Here valiant Cromwel as always being punctual in the observation of Articles and being informed that some of his Souldiers had been faulty therein no sooner was the complaint made but the redress was provided for hanging up one to the terrour of others he sent the rest of the offenders to Oxford to be there punished at the discretion of the Governour Sir Thomas Glemham who returned them to him again with an acknowledgement of his great Nobleness in being so punctual with his enemy His tenderness in this respect had great influence on others that had a disposition to yeeld But now we come to Basing-house in Hantshire a place that knew not what it was to yeeld It was the Mansion of the Marquess of Winchester standing on a rising ground encompassed with a Brick Rampart and that lined with earth a deep dry ditch environing all The House being situate and built as if for Royalry had this Motto Aymez Loyalte Here the Marquess stands upon his Guard assisted onely at first with his own family and an hundred Musquetiers from Oxford but was recruited afterwards by the King from time to time as occasion served This Garison had been several times assaulted but to little purpose first by Colonel Norton and Colonel Harvey next by Sir William Waller with seven thousand Horse and Foot who although he were by many in those days surnamed The Conqueror did little more then heighten the courage of the besieged who made frequent desperate Sallies upon him Thus out-braving all Assailants for some years the place began to be esteemed impregnable but Cromwel soon evinced the contrary for having seen Sir Will. Ogle the late Governour of Winchester march out according to Articles and setled the affairs of that Garison for the Parliament he the next day marches for Basing whither he no sooner comes but he falls to the work in good earnest placing a strong Battery against it that soon made it assaultable which perceiving for he had an excellent faculty in discerning advantages he orders the several Posts to prepare for a Storm And although the danger and difficulty of the work were great even enough to take off the edge of an ordinary resolution having to deal with so valiant an enemy who had often manifested their high courage and great skill in withstanding several former Assailants yet he accounting any designe the more honourable by how much the more difficult to accomplish gives the Onset and that to so good purpose that the besieged saw themselves in no capacity to withstand him Thus was Basing subdued a service so much the more acceptable by how much the more good redounded to the Country even to the whole Nation thereby in opening a way for Commerce and Correspence betwixt the West of England and other parts which before had been so long obstructed by this Garison Langford-House neer Salisbury was visited next by Cromwel but they within having head what he had done at Basing despairing of any better success then that Garison yeelded at the first Summons From hence he marches towards the main Body of the Army who were then upon a march towards Exeter to block up that place But that designe being for the present waved they suddenly fall upon Dartmouth and take it Which being done they encounter the Lord Hopton at Torrington where he was defeated and upon pursuit received as he was formerly assistant in giving a Cornish Hug and thereupon enforced to disband Whereupon followed the rendition of Exeter There remained onely now in the West Pendennis Castle which being blockt up by Col. Fortescue was soon yeelded Thus Fairfax and Cromwel having thorowly scowred the West and onely Newark remaining in the North the hopes of the King and his party were very low yet not quite dead for they had still a Party commanded by that gallant old Souldier Sir Jacob Ashley but these hopes soon vanish for he being encountred by Col. Morgan neer Stow on the Woulds was utterly overthrown himself and 1600 becoming prisoners to the Victors And now that black cloud which had so impetuously showred upon other places began to gather about Oxford it self the Kings Head-quarters and place of his residence it being already blocked up by Fleetwood and Ireton and every day in expectation of a close Siege Here Art her self had contributed her utmost assistance to make the place impregnable it being encompassed with regular Fortifications furnished with a strong Garison of stout souldiers stored with abundance of all kinde of provisions and which is more then all the rest governed by one that had given sufficient proof of his valour and faithfulness formerly in holding out two other Garisons Carlisle and York to the utmost extremity But all this avails not Oxford must yeeld And the unfortunate King who had for some time past received no other News but Job-like one messenger of ill tidings at the heels of another having no Field-Army left nor scarce a Garison to flee to began now to consider the danger of his person and to cast about which way to secure himself and at last resolves to personate a Serving-man and by the Conduct of Ashburnham to escape to the Scotish Army before Newark The Parliament receiving intelligence of his being there they demand the King the Scots refuse to deliver him whereupon grew a great Contest betwixt the two Nations concerning their propriety in the person of the King But the Scots calling to minde that 200000 l. was behinde of what the Parliament had formerly hired them for thought they had now an opportunity to hedge it in and therefore like the Ape that made use of the Cats foot to take the Apple out of the fire they vvave further dispute and having gotten their money deliver up the King Being in the hands of the English he is conveyed to holmby-Holmby-House in Northamptonshire a Princely Mansion where we shall leave him at present and come to speak briefly of some transactions in Parliament City and Army Wars are not onely carried on by Swords and Guns but Tongues and Pens are co-instrumental which as they had been too much employed formerly were not idle now The distinguishing terms of approbry formerly used viz. Cavalier and Roundhead were now transmuted unto those of Presbyterian and Independent who at this time clash with a high hand The Presbyterians endeavour to carry on the interest of the Covenant but they are not herein countenanced by the Army who shew their dislike thereof by the impeachment of eleven Members of Parliament Hollis Stapleton Waller Massey c. vvho are its abettors they thereupon making a voluntary secession Great disputes also arose in the two Houses at this time concerning the King some pleading his coming to London with freedom safety and honour to treat with his Parliament others urged that no more Addresses might be made to him The City closeth with that party in the Parliament which was for the Kings return and were so hot upon it that in
a tumultuous vvay they vvould needs compel them to alter their Militia and bring home the King The contrary Party in the House seeing violence offered them they vvith the Speaker betake themselves to the protection of the Army vvho being thus countenanced by Authority and thereby encouraged resolve upon a March for London to restore the Members of Parliament to their places and Authorities Upon the Armies approach the Citizens vvho before had made some semblance of resistance raising Forces to that purpose under Massey desire a Truce which vvas granted upon these Conditions 1. That they should desert the Parliament then sitting and the eleven impeached Members 2. That they should recal their Declaration 3. That they should relinquish the present Militia 4. That they should deliver up the Forts together vvith the Tower 5. That they should disband their Forces VVhich things being performed the Army made a triumphant passage thorow the City of London To return again to the King vve finde him not to continue long at Holmby ere Cornet Joyce vvith a Party of Horse seiseth on his Person and carries him away to the Head-quarters The Army having him now in their custody remove him from one place to another as to Royston Hatfield Causam an House of the Lord Cravens one that hath had a deep share in the sufferings of the Nobility here the Kings Children came to him vvhere they dined together But here he continued not long neither before his remove to Hampton Court vvhere being terrified vvith an Apparition of Agitators he left that place and unfortunately renders himself to Col. Hamond in the Isle of Wight vvhere he vvas secured in Carisbrook-Castle Propositions are sent to him from the Parliament but vvith little effect Provoked herewith the Houses past their Votes of Non-addresses to his Majesty and take the Government upon themselves vvhich vvas followed vvith a Declaration from the Army to stand in defence of those Votes These Actions so far discontented the people that in every place nothing could be heard but bad vvishes and vvorse threats from vvhence many did prognosticate the ensuing Summer vvould be a hot one in respect of VVars And now the Subjects of both Kingdoms vvhich before had joyned in Arms against the King begin to look upon his Estate and condition vvith commiseration blaming themselves for being instruments in bringing him into the condition he then vvas and now they petition the Parliament after the same manner that some years before they had the King in a tumultuous manner and impatient to have the grant of their desires delaid they press the Houses for a speedy redress of their present Grievances but could have no other answer but vvhat vvas delivered by the Souldiers guarding the Parliament and a Troop of Horse from the Mews these disswaded the Surry-men vvith feelling arguments from coming there any more These things made those that before seemed passive to be active the sable cloud of VVar blown by the fury of the people had now over-spread our Hemisphere vvhich Alarms the Army in all their Quarters First a considerable part of the Navy vvith Captain Batten sometimes Vice-Admiral to the Earl of Warwick desert the Parliament and put themselves under the power of Prince Charles Next the Kentish-men rise in Arms under pretence of Petitioning Laughorn Poyer and Powel seised on some strong Towns and Castles in South-Wales and declared against them Yet this vvas not all there blew a Northern blast that made many men shake Duke Hamilton a man vvho had received much of the King but deserved little rusheth in vvith an Army of Scots and joynes himself to Langdale Glemham and others of the Kings Party in the North. Upon these Risings the Parliament considers how to conjure these evil spirits down againe the Valour of their Souldiers had been tried in many Fights and Sieges before their former good successes made them confident that Victory was settled in their Scabbards and that they should no sooner draw their Swords but their enemies would fly To manage these Wars Fairfax was sent into Kent Lambert into the North there to stop as much as could be the over-flowing Torrent of Hamiltons Army who wasted the Country at pleasure wheresoever they came for Wales victorious Cromwel was designed before him as forlorn marches Col. Horton with 3000 who engaged Laughorns 8000 raw Welchmen and routed them Cromwel himself soon follows after with two Regiments of Horse and three of Foot Now we see him in the Field again to accomplish great undertakings which he did with so much facility that it rather seemed a Recreation then labour Caesar's Veni Vidi Vici may well be attributed to him who no sooner came neer an Enemy and beheld him but he overcame him and indeed his quick Marches furious Onsets and victorious Conquests came very neer Casars Atchievements The first place we finde him at in his march was Chepstow-Castle which he resolved to besiege but himself hastning to Pembrook he leaves Col. Eyre to dispatch this piece of service who accomplished it in fifteen days Cromwel on the twentieth of May comes to Pembrook Poyer being Governour of it who relying much upon the strength of the place refuseth all Conditions that are proffered to him Cromwel not being accustomed to despair of any thing that is possible applies himself to the Siege at Land Sir George Ayscough in the mean time with a Squadren of Ships cast Anchor in the Roade to forbid any succours to be carried in by Sea and as occasion served to furnish the Leaguer with great Guns and other provisions necessary Cromwel having taken a full view of the Castle and considering the strength of it makes his way by approaches and with his great Guns summons them to yeeld This course he thought the safest upon these considerations First for that by certain intelligence he was informed of the small Magazine of Provision that they had in the Town and Castle so that of necessity they must yeeld their bodies being weakned for want of sustenance would bring down their stout Stomacks Then Divisions among themselves which grew to that height at last that the Souldiers began to mutiny against their Commanders And lastly though he had Men enough to enforce them yet considering this was not the last service his Forces must go upon he would not be too prodigal of pretious blood knowing that Victory to be the cheapest which is won without blows Having thus considered of the matter he causes strict guard to be kept in his Trenches that so they might be kept in from running away This order was not long observed before Hunger had so battered down their Bellies and therewith so quell'd their courage that they desired a Parly and willingly yeelded up the Town and Castle upon quarter as to the common Souldiery but Laughorn Poyer and Powel with some other of the prime Commanders render themselves prisoners at mercy which some of them found but others were afterwards made
by reason of their long continuance from their Callings could not possibly set themselves to work and therefore must use their Swords to the best advantage either upon some new employment or exercise arms on the High-way Our new State being very sensible of this as they were not onely vigilant to see but careful in preventing all inconveniences that might happen found out a way to divert these ill Humours that lay lurking in the Body of the Nation by sending them to Ireland where they might do GOD and their Country good service in subduing the Rebels that now were grown so powerful that no place but London-derry and Dublin it self were able to withstand them nor they neither without speedy succours from England This Rebellion the most barbarous and bloody of any that ever broke out in any part of the world acted by Devils in humane shape rather then by men murthering no less then 200000 Protestants in two Months time without any regard either to Age or Sex was put in practise on the 23 day of October 1641. which though it had been contrived with such privacie and acted with such violence yet Divine Providence did wonderfully preserve Dublin to be a Refuge for such as escaped thither from other places to avoid the fury of their bloody Persecutors Now Ireland lying in this sad condition weltring in blood and overwhelmed in the greatest Misery that Fire and Sword could inflict many of the poor Protestants get into England hoping there to finde shelter from the persecuting Enemy but this proved little comfort to those distressed Souls for here they finde to the great Augmentation of their Grief that England prepares on all sides to act the same upon one another vvhich had been done against them in Ireland But although the difference between the King and Parliament grew vvider every day then other they endeavouring rather to get advantages then compose differences yet 't was so agreed that some Regiments should be sent over into Ireland to stop the proceedings of the Rebels vvhich in effect vvas but as a Bucket of vvater cast on a flaming House that could do little to the quenching of it After some time the King in England finding his strength every day more and more decrease and the Parliament to get ground of him in most places did not onely send for those Forces out of Ireland again but many of the Rebels themselves came to his assistance so that Ireland by this vvas in a vvorse condition then ever forsaken of all and left to be vvorried by those Blood-thirsty Wolves vvorse by a thousand degrees then the ravenous brood vvhich their Country produceth yet vvhen their condition was at the worst it pleased GOD vvho never fails his People in distress but makes their necessity his opportunity to stir up the Parliament in England vvith Bowels of compassion to look on the distresses of their Brethren Long had they fasted and prayed for them but did not add to it their helping hand one vvithout the other can never do much good but joyned together a small Force is sufficient to accomplish great Designes A desperate disease requires a desperate Cure The State-Physitians of England having now quite purged out Monarchy vvith all its Appendants and verified the words of Bishop Laud No Bishop no King the first with the Ceremonies of the Church being fallen quickly after came the other down also they resolve to send the same sharp medicine to cure the Bleeding VVounds of Ireland which they thought had cured England and to that end they send over an Army under the Command of Valiant Cromwel vvhose Actions there vve now come to HIS WARS IN IRELAND A General ought to have these four Properties to make him Victorious 1. A good Cause 2. Strict Discipline 3. Valour and Resolution 4. Lastly Celerity For the first none but the Papists will deny it for the rest no man in the world could shew more Valour and Resolution nor Prudence to govern it then General Cromwel A strict Discipline he ever observed which is the Life of an Army sparing none that transgrest against the Articles of War which were instituted for their better conduct His Souldiers carriage and behaviour through their Generals care won more then his Sword A Designe being once resolved upon usually himself was the Messenger to bring the Enemy tidings thereof and then he would hardly give them leave to Arm before he assaulted them either by Storm or Battel This made the old Emperour of Germany say to some of his Courtiers upon his hearing of News from England That he thought Cromwel by transmigration was possest with the Spirit of Gustavus his old Enemy so neer did their actings in the Wars agree Ireland to speak of its condition a little before he undertook his expedition thither was in a manner wholly reduced by Ormond formerly made Lord-Deputy by the Queen who having joyned his Forces to the Rebels and Inchequeen himself being now fallen off from that cause which before he stoutly defended no visible Force remained in the Field to oppose the Enemy who had the Kingdom wholly at their devotion except London-derry which was governed by Sir Charles Coot and Dublin the chief City wherein was Col. Michael Jones with no great Force and that which made it less was the suspition he had of his own Souldiers fidelity who many times deserted their Colours The Enemy with a numerous Army lay under the VValls of it with many menacing Summons requiring of them a speedy rendition yet through the vigilancy of the Governour Valiant Jones it held out to the confusion of the Besiegers But his present danger made him reiterate his Calls to the Parliament in England for speedy Aid of Men and Provisions alleadging that else all would be lost and they being sensible of his condition expedite their Assistance appointing Com. Gen. Ireton Col. Scroop Col. Horton Major Gen. Lambert with their four Regiments of Horse Col. Ewers Col. Cook Col. Huson and Col. Dean with theirs of Foot and five Troops of Dragoons all old Souldiers of the English Army whose Valour had often been tried in many sharp Encounters and found not to fear the countenance of the fiercest Enemy Besides these other Regiments were raised by beat of Drum to make up the number sufficient to carry on the VVork effectually The Souldiers being in readiness and nothing wanting but a General the Parliament having had experience of Cromwels great worth and valour knowing no man more fitting for the Employment desired him to accept of it who received it with a great deal of chearfulness expressing how ready he was to serve in this Employment above any in the world not doubting but GOD would make of him an Instrument to execute Vengeance upon the Rebellious Irish This answer was so highly resented by the Parliament that immediately they constitute him General of all their Forces in that Kingdom and Lord Governour both as to Civil and Military Affairs in
petty Play to after-Labours For no sooner did the quarrel begin between the two Re-publikes England and the United Provinces but Blake was the first that resisted their arrogancie in the Downs and ever after continued a fortunate Vindicator of his Countreys Priviledges from the incroachments of insulting Neighbours The last part he ever acted in a Sea of blood was against the Spaniards at Sancta Cruz here with 25 Sail he fought as it were in a ring with seven Forts a Castle and 16 ships many of them being of greater force then most of those ships Blake carryed in against them yet in spite of opposition he soon calcined the Enemy and brought his Fleet back again to the Coast of Spain full fraught with honour But what Commander is able to repel the stroaks of Death This is he that doth conquer the Conquerours and level the Honours of the mightiest Monarchs with the meanest Captains there is no withstanding his force for all must fall Blake himself is compel'd to strike the top-sail and yeeld now death hath got the weather-gage of his crasie body so that being no longer able to hold out he expired at the entrance into Plymouth He was a man wholly devoted to his Countreys Service resolute in his undertakings and most faithful in the performance with him valour seldom mist its reward nor cowardize its punishment When news was brought him of a metamorphosis in the State at home he would then incourage the Sea-men to be most vigilant abroad for said he 'T is not our duty to minde State-Affairs but to keep Forreigners from fooling us In all his Expeditions the wind seldom deceived him but most an end stood his friend especially in his last undertaking at the Canary Islands To his last he lived a single life never being espoused to any but his Countreys quarrels As he lived bravely he dyed gloriously and was buryed in Henry the Seventh's Chappel yet enjoying at this time no other Monument but what is reared by his Valour which Time it self can hardly deface The Lord Protector having now ensured his own Greatness he thought it good to confer Titles of Honour upon his Children and to that purpose sent his Son Henry into Ireland with the Title of Lord Deputy This young Gentleman in his Government ruled with so much discretion that in small time he had brought that disordered Nation into the most hopeful condition of a flourishing State But a grand Catastrophe afterwards falling upon the Cromwels Government his Authority reverted into the hands of a subsequent Parliament The time of the prorogation of the present Parliament being expired the Members appeared again at Westminster the 20th of January 1657. and did presently receive into the House their fellow-Members which the Protector had before secluded from sitting in the first Session of this Parliament This they did upon the fourth Article of the Petition and Advice by which no Members legally chosen should be excluded from performance of their duty but by consent of Parliament In this interval of the Parliaments sitting the Protector had provided his Peers which were to make up the other House who accordingly took Seats in the Lords House but with so much regret to the House of Commons whose complexion was quite changed from what it had been formerly that now they would not own the work of their creation but looked upon it as a by-blow a thing by chance or a Pageant Parliament set up on purpose to mock them In this surly humour the Protector let them run on for near a fortnight together till at last they made his Highness wince with handling his Prerogative-Royal which he being not able to endure in a fume flew from White-Hall to the House of Lords and having sent for the Commons before him he told them That it concerned his interest as much as the Publike Peace and Tranquillity to terminate this Parliament and therefore he did now put an end to their sitting Thus he blew them away with a sudden puff of winde from his mouth But now comes into play a terrible Plot no less place then London was to be fired and in the hurly-burly of confusion that it would make must the Tower be taken the Mews seized and all the Souldiers about the City be sacrificed to the fury of The Protector being well acquainted with these kinde of machinations knew very well how to stifle them in the birth and therefore he sent presently for the Mayor Aldermen and Common-Councel of the City of London to forewarne them of the approaching danger and to Commissionate their Militia to raise Forces for security of the City and by their vigilancy to counter-plot these Plotters Upon this many persons were apprehended a High Court of Justice erected and Sir Henry Slingsby Dr. Hewyt Mr. Mordant and many inferiour fellows who were to have been Commanders in the execution of this design were brought to Trial. Sir Henry Slingsby and the Doctor were both condemned to loose their Heads upon Tower-Hill and six others of the meaner sort were adjudged to be hanged drawn and quartered but of these onely three suffered one in Tower-Street another in Cheapside and the third before the Exchange in London For the procuring of Sir Henry Slingsby and Dr. Hewyts Pardon great endeavors were used the Ministers of London petitioned the Protector for the Doctors life and many great persons for the Knights But the Protectors ears were deaf to all intreaties made in their behalf so that nothing could satisfy his anger but the lives of those two considerable persons Prodigies in nature as they are seldom seen so when they happen are sure presages and fore-tokens of alterations that shall fall out in the place where they do appear At this time June 2. 1658. arrived an ominous Whale in the River of Thames not to do Homage to his Highness this was a fond conceit as one would have it but rather to forewarn him of his end which not long after happened This fish contrary to its nature which is to return to Sea when it sents the fresh water came swimming up the River against the tide as far as Greenwich where it was taken and found to be fifty eight foot in length and every way proportionable Flanders being the Scoene of War wherein the united Forces of England and France did intend this Champaign to act mighty matters in the beginning of May D'Aumont a French Marshal hoping to get a good bargain turns Merchant and trucks for Ostend Mony as it over-turns all things was at this time made use of to corrupt the Noble blood of the Souldiers of that Garison and make them turn Traytors to this their trust but the sequel will shew how far honesty is above treachery The Chief Factor that drove on this bargain was one Colonel Spindeler he having acquainted the Governour of Calice that Ostend was to be sold this Monsieurs mouth presently watered at the motion and therefore acquaints the Court how
against a most obstinately-desperate bloudy enemy people that had put themselves out of all hopes of favour or mercy by acting the most bloudy Tragedie that ever hath been seen or related in that their universal Massacre of the English yet recent in memory There remained now onely Limerick Waterford and some few inconsiderable Garisons to be reduced which being done they might finde leasure to hunt the wilde Irish who were fled for refuge among their Boggs This was left to the charge of Ireton whom the Lord Governour having constituted Lord Deputy he takes leave of Ireland and committing himself to the Sea arrived safely after a boisterous passage at Bristol where he was received with a thrice-repeated Volley of great Guns and other suitable demonstrations of joy Hence without tarrying he posts for London drawing neer Hounslow-Heath he is there met by the Lord General Fairfax accompanied by many Members of Parliament and Officers of the Army with multitudes that came out of curiosity to see him of whom Fame had made such a loud report Hence after mutual salutations congratulations and other testimonies of high respect he proceeds on and passing neer Hide-park-corner he is saluted with great Guns and several Volleys of small Shot by Colonel Barkstead's Regiment which was drawn up in the High-way for that purpose Continuing thus their march multitudes increasing to behold him the Lord Cromwel is conducted to the house called the Cock-pit neer St. James which had been appointed and prepared for him Here he was visited by the Lord Maior and Aldermen of London and by many other persons of quality all of them expressing their own and the Nations great obligations to him for his great Services in Ireland After some time of respite and refreshment he attended his charge in Parliament where the Speaker in an elegant Speech gave him the thanks of the House Which being ended the Lord Cromwel gave them an account of the present state of Ireland and of the condition of their Forces both in Field and Garison with what designes they were now upon what strength the Enemy had and what Garisons were then in their power The Parliament being thus assured of the hopeful condition of Ireland began now wisely to provide for the security of the peace of England which was now in danger of disturbance partly by open Hostility and partly by the under-hand dealing of some pretended friends Portugal protects Prince Rupert's Fleet notwithstanding the League France domineers at Sea making prize of all the English they could bring under their power About this time the Parliament sends Dr. Dorislaus as an Agent to the States of the United Provinces for the begetting and continuance of a right understanding and fair correspondence betwixt the two Republicks where not long after his arrival he was basely slain by six Assassinates who rushed into his lodgings at the Hague in disguise and escaped unpunished although the States pretended they had used their utmost endeavour to take them In Russia the English Merchants were much affronted by that Duke by reason of his adherence to the House of Stuarts Virginia and the Caribes Islands revolted from their obedience to the Parliament being very hot for Monarchy and the Liturgie Nearer home Scilly Jersey and the Isle of Man stand out and miserably infest the Seas with their Piracie But above all the Scots were the most formidable who seemed to set their wits on the tenters that so they might embroyl England in new troubles and thereby have opportunity to work their ends upon it To this end a Treaty is commenced betwixt them and their King at Breda a famous Town in the Netherlands belonging to the Prince of Orange Here they propose 1. That his Majestie recal and disclaim all Commissions and Declarations granted by him to the prejudice of the Covenant 2. That he acknowledge their present Parliament and the two last Sessions thereof and allow of the Acts made therein 3. They remonstrate the Motives contained in the eleventh Instruction meaning Vxbridge-Treaty 4. That as soon as he comes into Scotland and before his admission to the exercise of Royal power he shall swear subscribe and seal the National Covenant and the Solemn League and Covenant Their King having assented and promised in verbo Principis to perform these things the Commissioners had order to let him see the Coronation-Oath he was to take which he approving they were to invite him into Scotland assuring him that he should be entertained there with all due respect To all which things the King at last condescended partly by the perswasion of the Prince of Orange at whose cost and charges the Treaty was both begun and continued and partly upon hopes that by this means he might gain the easier footing in England The Scots being now impatient of the enjoyment of their King presence he in order to their satisfaction herein hastes from Breda towards the Hague and from thence to Scheveling where he took shipping and not long after landed notwithstanding several snares laid for him at the Spey in the North of Scotland The Parliament in England were not ignorant of these things they having faithful Scouts abroad in the world who failed not to give them timely notice of the machinations of their enemies in all quarters And taking the matter into consideration in the House a great debate there was VVhether the war for that there must be a war betwixt us and our dear Brethren was taken for granted should be Offensive or Defensive As to the later the Defensive part they were very sensible of the havock the Scots had formerly made in the North of England when they came in as friends so that should they be suffered to come in as enemies nothing could be expected to follow but ruine and desolation wheresoever they came Hamilton's Invasion likewise stuck in their stomacks and the devastations that accompanied it Besides it was considered that to let them give the first blow had been to make our own Country the seat of war and thereby an opportunity would be given to discontented spirits here which then were not a few to joyn with the enemy Upon these and other weighty considerations the Parliament resolves upon an Offensive war and to alarm them in their own Quarters This Resolution was thought most advantageous in many respects as 1. Scotland the Enemies Country must needs be much impoverished by being burdened with two Armies when it could not well maintain one and England would be quit of much fear and calamity incident to quartering of Armies Besides in all encounters it is good policie to keep an adversary at the arms end 2. By invading Scotland the Souldiery would be much encouraged in respect of the benefit might accrue to them by the spoils of their enemies Hereby also the Territories of this Commonwealth were likely to be enlarged 3. The Scots Levies were not yet finished nor their Army completed so that a sudden march might nip them
they went about to starve him Even so these State-Doctors dieted this poor Prince for some time feeding him with hopes and expectations of his desire and then at last give him no more but onely a Nut without the Kernel a Crown without a Kingdom so that his Commands were presently countermanded by a stronger and made invalid by General Cromwels sword who never left hunting him from place to place till at last he was forc'd to flee into Flanders for shelter where he now remains The Lord General Cromwel having given this deadly blow at Worcester September 3. 1651. which laid the Scots hopes low in the dust and thereby raised to himself a full assurance of the security of all his former Conquests tarried no longer in that City then to see the Walls of it levelled to the ground and the Dikes fill'd with Earth that so the disaffection of the inhabitants might be bridled from attempting to secure any future Enemy And now leaving this Golgotha he hastened away to offer his victorious Palms at the Parliaments feet Accordingly September 12. approaching neer to London the Speaker with the Members of Parliament and the Lord President of the Council of State with the Lord Mayor Aldermen and some hundreds more of Quality met him with demonstrations of extream affection to congratulate all his Noble Atchievements and Worthy Exploits here they comment on his Valour making large notes on his Victories the more because he had done much in a small time bringing that about in fifteen Months which was rather judged to be the work of so many years having in this time quite dispelled those Vapours fearful to the Parliament which were exhaled by the Rayes of Regality and once more made the serenity of Peace to shine in our Hemisphere Thus the Lord General was received in Triumph having before sent his Trophies the Scotch Prisoners with great acclamations and conducted to his house neer White-hall And after some small repose there he and his valiant Lieutenant-General went to take up their places in the Parliament where the Speaker in a congratulatory Oration acknowledged the Obligation of the State to them for their indefatigable industry The same day the Lord Mayor of London to compleat the rejoycing and shew his gratitude in behalf of the City feasted the General and his chief Officers This being ended with mutual returns of thanks the Lord General took his leave and returned back again to consider what was farther to be done for the settlement of the nation This is his next Work And what he did in order to the accomplishing thereof we now come to shew The End of His Personal Wars HIS ACTIONS In the PROTECTORSHIP THE English Nation having by a Civil War banished Monarchy with an Exit Tyrannus presently institute an Oligarchy which to give them their due acted in their Infancy like Hercules in the Cradle stifling all those Serpents that offered to hiss against their Authority and with such vigor prosecuted they their designes that both Ireland and Scotland were inforc't to yeild obedience to their commands The Authority of this Power being thus miraculously extended it grew at length dreadful to the neighbouring Nations especially the Dutch a people who of all others were most sensible of the growing greatness of the English Commonwealth they knowing full well that two neighbouring States of equal greatness could never long agree being still jealous of each others actions which jealousie causing misconstruction would at last break forth into open hostility Examples are frequent in this kinde Rome and Carthage so long contended till the one was ended They first fell out about the Island of Sicily and so by degrees this fewd extended it self through all those Nations where either side had any dominion But at last a peace being patched up it continued until the second Punick War wherein Carthage was made a Puny indeed and brought under subjection to Rome Another Example we have in that most noble Republick Venice whose first Founders being hunted by the barbarous Huns out of Italy were fain to shelter themselves by flying unto some little barren Islands which lay in the Adriatick Gulph where necessity putting an edge upon industry caused these people to begin an admirable Structure which since hath been increased to such a magnitude and splendor that it may well be termed The Worlds Wonder for the excellent Architecture multitude of Bridges rare Arsenal or Magazine but above all the Policie of this State far surpasseth all others in Government and may well be a pattern for direction and imitation to any people in the world Venice thus gradually ascending to eminency grew so great as to challenge the superiority over all the watry Element about it as well it might being situate therein and therefore Neptunes Minion This City being on one side of Italy on the other side lay Genoa situate neer the feet of the Apennine Hills a Commonwealth too and therefore aspiring high grew emulous of the Venetians greatness which made those two Republikes grow at enmity The first occasion of their falling out was about a Church allowed them both for exercise of Divine Service in Ptolemais commonly called Acoe in Syria this Church being too little to hold both people of such great spirits there grew a hot Dispute whose it should be which came to this issue That it must be theirs that could get possession which prov'd to be the Genoeses who to maintain their Mass armed the Church with Fortifications not for example to after-Ages and so kept it wholly to their own Use Thus began the Quarrel which continued for many years chiefly by Sea till at last the Genoeses received such dangerous shot betwixt winde and water that they were fain to cry Quarter and ever since vail to Venice acknowledging it their superiour Even so was it between these two mighty Republikes England and the United Provinces The Dutch fearing that current of Traffick would be stopped which they had so long enjoyed by reason of Englands Domestick and Forreign Wars themselves mean while having Peace with all Nations except Portugal whereby they increasing their Trade by an un-interrupted fishing in the British Seas and still greedy in their unsatiable appetite of ingrossing all to themselves without either Right or Reason grew at last highly conceited of their own abilities both as to Policy and Power Their Policy was seen in giving assistance to the Enemies of the English Parliament whilst in the mean time their Embassadors tickled the Council of State and Parliament into a belief of their Masters real affections and hearty wishes for their prosperity But these unworthy actions being privately suspected it was not long before they were publikely detected This put the Dutch to their Trumps and made them arm out a considerable Navy to execute a designe upon the Isle of Scilly which then was in possession of the Scotch Kings Forces But the Council of State in England having timely notice of this project
dispatched away Blake their noble General by sea with a Fleet of Men of War who being joyned with Sir George Ascue immediately prevented the Dutch by reducing that Island under obedience The Parliament of England having seriously considered the unhandsome actions of these their neer Neighbours how refractory they were upon all Treaties of Amity which was seen by their refusing those Propositions which were sent to them and how those honourable Persons that carried them to Holland were dayly so ill treated at the Hague by some insolent persons that the Parliament lest their Embassadors should again be Dorislaus'd called them home Reinfecta Presently upon this they were forc'd to take up a resolution to maintain the Right of their Jurisdiction on the British Seas and therefore sent abroad an Act for incouraging Navigation and increase of shipping This very much heightned the spirits of the English Sea-men and gave them hopes of being one day even with the Dutch for eating the bread out of their mouthes as they had long before done by bringing all Commodities into England at cheaper rates then they could be sent for by reason they were in Amity with most Nations and could send out ships with no more men then what served to sail them whilst in the mean time the English having Wars with most of their Neighbours were inforc't to be at great charges in double manning out their Merchant Men for security of the ships lading But to proceed This noble Act being arrived at Holland very strangely changed the constitution of that People from a Flegmatick to a perfect Sanguine Complection for now they saw it was time to look about them being like to be deprived of that sweet profit which before they did enjoy This animated them on to try conclusions in denying the English their undoubted Right of Dominion in the British seas At first it was put in practise by some particular men of War to see if the English would relinquish that old complement of striking the Top-sail but in this they met with sharp rebukes far surpassing imagination so that many times present Ruine did befal them that in wilful refusal durst deny this ancient Custom Thus by degrees one Quarrel begetting another the fire no longer smothered but broak forth into a dreadful combustion all preceding ages since the Creation never having produced such terrible Sea-fights which ever light heavy on the Dutch shoulders and made them know That although Holland was the elder State yet was it impossible for them to make England a younger Brother But in the midst of all these high undertakings the Lord General perceiving the Parliaments intentions were to perpetuate their sitting as appeared by their delatory proceeding in the Bill for successive Representatives therefore knowing that as standing water would breed corruption and grow offensive if it were not sometimes changed so Parliaments perpetual were offensive to the Peoples Priviledges but when pro tempore pleasant to their sight He having well weighed the matter and deliberately debated the business with his Council of Officers it was at last agreed by them to serve the Parliament with a Writ of Ease and make them understand the meaning of Exit This resolution being taken up the Lord General Cromwel went into the House attended by some of the prime Officers of the Army where he delivered certain Reasons for a present Dissolution of the Parliament which were no sooner heard but all the Members in obedience avoyded the place and every one betook himself to his particular habitation Thus this mighty Parliament was dissolved who first of all were called through the importunity of the people and afterwards upheld by the zealous devotion of the City of London whose inhabitants through their abundant affections made them a free-will offering of all their Ear-rings Bodkins Thimbles and Jewels to carry on the weighty great work of routing Popery beating down of Antichrist suppressing Superstition and out of all to raise up a Glorious Structure of Reformation To answer expectations this Senate began the work with the Kings evil Council and having lopped them off drove on to such great Actions that the faith of after-Ages will be much puzzled to believe and rather look upon them as Romances then Realities But now their time being come after twelve years sitting they were annihilated and the power transferred into the hands of others Presently upon this the Lord General Cromwel and his Council of Officers published a Declaration shewing the Reasons of the Parliaments Dissolution the substance whereof was this THat after God was pleased marvellously to appear for his People in reducing Ireland and Scotland to so great a degree of Peace and England to perfect quiet whereby the Parliament had opportunity to give the People the harvest of all their Labour Blood and Treasure and to settle a due Liberty in reference to Civil and Spiritual things whereunto they were obliged by their duty engagements and those great and wonderful things God hath wrought for them But they made so little progress therein that it was matter of much grief to the good people of the Land who there upon applyed themselves to the Army expecting redress by their means who though unwilling to meddle with the Civil Authority agreed that such Officers as were Members of Parliament should move them to proceed vigorously in reforming what was amiss in the Commonwealth and in setling it upon a foundation of Justice and Righteousness which being done it was hoped the Parliament would have answered their expectations But finding the contrary they renewed their desires by an humble Petition in August 1652. which produced no considerable effect nor was any such progress made therein as might imply their real intentions to accomplish what was petitioned for but rather an aversness to the things themselves with much bitterness and opposition to the People of God and his Spirit acting in them insomuch that the Godly Party in Parliament were rendered of no further use then to countenance the ends of a corrupt Party for effecting their desires of perpetuating themselves in the Supreme Government For obviating these evils the Officers of the Army obtained several meetings with some of the Parliament to consider what Remedy might be applyed to prevent the same but such endeavours proving ineffectual it became evident that this Parliament through the corruption of some the jealousie of others the non-attendance of many would never answer those ends which God his People and the whole Nation expected from them But that this Cause which God had so greatly blessed must needs languish under their hands and by degrees be lost and the Lives Liberties and Comforts of his people be delivered into their enemies hands All which being sadly and seriously considered by the honest people of the Nation as well as by the Army it seemed a Duty incumbent upon us who had seen so much of the power and presence of God to consider of some effectual means whereby to
ships more These on the 3 of June 1653. lying at Anchor three leagues off the southhead of the Gober early in the morning described two Dutch Galliots which presently were chased by some of the English Frigats so far that they came within ken of the whole Dutch Fleet. Upon this discovery the Frigots made the usual signes which were presently apprehended by the whole Fleet who immediately weighing their Anchors the English made up with all the sail they could but the winde being weak 't was 12 at noon before these mighty Armadoes could ingage The first dayes work proved hot on both sides for three hours in which Dispute the English lost General Dean who unfortunately fell by a great shot To balance this the Dutch had three ships sunk and one blown up The next day both Fleets indeavoured to try another bout but there being little winde nor wine stirring but Brandy which was very brisk in the Dutch Fleet it was late that day before the English could get up to give them Gun-powder to it This second dayes fight was managed with abundance of valour both Fleets charging lustily upon one another Van Trump to shew his skill in Sea-fights at first brought up his Navy in very good Order having the advantage of that little winde then stirring for the Sea looked with a smooth face upon these mighty Enemies But the English Generals Blake and Monk who were not behinde-hand in making use of any opportunity finding the winde upon the sudden to veer about westerly drove in amongst the thickest of their Enemies with so much fury that the Dutch fearing to feed those that had so many times been food to them tacked about and with all the sail that possibly could be made steered their course for their own Coasts The English seeing their Enemies thus fly before them thought it not safe to pursue being neer the Flats and having great ships that drew much water Wherefore some small Frigats being sent to discover the Enemies course the rest cast Anchor in good Order to cast up accompts and see what was got or lost by this Adventure which proved in full to be thus Of the Dutch slain no certain ccount Dutch Prisoners in possession 1350 Captains captiv'd 6 Men of War taken 11 Sunk 6 Of the English Slain 120 Captains 1 Wounded 236 Ships lost or dis-abled 0 This inconsiderable loss on the English side being well recompensed with so considerable a Damage to the Dutch caused the two English Generals being no wayes dis-inabled by the fight to keep the Sea and resolve to follow the present advantage to the full therefore having new trimmed their torn sails and shatter'd Rigging they immediately made all the haste that could be to block up the Dutch Harbours letting Trump see that now his Bravadoes were transferred from the Downs to his own Doors and that the Fleet which a little before he thought good to send Hue and Cry after were now come to dare him upon his own Dunghil the English at Sea lying thus before the Texel Wielings and other Ports of Holland taking Prizes at pleasure General Cromwel at Land mean while prepares for a new Parliament in whose hands the Legislative Power of the Nation was to be put to that purpose persons being chosen by himself to the number of one hundred forty four out of the three Nations of England Scotland and Ireland they made their appearance at Westminster on July 4. 1653. the day prefixt in their Summons in the Council-Chamber at White-hall where General Cromwel being present attended by many Officers of the Army he made a short Speech which being ended by a Writing under his own hand and seal he impowered them to be the Supreme Authority and Governours of England Scotland and Ireland with all the Territories thereunto belonging and that any forty of them should be a Quorum sufficient to dispatch business make Laws and order all things as they should see good onely for their limitation the Instrument ordered their sitting not to exceed the third of November 1654. and that three months before their Dissolution they were to make choice of other persons to whom they were to deliver up their Powers Having delivered his Instrument to the Members the Lord General dismist them with a Benediction being very good at it wishing the Blessing of GOD might go along with them and their Counsels Immediately hereupon the Members adjourned to the old Parliament House where having first appointed Mr. Rouse to be Speaker a great debate arose among them what to call themselves whether a Parliament or something else at last it was carried in the affirmative That they were a Parliament in which name all Addresses to them were to be made Being thus settled they began though scarce pen feathered to soar high and at first dash to strike both at Law and Gospel But whilst these things were under debate John Liburn whose turbulent Spirit in the time of the Long Parliament had procured his Banishment presuming at this time to be again admitted into the Nation very confidently addrest himself to the Lord General craving his Protection But he knowing full well of what spirit John was would take no notice of him but left him to the Law by which he underwent a strict Trial and by the favour of his Jury was acquitted This man was ever observed to be of an ambitious minde alwayes affecting Popularity and therefore ever barking against the Higher Powers first against the Bishops then against the King next against the Parliament and indeed against every one that stood in his way Likewise so fickle in his own Principles that trundling from one Opinion to another he at last fell down into the sink of Quakerisme in which he died and was buried like himself being hurried along the streets from the Mouth neer Aldersgate by a confused medley of Levellers and Quakers But to Sea again The English Fleet having out-Trumped the Dutch and made their Neptune fly to Land for shelter they improved their advantage to the utmost by blocking up the Ports of Holland and Zealand so that not a ship durst pass in or out but was immediately made Prize Among those that were taken were two laden with great Guns one carrying one hundred sixty two the other one hundred ninety one These dayly losses filled the people with rage and madness seeing they were deprived of Traffick by which they chiefly subsisted and if that was obstructed nothing but a deep consumption would quickly follow The States General sitting at the Helm and foreseeing the sad consequence of the present War seriously debated which way to free themselves from that imminent danger that now hung over their heads To accomplish this there was but two wayes either by Force to repel Force or by Treaty to procure Peace To put both these in execution four Commissioners were dispatched away imediately for London to treat of a Reconciliation and in the mean time all imaginable preparations
the Members immediately repaired to the parliament-Parliament-house and chose William Lenthal Master of the Rolls to be their Speaker then they resolved to tune the Instrument of Government The first debate was Whether the Legislative Power should be in a single Person and a Parliament This Ball was bandied about for some time The Protectoreans with might and main endeavoured to have the Question resolved to be no question but rather to be passed immediately in the Affirmative This was strenuously opposed by the major part of the House amongst the rest a noble Gentleman stood up and made an excellent Speech wherein he shewed the Snares that then were laid to entrap the Peoples Priviledges for his own part he declared that God had made him Instrumental in cutting down Tyranny in one person and now he could not endure to see the Nations Liberties ready to be shakled by another whose right to the Government could be measured out no otherways then by the length of his Sword 't was this imboldned him to command his Commanders To the same effect many more Speeches were made in direct opposition to a single Person Thus the Parliament for eight days together run divisions upon the Protectors Instrument till it jarred so much that it was impossible to play one pleasant Tune for the Court to dance after This highly offended his Highness and made him resolve to put the Parliament into a better mode if possible to which end away he goes by water to the painted Chamber and there sent for all the Members of Parliament then sitting to appear presently before him there he declared That his sorrow was very great to find them falling into heats and divisions he would have them take notice of this that the same Government that made them a Parliament made him a Protector and as they were intrusted with some things so he with other things In the Government there was Fundamentals that could not be altered as 1. That the Government should be in one Person and a Parliament 2. That Parliaments should not be made perpetual nor always sitting 3. The Militia was not to be trusted in any one hand or power but so that the Parliament ought to have a check upon the Protector and the Protector upon the Parliament 4. That in matters of Religion there ought to be Liberty of Conscience and means used to prevent Persecution For the rest of the things in the Government they were examinable and alterable as the State of Affairs did require For his own part he told them his heart was even overwhelmed with grief to see that any of them should go about to overthrow what was settled contrary to their trust received from the people which could not but bring on very great inconveniences In this manner he perswaded them to Conformity in his designes but fearing words might be little regarded he therefore prepared a Laxative Composition wrapt up in a Recognition which was to be taken as followeth I do hereby promise and engage to be true and faithful to the Lord Protector and the Commonwealth of England Scotland and Ireland and shall not according to the tenour of the Indenture whereby I am returned to serve in Parliament propose or give my consent to alter the Government as it is setled in one Person and a Parliament This dose purged some Members out of the House and others again swallowed it without any reluctancie so that for all this the Parliament though they looked somewhat thin continued sitting five Moneths after in which time they did much in doing nothing The Protector seeing how opposite they were to his hopes could not brook these their dilatory proceedings and seeing they would not settle him he resolves to unhouse them and accordingly takes the first opportunity his Instrument would give him not slipping one day and dissolved them Upon the very nick of this Catastrophe the Court was Alarm'd with news of a great rising in Shropshire Montgomeryshire Wiltshire Nottinghamshire Northumberland and Yorkshire it is needless to tell the rise and growth of these male-contents their folly and fall may sufficiently manifest there were secret invisible springs that turned the maine wheels of this Design However the Protector continued still Victorious and triumphed over his Enemies Long had the World stood in amazement at the Protectors mighty preparations wondering what the intent should be or event would prove The Design was too deep to be easily fathomed being managed with such secresie that the chief Commanders both by Land and Sea who were to put it in practice knew not at first what they went about onely this they were assured of that it was for the honour of God the good of their Countrey and would be to themselves a profitable glory Time with great industry and vast sums of money having at last produced two mighty Fleets one of them was commanded by General Blake who being fitted onely for the Sea sailed away to the Straights about two Months after the other Fleet put out to Sea commanded by General Pen who took aboard him a Land-Army under Conduct of General Venables These Land-Forces being in all three thousand were divided into five Regiments under their respective Commanders and distributed through the Navie consisting of about thirty Sail of good Ships but provided with necessaries neither sutable nor sufficient for so long a Voyage Decemb. the 19th 1654. this Eleet set sail from Portsmouth for the Barbadoes the appointed place of Randezvous it pleased God to give them a speedy passage insomuch that the 29 of January they were all at Anchor in Carlisle Bay and presently landed their men upon the Island The King of Spain all this while not being assured that these Forces were designed against him yet by many circumstances believing no less he sent a speedy Mandate to the Marquess de Leda Governour of Dunkirk to pass into England in the quality of an extraordinary Ambassador that so he might know the certainty thereof This gallant Commander for so indeed he was presently after arived at London accordingly but after some stay finding little satisfaction in his Audiences he returned back again to give an account to his Master But to return during the abode of the Fleet at the Barbadoes the Generals Colonels and inferiour Officers were not negligent in their several stations General Pen caused the Carpenters of each Ship to set up those Shallops which were brought over in Quarters out of England And ordered the Coopers to trim and fit water-Casks Besides he sent two Frigats to S. Christophers and Mevis for raising of Voluntiers there In the mean time General Venables formed a new Regiment of Sea-men to serve upon occasion at Land these were put under the Conduct of Vice-Admiral Goodson the rest of the Regiments brought out of England were easily compleated to a full number Likewise a Troop of gallant Horse were raised by the Islanders at their own cost and charges the Carcases of which were afterwards buryed in
children God took them at their word For not to mention what some affirm that a bloudy issue hath ever since hereditarily descended upon them not long after according to Christs prophecy their City was destroyed their Temple not on stone left upon another and themselves ceasing to be a Nation became with Cain Fugitives and Vagabonds upon the Earth having now according to that prophecie of Hosea been many dayes yea many years without a King and without a Prince and without a sacrifice and without an image and without an Ephod and without a teraphim being dispersed amongst all Nations and hated by all people remaining nevertheless in such a degree of contumacious obduration that here in England whither some of them wandred they crucified children in despight to and derision of the name of Christ For which and other execrable practices they were justly expelled this Nation by King Edward the first in the year of Christs incarnation 1291. And so willing were the people then to be rid of them that for this Act of that King the Commons in Parliament freely granted him a whole Fifteenth Thus they were expulsed and ever since for the space of 364 years they have been excluded without the publike permission of so much as one Synagogue in England But this our Protector having a large I say not conscience but heart and being of tender bowels his charity extended so far as to plead for the re-entertainment of these guests to which purpose he propounded it to several eminent Ministers for their approbation alleadging that since there is a promise of their Conversion means must be used to that end which is the preaching of the Gospel and that cannot be had except they be permitted to reside where the Gospel is preached But by his leave when Gods good time is come there shall not be means wanting to accomplish that work which being of an extraordinary nature is not like to be done by ordinary means Besides such was then and yet is the temper of the people of England so full of diversities in opinions and reduced to such an indifferencie in matters of Religion that it is more then probable the number of their Proselytes would have exceeded that of our Converts But this is not all for it seems our Protectors charity that we mentioned before according to the Proverb began at home he had a promise of 200000 l. from the Jews in case he procured their Toleration here as saith Mr. Prynne in his Narrative p. 56. which sweet morsel he had swallowed by thus gratifying them had not the design been opposed by Arguments as sharp as weapons of STEEL The War with Spain beginning now to wax warm not onely under the Torrid Zone but likewise Northwards of the Tropick the Protector thought it best to annoy this Enemy in as many places as possible which could not well be brought about without a Peace with France which being effected roome might be made for English Feet to tread Flemish ground The French at this time earnestly desired the same for their chief minister of State Cardinal Mazarine saw every Champaign how prejudicious it was to his Masters Affairs in Flanders especially in besieging a Sea-Port Town to be without correspondencie with England This gave the Protector not onely opportunity of making up the long continued feud that had been betwixt the two Nations but to do it on very advantagious terms wherein the French King was content to deny himself in sending out of his Dominions his near relations the Stuarts which kindness the Protector requited with sending him 6000 Foot-Souldiers Thus the alliance was contracted The impediments that hindered Peace with France being past over to the Protectors great content he set himself wholy to a thorow prosecution of his Wars with Spain For this purpose the two Generals Blake and Montague had with a strong Navie long beleaguered the Port of Cadiz by Sea and with many provocations endeavoured to dare out an Enemy but the grave-pac'd Spaniard durst not step one stride to drive the English from his coasts but rather waited the lucky hour when scarcity of provisions or distress by weather would do the work to his hand and save the Limbs and Lives of many good Catholicks which might miscarry in forcing the English farther off But this piece of Policy little prevailed for when the Fleet wanted water and other necessaries the Generals found out a way to supply it by sayling to the Bay of Wyers in Portugal whence they were recruted in the mean time leaving behind Captain Stayner with a Squadron of seven Ships to have an eye on Cadiz Now it hapned that in the absence of the Generals a stiff gale of wind forc't Stainer to ply it off to Sea which brought him upon the discovery of an excellent object it was the King of Spaines Plate-Fleet richly laden with Gold Silver Pearl and other good commodities newly brought from the Indies The Spaniards at the first sight of the English Frigats took them for Fisher-boats which indeed they were in a sense for Captain Stainers work was to fish for gold and now seeing so fair a shole swimming he thought he would be sure to catch some considerable quantity or lose his life in the attempt wherefore with these three the Speaker Bridgwater and Plymouth Frigats the remaining part of the Squadron being driven to Leeward he gallantly fell upon the Spanish great Galleons which were seven in number and plyed them so sore with great shot that in few hours the whole Fleet was quite spoyled one whereof was sunk another burnt two forc'd on ground one run away and two remained in the Conquerours hands which were safely conveyed to England and very joyfully received by the Protector who set apart a particular day to give God thanks for this good success The Protector being much necessitated for money and withal impatient to tarry longer for a Confirmation of his Dignity by the People which although he could not obtain of the preceding Parliament he hoped he might gain of another this perswaded him to attempt once more a new Representative Which being resolved upon he issued out Writs for Election throughout the three Nations But remembring the Speeches and carriage of some in the late Parliament private intimation was given to certain persons in several Counties to obstruct if possible their Election again in this ensuing Session yet for all this the generality of people being swayed by respect made choyce of them they thought sit and such as were most able to carry on the weighty affairs of the Common-wealth Septemb. 17. 1656 being appointed for the general meeting at Westminster the Members accordingly made their appearance at the Parliament House where they found quite contrary to the ancient Priviledge of Parliament that no Members could enter into the House except they were first tyed up in a promise Not to act any thing prejudicial to the present Government Many of the Members would not bite
importance and might much conduce to the taking in of Dunkirk it self as afterwards it proved The French and English having beleaguered this strong place did not lie long before they reduced it to a surrender upon Composition so that it was delivered up wholly into the possession of the English But presently after the French being withdrawn into winter-Quarters came a strong body of Spaniards and made a fierce Camisado upon the Fort hoping to give the English little joy in their new Conquest but it fell out quite otherwise for the assailants were stoutly repulsed and inforc't to flee having lost in the attempt several brave Commanders The Protectors forraign affairs standing in a posture answerable to his desires his domestick designes at the same time did likewise very well correspond thereunto for the Parliament having sate near nine Months had in this time past many Acts which crowned the Protectors hopes so fully that more could not have been desired by him nor well granted by them For first out of a deep sence of his loss should such a design as bold Syndercomb's take effect they made provisions for the security of his Highness Person wherein it was Enacted High Treason for any to attempt compass or imagine the Protectors death This Act having pared the claws of cholerick humours at home in three whoops more the Title of Charls Stuart c. was utterly defunct And besides this to answer the end for which they were called round sums of money were granted to carry on the Spanish War notwithstanding his Highness late Conquests in the Indies that so the Protector might with more facility bang the legs of that long-limb'd Enemy The Acts made for this purpose were these that follow  Per Mens An Act for an Assesment upon England for three Months at the rate of 60000 l. On Scotland for three Months at 05000 l. On Ireland for three Months at 05000 l. On England Scotland and Ireland for three years   England to pay 35000 l. Scotland 06000 l. Ireland 09000 l. An Act for continuing of Tunnage and Poundage   An Act for preventing the multiplicity of buildings in and about the Suburbs of London and within ten miles thereof a whole years Revenue to be presently payd for dwelling or out-Houses that had been reared upon new Foundations since the year 1620.   An Act for Excise of merchandize imported Hobby-Horses Childrens Rattles and old shirts not exempted   These with many more being at once presented to the Protector for his consent were by him passed at which time he made this short Speech to the Parliaments Speaker I perceive that among these many Acts of Parliament there hath been a very great care had by the Parliament to provide for the just and necessary support of the Commonwealth by these Bills for levying of money now brought to me which I have given my consent unto and understanding it hath been the practice of those who have been chief Governours to acknowledge with thanks to the Commons their care and regard of the Publike I do very heartily and thankefully acknowledge their kindness herein The Protectors thanks for this could do no less then animate the Parliament to compleat the great work they were about for settlement of the Nation This business had been dayly debated and was almost brought to perfection when on a sudden a Petition was ushered into the House by a worthy Citizen of London to have his Highness one Tittle higher in his Title Hereupon the great Machine of Englands Government called the Petition and Advice was hastened away to the Protectors view with a desire that his Highness would be pleased to magnifie himself with the Title of KING Alas what thing more averse to his nature could be presented to him then this It was not to sit in high places that made him undertake the Government but rather to be a Servant to his Countrey Monarchie he knew was as odious to the Army as according to the proverb comparisons among the people and therefore he could not look upon this otherways then as a Temptation to try the strength of his resolution against that which before had like to have wrackt the peoples Liberties which said he undoubtedly had fallen out had not he stept into the sea of bloud and with invincible Arms preserved the Ship of State from those Piratical inchroachers that were ready to board her Yet to do nothing unadvisedly nor without mature deliberation his Highness took time to return the Parliament this positive answer to their liquorish desire which he with much meekness gave them in the Painted Chamber in these words That he could not undertake the Government with the Title of King Upon this the Parliament voted that Protector should be the stile of the chief Magistrate All things being now brought to maturity in the Petition and Advice and nothing wanting to make it a Law but onely the Protectors condescention a Committee was sent to desire a Conference with his Highness which he granted and appointed the place of meeting to be in the Painted Chamber May 25. 1657. his Highness attended by his chief Officers came accordingly and there the Speaker Sir Thomas Widdrington presented him with the Parliaments Petition and Advice the substance whereof was as followeth 1. That his Highness under the Title of Lord Protector would be pleased to exercise the office of chief Magistrate over England c. and to govern according to all things in this Petition and Advice also that in his life-time he would appoint the Person that should succeed in the Government after his death 2. That he would call Parliaments consisting of two Houses once in three years at farthest 3. That those Persons who are legally chosen by a free election of the people to serve in Parliament may not be excluded from doing their duties but by consent of that House whereof they are Members 4. In the fourth was shewn the qualifications of Parliament-Members 5. In the fifth the Power of the other House 6. That the Lawes and Statutes of the Land be observed and kept and no Laws altered suspended abrogated repealed or new Law made but by Act of Parliament 7. For a constant yearly revenue ten hundred thousand pounds to be settled for maintenance of the Navy and Army and three hundred thousand pounds for support of the Government besides other temporary supplies as the Commons in Parliament shall see the necessities of the Nations to require 8. That the number of the Protectors Council shall not be above one and twenty whereof the Quorum to be seven and not under 9. The chief Officers of State as Chancellors Keepers of the great Seal c. to be approved of by Parliament 10. That his Highness would encourage a Godly Minstery in these Nations and that such as do revile or disturb them in the Worship of God may be punished according to Law and where the Lawes are defective new
ones to be made in that behalf 11. That the Protestant Christian Religion as it is contained in the Old and New Testaments be asserted and held forth for the publike profession of these Nations and no other and that a Confession of Faith be agreed upon and recommended to the people of these Nations and none be permitted by words or writings to revile or reproach the said Confession of Faith c. This is the sum of the most material matters contained in the Parliaments Advice which the Protector liked very well and was resolved to follow yet with much reluctancy in himself considering the great burthen that was to be borne upon his shoulders which he had rather any man should bear then himself but being it was the pleasure of Parliament that none but he must be the buckler to defend Englands Priviledges he past their Petition and declared unto the whole Assembly as followeth That he came thither that day not as to a Triumph but with the most serious thoughts that ever he had in all his Life being to undertake one of the greatest burthens that ever was laid upon the back of any humane creature so that without the support of the Almighty he must sinke under the weight of it to the damage and prejudice of these Nations This being so he must ask help of the Parliament and of those that fear God that by their prayers he might receive assistance from God for nothing else could enable him to the discharge of so great a duty and trust That seeing this is but an Introduction to the carrying on of the Government of these Nations and there being many things which cannot be supplied without the assistance of Parliament it was his duty to ask their help in them not that he doubted for the same Spirit that had led the Parliament to this would easily suggest the same to them For his part nothing would have induced him to take this unsupportable burthen to flesh and blood but that he had seen in the Parliament a great care in doing those things which might really answer the ends that we have engaged for and make clearly for the liberty of the Nations and of the Interest and preservation of all such as fear God under various Forms And if these Nations be not thankful to them for their care therein it will fall as a sin on their heads Yet there are some things wanting that tend to reformation to the discountenancing vice the encouragement of vertue but he spake not this as in the least doubting their progress but as one that doth heartily desire to the end God may Crown their work that in their own time and with what speed they judge fit these things may be provided for This Speech being ended the Members returned again to the House and in few dayes after the Speaker received a Letter from the Protector desiring the Parliament to adjourn their sitting till further time Hereupon the speedy Inauguration of his Highness was concluded upon Accordingly June 26. 1657. all things being prepared in Westminster Hall for this great solemnity the Protector about two of the clock in the after-noon went by water to the Lords House and after some short retirement into a room near the Painted Chamber he came forth attended by the chief Grandees of his Court all these being marshalled into Ranks and Files marched away with his Highness to the place appointed in Westminster-Hall where the Protector having taken his standing under a cloath of Estate the Speaker Sir Thomas Widdrington in the name of the Parliament presented to him a Robe of Purple-Velvet lined with Ermines a Bible a Sword and a Scepter all which were precious tokens of the Parliaments favor at the delivery of these things the Speaker made a short Comment upon them to the Protector which he divided into four parts as folfolloweth 1. The Robe of Purple this is an embleme of Magistracy and imports Righteousness and Justice When you have put on this Vestment I may say you are a Gown-man This Robe is of a mixt colour to shew the mixture of Justice and Mercy Indeed a Magistrate must have two hands Plectentem amplectentem 2. The Bible is a Book that contains the Holy Scriptures in which you have the happiness to be well vers'd This Book of Life consists of two Testaments the Old and New the first is Christum Velatum in the second is Christum Revelatum it is a Book of Books and doth contain both Precepts and Examples for good Government 3. Here is a Scepter not unlike a staff for you are to be a staff to the weak and poor it is of antient use in this kind It 's said in Scripture that the Scepter shall not depart from Judah It was of like use in other Kingdoms Homer the Greeke Poet calls Kings and Princes Scepter-Bearers 4. The last thing is a Sword not a Military but Civil Sword it is a Sword rather of defence then offence not to defend yourself onely but others also If I might presume to fix a Motto upon this Sword it should be this Ego sum domini Protectoris ad protegendum populum meum This Speech being ended the Speaker took the Bible and gave the Protector his Oath afterwards Mr. Manton made a prayer wherein he recommended the Protector Parliament Council the Forces by Land and Sea Government and people of the three Nations to the Protection of God Which being ended the Heralds by sound of Trumpet proclaimed his Highness Protector of England Scotland and Ireland and the Dominions thereunto belonging requiring all persons to yeeld him due obedience At the end of all the Protector with his Train returned a joyful man no doubt to White-Hall and the Members to the Parliament-House where they prorogued their sitting to the next January There is no humane joy free from the mixture of some sorrow yea many times it falleth out to be equivalent to if not superabounding the joy it self So it fell out here for though the Protector might rejoyce at this acquisition of a Scepter yet the death of General Blake like a dish of cold water cast into the boyling Pot of his rising fortunes could do no less then mitigate the heat of it and cover the Courts countenance with a Cypress Vail This noble Blake in the beginning of Englands distractions sufficiently testified a high resolution in his almost miraculous defending of Lime and Taunton against the furie of Prince Maurice and the Lord Gorings Armies Afterwards the worth of this inestimable great Commander being taken notice of in Parliament they resolved it should not long lie hid at home but shew it self abroad and therefore he was advanced to be one of their Generals at Sea At his enterance into this Office he pent up Prince Rupert in the chief Port of Portugal and hunted him from Sea to Sea till he had reduced those ships with him which before had revolted from the Parliament This was but
by six Horses in black Velvet The Streets from Somerset-House to Westminster-Abby were guarded by Souldiers in new Red Coats and black Buttons with their Ensigns wrapt in Cypres which made a Lane to keep off Spectators from crouding the Actors For the Procession In the first place went a Marshal attended by his deputy and thirteen more on horseback to clear the way after him followed the poor men of Westminster by two and two in Mourning Gowns and Hoods next to them the servants of those Persons of quality that attended the Funeral These were followed by the Protectors late domestick servants with his Barge-men and Water-men Then came the servants of the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs of London Following them were Gentlemen Attendants on Forraign Ambassadors and publike Ministers After marched the poor Knights of Windsor in Gowns and Hoods then the Clerks Secretaries and Officers of the Army Admiralty Treasury Navie and Exchequer next the Commissioners of the Excise of the Army and Committee of the Navie Then the Commissioners for approbation of Preachers behinde these followed all the Officers Messengers and Clerks belonging to the Privie-Council and both Houses of Parliament Next in order followed The Protectors Physitians The Head-Officers of the Army The Officers and Aldermen of London The Masters of Chancery and his Highness Council at Law The Judges of Admiralty Judges in Wales and Master of Requests The Barons of the Exchequer Judges of both Benches and Lord Mayor of London The Persons Allied in Blood to the Protector and the Members of the other House The publike Ministers of Forraign Princes The Holland Ambassador alone having his Train held up by four Gentlemen Then the Portugal Ambassador and the French Ambassador in like manner The Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal The Commissioners of the Treasury The Lords of his Highness Privie-Council All the Grandees were in close Mourning the rest but in ordinary The whole Assembly passing along in divisions were distinguished by Drums Trumpets Banners and Horses whereof there were eleven in all four being coverd with black Cloath and seven in Velvet These passing in comely order at length came the Chariot with the Effigies on each side of which were six Banner Rols twelve in all born by several Persons And likewise several Pieces of the Protectors Armor carried by eight Officers of the Army attended by the Heralds Next went Garter Principal King of Armes attended by a Gentleman on each hand bare-headed Now came the chief Mourner And to conclude all came the Horse of Honour in very rich Trappings imbroydered on Crimson-Velvet and adorned with white red and yellow Plumes of Feathers being led by the Master of the Horse The Rear of this brave Shew was brought up by the Protectors Guard of Halberdiers the Warders of the Tower and a Troop of Horse The Essigies in this manner being brought to the West-Gate of the Abby-Church of Westminster it was taken from the Chariot by ten Gentlemen who carried it to the East-end of the Church and there placed the Picture in a most Magnificent Structure built in the same Form as one before had been on the like occasion for King James but much more Stately Thus much for the History of O. Cromwel Now follows His Character WE finde him in the beginning of England's Distractions a most active Instrument to carry on the Cause for King and Parliament this pretence holding water and proving prosperous he then became the main stickler for Liberty of Conscience without any limitation This toleration became his master-piece in Politicks for it procured him a party that stuck close in all Cases of necessity These Libertines in general being divided into several particular Fractions as Independents Anabaptists Socinians Millenaries Antisabbatarians Ranters Quakers Seekers and God knows how many more did all of them serve as steps to mount our Protector to the highest pitch of Preferment After he had made use of all that could augment his Interest then Humility condescended to look thorow his fingers at a Crown but still waving the ayrie Title of King he rather chose to accept the substantial Power of Protector The Primum mobile of his desires herein being somewhat satisfied then Parliaments were rallied and by him as familiarly routed wherein he shewed himself to be in Policie as far above the Peoples Capacities as Saul in Stature was above the Israelites In his governing of England Scotland and Ireland it is obvious to all he studied Men more then Books so that his turn was served in all Offices parts advanced few but he that would never question Commands but act freely his Interests was sufficiently qualified for preferment Yet this he would do when Embassadours were to be made or Forces sent into Forraign parts then sutable spirits fitting the Imployments were always cal'd out to serve as the Lord Lockhart for France and Reynolds for Flanders the first going in quality of Embassadour the other as General In the choyce of his Privie Council much cunning might be seen yet he never relyed so much on their Counsels as to have it said England was governed by a Council and Protector for he made the world know it was by Protector and Council In his rise he never cut down one step before another was built to support him this was seen in his levelling the Long Parliament and present spring of the next Little One then they being dissolved in comes an Instrument for his own Government In all these changes he took time by the foretop not suffering such an Interregnum as might encourage the Peoples minds to work him any mischief His Speeches were for the most part ambiguous especially in publike meetings wherein he rather left others to pick out the meaning then did it himself But when Offenders came under his own examination then would he speak plain English and declare his power unto them in a ranting stile Secrecie in carrying on Designs is the principal part of a Prince at this he was excellent both in Military and Civil Affairs insomuch that few actions ever miscarried under his hands except that grand one of Sancta Domingo They that go about to diminish his Valour do little less then rob him of his right for in the Camp his Armor deprest fear and made him stand in defiance of all Guns under the Demie-Cannon but at Court his courage was somewhat quailed with a new light sprung up called Killing no Murther The Pride and Ambition which some say he was guilty of may be easily excused as an original sin inherent in nature and we all know That which is born in the bone will never out of the flesh To conclude he carryed his Design clear and hit the mark he aim'd at notwithstanding the Parliament Triplo-Heath and Dunbars Ingagements which shews that Policy and Piety may both lie in a bed and yet not touch one another But now we mention Pietie His Religion must not pass my Pen in this he was zealous not