one Government they proceed to consider of the establishment of another but agree only in a negative Vote That there should for the future be no Government in England either by King or House of Lords They break the old Great Seal and cause a new one to be made which is delivered to the keeping of three Commissioners viz. Mr Keeble Mr Whitlock and Mr Lisle They likewise consider of Oaths to be administred to the Judges who thereupon meet and upon debate six of them are content to continue in their employments provided the fundamentall Laws of the Land be not altered which were viz. Chief Justice Rolles and Justice Jerman of the Kings Bench Lord Chief Justice St John Justice Phesant of the Common Pleas Lord Chief Baron Wild and Baron Yates and in order to these Judges satisfaction in their forementioned scruple the Parliament by their Declaration of the ninth of February do declare That they are fully resolved to maintain and shall and will uphold preserve and keep the fundamentall Laws of this Nation for and concerning the preservation of the lives properties and liberties of the people with all things incident there unto with the alterations touching King and House of Lords already resolved in this present Parliament for the good of the people and whatsoever shall be further necessary to the perfecting thereof and by it requiring all Judges Justices c. to execute and administer in their respective Offices and Trusts c. The House order a Committee to consider of such Persons as they should think fit to be Justices of the Peace throughout the Nation they likewise order another Committee to consider of Persons whom they might judg fit to constitute a Councell of State whose number should be forty whereof only five Lords or not above And whereas before they had only repealed they now wholly make void the Oath of Allegiance and Supremacy Thus though the Parliament are endeavouring all means to make themselves as secure and firm in the Government as they can yet are the people generally discontented those who formerly affected them now sensible of the inconveniencies like to ensue the cutting off of their Prince as much disaffect them so that there is generally plotting in all Countries which makes the Parliament send forces into severall Counties to keep them in awe whilest the Royalists in Pomfret Castle still hold out hoping some relief may arise from those so universall discontents But let us from England pass a little into Scotland and we shall find that the Kings death is much more resented there at the first news of his Condemnation they proclaim a solemn Fast with Prayers to God for his deliverance but upon the news of his Execution such was their sorrow that the whole City of Edenborough seemd a flood of tears The Parliament upon this exigence are convened and putting it to the vote it passed nemine contradicente that his Eldest Sonne should be proclaimed King and accordingly a Proclamation was drawn which because of some niceties in it not usuall in things of this nature I think fit to insert as followeth viz. The Estates of Parliament presently convened in this second Session of the second trienniall Parliament by vertue of an Act of the Committee of Estates who had power and authority from the last Parliament for convening the Parliament considering that forasmuch as the Kings Majesty who lately reigned is contrary to the dissent and protestation of this Kingdom removed by a violent death and that by the Lords blessing there is left unto us a righteous Heir and lawfull Successor Charles Prince of Scotland and Wales now King of Great Brittain France and Ireland We the Estates of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Scotland do therefore most unanimously and cheerfully in recognition and acknowledgment of his just right Title and succession to the Crown of these Kingdoms hereby proclaim and declare to all the world that the said Lord and Prince Charles is by the providence of God and by the lawfull and right of undoubted succession and descent King of Great Brittain France and Ireland whom all the subjects of this Kingdom are bound humbly and faithfully to obey maintain and defend according to the Nationall Covenant and the solemn League and Covenant betwixt the Kingdome with their lives and goods against all deadly enemies as their only righteous Soveraign Lord and King And because his Majesty is bound by the Law of God and fundamentall Laws of this Kingdom to rule in righteousness and equity to the honour of God the good of Religion and the wealth of his people it is hereby declared That before he be admitted to the exercise of his Royall power he shall give satisfaction to this Kingdom in those things that concern the security of Religion the unity betwixt the Kingdoms and the good and peace of this Kingdom according to the Nationall Covenont and the solemn League and Covenant for which end we are resolved with all possible expedition to make our humble and earnest addresses to his Majesty For the testification of all which we the Parliament of the Kingdom of Scotland publish this our acknowledgment of his just right Title and succession to the Crown of these Kingdoms at the Market-Cross in Edenborough with all usuall solemnities in like cases and ordain his Royall Name Portract and Seal to be used in the publike writings and Judicatories of this Kingdome and in the Mint-house as was usually done to his Royall Predecessors and command this Act to be proclaimed at all the Market-Crosses of the Royall Burghs within this Kingdom and to be printed that none may pretend ignorance God save King Charles the second This was done by the Parliament the Lords in all their Robes the Cross was richly hanged the Chancellor brought up the Proclamation read it to the King at Arms who proclaimed it there being an universall joy in the City and their great Guns from the Castle sending peals of the same into the adjacent Countries The solemnity being past care was taken for the sending Messengers to acquaint his Majesty with the business Sr Edward Douglas was chosen to go and acquaint him with it to desire him to take heed of evill Councellors c. that there should very speedily a more full address be made to him In the mean time a Fast is proclaimed and supplications made that God would prosper their addresses to him for the good both of the Kirk and State The Lords and the whole Parliament in the mean time put on mourning for the death of his Father But to return to England again The beheaded old King Charles was February 12. thirteen days after his death buried at Windsor in the same Vault where Henry the eighth was interred without any manner of solemnity the Bishop of London Dr Juxon and some few others attending him to his Funerall The Parliament not thinking that they are not yet secure enough whilest they have only power over
English The Loves of Clirio and Lozia a Romance Mr. Knowles his Rudiment of the Hebrew Tongue A Book of Scheams or Figures of Heaven ready set for every four Minutes of times and very usefull for all Astrologers Florus Anglicus or an exact History of England from the Reign of William the Conquerour to the death of the Late King Linguae or the Combate of the Tongue and five Senses for Superiority a serious Comedy The Spirits Touchstone being a clear discovery how a man may certainly know whether he be truly taught by the Spirit of God or not The poor mans Physician and Chyrurgion Physicall Rarities containing the most choice Receipts in Physick and Chyrurgery for the cure of all Diseases Incident to mans body By R W lliams To which is added the physical Mathematicks By Hermes Tris-Megistus The Idol of Clowns or the Relation of Wat Tiler's Rebellion The Christian Moderator in 3 parts The Golden Fleece or a Discourse of the cloathing of England Dr. Sibbs his Divine Meditations Vigerius Precepts of Idiotismes Grotij Poemata Three Books of M. Matthews Minister at Swansey in South-wales 1 The Messiah Magnified by the mouthes of Babes in America or Gains and Gamaliel a helpfull Father and his hopeful Son discoursing of the three most considerable points 1. The great want of Christ 2 The great worth that is in Christ 3. The good way that is chalkt out by Christ 2. The New Congregationall Church prov'd to be the old Christian Church by Scripture Reason and History 3 The Reading Church-member Regularly call'd back to Christ and his Church A physical Dictionary An exact History of the several changes of Government in England from the horrid Murther of King Charles the first to the happy Restauration of King Charles the second with the Renowned Actions of General Monck by J. D. Duodecim Dr. Smith's practice of physick The Grammar War Posselius Apothegmes Fasciculus Florum Crashaw's Visions The Juniper Lecture Helvicus Colloquies The Christian Souldier his Combate with the three arch-enemies of man-kind the world the flesh and the devil Seasonable advice to the Apprentices of the Honourable City of London touching their duty to God and their Masters Heinsius de Crepundiis The History of Russia or the Government of the Emperour of Muscovia with the manner and fashions of the people of that Countrey Drexeliu's school of Patience Drexelius his right Intention of every ones action A School or Nurture for Children or the Duty of Children to Parents very usefull for all that intend to bring up their children in the fear of God Viginti Quarto The New Testament The third part of the Bible Sir Richard Bakers Meditations and Prayers for every day of the Week Playes The Ball. Chawbut Conspiracy Obstinate Lady The London Chanticlers a Comedy foll of various and delightfull Mirth neyer before published FLORVS ANGLICVS The Second Part. CONTAINING Englands Oligarchicall Government from the Death of CHARLES the I. to the Protectorship of OLIVER PART I. NO sooner had the fatall Axe severed England and her Liberties by severing King Charles his head from his body but the Parliament the better to maintain what they had now so farre prosecuted make Proclamation That none under penalty of being deemed guilty of high Treason should presume to proclaim declare publish or any way promote the Prince of Wales Sonne to the late King or any other Person to be King or Chief Magistrate of England or of any the Dominions belonging to them by colour of Inheritance Succession or Election or any other claim whatsoever without the free consent of the people in Parliament c. This Proclamation though it came not forth in full till the second of February yet was in part proclaimed on the very day of the Kings beheading They likewise the more to ensure their Government and to carry it on with the more plausibility publish an Act of State for the alteration of Writs in England Ireland and Wales as that in stead of King the Name Stile and Test Custodis Libertatis Angliae Authoritate Parliamenti be used and none other and all Writs c. should run so of which all concerned in the Law were required to take notice Yet they provide that all Patents granted by the late King should still stand in full force and vertue The Houses likewise take upon them a more then Papall power and because he Priest could indeed absolve them they are resolved to absolve themselves and all those engaged with them by an Act repealing the Oath of Allegiance and Supremacy Sr Lewis Dives Sr Robert Stuart of Irel and the Lord Loughborough Collonel Poyer Collonel Laughorne and Duke Hamilton having escaped out of severall Prisons of which the last out of Windsor Castle a strict search was made for them but in vain except Duke Hamilton who was the next morning retaken in an Inne in Southwark The Lords House perceiving that by reason of his Majesties death the Judges gave not that assistance to them which was usuall by reason his death had extinguished their power as Judges desired that eighteen of the Commons might be sent to conferre with nine of the Lords but it would not be assented to The House of Commons having executed their King the Nobles are an eyesore to them they therefore resolve to take away as many of them as they can bring within their reach they resolve to begin with those they have already in hold and the Commission of the High-Court of Justice for his Majesties Triall being expired they create a new one consisting of sixty three persons of which any fifteen had power to act for the triall of Duke Hamilton as Earl of Cambridg Earl of Holland Earl of Norwich Lord Capell who attempted an escape but was retaken at Lambeth and Sir John Owen and in order thereto they likewise vote the adjournment of Hillary Terme which because the Judges had not power they do by their Proclamation of the second of February And now they take into consideration the reception of their numerous fellow members which by the arbitrary force of the Army had been excluded and at last they vote That none should be admitted into the House who had voted that his late Majesties Concessions were a ground for Peace and for the firm settlement of these Nations The Parliament having cut off one of those three Estates by which the Nation had so long been governed think likewise of abolishing the second that they alone might have the whole power therefore upon considerations of the House of Lords in what capacity they should stand they vote 1. That they would make no farther addresses to them 2. That they would receive none from them 3. That an Act be drawn to abolish that House as dangerous and useless Thus is the whole basis of that Government which had continued in England so many hundred years overthrown in ten dayes and the two ancient grand Estates of the Land cut off Having abolished
mens bodies endeavour the like over their souls They therefore Enact that every Citizen of London at the time of their admission to their Freedome should take the ensuing Oath viz. You shall swear That you shall be true and faithfull to the Commonwealth of England and in order there unto you shall be obedient to the just Government of the City of London You shall to your best power maintain the peace and all the due Franchises thereof and to your knowledge and ability do and perform all Acts and things belonging to a Free-man of the said City They likewise Enact that the said Oath Mutatis mutandis be taken by every Free-man in every City Borrough and Town Corporate in England and Wales at the time of their admission to Freedome as aforesaid The Extraordinary Ambassadors for the States of Holland having had audience and promise of Redress for the injuries done to their Ships provided the wrong-doers could be found out being on departure many thanks and civilities having past between them and the House they Order two Members to give them a solemn farewell who accompanied them to Gravesend The Army again Petition the Parliament in prosecution of some desires formerly presented to them viz. 1. To make and establish such wholesome Laws in the native Language as may preserve the Interest and Liberties of this Commonwealth 2. That Tithes may be abolished 3. That no punishment be inflicted upon any man for the Exercise of his Conscience 4. That all that had to deal in the publick Treasury be called to account and that free Quarter be taken off 5. That all Persons whatsoever may have a free and equall Administration of the Law 6. That Persons imprisoned for Debt having nothing to pay may be released and that such as are able and shelter themselves in prison be forced to pay 7. That all Persons in prison for pretended words c. be brought to triall and if found innocent have satisfaction for false imprisonment 8. That Provision might be made for the Poor of the Nation 9. That constant Pay may be provided to prevent free Quarter 10. That the Arrears of the Army might be paid out of the Kings Deans and Chapters Lands 11. That their want of Horses might be supplied 12. That care might be taken for prevention of clipt Money 13. That the Articles of Warre might be mitigated 14. That the Souldiers might not be put to the execution of civil Orders as seizing on unlicensed Books distraining of Moneys or the like so that the people may not complain of their intrenchment on their Liberties These were February 19. 1649. drawn up by the Army as their humble Petition and Address to the Parliament but we need not think it strange that every common Souldier should have liberty to propose what was necessary to be done in the Government since they had perfectly the whole power in their hands and had first by the fetches of some of their Commanders excluded and extirpated all other power to give life and being to this shadow of a Government this little finger of a Parliament and yet ten times heavier to the Nation then the whole loynes of its legal Magistracy But to return to our purpose the Parliament for so in their own language we must call them order the Triall of Duke Hamilton who though he was no Englishman yet was arraigned under the Name of Earl of Cambridge thereby to subject him to the English Law together with the Earl of Holland Lord Capell Lord Goring and Sr John Owen the two first of which were afterwards beheaded in Pallace-yard and the two last meeting with more favour from them were suffered to depart beyond Seas A Councell of State being setled by the Parliament they met at Derby House where some Propositions of the Parliaments in order to their unanimous Proceedings were tendred to them viz. the approbation of the Proceedings with the late King the House of Lords the present Alteration and some other These were by them received with some dislike to some of the particulars and their dislike being mentioned in the House was referred to a Committee The Prince Elector Palatine makes his Addresses to the Parliament with returnes of thanks for their former favours and desires that 5600lb due of his last years Pension might be paid that the Pension of 8000lb per annum might be continued and that he might have the Pass of the House for himself Family and forty Horse to go home The first and last desires were granted and the Summe due Ordered to be paid him but the Continuation of his Pension put off to further consideration The Parliament and Councell of State agree upon an Attestation to be taken by every individuall Member of the Councell of State which ran as followeth viz. I A. B. being of the Councell of State do Testifie that I do adhere unto this present Parliament in the maintenance and defence of the publick Liberty and Freedome of this Nation as it is now Declared and to the Government for future in way of a Republick without King or House of Peers And I do promise in the sight of God that through his grace I will be faithfull in the performance of the trust committed to me as aforesaid and therein faithfully pursue the Instructions given to this Councell by this present Parliament and not reveal or disclose any thing in whole or in part directly or indirectly that shall be debated or resolved on in Counsell without command or direction in Parliament or the Order and allowance of the major part of them that shall be present at such debates or resolutions In confirmation of the Premisses I have hereunto set my hand To which Attestation the Clerk of the Parliament is Ordered to see that every individuall Member of the Councell of State do Subscribe And now comes out the Protestation of the Parliament of Scotland against the Proceedings touching his Majesties Life and Person which because it was of so eminent concernment I shall here insert the most materiall Circumstances viz. That by their Letter of the sixth instant viz. January they represented unto you what endeavours have been used for taking away of his Majesties life for Change of the fundamentall Government of this Kingdome and introducing a sinfull and ungodly Toleration in matters of Religion and therein they did express their sad thoughts and great feares of the dangerous consequences that might follow thereupon and further they did earnestly press that there might be no proceeding against his Majesties Person which would certainly continue the great distractions of the Kingdomes and involve them in many evils troubles and confusions but that by the free Councels of both Houses of the Parliament of England and with the advice and consent of the Parliament of Scotland such course might be taken in relation to him as may be for the good and happiness of these Kingdomes both having an unquestionable interest in his Person as King of both
of that vast Charge is saved yet neither Custome Excise nor Taxes made lower but rather encreased the Souldiers Petitioning for a larger Taxe that free Quarter the greater oppression indeed of the two might be avoided Severall Troopers who pretended a Liberty to Petition without the consent of their Officers are punished five of them are condemned first to ride with their Faces to the Horse Tail then to have their Swords broke over their Heads and lastly to be cashiered a Letter which they had concerning the aforesaid Liberty being judged pernicious and scandalous to the Parliament and Counsell of State About this time began those great disturbances both in Army and Parliament occasioned by the distast given to Lieutenant Collonel John Lilburne by the Parliaments denying some desires of his But because the Discourse of it would now be too tedious we shall let it alone till we come to treat of its Effects But let us return now a little to Scotland where the Parliament upon rumours that the English Army were marching towards them prepare to resist and Vote the raising for their present defence 2000 Horse and 6000 Foot whilest the Lord Seaforth and Collonel Heisell are busied in fortifying Enderness and other strong places in the North all being resolved to defend and maintain the Cause of Charles the Second with their lives and fortunes many Englishmen flocking to them In the mean time Prince Rupert makes great Havock of the Merchants Ships and Goods in the English and Irish Seas which makes the Parliament hasten out their Fleet under the Command of Popham Dean and Blake as aforesaid And now on the ninth of March 1648. those three Lords Duke Hamilton as Earl of Cambridge the Earl of Holland and Lord Capell were beheaded in the new Palace-yard Westminster for having raised Arms against the Parliament nor could Duke Hamiltons pretending himself a stranger and not subject to the Laws of England nor the Lord Capells claiming the Lord Generals promise of Quarter finde them voices enough to save their lives though the Lord Goring and Sr John Owen escaped by Superiority of voices They all three died resolutely and handsomely befitting men of so noble descents The Parliament in some things to answer the Armies Petition Order a release of all Prisoners who were not in a capacity to pay their Debts the Commission nevertheless extending to the seizure of all their Estate and Moveables to pay as far as they will go They likewise Enact a rebate in Usury that none should take above six in the hundred which is an ease to the poor but a plague to the rich The 14th of March arrives at London Master Belford from the Parliament of Scotland who brings Letters expressing their high resentment for the securing of their Commissioners they assure them that they owned the Paper sent by their Commissioners by sending another Transcript of it so their Commissioners are discharged and it referred to the Counsell of State to send them an Answer The Parliament proceed in consideration of what was to be done in the farther punishing of offendors and Vote that fifteen be banished whereof the Marquess of Winchester the Lords Bristoll Cottington and Digby are four Judge Jenkins and Sr John Stowell are Ordered to be tried at the Kings Bench Bar. That Collonel Laughorne Powell and Poyer or any others who have held out any Castle or Fort since the first of March 1648. to be tried by a Counsell of War They proceed to the Confiscation of the Estates of the Prince of Wales Duke of York Duke of Buckingham Earl of Bristoll Earl of Newcastle Earl of Worcester Lord Digby Sr William Widdrington Sr Phillip Musgrave Sr Marmaduke Langdale Sr Richard Grimvile Sir Francis Dodington Sr Iohn Culpepper and Sr Iohn Byron any of which being taken in England are to die without mercy The Banishment of the Marquess of Winchester is remitted at last and he with Bishop Wren Voted imprisonment in the Tower during the Parliaments pleasure Brown Bushell is also Voted to be tried for his life The Parliament hoping to justifie their actions to the world abroad by Logick as well as they had done it by force at home cause a large and specious Declaration to be drawn up shewing the causes of their Actions and Proceedings against their late King and of the Alteration of the Government which they order to be Printed in Latin French Dutch and Italian the better to satisfie as they dream't the rest of the Christian world The Lieutenant Generall Cromwell now comes in play again action being so naturall to him he being appointed Generalissimo of those 12000 Horse and Foot which are Voted to be sent for the relief of Ireland and the reducing of Ormond Inchequeen and Owen Roe who had now made a full conjunction and lay neare Dublin with 22000 Men. And now the Parliament by their Act and Declaration of the 19th of February dissolve all Kingly Government disheriting the late Kings Children or any other from any claim right or title to the Government of England Wales or Ireland or any of the Honours Mannors Lands Tenements Possessions or Hereditaments belonging or appertaining to the Crown of England or Ireland And they by the same Act discharge and absolve all the people of England Wales and Ireland of what degree or condition soever from all Fealty Homage and Allegiance which is or shall be pretended due to any of the Issue and Posterity of the late King or any claiming under him This Act the Parliament Order to be proclaimed in the City of London by the Mayor Aldermen and Sheriffs in Person and likewise in the chief places of the Nation to which purpose Writs are sent down to the Sheriffs of the respective Counties But the Lord Mayor and severall of the Aldermen whose consciences would not permit them to proclaim it refusing to do it put a demur upon it throughout the whole Nation the effects of which the Parliament fearing called him to the Bar of the House and finding him resolved Order the degradation of him Alderman Bunce and three Aldermen more Alderman Andrews being found fit for the Parliaments purpose is appointed to sit on the Bench in the late Lord Mayors stead who readily executed the Parliaments Commands The Parliament Constitute a Committee for the sale of Parks Chases and Forrest-Lands of whom any three have power and authority to Act. The 24th of March the Castle of Pomfret which had held out near nine Moneths was forced to surrender for want of Ammunition The private Souldiers who were most of them inhabitants of Yorkeshire had liberty by Articles to go home to their habitations but the Governour and some others were exempted from Quarter nevertheless Lieutenant Collonel Morris the Governour escaped The Scotch Commissioners are at last dispatched to the King with full Instructions to treat with him of which the chief were First That his Majesty take the Covenant Secondly That he put from him all who have assisted
his Father or him formerly and particularly the Lord Montross Thirdly That he bring but 100 with him into Scotland And fourthly That he bring no forreign force into Scotland without their consent But whether these Conditions were by him agreed to or no I think is hardly known In the mean while the Parliaments friends in Ireland are but in a bad condition they therefore desire present aid Clanrickard Taffe and Preston with their Catholicks having made a full agreement with Ormond and Inchequeen the Articles were viz. after the Catholicks acknowledgement by way of preamble That Charles the second is King of Ireland and that they will stand to him with their lives and fortunes It is agreed 1. That the Catholicks have free exercise of Religion in Ireland and all penalties taken off 2. That a Parliament shall be held within six Moneths or after when the Catholicks desire 3. All Laws made in the Parliament of England since 41 in blemish of Catholicks in the next Parliament to be null 4. All Indictments against any Catholicks since 41 to be vacuated 5. Way and provision made that Catholicks may be Elected and Vote in Parliament 6. All Debts to remain as they were February 8. 1641. notwithstanding any disposition under colour of Attainder 7. The Estates of the Knights Gentlement and Freeholders of Connaght Clare Thomond Limerick and Tipperary to be secured by Act. 8. All incapacities of the Natives in Ireland to be taken away by Act. 9. All Honours Trusts c. to be conferred as well on Catholicks as Protestants 10. That the King take 2000lb per annum in lieu of the Court of Wards 11. Noble men to be capable of more Proxies then two in Parliament 12. That the depending of the Parliament of Ireland on that of England shall be as shall stand with the Laws of Ireland 13. That the Counsell-Table meddle only with State-matters 14. That all Acts forbidding the transport of Wooll be made null by the next Parliament 15. That if any have been wronged by Grants from King James or since they may have relief in Parliament 16. That divers particular Lords Knights and Gentlemen who have as they conceive been wronged may be righted 17. That all who have had their Estates taken from them in Cork Youghall and Dungarvan have restauration 18. That in the next Parliament an Act of oblivion pass to all Ireland 19. That no Lord Deputy or other Officer of Eminency farm the Customes 20. An Act against Monopolists and no imposition on Aqua-vitae 21. That the Court of Castle-chamber be regulated 22. The Acts prohibiting plowing with Horses by the tail and burning Oats in the Straw be nul'd 23. That his Majesty take off the grievances of the Kingdome 24. That Maritime causes be determined in Ireland 25. That no Rents be raised under pretence of defective titles 26. That Interest be forgiven from 1641. 27. That all this be Acted and of force till a Parliament agree it 28. That the Commissioners for the Catholicks that treated agree upon such as shall be Commissioners of the peace and hear all causes under 10lb. 29. That all Governours of Towns Castles c. made by the King be with the approbation of Catholick Commissioners 30. That none of his Majesties Rents be paid till a full settlement in Parliament 31. That the Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer do try all Murthers Thefts c. 32. That hereafter such Differences as arise between Subjects be tried by a Court in Ireland 33. That the Roman Clergy that behave themselves according to this Agreement be not molested These Articles thus agreed on Ormond publishes a Declaration exasperating the horrid Murther of the late King and Declaring Charles the second King of Ireland as the true lawfull and undoubted Heir to his Father and to him and in his Defence they all resolve to stick with lives and fortunes The Counsell of State begin now to take the business of Ireland into more serious consideration and to dispatch relief the sooner Order that a convenient number of Shipping be made ready at Bristoll Leverpool Beaumorris and Milford Haven to transport the Army and to be at the direction of the Commander in chief for Ireland They likewise give Order that an Hospitall be provided for maimed Souldiers in Dublin That all those who are already in the Parliaments pay in Ireland do joyn with those now sent over under the Command of his Excellency the Lord Generall Cromwell That Bread Salt Cheese and other provisions be provided with a train of Artillery And that care be taken that continuall supplyes of men be constantly sent The seventh of Aprill the Parliament for the better supply of their Army and taking off the intollerable oppression of Free-Quarter pass an Act for 90000lb. a Moneth for six Moneths But in relation to their present exigencies for setting forward of the relief for Ireland the Generall Earl of Pembroke and some others are sent to the City to borrow 120000lb. upon the security of the two last Moneths Assessment And now the business of Ireland goes on vigorously the Parliament making sundry Votes for its furtherance viz. That care be taken for provisions for the Winter Quarters That a sufficient number of Ships be imployed on the Coast at the Command of the Generall by Land That provision be made for maimed Souldiers and for the Widows and Orphans of Souldiers slain That a train of Artillery be provided That the Troopers be supplyed with such Backs Brests and Pots as shall be fitting And that care be taken for the convenient sending over of Recruits And indeed it was no time to dally now except they meant to have lost all for Ormond Taffe Preston and Inchequeen are mustering their Forces to lay siege to Dublin London-Derry and Sr Charles Coot in it was already besieged by the Covenanters or Laggan Forces And though Owen Roe's standing out might make a kinde of schisme amongst them yet it was judged that their Army would be numerous enough both to besiege Dublin and reduce him for which last service Inchequeen was intended his Brother Sr Phellime not being so sure a friend to him as was imagined so that Ireland could not at that time seem to be in any other condition then near utterly lost to the Parliament The sale of the Deans and Chapters Lands coming under consideration were found worth 9000lb per annum impropriate which goes towards the Ministers maintenance and 18000lb per annum old Rent which is to be sold But 1. It was resolved that 300000lb be raised on it in way of doubling as on Bishops Lands 2. That no Bill of Faith pass but such as hath been allowed by Trustees 3. That the 600000lb due for Souldiers Arrears stand good upon the Excise till other security be setled 4. That this 600000lb be paid out of Lands belonging formerly to the Crown 5. That twelve Trustees be for this Act six nominated by the Generall and six by the Parliament 6. That
more so that now they made 120 in all With this Fleet Van Trump the next morning by break of day faced the English Fleet But the Generals Blake and Moncke finding the wind somewhat high and the weather thick and cloudy fearing the Sands or a Lee shore more then all the Dutch force stood off to Sea which made the Dutch suppose a flight so that one of Trumps Captains urged him to pursue them telling him that those dogs durst not abide one broad side from his Excellency that he might clearly see they ran away for fear and that he should not lose so fair an opportunity But generous Van Trump who knew the English better returned the Captain this modest answer Sr be you carefull to look to your charge and trouble your head no further for if the English were but 10 Sail I am sure they would fight us and so indeed it happened for the weather clearing up and the wind laying they drew up their Fleet into a body and tacked about to meet the Enemy who being likewise in a posture they presently engaged The Fight was couragiously maintained on both sides from between five and six in the morning till one in the afternoon both Fleets charging valiantly one through the other till at length the Dutch Admirall Van Trump fighting in the midst of the English Fleet with a great deal of courage and resolution was by a Musket Bullet shot on the left Pap near the heart and slain outright The Dutch began to decline many of their Ships being likewise fired or sunk and the amazement for their Generals death possessing the whole Navy they hoised up all the Sail possibly they could and made away directly for the Texell and the English befides the damage many of their Ships had received were loath to be too hold on that shore so they pursued them no farther but steered their course to Soal buy that they might there dispose of the prisoners and mend their tottered Sails and Rigging The English in this Fight had 8 Captains slain outright viz. Graves Chapvian Taylor Newman Crispe Owen Cox and Peacock and 400 common Seamen they had likewise 700 men wounded of which 5 Captains viz. Stoakes Seaman Rouse Hollander and Cabit they lost but one Ship viz. the Oake which was burnt by a Fireship and had two or three more disabled As for the loss the Dutch received in relation to those slain or wounded was uncertain but their visible loss was 30 men of War sunk or fired 6 Captains and about a 1000 prisoners taken but their greatest loss and indeed the loss of all was the loss of their Renowned Generall Van Trump who had the hard fortune to be alwayes beaten by the English yet could not his judgement be at all taxed nor his fame eclipsed which formerly he had so deservedly gotten to be esteemed one of the ablest and best understanding Sea-Captains in the world For this ominent piece of Service Cromwels pact Parliament ordered that Chains of gold should be presented to the Admirals Blake and Moncke Vice-Admirall Pen and Rear-Admirall Lawson other Chains were likewise presented to other Flag-Captains and Meddals of silver to the Officers of the Fleet in token of their good service But whilest our Fleets are thus victorious abroad discontents are broached at home by reason the Parliament had now sat near six Moneths and effected nothing for the good and settlement of the Nation having indeed done nothing at all but made that Act concerning Marriages out of meer envy and despite to the Clergy So beginning at first to lop off a branch of the Ministers maintenance that they might afterwards cut down the Tree Concerning Tithes it is debated in the House what saw fit to be done and a Committee appointed to onsider of so weighty a business who being fully convinced in a full hearing by arguments and reasons drawn both from the Laws of God and man of the legality of it make report to the House in the affirmative for Tithes which so exasperated those who were of the contrary faction that they begin clearly to argue against the Ministeriall Function urging it to be burdensome to the people and by that strange consequence Antichristian There were near 60 of the Members of this opinion which the rest though the major part fearing would undermine them by laying hold of some opportunity to assemble themselves together and by any forty of them being a Quorum accomplish their designes resolve to dissolve their House themselves which motion being made by a Member on the 12th of December was readily assented to and so the Speaker and severall others adjourned to Whitehall and redelivered their Instrument of Government into the hands of Oliver Cromwell from whom they had received it This Parliament having thus by writings under their hands resigned again the power given them the whole Authority both Civill and Military of these three Nations was by this resignation strangely understood to be devolved into the hands of Oliver Cromwell Whereupon he calls a Counsell of Officers who having some others joyned with them to consult of the settlement of a Government at length after much seeking of God where I leave the Reader to judge of the rabble of hypocriticall canting that was blabbered out they concluded to have a Commonwealth in a single Person That that Person should be Oliver Cromwell Captain Generall of all the Forces in England Scotland and Ireland That his Title should be Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England Scotland and Ireland and the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging That he should have a Counsell of one and twenty persons to be assistant with him in the Government That an Instrument should be framed containing the Basis and foundation of this new established Government the chief Heads of which were these 1. That the Protector should call a Parliament every three years 2. That the first Parliament should be convened on the third of September 1654. 3. That he should not dissolve any Parliament till it had sate five Monoths 4. That such-Bills as they offered to him he not passing them in twenty dayes should pass without him 5. That he should have a select Counsell of men faithfull to his interest not exceeding one and twenty nor under thirteen 6. That the Protectorship should not be hereditary 7. That immediately after his death the Counsell should choose another Protector before they rose 8. That no Protector after him should be Generall of the Army 9. That in the intervals of Parliament he with consent of his Counsell might make Laws which should be binding to the Subject till the next Sessions of Parliament Oliver Cromwell now made Lord Protector who had taken so many Oaths and Covenants before is to swear afresh which was performed on the 16th of December 1653 with a great deal of State in the Chancery-Court in Westminster-Hall before the Judges Mayor and Aldermen of London with the chief Officers of the Natron
it hath been the practice of those who have been chief Governours to acknowledge with thanks to the Commons their care and regard of the publicke I do very heartily and thankefully acknowledge their kindness herein But let us a little leave the Parliament perfecting all things to the Protectors content and see a relation of the victorious Generall Blakes thrice worthy exploit at Sancta-Cruze Generall Blake lying with his Fleet near Cadiz had advice brought him that the Spanish West-India Fleet was put into the Port of Sancta-Cruze in Teneriffa the chief Island of the Canaries Whereupon the Fleet weighs Anchor and on the 20th of Aprill 1657 were at the mouth of Sancta-Cruze Bay where they espied the Spanish Ships sixteen in number lying in an order almost semi-circular at the mouth of the Haven stands a Castle well furnished with Guns and besides that seven Forts more with three four and six Guns a piece so that the passage in must needs be dangerous or rather desperate Besides Don Diego D'aques the Spanish Admirall to make all safe had caused the smaller Ships to be mored alongst the shore and the six great Gallions lay farther off at Anchor with their broad sides towards the Sea Generall Blake having perceived this posture of defence in which they lay from the offing presently calls a Counsell of War where it was resolved that they should presently attaque them not at all considering the eminent hazard Captain Stainer Commander of the Speaker is ordered first in with them who presently falls upon the Ships not at all considering or regarding the number of the Shot which the Forts on every side continually powred upon him and maintains near an hours Fight till the Generals Blake and Montague having ordered some Frigots to ply the Forts and Brest-works with continuall broad sides came up and with all their power encountered the Spaniards who though they made a gallant resistance yet in four hours space they were driven out of their Ships which though possessed by the English yet could not easily be brought away so they were by them fired to the number of sixteen small and great This noble attempt cost the English but 48 men and 120 wounded The Spaniards besides the loss of their whole Fleet had many hundreds of men slain on the shore and in the Forts and Brest-works besides those which lost their lives in the Ships For this noble exploit the Protector by Order of Parliament sent a Diamond Ring worth 500lb for a present to Generall Blake And Captain Richard Stainer who led on the first Squadron was at his coming to England for this and his former service Knighted This year happened a Conspiracy of other sort of men then Cavaliers for on the 19th of Aprill 1657 at a House in Shoreditch severall discontented persons who had been formerly of the Army were apprehended who had appointed to have Rendesvowzed on Mile-end-Green and so have marched into other Counties to augment their Party Store of Arms were taken and the number of the Conspirators being many they were disposed of in severall prisons Major Generall Harrison Vice-Admirall Lawson Collonel Rich and Major Danvers were secured as the chief Ring-leaders This was called the Plot of the fifth-Monarchy-men The Protector out of a desire he had to keep the Spaniards to it every where makes a private agreement with France to send out a Brigade of his best Infantry which the French extreamly wanted to assist them in Flanders These were begun to be raised about the 4th of May 1657 and about the latter end of the Moneth having had a very fine passage into Picardy joyned with those Forces commanded by the Marshall of Turene Over these Sir John Reynolds one of the Protectors Knights but formerly Commissary Generall of the Army in Ireland was appointed Commander in chief and Collonel Morgan was made Major Generall But to return a little to our affairs at home The Parliament had long been debating concerning the settlement of his Highness and had almost concluded of it when on a suddain a Paper was sent into the House desiring his Highness advance of Title Upon this the grand machine of Government was printed entituled An humble Petition and Advice humbly entreating that his Highness would be pleased to change his Title of Protector to that of King This was extreamly averse to his nature who God bless us would be a Servant and not a Master of his Country He knew Monarchy to be odious both to the Army and as he said to the people and therefore he gave the Parliament this positive answer in the painted Chamber That he could not accept the Government under the Title of a King Whereupon the Parliament voted that Protector should be the Title of the chief Magistrate and the Petition and Advice being altered accordingly nothing now wanted to the making it a Law but his Highness approbation So a Conference is desired with him which granted the Protector on the 25th of May 1657 meets the Parliament in the painted Chamber where Sr Thomas Widdrington Speaker presents him with the humble Petition and Advice the substance whereof was 1. That his Highness Oliver Cromwell under the Title of Lord Protector would be pleased to execute the Office of chief Magistrate over England Scotland and Ireland and the Territories thereunto belonging c. and to govern according to all things in this Petition and Advice And also that he would in his life time appoint the person that should succeed in the Government after his death 2. That he would call a Parliament consisting of two Houses once in three years at farthest 3. That those persons who are legally chosen by a free Election of the people to serve in Parliament may not be excluded from doing their duties but by consent of that House whereof they are Members 4. That none but those under the Qualifications therein mentioned should be capable to serve as Members in Parliament 5. That the power of the other House be limited as herein prescribed 6. That the Laws and Statutes of the Land be observed and kept no Laws altered suspended abrogated or repealed or new Laws made but by Act of Parliament 7. That the yearly summe of a Million of pounds sterling be setled for maintenance of the Navy and Army and three hundred thousand pounds for support of the Government besides other temporary supplies as the Commons in Parliament shall see the necessities of the Nation to require 8. That the number of the Protectors Counsell shall not be above twenty one whereof the Quorum to be seven 9. The chief Officers of State as Chancellors Keepers of the great Seal c. to be approved by Parliament 10. That his Highness would encourage a godly Ministry in these Nations and that such as do revile and disturb them in the worship of God may be punished according to Law and where Laws are defective new ones to be made 11. That the Protestant Christian Religion as it
is contained in the Old and New Testament be asserted and held forth for the publick profession of these Nations and no other and that a Confession of faith be agreed upon and recommended to the people of these Nations and none be permitted by words or writings to revile or reproach the said Confession of faith The Petition and Advice of which the foregoing Lines were the heads being in the painted Chamber read to the Protector was by him passed though with much seeming reluctancy he declaring That he came not thither that day as to a triumph but with the most serious thoughts that ever he had in all his life being to undertake one of the greatest burthens that ever was laid upon the back of any humane creature so that without the support of the Almighty he must necessarily sink under the weight of it to the damage and prejudice of these Nations That this being so he must ask the help of the Parliament and the help of all those that fear God that by their prayers he might receive assistance from the hand of God seeing nothing but his presence could enable him to the discharge of so great a trust That seeing this is but an Introduction to the carrying on of the Government of these Nations and forasmuch as there were many things which could not be supplied without help of Parliament he thought it his duty to desire their help not that he doubted of it for he believed that the same spirit that had led the Parliament to this would easily suggest the rest to them That nothing should have induced him to have undertaken this intollerable burthen to flesh and bloud had he not seen that it was the Parliaments care to answer those ends for which they had engaged calling God to witness that he would not have undergone it had he not saw it to be determined by the Parliament to make clearly for the liberty and interest of the Nation and preservation of such as fear God and that if these Nations be not thank full to them for their care therein it would fall as a sin upon their heads To conclude he recommends to them other things which would tend to Reformation and the discountenancing of vice and encouragement to good men and vertue desiring them that they would not be wanting in any thing that might make for the good of the Nations So wishing the Lord to prosper their endeavours ends The Members having heard this speech are dismissed and return to their House whither in few dayes the Protector sends them a Letter desiring their adjournment some convenient time till the Inauguration of his Highness the Lord Protector could be conveniently performed And accordingly they passed a Bill for their adjournment from the 26th of June 1657 to the 20th of January following the said 26th of June being the day appointed for his Highness solemn investiture His Highness with accustomed Ceremonies being conducted to the place which was prepared for him under a Cloth of State in Westminster-hall the Speaker in the name of the Parliament presents severall things which were ready laid upon the Table unto him First a Robe of purple Velvet lined with Ermine being the habit anciently used at the solemn investiture of Princes next a large Bible richly guilt and boss'd then a Sword and lastly a Scepter of massie Gold Which thus presented in the whole the Speaker arose and assisted by the Earl of Warwick and the Lord Whitlocke vested his Highness then presented him the Bible the Speaker girt his Sword about him and lastly gave him the Scepter which done the Speaker returned again to the Chair and administred the Oath to the Protector in these following words I do in the presence and by the name of Almighty God promise and swear that to the uttermost of my power I will uphold and maintain the true Reformed Protestant Christian Religion in the purity thereof as it is contained in the holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to the uttermost of my power and understanding and encourage the profession and professors of the same and that to the utmost of my power I will endeavour as chief Magistrate of these three Nations the maintenance and preservation of the peace and safety and just rights and priviledges of the people thereof and shall in all things according to my best knowledge and power govern the people of these Nations according to Law This Oath administred and some attending Ceremonies performed a Herald stood up aloft giving signall to a Trumpet to sound three times after which he did by Authority and Direction of Parliament publish and proclaim his Highness Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England Scotland and Ireland requiring all persons to yeeld him due obedience This Proclamation ended the Trumpets again founded and some Souldiers and others set there on purpose ecchoed forth God save the Lord Protector Then was he again proclaimed by an Officer at Arms standing on the stairs which was answered again by the same Ecchoes of some of the Souldiery These Ceremonies ended the Protector attended by all the Officers of State went into the Palace-yard Westminster in his Robes where entring his Coach he returned in State to Whitehall But let us now return a little to our English Forces which went over under Sr John Reynolds to assist the French King who this year about the latter end of October advance into the Spanish Territories and joyning with the Marshall Turine the whole Army according to agreement sate down before the Mardike-Fort which lyes about two Miles from Dunkirke and was judged of concernment to the taking of Dunkirke it self which place according to agreement the French Army in consideration our helps was joyned with theirs to the siege before any other service and if taken to deliver it into the English hands after a short siege Mardike was upon Articles surrendred to the French and English and presently a Garrison of Souldiers placed in it whom the Spaniards suddenly after endeavoured to remove by giving a fierce Camisado to the Fort when the Armyes were drawn into their Winter-Quarter but it proved ineffectuall For though there were no want of courage in their charge yet the English repulsed them though they not content with this expulse adventured upon it again where though the Duke of Yorke who commanded in chief performed things worthy of so gallant a Prince yet were they forced to a second retreat Whilest the sweetness of these successes made many men rejoyce there arrived news to imbitter it viz. the death of that noble and thrice valiant Generall Blake who had done such noble and gallant service for his Country had beaten the Hollanders that potent Nation at Sea forcing them to run into their harbours for shelter he had lately burnt the mighty King of Spains West-India Fleet in his own harbours and under his own Castles and to shorten his praises in a word had he been but as loyall as he was
Whereas it hath pleased the most wise God in his Providence to take out of the world the most serene and Renowned Oliver late Lord Protector of this Commonwealth and his said Highness having in his life time according to the humble Petition and Advice declared and appointed the most Noble and Illustrious the Lord Richard eldest Sonne of his said late Highness to succeed him in the Government of these Nations wee therefore of the Privy Counsell together with the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Citizens of London the Officers of the Army and numbers of other principall Gentlemen do now hereby with one full voice and consent of tongue and heart publish and declare the said Noble and Illustrious Lord RICHARD to be rightfully Protector of this Commonwealth of England Scotland and Ireland and the Dominions and territories thereunto belonging to whom we do acknowledg all fidelity and constant obedience according to Law and the said humble Petition and Advice with all hearty and humble affections beseeching the Lord by whom Princes rule to bless him with long life and these Nations with peace and happiness under his Government This Proclamation was signed by the Lord Mayor of London the members of the Privy Counsell and most of the Officers of the Army and was afterwards proclaimed in the Palace-yard Westminster at Cheapside the Royall-Exchange in Cornhill and so in order throughout all the Dominions of England Scotland and Ireland Proclamation being thus made the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen in their formalities came in the afternoon to condole the death of his late Highness to congratulate his Highness advancement to the Protectorship and to surrender up into his hands the Sword of the City they were received with the accustomed Ceremonies and the Lord Mayor having delivered up his Sword received it again from his Highness hands and after some other Ceremonies performed as usuall and Dr Goodwin having prayed for a blessing upon his Highness Person his Government his Forces by Sea and Land and upon all the People of these Nations Nathaniell Fines one of the Lords Commissioners of the great Seal and one of his Highness Privy Counsell administred the same Oath to his Highness which had been formerly administred to his Father upon his Installment After the Oath administred his Highness first addressed himself to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen thanking them for theirs and the Cities fidelity and good affection towards him and then having returned the like thanks to the addresses of the Officers of the Army he dismissed them and then passed a Proclamation for continuance of all such as were in any Office of Government at his Fathers death till further directions from his Highness The sixth of September by his Highness Order the Imbargo made upon his Fathers death on all Ships and Vessels in the Ports of England and Wales was taken off and Sr Oliver Flemming Master of the Ceremonies was ordered to acquaint the Ministers of all forreign Princes of the death of Oliver Lord Protector and that both that Title and the Government of these three Nations was devolved and established on his eldest Son Richard Cromwell The Lord Newport who was come over as Ambassador extraordinary from the States of Holland to the Protectors Father but first by reason of his indisposedness being retarded his audience and afterwards by reason of his death his Ambassage proved ineffectuall he having received new Letters from his Masters ordering him to condole his late Highness death and complement his present Highness for his advancement to the Government hoping that the same firm league and peace might be continued between his Highness and those States as had been between them and his princely Father delivered his Message in a publick audience before his Highness and received an answer conformable to his desires Severall addresses protesting both love and obedience to his Highness are presented both by the Army City of London and most of the Countries the whole Nation being seemingly content and satisfied with his advancement to the Government of these Kingdomes Nor were the Officers of the Army even those who afterwards showed themselves most active in depriving him of his Government backward but every particular Regiment gave in their addresses condoling his Fathers death and protesting their willingness nay joy in becoming obedient to him But amongst all those addresses I cannot omit one passage in that presented by Major Generall John Disborow and his Regiment in which condoling his Fathers death they adde thus viz. Your Highness your Armies and people reap the benefit of his prayers and successes but alas this our Moses your dear and blessed Father the servant of the Lord is dead and shall we not weep Though we weep not for him we cannot but weep for our selves We cannot but look after him crying Our Father our Father the Chariots of Israell and the horsemen thereof the fiery Chariot indeed of England whose fury and ambition had set the whole Nation in flames and combustion Nor are the rest of those forreign Ministers which were then in England viz. the Ambassadors of France and Sweden and Portugall the Agents for the Hans-Towns Florence Venice and Genua backward in coming to lament with his Highness for the death of his Father and desire the continuance of that league friendship and amity which was maintained and granted by him To which the Lord Protector returned answer that there could not be any greater argument used for his continuance offriendship with any Kingdome or Common-wealth then by telling him that his Father had contracted it Nor are Scotland or Ireland less complyant to his desires then England had been they thence send their addresses and promises of obedience so that his Government seemed every where to begin with a great deal of serenity and fair promises of a long continuance In Scotland likewise Generall Monke who continued Vicegerent there published a Declaration for the better securing the peace of that Nation declaring First That no person then beyond the seas or out of the Dominions of this Commonwealth c. Except Masters of Ships or Seamen belonging to Ships of this Commonwealth should after the first of December 1658 presume to come into Scotland without Licence from the Lord Protector or his Counsell in England the Lord Deputy or Counsell of Ireland or his Highness Counsell of Scotland as they would answer it at their perils Secondly That such Persons as shall arrive in Scotland after the first of December having such a Passe shall at their arrivall be bound to give intimation to the Governour of the next adjacent Garrison who is to examine them and see that their Passe be not counterfeit and for all those who shall arrive before the first of December they are to make their appearance before the Governour of the next adjacent Garrison who is to examine the cause of their coming into Scotland and if he find them to be persons suspected to apprehend and secure them Thirdly That no
Master of any Ship shall either coming from beyond the Seas or going out of Scotland bring in or carry out any person whatsoever who hath not such a Passe as aforesaid This Proclamation was published under high pretences of preventing the design of the Cavalier party there And now the time approached for celebrating the Funerall Pomp of his Highness Oliver late Lord Protector of which great care had been taken and no imaginary state neglected for he being first embowelled was from Whitehall carried to Somerset House where his Effigies was set up in state after this manner Three Rooms were first hung with black Cloth adorned each of them with a Canopy and Chair of State of the same The fourth where the Corps was and the Effigies did first lie was hung with Velvet and adorned with Scutcheons and Banners in most Noble sort after which the Effigies was removed into another Room and there exposed to publike view standing in Princely manner upon an ascent under a Canopy of State with a Scepter in one hand a Globe in the other and a Crown on his head after the ancient manner of the Kings of England his Armour lying by him and the Banners Banrols and Standards placed round about hm and so continued untill the solemnizationi of the Funerall-Pomps and Ceremonies which were performed on the 23th of November 1658 in form following The Effigies being taken down by severall of the Protectors Gentlemen was with a rich Canopy carried over it taken and placed in a Chariot covered with black Velvet adorned with Plumes and Scutcheons and drawn by six plumed Horses covered to the heels with black Velvet Then the Train began to march betwixt the Rails set up on purpose from Somerset House to Westminster on each side of which stood the Souldiers with black Ribbons on their red Coats and their Ensignes furled and covered with a vail of Cypres And first went a Knight-Marshall on Horseback with his black Truncheon tipt with gold attended by his Deputy and severall other Officers to clear the way Next followed the Poor men of Westminster two and two in mourning Gowns and Hoods Then the Servants of those Persons of Quality attended the Funerall Then the Servants of the deceased Protector in their respective places and orders Then the Servants of the Lord Mayor Sheriffs and Aldermen of London Then the Servants attending the Ambassadours and Agents of Forreign Princes After them the Poor Knights of Windsor in their Gowns and Hoods Then the Clerks Secretaries and other under-Officers belonging to the Army Admiralty Treasury Navy and Exchequer Then the Commanders in the Fleet and Officers of the Army Then the Commissioners for Excise the Committees of the Army and Navy Then the Commissioners for approbation of Ministers Then the Officers belonging to the Privie Counsell and both Houses of Parliament Next followed the Protectors Phisicians Then the Field-Officers and generall Officers of the Army Next the Aldermen of London Then the Masters of the Chancery and the deceased Protectors Counsell at Law Then the Judges of the Admiralty the Masters of Request with the Judges in Wales Then the Barons of the Exchequer the Judges of both Benches and Lord Mayor of London Then the Persons allied to his Highness and the Members of the Lords House After them the Agents of Venice Genoa the Hans-Towns and other publike Ministers The Holland Ambassadour alone The Portugall Ambassador whose Train was born up by four Knights of the Order of Christ The French Ambassadour whose Train was likewise born up by four Persons of Quality The Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal The Lords of the Privie Counsell Then followed the Chief Mourner with those Persons who bore up his Train most of the Persons of Honour were in Close Mourning and were in their divisions distinguished by Drumms and Trumpets and by a Standard or Banner and by a Mourning Horse of which there were eleven in all four covered with black Cloth and seven with Velvet These being all past in order the Effigies followed in the Chariot with six Banner Rolls born on each side and eight Persons bearing the severall pieces of the deceased Protectors Arms all which were attended by Heralds after whom came Garter principall King at Arms attended by a Gentleman on each side bare-headed Then followed the Horse of Honour in very rich Trappings of Gold embroidered upon crimson Velvet and adorned with white yellow and red Plumes which was led by the Master of the Horse And last of all followed the Protectors Guard of Halbertiers with the Warders of the Tower In this State was the Effiigies conducted from Somerset House to Westminster where it was taken off the Chariot and in the same State as it was first taken out of Somerset House carried into the Abby Church and placed under a woodden Monument stately erected for it with the Bannors and six Ensignes of Honour placed about it the Corps having been some days before buried in a Vault purposely provided for it in Henry the 7 ths Chappell over which a stately Monument was intended to be erected over it but the after sodain Revolutions of State hindred that undeserved remembrance of him With all this Pomp and Splendor were the Funerall Ceremonies of the deceased Lord Protector performed so prodigall were the Counsell of State to the very memory of their so beneficiall a Master not regarding at all the Debts or other inconveniences which they might run the Nation into by so vast an expense so that in requitall to him or to ingratiate themselves with his Sonne they were so vain as to extend the pomp and expence of his Funerall beyond that of any English King since William the Conquerours time The deceased Protector had in his life time contracted a firm League both offensive and defensive with the King of Swetheland which caused the now Protector his Sonne upon the Swedes desires to man out a great Fleet for his assistance against the Dutch who aided the King of Denmark his enemy Between forty and fifty sail of gallant Ships were sent forth under the command of the Lord Mountague this Fleet having spent neer six moneths in the Sound even to the time of the dissolution and annulling of that Power that set them forth returned home having done nothing worth the mention The Protector now to strengthen himself by the advice of his Counsell calls a Parliament and Writs are issued out for their appearance on the 27th of January 1658 whether they being accordingly convented and having according to custome made choice of Challoner Chute Esq for Speaker of the House the Protector the same day attended by many of his Fathers new made Nobles went in state to Westminster the Lord Cleypool bearing the Sword before him where having heard a Sermon he went in his formalities to the new Lords House from whence he sent the Usher of the Black Rod to acquaint the Parliament that he expected them who being come to the barr he
Justice may be executed in the Land Thirdly I recommend to you the Protestant cause abroad which seems at this time to be in some danger having great and powerfull enemies and very few friends and I hope and believe that the old English zeal to that Cause is still among us Lastly my Lords and you Gentlemen of the House of Commons That you will in all your debates maintain and conserve love and unity among your selves that therein you may be the pattern of the Nation who have sent you up in peace and with their prayers that the spirit of wisdome and peace may be among you and this shall also be my prayer for you and to this let us all add our utmost endeavours for the making this a happy Parliament This was the Protectors so much applauded Speech to his Parliament which finisheed the Lord Fines began and after having enumerated the deceased Protectors great endeavours c. for the peace of the Nation and his Highnesses following his steps in the calling of this present Parliament for the three Nations joyntly he recommended more effectually to them the wars abroad and the probabilities of homebred disturbances desiring their provision to maintain the one and care to prevent the other the Parliament having every one taken the Oath formerly taken by Olivers Parliament not to alter the Government were returned to their House and the Protector to Whitehall The House of Commons being returned to their House spent muce time about the rectifying of their Elections and expelling severall Members out of the House but causing others to be elected in their steads under pretence of being Malignants and having born Arms against the Parliament in behalf of their lawfull Soveraign and not only expelling them but disabling them from being elected or chosen as Members of future Parliaments so though this Parliament was esteemed one of the freest that had been called since 1641 yet it was not free indeed The House having as far as they could rectified their Members and Elections proceed to the calling to an account of all those who had been entrusted with the Customes Excize Taxes or other Revenue of the Common-wealth and to consider of the present state of the Revenues and some ways to pay the arrears of the Army Navy c. and other Nationall Debts but this business being put off by delays never came to any effect They likewise proceed to the drawing up of a Bill for it never came to be either Act or Ordinance which should be intituled An Act of Recognition of his Highness right and Title to be Protector and Chief Magistrate of the Commonwealth of England Scotland and Ireland and the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging Many demurs were there in this debate and severall praevious Votes to be passed before this Bill could be committed as whether the Parliament should consist of two Houses and whether this House should transact with the Persons sitting in the other House as a House of Parliament This business took up a great deal of time the Protectorians stood stifly for it and the Commonwealths-men as stong against it alledging that to treat with those men as a House of Lords was to enslave themselves more deeply then ever they had been before That they should now by it clearly evince to the world their folly perjury and villany that whilest they had taken their Oaths to be true and faithfull to govern without a House composed of the Peers of the Nation they should now both break their Oath and subject themselves to such as were scarce Peers to the Commons That if they did but consider the Creator of this House of Peers as they were called they could not but foresee the necessary thraldome they must run themselves into these being all such as were made sure to his interest and were so many sure Votes for whatever arbitrary actions he might undertake and if it were thought unlawfull for the Bishops to sit in the House of Lords because they were accounted so many sure voices for the King how much more might these be excepted against who were certainly so many sure voices for the Protectorall interest being all created by it Yet notwithstanding these Arguments the Vote was at length carried on the Protectorian side and Resolved That the House of Commons would transact with the Persons then sitting in the other House as a House of Parliament during the present Parliament but with this Proviso that it was not intended thereby to exclude such Peers as have been faithfull to the Parliament from their priviledge of being duly summoned to be Members of that House Whilest the Parliament are thus pursuing their Votes to settle the Protector in England the French and Spaniard are endeavouring to conclude a Peace betwixt themselves and to leave the English in the lurch which howsoever it then and ever since went vigorously on yet are not the Conditions spoken of performed on either side to the full-consummating of it During the Sessions of this Parliament on the 24th of February Mr George Strangways formerly a Major in the Kings Army was pressed to death in the Press-yard in Newgate for refusing to plead to his Indictment for having caused his brother-in-Brother-in-Law one Mr Fussell an Attorney of Dortsetshire to be shot in the head as he sate writing in his Chamber-window of which he died The magnanimity nobleness and pe nitence of Major Strangways at his death deserves this memory This Parliament took into consideration the Cases of divers Persons who had been imprisoned in the time of the late deceased Protector Maj. Gen. Overton is sent for out of the Isle of Jersey and released The Duke of Buckingham is likewise released out of Windsor-Castle upon the Lord Fairfax his giving 20000lb security that he shall demean himself peaceably for the future and not joyn with abet or have any correspondence with the enemies of the Lord-Protector or the Common wealth Severall other Persons of Quality were likewise by them released out of the Tower Maj. Gen. Brown likewise who had by the long Parliament in 1649 been disabled from bearing any Offices in the City is by them restored and made capable of all Offices priviledges and precedencies there and the long Parliaments Vote of the 4th of December 1649 made in his prejudice vacated The Quakers to promote their Turbulencies on the 16th of April sent a Paper into the House sealed and directed on the outside For the Speaker of the Commons assembled in Parliament these are for him to read to the Commons The inside contained a Declaration entituled A Declaration to the Commons assembled in Parliament Delivered the sixth day of the second Moneth called April 1659 to the then Speaker of the said House This Declaration contained many ignominious scandals thrown by those Fanatiques both upon the Magistracy and Ministry for which the Parliament express their Resentment to the Declarers requiring them to repair to their respective habitations apply themselves to
their callings and submit themselves to the Laws of the Nation and the Magistracy they lived under But whilest we are talking of this crabbed sowr generation let me give an account of one passage of them in New-England The Governour there being troubled with their disturbances and abuses both of Magistracy and Ministry made a Law for their banishment that if any of them came thither again they should at their first coming be whipt and sent away at the second lose their Ears but if they still persisted their lives should be forfeit According to this Law some of them still being obstinate notwithstanding they had been whipt at Boston returned Whereupon the Governour ordering their ears to be cut off according to Law shortly after he received a Letter from one Humphrey Norton a Quaker from about fifty Miles from Boston which because of the horribly blasphemous curses in it I shall insert the heads of Thus he begins Accursed are thy Rulers thou Town of Boston for they are become the High Priests servants and have cut off the Saints right Ears Accursed are thy Teachers for they are the troop of Robbers which murther in the high way by consent Accursed are thy people who vote up and consent unto their actions of bloodshed murther and cruelty Accursed is that Counsell that sits to shed the blood of the innocent as hath been done in thee Accursed is thy Governour who past the sentence against his own soul he being forewarned in it by express words from me Accursed is that Hangman that did it as he is called so is his Name he is servant to the Devil one of his familiar spirits his Name in the Hebrew tongue is Abbadon and his Master which first cast them into prison and now hath caused him to cut off their Ears must be bound in the Lake of oblivion for a thousand years his Name there shall rot and his posterity perish c. and so he goes on in most horrid curses and in the end The curse of God light upon thee John Indicot for my brethren and companions sake the curse of God rest upon thee thy deeds thou shalt answer for as sure as ever thou consentedst to that deed thou son of a Murderer Lucifer thou cursed Bird who darest attempt to say thou speakest from Heaven get thee down into the lowest hot Lake thou lyar for within the gates of Hell is thy habitation This was the summe of his Letter which was thus directed Let this Letter be delivered with care to the hands of John Indicot Governour of Boston so called hast hast hast But I have digressed too much in discoursing thus long about this perverse generation Let us now return to the Parliament who had long been debating about the Writs issued out by the Protector for Election of Members for Scotland and Ireland to serve in this present Parliament The debates hereon were the more long and tedious in regard those two Nations had never yet by any President the liberty to have their Members sit in the English Parliament but at length a President was made and it was resolved that the Members that returned to serve for Scotlad and Ireland should continue to sit as Members for that present Parliament About this time happened a very sad accident at Barbadoes the Town of St Michaels being near wholly consumed with fire to the great loss and utter undoing of most of the Inhabitants besides the losses sustained by Merchants who had goods in Ware-houses on shore But now about the latter end of March 1659 began the first sparks of discontent to break out which afterwards burst into such a flame that it consumed the Protectors greatness and Estate The originall cause of this distemper there 's very few but those that effected it can tell but the first appearance of it was in a representation presented on the 6th of April by the Lord Fleetwood to his Highness in behalf of the Army the heads of which were as followeth 1. They pressed their urgent wants by reason of their Arrear-pay and desired redress 2. They complained that they who had born the brunt of the War were now derided and like to be laid by 3. That many Cavaliers were lately come out of Flanders and had dangerous meetings in and about London 4. That the faithfull servants of the Good Old Cause were affronted by malignant and disaffected persons 5. That Lists of the actuall Tryers of the late King printed in red letters were scattered about as if they were appointed for destruction 6. That Suits were commenced at common Law against many well affected persons for things they had transacted as Souldiers 7. That the famous actions of the Long Parliament and his late Highness in and since 1648 were vilified and evil spoken of That all these Circumstances clearly evidenced a declension of the Good Old Cause which they were resolved to assert and therefore they desired that his Highness would be pleased to represent these things to the Parliament and procure their remedies And particularly that he would recommend to them the present necessities of the Souldiers for want of pay and that satisfaction might be given to the Militia-Forces The Militia of the City of London took it very kindly that the Army had been pleased to mention satisfaction to be made for the Militia-Forces they therefore instigated by their chief worthy Commanders Tichborn and Ireton draw up a representation confirming their resolutions with the Army to stick to the Good Old Cause which they likewise accompany with a Letter to the Lord Fleetwood to be communicated to the generall Counsell of the Officers of the Army declaring their intentions to go along with them in whatever they should undertake for the pretended good of the Nations These Declarations and Remonstrances both of the Officers of the Army and City-Militia were foreseen by the Parliament to intend no good to them they therefore in hopes to prevent them vote that there should be no meeting or generall Counsell of Officers without consent and by Order of his Highness the Lord Protector and that no person should have any Command either by Sea or Land in any of the three Nations who should refuse to subscribe that he will not disturb the free meetings in Parliament of any the Members of either House of Parliament or their Freedome in their debates and Counsells The Protector himself was likewise fearfull of these proceedings and meetings of the chief Officers of the Army he therefore sends to them these Votes of the House Whereupon on the 22 of April after they had sufficiently sought God by prayer Desborow Fleetwood and other the chief Officers with most of the Army at their heels came to the Protector and forced him to sign a Delaration and Commission ready prepared for the dissolving the Parliament The Commission was directed to the Lord Nathaneel Fines Lord Keeper of the great Seal who coming to the House of Lords sent the Usher of
an end to the fray and difference And the Major Generall being that afternoon made a Free-man of the City did a day or two after come up to London and render himself to the Counsel according to their Order whereupon he was dismissed and was by his Glocester friends chosen with free consent for one of their Burgesses Great were the expectations of this time what the Counsel of State would do concerning the King many being of opinion and resting confident that they would bring him in before the beginning of the Parliament all men antedating the time of his restoration by their longing and earnest desires of that happy day wherein they might see him setled upon the Throne of his Ancestors and the Nation restored to its true and ancient Liberties The designes of the Fanaticks did now appear almost in every County but the head being brok in Lambert the Members could not long enjoy life and motion but in every County they were dispersed and the chief Ringleaders taken amongst whom Major General Harrison who was taken in Staford-shire was most considerable But the 25th of April being now come a day of greatest expectation by the whole Nation the Parliament met in their House where the first day nothing of moment passed but only they chose their Speakers and Sr Harbotle Grimstone for the House of Commons a man of eminent parts and deserts The next day the House of Commons appointed severall Committees to take care of such things as were first to come under consideration and the first was concerning double elections and till the business was determined none but those who were returned in both the indentures were to sit in the House A Bill against vagrants wandring idle and dissolute persons was read And not long after The Lords confirmed their old Speaker the Earl of Manchester Both houses likewise Ordered Thursday May 10. to be set apart for a day of publick thanksgiving to Almighty God for his wonderfull goodnesse in stirring up and assisting of General Monck and other worthy persons in being so grandly instrumentall to the restoring of happinesse to their Country and Ordered to be observed by this House and the Cities of London and Westminster and late Lines of Communication and that the Thursday fortnight after be likewise observed the whole Nation and this their Resolve being by Mr Herbert carried up to the Lords they immediately concurred with them therein and so passed the Orders The Commons resolved that the thanks of their House should be given to Generall Monck as an acknowledgement of his eminent and unparalleled services for the good of these Nations and likewise Ordered thanks to be returned to Coll. Ingoldsby for his late eminent services both which were by the Speaker elegantly performed accordingly The Houses on Friday April 27. adjourned till the Tuesday following appointing Munday to be observed as a day of Humiliation by both Houses whereon Dr Reynold and Mr Hardy preached before the Lords and Dr Gauden Mr Calamy and Mr Baxter before the House of Commons And now appeared that happy day Tuesday May 1st which is not to be mentioned amongst English men without praise to Almighty God for his infinite mercy it being the day whereon he pleased at length to bring us out of that masse of confusion and misery into which his just hand had suffered us to plunge our selves into our former blessed and happy estate For the Parliament having received by Sr John Greenvile his Majesties most Gracious Letters and Declarations it was unanimously passed by both Houses That according to the ancient and fundamentall Laws of this Kingdome the Government is and ought to be by King Lords and Commons The Kings Majesty besides his Letters to both Houses and Declaration had likewise sent a Letter to General Monck with the Officers under his Command together with one to General Mountague and the Commanders at Seas The substance of all which was His Majesties free and Gracious pardon to all that should within fourty daies lay hold on the same with resolution as far as in him lies to preserve them free from injury in their lives and Estates liberty for tender Consciences and such as differ in matters of Religion provided they disturb not the peace of the Nation and that all things relating to Sales and Purchases shall be determined in Parliament And the full satisfaction of the Arrears of the Souldiery and receiving them into his Majesties pay Upon the reading of the fore-mention Letters and Declaration in the Houses there was all reverence shown due to his Majesty and so Royall a concession and one thing is worth observation that the first who celebrated his Majesties grace and extraordinary goodnesse was Luke Robinson a man whose former actings had rendred him deservedly odious but now I hope he hath made a reall repentance Never was Vote received with more joy then this was by the Citizens and all others who could hear of it at night the Bels Bonfires and shouts of the people did highly demonstrate their extraordinary content and satisfaction On the next day the House of Commons agreed upon a Letter in answer to his Majesty and resolved that the Superscription should be To the Kings most excellent Majesty And General Monck acquainted the House with an Addresse made to him by the Officers of the Army wherein they did with one heart testifie their resolutions to demonstrate themselves the best and most loyall of his Majesties Subjects Which Addresse was presented to the Generall by Coll. Sr John Lenthall and subscribed by all the chief Officers then in London The House Resolved that Dr Claerges have leave of the House to go to the King with the Lord Generals answer to his Majesties Letter to him They likewise Resolved that Sr John Greenvile should have the thanks of the House and receive 500lb to buy him a jewel as a restimony of their respect to him Honest Ald. Robinson acquainted the House That the Lord Major Aldermen and Commoncounsel had likewise received a Letter with the Declaration from his Majesty to which they desired liberty of the Parliament to return an answer which was by this House accordingly granted An Agreement was made between this Commonwealth and the King of Spain for metuall exchange of all prisoners which was signed by the Marquesse of Caracena on the behalf of his Catholick Majesty and the Lord General Monck in behalf of this Commonwealth and the Orders taken according for the transportation of such Spaniards as were prisoners here which agreement is hoped will not end there but that there will shortly be a finall conclusion of all differences between both Nations May 3. The Lords and Commons Ordered a Declaration for continuance of all Sheriffs Justices of the Peace Major and other Officers that were in office the 25th of April 1660. and to exercise their functions in his Majesties name and stile and suppresse all unlawfull Assemblies and punish all misdemeanours against his Majesties Royall