for any other Forces there were none raysed, save onely one Regiment, and that was by expresse Order from the Colonell thereof, who is none of the least of Waldronds Abettors; This Re­giment was commanded into the Field by the Lieutenant Colonell, Major, and severall Cap­taines thereof, at night, and in the morning they were all discharged, every man reparing to his owne Habitation, not having acted any hostility at all in the least.

This piece of Treachery you may reade at large in the foregoing Relation, which for bre­vity sake, and avoyding of reiteration, wee have omitted to insert here.

Thus Reader, thou hast a particular relation of all the forces raised (besides their owne Army) and of their Actions and Proceedings; by any of which, if we appeare guilty of their ruine, and the destruction of the Peace of that Island, doe Thou judge and passe sentence betweene Us; whilest we minde you of the Ori­ginall cause of the Governours issuing forth of those Commissions, formerly granted for the levy­ing of these few forces formerly spoken of; which was the contempt of his Declaration, which [Page 100] hee put forth, upon his being given to under­stand, how active Waldrond and his abettors were in moving the People to Mutiny and Rebellion, as well by their scandalous Papers, and false Reports throwne and spread abroad, as other­wayes. A Copy of which Declaration, we have here inserted, viz.

You see this Declaration bearing date the 29. day of April 1650. And the thirtieth day of the same Moneth they are in Armes, and have raised an alarum in that part of the Coun­try, where their rising was, in contempt of the Governours Authority. You may also take notice that this Declaration doth enlarge our vindication; for themselves owne these Libells (mentioned at large in the Relation) con­taining such matter as is in them, which said Libells are by the Governour (justly Titled) [Page 102] scandalous Papers, and the Libellers seditious, and turbulent persons, whose endeavour was to beget intestine and civill broyles amongst us. And good and just cause he had so to tearm them, for he sending to Colonell Shelle (who commanded the first Regiment that tooke up Armes,) That he should disband his forces, Hee received this Answer, that they would march up with Bullets in their mouths. Thus you see how they contemned authority in the highest nature, and whilest accusing others, themselves are the incendiaries that have studied and practized the Disturbance, Distraction and Desolation of the most florishing Island (in­habited by the English) in that part of the World.

Notwithstanding the plaine and palpable dis­covery of these mens deceitfull, and diaboli­call actions towards us, yet they still persist in their accusing of us guilty of a designe against them; of the which (God is our faithfull wit­nesse in Heaven) we are so cleare that such a thought hath never entered into our Hearts; but (notwithstanding all their uncivill and most absurd carriage towards us from time to time) wee have given all due respect to those in au­thority, both in matters Civill and Martiall. This we confesse, that some amongst us have from time to time, earnestly desired that some [Page 103] moderation might be used, when wee have heard and seene them both Act and Speake in so high a nature as (from time to time) they did, both against Parliament and Army, deavouring to make them appeare (in the eye and esteeme of the People,) the most odious of men that ever acted upon the Theatre of the Earth; but all our desires were in vaine, for when we spoke of peace, they made themselves ready for war.

And wee must either subscribe to their Pro­ceedings, and sweare their Protestation against all opposition whatsoever, or otherwayes leave the Fruits of our long and tedious labours, and endeavours, which with the suffering of many and great hardships, and the passing through of many difficulties, wee have (through Gods blessing upon our indeavours) brought to such a measure of happy perfection, That no People under the Sun could have lived in a more hap­py condition then we should have done, had wee therewith injoyed a civill Government; But now these devouring Caterpillers have overcome the Land, and the fruits of our la­bours (for these many yeeres under that Tor­rid Zone) is now become a prey to their licen­cious covetousnesse, whilest wee must returne exiles to the Land of our nativity; which wee rather imbrace then to live (though [Page 104] with the injoyment of our owne) under the Tyranny and Cruelty of such Antichristian People as they are, whose Belly is their God, whose glory is their shame, and whose lust is their Law; who scoffe at Religion, and make it a scorne and a by-word, who hate to doe Justice: and as for Judgement it is farre from them; As for the Lord Hee is not in their thoughts, neither doe they regard Him, nor will they chuse any of His wayes.

It had beene a double happinesse to us, if Providence had prevented (these detractors) from ever comming amongst us, seeing their onely desires and delights are, to fish in troubled Waters, who like devouring Caterpillers, and gnawing Wormes, have endeavoured the con­summation and destruction of that Common­wealth of England; And being (as hatefull Birds) routed out from thence, have laboured the eating out our bowells also.

They have had a suddaine rise from eating their bread at other mens Tables (the very chiefest of them) to possesse Plantations, Houses, Bread, tables and all; whilest the right owners a [...]e (by them banished) from relations, e­states. But Time and Providence may frustrate their expectations (which is to injoy them for ever) and cause the fruits of their mischievous actions justly to fall upon them, and their sud­daine [Page 105] sorings aloft receive as speedy a down­fall, when their waxen wings shall be dissolved by the bright rayes of the Sun of impartiall Justice; which is now abroad in the World, and will in time (no question) finde them out, notwithstanding they have made a Covenant with Hell and Death, and having got the power of that part of the Earth into their hands, they thinke the power of Heaven cannot finde them out; but the contrary will (in good time) ap­peare to the World which, will make the very remembrance of them to be odious and hate­full.

This briefe Declaration we own, and affirme to be really truth it selfe, the which (with the foregoing Relation) we refer not to immode­rate and partiall men, for them we disowne, as impertinent Judges, knowing they rejoyce at their brethrens proceedings and successes, re­pining at nothing more then that themselves had not a hand in the businesse; hoping they may have it for a place of refuge when England (ashamed and overburthened with their abo­minable filthy loathsomenesse) shall spue them out; But to the moderate, judicious, and im­partiall Reader, wee refer their proceedings and our Declaration to judge of; who is best able to discerne of things, who will see our innocency most eminently shining through the [Page 106] darke clouds of their aspersions, which they have raysed for a pretence of their imperious Actions and Proceedings; which they have writ in such Characters, that all the World may run and reade: To the never-dying infamie of them and theirs, to all succeeding Ages.