that for which he was condemned acquitting all the world and desired God to forgive them wishing presperity and happinesse to the Kingdome and desired they would seriously consider whether the Reformation of a Kingdome should be written in Letters of blood much fearing they were in the wrong way professing he died a true sonne of the Church of England wherein he was borne and in which he was bred addressing himselfe to his brother Sir George Wentworth desired to be remembred to his Wife and Children willing him to Charge his Son never to meddle with the patrimony of the Church for it would prove a Canker to his estate and after a short time spent in prayer he submitted his neck to the Block which was struck off by the Executioner at one low There was at that time a discovery made of diverse persons that had endeavour'd the Earles escape out of the Tower diverse Gentlemen of worth were engaged in it but the timely discovery prevented its execution Upon which the House oderd some Lords to be assistant to the Lievtenant of the Tower for the safety of the City Severall Great persons were displaced as The Earle of Essex made Lord Chamberlain in the roome of Pembroke The Marquesse of Hartford Governour of the Prince in the roome of the Earle of Newcastle Dr Juxon Lord Treasurer resigned his Office to five Commissioners The Lord Cottington Master of the Wards was displaced and the Office conferd on the Lord Say In May last the Parliament to engage the people to stick close to them framed an Oath or Protestation which was by them taken and sent through England to be taken by the people The Parliament being secured for their everlasting sitting began to consider of the raising of moneys for the payment and disbanding of the two Armies much Plate was melted downe and the Earle of Holland was by joynt consent of King and Parliament order'd to goe downe as Generall to disband the English Army The House in February following Voted 300000 l. for the Scots and dayes of payment to be appointed For the Levying of this money a Bill was brought into the House for Pole-money Viz. a Duke 100 l. a Marquesse 80 l. Earles 60 l. Vicounts and Baronets 40 l. Knights of the Bath 30 l. Knights Bachelours 20. l. Esquires 10 l. every Gentleman able to expend 100 l per annum 5 l. and so every one according to their degree no person exempted every Head paid six pence which Bill with two other were offerd to the King one for putting downe the Star-Chamber another for putting downe the high Commission at which the King was a little startled The House Voted he should signe all or none which notwithstanding he past that for Pole-money and tooke time for the other two and not long after with much Importunity he past them also Sir Thomas Roe was sent in the quality of an Ambassadour to the Emperour to solicite the restoration of the Prince Elector which after much stay and nothing effected he returnes The Parliament considering the heavy burdens of the Northern Counties Order 100000 l. part of the 300000 l. to be paid to the Scots and in August following both Armies were quietly disbanded and departed to their own homes Bishop Wren is committed to the Tower for misdemeanors amounting to treason The Judges that gave their opinion for Ship-money are questioned and severall Charges drawne up against them The King having Inform'd the House of his resolutions to take a Journey to Scotland on the tenth of August set forward out of London towards Scotland but that very Morning came to the House and past diverse Bills and likewise sign'd a Commission for the passing of Bills in his absence the Commissioners appointed were the Lord Keeper the Lord Privy Seale Marquesse of Hartford Earle of Lindsey Earle of Essex Earle of Dorcet Earle of Bath He likewise signed another Bill constituting the Earle of Essex Generall of all the Forces on this side Trent by which he had power in case of necessity to Levy an Army The Parliament adjourned from the eight of September till the 20 of October and appointed a standing Committee of fifty Members to act in the Intervall The Parliament being adjourn'd and the King gone to Scotland every one tooke advantage to vent the humour of his own braine many using Irreverend behaviour during the time of divine service many outrages and riots were committed against Clergy-men and the Prelaticall party as they cald them strange and unheard-of practices were used as tub-preaching and that openly in the streets which gave occasion to many sober minded men to thinke evill of the Parliament as though it was their contrivance During the Kings being in Scotland a Letter was sent from the English-Committee in Scotland to the standing Committee at Westminster discovering a plot against the lives of Marquesse Hamilton and others the greatest Peeres in Scotland the Earle of Craford and others being the Conspirators which occasioned the standing Committee to prevent the like here to appoint strong guards in severall parts of the City and so to continue till the next meeting of both Houses Before the King return'd from Scotland about the end of October 1641. brake out the most barbarous and inhumane Rebellion in Ireland that ever was heard of in any age of the world The Innocent Protestants turn'd out of their estates and above two hundred thousand persons men women and children most barbarously and cruelly murdered But we will leave Ireland weltring in her blood and look home Where in November 1641. we find the King return'd from Scotland and was by the City of London feasted and in Great State conducted to Hampton Court with much seeming expressions of Joy some few dayes after the King Invites the Aldermen and principall Citizens to Hampton Court where they were sumptuously feasted and diverse Aldermen were Knighted During the Kings residing at Hampton Court the Commons present the King a Remonstrance of the state of the Kingdome with a large recitall of all the Grievances and oppressions that the people had groaned under since the beginning of his Raigne Upon which within few dayes the King published a Declaration in answer to their Remonstrance And now began visibly to appeare the sad breach betwixt the King and his Parliament which did daily increase untill the Kingdome was involved in a sad war Great endeavours are used to stir up the Common people with a dislike of the Kings actions to which purpose freedome was given to every party without contradiction to write and publish many bitter and Invective Pamphlets against the Bishops and their Government and all the ill actions of the Kings Ministers were laid upon him and not content with that they came downe in Great multitudes to Westminster and by the way gave uncivill and threatning Language to diverse Gentlemen at Whitehall-Gate Which caused the King to send to the Lord Major to summon a Common Councell to receive his
not here for not long after it was observed that a great concourse of people from all parts of that Kingdome came to Edenborough which occasioned the Lords of the Councell to put forth severall Proclamations to prevent the like disorders but they nothing prevailed for the next day the Bishop of Galloway going to the Councell was followed by a great multitude railing and reviling him untill he came to the Councell-doore where he was no sooner enter'd but they beset the House with very great multitudes threatning destruction to all that were within The Councell immediately require ayde of the Provost and other Magistrates of the City who returne answer that they were in the like danger The tumult still increasing they of the City were forc't for the safegard of their own lives to subscribe as followeth 1. To joyne in opposition to the Service-Book and to Petition against it 2. To restore Ramsey and Rollock two silenced Ministers 3. To receive in Mr Henderson formerly silenced Which being signed the Councell thought was a good step to suppresse the tumult but entring into the High street The Lord Treasurer and other Lords were afresh assaulted trodden under-foote and brought back by violence to the Councell-House where being in great danger they require ayde of diverse Noblemen disaffected to the Common-prayer-book who promised what assistance they possibly could and in the end return'd home safe In the afternoon proclamation was made at the crosse of Edenborough for prevention of the like disorders but to smal effect some Citizens demanding the restitution of the Ministers and the performance of what was subscribed Suddenly two petitions were presented against the Common-prayer book and the Composers and Abettors of it which petitions were sent to the King with the narrative of the whole who immediatly sent instructions for adjourning the Tearm to Sterling a strong place and to make proclamation of severe penalties to be inflicted on the breakers and contemners of the peace which was no sooner proclaimed but the Lord Hume Lindsey and divers others protest against it and in contempt of Authority compeld the Heralds to hear the Protest or Covenant read all which being imparted to the King he sends Marquesse Hamilton as high Commissioner to settle peace and a right understanding who dealt treacherously and deceitfully trifling away eleven moneths time having three times returned to and again for England and at last published the Kings gracious Proclamation nulling the Service book and high Commission promising an Assembly to be held at Glascow Novem. 21. 1638. and a Parliament at Edenborough the 15. of May 1639 but this nothing satisfied for the more the King granted the more averse they were During the treaty the Covenanters had provided Officers Armes and what was necessary for a war The General Assembly being met they proceed to declare against the Book of Common prayer which occasioned the Bishops to draw up a protest against their proceedings and in conclusion by the Unanimous consent of all the Councel excepting Argile the Assembly was dissolved Proclamation was made and published throughout the Nation shewing the grounds and reasons of their dissolution which proclamation was opposed by the Covenanters with a protestation to adhere to all their former Covenants to put by all the Bishops Some they excommunicate and not long after totally abolished Episcopacy as being as they pretended inconsistant with the word of God and Lawes of that Nation Which occasioned the Marquesse and Commissioners to returne for England seemingly much discontented In the interim the Covenanters began to raise Armes Levy souldiers Impose taxers upon the people seize some of the Kings Castles raise fortifications and prepare for a war and chose David Lesley an old souldier to be General Toward the latter end of October 1638. came the queen mother into England many of the Common people were troubled at it as being generally by them lookt upon as a forerunner of a greater mischiefe The Scots are very high and insolent assuming all authority and invent new and unheard of Judicatures in defiance to the King and Councel and having cast of Episcopal Jurisdiction declare for the Calvinistical presbyterian Government which for a long time had bin hatching in that Kingdome but could never take head till then The King to suppresse their insolency by the advise of the Bishops prepares an Army which they contributed very largely to and being backed with the assistance of the Nobility and Gentry a considerable force is raised the Earle of Arundell being made Generall The King on the 17 of March the day of his Inauguration advances against the Scots The Scots hearing of the Kings advance march forward under the Conduct of their Generall David Lesley to meet him with Petition in one hand and their Armes in the other and on the 28 of May both Armies came within view The Scots after some time sent to treat about a pacification the King willingly consented to it and for the English were chosen the Earls of Holland Pembroke Salishury and Barkshire and Sir Henry Vane for the Presbyterian Covenanters the Earle of Rothes and Dunferling Lord Louden Douglas Archibald Johnson and Alexander Henderson Who after much Consultation conclude Articles of pacification on both sides which were signed the 18 of June Which Articles were as follow On the Kings part 1. His Majesty to confirme what his Commissioners promised in his name 2. That a Generall Assembly be called to sit at Edenborough August 6. 3. That a Parliament be called and sit at Edenborough the 20 of August 4. That he recall all forces by sea and land and restore all ships arristed and detained since the pretended Assembly at Glascow upon the Covenanters disarming and dishanding of their forces dissolving their tables and restoring to the King all his castles forts and ammunition and releasing all the persons lands and goods then under restraint since the pretended Assembly at Glascow This to be done by declaration On the Covenantes part 1. All the forces of Scotland to be disbanded within forty eight houres after publication of the Kings declaration 2. They to render up after the said publication all Castles Forts Ammunition of all sorts so soone as the King should send to receive them 3. They to hold no meetings treatings or consultations but such as are warranted by act of Parliament 4. They to desist from all fortifications and these to be remitted to the Kings pleasure 5. They to restore to all the Kings subjects their lands liberties houses goods and meanes taken or detained from them since the first of Feb. last Notwithstanding the declaration the Scots are stil averse and draw up a Protestation of sticking close to the late Generall Assembly at Glascow and to their solemne Covenant and perfidiously broke all their Articles of agreement continue their meetings neglect slighting the fortification and continue their officers in pay which with many other insolencies compeld the King to consider of reducing them to
obedience The King fummons his Privy Councel who conclude a Parliament to be called the 13 of April 1640 and for the present each of the Councel except Hamleton who pretended poverty subscribed large Contributions for the carrying on of the war untill such time as the Parliament should convene which was a leading card for the rest of the Nobility the Judges and others The Scots being informed of the Kings Preparation for a war sent the Lord Dunferling Lord Louden Sir Will. Douglas and M. Markham as Commissioners to represent the affaires of their transactions which were friendly received by the King and he well hoped that all differences might be composed with lenity and gentlenesse but it could not possibly be for during the treaty most of the Nobility that wisht well to the Kings interest in Scotland are imprisoned procured old souldiers out of Holland made divers fortifications required ayd of the King of France and by colouring their designes with the pretence for Religion and the cause of God they had gained a very strong party here in England By this time Episcopacy was totally extirpated in Scotland and the Presbyterian Contagion began to reigne here in England The Bishop of Canterbury a man learned pious and devout though unseasonably zealous was by the vulgar lookt upon as a great freind and favourer of Popery by reviving ancient Ceremonies in the Church and service of God which gave great occasion of discontent to the more precise and godly party On the 13 of Aprill 1640. the Parliament began and were composed for the most part of persons of Honour affectionate to Religion and their Country onely some sew violent restlesse spirited men that endeavoured to represent all the transactions of the King in the most ugly colours The King laid before them the treacherons designs of the Scots and demands 12 subsidies Mr. Pim and divers other members made long speeches reciting the greivances both of Church and State which were very many for it is with Government both Ecclesiasticall Civil as it is with watches that how good and excellent soever they be length of time disorders them they urge that there was never more need of redressing grievances and that would be the onely way to procure the Subsidies required The King promised to redresse the grievances afterward The King seeing them very backward concerning the Subsidies which his pressing necessities call'd for on the sift of May came into the House and dissolv'd the Parliament using Civill Language protesting that he would governe as much according to Law as if a Parliament were constantly sitting yet Mr Bellosis and Sir John Hotham were committed for speeches a small time and Mr Crew Chaireman to the Committee for Ministers was committed to the Tower for refusing to discover some Petitions presented to the Parliament The Convocation now sitting had formed an Oath for maintaining their Hierarchy as the Scots on the other side had Covenanted for the destruction of Episcopacy for which they were much blamed by many good men They likewise granted a large Contribution of 45. in the pound for six years to be assest on all the Clergy of England toward the carrying on of the Scotch war which was lookt upon as Illegall being without consent of Parliament And now the English in Imitation of the Scots began in a rude manner to assault the Archbishop of Canterbury as they did the Archbishop of St Andrews conceiving him to be the onely man that advised the King to break up the Parliament and on Munday the 16 of May 1640. a great number of rude disorderd persons meet together and goe to his house at Lambeth beset it but he being forewarned had sufficiently provided for his own safety Some of the principall were apprehended and committed to the White Lyon in Southwarke which not long after was violently by the multitude broke open and the prisoners discharge One of the Principall Riag-leaders was afterwards apprehended and condemned to be hang'd drawn and quartered to terrifie the rest The King being in want applyes himselfe to the City for supply but they being discontented at the last dissolution pretend poverty a likely thing after so many yeares of peace plenty and prosperity as they had enjoyed under his Government besides they are a little troubled at the questioning of their London-Dery Lands in Ireland by the Star-Chamber They Gentry were generally more free and afforded large Contributions by which meanes the Army began to Muster the Earle of Northumberland was appointed Generall and the Earle of Strafford Lievtenant Generall but both being indispos'd in health the King resolved to goe himselfe in person In July 1640. The Queene was delivered of a Son who was baptized Henry August 20. 1640. The King advances toward the North the Army having rendevouzed some dayes before whether being come he was informed of the sad disaster of a defeate given by Lessly to 1200 Horse and 3000 foote under the Command of the Lord Conway who were lest to secure the passe over the River Tine nere Nuburne as likewise Sir Jacob Astley Governour of Newcastle quit the Towne after he had sunck all the Ordinance as being no way tenable By this time the Earle of Strafford was recover'd and came to his command much troubled at my Lord Conways loss which Conway stoutly alledg'd was neither through neglect nor oversight Yet notwithstanding the Covenanters had a Check in their own Country Lesley having left some superfluous Ordnance at Dounse which the Garrison of Warwick being advertised of adventure forth and did seaze them which allarum'd the Earle of Haddington who with 2000 horse and foote pursue and with a very sharp Encounter rescue them which were carried back to Duglasse The Earle being at dinner the next day with diverse Knights and Gentlemen in a roome over the Magazine of Powder in the midst of their mirth they were suddenly blowne up whether by easualty or on purpose it was not known In September following the King was at Yorke presented with a Petition subscribed by eleven of the English Nobility To which he made Answer as followeth Before the receipt of your Petition his Majesty well foresaw the danger that threatens himselfe and Crowne and therefore resolveth the twenty-fourth of this moneth to summon all the Peeres and with them to consult what in this case is fittest to be done for his own honour and safety of the Kingdome where they with the rest may offer any thing that may conduce to these ends And accordingly they were by Writs from the Lord Keeper summoned to attend the 24 of September Great were the sufferings at that time of the Northerne Counties for Lesley the Scots Generall had imposed a tax of 350 l. per diem on the Bishoprick of Durham and 300 l. per diem on Northumberland on penalty of plundering and likewise seaz diverse English Ships laden with Corne in Newcastle Road as lawfull prize On the 24 of September the Lords assembled at Yorke
is a breach of their priviledge against the Laws of the Land and the liberty of the subject They likewise past an Order to prevent the Levying any Souldiers in Yorkshire or Lincolnshire to force a passage into the Towne of Hull and the more to enrage the King Hotham is ordred to Levy The trained bands which being come into the Towne he disarmes and dismisses them There was a select Committee appointed to goe to Hull with Instructions for the safety of the Counties of York and Lincoln to whom all Sheriffs Justices of the peace Constables and other Officers are requir'd to be ayding and assisting Things began to grow very high The King summons the Gentry of the County of York where he gave them a large account of all the messages and replyes touching Hull and the Reasons why he did not signe the Bill for the Militia To be short You see my Magazine is going to be taken from me directly against my Will The Militia against the Law and my consent is going to be put in execution and lastly Sir John Hothams Treason is countenanced all which being considered none can blame me to apprehend dangers and upon this reall Ground to tell you that I am resolv'd to have a Guard onely to secure my person In which I desire you assistance that I may be able to protect you the Laws and the true Protestant Religion from any affront or Injury Which speech was by them received with great affection The Parliament being inform'd of the Kings Speech to the Yorkshire Gentry declare that it is against the Laws and liberties of the Kingdome that any of the subjects thereof should be commanded by the King to attend him at his pleasure and that whosoever upon pretence of his Majesties command shall take up Armes in a warlike manner shall be esteemed disturbers of the peace and to be proceeded against accordingly and likewise signed an Order to the Sheriffe of that County to take care to suppresse the raising of the trained bands upon the Kings Command But the Parliament Issue out Commissions to all parts of the Kingdome appointing certain dayes for all the trained bands to be exercised in each County and that severall Members be sent into the severall Counties to see the Commissions put in execution and all the Magazines in the severall Counties to be put into the hands of their confiding friends Which Commissions were answered by Proclamation from the King forbidding the trained bands and all others to rise or muster on pretence of any Ordinance of Parliament without his consent The breach was now growne wide the Parliament still opposing and thwarting the King on all occasions moved diverse of the Members to desert it and repaire to the King so that in a small time the Lords at York were more in number then those at Westminster The names of those that went were the Marquesse of Hartford the Earle of Lindsey Cumberland Huntington Bath Southampton Dorset Salisbury who presently return'd Northampton Devonshire Bristoll Westmerland Barkshire Munmouth Rivers Newcastle Dover Carnarvan Newport the Lord Howard Charlton New-wark Pawlet Paget Matreverse Willowby Rich Fawconbridge Chandois Coventry Lovelesse Savill Seymor Mohune Dunsmore Lord Capell Gray of Ruthen Together with above fifty of the Commons House whose departure startled the active men of the House who notwithstanding having gone so far proceed and Vote That it appeares that the King being seduced by evill Councell Intends to make war against the Parliament and that when he doth it is a breach of trust reposed in him and likewise that whosoever shall ayd or assist him in the said war are traytors by the fundamental Laws of the Kingdome And on the 30 of May by Vote summon nine of those Lords that went to returne but they utterly refused which the House deemed a sleighting of them which occasioned Mr. Hollis after a long Speech to Impeach them of high treason which the Peeres afterwards confirm'd in Voting them never to sit in the House more and to be uncapable of any priviledge of Parliament And not long after the Lord Keeper Littleton sent away the Great Seale to the King and immediately followed it which put the House to a great plunge for the present In June 1642. The two Houses sent a Petition with 19 Propositions to the King to which he reutrn'd a smart answer taxing them that they had contrary to law pressed their Ordinances on the people wrested from him the command of the Militia countenanced the Treason of Hotham and had directed to the people Invectives against his Government asperst him with the favouring of Papists and with an utter dislike of the Propositions protested that if he were vanquisht and a prisoner in worse condition then any the most unfortunate of his predecessors had ever been reduced unto he would never stoop so low as to Grant those demands and to make himselfe of a King of England a Duke of Venice And now both sides prepare for war The Parliament the 10 of June 1642. past an Order for bringing in money and plate to maintaine horse and foote for defence of the publick peace for which they did engage the publick faith The King on the other side receives advice by Letters from Amsterdam of a considerable quantity of Armes and Ammunition which was provided upon some Jewells pawned by the Queen he likewise sends Commissions of Array with Letters to the Lieutenants of the severall Counties making use of the Parliaments Vote and declares That the Kingdome being in danger of Enemies abroad and a Popish party at home it is necessary to put the people in a posture of defence that you immediately cause to be restored all the ancient trained bands and free-hold bands and to appoint Collonells and Captaiens and other Officers to command them The Parliament Vote the Commission to be against Law and the actors therein to be esteemed disturbers of the peace Whereupon the King summons the Lords of the Councell with the rest of the Nobility at York and declares that he requires no obedience of them but what shall be according to law and requires them to yeeld to no commands Illegally Imposed by any other and that he will not Ingage them in any war against the Parliament except for necessary defence against such as shall Invade him or them Upon which with unanimous consent they all freely engag'd to him their duty and allegiance The King sends a Letter to the Lord Mayor of London Aldermen and Sheriffes forbidding any contribution of money and plate toward the raising of any Armies whatsoever for the Parliament By this time the Armes were arrived from Holland but the King wanted men to weild them yet by his Speeches and Declarations had gained the affections of many of his people and a considerable number was got together and from Beverly he sends a Message and Proclamation to the Parliament of his Intentions to goe against Hull requiring it might be delivered up to him
which they answer'd with a Petition moving him to accord with his two Houses they likewise set out a Declaration for the safety of Hull promising satisfaction for all damages sustained On the 11 of June 1642. The Parliament Vote that an Army shall be raised for the defence of King and Parliament and the Earle of Essex to be Generall The King according to his former Intentions with an Army of 3000 foote and 1000 horse Intends to besiege Hull by Land and made Proclamation that none on paine of death carry any provisions into Hull Hotham being Inform'd of the Kings advance summons a Councell of War which resolve to hold the King play with their Ordinance till the tide came in and then to draw up their sluces which accordingly was performed with much damage to the Kings Souldiers Hotham likewise sends to the Parliament requiring 500 men for the safety of the Towne and provisions Upon which by command of the Parliament Drums are beaten p in London and other adjacent Counties for Volunteers to goe immediatly to Hull and within a week 500 men and more were sent by Sea under the command of Sir John Meldram to assist Sir John Hotham The King calls a Councell and resolves to break up the siege By this time the Earle of Warwick was possest of most of the Fleete for the service of the Parliament and they were in a considerable way to raise an Army by the assistance of that mass of money and plate that was brought in for it is almost Incredible with what zeale and affection by the Ministers perswasions the people were willing to be rid of their Treasure every one vying who should contribute most nay the women and maidens spared not their Rings Thimbles and Bodkins for the advancement of the cause The Earle of Essex with much prudence raiseth a considerable body of horse and foote The Earle of Bedford was Voted to be Generall of the Horse Collonell Goring eldest Son to the Lord Goring was sent down to Portsmouth by the Parliament but suddenly he declares for the King The King being return'd to York summons the Gentry and requires their assistance for the raising of a Regiment for the Princes Guard to be commanded by the Earle of Cumberland The Parliament declare against the Commission of Array Vote it Illegall on the other side the King being Inform'd of the Earle of Essex his raising an Army proclaimes hm a Rebell and a Traytor to the King and his Crowne and that all Collonells and other Officers under his Command that shall not Instantly lay downe their Armes are Guilty of High Treason And likewise Commands the Marquesse of Hartford to raise what Forces he could to suppresse him Great was the Contest almost in every County betwixt the Parliament Commissioners and the Commissioners of Array In some Counties the Kings party prevailed in others the Parliaments London the Great Metropolis was not exempted for Sir Richard Gurney then Lord Major was committed to the Tower for causing the Kings Commission of Array to be read and was by the Lords deprived of his Majoralty never to beare Office in City or Common-wealth and to continue prisoner during the pleasure of the House The King being at York publisheth a Grand Declaration of all the proceedings from the beginning of this Parliament to this present time concluding with a solemn Protestation of his affections to Parliaments and the peace and happiness of the Kingdome and within few dayes sends a Message to the Parliament taxing them with borrowing 100000 l. out of the Adventures money for the reliefe of Ireland to which they returne a speedy answer The King in person moveth from place to place On the 22 of July he made a Speech to the Gentry in Leicestershire on the 4th of August to the Gentry in Yorkshire and that war might not want its solemnity on the 20 of August he sets up his Standard Royall at Nottingham and by Proclamation requires the ayd and assistance of all his Subjects on the North side Trent and within twenty miles Southward thereof for his just defence and that whosoever shall supply him with money and plate he as God shall enable him will repay and reward accordin gto the measure of their love and affection to him and their Country On the 25 of August 1642. from Nottingham the King sends a Message to both Houses by the Earles of Southampton and Dorset and Sir John Culpepper for a treaty of peace and that an equall number may be chosen to meet where they should appoint that there may if possible be an accommodation out of a deep sense of the Calamities that attend the Kingdome To which they answer That untill he recalls that Proclamation which proclaimes them Rebells and takes down his Standard they will by no meanes heare of it To which he replyes That to remove all scruples that may hinder the Treaty by him so much desired so that a day be appointed by the Parliament for revoking their Declarations against all persons as traytors assisting him he will with all chearfulness on the same day recall his Proclamations and take down his Standard and likewise promised to grant any thing that should be for the good of his subjects assuring them that his greatest desire was to get a right understanding To which they humbly answer and petition that his Majesty would take down his Standard withdraw his Declarations and leave his Forces and returne to the Parliament and receive their faithfull advice of whose reall affection he need not to doubt Within few dayes the King sends a second reply That he could neither doe nor offer any more then he had already and that he should think himselfe cleare fromany blood that might be spilt in this quarrell The Parliament give encouragement to the well affected that what moneys they should lend should be satisfied out of Delinquents estates and declare that whosoever shall returne from the King to the Parliament within ten dayes shall be pardoned excepting the Duke of Richmond the Earles of Newcastle Cumberland Bristoll Rivers and Carnarvan Mr. Edward Hide Endimion Porter Secretary Nicholas Vicount New-wark Vicount Haltland The Parliament being Inform'd that the Queen was soliciting the States of Holland to contribute Armes and Ammunition for the King send Mr. Walter Strickland a Member of the House over into Holland with Credentiall Letters They likewise drew up a Declaration to the States of Holland to satisfie them of their whole proceedings Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice in September arrive in England and offer their service to their Uncle who were immediatly put into Command Prince Rupert with a small body of Horse flew up and downe through diverse Counties and gained a considerable body together The King himself moves though with a slower pace and had gotten a great number together marches to Shrewsbury a place of great concernment as being the Inlet to Wales where he orders a Mint to melt down the plate which
body of the Kings Horse fell on a party of Horse commanded by Sir Philip Stapleton who received the Charge with much resolution and beate the Enemy up to their maine body The fight continued till neer night The London Trained bands and Auxiliaries behaved themselves with much Valour and resolution The number of the dead was not certainly known There were diverse persons of quality slaine and wounded on the Kings side as likewise diverse Colours were taken and sent up to London Collonell Massey from Glocester moves up and downe with a party of Horse and doth much mischiefe to the Kings Forces The Kings forces Garrison all round about Glocester a party of the Kings Horse and foote rove up and down and seaze upon diverse good booties But the Kings maine body was orderd toward Reading which was then besieged by Essex Arundell Castle having been 28 dayes besieged by Sir William Waller was deliver'd on Conditions The King in December 1643. summons the Members of both Houses to appeare in January following at Oxford to advise in setling the peace of the Kingdome where on the 22th of January they meet at the Great Hall in Christ-Church where his Majesty declar'd That if he had the least thoughts of disagreeing with the happinesse of this Kingdome he would not advise with such Councellers as they were The Lords sat in the Upper Schooles the Commons in the Great Convocation House There were assembled the Prince the Duke of York Cumberland Fr. Cottington Treasurer Ed. Littleton Keeper of the Seale the Duke of Richmond and Marquesse of Hartford 19 Earles 18 Lords 126 Knights and Gentlemen beside a Great quantity of Noblemen Knights and Gentlemen imployed in his Majesties service in the severall parts of the Kingdome Their first work was to endeavour a peace to which purpose a Letter is sent to the Earle of Essex which he communicates to the House at Westminster On the 16 of January 1644. The Scots Army consisting of 18000 foote and 2000 Horse enter England by the way of Newcastle and set forth a Declaration of the justness of their Cause the Lawfulness of their Call New-wark having been three weeks besieged by Sir John Meldram with an Army of 7000. Prince Rupert with a body of 4000 Horse and Dragoones and 1000 foote raises the siege The Lord Fairfax and his Son Sir Thomas goe on victoriously in the North and in severall Encounters gave diverse defeats to the Earle of Newcastles forces The Parliament at Oxford having sat from January to Aprill and done no great matter the King after a Speech prorogues them to the 8 of October and afterwards by Proclamation till the 9 of November The Queen went from Oxford toward the West of England in order to her going over into France was attended the first dayes journey by her two eldest Sons and many of the Nobility The King in presence of the Peeres at Oxford received the Sacrament from the hands of Bishop Vsher using these solemne Protestations My Lords I espie here many resolv'd Protestants who may declare to the world the Resolution I doe now make I have to the utmost of my power prepar'd my soule to become a worthy receiver and may I so receive comfort by the blessed Sacrament as I doe intend the Establishment of the true reformed Protestant Religion as it stood in its beauty in the happy dayes of Queen Elizabeth without any connivance at Popery I blesse God that in the midst of these publick distractions I have still liberty to communicate and may this Sacrament be my damnation if my heart doe not joyne with my lips in this Protestation The Countesse of Darby held out Latham House against a considerable force of the Parliaments for neer 18 weeks The besiegers hearing of Prince Ruperts advance for the Countesses reliefe drew off from the siege upon which they sally out and did great Execution upon the Enemy The Parliament at Westminster Vote it treason for any Member of either House to desert them and goe to the King and the Member or Members so doing never to be receiv'd more into the House In June 1644. Collonell Massey summons Malborrough which was commanded by Collonell Hen. Howard who refusing to deliver it up to him causes a Great battery and with some Great Ordinance forc't his passage who with much Courage enters the Towne put the Enemy to flight and took above a hundred prisoners Sir William Waller with a body of Horse and foote attends the Kings motion from place to place and neere Crepida bridge the Kings Horse faced Sir William and Charg'd them through and through kill'd 150 men and took all his Traine of Artillery together with diverse considerable Officers prisoners The King presently marches to Bath with intent to follow the Earle of Essex who was gone that way On the 23 of July 1644. he came to Kingsmore and by the first of August came to Liskard some few miles distant where he encompast the Earle of Essex his Army his Majesty and Prince Maurice at Boneke on the one side Sir Richard Greenvill in Bodnim and Sir Jacob Astley at Hall The Kings Souldiers were very desirous to fight but it was thought more convenient to keep them up from provisions In eight dayes attendance very little was performed but some small skirmishes of Horse a party of 1500 foote was sent West to prevent all provisions coming that way Essex his Army marcht toward Foy leaving most of their great Pieces behind them the King followed and fell in upon the reare forc't them to retire in disorder and had not night prevented in all probability the whole Army had been destroyed The next morning Early the Earle of Essex quit his command and went by boate to Plimouth They require a Parly and chose Collonell Barkley Collonell Whichcot and Collonell Butler on the Parliaments party On the Kings side Prince Maurice the Lord Generall and the Lord Digby in eight Articles the agreement was made to deliver up all their Artillery with all their bag and baggage no person under the degree of a Corporall to weare any kind of weapon all Officers above onely sword and pistoll There were accordingly deliver'd up 49 Pieces of Brasse Ordinance 200 barrells of powder with bullet and match proportionable 9000 Armes for Horse and foote some thousands of the common Souldiers were immediately upon their desire entertain'd in his Majesties service Essex endeavoureth to excuse it to the Parliament as if by reason of Wallers not pursuing the Kings Army Yet notwithstanding this Great Victory the King sends a Message to both Houses of Parliament for a peace and likewise a Letter to the Earle of Essex to the same purpose The Nobility likewise subscribe a Letter to the Earle of Essex The King from Tavestoke sends another Letter to both Houses for an accommodation but the Parliament were so averse that nothing could prevaile The Parliament at Oxford met againe but unfortunately they fell into divisions and factions
Left wing Routs them pursues them to Naseby Towne and being too eager of the plunder lost the King the day for in his absence Lieutenant Generall Cromwell Charges furiously on the Kings Left Wing and forc't them to retire from the body Sir Thomas Fairfax with the maine body advances falls on the Kings body who received them with much Valour and courage Great Rallyings there was on both sides and for a long time the battell was fought with Equall Courage but it pleased God to give the Victory to the Parliaments Forces for upon their Rallying they recovered Courage and Charged with greater fury forcing the Kings Forces to fly and had the pursuite of them within two miles of Leicester which is neere fourteen miles They left behind them all their traine of Artillery bag and baggage many were slaine 4000 taken prisoners 200 Wagons 3000 Horse many Officers of note On the Parliaments side about 1000 Officers and Common Souldiers diverse Officers wounded Great were the successes of the Parliament in diverse places In the field was taken the Kings Cabinet of Letters which were sent up to the Parliament and by them published The Marquesse of Winchester held out Basing House for the King a long time after it was besieged The Parliaments Forces despairing of gaining it drew off This was the last pitcht Battell that ever the King fought The King with some forces fled to Leicester and not conceiving himselfe safe by reason of the Parliaments forces advance goes to Ashbe de la Zouch where after he had rested himselfe a small time in the dead of the night went to Litchfield and so into Wales Sir Marmaduke Langdale fled the same night to New-wark Munday the 16 of June the Parliaments Generall and Army comes before Leicester The Generall summons the Governour immediately to deliver the Towne with all the Armes and Ammunition the Lord Hastings being Governour returnes answer that he would not deliver it but hold it out to the last man which occasioned the Generall to Issue out Warrants to summon the Country to bring in Ladders and things necessary for a storme And on the 17 of June they began to storme the Governour perceiving the danger sends a Trumpet to desire a parly for the delivery of the Towne which was concluded in then Articles and the next day the Towne was delivered up In it was 14 piece of Ordinance 30 Colours 2000 Armes 500 Horse with diverse other necessaries for warre The King returnes for Hereford with 2000 foote that Major Generall Gerhard had raised in Wales for him and posts over Severne toward Bristoll Prince Rupert following him with 3000 Horse Sir William Brereton in Shropshire sell on a party of the Kings routed them and took 300 prisoners Not long after Sir Thomas Glenham Governour of Carlile for the King having been a considerable time besieg'd and having no hopes of Reliefe delivers up the Towne on honourable Conditions Sir Thomas Fairfax marches with the best part of the Army to the Reliefe of Taunton then besieged by Goring At that time there was in the West a multitude of Rude people called Clubmen who declaring for the King did great mischiefe to diverse of the Parliaments Garrisons they boldly Capitulate with Sir Thomas Fairfax at Dorchester and desire safe passage for such as they should appoint to goe both to the King and Parliament in order to an Accommodation Sir Thomas civilly sends them an answer which not answering their expectation and fearing to oppose so potent an Army they draw off in discontent not without doing some mischiefe to the Governour of Linne then for the Parliament Upon the news of Sir Thomas Fairfax his arrivall within a dayes march of Taunton Goring draws off his forces the besieged sally out and forced the reare to retreate in disorder upon the Enemies flight the Army advances falls upon the Reare and took diverse prisoners They still pursuing at last engaged Goring at Langport whom they worsted and put to flight having taken diverse Colours some Armes and Ammunition The Generall returnes with the Army and resolves to besiege Bridgewater and having staid some time till supplyes came he closely begirts the Towne summons the Governour who returnes a resolute answer being every way well fortified and provided The Generall resolves to storme it on Munday the 22 of July 1645. Which accordingly was performed with much Resolution but the enemy within being nothing daunted fling Granadoes and other combustible stuffe to the prejudice of the besiegers The Generall the next day sends a Message telling them that their deniall had wrought in him no thoughts of Compassion but onely to women and children who might otherwise suffer by the Governours obstinacy and accordingly diverse Ladyes and Gentlewomen and Children came out of the Towne The Generall assaults them againe and at last compells them to a surrender they all to submit themselves prisoners and the Towne to be preserved from plunder which accordingly was performed Immediately after Pomfret and Scarborough Castles were surrendred no Reliefe being expected Toward the latter end of July the Generall summon'd Bath which was accordingly surrendred In August 1645. Lieutenant Generall Cromwell falls on the Club-men who at that time were very high and insolent kills diverse and took above 300 prisoners The Generall summons Sherburne Castle of which Sir Lewis Dives was Governour who return'd a resolute answer but the next day was taken by storme The Generall immediately resolves to besiege Bristoll which was govern'd by Prince Rupert Orders were sent for Ships to begirt it by Sea he summons the Governour who refusing to surrender immediately he surrounds it they within sally out six or seven times not without losse on both sides at last it was agreed to send a positive summons and upon refusall to storme it The Prince requires leave to know the Kings minde but the Generall would by no meanes permit it Upon the Princes refusall at a Councell of War it was resolv'd to storme it which accordingly was with much Courage performed the Towne was fired in many places which moved the Prince to request a parly which the Generall consented too on condition that care should be taken to quench the fire and accordingly by Articles of agreement the 11 of September 1645. The City with all the Armes Ammunition was deliver'd up The Prince with the rest immediately march to Oxford During the time of Bristolls siege news was brought of the severall successes of Montrosse in Scotland against the Covenanters which moved the Generall Lieutenant Generall and all the Colonels of the Regiments to subscribe a Letter to General Leaven of the Condition of the Kingdome and their willingnesse to spare forces for their assistance All this while the King moves up and downe sometimes in Wales sometimes in one County sometimes in another still hearing the mishaps and disasters hapning on the neck one of another so that all his hopes were almost frustrate Lieutenant General Cromwell
February 1647. they were carried to his Majesty by Major Generall Browne and the Scotch Commissioners who were to bring an answer in six dayes upon the Receit of the Propositions he desired to know whether they were the same with those he received at Newcastle it was answered there was onely some little alterations as to persons that served him in the late war then he desired to know of the Scotch Commissioners if they concur'd they answer'd they did His Majesty said they were matters of Great concernment and requir'd serious consideration but he would take care that they should have an answer within the time limited The Committee and Commissioners order 6000 foote 2400 Horse and 500 Dragoones to be sent into Ireland and care was taken to provide all necessary provisions The Commons likewise Order a moneths Gratuity to be given to the Army They likewise Vote a standing Army of 18000 foote 7200 Horse and a 1000 Dragoones be kept up as a standing Army for England An answer came from his Majesty which was by the House Voted not satisfactory The Commons took into consideration the Actions of diverse Eminent Citizens in London tending to a new war Vote a Charge of high nature be brought in and the Lord Mayor Alderman Adams Alderman Langham Alderman Bunce and Sheriffe Cullam with diverse other active Citizens were taken into Custody diverse Lords were committed to the Black Rod as the Earle of Lincolne Earle of Suffolke Lord Barkley Lord Willowby Lord Maynard Lord Hunsden September the 28. 1647. The Commons once more Vote to send to his Majesty and to that purpose they considered of severall Propositions That about Religion being the maine thing They also Vote his Majesty be desired to give his consent to such Act or Acts of Parliament as shal be presented to him for setling of Presbyterian Government according to the matter of severall Ordinances of Parliament for the Directory or Church Government to continue for the space of three yeares from the time that the King shall give his consent to such Act or Acts. They likewise Voted the Common-prayer-booke shall not be used in private The Souldiers about his Majesty are very civill permitting his Majesty to Hunt with the Duke of Richmond Marquesse of Hartford Marquesse of Ormond Earle of Southampton and diverse others of the Nobility without any Interruption His Majesty sent a Letter to the Generall desiring his Children to stay with him a night or two it being too great a Journey to goe and come to St James's in a day which he communicates to the Parliament They Order the Earle of Northumberland to satisfie his Majesty about his Children The Heads of the Propositions agreed upon by both Houses to be presented to his Majesty were these 1. The Militia for twenty yeares in the hands of Parliament or Committee of Parliament in Intervalls 2. Money be raised to pay the publique debts of the Kingdome 3. All Honours bestowed by his Majesty since the 22 of May 1642. to be Null and Voyd 4. Nulling his Majesties Great Seale and confirming that of the Parliament 5. Totally to abolish Bishops and their Hierarchy roote and branch 6. All their Lands to be sould for the payment of publique debts and other necessary Charges of the Kingdome 7. Make voyd the cessation of Ireland 8. The Election of all the Chiefe Officers of trust as Treasurer Admirall be by Parliament and they to hold during their good behaviour The Deputy of Ireland to be appointed by Parliament and to hold during pleasure 9. The Presbyterian Government to be settled as to the Religious service of God 10. The Treaties betwixt England and Scotland be confirm'd as it is now agreed 11. Justices of peace and Sheriffs to be Chosen by Grand Jury men 12. That his Majesty restore all such servants to their places as have been put out for adhering to the Parliament 13. That his Majesty passe an Act for the sale of Deane and Chapters Lands and the money to be dispos'd of as both Houses of Parliament shall think fit 14. That his Majesty shall not give pardon of Life to seven excepted persons 15. That his Majesty passe an Act for the dis-forresting all the Forrests and Chases in England 16. That his Majesty passe an Act for securing the arreares of the Souldiers of the Army and all other Souldiers that have serv'd the Parliament and those arreares to be payd out of the Remainder of Bishops Lands 17. That the Count of Wards be null and that his Majesty have 50000 l. per Annum in lieu of it 18. A period may be set to this Parliament All which being Granted His Majesty the Queene and Prince to Enjoy their revenues and the King to Governe The Commons order diverse of his Majesties old servants be discharg'd and that there be a stricter Guard then usuall The Scotch Commissioners sent a Letter to the House of the deep sense of his Majesties Imprisonment withall desiring his Majesty may come to London to treat with Honour Freedome and Safety and advise that it would withall be the most profitable and effectuall meanes for attaining of a happy peace and setling Religion the Restoring of his Majesty to his just Rights and continuing and strengthning a good understanding with both Nations Which Letter was layd aside News was brought to the House that his Majesty had made an escape out of his restraint from Hampton Court The manner thus November 11. 1647. He according to his custome withdrew himselfe to be private a little before Evening prayer staying somewhat longer then was usuall it was taken notice of yet at first without suspition but he not coming forth suddenly there were feares which increased by the Crying of a Grayhound severall times within in the room and upon search it was found that the King was gone and by the way of Paradice a place so call'd in the garden much about the close of the Evening He left on the Table three Papers one to the Parliament one to the Commissioners and a third to Colonell Whaly one of them was as followeth Liberty being that which in all times hath been but especially now is the condition the aym and desire of all men common reason shews that Kings lesse then any should endure captivity yet I call God to witnesse with what patience I have endur'd a tedious restraint which so long as I had any hopes that this sort of my suffering might conduce to the peace of my Kingdomes or the hindring of more effusion of blood I did willingly undergoe but now finding by too certaine proofes that this my continued patience must not onely turne to my personall ruine but likewise be of more prejudice then furtherance to the publique good I thought I was bound as well by naturall as politicall obligations to seeke my safety by retiring my selfe sometime from the publique view both of my friends and enemies and I appeale to all indifferent men to judge if I have not
was laid aside Money being provided on the 14 of September the Commissioners set forward for the Isle of Wight forty dayes was the time limited his Majesty desir'd that the first day on which nothing was performed but visits might not be reckoned for one of the forty The next day the Personall Treaty began and it may very well be call'd Personall for was it ever knowne that a King of England argued and disputed alone with able men selected out of the Parliament they personally to argue pro and con with a King His Majesty being seated in a Chair of State those his assistants by him were silent His Majesty desir'd a Copy of the Heads that they came to treat upon the Commissioners answered they were the same with those at Hampton Court His Majesty replyed some of those Heads concern'd Scotland the Commissioners said they came to treat onely of those that concern'd England and Ireland The King desir'd the Scots might be Included to which the Commissioners answered they had no Instructions to permit it his Majesty further desired that what papers he might put in during the Treaty might be no way obliging till such time as all was agreed The Commissioners Insisted on the first Article which was that his Majesty should recall all his Declarations to which he brought many pressing arguments professing he was in a very great straight to yeild would leave a blot and staine upon himselfe and those that assisted him and to breake off the Treaty upon that would be very prejudiciall to him and the whole Kingdome desiring some expedient might be found out The next day the Commissioners gave weighty reasons to his Majesty which mov'd him to signe it with this proviso that if the whole was not concluded this concession of his should not be taken advantage of The second Proposition wholly related to the settlement of the Church which being very long took some time In it he scrupled at two things first at his own taking the Covenant the second against pluralities much wondring that this should be put on him when the Parliament had granted more pluralities to some men then ever he did to any after much serious consideration the King gave in a Paper wherein he agreed First to settle the Directory secondly to passe an Act to confirme the Assembly thirdly that Presbyterian Government be setled for three yeares in the Interim a consultation be had what Government shall be setled at the expiration of the three yeares provided he and his party may have Liberty to use the old forme he liked not the sale of Bishops Lands for ninety nine years and utterly refused to take the Covenant Further adding that when he came to London he should be willing to passe any thing that his two Houses should advise to As to the Proposition for taking away all Honours since 1642. his Majesty is consenting that all persons on whom Honours have been confer'd since May 21. 1642. shall be uncapable of sitting in the House without the consent of both Houses of Parliament Concerning Delinquents his Majesty consents that all persons that have had any hand in the plotting contrary designes or assisting the Rebellion of Ireland shall expect no pardon For Delinquents his Majesty desires they may compound moderately for their Estates and further for the quiet and settlement of the Kingdome his Majesty is willing that all those Delinquents whom the Parliament shall not thinke fit be not admitted to Councell or Court without the consent of both Houses The Commissioners being bound up to receive a positive answer durst not accept of that Divers meetings and arguings were on both sides for and against at last on the 21 of October the King put in a Paper containing the Heads of those things that he requir'd which were 1. That he be put in a condition of freedome Honour and safety and have the faith of the two Houses therefore 2. That he may be restored to his Lands and Revenues 3. That he may have compensation for the Court of Wards and such other of his revenue as he shall part withall 4. An Act of Oblivion and Indempnity be past Which Propositions the Commissioners communicate to the Lords who upon debate finde them to be so reasonable as to consent to them all They likewise Informe the House of his Majesties answer to Religion and the Covenant which the House Vote not satisfactory and will by no meanes permit him the use of the Common prayer but for the Covenant they are content to suspend it but order the Commissioners to proceed on the rest The Lords Vote that they approve of his Majestie suspension of Episcopacy for three yeares provided it take no place afterward but by consent of Parliament The Lords and Commons Vote their Commissioners returne from the Treaty excepting the Earle of Northumberland Mr Perepoint and Mr Hollis The Commons debated of his Majesties Propositions and Vote that they agree 1. That he be in Honour freedome and safety according to the Laws 2. That he have his revenue as before excepting the Dedications of such Forts and Garrisons as were of old accustom'd to be allow'd maintenance 3. That he have compensation for the Court of Wards 4. That an Act of Oblivion be past All which they communicate to the Lords The King having Granted the Parliament to dispose of all Great Offices for ten yeares they Vote it satisfactory Lieutenant Generall Cromwell enters Scotland and puts out strict Proclamation for the Civill deportment of his Army He no sooner enters the Kingdome but Monroe and others dispairing of successe disband the new Levies and returne malancholly to Edenborough The Lieutenant Generall was with many of the Officers of the Army Nobly feasted by the Nobility and Gentry of that Nation at Edenborough The Scots send Commissioners to London to the Parliament to shew their Just dislike of the late Levies On the 9th of October he had Carlile deliver'd up to him who immediately appointed Sir Arthur Haslerig to be Governour Endeavours were made for the betraying of Pendennis Castle but it was timely prevented Lanerick the Governour of Barwick sent desiring Conditions for the delivering of the Town which was accordingly consented to The Lieutenant Generall with the Army returne out of Scotland not without much thanks from the Generality of the Nobility The Committee of York Petition the Lieutenant Generall to take care of the siege of Pomfret who accordingly sent a sharp summons to the Governour to which the Governour sent a Reply which in effect was a deniall Major Generall Skippon Reports to the House the great danger they were in by reason of the great concourse of Malignants and disaffected persons into the City together with the plots tending to assassinate many of the Members and of his Inability to assist them without a Guard requiring if they thinke it convenient that some of the Army come to Guard them upon which the House appointed a time to consider of
He the said Charles Stuart hath given Commissions to his Son the Prince for that purpose By which cruel and unnaturall war by him the said Charles Stuart Levied continued and renued as aforesaid much Innocent blood hath been spilt many families have been undone The publique Treasury wasted and exhausted Trade obstructed and decayed Vast expence and damage to the Nation incur'd and many parts of the Land spoyled some even to desolation And for further prosecution of the said evill designes He the said Charles Stuart doth still continue his Commissions to the said Prince and other Rebells and Revolters All which wicked designes Wars and evill practices of him the said Charles Stuart have been and are carried on for the Advancing and Vpholding of the Personall Interest of Will and Power and pretended Prerogatives to himselfe against the Publique Interest Right Justice and peace of the Nation by and for whom he was Intrusted as aforesaid By all which it appeareth that He the said Charles Stuart hath been and is the occasioner Author and contriver of the said Vnnatural War and thereby Guilty of all the Treasons Murthers Rapines burnings spoyles desolations damage and mischiefe to this Nation acted and committed in the said Wars or occasion'd thereby And the said John Cook doth for the said Treasons and Crimes on the behalfe of the people of England Impeace the said Charles Stuart as a Tyrant Traytor Murtherer and a Publique and Implacable Enemy to the Common wealth of England And therefore prayeth that the said Charles Stuart King of England may be put to answer all and every the premises that such Proceedings Examinations Tryalls Sentences and Judgements may be hereupon had as may be agreeable to Justice The Lord President Replyed Sir you have now heard your Charge Read and in the Close it is prayed in behalfe of the Commons of England that you answer to your Charge The Court Expects your Answer The King I would know by what Power I was cald hither I was not long agoe in the Isle of Wright how I came thither is too long to relate or then I thinke now to speak of there I was in treaty with both Houses of Parliament was as much publique faith as its possible we were almost come to the Conclusion of a Treaty I would now know by what Authority I meane lawfull for there are many unlawfull Authorities in the world theeves and robbers by the high way but I would know by what Lawfull authority I was brought from thence and carried from place to place and when I know by what Lawfull Authority I shall answer Remember I am your King and what sins you bring upon your heads and what Judgements upon this Land thinke well upon it I say thinke well upon it before you goe from one sin to a greater Therefore let me know by what Lawfull Authority I am seated here In the meane time I shall not betray my trust I have a trust committed to me by God by old and Lawfull descent I will not betray it by answering to a new and Unlawfull Authority Lord President If you had been pleased to have observ'd what had been hinted to you by the Court at your first coming hither you would have knowne by what Authority Which Authority requires you in the name of the people of England by which you are Elected King to answer them The King No Sir I deny that Lord President If you acknowledge not the Authority of the Court they must proceed The King I doe tell them so England is an hereditary and not an Elective Kingdome and hath been so neare 1000 yeares therefore let me know by what Authority I am cald hither I stand more for the priviledge of my people than any that are seated here still urging to know by what Authority he was seated there and he would answer otherwise not President Charges the King with Interrogating the Court which did not beseeme him in that condition The King tould him he was brought from the Isle of Wight by force and he did not come there as submitting to the Court professing to stand for the priviledge of the House of Commons still urging a Legall Authority warranted by the Word of God or the Constitution of the Kingdome and he would Answer President Seeing you will not answer the Court will consider how to proceed in the meane time you are to be carried away by them that brought you hither The Court desires to know whether this is all you will answer The King Sir I desire you would Give me and all the world satisfaction in this it s no sleight thing you are about I am sworne to God for the peace of my Country and therefore you would doe well to satisfie God and then the world by what Authority you doe this there is a God in Heaven that will call you and all that Gives you power to account President The Court expects your finall answer you desire satisfaction of their Authority it is upon Gods Authority and that 's our present Work The King That which you have said satisfies no reasonable man President That 's in your apprehension we thinke it reasonable that are your Judges The King Neither your apprehension nor mine ought to decide it President Commands the King to be taken away And accordingly he was convey'd back to St James's Two dayes after on the 22 of January the Court meet in the painted Chamber where they order that the King shall not be sufferd to argue the Jurisdiction of the Court and that in case the King should againe dispute their Authority the President is to let him know that the Court hath consider'd his demands the last day and that he ought to rest satisfied with this answer That the Commons of England assembled in Parliament have constituted this Court whose power may not nor shall not be disputed against by him Further That in case the King shall not answer the President is to let him know that the Court doth take it as a contumacy and record it and in case he answer with a saving notwithstanding of his pretended Prerogative above the Jurisdiction of the Court the President to refuse his protest and require his positive answer whether he will own the Court or not And in case the King shall continue in his contempt The President shall command the Clarke to demand of the King them Charles Stuart King of England you are accus'd in behalfe of the people of England of divers high Crimes and Treasons which Charge hath been Read to you The Court requires you to give your positive answer either to confesse or deny And forthwith the Court assembles in Westminster Hall where after their Names are cald over the Captaine of the Guard is commanded to fetch the King who being brought and seated as before a Great shout was made by the people Soliciter Cooke againe accuseth the King as before the Charge being Read he required he might give a positive answer
God that you doe take those courses that are best for the good of the Kingdom and your own Salvations Bishop of London Will your Majesty though it be very well known what your Majesties affections are to Religion yet because it may be expected that You should say somewhat declare your self for the Worlds satisfaction in that point KING I thank you very heartily my Lord for that I had almost forgotten it In troth Sirs My Conscience in Religion I think is very well known to all the World and therefore I declare before you all That I die a Christian according to the profession of the Church of England as I found it left to Me by My Father and this honest * Pointing to the Bishop man I think will witnesse it Then turning to the Officers He said Sirs excuse Me for this same I have a good cause and I have a gracious God I will say no more Bishop of London There is but one Stage more This Stage is turbulent and troublesome it is a short one But You may consider it will soon carry You from Earth to Heaven and there You shall finde a great deal of cordial joy and comfort KING I goe from a corruptible to an incorruptible Crown where no disturbance can be no disturbance in the World The Bishop You are exchanged from a temporal to an eternal Crown a good exchange Then the King after some short and servent ejaculations in private with hands and eyes lift up to Heaven immediately stooping down laid His neck upon the Block And then the Executioner appointed to give the fatal blow putting His hair under His Cap the King said Stay for the signe And after a very little pause stretching forth His hands the Executioner at one blow severed His Head from His Body and he changed a troublesome life for a quiet death His body was put in a Coffin covered with black Velvet and from thence carried to his House at St. James's where it was put in a Coffin of Lead laid there to be seen by the people On Wednesday the 7th of Feb. his Corpses was delivered to two of his servants to be buried at Windsor whether the next day The Duke of Richmond the Marquess of Hartford the Earls of Lindsey and Southampton together with Dr. Juxon and divers others repaired where with much difficulty they finde a Vault in St. Georges Chappell where King Henry the Eighth was formerly buried which being prepared a small piece of Lead some two foote long and two inches broad was provided on which was inscribed King CHARLES 1648. which was sawdred to the brest of the Corpse all things being in readinesse the Corpse was brought to the Vault by the Souldiers of the Garrison over which was a black Velvet Hearse-Cloth which was supported by foure Lords the Bishop of London stood weeping by then was it deposited in silence and sorrow the Hearse-Cloth being cast in after it FINIS A Table of the principall things contained in this BOOK A. BIsnop Andrews death 15 Sir Robert Anstruther sent Ambassadour into Germany 25 Lord Audly Arraigned and condemn'd 26 Bishop Abbots death 27 Articles of the Church consented to in ireland 30 Articles betwixt the Scots and English 38 Armes atrive from Holland for the King 69 Armyes Declaration 133 Their second Declaration 167. Their reasons for secluding the Members 169 Petition for Justice on the Capitall offenders ibid B. Buckingham accus'd of Treasen by Gondamore 4. Sent into Holland 10. accuses Digly 12. His Voyage for Reliefe of Rochell 16. 1s stabd by Felton 19. Interd at Westminster 20 Judge Barkleys aresting in the Kings Bench. 47 Bucking ham shire Petition for Mr. Hamden 60 Blake executed for treachery 79 Bransord fight 80 Browns successes at Abbington 97 Brereton Victorious 105 Barwick surprized 142. C. King Charles borne 1. Created Duke of York ib. Goes into Spaine 2. Arrives safe home 3. Proclaimed King of Great Brittaine 6. Espousd to Henneretta Maria. 7. Summons a Parliament ibid. His Speech 8. Adjournes the Parliament to Oxford 9. In want ibid. And dessolves them 10. His Coronation 11. Calls a second Parliament ibid. His Speech in the House 12. Dissolves the Parliament 13. Assists the French 14. His speech to the Queens attendants ibid. Summons a third Parliament 17. Grants the Petition of Right 19. Speech in the Lords House 23. Dissolves the Parliament 24. Visited with the small Pox 27. Goes into Scotland ibid. His care for the service of God in Scotland 28. Sends an Army to suppresse the Scots 36. Summons a fourth Parliament 39. He addresses himself to the City for money 41. Rayses a second Army against the Scots ibid Speech to the long Parliament 44. Speech in the Banqueting House 46. He breaks the Dutch match to them 47. Passeth the Bill for Trieniall Parliaments ibid. Vindicates the Earl of Strafford 49. Goes into Scotland 54. Appoints Essex Generall ib. Returnes from Scotland 55. Charges the five Members with high treason 57. Goes to the House to demand them 59. Goes to Hampton Court 61. Thence to Dover 62. Comes back to Greenwich thence to Theobalds 62. Sends to the House of his Intentions for Ireland 64. Demands Hull 65. Speech to the Gentry of Yorkshire ibid. Sends out Commissions of Array 69. His speech to the Nobility and Gentry at York 70. Besieges Hull ib. Hepublishes his Grand Declaration at York 72. Sets up his Standard 73. Sends a Message from Nottingham ibid. Sets up a Mint at Shrewsbury 75. Summons Glocester 86. Summons a Parliament at Oxford 90. Receives the Sacrament at Oxford 91. Sends a Message for peace 93. Dissolves the Parliament at Oxford 94. Flies to Leicester 104. Sends Propositions for peace 109. Flies disguisd to the Scots Army 110. Sends a Message from Newcastle 114. Comes to Holmbey 116. Desires to come to London 118. comes to Newmarket 119. Removd to Causum 120. Thence to Woborne 121. Removd to Hampton Court 122. Flies to the Isle of Wight 126. his Letter to the House 150. Sent a Letter to the Generall 133. Letter to the Lords 134. He earnestly presses a personall Treaty 135. is discontented 139. sends an answer to the Parliaments Message 150. sends a Message to the House 157 conveyd to Hurst Castle 168 brought to Windsor 170. brought to St. James's 171 His first dayes Triall 172 second dayes Triall 179 third dayes Triall 181. last dayes Triall 183. sentence 188. his reasons against the Court 189. Committee appointed to consider of Execution 191. Jan. 30. 1648. appointed for his execution 193. His speech on the scaffold 194. He 's executed 198. Inter'd at Windsor 199 Cades Voyage 10 Mr. Cooks Insolent speech in the House 11 Mr. Crew sent to the Tower 40 County of York petition the King 64 City of London set up Chaines and Posts 76. Petition the Parliament 141 Cirencester for the Parliam 81 Covenant Taken throughout the Kingdome 87 Countesse of Darby holds out Latham House 91 Coruish Hugg 92 Lieutenant
some few Vipers among them that cast this mist of undutifulnesse over most of their eyes yet to say truth there was a good number there that could not be infected with this contagion in so much that some did expresse their duties in speaking which was the Generall fault of the House the last day To conclude as these Vipers must look for their reward of punishment so you my Lords must justly expect from me that favour and protection that a good King oweth to his loving and dutifull subjects And now my Lord Keeper doe what I command you who in the Kings name dissolv'd the Parliament The Parliament being dissolv'd the King sets forth a Declaration of the Causes Grounds and Motives that caused him to dissolve them together with an account of all the Transactions of this and the last Parliament Not long after the King sent for ten of the last Parliament to appeare at the Councell Table viz. Mr. Hollis Sir Miles Hobert Sir John Eliot Sir Peter Hayman Mr. Selden Mr. Stroud Mr. Correton Mr. Valentine Mr. Long Mr. Kirton who having been examin'd by the Lord Treasurer some were sent to the Tower some to the Gate-House others to the Fleete which afterward begot a very high controversie in Law The Queen being affrighted was before her time delivered of a Son who was baptized Charles which lived not above two houres The States of Venice sent over an Ambassadour to mediate for a peace betwixt us the French which was concluded in eight Articles and confirmed with solemn Oaths on both sides Two great Reasons were given for the Kings suddaine consent to a peace the one was the ill successe and bad fortune that alwayes attended his warlike designes the other and maine the sinews of war being dried and shrunk up the Exchequer was very barren Peter Reuben the famous Painter of Antwerp came over into England and made overtures of a peace with Spaine by offering the restitution of the Palatinate then which nothing was more desirable of the King but he had not full power to performe On the 29 of May 1630. the Queen was deliver'd of her second Son who was baptized the 27 of June at St James's with all Princely ceremony and named Charles which caused great rejoycings and acclamations among the people excepting the Puritan party At his birth a Star appeared visibly at noone day just as the King went to St Pauls Church to give thankes where he was presented with these Verses When to Pauls-Cross the Gratefull King draw nere A shining Star did in the Heavens appeare Thou that consults with divine Mysteries Tell me what this bright Comet signifies Now is there borne a valiant Prince i' th West That shall Eclipse the Kingdoms of the East The King being deeply sensible of his brothers miseries and being informed of a Diet at Ratsbone sent Sir Robert Anstruther Ambassadour to the Emperour and Estates in Germany to mediate in his brothers behalfe to which the Emperour return'd Answer that no forraine businesse was to be medled withall at the Diet but as soone as possibly he could he would doe that which might be for his Honour and he hoped to his Majesties content upon which the Ambassadour returnes One Layton a Rigid Presbyter who published a book call'd Zions Plea in which he excited the Parliament and People to kill all the Bishops Very abusive also to the Queene calling her the Daughter of Heth a Canaanite an Idolatresse was sentenced in the Star-Chamber to have his nose slit his eares cropt and stigmatized in the forehead which he for some time prevented by an Escape out of the Fleete but being taken underwent it The Peace betwixt England and Spaine was at last concluded the Articles being the same in effect with those that were betwixt King James and Philip the Third excepting that the King of Spaine should dispose of all his Interest in the Emperour toward the restitution of the Palatinate which was proclaimed Sunday the 27 of November 1630. with Great solemnity Aprill the 25. 1631. Mervin Lord Audley Earle of Castle-Haven was arraigned at the Kings-Bench Bar before Thomas Lord Coventry who for that day was appointed Lord High Treasurer of England he being found Guilty of Rape and Sodomy was by his Peeres condemned and Executed the 14 of May at Tower hill And on the 27 of June following Mr. Broadway and Fitz Patrick servants to and concriminaries with the Lord Audley were tryed at the Kings-Bench-Bar and being found Guilty the one of Rape the other of Sodomy were condemned and on the sixt of July were executed at Tyburne The Queene was the 4th of November 1631. deliver'd of her eldest Daughter who was baptized Mary December 2d 1632. The King was visited with the small Pox but by Gods blessing soone recovered Anno 1632. The Church of St Paul which by the pious zeale of our Auncestors was raysed to that huge bulke that all Christendome was not able to paralell being through age decayed was by the piety of his Majesty the Bishops the Nobility Gentry and Commonalty of the Nation begun to be repaired and a very great progresse was made therein but the unhappy differences of the Nation ensuing caus'd its obstruction Anno 1633. The King having been often solicited to goe into Scotland in order to his personall Coronation on the 13th of May he sets forward with a Princely Traine most of the English Nobility all the Scots that attended here and on the way was very Nobly treated by diverse of the Nobility and Gentry ospecially by the Earle of Newcastle at Welbeck On the 10 of June he came safe to Edenborough where he was Crowned with all outward seeming affection and on the 20 of July return'd safe to the Queen at Greenwich In the beginning of August dyed the Reverend Prelate George Abbot Archbishop of Canterbury William Laud then of London immediately succeeded him October the 13th 1633. the Queen was delivered of her second Son who was baptized James and on the 24 of the same moneth was by Letters pattent created Duke of York The King taking into his Princely care the Irreverend and remisse service of God in the Kingdome of Scotland sent Orders to be observed by the Deane of his Chappell as in England 1 That prayer be said twice a day according to the English forme 2 The Sacrament to be administred once a moneth and to be received Kneeling 3 That he which Officlates on Holy dayes doe it in his Surplice Which though backt with a Letter requiring exact obedience the Deane durst not performe for feare of discontenting the people The King by the Advice of the Bishops and Councell Reviv'd his Fathers Declaration for tolerating Lawfull Sports on the Sunday which gave great distast to the people especially to the puritanicall party On the second of February being Candlemas day at night the King and Queene were entertained at White Hall with a Mask of the Gentlemen of the Inns of Court The
that he denied the King Entrance They are both sent by Sea prisoners to the Parliament and Sir Matthew took possession of the Towne June 17. 1643. The Earle of Essex at Tane orders the Buckingham Forces to beat up the Kings quarters which accordingly they did Prince Rupert having notice of it falls in with a body of Horse Routed and disperst most of the party There was slaine the Earle of Musgraves Son and Mr. Hamden one of the five Impeached Members a man violently active against the King At that time the Parliaments Army was much visited with the Contagion many dying daily On the fift of July was a great defeat given to Sir William Waller in the West after he had continued there victoriously for some time by a party from Oxford conducted by the Lord Wilmot which defeate gave a great Check to the Parliament The Generall by reason of the sicknesse and other great wants of his Army marches towards London quartering them at Kingston on Thames and other adjacent places Great were the successes of the King almost in every part of the Kingdome for Sir William Waller was quite routed in the West Sir Ralph Hopton in the head of a Gallant Army upon whom the King was pleased for his fidelity and Valour to confer the Honour and Title of a Baron Prince Rupert was order'd to besiege Bristoll which in short time was deliver'd to him Prince Maurice besieged Exceter whither the Earle of Stamford was fled which on the fourth of September 1643 was diliver'd up to him upon Articles Sir John Barkly was made Governour The Lord Fairfax Sir Thomas Fairfax and most of the Parliaments forces in the North were defeated driven into Hull by the Lord of Newcastle who at that time commanded the Greatest Army in England and not onely able to terrifie the Parliaments Forces in England but likewise formidable to any Scotch forces that should come to their assistance Collonell Goring landed at Newcastle with 200 old Souldiers The Earle of Newcastle in his march from Tadcaster surprized Leeds and in it diverse persons of quality friends to the Parliament he likewise proclaimes the Lord Fairfax traytor The King in the Head of a Gallant Army summons Glocester offering free pardon and protection to the Inhabitants if they would lay downe their Armes requiring a positive answer in two houres In the Interim he surrounds the Towne with six thousand Horse and foote by the time appointed the Magistrates Officers and Souldiers returne this answer That they kept the Towne for his Majesty and his Royall posterity and doe accordingly conceive our selves wholly bound to obey the Commands of his Majesty signified by both Houses of Parliament and are resolved by Gods Help to keep the City accordingly The King stood amazed at their confidence for at that time they could not hope for reliefe In the Towne was onely one Regiment of foote an hundred Horse beside the trained bands in all not exceeding fifteen hundred men The King resolves to lay a close siege and a considerable party Intrencht on the South and East side though they within sallied out with some damage to the Kings forces the Welsh and Worcestershire forces on the North west side Generall Ruthen on the South-side the East and South parts were dam'd up with Earth They within make no lesse then eight sallies in ten dayes with no small prejudice to the besiegers The King prepares for a storme which with much valour was performed on both sides a mine was sprung under the East gate which they countermand by the industry of Collonell Massey the Governour The Parliament being inform'd of the Kings Intentions toward Glocester order the Generall to march out who mustred about 10000 Horse and foote at Hounslow and so marches forward for the reliefe of the Towne They likewise took care for recruiting an Army for Sir William Waller The Generall being come within seven miles of Glocester fired some pieces of Ordinance to give notice of his approach On the first of September a party of Horse is sent to face him whilst the King drew off from the siege Many of the Kings friends much blamed him for sitting downe before the Towne when he might without difficulty have come to London and fully ended the work for the Parliament were never in so low a condition since the beginning of the warre as they were when the King first sat downe before the Towne The Lords House being sensible of the danger Uote a Treaty and the Commons were consulting of it The Parliament sent to require the assistance of their brethren of Scotland and Vote 30000 l. be instantly borrowed for their advance The Solemne League and Covenant was drawn up and taken by all the Members of both Houses and orderd to be Imposed on all the associated Counties Doctor Featly a reverend and learned Divine was Imprisoned for refusing to take it The King immediately sends out his Proclamation against it in these words Whereas there is printed a paper pretended to be order'd by the Commons in Parliament on the 21 of September last to be printed and published which Covenant though it seemes to make specious expressions of piety and religion it is indeed nothing else but a traiterous and seditious combination against him and against the established religion and Lawes of this Kingdome in pursuance of a traiterous designe and endeavour to bring in forraine forces to invade this Kingdome his Majesty doth therefore straitly charge and command all his loving subjects of what degree and quality soever upon their allegiance that they presume not to take the said seditious and traiterous Covenant most straitly forbidding all his subjects to tender the said Covenant as they will answer the contrary at their extreamest perill The Earle of Bedford and Holland came to Oxford to tender their allegiance to the King but after a short stay return'd to the Parliament The Marquesse of Ormond the Kings Lieutetenant Generall in Ireland upon the Kings Letter sends over five Regiments of Souldiers for the Kings service every Officer and Souldier first took an Oath to defend the Protestant cause and the Kings person against all enemies Essex suddenly surprizes Cirencester by killing the Centery marcht into the Towne without any opposition and in it took Great store of Armes and Ammunition with thirty Cart Load of provisions which was there reserv'd for the Kings Army From thence he marches to Chilleton The Kings Forces drew up on Maverne hills The Earle of Essex drew off toward Hungerford and from thence toward Newbery which the Kings Forces had possest before-hand On Wednesday the 20 of September 1643. was fought the famous battell of Newbery on which depended the condition of the whole Kingdome The Kings Forces early in the morning had possest themselves of Biggs hill Essex his own Regiment assisted with Collonell Barkleys and Collonell Holburnes Regiment marcht and Charging furiously beate them from the Hill and possest it By this time a great
Bar and likewise the Lord Fairfax 1000 l. per Annum The Scots being encouraged by the Votes of the House pretend that Scotland was much exhausted by the late war and that his Majesties presence in Scotland might endanger the peace of that Nation so that it may truly be said of him as the Scripture expresseth of our Lord and Saviour He came to his own and his own received him not At last it was concluded 100000 l. to be told at York sealed and put in boxes The Scots to give Hostages to deliver up Newcastle Tinmouth and all other Garrisons thereabout the other 100000 l when they shall goe on the other side of Tine The other 200000 l. to be secured to be paid out of Delinquents estates They to deliver up the King and depart home and quit all their Garrisons The Assemblyes Confession of Faith was Voted by the House to be printed And likewise an Ordinance past for continuing the Army under Sir Thomas Fairfax for six moneths and the disbanding Major Generall Masseys Brigade The Common Enemy being quite beaten out of the field there hapned sad divisions in the Parliament and Army at home They were distinguished into two severall parties under the title of Presbyterian and Independent the Independent being the most subtill and close Insinuated into the most part of the Army and carried on their designes with greater Vigor and Resolution then the other as the sequell will manifest The King from Newcastle on the 20 of December 1646. sends a Message to both Houses of Parliament at Westminster and to the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland for a personall Treaty Charles R. His Majesties thoughts have been alwayes sincerely bent to the peace of his Kingdomes was and will be ever desirous to take all wayes that might most clearely make appeare the candor of his Intentions to his people and to this end could find no better way then to propose a personall and free debate with his two Houses of Parliament upon all the present differences yet finding very much contrary to his expectation that this offer was laid aside His Majesty beat all his thoughts to make his Intentions fully knowne by a particular answer to the Propositions deliver'd to him in the name of both Kingdomes the 24 of July last and that his Majesty plainly saw that whatsoever answer he could give was subject to mis-informations and mis-constructions which upon his own explanation he is confident will give good satisfaction for the setling of a lasting peace to which purpose his Majesty desireth to come to London or any of his Houses thereabouts upon the publick faith and security of his two Houses where by his personall presence he may not onely raise a mutuall confidence betwixt him and his people but also have those doubts cleared and those difficulties explained to him assuring them that he will make no other demands but such as he believes confidently to be just and such as will tend much to the tranquility of the people for except King and people have reciprocall care each of other neither can be happy To conclude it is your King that desires to be heard the which if refused to a subject by a King he would be thought a tyrant for it wherefore his Majesty requests you to accept this offer and that it will be the readiest way to make these Kingdomes a Comfort to their Friends and a Terror to their Enemies The Lords and Commons after some time sent a Letter by Sir Peter Killigrew in answer to the Kings Message Both Houses Voted his Majesty to come to his House at Holmbey in Northampton-shire a House not Inferior to any in the Kingdome They likewise Vote that the Earle of Pembrooke the Earle of Denbigh and the Lord Mountague Sir Walter Earle Sir John Holland Sir James Harrington Sir John Cooks Mr. Crue and Major Generall Browne with Mr Marshall and Mr Caryl to attend them be sent as Commissioners to receive the King at Newcastle and to conduct him to Holmbey They likewise orderd diverse servants to attend him The sixt of February 1646. The Scots according to agreement quit Newcastle and the English possest it they likewise deliver'd up his Majesty to the Commissioners sent by the Parliament his Majesty seemed somewhat unwilling at first to goe to Holmbey rather choosing to goe to Newmarket but after a short time he was satisfied but by no meanes he could be drawne to heare Mr. Marshall or Mr. Caryl preach hoping they will allow him his Conscience Munday the 8 of February his Majesty with a sad and sorrowfull Countenance set forward with the Commissioners attended with 900 Horse and that night came to Durham on thursday to Aukland fryday to Richmond saturday to Rippon and there rested the Sabbath day Munday to Leeds tuesday to Wakefeild wednesday to Rotheram so to Mansfeild thence to Leicester where he stays the next Lords day on Munday He sets forward for Holmbey whither being no sooner come but Proclamation is made that none that had deserted the Parliament and assisted the King should presume to come neare his Majesty Sir Thomas Fairfax came to Leicester with a considerable part of the Army where he was met with the Mayor and Aldermen in state His Majesty sent a Letter to the House to request his Chaplains to be sent to him he named twelve viz. Bishop of London Bishop of Salisbury Bishop of Peterborough Dr Shelden Dr March Dr Sanderson Dr Bayly Dr Hamond Dr Beà le Dr Haywood Dr Fuller Dr Taylor but desired any two hearing no answer he sent a second Letter but still they delayed sending an answer The 25 of February his Majesty at the Commissioners request kept the fast ordred by the Commons it hapning on the same day that he had appointed for the Calamities of Ireland February the 28 his Majesty was pleased to bestow a visit on the Earle of Pembrooke who was at that time dangerously sick His Majesty made a Resolution to keep every fryday a day of solemne fasting and humiliation The Commons Vote and Order what Garrisons shall be slighted and which continued The Parliament Vote likewise the remainder of the Army to disband all but those that were appointed for Ireland and the severall Garrisons Upon which diverse Petitions came in from severall Counties to the Generall not to disband till such time as he had fully settled the Kingdome whereupon immediately the Army had a Randevouz and draw up a Petition to be presented to the Parliament That their arreares might be payd An act of Indempnity passe to secure them that the foote might not be compeld to serve out of the Kingdome that the widdowes and children of such as had lost their lives in the service might be provided for which Petition was presented by Colonell Hamond Colonell Rich and Colonell Ireton The Parliament shewed their dislike of the Petition and Vote that those that shall continue in this disturbing condition shall be proceeded against as
prevent his ruine they therefore desire his Majesty may come to London to treate with Honour freedome and safety and that neither he nor his Parliament be Inviron'd with Souldiers that so their consultations being free all differences may be ended by a personall Treaty the best way to settle a sure and lasting peace See the uncertainty of men in the world that those very Scots that had not long before declared that it was altogether Inconvenient for the Parliament to admit his Majesty to come to London untill he had given satisfaction to their just and reasonable desires should now desire the King to come to London which at that time swarm'd with Malignants apt for any tumult nay the Parliament it selfe at that time could not sit with safety without an Army to guard them On the 23 of November 1647. both Houses Voted not to have any personall Treaty with his Majesty Yet after three dayes debate in the House they conclude that foure Propositions be drawne up in forme of Acts to be sent to his Majesty to signe which when he had signed they would admit a personall Treaty at London The Propositions were as followeth 1. That a Bill may be past into an Act by his Majesty for setling the Militia of the Kingdome 2. A Bill be past by his Majesty calling in all his Declarations Oathes Proclamations against the Parliament and those that have adhered to them 3. To passe an Act that those Lords who were made after the Great Seale was carried to Oxford may be made uncapable of sitting in the House of Peeres thereby 4. That power may be given to the two Houses to adjurne as the two Houses of Parliament shall thinke fit On the 30 of November the King sent a Letter to the Generall and Army by Sir John Barkley desiring their furtherance of a personall treaty with a promise of Recompence when all should be setled To which answer was return'd that they had wholly left it to the Parliament and that they would be passive The Army sent a large Declaration to both Houses taxing them with neglect contrary to promise and laying forth the wants of the Army by reason they had not expedited their pay which must necessitate them to take free quarter and be burthensome to the subjects if not by them timely prevented His Majesty sent another Letter to the Lords wherein he expresseth himselfe that if any thing had been of more concernment then the peace of this Kingdome he would with patience have expected an answer to his former Letter but his tender affection to his subjects welfare hath prevalency with him to presse a personall Treaty and Intimates that if the Houses please that he come among them it will no doubt speed a good end The Lords and Commons according to their former order Vote the Lord Qenbigh and the Lord Mountague for the Upper House Mr Lisle Mr Goodwin Mr Kemp and Mr Bulncley for the Commons to carry the four Propositions to his Majesty which if he signe they will admit of a personall Treaty The Scots Commissioners likewise went to his Majesty and after some conference with him declare against the four Bills to this effect That they had endeavour'd by all wayes and meanes with the Parliament of England for the furthering of a happy peace but having seene the Propositions now brought to his Majesty they apprehend them to be prejudiciall to Religion the Crowne and the Vnion betwixt both Kingdomes and therefore in the name of the Kingdome of Scotland declare their dissent Colonell Hamond wrote a Letter to the Parliament that he could not secure his Majesty unlesse they would allow him more strength there being so great a concourse into the Isleland upon which the Commons order that his Majesties person be secured and more Forces be sent for the security of the Island The Commissioners return'd with a large Message from his Majesty shewing the Grounds and reasons why he cannot passe any thing till the whole Treaty be concluded on professing he is willing to give any reasonable satisfaction to whatsoever shall be requir'd He now againe earnestly presses for a personall Treaty of which he will not despaire there being no visible way left for the Kingdomes peace but by it However his Majesty is at peace and quietnesse within himselfe in having fulfild the offices both of a Christian and a King and will patiently waite the good pleasure of Almightie God to incline the hearts of his two Houses to consider their King and compassionate their fellow subjects miseries It s very observable that his Majesty received the Parliaments Commissioners very gratefully desiring them all to be assistants to him in promoting a wel = grounded peace the expression he said was theirs but it was a very good one he tould them there were many Interests to be considered of Viz. the Parliament Army and Scots he desir'd all might be considered but when he was inform'd of a dissenting Declaration of the Scots he tould them he was very sorry for it and he hoped they might agree in the maine though they might differ in circumstances His Majesty deliver'd his Message to the Commissioners open with Injunction to keep it secret till they had deliver'd it to the Parliament There hapned a tumult at Newport in the Isle of Wight diverse declaring for the King and one Captain Burleigh caused a drum to be beaten up for the service of his Majesty the Mayor and others that came to his assistance fell upon them disperst them took the Captain who was afterwards executed This tumult caused the Governour of the Island immediately to discharge all such as had ayded and assisted his Majesty in the late War against the Parliament Munday the third of January 1657. The Commons tok into consideration his Majesties Message and finding the same as it appeares to them not satisfactory nor that he hath any Inclination to a composure it was put to the Question Whether any addresses should be made hereafter after many houres debate it was Resolv'd That 1. No addresses shall hereafter be made to him by the Parliament of England 2. That none shall on paine of Treason make any addresse without leave from the Parliament 3. That no written Paper Message or Declaration be received from his Majesty on penalty of Treason They likewise Vote that Colonel Hamond and Sir William Constable shall have power to displace any man from his Majesty whom they shall thinke fit Immediately they take care for the managing of the affaires of the Kingdome by compleating the Committee of Darby-House who were to transact the whole businesse of the Kingdome they Vote the Earle of Kent in the roome of the Earle of Essex who was dead Mr Nathaniell Fines and Mr John Evelin in the roomes of Sir Philip Stapleton dead and Mr Glin who was sequestred the House Sir William Waller was continued The Committee being compleated were 21 in number Viz. the Lord of Northumberland Earle of Kent
Earle of Warwick Earle of Manchester Vicount Say and Seale Lord Wharton and Lord Roberts For the Commons Mr Perepoint Mr Nathaniell Fines Sir Henry Vane senior Sir Arthur Haslerig Sir Gilbert Gerard Sir William Ermine Sir John Evelin Sir Henry Vane junior Sir William Waller Mr Crew Mr Soliciter St John Mr Wallop Mr Samuel Browne Lieutenant Generall Cromwell A Generall Councell of the Army being met at Windsor they were very Joyfull and unanimously approv'd of the Votes of the House touching his Majesty and ordred two Declarations to be drawne up one to shew their good liking of the Houses proceedings with promise to ayd and assist them in setling the Kingdome yea without the King or against the King the second for the maintenance of the Peerage of England with Resolution to stand by Lords and Commons to the last man On the 17 of January the Votes for non-addresses past the Lords House They Ordred Colonel Barksteds Regiment to quarter in White Hall Colonel Rich his Regiment of Horse to quarter in the Mews His Majesty having heard of the Resolves of both Houses continues very chearfull and is much retired The Scots Commissioners desire leave to Returne The House of Lords added four of their order to the Committee of Darby-House Viz. the Earle of Salsbury the Lord Mograve Earle of Denbigh and Lord Howard The Earle of Pembrooke was Voted Chancellor of Oxford Both Houses Vote that the Committee of Darby-House have plenipotence to order the dispose of the Army Commanded by Sir Thomas Fairfax as they shall thinke fit The Commons consider'd of Commissioners to goe to Scotland to acquaint the Parliament of Scotland with the miscarriages of their Commissioners here And Order Mr Goodwin Mr Ashurst Mr Brian Stapleton and Colonel Birch to receive their Instructions from the Committee of Darby-House The Lords joyne the Earle of Nottingham and the Earle of Stamford to goe with them The second of February the Commons past an Order that all the servants lately made by the Commissioners attending his Majesty be removed and that the Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax place such about his Majesty as he should thinke fit provided they exceed not thirty They likewise order'd a Declaration to be drawne up to satisfie the Kingdome of the Grounds and Reasons of their passing the Votes for non-addresses The 21 of February Judge Jenkins was brought to the Bar of the House where he refused to kneele a Charge was read against him That he had condemn'd or pasT sentence upon men to be hang'd drawne and quarter'd for not assisting against the Parliament That he tooke up Armes himselfe that he stir'd up others to levy war and assist against the Parliament that he accused the Parliament and charg'd them with counterfeiting the Great Seale and bein requir'd to speak what he had to say for himselfe he answer'd that they had no power to try him he assur'd with confidence the Militia was in the King alone he said Kings did not formerly covenant to maintaine the Law but onely to be mercifull to the people He endeavoured to terrifie the Parliament with his Majesties numerous Issue in Geniollogy he pray'd the Laws might be protected he saith there can be no Laws without a King and that there is none in Venice nor the Vnited Provinces for his ill deportment and words which were indeed a breach of the priviledge of the House he was fined 1000 l. and the House Voted a Charge to be brought in against him His Majesty at Caresbrooke Castle is very much dejected and discontented at his confinement and the removall of his old servants he will not permit his haire nor beard to be medled withall but by a Barbar of his own choosing by which meanes he is growne very hairy The Scots Commissioners Report to their Parliament much to the prejudice of the Parliament of England touching their proceedings with the King The Lords and Commons Concur that no forces be raised in London nor ten miles round but by speciall warrant from the Committee of Darby-House The House being Inform'd that one Colonell Poyer Governour of Pembroke Castle had refused to deliver it up being required thereunto by Letters from the Generall Order that if the said Colonell Poyer shall not within twelve houres after notice hereof surrender the Castle with all the Armes and Ammunition therein that then the said Colonell Poyer and all that shall adhere to him are hereby declared Traytors and Rebells and the Generall is hereby required to reduce the said Castle and to bring the said Colonell Poyer and his adherents to Justice and the Generall was requir'd to send this Order that the Colonell might not plead excuse Colonell Langhurne likewise raised a body of men and came to the assistance of Colonell Poyer and had gathered together a considerable body of men neere 2000 Horse and foote They publish a Declaration of their Resolutions to establish his Majesty in his full power and dignity The Generall Order'd thirty Companyes of Horse and foote to suppresse them under the Command of Colonel Horton The King though set aside and confin'd to the Isle of Wight was more formidable this Summer then ever he was since the beginning of the late troubles for the very name of a King was now grown into great credit with the people throughout the Kingdome and by it not onely tumults but Armyes were raised A mutiny hapned at Bury about a Maypole some discontented persons declare for the King the House order the Generall to send some forces who besieged it and after some time was delivered up to mercy Chepstow was likewise surprized for the King On the 22 of Aprill the Earle of Northumberland Inform'd the House of the escape of the Duke of Yorke from St James's The manner thus The Earle went as his custome was to attend the Duke at eight a clock at night after some stay the Duke came from his brothers Chamber when the Earle was gone the Duke went out againe as his manner was in way of play to obscure himselfe that his Gentlemen might seeke him which accordingly they did but could not find him upon search they Informe the Earle who upon enquiry dilcovers that he had borrowed the Key of the Garden doore the day before of the Gardner as also there was discovery made of his footsteps The Parliament in Scotland order a Committee for safety who advise that an Army of 40000 men be forthwith Levied for the preservation of his Majesty and Kingdome of Scotland notwithstanding diverse Lords Knights and Gentlemen Members of the Parliament Remonstrate of their utter dislike of it Immediately the Parliament of England Order the fortifying of Newcastle and Hull to prevent the Scots Invasion The Parliament men being summon'd to attend the House were cald over and found to be neere 320 men A Petition was presented to the Parliament from the City Requiring the Armyes removall from the City and that the Posts and Chaines may be put up for the
advance from Colebrooke to Branford eight miles from London fell upon Collonell Hollis his men which quarter'd there but the Lord Brooks and Collonell Hamdens Regiments came speedily to their reliefe and for a time maintained a bloody fight The Earle of Essex was sitting in the House when the news was brought who immediately horst and with what strength he could hastens to meete the King but night approaching the King retired All that night vast numbers of Souldiers flockt from the City above three times the number of the Kings Army and they had hem'd hm in on every side had not Kingston bridge been left destitute over which the Kings traine of Artillery was drawne whilst a body of Horse faced the Enemy and then retired toward Oxford The Parliament orders the Generall to follow him and fight him The Kings Forces in the North under the Command of the Earle of Newcastle and the Earle of Cumberland being 8000 Horse and foote were too potent for the Lord Fairfax Lieutenant for the Parliament The Earle marches to tadcaster where the Lord Fairfax and Captaine Hotham were fell on the Towne and forc't the Lord Fairfax with some loss to quit the Towne and march to Cauwod and Selby for supplyes for his Army Sir Thomas Fairfax is sent to Leeds with diverse Troopes of Horse but was forc't to retire In December Goring with Armes money and eighty old Commanders with the Queens Standard arrives from Holland and joynes with the Earle of Newcastle The Counties of Norfolk Suffolk Cambridge Hartford Essex associate and the Lord Gray of Wark is appointed Major Generall over them The Parliaments Forces possesse themselves of Winchester and Chichester The Parliament send Propositions to Oxford by four Lords and eight Commoners To which the King returnes a speedy answer The Queen arrives the 16 of Feb. 1642. and brings over Arms money and Ammunition with her from Holland The Earle of Montross and the Lord Ogle present their service to her at York with two Troops of Horse which she afterward made up a considerable body The Earle of Essex in the Spring marcht forth of his winter quarters resolving to besiege Reading which was possest by the Kings Forces in it was 3000 Souldiers and twenty pieces of Ordinance the Generall sits downe before it in Aprill 1643. with an Army of 16000 foote and 3000 Horse which after sixteen dayes was delivered up on easie conditions by the Deputy Governour Collonell Fielding Sir Arthur Aston the Governour being indisposed by reason of his wounds At Cirencister was the most considerable party for the Parliament in all those parts Prince Rupert with a considerable Army marches against it the Towne not being fortified he falls on with a furious assault which at first was Gallantly received but after two houres dispute possest himselfe of the Towne the most part of the Earle of Stamfords Regiment being cut off seized a considerable Magazine with above 3000 Armes and eleven hundred persons which were conveyed to Oxford Immediately he faces Glocester summons the City To which Massey Replyed That he kept the City for King and Parliament and would not deliver it to any forraine Prince The Army in Wales raised for the King advance toward Glocester and in their march fall on a Regiment of Collonell burroughs which they rout diverse Officers being slaine took fifty prisoners and so march on to Glocester News was brought to the Parliament of a considerable defeat given to their forces in Devonshire and that Prince Maurice and the Marquesse of Hartford had Intentions to secure all the West for the King And not long after there was a discovery made for the betraying of Bristoll but by timely notice it was prevented and the Conspirators executed Likewise a discovery was made in London of a plot to settle the Kings Commission of Array for which Mr. Tomkins and Mr. Chaloner were both Executed The Lord Brookes a very active man for the Parliament being in Staffordshire with his Forces with Intentions to dissipate those Gentlemen that were got together for the King advances to Litchfield The Earle of Chesterfeild had some Forces in the Towne for the King who upon the Lord Brookes his advance to the Towne quits it and retires with his Forces to the Close which was far more tenable then the Towne Brookes takes possession of the Towne and being in a Window peeping to watch an advantage against the Enemy was shot into the Eye and died immediately His Souldiers notwithstanding the losse of their chiefe Commander fall on with much resolution and after a short dispute possest themselves of the Church and Close took the Earle of Chesterfeild with divers Commanders and many common Souldiers Prince Rupert immediatly lays siege to Litchfield and having notice of the advance of some of the Parliaments forces under the Command of Brereton and Gell to raise the siege drew out neer a thousand Horse and Dragoones fell on the enemy which they put to flight and by their flight left Bag and baggage to the Kings forces with divers pieces of Ordinance and many prisoners But the Earle of Northampton Charging in the head of the body was slaine they returne to the siege spring a mine and scale the walls whereupon the besieged desire a Parly and on reasonable conditions quit the Towne In May 1643. the Lords and Commons Vote that an Act be past for an Assembly of Divines immediately to be call'd to settle Religion They likewise Vote the making of a new Great Seale a thing never heard or read of in the Natition which Mr. Prin defens in his book entituled The opening of the Great Seale of England Sir John Hotham sends word to the Earle of Newcastle that Hull and Lincolne shall be deliver'd up to him for the service of his Majesty and both father and son resolve to stand on their own Guard at Hull Mr Jermin Generalissimo for the Queen was at New-wark who levying a considerable party for the securing of the County she with thirty Companies of Horse and Dragoones and three thousand foote meets the King at Edghill it being the first time she saw him since her departure into Holland The King and Queen retire to Oxford The Parliament draw up Articles of High Treason against the Queen That she had pawned the Jewells of the Crowne raised the Rebellion in Ireland endeavoured to raise a party in Scotland against the Parliament that she had appeared in the head of a Popish party which was at last past by both Houses They likewise Vote that the King and Queens revenue should be detained and imployed in the publick service They likewise Voted a new and unheard of tax to be laid upon Beer Wine Tobacco and whatsoever is necessary for support of life which they call'd Excize Sir John Hotham and his son are both taken prisoners by Sir Matthew Beynton their estates seazed and confiscate Sir John endeavouring to escape was knockt downe by a Souldier at the same Gate