there at that time the Assailants were with great slaughter repulsed and beaten down the Cannon in the mean time from the English Fleet in the Splinter firing their broadsides upon them being directed by four great Torches set up at the four corners of the Fort how to avoid damaging it Yet about four a Clock in the morning the D. of York commanded the assault to be renewed which was done with greater fury but to as little purpose or advantage as before so that day light approaching they were forced to retreat carrying away the dead in Waggons which were judged to be some hundreds though the number was not certainly known Since force would not prevail the Duke designed to attempt the regaining this important place by stratagem to which purpose he imployed a Scotch Knight who was well acquainted with General Reynolds to represent to him the advantages he might obtain by serving the King and promoting his Interest and Restoration which it seems so far prevailed that Reynolds agreed to give the Duke a meeting betwixt Dunkirk and Mardike with a party of Horse on either side At their approach Reynolds shewed much respect to the Duke and some private discourses passed between them which were never made publick and then the General returned to the Fort and 〈◊〉 Duke to Dunkirk The Protector having Intelligence of this Enterview dispatcht away a messenger to command General Reynolds instantly to London which he with Coll. White and the Generals Secretary readily obeying and taking the first ship that was ready and would venture to go off which was a Dutch Pink of 100 Guns in a stormy Night Dec. 12 a Frigate offering to wait upon him the next morning he was cast away the same Night on the back of the Goodwin-sands his Chest Sword and Belt being found thereabout and Coll. Morgan commanded in his place About this time there happened Wars between the two Northern Crowns and the Danes having attacked Bremer-warden a very strong place and soon after master'd it the Protector sent Sir Philip Medows Envoy to the K. of Denmark and Coll. Jephson to the K. of Sweden then journying out of Poland where he was ingaged in War likewise to meet this new Enemy They were both well received and during this Mediation the Protector sent supplies of 2000 men and arms to his Ally the K. of Sweden Mean while the protector at home was swearing his Privy Council persuant to one of the Arricles of the humble petition and advice and his Son Richard was made one and also Chancellor of the University of Oxford His Son Henry was constituted Lord Deputy of Ireland and his Son-in-law the Lord Fleetwood was designed to be Lord Commissioner of Scotland where General Monk at present commanded He likewise in this interval of Parliament made choice of several persons to fill up the other House or House of Lords according to the fourth Article of the Petition and Advice being sixty two in number many of whom refused to appear or act with them their Names were these Lord Rich. Cromwel L. Henry Cromwel L. Commissioner Lisle L. President Lawrence Lt. Gen. Fleetwood Robert E. of Warwick Edw. E of Manchester L. Say and Seal L. Viscount Lisle L. Viscount Howard Philip L. Wharton L. Falconbridge L. Ewers John Cleypool John Desborough General Montague Bulstrode Whitlock William Sydenham Sir Charles Woolsey Sir Gilb. Pickering Maj. Gen. Skippon Walter Strickland Francis Rous John Jones Sir Will. Strickland Sir Francis Russel Sir Tho. Honeywood Sir Arth. Haslerig Sir John Hobard Sir Rich. Onslow Sir Gilb. Gerrard Sir William Roberts John Glyn Oliver Sr. Johns Will. Pierepoint John Crew Alex. Popham Philip Jones Sir Christopher Pack Sir Robert Tichbourn Edward Whaley John Berkstead Sir John Hewson Sir Thomas Pride Sir George Fleetwood Richard Ingoldsby James Berry William Goff Thomas Cooper Edmund Thomas General Monk David Earl of Cassills Sir VVilliam Lockhart Lord VVarreston VVilliam Steel Roger Lord Broghill Sir Matt. Tomlinson VVilliam Lenthall Richard Hamden He likewise made three Commissioners of the Great Seal Nath. Fiennes John Lisle VVilliam Lenthall Master of the Rolls Judges of both Benches Of the Hoper Bench John Glyn L. C. Justice Philip-VVarlinton Richard Nudigate Oliver St. John Of the Common Bench Edward Atkyns Matchew Hale Hugh VVindham Barons of the Exchequer Attorney General Robert Nicholas John Parker Roger Hill Erasmus Earl Edmund Prideaux Sollicitor General VVilliam Ellis The time of the prorogation of the parliament being expired they make their appearance again and the persons above-named met in the House of Lords where the protector coming he sends to the Commons to tell them that he desired their attendance in the House of Peers wither the Speaker and the Members go to whom he makes a very pleasing speech concluding That if they would go on to prosecute what they had begun they should be called the blessed of the Lord and the Generations to come would bless them After which the Lord Commissioner Fiennes spake to them declaring what occasions the Government had for money and that the money already granted though it was thought sufficient yet fell much beneath the expence and necessity of the state especially that Tax upon the new buildings falled altogether of what was expected and intended by it and so recommended the whole affair to their consideration Being sate in their Houses the other House sent to the Commons by two of their Members a message for a day of Humiliation and were returned with this answer The House will consider of it and then they Voted that for two months time liberty should be given to exhibit any petitions against undue Elections and consented to a Fast which was kept within the walls of both Houses by Dr. Reynolds Mr. Caryl Mr. Calamy and Mr. Griffith The parliament according to the fourth Article of the Petition and Advice which says That no Members legally chosen should be excluded from performance of their duty but by consent of parliament immediately proceed to the calling over and re-admitting those members which had formerly been secluded by the Protector to His Highness great discontent The House being now full began to flight the other House which they said being a power created by a part of a parliament ought not to have a Negative Voice over a full House and at length they proceeded to question the protectors power in calling and authorizing them to sit as an House of Peers The protector doubting to what height these debates might arise Feb. 4. 1657. he goes to the House of Lords and by the Usher of the black Rod sends to acquaint the Commons of his being there so the speaker and members coming to the Bar His Highness sitting under a Chair of State made a long speech and in conclusion told them That it did concern his Interest as much as the publick peace and tranquillity of the Nation to dissolve this parliament and therefore he did now put an end to their sitting So
not at all restrained but lived like a Prince in all the splendor of a Court all sorts of people being freely admitted to kiss his hands and wait upon him yea his servants from beyond Sea even those who had been Voted Delinquents as Ashburnham Barkley and the rest were permitted by the Army to have safe recourse to him which was generally wondred at About this time a disturbance arose in the Army by a party called Levellers some of whom were seized at Ware and the principal sticklers shot to death others Imprisoned and all their favourers cashier'd twenty being discarded out of one Troop And now propositions were sent to the King at Hampton-court agreed upon by both Houses and with the concurrence of the Scotch Commissioners but the King refused to comply with them for Loâ—don and Lancrick newly come out of Scotland having privately discours'd with the King sent Letters to the Parliament requiring That the King may come to London and there personally treat with the Parliament about the matters in controversie Though not long before they denied it to be just that before the King had given satisfaction and security to the people he should be admitted to London or to any personal Treaty with the Parliament and refused to receive him into Scotland lest he might raise commotions there but they alledged in their defence That the King had been taken from Holmby against his will and without the consent of Parliament and still remained under the power of an Army not in that freedom proper for treating of matters of so great concernment But while the Parliament were framing propositions they were suddenly surprized with the news that the King was secretly withdrawn from Hampton-court Letters coming from Cromwel about midnight to the Speaker For Nov. 12. whilst the Commissioners of Parliament and Collonel Whaley who commanded the Guard expected when the King would come out of his Chamber to supper and wondred at his long stay at last about Nine a clock some going in missed the King finding his Cloak and a Letter written with his own hand to the Commissioners to be communicated to the Parliament wherein having discoursed about captivity and the sweetness of liberty he protested before God He did not withdraw to disturb the publick peace but for his safety against which he understood there was a Treasonable Conspiracy c. and that if he might be heard with freedom honour and safety he should instantly break through this cloud of retirement and shew himself the Father of his Country The Parliament startled at his departure sent some persons to the Sea-coasts to prevent his going beyond Sea and when it was reported he was concealed in London Ordered That if any man should closely detain the Kings person he should be punish'd with loss of Estate and Life But this cloud soon dissolved Letters coming from Coll. Hammond Governour of the Isle of Wight that the King was come thither and had delivered himself into his proâ—ection and that he would dispose of him as the Parliament should appoint who commending Hammond ordered That he should Guard the King with diligence and wait on with respect and honour and that all necessaries should be sent him The King sent a long Letter from thence to the Parliament wherein he desired to come to a personal Treaty at London which was also vehemently pressed by the Scots Commissioners Whereupon after a long debate Nov. 26. they drew up four propositions in the form of Acts to be signed by the King in the Isle of Wight and then he should be admitted to a personal Treaty which were 1. To pass an Act for settling the Militia of the Kingdom 2. An Act for calling in all Declarations Oaths and Proclamations against the Parliament and their adherents 3. For Incapacitating those Lords who were made after the Great-Seal was carried to Oxford from sitting in the House of Peers thereby A power to be given to the two Houses to adjourn as they shall think fit The Commissioners of Scotland declared against these Bills however Dec. 24. they were presented to the King who understanding the minds of the Scots and the Factions in London absolutely refused to sign them Which deniâ—l was sharply debated in the House and it was affirmed That the King by this denial had denied his protection to the people of England for which only subjection is due to him And therefore Jan. 17. a Declaration and Votes passed both Houses of Parliament That they will make no further Addresses to the King nor any other to make application to him without their Order under penalty of High-Treason That they will receive no more Messages from him to both or either Houses of Parliament or any other person This was seconded by a Declaration of the General and Officers of the Army which was presented to the House and thanks returned them for their Resolutions to adhere to the Parliament in their proceedings concerning the King and against him or any other that shall partake with him The Parliament likewise by their Declaration did endeavour to appease the minds of the people many of whom were extreamly discontented with these proceedings Tumults and Insurrections being daily feared so that the Parliament though victorious and guarded with a conquering Army no Forces visibly appearing against them yet were never in more danger and every man began to foresee Slaughter and War as Mariners observe a rising Tempest ' The threatning Waves in Tracts voluminous ' Boil up The Seas by blasts uncertain blown ' Betoken many Winds conception The Kings party though conquered had great hopes of retrieving their Cause and the same thing seemed to be the wish of many of those called Presbyterians out of their strong aversion to the Independents so that the King though set aside and confined within the Isle of Wight was more formidable this Summer than in any other when he was followed by his strongest Armies The Name of King had now a farther operation and the pity of the vulgar gave a greater Majesty to his person Prince Charles also by his absence and the Name of banishment was more desired of them and by his Commissions privately sent from his Father and Commands under his Name he was able to raise not only Tumults but Wars The Parliament for their security Quartered part of the Army about Westminster the Mewse and other places of the City and some Lords and Commons were chosen out of the House and called A Committee of Safety and sate at Derby-House with power to suppress Tumults and Insurrections and to raise Forces upon occasion which were the Earls of Northumberland Kent Warwick and Manchester the Lords Say Wharton and Roberts and thirteen of the H. of Commons among whom was Lieutenant-General Cromwel And it was not long e're they had occasion to make use of their Authority for upon Sunday April 9 1648. some Apprentices and other loose people playing in Moor-fields set upon a Company of the
of all just power and that the Commons of England being the peoples Representative have the supream Authority and what they Enact has the force of a Law though the House of Lords do not consent thereto Upon these and several other new political principles they proceed to Try Judge Condemn and Execute the King before his own palace-gate at White-Hall Jan. 30. 1648. But having already published a Book called The Wars of England Scotland and Ireland wherein is an exact relation of the Kings Tryal with the Reasons he would have offered against the pretended Jurisdiction of their Court of Justice and his last speech at the time of his suffering I shall refer the Reader to that and wholly omit it here The fatal blow being given the remainder of the House of Commons and the Army made it evident that they were not only for cutting off the King but Kingship it self and thereupon the House Voted That Kingly Government is unnecessary burdensome and dangerous and that whereas several pretences might be made to the Crown that any person who should proclaim Charles Stewart Son of the late King or any other King of England should suffer as in case of High Treason And soon after the House of Lords was likewise Vored useless and dangerous at which the Lords were so highly Incensed that a Declaration was suddenly published in the Name of all the Peers and Barons of England against the proceedings of the Commons and in definance of all Votes Acts and Orders to the contrary Charles the second was proclaimed King in the Name of all the Nobility Gentry and Commonalty of the Kingdom but they still proceed assuming new Ensigns of Soveraignty and cancelling the old causing all Writs Commissions c. to issue out under a new style and title that is The Keepers of the Liberties of England by the authority of parliament causing the old Great Seal to be broken and a new one made with this Inscription In the fifth year of freedom by Gods blessing restored And soon after they pulled down the Kings Arms in all places and his Statue at Guild Hall and the Royal Exchange A Council of State was constituted of forty and Bradshaw made president and the Council of Adjutators of the Army who had been so Instrumental in the late Revolutions was now dissolved who soon after petitioned the Lord Fairfax but those that subscribed it were by a Council of War Ordered to ride with their faâ—es to the Horses Tails before their Regiments with their crimes on their breasts to have their swords broken over their heads and to be cashier'd the army which much provoked their fellow souldiers so that a while after the Army Rendevouzing at Ware several Regiments in persuance of the former petition wherein they complain of erecting Illegal Courts of Justice and trying the free people of England by Martial Law with divers other grievances wore white colours in their Haâ—s to distinguish themselves among whom was Cromwels own Regiment of Horse who having notice of it ordered two other Regiments from remote Quarters to be there who knew nothing of the Intrigue and being all drawn up in Battalia Cromwel with a frowning countenance rides round and suddenly commands those two Regiments to surround a Regiment of Foot and then calls four men by their Names out of the body and with his own hands put them in custody of the Marshal instantly summoning a Council of War while their adherents secretly put their white colours in their pockets and were astonished at the action These four were tryed and found guilty but had the favour to cast lots for their lives whereby the two principal Mutineers escaped and the two ignorant fellows were shot to death upon the place in the view of the whole Army These now had the Name of Levellers given them and one Lockier was afterward shot to death for promoting a paper called The Ingagement and Agreement of the people c. in St. Pauls Church-yard and his Funeral was attended by above one thousand of the Lilburnian Faction all wearing black and Sea-green Ribbons the Army being now in a violent ferment and even ready to destroy one another which humour was cherished by John Lilburn not without incouragement from the Royal party who from their divisions hoped to reap advantage In persuance hereof Collonel Scroops Regiment of Horse dismissed their Officers at Salisbury and with colours flying marched to join Harrisons Iretons and Skippons Regiments who by the contrivance of the Agitators were all ingaged in the same designs This defection seeming of very dangerous consequence Gen. Fairfax and Cromwel with his own Regiment marched to Alton and had advice the Mutineers were gone to Abington after whom Cromwel made such haste that in one day he marched forty miles and having met with them he politickly proposed a Treaty before Harrisons Regiment should join them wherein all parties should receive satisfaction and that neither of them should keep at ten miles distance upon which the Levellers went to Burford and being opposed by the Souldiery at New-bridge to prevent Quarrels they went a little lower not doubting but they should all join upon Treaty and then put most of their Horses to grass they being in all above nine hundred consisting of twelve Troops entire of the best in the Army and leaving a guard of about sixty men some of their companions who were brought over to Cromwel giving Intelligence of their posture Coll. Reynolds about midnight rusht into their Quarters they â—â—ttâ—e expecting such rough treatment and seizing the Guards took the greatest part of the rest either asleep or drinking together with nine hundred Horse and four hundred prisoners whereof Thompson and two more only were Executed Cornet Don declaring such sorrow that he was reprieved at the place of Execution which their fellows beheld from the Leads of the Church and were told That every tenth man of them should die but Cromwel proposed the pardoning of them which was agreed to and they sent to their own Houses This proved the utter suppression of that Faction and rendred the Army wholly at the devotion of Cromwel About this time another illegal High Court of Justice was erected wherein Duke Hamilton the Earl of Holland Lord Capel and Lord Goring were brought to their Trial the three first were condemned and beheaded at the Palace-yard in Westâ—minster and a proclamation was published declaring the Kingdom of England to be a free State and Alderman Reynoldson was commanded to proclaim it in the City which he refusing was committed to the Tower and a new Lord Mayor was chosen by a â—ommon Hall who attended with several other Aldermen of the same temper readily proclaimed the Edicts of this new Republick in several places in the City England being thus subjected to the power of the House of Commons and the Army and Scotland not yet ripe for Invasion and the Nation full of Souldiers who having for so long a time led
a Military life could hardly be reduced to their former Imployments Our new States-men to prevent any ill humours that might gather among them resolved to make them serviceable to their Country in the reduction of Ireland all that Kingdom except Dublin and London-derry being in possession of the Irish which neither were able to hold out without speedy assistance from England This Rebellion the most barbarous and bloody that ever happened upon earth acted by Devils in humane shape rather than men butchering two hundred thousand protestants in eight weeks space without the least offence or provocation given or without sparing of age or sex was perpetrated Oct. 23. 1641. and though contrived so secretly and acted so furiously yet was Dublin wonderfully preserved to be a refuge to those poor protestants who escaped the rage of their bloody persecutors Many of them fled to England but found little relief for here all things seemed to forebode the re-acting the same Tragedy yet in the midst of the differences between the King and parliament it was agreed to send some Regiments thither if possible to hinder the progress of those Assassines but this relief was so small that it had no effect for the King finding the parliament prevail against him recalled those Troops from Ireland many of the Rebels coming along with them to his assistance so that this Kingdom lay more exposed to these bloody Wolves than ever and thus they continued for some years But this new state having renounced Monarchy and Episcopacy resolve now to use the same Instruments to recover Ireland and to that end they ordered an Army to be sent thither The Marquess of Ormond was made Lord-Lieutenant by the late King and the Rebels had made a confederacy among themselves and upon condition to have the free Exercise of their Religion and divers other ample priviledges and advantages which the necessity of affairs obliged him to yield to they joined their Forces to his being also assisted by a considerable number of others raised by the Earls of Castlehaven Clanâ—ickand and the Lord Inchiquin so that they were the greatest united strength in that Kingdom but the confederates having broken their Articles with the Lieutenant and being ready to besiege Dublin which he was not able to defend rather than it should fall into the hands of the Irish papists he surrendred it to Collonel Jones for the parliament and came over to the King who was then carried from one place to another by the Army and from thence he went over to Prince Charles then at Paris But the Confederates surprized at the great preparations made against them in England sent Letters to the Prince humbly intreating him to send back the Marquess of Ormond with an absolute promise to submit entirely to the Kings Authority and to obey his Lieutenant At their request he returned into Ireland about a year before Cromwel came over and with their united Forces they had reduced the whole Country except London-derry commanded by Sir Charles Coot and Dublin the principal City wherein was Collonel Jones with no great strength and who was very jealous of the sidelity of his own men that often deserted and went over to the other party The Irish confederates with an Army of twenty two thousand men lay under the very Walls of Dublin and sent divers threatning summons into it requiring a speedy surrender but they had no effect upon the valiant Governour Jones who yet not insensible of the great danger he was in sent many earnest Messages to the parliament of England to aid him with all speed with Men and Ammunition or else all would be quickly lost and they knowing the difficulties of his condition hasten their assistance to him gave order for sending thither Iretons Scroops Hortons and Lamberts Regiments of Horse with Hewsons Deans Ewers and Cooks Regiments of Foot and five Troops of Dragoons all old tried Souldiers that feared no Enemy and led by victorious commanders with some other Regiments new listed to make a number sufficient to effect the business Nothing was now wanting but a General to command this gallant Army which the parliament being sensible of Cromwels conduct and fitness desired him to accept which he readily did declaring at the same time That he did not doubt but God would use him as an Instrument to execute his vengeance upon the bloody Irish with which answer the parliament were so pleased that instantly they give him a commission to be General of all their Forces and Lord Governour both in the Civil and Military affairs of Ireland and Collonel Jones was made Lieutenant-General of the Horse After which they march to their Rendevouz at Milford in Wales and July 10. 1649. Cromwel set forward from London in a Coach and six Horses attended with many of the House of commons council of State and principal Officers of the Army with a Life-Guard of fourscore who had been lately commanders very gallantly accoutred In this state he march'd to Brainford where these Gentlemen took their leaves with wishes for his happy success from thence he rides post to Bristol to put his men and Train of Artillery into the Transport-ships and afterwards goes into Wales having sent Reynolds Regiment of Horse and Venables and Monks Regiments of Foot before from Chester who with a fair wind soon arrived at Dublin to the great joy of the Inhabitants being about three thousand in all who were very careful to recover them from the fatigues of the Sea in hopes by their means to recover their Liberties And in this they found themselves not mistaken for Collonel Jones much animated with these recruits resolved to attack the besiegers with the first opportunity and accordingly Aug. 2 when the Irish with a strong party of Horse and Foot marched with much assurance to Baggor-field a little way Eastward from the city toward the Sea from whence they designed to run their Trenches towards the Works of the city to prevent the landing any more supplies from England the besieged sound a necessity to prevent them and with twelve hundred Horse and four thousand Foot fell upon the Enemies new Works and rout their Horse at the first encounter most of the Foot being also either kill'd or slain consisting of fifteen hundred besides their Horse which so incouraged the English that they pursued their victory to Rathunines where the Marquess of Ormond with his whole Army of nineteen thousand men were Incamped who hearing of it wished they would come that he might have some sport with them he soon had his wish but the sport was somewhat rude for in a short time his Army was utterly put to the rout four thousand being slain upon the spot and in the pursuit and two thousand five hundred and seventeen prisoners most persons of Quality with the Marquesses own brother all their Cannon and Ammunition with a wealthy Camp became the reward of the conquering Souldiers who made themselves Gentlemen with the spoils of the
the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London and other persons of Quality all expressing the sence of their obligations Soon after he took his place in parliament and received the thanks of the House from the Speaker and then gave them a full account of the present condition of Ireland At this time Virginia and the Caribbee Islands revolt from the parliament and cry up the Monarchy and Liturgy who thereupon prohibit all Nations to Trade with them and in a few months they are wholly subdued by a Fleet sent thither under Sir G. Ayscough Prince Rupert infests the English Coasts from Scilly Jersey Ireland and France with the States revolted Ships to the great loss of the Merchants whereupon a Fleet well equipt is set forth against him who block him up in Kinsale which Town being taken by Cromwel they were forced to hasten away leaving three Ships behind and sailed to Lisbon where they were protected by the King of Portugal which caused a difference between that King and the English Republick About the same time that is May 3. 1649. Dr. Dorislaus who drew up the charge against King Charleâ— being sent as an Envoy to the States of Holland was treacherously murdered at the Hague by persons in disguise that broke into his Lodgings and afterward made their escape And not long after Mr. Anthony Ascham the English Agent in Spain was stabâ—d in his Inn in his way to Madrid and the murderers taking sanctuary in a church the King of Spain by all his authority could not bring them to Justice But the greatest danger to this new Common-wealth though victorious in Ireland seemed to be from Scotland for King Charles II. being in the Isle of Jersey and having notice of the great factions and differences in that Kingdom between the Covenanters and the Royalists he gives a commission to the Marquess of Montross who in the year 1645. was so successful for a time that the whole Kingdom of Scotland may be said to have been won and lost in one month by which commission he was to raise Forces in Holland and other parts wherewith if possible to abate the power of the Covenanters so that the King might be able to treat with them upon better terms He accordingly in a short time sends some Forces into the Isles of Orkney and a few more under Sir James Mongomery to the North of Scotland These the Committee of Estates resolve to oppose though raised for the Kings service and send propositions to him to Jersey which being granted they would enter into a Treaty to restore him to that Kingdom the substance whereof were That he would sign the solemn league and covenant and oblige all persons to take it To confirm all Acts of parliament in the two last Sessions and to have no Negative voice in their parliament and would appoint some place about Holland to treat in The King consented and promised in the word of a Prince to perform them and Breda a Town in Holland belonging to the Prince of Orange was the place appointed where the Scots Commissioners meet him and the Treaty in a short time was fully concluded wherein one Article was That the Marquess of Montross and his adherents be prohibited access into that Kingdom During this Treaty Montross being commissioned by the King fearing he should have an express command to desist and himself be banish'd his country landed as you heard at Orkney and in the North with some inconsiderable supplies of men and money against whom the parliament then sitting send an Army of seven thousand Foot and three Troops of Horse who utterly defeat his Forces which were only twelve hundred of whom two hundred were slain and all the rest taken except one hundred who made their escape and Montross himself who being three or four days in the open Fields without meat or drink with only one man discovered himself to the L. Aston but the pronused reward or fear of concealing him caused this Lord to send him to Edenburgh and he was soon after condemned and hanged upon a Gallows thirty foot from the ground and a few days after Sir John Urrey Sir Francis Hay Collonel Sâ—bald and Collonel Spotswood were beheaded for the same cause the last at his death confessing he was an actor in the death of Dr. Doritâ—aâ—s The King was somewhat startled at these proceedings but the Scots Commissioners desired him nor to stumble at these matters since they were all designed to promote his Interests so that finding it could not be redressed he was forced to conceal his resentments and the Treaty being finished the King prepared for his Voyage to Scotland The parliament of England having exact Intelligence of all these proceedings it was debated whether the War which was inevitable between them and the Scots should be Offensive or Defensive at length being sensible what desolations they brought along with them when they came in as Friends and afterwards as Enemies in Duke Hamiltons Invasion it was concluded to make Scotland the seat of the War and accordingly they Order the Army to march Northward but General Fairfax as well as some others being dissatisfied about the obligation of the National Covenant entred into between both Kingdoms which he conceived would not permit us to make War on Scotland desired to be excused and delivered up his commission which at first was a little startling but the parliament soon found another General of whose valour and conduct they had large experience which was Cromwel who accepted of the charge and had a commission to be General of all the Forces that now were or hereafter should be raised by the Common-wealth of England and all commissions formerly granted to Sir Tho. Fairfax were made void June 28. 1650. Cromwel with his Army marched toward Scotland and was received at York by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen with great respect The report of his coming surprized the Committee of Estates who sent a Letter to the Parliament That they admired the English should advance toward them and that many of their Ships were seized contrary to the Act of pacification which allowed three months warning and that the Forces they had raised were only in their own defence defiring to know whether those of the English were designed to guard their own borders or to invade Scotland The parliament by their Declaration declare the reasons of their proceeding and among others That the Scots endeavour to seduce the people of the Common-wealth of England from their affection and duty to the parliament and to promote the laterest of the late King under pretence of the Covenant and though they could claim no authority or dominion over us yet in Scotland they proclaimed Charles Stewart to be King of England and Ireland and since that promised to assist him against the Common-wealth and had declared against the English parliament and Army ranking them with malignants and papists These with many others were such intolerable provocations and no satisfaction being
which the English had taken near Burnt Island after he had delivered his message he confidently told the souldiers their General was dead and that they did well in concealing it but he would never believe otherwise nor could he be convinced till the General ordered him to be brought into his presence who was now somewhat recovered so that upon his return this false rumour vanished But the Parliament of England hearing that he had a relapse afterward and a violent Ague they sent him two eminent Physicians Dr. Wright and Dr. Bates to use their utmost Art for his reâ—overy with an Order that gave him liberty to repair into England for recovering his health To which he made a return of Thanks by a Letter to the Lord President in which among others are these unusual expressions My Lord my sickness was indeed so violent that my Nature was not able to bear the weight thereof but the Lord was pleased to deliver me beyond expectations and to give me cause to say once more He hath plucked me out of the Grave So that now by the goodness of God I find my self growing to such a stare of health and strength as may yet if it be his good will render me useful according to my poor ability in the station wherein he hath set me I wish more steadiness in your affairs here than to depend in the least upon so frail a thing as I am indeed they do not nor do they own any Instrument this Cause is of God and it must prosper Oh that all that have any hand therein being so perswaded would gird up the loins of their minds and endeavour in all things to walk worthy of the Lord. So prays my Lord Your most humble Servant O. Cromwel Edenburgh June 3. At this time Ambassadors came to the Parliament of England from Spain Portugal and Holland the first was reminded of delaying execution on the Assassinates of the English Resident at Madrid The second not having full power to give satisfaction for the expences of the state and loss of the Merchants Goods by means of that King was quickly dismiss'd The Hollander kept at a distance rather wishing prosperity to the Royal party than heartily desiring peace with the Common-wealth of England Soon after Oliver St. John and Walter Strickland were sent Ambassadors Extraordinary to the States and were received with great splendor and having audience of the States-General at the Hague the Lord Ambassador St. John made a learned and elegant speech declaring That they were sent over to the High and Mighty States of the Netherlands from the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England to make a firm League and Confederacy between the two Republicks if they think fit notwithstanding the many injuries the English have received from the Dutch Nation Likewise to renew and confirm the former Treaties and Agreements of Trade and Commerce made between the two Nations wherein he shewed them the notable advantages of England in respect of its commodious scituation for advancement of Trade and all other benefits Lastly That he was commanded to let them know how highly the Parliament resented the murder of Dr. Dorislaus their Agent not doubting but they would do their utmost to discover the Authors thereof After which the Ambassadors Gentlemen receiving several affronts from the Royal party there the States published a Proclamation to prevent it yet these abuses continued and no punishment being inflicted on any though the common people often swarm'd about the Ambassadors Gates and assaulted their Servants and the States evading any Treaty till they saw how matters would succeed in Scotland the Parliament highly resenting these proceedings suddenly recalled their Ambassadors to the great surprize of the States Who thereupon endeavoured by frequent visits to them to insinuate their amicable Intentions but the Ambassadors returned to England And that which gave some jealousie to the Parliament of their designs was Because Admiral Van Trump with a Fleet of Ships lay hovering upon the Coasts of Scilly as though he would attempt something against it and the occasion of it being demanded of the States they replied They had no other intent but to demand the restitution of such Ships and Goods as the Pirates thereof had taken from their people With which answer the Parliament were somewhat satisfied yet to prevent the worst April 18. 1651. Sir George Ayscough with a Squadron of ships designed for reducing the Caribbee-Islands was sent thither and landed three hundred Seamen besides souldiers and soon became masters of the Islands Tresco and Briers taking therein one hundred and fifty prisoners and killing twenty They took also two Frigates of thirty two and eighteen Guns and secured the best Harbour belonging to those Islands Hence the Enemy fled to St. Maries their chief strength which yet was soon surrendred Cornet-castle in the Isle of Guernsey was at this time attempted but through mis-information of the weakness of the place the design miscarried with the loss of many Officers and souldiers About this time Brown Bushel a very earnest stickler for the Royal party both by Sea and Land and who when in the service of the Parliament had delivered up Scarborough to the King was taken and beheaded at Tower-hill The Parliament of Scotland having adjourned during the Coronation of the King met again in March and some differences arose about restoring several Lords of the Royal party to their seats in the House which yet the Assembly would not admit of till they had passed the stool of Repentance which Duke Hamilton did with some kind of splendor having a Table placed before him with a black Velvet cover and a Cushion of the same and making a great Feast that day The King having now got some power endeavoured to regain reputation among his subjects by putting all the Garrisons of Fife into a posture of defence against the landing of the English drawing what Forces he could spare both Horse and Foot from Sterling and joining them with the new Leavies which for better security he Quartered on the Water side and then goes to the Highlands to compose all differences there and to incite them to rise and join with him from whence Midleten soon after brought a considerable body of Horse and Foot and the Town of Dundee raised a Regiment of Horse at their own charge and sent them with a stately Tent and six fine brass cannon for a present to the King then at Sterling whose Army now consisted in six thousand Horse and fifteen thousand foot but the Earl of Eglington being sent to the West with some other commanders to raise more forces coming to Dunbarton Collonel Lilburn upon notice sent a party of Horse who suddenly seized the Earl his Son Collonel James Montgomery Lieutenant Collonel Colborn and some others whom they carried prisoners to Edinburgh At the same time a design was discovered the English Covenanters intending a general rising in Lancashire to join with the Scots the chief
which news coming to London very much startled the Parliament and Cromwel was a little surprized thereat who by staying to reduce St. Johnstons had suffered the Kings Armâ— to get three days march before him which he excuses in a Letter to the Parliament and shews That the Army acted to the best of their Judgments Cromwel presently orders Lambert to march in the Reer of the Scots with a party of three thousand Horse and Dragoans Harrison was likewise commanded to attack them if possible in the Van and the General himself followed with about sixteen Regiments of Horse and Foot leaving the prosecution of the War in Scotland to Lieutenant General Monk with seven thousand Horse and Foot who presently took in the Town and Castle of Sterling with Aberdeen Abernethy Dundee Dimottercastle Dunbarton-castle and several others so that all Scotland was subdued to the Republick of England The King marched forward with his Army being proclaimed in all Towns as he went along and published a Declaration with a promise of pardon to all persons for all crimes except Cromwel Bradshaw and Cook A copy of the same Declaration was sent by the King in a Letter to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London but was by Order of parliament burnt by the Hangman at the Royal Exchange And a day or two after at a muster of the City Trained Bands at Bunhil-fields consisting of fourteen thousand men Lenthal the Speaker of the House came thither and caused a fellow with a Link to burn a copy of the Declaration at the head of every Regiment On the other side the Parliament pass an Act to make it High-Treason to correspond with or assist Charles Stewart with any relief whatsoever At length after many halts and skirmishes long and tedious marches of three hundred miles in three Weeks the Scots entred into Worcester Aug. 23. 1651. from whence the King sent his Letters Mandatory to Sir Tho. Midleton and Coll. Mackworth Governours of Shrewsbury to raise Forces for him but without success In the mean time the Parliament raised the Militia of the Counties and Cromwel and the rest of their Army coming up together they surrounded them on every side with their numerous Host it being never known before in England that so great Forces should be assembled in so short a time which in the whole were judged to be above fifty thousand and the Scots in Worcester no more than thirteen thousand The Earl of Derby about this time being landed as was expected at Wyewater in Lancashire with about three hundred Gentlemen and others endeavoured to raise the Country while the English were busied at Worcester and in a little time they increased to fifteen hundred Collonel Lilburn was sent thither to observe his motions and Cromwels Regiment of foot being at Manchester was appointed to join him at Preston To prevent which the Earl marched toward Manchester whereupon Lilburn endeavoured to flank them in their march so to join the foot which the Earl perceiving prest to ingage and Lilburn being over-match'd in foot the dispute proved tedious and difficult yet in an hour the Earl was totally routed and many persons of Quality taken and five hundred common souldiers with all their baggage arms and ammunition the Earl of Derbys George Garter and other Robes with the badges of the Order but he himself escaped and recovered Worcester There were slain the Lord Widdrington Sir Tho. Tildesley Collonel Matthew Boynton and other inferior Officers with about sixty private souldiers Of the parliaments party ten were slain but many wounded Cromwel having disposed the whole Army round about Worcester in order to a Siege the first remarkable attempt was possessing a pass upon the Severne at a place called Upton which was done by a party led by Lambert and Fleetwood who marched toward the River Teame over which was made a bridge of boats and another over Severn on the Generals side upon which the Kings party took the alarm and drew our Horse and Foot to oppose the Lieutenant Generals passage to whose relief Collonel Ingolsbys and Fairfaxes Regiment of foot the Generals Life-Guard and Hackers Regiment of Horse were all led on by Cromwel himself Then Collonel Goffe and Deans Regiments fell to scowring the Hedges which the Kings party had lined and beat them from Hedge to Hedge so that being seconded by a fresh supply they were forced to retreat to Powick-bridge where three Regiments of Scots more maintained another hot dispute but at length all retired into Worcester except some that were taken After which the Royalists renewing their courage drew out what Horse and Foot they could on Cromwels side the King leading them on they imagining most of his Army had been on the other side so that by this bold and resolute salley Cromwels men were forced a little to retire but after a fight of four hours wherein the King had his Horse twice shot under him the Works and Fort-Royal were taken and their cannon turned upon themselves and the English entred the Town upon which many of the foot threw down their arms which the King perceiving rode up and down among them sometimes with his Hat in his hand intreating them to stand to their Arms adding I had rather you would shoot me than keep me alive to see the sad consequences of this fatal day But all proving ineffectual the Earl of Cleveland and some others rallying some Forces put a small check to the Victors whereby the King had the opportunity to make his escape out of the Town which he did about seven a clock at Night in the dark with sixty Horse out of St. Martins-gate The whole Army now entring the City the souldiers furiously fly through all the streets doing such execution that nothing could be seen for some time but blood and slaughter till at last the plunder of the Town and the prisoners having a little satisfied their appetites they think of securing the rest Most of the Scots Foot were slain or taken but three thousand Horse made their escape The number of the slain and prisoners was about ten thousand Those of Quality taken were Duke Hamilton the Earles of Lauderdale Rothes Carnworth Shrewsbury Cleveland Derby and Kelby and several other Lords and Gentlemen six Collonels of Horse thirteen of Foot nine Lieutenant Collonels of horse eight of foot six Majors of horse thirteen of foot thirty seven Captains of Horse seventy two of foot fifty five Quarter-masters of Horse eighty nine Lieutenants of foot seventy six Cornets of horse ninety nine Ensigns of foot thirty of the Kings servants nine Ministers nine Surgeons one hundred fifty eight Colours the Kings Standard Coach and Horses with other rich plunder and his Collar of SS Many parties were taken in Warwickshire Shropshire c. so that few of that great body but were killed or taken M. General Massey being wounded surrendred himself and after made his escape M. General Midleton Lieutenant General Lesley were taken in
another place and soon after most of the Nobility and Gentry of Scotland were taken at a place called Ellet in that Kingdom where they were assembled to propagate the Royal cause namely Old General Lesley Earl Marshal Earl of Crawford the Lords Keith Ogilby Burgoiny Huntley Ley with many Knights Gentlemen and Ministers which soon after were ship'd and sent for England Such was the sudden change of the condition of the Scots and the King that he who a few days before was proclaimed King of Great Britain had now neither Camp nor Garrison to retire to five hundred pounds sterling being offered to discover him so that after travelling in disguise and through many dangers about England he at length found an opportunity to imbark at Shoreham in Sussex for Newhaven in France where he arrived Octob. 2. following Of the great number of prisoners taken none of Quality suffered but the Earl of Derby who was beheaded at Bolton in Lancashire and Sir Tim. Fetherstone Others of less note suffered at Chester Shrewsbury and other places Nor did many of the Royalists themselves expect any better fortune in this expedition than what happened as appears by Duke Hamiltons Letter to Sir William Crofts taken among other papers a few days before the fight to this purpose We are all laughing at the ridiculousness of our condition who having quit Scotland being scarce able to maintain it yet we grasp at all and nothing but all will satisfie us or to lose all I confess I cannot tell whether our hopes or fears are greatest but we have one stout argument and that is despair for we must now either shortly fight or dye All the Rogues have left us I will not say whether for fear or disloyalty but all now with His Majesty are such as will not dispute his commands So that we see this undertaking was not the product of deliberate counsel but of necessity and desperation This battel put a period to the Kings hopes of getting the Government by Arms and on the other hand secured to Cromwel all his former Conquests the influence whereof though acted in England was great in Scotland for their principal Nobility and souldiery being cut off they were no longer able to bear up but were soon reduced to the obedience of England And Cromwel giving an account to the Parliament of this great success he concludes his Letter by telling them That this was a crowning Victory which was afterward thought to proceed from the foresight of his future Greatness This fight happened Sept. 3. 1651. that very day twelve-month wherein the Scots received that fatal blow at Dunbar afore-mentioned After the battel Cromwel staâ—d no longer than to see the Walls of Worcester levelled to the ground and the Ditches filled up with earth to discover his aversion to the Inhabitants for receiving his Enemies into it and Sept. 12. came to London being met at Acton by the Parliament and their Speaker the Lord Mayor of London Aldermen and Recorder and hundreds of others to whom Steel the City Recorder made a Congratulatory Oration extolling all his Victories and Exploits with the highest flights of Rhetorick and applying to him the words of Psalm 149 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand to execute vengeance upon the Heathen and punishments upon the people to bind their Kings with chains and their Nobles with fetters of iron to execute upon them the judgment written this honour have all the Saints praise ye the Lord. After which he was conducted in triumph to his House near White-hall great number of Scotch prisoners coming after him through Tuthill-fields to Westminster as Trophies of his Victories and the Colours taken there with those at Dunbar Westminster Preston were hung up in Westminster-Hall After a short repose General Cromwel and Lieutenant General Lambert went to take their places in Parliament where they were entertained by the Speaker with a second Congratulatory Oration magnifying their courage and gallantry and acknowledging the great obligation which the people of England were under toward them The same day the Lord Mayor feasted the General and his Officers where mutual returns of kindness passed between them to the satisfaction of both parties Oct. 14. 1651. Collonel Hayn with two Regiments of foot and two Troops of Horse were shipp'd at Weymouth for reducing the Isle of Jersey in eighty Vessels under the command of General Blake who came to St. Owens Bay where the ships running aground the men leapt out some to the middle others up to the neck in water and ran ashoar the enemy playing hard upon them with great and small shot and gave a hot charge with their Horse yet after half an hours dispute they fled and left behind them twelve cannon and some colours After which the English marched further into the Island within sight of Elizabeth Castle under which was a Fort called St. Albans Tower where were fourteen Guns which upon summons was delivered and so was Orgueil castle and soon after Elizabeth castle upon very good terms to the Garrison and Governour Sir George Cartaret because of its great strength The Isle of Man was likewise reduced in a short time with the castles of Peele and Rushen both very strong and almost impregnable as well as Cornet castle in the Isle of Guernsey if the besieged had had resolution to defend them About this time died Admiral Popham and Henry Ireton Son-in-law to Oliver Cromwel at Lymerick which Kingdom in a little while after was wholly subdued and brought under the obedience of the Government of England The Parliament now passed two or three considerable Acts one for Incorporating Scotland into one Common-wealth with England another of Oblivion and free pardon a third to determine the Session of this Parliament on Nov. 3. 1654. a fourth for the increase of shipping and incouragement of Navigation wherein was enacted That no Goods or Commodities of the growth or manufacture of any places in Asia Africa America or Europe should be imported into England Ireland or any of the Territories thereof but only in English ships under the penalty of forfeiting the Goods and Ships And that no Goods whatsoever shall be brought in unless they be ship'd from the places of their growth and manufacture only Also that no Fish or Oyl made of Fish or Whale-bone shall be imported but only such as shall be caught in Vessels belonging to the English Lastly that no kinds of salted fish from Feb. 1. 1653. shall be exported in any other save English Vessels with several other exceptions and provisoes in reference to East-India Goods and of commodities from Turky Spain and Portugal This last Act was very grateful to the Merchants and Seamen but did extreamly surprize and disturb the Holl inders as judging it would cause a vast diminution in their Trade which with so much advantage they had long driven to the loss and detriment of the English Nation who
General Cromwel craving his protection in several publick Addresses who declining to meddle in this affair left him to the Law and he was committed to Newgate and the next Sessions being brought to the Old-Baily he first demanded Council which was granted him Next day he refused to put in his Plea unless he might have a Copy of his Indictment which was likewise admitted Next day he delivered in his Bill of Exceptions to the Indictment after that he demanded a Copy of the Judgment given against him in Parliament together with the Act Then he joined issue and made his defence for several hours and about twelve at Night the Jury brought him in Not Guilty but he was sent back to Newgate and thence to the Tower where he continued some time and then turned Quaker and dying soon after was buried from the Bull and Mouth Meeting place near Aldersgate with a numerous company of that party attending him to his Grave As to the condition of Scotland at this time the English had taken most of their strong Towns Forts and Castles in the Low-lands yet the High-landers made divers Incursions upon them robbing and killing many and then returned to their inaccessible Fastnesses where they could not be pursued being commanded by the Lords Glencarn Athol Seaforth and others the last of whom sent a summons to a Ship that lay at Anchor at Lewis-Island having before surprized seven or eight men that went ashoar for provisions a Copy of which follows Being incited not only by conscience but honour to stand firm to the principles of loyalty but also disdaining even in rational Interest to stoop to such a wavering and servile power as now Ruleth I have laid hold on those men come ashoar as promoting the same Wherefore I summon you to deliver your Vessel for His Majesties service and being certainly perswaded that all or most part of you are with grief of heart imployed in such service I assure all that will voluntarily shun the unnecessary effusion of blood by that surrender shall have such fair Quarter as is fitting for me to grant and as your several conditions do require and according to your demeanours herein you may expect to find me your friend accordingly Seaforth For the Captain Master and Mariners of the Fortune But the Captain did not think fit to obey this summons sailing away and leaving his men behind And thus they continued awhile in expectation of supplies of men from Lieutenant Gen. Midleton and the Low Countries but in the mean time a considerable party under the E. of Glencarn were defeated himself hardly escaping and afterward several other parties by the English so that they could not join At length Midleton arrived from Holland with the expected provisions of War and a Commission to be General and Monroe Lieutenant General which so incensed Glencarn that he who had imployed his utmost interest in raising men must now be commanded by others that they quarrelled among themselves Glencarn was contented to be Lt. General but Monro would not agree to it whereupon a Duel was fought between them in which Monro being wounded and disarmed deserted the service with about 500 Gentlemen and agreed with the Governour of Dunbarton to live peaceably at home others did the like yet Midleton stood out still till first in Argyle and then at Loughary he was by Gen. Monk and Coll. Morgan wholly overthrown and afterward returned to Holland the Assembly of the Kirk was likewise dissolved by Coll. Morgan and the Clergy subjected As for Irâ—land it was by the English arms brought to such a condition as there was no fear of disturbance for the future only some few Tories kept themselves in some inaccessible places and sometimes made irruptions to steal and plunder An high Court of Justice was erected there of which Cook was President by whom many Irish and some of their ancient Nobility were sentenced and executed for the bloody Massacre committed upon the Protestants in 1641. and about 14000 sold to the King of Spain and many transported into other Countries the rest being driven into the Province of Connaught out of which upon pain of death they were not to stir without leave The other three Provinces Ulster Munster and Lenster were allotted to the English and all forfeited Lands divided among such Adventurers as had advanced money toward the management of the Irish affairs and for satisfaction of the souldiers arrears General Fleetwood succeeded Ireton as Lord Governor of Ireland by order of Gen. Cromwel who had married his eldest Daughter Bridget the Widow of Ireton The Hollanders finding little advantage by the war with the English sent four Commissioners hither to begin a Treaty during which there was no cessation of arms for at the same time a remarkable battel happened between the two Navies July 29. 1653. The Scouts discovered a Dutch Fleet from the Wielings of about 95 men of War upon which the English made what sail they could after them which the enemy perceiving stood away yet about five in the evening near 30 of the English ingaged the rest of the Fleet being astern so that they bore the whole brunt of that days fight till Night parted them the Dutch were observed to send away their maimed Ships in the Night and in the dark got by with their whole Fleet in order to join 25 sail of stout ships more from the Texel which the English could not prevent because of the foul weather Next morning the Dutch with these new recruits fell upon the English Fleet in a gallant posture and fought couragiously from five in the morning till one after noon both Fleets passing through and endeavouring to burn sink and destroy each other At length the Dutch went off with the loss of some ships either sunk or burnt the Garland a stout man of War taken formerly by the Dutch from us was burnt by the VVorcester The Triumph and the Andrew were boarded by three Dutch Fireships and had some damage in their sails but were quickly cleared The Dutch observing themselves decline made away directly for the Texel and the English being somewhat disabled and not daring to venture too near the Holland Coasts it was resolved that the whole Fleet should sail for Sole Bay The English Admirals in this fight were Gen Blake and Gen. Monk Pen was Vice Admiral and Lawson Rere-Admiral VVhen Monk with the English Fleet set sail and stood out to Sea the Dutch supposed they fled for fear which made one of the Captains desire Van Trump to pursue For saith he these Skellums dare not stand one broad-side from your Excellency you may see them plainly running home and therefore my Lord miss not the opportunity But Trump who understood better gave this short reply Sir look to your charge for were the enemy but 20 sail they would never refuse to fight us The English had 300 slain in this battel whereof seven were Captains and 700 wounded five of them Captains The
accommodated that soon after she resigned her Kingdom leaving to her self only the bear Title of Queen but to him both the Title of King and possession of a Kingdom With this new King the Lord Whitlock who had been some time Ambassador there soon concluded a firm League Offensive and Defensive between these two Nations the effects whereof had soon appeared in Christendom had Cromwel lived much longer than he did The horrible massacre committed at this time upon the protestants in Piedmont and Savoy by the Forces of that Duke under the Marquess of Parella occasioned the protector to appoint a publick Fast and great sums of money were gathered in England and remitted to Sir Samuel Morland for their relief And now the Lord protector to secure himself from Insurrections constitutes new kind of Officers called Major Generals of Counties dividing the Kingdom into eleven parts the Names of whom are these For Kent and Surrey coll Kelsey for Sussex Hamshire and Berkshire coll Goff for Wilts Glocester Dorset Somerset Devon and Cornwall coll Desborow for Oxford-shire Bucks Hartford Cambridge Isle of Ely Essex Norfolk and Suffolk Lt. Gen. Fleetwood for the City of London M. Gen. Skippon for Lincoln Nottingham Derby Warwick and Leicester-shire Commissary Gen. Whaley for Northampton Bedford Rutland and Huntington Maj. Butler for Worcester Hereford Salop and North Wales coll Berry for Cheshire Stafford and Lancashire coll Wortley for Durham Cumberland York Westmoreland and Northumberland Lord Lambert for Westminster and Middlesex coll Barkstead Lieutenant of the Tower The greatest service they did was to oblige Delinquents to pay in the Tenths of their Estates for old offences and influence Elections of Parliament men but in a short time he dismiss'd them again Another design of the protectors was the admission of the Jews into England for which it was said they offered 200000 l. whereupon he proposes it to several Judges and Ministers for their approbation many arguments were used for and against it and several places of Scripture cited and divers conferences held about it with Dr. Manton Mr. Jenkyns and others who yet were not satisfied with the arguments of Manassch Ben Israel the Jewish Agent though the Irotector alledged That since there was a promise for their conversion means must be used to that end which is the preaching of the Gospel and that cannot be had unless they be permitted to reside where the Gospel is preached but no conclusion the publick re-admission of them was laid aside as a thing decried both by the Clergy and Laity The Spaniards having certain Intelligence of the attempt and repulse of the English at Hispaniola and their possession of Jamaica thought this a sufficient breach of the peace though there was never any peace made with that King beyond the Line he always taking all English ships he could meet with and master that Traded there and hereupon he makes a seizure of all the Merchants persons and Goods then in Spain so that the War begins to grow hot both in the old and new World The Protector thereupon orders the Generals Blake and Montague to block up Cadiz the chief Port Town of that Kingdom and whither the Plate Fleet used yearly to come He likewise concludes a peace with France which was at Wars with Spain a long time by the Interest of Cardinal Mazarine the French King as you have heard banishing all the Royal Family of England except the Queen mother out of his Dominions at the desire of Cromwel and by the Instigation of that Cardinal The English Fleet under Montague and Blake had for some months in a manner besieged Cadiz by Sea but could by no provocation oblige the Spaniard to fight them who hoping that the English having suffered the fatigues of the Sea would be forced to depart for want of provisions thought it better policy to lose a little honour rather than to venture either men or ships against those who had maintained such terrible Sea fights against the Hollanders but the English found in Wyers Bay in Portugal a convenient supply of water and provisions which was much nearer than the Spaniards imagined Hither were the Generals gone for fresh water and provisions having only left a squadron of 7 ships under Capt. Stainer before the port of Cadiz to observe all ships passing in or out as they were thus plying for some days it happened that a stiff gale of wind forced Capt. Stainer to stand out to Sea where he espied part of the K. of Spains plate Fleet coming from the West-Indies and making directly for Cadiz he was somewhat to the Leeward but made up toward them with all the sail they could possible and after some hours with much labour the Captain in the Speaker with the Bridgwater and Plymouth Frigates got up to them the other four ships not being able to come up and presently ingaged them the Spanish Fleet consisted in 8 tall ships or Galleons yet in a short time they were wholly spoil'd one was sunk three burnt two ran ashoar and were bulged one escaped and two fell into the hands of the English one whereof had a great quantity of plate and Cockeweal in her the other were chiefly laden with Hydes In these ships many persons of Quality were taken and among others the two Sons of the Marquess of Badajoâ— who had been Governour of Peruand having gained a great Estate in New-England was now returning to live the remainder of his days in his own country he and his Wife and Daughter were burnt in one of the ships of which and the War with Spain with the present Victory hear what the Poet Laureat of that Age elegantly sings Now for some Ages had the pride of Spain Made the Sun shine on half the World in vain Whilst she bid War to all that durst supply The place of those her cruelty made dye Of Natures bounty men forbore to taste And the best portion of the Earth lay waste From the New World her Silver and her Gold Came like a Tempest to confound the Old Feeding with these the brib'd Electors hopes Alone she gave us Emperors and Popes With these advancing her unjust designs Europe was shaken with heâ— Indian Mines When our Protector looking with disdain Upon this gilded Majesty of Spain And knowing well that Empire must decline Whose chief Support and Sinews are of Coin Our Nations solid Virtue did oppose To the rich Troublers of the Worlds repose And now some months Incamping on the Main Our Naval Army had besieged Spain They that the whole Worlds Monarchy design'd Are to their Ports by our bold Fleet confin'd From whence our Red-cross they triumphant see Riding without a Rival on the Sea Others may use the Ocean as their Road The English only make it their aboad VVhose ready sailâ— with every wind can fly And make a Covenant with the unconstant Sky Our Oaks secure as if they there took root We tread on Billows with a steady foot Lords of the
is my answer That although I think the Government doth consist in very excellent parts in all but in that one thing the Title as to me I should not be an honest man if I should not tell you that I cannot accept of the Government nor undertake the trouble and charge of it which I have a little more experimented than every man as to what troubles and difficulties do befal men in such Trusts and in such Undertakings I say I am perswaded to return this answer to you That I cannot undertake this Government with the Title of a King and this is mine answer to this great and weighty business The Protector having refused the Title of King the Committee of Settlement was ordered to prepare an Explanatory Act to the humble petition and advice in respect of the Protectors Oath his Councils the Members of Parliament the other House which was to consist of about sixty Lords of the Protectors Electing and having Voted That Protector should be the Title of the chief Magistrate and the Petition and Advice being allowed accordingly the House desired a conference with His Highness who accordingly meets them May 25. 1657. in the painted Chamber where Sir Tho. Widdrington presents him with the humble Petition and Advice the substance whereof was 1. That His Highness Oliver Cromwel 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 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 shall 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 sum of a Million of pounds sterling be settled for the 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 Council 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 appointed by Parliament 10. That his Highness would incourage 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 writing to revile or reproach the said Confession of Faith c. The Petition and Advice being read was by the Protector passed into a Law though with much seeming reluctancy as the following Speech declared Mr. Speaker I am not come hither this day as to a Triumph but with the most serious thoughts that ever I had in my 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 I must necessarily sink under the weight of it to the damage and prejudice of these Nations And this being so I must ask the help of the Parliament and the help of all those that fear God that by their prayers I may receive assistance from the hand of God seeing nothing but his presence can enable me to the discharge of so great a Trust And seeing this is but an Introduction to the carrying on the Government of these Nations and forasmuch as there are many things which cannot be supplied without the help of a Parliament I think it my duty to desire your help not that I doubt of it for I believe that the same spirit that led the Parliament to this will easily suggest the rest to them And truly nothing could have induced me to undertake this intolerable burden to flesh and blood had I not seen that it was the Parliaments care to answer those ends for which they have ingaged and I call God to witness that I would not have undergone it had I not seen 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 if these Nations be not thankful to you for your care therein it will fall as a sin on their heads To conclude I would recommend to you the Reformation of the Nation by discountenancing Vice and giving encouragement to Good men and Virtue desiring that you would not be wanting in any thing that may make for the good of the Nations wishing the Lord to prosper all your aims and endeavours This Speech ended the Members return to their House and soon after the Protector sends them a Letter desiring their Adjournment till the Inauguration of the Lord Protector could be performed and accordingly they passed a Bill for adjourning from June 26. to Jan. 20. following June 26. being appointed for his Highness solemn Investiture and the same day a place being prepared in Westminster-Hall there were two Chairs set one for the Protector with a Canopy of State over it and another for the Speaker with seats built Scaffold-wise for the Parliament on both sides and places below for the Aldermen of London and others all which being ready the Protector came out of a Room adjoining to the Lords House and in this order proceeded into the Hall First went his Gentlemen then an Herald the Attorney-General then the Judges after them Norroy King at Arms the Lord Commissioners of the Treasury the Seal carried by Commissioner Fines then Garter and after him the Earl of Warwick with the Sword born before the Protector bare-headed the L. Mayor Tichburn carrying the City Sword by his left hand Being seated in the Chair on the left hand stood the L. Mayor and the Dutch Ambassador and on the right the E. of Warwick and the French Ambassador next behind him stood his Son Richard L. Fleetwood and L. Cleypool and the Privy-council upon a lower descent stood the Lords Montague and Whitlock with drawn Swords Then the Speaker Sir Tho. Widdrington in the Name