Graham and the late Sheriffe procured the commons of Westmerland by Sir Philip Musgrave and Sir John Lowther to subdue and plunder all such as stood for the Parliament in this country by whom Mr. John Barwis and Mr. John Osmotherley with many others were plundered and banished and great cruelty exercised by them and the rest of the Malignant Gentry 6 That some of the Committee now appointed have assisted the Enemy in their wicked designes some of them have dependance upon the Enemy others of them much feared to connive at the Enemies doings and to favour them 7 For that few of the Committee have not as yet and as we feare well dare not represent unto you the Malignants doings and practises we humbly desire some faithfull and honest men of Lancashire or else-where bee desired and admitted to joyne with the Committees of those Counties for the good of the State safety of these Counties and the better discovery of Malignants wicked practises 8 That in the meane time none of the favourers or friends of Sir Richard Graham and the late Sheriffe against whom many just and great complaints will be brought may be admitted to be of any committees 9 That forthwith some good course may bee taken for the discovery and punishment of the malignant wicked and scandalous Ministry of the county which have been and will be the greatest fomentors and abettors of the commons and gentry against the Parliament That present course be taken for the securing of Whithaven Parton and Workington over against Ireland the same being Havens 11 These and other the grievances of our country we are humbly bold to represent to your Honours grave consideration and wisdomes and shall be ready to approve our doings in the premisses as your Honours shall direct for the furtherance of the peace of this country and justice to be done upon offenders In testimony whereof we have subscribed our names These Propositions and Articles were delivered to the Parliament Commissioners at Penreth in Cumberland the foure and twentieth day of the ninth moneth called September 1644. by mee John Musgrave for and in the name and by the direction of the Subscribers But the same were sleighted and dis-regarded by Master Barwis and Sir William Ermyne though much desired by Master Robert Fenwick one of the commissioners to be taken into consideration Persons desired to be removed from being of the Committy in Cumberland William Briscoe Esquire William Penington Esq Thomas Lamplough Gent. Myles Halton and all the other Delinquents Persons desired to be removed from being Sequestratours in Cumberland Sir Wilfride Lawson Knight William Briscoe Esquare William Lawson Gent. Peter Mawson Nicholas Mawson Iohn Stodders and all other Delinquents Reasons for their removall Sir Wilfride Lawson See Artic 9. William Briscoe a Delinquent and tooke the Oath imposed by the commissioners of Array Thomas Lamplough a Delinquent and tooke the Oath against the Parliament Myles Halton an Officer and Tenant to the Earle of Arundell one that never did not dare oppose the Delinquents and voluntarily joyned and contributed to the Enemie Peter Mawson and Nicholas Mawson his brother voluntarily contributed to the Enemie and such as have not nor dare oppose nor displease Sir Iohn Lowther and Sir Philip Musgrave Master Pennington 〈◊〉 Sheriffe contrary to the Ordinance of Parliament detaines the Ship-money in his bands being not paid into the Exchequer Persons desired to be removed from command and office of warre in Cumberland Sir Wilfride Lawson Knight the Commander in chiefe Lieutenant colonell Offeere Captaine Musgrave Captaine Stoddert Captaine Story Iohn Hodgson Governour of Brough Barony And all other Delinquents Reasons for their removall Sir Wilfride Lawson for the reasons above said See Artic. 9. Lieutenant colonell Orfeere a notorious Delinquent and formerly a captaine under the Earle of New-castle Captain Musgrave a Delinquent formerly a captaine under Sir Richard Graham Captain Stoddert a Delinquent formerly an Officer under the Earle of New-castle Captaine Story a Papist was first a Lieutenant to Sir Francis Howard then joyned himselfe to Master Osmotherley who was for the Parliament and after deserted Master Osmotherley and joyned with the Enemy And as he confesseth hath slaine foure men of the Parliaments party he became a Lieutenant to Sir Henry Fletcher a colonell for the King but upon the Earles retreat backe out of Scotland upon Hodgsons promise to procure him a place came into Scotland from whence at his pleasure hee went over into England to the Enemy and was familier with the Enemies captaines and officers neither he nor the said Iohn Hodgson were plundered till the Scots comming into Cumberland one Patrison a Lieutenant to captaine Carleton was taken but by the said Story conveighed away into Scotland and so got into Carlile again◠to the Enemy wherewith Master Barwis was acquainted but Story never questioned Iohn Hodgson a man of very meane estate an Ale house-keeper who procured Brough Barony first to submit and contribute to the Enemie voluntarily after his going into Scotland had daily recourse and tooke liberty to go into England to the Enemie See Artic. 5 6. Persons desired to be removed from all Offices Sir Iohn Lowther Knight-Baronet Edward Robinson and all other Delinquents Reasons Sir Iohn Lowther a notorious Delinquent one of the chief Commssioners of Array both in Cumberland and Westmerland with the first Petitioned the King at York and tendred his service and was the contriver of that Petition he was colonel over a Regiment and Governour of Kendall for the King Sir Iohn Lowther pressed one Cleasby for a soldier for saying he would not fight for Papists who after fled but being taken again the said Sir Iohn Lowther caused him to be put in close prison where he is yet and hath indured great misery for these 10 moneths yet is the said Sir Iohn Lowther againe put in command for the Parliament upon the letter of Mr. Barwis as is said The said Sir Iohn Lowther committed to prison one David Browne a Scotsman where he lay in Carlile in great misery a long time and till the Scots comming unto Cumberland Sir Iohn Lowther did take him for an Jntelligencer for the Parliament but was not When by some of the House of Commons it was moved to have Sir Iohn Lowther put in command for the Parliament Mr. Blackston acquaited the House that he had these Articles in his hands and desired he might not be put in Command where upon Sir Iohn Lowther was put by Edward Robinson a notorious wicked man of evill fame formerly borne out by Sir Richard Graham one who hath done much hurt and got much by plundring an officer under the Earle of New-castle and since under Str Philip Musgrave but now to the countries grief imployed by Mr. Barwis about Sequestrations yet Mr. Barwis would not heare any complaint against him To the Right Honourable the Knights Citizens and Burgesses assembled in the Commons House of Parliament The humble Petition of
of the enemies have been taken prisoners sallying out of Carliâ—â— which are made commanders againe under our commanders and yet prisoners suffereâ— to lye in irons in Carlile for the Parliaments cause above one whole yeare and 〈◊〉 in aâ—ged 10. That some of the commanders doe give protection unto Delinquents and Scoâ—tish Papists which did betray the towne of Dumfreâ—e into the hands of those called the Black-band as Marquesse Mountrose and that company the same are protected which in Scotland were proclaimed Traitors these have free liberty to goe amongst 〈◊〉 to see the state of our country and to give the enemy intelligence whereby great dâ—â—ger may ensue if not in due time prevented 11 That some of the chief commanders did before time under pretence to be for the Parliament breake and divide a certaine wel affected party that stood for the Parliament and with their assistance the Country was brought under the bondage of the Array working that by fraud which the rest of the Commissioners of Array could not doe by force who leaving the Country to the plunder fled to the enemy where they tooke the oath for the Earle of New-castle and made in that service Commissioners of Array and cruelly persecured those that were well affectted to the Parliament by imprisonment 12 That divers of the Delinquents are suffered to keep their armes 13 That small or little profit is like to be made of the Sequestrations by reason of the favour showne to the Delinquents many of which have had time to convey away their personall goods and the rest eyther not sequestred or at small rates valued or suffered to sell their goods after Sequestration 14 The said Committees for sequestrations or any officer for sequestrations have not taken the oath injoyned by Ordinance of Parliament upon them nor any presentment made by oath save such as is done by deâ—â—â—quent Justices 15 That malignant scandalus and deâ—â—â—â—â—ent Ministers and such as are non-preaching and maintainers of superstition and have been great urgers and abettors of the gentry and commons against the Parliament and such as cast aspersions upon the wel-affected pressing the booke of common-prayer are borne out and counteâ—â—anced Some informations delivered by the Scottish Commissioners to both Houses of Parliament given to them by the two Commissioners of the wel affected of Westmerland and Cumberland sent hither to present Articles to the Honourable House of Commons THat many of the Commanders and members of the Committees who were in actuall Rebellion against the Parliament under the Earle of New-castle and did take the oath prescribed by him are still continued in their former châ—arge and imploiment That generally the gentry of those Counties are Papists Malignants and very disaffected to the Parliament That very little of the Sequestrations of Westmerland and Cumberland have been uplifted many of those to whom it is entrusted to put the Ordinances of Parliament in execution being themselves Delinquents That some of the Committee for Cumberland being desired to sequester the estates of Delinquents said they wished there were no Sequestrations at all and that they had warrant from the Commissioners of Parliament not to Sequester That if the Sequestrations had been duly up-lifted they would have maintained the Scottish forces that quartred in those two Counties and the Country no waies hoâ—â—â—â—â—n burthened That the reason of the Scottish forces imposing asseafements upon the Counties did proceed from the Malignity of the Committees who either refused or neglected their duty in assessing the Countrey and uplifting thereof and yet under hand stirred up the Commons to withstand the Scots taking up assessements That Sir Wilfride Lawson brother in law to Master Richard Barwis a member of the House of Commons and one of the Committee of both Kingdomes with the Scottish Army is a knowne Malignant was actually in Rebellion under the Earle of New-castle against the Parliament and continued in Armes till those Counties were reduced to the obedience of the Parliament and yet notwithstanding is now intrusted with the Command in chief of the Parliaments forces in those Counties and is also made High Sheriffe of Cumberland and one of the grand Committee for the Northerne Assosiation That Sir Wilfride Lawson with the assisstance of John Barwis Uncle to Master Barwis the Commissioner and William Briscoe cousin to Master Barwis have without consent of the rest of the Committee levied great summes of moneyes upon the Country distrained their goods and committed their persons to prison who refused it and have also raised great summes of money under pretence for the publique service which they doe still deraine in their owne hands That when the country people complained of Sir Wilfride Lawsons souldiers and condescended both upon the names of the persons and the goods neither the persons were punished nor the goods restored That Sir Wilfride Lawsons men had pay from the Country and yet tooke free quarter and stole horses whereof they would make no restitution That Colonell Cholmeley having desired Sir Wilfride Lawson to cause his soldiers to discharge their quarters with money they received as he did in his Divition Sir Wilfride Lawson wrote a bitter railing letter against him whereof Colo. Cholmeley sent the originall to the Commissioners of Parliament That Sir Wilfride Lawson did formerly and of late protect divers Papists and others declared Traytors by the Estates of Scotland That Sir Wilfride Lawson Major Thomas Barwis kinsman to Mr. Richard Barwis the commissioner and others his officers conveighed in victuals to the enemy in Carlile That the enemy falyed out strong and frequently upon the Scots and colonell Cholmeleys Quarters but kept faire correspondence with Sir Wilfride Lawsons Quarters That when they came out upon Sir Wilfride Lawsons Quarters sometimes the souldiers wanted powder and when they had powder they were discharged upon paine of death to shoot against the enemy though the enemy was much inferior in number That Thomas Barwis Major to Sir Wilfride Lawson when any of his owne souldiers were taken prisoners had them released at his pleasure and also released other souldiers that were taken prisoners for money That they are fully perswaded that the Towne of Carlile had been long since taken but for the correspondence and supplies given to the enemy by Sir Wilfride Lawsons forces and iâ— all probability those partes had been againe put under the Enemies power and the well affected in at had condition as formerly if the See as forces had been with drawne from Carlile That many of those forces that entred the South of Scotland called the Black band under the command of the late Earle of Mountrose are received and have command under the said Sir Wilfride Lawson That Thomas Lamplough was in Armes and actuall Rebellion against the Parliament and tooke the Oath prescribed by the Earle of New castle That the said Thomas Lamplough brother in law to Mr. Barwis the Commissioners is a savourer of Malignants and procured the releasement of
misdemeanors according to the Lawes and Statutes of this Kingdome Whereof faile yee not at your perils Given at Penreth under our hands and Seales the six and twentieth day of February Anno Dom. 1642. Philip Musgrave Simon Musgrave Copia concordat cum originale Per me Richardum Kirkbrid-tum Gaoler Witnesse hereof Thomas Gibson John Cleasby A Letter of Sir Patricius Curwen Baronet Knight of the Shire for Cumberland afterwards a Commissioner of Array written with his owne hand to his brother Eldred Curwen a Papist and Captain Lieuetenant to Colonell Hudleston BRother I should have been glad to have heard from you by a line or two I must confesse the businesse you undertake is of so high a concernment for his Majesties service in which I beseech God send you all good successe as I durst not adventure mine advice to you lest I might have been thought a hinderer to that service to which no man living can wish more happinesse No man can blame me to say that mine adventure in it of three brothers is more than ordinary all things considered And if I should wish two might have served and you had staid I deserve no great censure for it I am very sorry for nothing but that you took not mine advice but your owne wisdome I might and do submit unto and pray for your good fortune And I am confident when you reflect of my former carriage towards you and my affectionate valuatiation of you you will thinke that such a hazard doth worke with me knowing how things stands with me if at your leasure I may heare from you and that you have such a Command as is worthy of you you shall doe me a favour and tye me to let you heare of the welfare of your friends here In the meane time accept my best wishes and prayers for your good successe and remember my love to my brothers with you and my service to your noble Colonell and be ever assured you shall never find me wanting in any respect that may most manifest how really I am Sir Work Febr. 6. 1642. Your affectionate Brother and servant Pa. Curwen I doubt not but you will be carefull that all be done faire at Wotten castle where I heare you are that no wrong be done there either by your owne troope or any others that you can helpe for I dare say my brother Darcy thinkes you very wel-come there especially if you have made choice of that place your selfe this inclosed I pray you doe your best in it the mans name is William Peale Extracts of severall Letters to Iohn Musgrave FIrst Beloved here are the Black-band and many of Prince Ruperts Forces all the country over it is thought no lesse then five thousand horse and foot Sir Thomas Glemmon hath been here with the Governour and the Commissioners of Array they have been these three dayes in consultation at Penreth what was done there is yet unknowne to me the Forces that hath been raised already in this country lye at Penreth with the rest of the foot of Prince Ruperts the Marquesse Mountrose the Earle of Niddesdaile and Hurry are all in this Towne The Marquesse of New-castle did grant the lands of Master Barwis the Parliament man to William Mercer your cousin Sir Edward Musgraves man and our Gaoler who did thereupon sease of them but it was obtained by Sir Richard Graham to prevent another for he did no more but sease and Master Barwis his wife doth enjoy the same as fully nay more fully then any man of whether side soever in all this country it doth only serve for a protection Your cousin Sir Edward and Sir Richard Graham had it articled against them to Prince Rupert that they had obtained a protection for Master Barwis and that betweene him and them Letters did passe and they were thereupon accused to be on the Parliaments side but came faire off and this testimony is true Now how others suffered is known to you while I am writing newes is brought me that all the Gentry of the country are comming to this Town Sir Philip Musgrave Sir John Lowther and Sir Richard Graham and the Sheriffe Sir Edward Musgrave your cousin who came not here this long time because of the breach betweene them and the Governour who with Dikes did as I said Article against them If Master Barwis as you write was the hinderer of the Scots taking in these Countries then is he guilty of the blood of all these country people that have been slaine of all the blood shed by them of all the spoile done now to this country if not of the wrong done of late in Lancashire of the spoile done by the Black-band in Scotland of all the great charge the Scots have been and are at by keeping the Border besides many of the Gentry of this country that neither were nor would have been against the State at the comming in of the Scots that have been and are drawne to be enemies to the State to the routing out of themselves and their posterity Carlile Gaole 10. 8. mon. 1644. RICHARD CRAKANTHROP SEcondly Beloved I have laboured above one whole yeare for the good of this my native country and for the good of Scotland without ceasing and all this with the Scots I have given diverse reasons unto them of weight warning and foretelling them of their danger before it ensue whereby they might have had time to have prevented it but all in vaine it was the cause of my abode in this place when I might have been exchanged upon demand all the last yeare whereby I have lost the time I might have done good else-where for I suppose upon the reasons I shewed I could have brought the businesse to passe and have done good service to the State I have incurred the danger of my life in as ample wise as if I had been in every battell for though God hath kept the thing from them yet do they intend evill against me the Sheriffe Sir Edward Musgrave hath been with mee and my fellow prisoners to presse us to be souldiers for the King and that with such violence as to threaten to take our lives for refusing as Traiters I pleaded my tenour of Knights service and that I was not by law to be pressed for a common souldier who yet told me his voice should goe to take our lives and they have appointed a Gaole-delivery to be within fourteene dayes as he told us to try us you know what manner of men they be it boots not to speake to them either law or reason I put was in close prison for refusing to take up Armes with the Earles to invade Scotland and now the Sheriffe would needs have irons presently laid on us for refusing affirming we were in the highest degree of Treason the Under-sheriffe and our Gaolour perswading what in them lay and but that he had no irons for our Gaoler would find him none he had laid them on us by this you may
in Chief before Carlile the County is more and more Malignant would gladly have gone to Carlile but not for any good for they professe against the Scots say for the Parlialiament and are for the King it will be a wonderfull worke if ever the Country be-brought to affect the Parliament even to fetch water from the well of Bethlem no thing is done for the generall good every mans private is so looked after the souldiersly in free Quarter yet wee pay taxes I had al teer from Colonell Cholmeley wherein he writes to me of the unfaithfulnesse of Colonell Lawson he was to raise a mount neerer to Carlile then therest Lawsons horse and foot was to attend the worke when the towne sallied out slwe diverse of Colonell Chalmeleys men hut and tooke many and Lawsons men never offered shot and upon examination it was found they had not powder Richard Crakanthrop 26. 5. Mon. 1645. SEcondly Beloved if the smalnesse of our forces be but considered I think there hath been no greater oppression used in any place then in this Country Murthers Rapes and robbâ—ries is common there is not any respect had by our Commanders whether he be wel affected to the Parliament or no he shal have no favour for that nay if it be thought that he is zealous for the Parliament then shall he be hated it is so well knowne my affection that I dare not come at Apleby but am affraid to be Imprisoned and Colonell Brigs hath threatned it yet are Delinquents protected Sir John Lowther is Inlawed the Commissioner Mr. Barwis and it is said Sir William Ermyne hath been feasting at Low ther and presently Sir John Low ther appeares from his Ambush upon the going of the Commissioners out of the Country Mr. Barwis and Sir John was with the Colonell and some of the Committee after they are gone Sir John is sent for by a party of horse and had to Apleby the next day set at liberty and hath since collected his tythes and rents yet hath he sent his Some beyond Sea nothing is done about Sequestrations unlesse it be small thinges to put it in some mens purses of all the noted Delinquents Dudley only is a prisoner committed by Colonell Cholmeley the Commissioners before their comming for London had received your Articles since when the Committee of Westmerland have sent out their Orders that if any have any cause of complaint against any officer he shall be heard yet before no man could have any redresse neither I think will yet have Mr. Dalston is at his owne house and now the Delinquents are in their former state An information was shewed mee against Richardson the Vicar of Brugh and it did accuse him to have in his prayer before his Sermon praid to make the rebellious Scots like Oreb and Zeeb like Zeba and Solmunva and that God would send deliverance by Prince Rupert or some other man which hath been informed the Committees and I think the Commissioners for the party went unto them being neglected by the Committee but tho he be a great Delinquent yet is he protected in person and estate these Counties are as Malignant as ever the Officers seeke nothing but the ruine of all the Kingdom wil be utterly ruined if they imploy not men of conscience in their affaires Wee heare of a new list of a Commander which is much desired for these by their spoyle make the people beleeve the Parliament intends no good to the Kingdome but like the persons imployed in their service look for their owne ends which thing seduce many even all but such as know the good intents of that house let not the cause goe back for money paines I know it wants none Salute our friends and Mr. Osmotherley the God of peace blesse you in your busines to whose protection I commit you Your brother in the Lord Iesus Richard Crakanthrop Penreth 22.7 Mon. 1645. An extract of another letter to J. M. BEloved this new Commission is now in setting in this Country it was told me I was a Commissioner but I think it was in derision I wonder I heare not from you concerning it it being a businesse of so great importunance and once setled unalterable if these men command all is wrong your being at London was thought would have procured us favour in this Country but it is supposed you are waved and we are the more despised I could you I durst not come at Apleby nor will I at Peâ—reth any more if no lover of God have the Command here wee shall be as much as ever in slavery if it be possible and the Lord give a blessing you must not faile to look to this or else you and wee cannot expect here to live It is said Mr. Barwis promised Colonell Brigs that he should Common here and Lawson in Cumberland and be Governor of Carlile as they themselves give out confer with Mr. Rigby and acquaint him that the Militia here be in Delinquents hands Mr. Barwis shewed the Articles to Colonell Brigs and our Committee who thereupon sent out their warrants that if any had suffered by his troops upon Complaint they should have redresse but the Complaints are so great that neither his not the Committees estateâ— are able to answer and give satisfaction Colonell Châ—â—â—eley told me that one assured him that he will prove Colonell Brigs to be the cause of all the busines against the Scots and William Airey told me Colonell Brigs gave a barrell both of powder and ball to Captaine Browne formerly a Lieutenant under the Kings command for that purpose nothing is now spoken of Sequestring any and how should it be otherwise for how can Delinquents Sequester Delinquents aske our worthy friend Mr. Rigby the question from mee let the Parliament expect no good from such a Committee We are all well God have the honour salute all our friends the God of peace prosper you Farewell Your brother in Christ Richard Crakanthrop 4. of the 8. Mon. 1645. little Strickland THirdly Beloved I received your ninth and tenth letter and this is the ninth of mine I refuse to excuse my selfe seeing others have done it I perceive you have got a Commission for taking accompts of the Committees but notwithstanding my being in it if some of more note be not joyned with me it will availe little so if my Lord Docre can be put in and Mr. Bellingham of Gathorne he writ to you before the Lord Dacres seing the badnes of the Committee told them if the Devil were here he would find friends and partakers he gave me great countenance before the Committee to their grief I shall be glad to joyne with such a one as the Lord Dacres I much desire if it be possible to have a Commander in chief for both these Counties it will prove beneficiall to the whole Kingdome in Cumberland may the Irish land at their pleasure and are daylie looked for and so may the Dane come about the Iles of
Yet another word to the Wise SHEWING THAT The lamentable grievances of the Parliaments friends in Cumberland and Westmerland Presented by their Commissioner Mr. Iohn Musgrave to the House of Commons above two yeares agoe are so far yet from being redressed that the House of Commons not only protecteth Mr. Richard Barwis one of their owne Members from the Law being accused of High treason as appeareth by the great charge against him in this treatise contained As also against Sir Wilford Lawson Commander in chiefe of Cumberland who betrayed that County into the enemies hands And after he was Commissioner of Array carried Men and Arms out of the Countrey for the King against the Parliament But in stead of doing justice either against them or other accused Traytors to the Common-wealth they have most unjustly committed that worthy Gentleman Mr. John Musgrave their Accuser and prosecuter to the Fleet prison above these 12. moneths without any kind of allowance to himselfe or Family or so much as any appearance yet of any faire hearing triall or deliverance Matters worthy all the freemen of Englands serious observation ECCLES 4.1 So I turned and considered all the oppressions that are wrought under the Sunne and behold the teares of the oppressed and none comforteth them and lo the strength of the hand of them that oppresse them and no man comforteth them Printed in the yeare 1646. To our honoured friend Mr. John Musgrave who through God hath done and suffered valiantly for Truth and Iustiâ—e and the Freedom of the Nation Grace and peace be multiplied SIR WHereas in the midst both of our own particular grievances and of the generall judgements which likâ— the waves of the Sea do so succeed one another that they seem to strive which of them shall first make an end of this idolatrous and sinfull nation we look with sorrowfull hearts upon your deplorable conidition with all those that are nearest and dearest unto you and that for no evill but for your well-doing which tendeth greatly to all our comforts For in regard of your Fidelity Magnanimity and Constancy you were chosen by the wel-affected party in your Countrey to present their grievances to the House of Commons it being one of the chiefe ends wherefore the whole Kingdome hath chosen and assembled them But the house of Commons in stead of hearing and redressing your grievances have added new grievances unto those which formerly you have suffâ—red in their owne quarrel against the coÌ„mon enemy they have unjustly imprisoned you these 12 months protected traytors amoÌ„gst themselves from the Law permitted them not onely to set up malignants and other traytors in chiefest places of trust and command in your Countrey but left an open passage there both for Montross and his wicked câ—â—e to goe through and oppâ—esse Scotland and for the Irish rebels to enter England so thâ—t by these and such means they hastened the desolation of both Kingdomes if God had not a gracious protection over his own and did not both continue Kingdoms and reprove Kings and States for their sakes Yet we shall rather with teares seek their repentance then their persisting in such courses seeing they are placed in lawfull authoritie and have a good cause though they seek too much their own and too little the Kingdomes good in managing it and that they might be first reformed at home amongst themselves before they goe abroad to reform others otherwise if they shall still advance themselves and not heare the cries of the poore nor pitie the Widow and Fatherlesse nor the heavie groanes of the oppressed nor the sighes of the prisoners they themselves shall cry and not be heard And as for their lamentable submission to the Bishops servants the Presbyterian Synodians as if the servant were above the Lord in establishing that wil-worship and Popish maintenance which now themselves do well know to be jure Diâ—bolico through these blinde guides their Diviners and Sooth sayers inability to answer their querees wherby to prove themselves â—ure divine surely if they will notwithstanding obstinately persist in such wilfull dangerous and unwarrâ—nâ—â—blâ— courses not being any longer blind folded as at first it might have seemed they will doubtlesse shew themselves to be fighters against God his truth and pâ—ople to theâ—r own destruction without speedy conversion Farewell Articles and Propositions for the Counties of Cumberland and Northumberland INprimis That Sir Iohn Lowther and Sir Philip Musgrave procured the Commons of Westmerland to subscribe the Petition to the King at Yorke as Sir Richard Greham and the Gentry there did the Commons in Cumberland and went to the King at Yorke to tender their service which is conceived to have more insited his Majesty to take up Armes 2 That about 1000 within the Barony of Kendal about the same time petitioned the Commons House of Parliament thereby tendring their service and would have stood for the Parliament as many more in the said County who had provided Armes for that end if _____ would have joyned with them which they would not doe yet then professed to be for the Parliament whereby the Commons were deceived and so more easily by Sir Iohn Lowthers policy and Sir Philip Musgraves threatnings brought under the power of the Commissioners of Array 3 That the Committees for Westmerland appointed or the greater number of them are eyther such as Joyned with the Enemy by Contribution or otherwise or are Tenants to the Delinquents there and such as have not and is feared dare not oppose themselves against the Delinquents in any great businesse 4. That _____ is joyned to the enemy is a great Delinquent now _____ and now made Commander in chiefe in Westmerland as is said wherby complaints will not bee so well heard against the Delinquents neyther are the Delinquents estates Sequestred there which is the cause of great taxes and heavy seasements upon the Commons 5. That Richard Barwis Esq a member of the House of Commons and one of the Commissioners for both Kingdoms at his being at Edenburgh with the consent and advice of Iohn Hodgson who was protected in his estate by the enemy was the first man that drew Brough Barony to submit to pay contrybution money to the enemy appointed named for Commitâ—ees in both Counties men then in actuall rebellion and such as complied with the enemy 6. That said Mr. Richard Barwis from Edenburgh sent sundry letters to the Commissioners of Array in both Counties by the said Hodgson to be conveyed to them which was done accordingly 7. That most of the Committee appointed for Cumberland are Delinquents and such as have dependance upon the enemy and have not opposed themselves neyther dare displease the Delinquents there against whom Mr. Barwis would not heare nor receive complaints brought unto him 8. That the Sequestrators are such like and many of them of the same Committee 9. That the Commander in chiefe Sir Wilfride Lawson over the forces in Cumberland now
appointed upon the commons taking up armeâ— against the Array men there procured himself to be commander 〈◊〉 cheife over them upon his promise to be faithfull to them and then presently without any compulsion but voluntarily joyned with the enemy and took the Oath for the Earle of Newcastle and did send sundry to prison for the Parliaments cause And since he was 〈◊〉 commander in chief conveighed away one Ducket a Papist and a great Delinquent which Mr. Barwis would take no notice of though acquainted therewith 10. That severall propositions and grievances were presented by some Gentlemen and others to the Parliament Commissioners but were not allowed or regarded wherby others were and are discouraged further to complain a copy of which is hereunto annexed 11. That heavier and greater burdens and taxes are laid upon the Commons now by the Committees then were under the enemy and such as the County is not able to beare yet few or none of the Delinquents estates Sequestred 12. That if the Militia be not better setled these t â—â—o Counties will be easily reduced back under the enemy upon the Scots removing thence 13. That if more faithfull honest and able men be not chozen for Committees and Sequestrators the County will be ruined or lost most of the Sequestrators imbecilled and private men yea the Delinquents friends wholly inriched thereby 14. That if there should be two commanders in chief in these countyes it would much hinder the Service besides the charge incident to the same for these were allwaies in the time of Queene Elizabeth under one and so while the enemy had power over them Therfore some honest and able man should be chosen for that place who may be added to the Commissioners for both Kingdoms 15. That the chief of the commissioners of Array in these countyes be eyther imprisoned or confined in or to some remote place which will much conduce to the furtherance of the service and better setling of the peace there Their Tenants being thus freed from the feare and op ression of their wicked Landlords most of the commons there holding their estates in Taintright 16. That the grievances and desires formerly presented to the commissioners of both Kingdoms a copy whereof is hereunto annexed may be taken in consideration and wherefore the same were not regarded neyther answered unto by the said Cammissioners 17. That the castles and strenghts in these countyes be committed to non but honestand apporved men 18. That care be taken that Stewardyes Barliweeks and clerkships of Stewardyes and such like offices be put into the hands of honest and able men 19 That Mr. Richard Barwis is brother in law to some of the greatest Delinquents there cozen germaine â—o or otherwise nearely allyed to most of the notorious Delinquents of both Countyes and laboured to put all command there upon his and their friends or themselves so as without good assistance these countyes will not be well setled without removing such persons from publique imployment which are not found fit to be trusted and to place such other in their roomes with such power and authority as shall conduce to the publique service and to settle a course that the Militia may be put in execution and that there may be appointed sit Deputy Liestenants and one more sit to command in chief over the forces of those County es that they may be alwaies in a readinesse for the defence of themselves and assistance of their neighbours upon all emergent occations 20 That the said Ricard Barwis at his being at Sunderland had intercourse by letters with the chief Malignats in Cumberland espetially with Baronet Graham Baronet Musgrave Baronet Curwen and Sir Wilfride Lawson as appeareth by the confession of Thomas Watson Mr. Barwis his letter caryeâ— 21. That the said Sir Richard Graham and others the Delinquents there procured the lands and goods of the said Mr. Barwis to be protected wherewith Prince Rupert being made acquainted at his being in Lancashire allowed the same and so Mr. Barwis his wife did quietly without molestation or plundering enjoy the same till the Scots comming thither not any other standing for the Parliament having the like favour or freedome in these parts 22 That the said Thomas Watson confessed to Mr. Osmotherley that the said Mr. Barwis was the hinderer of the Scots not taking in Cumberland and Westmerland upon their first comming in and after and that the said Mr. Barwis tould the same unto him which hath been great losse and damage to the State and benefit of advantage to the Enemy 23 That the King since the Scots last comming into England hath had about seven thousand men sent forth upon his service whereof two thousand to Hartlepoole the rest to Prince Rupert for Yorke beside great summes of moneyes being raised there for the Kings use 24 That twenty thousand pounds per annum may be easily raised out of the Bishops Deane and chapter Papists and Delinquents estates in their lands rents fines and tythes if honest and able men be eâ—trusted therewith whereby the poor commont may be disburdened of many great taxes wherewith they are oppressed and through which they begin to be dis-affected all which this Honourable House is desired to take into consideration Representations and Considerations offered to the Commissioners for the Parliament of England by some of the sufferers and late banished men in Cumberland for the Parliaments cause FIrst it is desired that none be admitted to be of any Committee or have any command that have either subscribed the Petition to the King at Yorke or have joyned in assistance with the Commissioners of Array by forcing others or have taken upon them any command or Office under the Earle of Newcastle against the Parliament or have persecuted any standing for the common cause 2 That the chiefe of the Commissioners of Array of such the Gentry as have been urgers of the new Oath against the Parliament upon the Commons for better securing the countrey may be apprehended and detained in hold as is done in other places without which the country cannot well he secured 3 That already the Committee for this county hath chosen or assented to Commander for chiefe Sir Wilfride Lawson Knight who before together with Baronet Curwen injuriously betrayed the trust reposed in them by the country and joyned with the Enemy And now hath admitted of and given command to many Officers and Commanders formerly commanding under the Earle of New-castle and other wicked and vaine men to the great discouragement and griefe of the well affected and the said Sir Wilfride is allyed and in confederacy with the greatest Malignants of this county in which said Sir Wilfride the commons cannot confide 4 That such of the commissioners of Array or other the Justices of the peace as have sent any to Carlile prison for the Parliaments cause may be attached and kept in hold for securing the said prisoners untill they be released 5 That Sir Richard
sundry wel affected Gentlemen and other persons in the Counties of Cumberland and Westmerland WHo most Humbly pray this honourable House to take into your serious consideratiâ—ns these Articles annexed to provide a speedy remedy while the Scots forces remaine in these quarters lest the same fall again into the bondage of the Array and that if it seem good unto this Honourable House to send a faithful commander unto the counties to command in chief over both for that the one cannot be kept without the other and that the Counties may be eased of their great oppression and taxes in maintaining souldiers by allowing the Sequestrations as well of lands as goods for the maintenance of forces against Ireland to which they lie open and for the service of the Parliament and Countries And that faithfull and honest men theâ— have suffered for the Parliament may be put in office and that none be admitted to be in office or be of any Committee that are by the ordinance of this Honourable House judged Delinquents Westmerland Articles FIrst that in the counties of Cumberland Westmerland through the evill government of commanders and committees the commons are so oppressed that in their affections they are quite fallen from the Parliament who heretofore stood well affected to the same and are now ready to embrace nay much desire to see any opposite forces 2 That such as beare office and command are many or most of them Delinquents as the principal commander Sir Wilfride Lawson a commissioner of Array and many of chose forces that entred the South of Scotland called the Black-band under the command of Marquesse Mountrosse are received and have command under the said Sir Wilfride Lawson 3 That the said commanders doe take and raise great summes of moneyes of Delinquents to free them from publique service and do put on and off souldiers for money through which and their oppressions mutinies are raised the countries endangered anâ— the Parliaments service diverted 4 That the commanders exact moneyes by way of loane and enforceth the country groning under other great taxes and burthens thereunto 5 That great sums of moneyes are raised of the said counties under pretence of the publique service which upon strict examination would be found to remain in the hand of Officers and Committees or Delinquents protected 6 That divers of the Committees are noted Delinquents who shewed great forâ—ardnesse against the Parliaments service some have borne Armes and joyned in Acts of Association and taken oathes against the Parliament 7 That such as have suffred imprisonment and banished for the cause of Parliament â—aue bin plundered by the same commanders are not countenanced but threatned and â—â—â—â—ed by them and their persecutors countenanced and have some of them command 8 That the Commissioners of Array and other dis-affected and notorious Delinquents are protected both in their persons and estates go armed up and down the counâ—â—y upon the best horse of the country suffered to keep Armes and Amunition in their â—â—â—uses send and go at their pleasure out of the country to the Kings forces or any way 〈◊〉 up mutinies publiquely and openly shew their malignancy both by word deed 9 That divers of the Enemies Scouts and souldiers have been taken prisoners sallyâ—â—g out of Carlile by the Forces of Sir Wilfride Lawson which he had made Commanâ—ers under him and suffered prisoners to lye in irons in Carlile for the Parliaments â—â—â—se without reliefe 10 That the said Sir Wilfride Lawson did before-time under pretence to stand for 〈◊〉 Parliament break a well affected party that stood for the Parliament and with the â—â—â—stance of Sir Patricius Curwen brought the Counties under the bondage of the â—â—ray working that by fraud which the Commissioners of array could not do by force 〈◊〉 leaving the country to the plunder he with the said Patricius fled to the Enemy â—here they took the Oath for the Earle of New-castle 11 That certain Commanders were set to keep the Havens over against Ireland who â—â—re Commanders on the other side 12 That small or little is made of the Sequestration by reason of the favour shewed â—elinquents many of which have had time to conveigh away their goods and the rest 〈◊〉 sequestred or at small rates and the Committees refuse to take information and â—â—â—â—overy of Delinquents and their estates and to sequester them 13. That the Committee for Sequestrations nor any Officer for Sequestrations have taken the oath injoyned by ordinance of Parliament nor any prisement made by Oath 14. That the standing Committees have given over to set taxes or seasements for forces or soldiers in the said Countyes or undertake any collections or payment of the same but suffer officers and commanders to set sesments and to leavy the same at their pleasure whereby great oppresion and plunders doe insue rapes and murthers nay open rising in armes and slaughters both of commons and soldiers Cumberland Articles FIrst that the counties of Cumberland and Westmerland through the evill government of commanders and Committees the commons are so oppressed that in their affections they are quite fallen from the Parliament who heretofore flood well affected and are ready now to imbrace nay doe much desire to see any opposite forces 2. That such as beare any office or command are for the most part Delinquents and many those forces that entred the south of Scotland called the black band under the command of Marquesse Mountrose are received and have command 3. That the said commanders doe take and rayse great summes of money of Delinquents to free them from all publique service doe put on and off soldiers for money whereby mutinies are raised the counties indangered and the Parliament service diverted 4. That the commanders exact and rayse money by way of loane and inforceth the country groning under other great taxes and oppressions there unto and put the country to unnecessary charges by raising more forces then needfull or they have commission to doe 5. That great summes of money are raised of the said countyes under pretence of the publique service which upon strict examinations there will be much found to remaine in the hands of commanders and committees or Delinquents protected 6. That divers of the committee are noted Delinquents most of them have been forward against the Parliament some borne armes and taken the oath for the Earle oâ— New-castle 7. That such as have suffered imprisonments and banished for the cause of the Parliament have been plundred by the said commanders and are no waies countenanceâ— but threatned and hated by them and their persecuters countenanced and have command 8. That the commissioners of Array and other dis-affected Gentlemen and notorious Delinquents are protected both in their persons and estates goe armed up aâ—â—â—owne the country upon the best horse of the country and at liberty goe to the King forces and send letters and openly and publiquely shew their malignancy both 〈◊〉 word and deed 9. That divers
Thomas Fleeming Kinsman to Mr. Barwis the Commissioner who was imprisoned by Col. Cholmeley for offering a summe of money to one to betray Graistock-Castle to the Enemy That Mr. Richard Barwis one of the members of the House of Commons and of the Committee of both Kingdomes with the Scottish Army is a protector of Delinquents and Malignants That when those Countices were under the Enemies power Sir Richard Graham procured a warrant from the Earle of New-castle for protecting Mr. Richard Barwis the Commissioners estate and his Wife lived there quietly and peaceably in the Enemies quarters without molestation That now the said Master Richard Barwis protected Sir Richard Grahams estate who is yet with the Enemy in Rebellion against the Parliament That he did intrust the command of the Castle of Rose to one L. Colonell Orfeere a great Malignant and a commander under the Earle of New-castle That when the said Mr. Richard Barwis was in Scotland before the Scottish Army came into this Kingdome and afterwards at Sunderland he kept correspondence with the Enemy That John Barwis Uncle to Mr. Richard Barwis and Michael Stâ—iâ—holme who was present at the meeting told him that it was agreed upon In Mr. Richard Barwis commissioners chamber at Edenburgh before the comming in of the Scottish Army into this Kingdome That Sir Henry Bellingham Sir Wilfride Lavvson and Mr. Thomas Lamplough both brethren in law to the said Mr. Barvvis commissioner and divers others Delinquents should be put upon the Committee of Westmerland and Cumberland though then all three in Armes and actuall Rebellion against the Parliament and accordingly when the country was reduced by the Scottish Army these parties were put upon the Committees Concerning the Insurrection made in these counties they informe that the first insurrection was not pretended to be against the States but that they openly professed themselves Enemies against the Parliament That the manner of it was this Major Brigs procured from the Lord Fairfax a commission to himselfe to be a colonell and summoned all the county to appeare before him that he might make choice of souldiers that he and his Officers dismissed such as would give him 206 and detained the rest but afterwards diminished the price to ten shillings then to five shillings then to 12 pence and within a few daies after they summoned the country of a new againe and made their benefit of them as formerly That being before Skipton Castle with some forces upon Sir Marmaduke Langdaile comming to raise the Siege at Pontfret he came away from before Skipton and summoned the county againe to appeare and demanded the halfe of their goods to maintaine a garrison in Apleby that there were divers Skirmishes between him and the country people about that time that afterwards he did againe summon all the country to appeare and dismissed all those that would give him money whereupon the country and colonell Brigs falling into differences the Papists and Malignants made use of the opportunity and chiefly Sir John Lowthar a notorious delinquent cousin german to Mr. Barwis the commissioner and whom Mr. Barwis presented to the House of Commons to be commander in chief for Westmerland and the attendants and servants of the said Sir John Lowther possessed themselves of Bolton church and appointed the country people to come to a Randezvouse there with an intent to sease upon all the Strengths and Forts in those parts according to this intimation the country met the Lady Lowther furnished them with Ammunition and the Enemies Garrison at Shipton were drawing out for their assistance but all their designes were disappointed and the meeting of the country people dissolved upon the appearance of the Scottish Horse who were advertised of their intentions and invited thither for the assistance of the wel affected that about a fourthnight after there was another Plot of the Papists and Malignants for betraying of Kasewick Isle raising of the country beating a way the Scots and cutting of the wel-affected but this designe was discovered by a gunner of Sir Wilfride Lawsons who was hired to be an actor in the busines but being troubled in conscience revaled it and Sir Wilfride Lawsons Uncle who lives in the house with him was upon this plot That the Papists and Malignants failing in both these designes stirred up the country people against the Scots pretending the great Brethrens of the countrey and exactions made by them for maintaying the forces before Carlile That generlly all that joyned in that Insurrection were Papists Malignants their Tenants and servants That at the time of this Insurrection they did apprehend John Musgrave one of the informers and William Wheelewright saying they deserved no quarter but should be hanged especially Mr. Musgrave because he had been in Scotland and as they said was a chief Instrument in bringing in the Scots to take away the Service-book That they further could him that they were able to performe what they had undertaken that they would not want assistance for Northumberland Cumberland Yorkshire and Lancashire would rise with them to beat all the Scots out of the Kingdome And accordingly those of Cumberland did rise and likewise the Papists and ill-affected of Northumberland afterwards Where-upon the Scots commissioners desired by their paper presented to both Houses of Parliament in these words That the mony and provision taken up by the Scottish Army in those parts may be speedily brought to an accompt That these Informations may be speedily put in a way of triall and examination and in the meane time some persons of unquestioned affections and fidelity to the Parliament may be sent into the country to take charge of the Parliaments forces there and looke to the security of these parts The Scottish Commissioners Answer to the Parliaments Demands concerning the Informations given in by them and received from the Commissioners of the well affected of Cumberland and Westmerland ACcording to the desire of the House of Commons that we should acquaint the Members of that House that are of the Committee of both Kingdomes upon what grounds we delivered the Informations we received concernings Member of that House and other persons We returne this Answer That these Informations were delivered to us by John Osmotherley a Member of the Committee of Cumberland and John Musgrave Gentleman under their hands who declared they were ready to justifie and make them appeare That they shewed to us these Articles under the hands of above seven-score of the Gentlemen and Inhabitants of this Country That they had Recommendations from colonell Cholmeley a colonell of a Regiment of the Parliaments Forces there who is a religious and worthy Gentleman of whose affection and forwardnesse in the cause the Kingdom of Scotland hath had much experience That colonell Cholmeley in his Recommendation approves of the Articles and Ingages his life for the fidelity of Master Osmotherley and Master Musgrave That wee received diverse testimonies from persons here in Towne to whom wee give
and Westmerland and hath published the said Articles with other writings two or three severall dayes in one Church saying That those which will deny subscribing to the same should be no more troubled 2 That the servants of the said Mr. Richard Barwis with one William Capt Col. Lawsons Tenant and a Quarter-master doth goe up and downe the country parswading threatning and desiring such as subscribed the said Articles to deny the same in all or in part 3 That the said parties so imployed finding of such that subscribed doe inquire after others of the same name and procureth them to disclaime subscription and subscribe to what they desire as John Wilkinson of the Gilbank for Iohn Wilkinson of Loeswater and Thomas Symm of the New-towne for Thomas Symm of Ederside and Thomas Chambers of Hartlow for Thomas Chambers of old Bawbrey and so others 4 That the foresaid Cape being thus imployed did come into a house where Edward Smith servant to Mr Osmotherley was and begun to examine and question the said Edward about subscription to the said Articles but the said Edward refusing to make answer he not shewing any Authority for his so examining the said Cape did there-upon say he would commit the said Edward by Authority he had and so laid hands upon him but the said Edward making an escape the said Cape did command some men to fellow and he himselfe laid waite for him and sought houses where he suspected the said Edward to be 5 That with the said Cape there was one Robert Chambers and one Iohn Iackson a Quartermaster which gave the said Edward Smith reprochfull speeches the said Chambers wishing that the said Smith had been Smoothered in his Mothers belly and said if he could get him at the Abbey he would kill the said Edward and Iackson the Quarter-master said the said Edward was a seducing fellow in drawing some to subscribe the Articles and the said Edward had cost the Lopp of Holme twenty-score pounds in being an instrument to Mr. Osmotherley now a soliciter for the said Articles to raise the Holme in Armes for the Parliament Colonell Hodleston an enemy comming against the same 6 That the said Cape said if he could get the said Edward he would take a leg or an arme from him the said Cape did also send word to Mr. Osmotherley that he should not keepe the said Edward Smith for a servant Witnesse Edward Smith Thomas Grave John Satterthraithe This information written with Edward Smiths owne hand was by him sent and delivered unto mee about the 12. 4. mon. called April 1645. John Musgrave The complaint of Iohn Robinson of Mosser and Francis Smith of Egermond against the Committee of Cumberland SHeweth that the above named persons who have suffered fining plundring banishing and imprisonment for the cause of the Parliament having their dwelling houses door and windowes broken and violently robbed cruelly bearen and blooded also being mocked and called theeves murtherers and much more and all disaffected persons to the Parliament whereupon wee made complaint three severall daies unto the said Committee and could have no redresse not so much as our witnesses examined but wee our selves threatned with punishment by the said Committee and after this our sufferings under great Malignants without cause or offence committed by us thus wee were made a prey unto the will of Malignants by reason of injustice and for our labouring for Justice wee are exposed to further and greater misery The Complaint of Margaret Robinson of Pardsay Widdow Against Sir Wilfride Lawson Colonell for Cumberland Sheweth THat the above named Widdow Robinson being plundred by Francis Story Captaine under the command of the said Colonell Lawson of some certaine goods to the valew of about seven pound where-upon I made complaint to the said Colonell Lawson five several times by which I was put to great trouble and charges neare halfe of the former losses to the great rejoycing of many Malignants to know me who stood still desirous to see our Country possessed by the Parliaments forces and the Enemy therein supprest to suffer so much by them and not to enjoy the benefit of Justice by the said Commanders though voluntarily I promised halfe of the same to the publique purse yet for all this could not get any satisfaction This complaint was sent to me in 2. Mon 1645. John Musgrave To the Knights and Burgesses Assembled in the Commons House of Parliament The Humble Petition of a well affected party in Westmerland and Cumberland for Mr. Musgraves Liberty THe great care this Honourable House hath had of this distressed Kingdome together with the distressed condition of these two Counties of Westmerland and Comberland maketh us again to be humble suiters unto this Honorable House that as it hath pleased this Honourable House to establish a grand Committee for accompts for this whole Kingdome impowring them to nominate a sub Committee for accompts in severall parts of the same to act according to the Ordinances of this Honourable House made in that behalfe which grand Committee having appointed within these two Counties and there-upon hath ministred the Oath expressed in the Ordinance unto Mr. John Osmotherley and Mr. John Musgrave two whom they had appointed for execution of the same Persons of approved fidelity in this grand Cause and intrusted by a well-affected party of the said Counties to present the great grievances of the same by Petition and Articles to this House for which wee returne hankes unto this Honourable House as also unto the said grand Committee of accompts but since it hath pleased the all Directer so to appoint that the said Mr. John Osmotherley being to returne into his Countrey having the carriage of the said Commission and Ordinance had the same taken from him in his Journey being likwise robbed as of the said Commission and Ordinance so of his horse money and other thinges And the said Mr. John Musgrave being by a Committee of this Honourable House imprisoned whereby these distressed Counties groning under the great oppression of Commanders and Committees doth find themselves no way cased but continually more burthened without great care of this Honourable will tend to the destruction of those Counties Your Petitioners humbly pray this Honourable House that in porsuance of your former care that the said Commission with Ordinances may be againe sent downe to these two Counties And that Mr. John Musgrave who cannot be touched with the least reproch of infidelity to this Honourable House and the Common-weale as wee are confident may be inlarged and inabled together with Mr. Osmotherley and others to act in the said Committee as they have taken the said Oath and that the said Petition and Articles exhibited to this Honourable House by the said Mr. Iohn Osmotherley and Mr. Iohn Musgrave for these oppressed Counties may be put to triall and that men knowne to be of publique spirits may be put in the said Committee of accompts And your Petitioners shall pray This