produc'd no more then a mutuall desire of an amicable compliance yet was it very well resented by the Parliament that they shew'd themselves the leading cards to the rest of the Provinces at such a time as that Now whenas the Treaty at Breda was fully ended and that all their Jealousies and animosities notwithstanding the vast disproportion and notable antipathy that was erewhile between the Royallists and Presbyterians was by this means fully allay'd at least in shew The Scots seem'd to want nothing save the presence of their King wherby to crown their desires and confront the English in order whereunto He hasts from Breda to the Hague from thence to Scheveling where he took shipping and at last in despight of foul weather and the English Kingfishers that lay there to intercept him he landed at the Spey in the North of Scotland where he found the greatest difficulty in ascending the Throne and least enjoy'd it of any Prince that was ever heard or read of For upon all occasions he was compeld to trace the steps and follow the dictates of that haughty Clergy in all their fanatick humours and imperious decrees who bereav'd him first of all his old friends Counsellors and confederates whether of the Clergy or Layety who to say the truth had alwayes accompanied his Father and Him in all their disasters and dangers and had shipwrackt their own fortunes to carine and repair his though it may be by this desertion he intended their restauration But now the Scots had a King yet as though they had none they did what seem'd right in their own eyes The first and most pernicious potion they made him to take and of hardest digestion was the Solemne League and Covenant that ignis fatuus and only seminary of bloud and mischief in these three Nations The next was a Declaration of the Kirks own framing and fashioning wherein he is taught to renounce the sinnes of his Fathers house and of his own the Idolatry of his Mother by a constant adhering to the Cause of God according to the Covenant in the firm establisment of Church-government as it is laid down in the Directory for publike Worship Confession of Faith and Catechisme This with divers others of the like nature although with much reluctancy he also signed which its like burthen'd his spirit yet better'd not his condition which was like that of a Child under Tutors and Governors for there was not an Officer in that Church or Commonwealth how vile and abject soever in place or person but enjoy'd more freedom in body and minde then he Guarded indeed he was but little regarded so that move he must not but in the sphaere of the Kirk they were the primum mobile whereby its apparent that the Government of that Nation was not truly Monarchicall though they had a King but Hierarchicall the confusion whereof I shall now set before you The Parliament of England weighing right well the condition into which their affairs were now reduc'd by reason of the Agreement that was peec'd up between the Scots and their King after a serious and solemne debate voted that Thomas Lord Fairfax with the Army under his command should march Northwards who after some conference had with the Parliament and being prompted by an indisposition of body or minde laid down his Commission which was forthwith confer'd upon Oliver Cromwell Lord Deputy of Ireland Gen. Fairfax laies down his Commission which was presently confer'd upon General Cromwell Lord Deputy of Ireland who in order to this Northern expedition arriv'd a while after from his victorious atchievements in that country leaving his Son in Law Henry as Lord Deputy in his room Accordingly Orders were issued forth for the speedy advance of the Army into Scotland who had no sooner begun their March but the Scots took the Alarme and sent two or three Papers to Sr Arthur Haslerig then Governour of Newcastle wherein they expostulated the Case about the sudden approach of the English Army endeavouring thereby to impede their march till such time as their designes were ripe alledging as scar-Crowes to fright fooles the Covenant the large Treaty and Union between the two Nations with other circumstances of the like nature as frivolous as they were fruitlesse The Parliament of England then published likewise a Declaration shewing the grounds and reasons of their Armies advance towards Scotland accompanied with another from the Generall and Officers of the Army shewing that that which moov'd them to that great undertaking was not any reliance upon the arm of flesh The Declaration of the English Army in their march to Scotland or being lifted up with the remembrance of former successes or the desire of accomplishing any designes of their own that they had forelaid but the full assurance they had that their Cause was just in the sight of God looking at the precedent changes and the successes that produc'd them not as the work of the policy or strength of man but as the eminent actings of the Providence and Power of God to bring forth his good will and pleasure concerning the things which he hath determined in the world adding That nothing was predominant with them next to their duty to their duty to God not to betray a cause to which he had so much witnessed as the love they had to those that feared God there who might possibly suffer through their own mistakes or their disability to distinguish in a common calamity of which Christian love they hoped that they gave some proof when they were before in Scotland with that Army and were by God made instrumentall to break the power of those that oppressed the godly Party there for which say they their late Engagement to their new King against England was no good requital nor their heaping on them the reproach of a Sectarian Army a Christian dealing all which by the grace of God they could forget and forgive and did as they say desire of God that the precious might be separated from the vile beginning and concluding with a most solemn and dreadfull imprecation and appeal That to the truth of these things the God of Heaven in his great mercy pardoning their weaknesses would judge of them when they came to meet the Enemy in the Field This Declaration was sent by the Generall of the English Forces from their Head-Quarters at Barwick to Edenburgh by a Trumpeter whom they blinded coming and going what effect this wrought the sequel of the Story will relate From Barwick the Army marched to the Lord Mordingtons House July 22. 1650. where they lay three daies on the 25. they marched to Copperspeth the 26. to Dunbar where they received some provisions from the Ships sent on purpose to attend the motions of the Army forasmuch as the people of the Countrey had forsook their habitations and had left nothing behinde that might accommodate them The Army thus refresht at Dunbar marcht thence to Haddington Next day hearing
Relgion there was a generall nonconformity Heresies being daily broached in every corner of the Land which continually sprung up like Hydra's heads one upon the neck of another by which means the mindes of the people became unsetled and shaken in the Principles of Faith and Doctrine each particular faction tracing a different track to finde the truth whenas indeed there is but one way and one truth the numbers names whereof of if I should undertake to give you I might reckon ad infinitum viz. Independents Anabaptists and those of severall kindes some for Imposition of hands anointing with Oyl and washing of feet and some against them Brownists Millenaries Arminians Socinians Adamites Diggers Seekers Shakers Ranters Enthusiasts Arians Pelagians cum multis aliis of all which I shall say only thus much Let them grow together till the harvest least in plucking up the tares you pull up the wheat also This Parliament having sate about as many weeks as the other had done years though in that time to give them their due they had made severall laudable Acts and of great utility and advantage to the people viz. An Act for taking off the Engagement for taking off Fines from Original Writs and Declarations for clearing of Publike Debts and discovery of frauds and concealements due to the Commonwealth as also an Act for Relief of Creditors and poor Prisoners which of all others was of greater concernment to the Nation then any thing they could do Other Acts of lesse moment they made also which I shall forbear to mention Yet in other things of no small consequence there appeared such confusion in their councels such contrariety in their opinions such a dissonancy in their actings and disparity in their aimes that they seem'd to be a meer monster with many heads insomuch that it was not expected their power as then it stood would continue unto the time prefixt For on the 10th of Decemb. 1653. the Parliament having heard the Report of the Committee That they thought it fitting that Commissioners be sent into all the Counties and inabled to eject scandalous and unable Ministers and also be impowred to settle able Ministers in all void places That such as are or shall be approved for publike Preachers of the Gospel shall have and enjoy such maintenance as is already setled by Law That upon hearing and considering what hath been offered to the Committee touching propriety in Tythes of Incumbents Rectors Possessors of Donatives or appropriate Tythes It is the opinion of this Committee That the said persons have a Legall propriety in Tythes The Parliament I say having spent severall daies in debate of this Report Decemb. 10. put the first of these Reports to the Question viz. Whether the House doth agree with the first Clause of this Report which was carried in the Negative Munday Decemb. 12th somewhat early the House being sate a Gentleman stood up and moved That the sitting of this Parliament as then constituted would not be for the good of the Commonwealth and that therefore it was requisite to deliver up unto the Lord Generall Cromwell the Powers which they received from him This motion being seconded by severall other Members the House rose and the Speaker with many Members of the House departed and went to Whitehall where they being the greater number of the Members sitting in Parliament did by a Writing under their hands The Parliament dissolved Dec. 12th 1653. resigne unto his Excellency their said Powers and Mr Speaker attended with the Members did present the same to his Excellency accordingly This was no sooner done but after serious consultation and debate about the emergent occasions of the Land the Lord Generall Cromwell was in the presence of all the Judges and Justices of the severall Courts at Westminster the Barons of the Exchequer the Keepers of the Liberties of England the Lord Major and Aldermen of the City of London with most of the chief Officers of the Army sworne Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England Scotland and Ireland and of all the Islands and Territories thereunto belonging Severall Articles by which he is to govern the People being then read to him to the performance whereof he took a solmn Oath in the presence of them all the summe whereof was That he should call a Parliament every three years That the first should be Sept. 3d 1654. That he should not dissolve it untill they had sate five moneths That whatsoever Bill they should passe if he should not signe it in 20 dayes that then it should passe without him That he should have a Councell of select Persons to assist him nor under 13 nor above 21. That immediately after his Death the Councell shall choose another Protector before they rise That no Protector for the future shall be Generall of the Army That the Protector shall have power to to make Peace or Warre That with the consent of his Councell he may make Lawes which shall be binding till the next Session of Parliament These with many more particulars you may reade at large in the Form of Government Soon after this he was proclaim'd Lord Protector in the Palace yard at Westminster and by the Lord Major and Aldermen in their Scarlet gowns at the Royall-Exchange Not long after his Highnesse the Lord Protector was by the City invited to a Feast at Grocers-Hall the manner of whose reception was as followes He came from Westminster in a Chariot drawn with 6 Horses in gallant equipage before him rode his Life-Guard with most of his chief Officers and some of his Councell after them rode 2 Pages bareheaded in sumptuous apparrell after them about 12 Lackeys with velvet Caps in gray Liveries with silk and silver fringe then came his Highnesse as aforesaid in a Chariot clad in a dark coloured suit and cloak attended by many of the Nobility in their Coaches with 6 Horses At Templebarre his Highnesse was met by the Lord Major and Aldermen where the Recorder of London saluted him with a pithy an excellent Speech His Highnesse then came out of his Chariot put on a riding coat imbroidered with gold-lace and mounted on horseback two or three of his horses of State being there led by which done the Lord Major took the City-Sword and carried it bareheaded from thence to Grocers-Hall all the way whereof the severall Companies in their Liveries sate on both sides the way in railes set up on purpose with Streamers sticking up to distinguish each Company After his Highnesse had dined and banquet was ended he conferr'd upon the Lord Major the Honour of Knighthood And now Reader have I brought my Story from the end of one Monarchy to the beginning of another under which if it please the wise disposer of all things as well as persons to grant us Peace both at home and abroad both thou and I may live to see happy dayes and if it shall please God to spin out the thred of my life to some considerable length I shall afford the world some other things of the like nature but if not I am content to acquiesce in the good will of Him that dwelt in the Bush and so farewell FINIS
Britania Triumphalis A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE WARRES AND OTHER STATE-AFFAIRS OF Great Britain From the Death of the late KING to the Dissolution of the last Parliament Vide quam repentè tempus res mutat humanas Tempora mutantur nos mutamur in illis LONDON Printed for Samuel Howes and are to be sold at at his Shop in Popes-head-Alley 1654. TO THE READER Courteous READER I Here present unto thy view a rude and imperfect draught of those notable Occurrences strange Revolutions various Contingencies and wonderfull Transmigrations that have happened in this little corner of the Earth for these five years last past which although peradventure they may be imbased by the course and mean allay of this impolisht dresse yet in this as in all other Histories you may finde some things which may aut prodesse aut delectare either profit or delight thee One wisely and truly calls History the faithfull preserver of things past and the certain prophet of things to come First here is related the Fall of one of the Mightiest Monarchs in Europe and in Him of Monarchy it self with the severall designes and transactions that were set on foot for the instating of his Sonne in the Throne and the fruitlesse events thereof The Conquest of Scotland The Reducing of Ireland The Revolt of the Carybe Islands and the Reducing thereof and of the Islands of Scilly Jersey and Man The Breach between England and the United Provinces and all the memorable Sea-fights that ensued thereupon The Dissolution of the commonly called everlasting Parliament The Calling another Assembly or Parliament with the manner and cause of the dissolution thereof The Lord Generall made Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. the Solemnities used therein his Reception and Entertainment in the City of London Other things of lesse moment are interwoven and promiscuously mingled up and down the Book as the nature thereof requireth all which as to matter and form I leave to thy impartiall judgement there to be arraign'd and condemn'd according to the nature of the offence and withall I request thee that with patience thou wilt passe by such faults as have escaped the Presse whether verball syllabicall or literall and so farewell A Compendious NARRATIVE of the most Important Affairs of Great Britain from the Death of the late KING to the Dissolution of the last PARLIAMENT AS to the externall Causes of the many evils and miseries wherewith this Nation has been afflicted for these few years past much might be said but the chief I have reduc'd to the following Heads The first and generall Cause was the Sinnes of the People who taking a surfet of ease plenty and pleasure and growing wanton thereby gaz'd after novelty that magneticall attraction of the Plebeian rout and as discontented with their present condition sought felicity in things they wanted and were still unsatisfied even in the accomplishment thereof Malv Rom. whence is occasioned the hatred of tranquillity the desire of motion the loathing of present things and seeking after future Another principall Cause was the lamentable corruptions of the Court not inferior in vice to the most infamous Court in Europe not excelling in any thing that might be called virtuous but inur'd themselves to a soft and luxurious life abounding in all manner of voluptuous and effeminate pleasures rejecting the more noble dictates of nature and grace not atchieving any one enterprise that might render them either feared abroad or loved at home but still wanting fuell for the fire of their prodigality daily invented some new and indirect courses and wayes to torment the people whose jealousies and fears encreasing with their grievances brought forth a most bloudy intestine warre which ended not but in the subversion of Church and State as then established viz. Episcopacy and Monarchy the Head of both being cut off and the Bodies discomfited And though the King was judged to be the Patron of those many innovations and miscarriages that befell the Church and Commonwealth yet I am fully perswaded they proceeded not from the depravednesse of his will but the flexibility of his nature overwhelm'd by his pernicious Councell by which he seem'd of a lesser magnitude then otherwise he would have done yet was he not the worst although the most unfortunate of Princes and in him ended Monarchy but not the miseries of these Nations for after some years civil and yet unnaturall warre betwixt King and Parliament they at length terminated in the vanquishing of his Armies the surprisall captivity and death of his Person upon a scaffold before his Palace of White-Hall Jan. â—0th 1648. The third and last Cause which I shall mention though not the least was the Pride Avarice Ambition and slothfulnesse of the Clergy who not only starv'd their flocks by withholding the spirituall food of their souls but also tormented their bodies by exhausting and sucking their bodily substance insomuch that the Nation groaned under the burden of their abominable corruptions who should have been the examples and leading-cards of piety and sanctity yet did the popular fury contribute more to the confusion of their Hierarchy then all their Crimes put together nor were they cry'd down with more heat then afterwards cry'd up verifying that of the Poet Quid populi tibi voce places Mori Epigr saepe optima caecus Dat vitio temerè deteriora probat Having now hinted out unto you the Causes of our Warres and the distractions that follow'd the beginning progresse and conclusion thereof to the beheading of the King being accurately and briefly described by another hand I shall proceed to that which remains May's Brev. No sooner was this mighty Prince bereaved of his life and dignity in such sort as is before related but Monarchy the darling of the multitude was voted chargeable unnecessary and uselesse and the Government was resolv'd into that of a Commonwealth Yet this mutation happened not for want of such as by a lineall descent and according to the usage of this Nation might pretend a Title to the Crown for there was a plentifull Issue of the late King both Male and Female then surviving but from some other politicall reasons best known to the then swaying Powers the which added and miâ—istred hopes equall to the discontents of the people Now Charles though eldest Sonne of the late King inherited little save the misfortunes of his Father and what else he could chaulk out with his Sword yet his gâ—â—atest hopes and expectations were from Ireland where the severall factions 〈◊〉 proclaim'd him King and bent their whole strength against the Interest of the Commonwealth of England and in short space become so formidable and prevail'd so much that they possest all the strong holds of that Country Dublin and Londonderry excepted both which were straitly besieg'd the former by an Army of 22000. men under the Marq. of Ormond the latter by a party of the Irish Rebels he had likewise adjoyning
learnt that lesson Qui nescit dissimulare nescit regnare he took little notice thereof Next Montrose was executed Sir John Urrey Coll. Spotswood and others that were the chief actors in that undertaking by which meanes they were rid of a dangerous enemy On all this the English like cautelous statists had a watchful eye and on every of those actings whether open or secret that might have any reflection upon them or their affairs and to the end they might the better sound the contrivaâ—ces of their adversaries they endeavour to strengthen themselves by forreign Alliance and accordingly they sent Dr Dorislaus a wise and knowing man as publike Agent Dr Dorislaus murther at the Hague into the United Provinces whereby to keep a right understanding and fair correspondency between the two Republikes where he had not long been ere he was slain by six assassinates that broke into his lodgings at the Hague in a disguised habit by which meanes they escaped unpunished notwithstanding the many endeavours at least pretendedly used for their apprehension The authors of this Tragedy were afterwards known to be English Cavaliers discontented at their declining state and losse of their old Master one whereof was Col. Spotswood aforementioned who at his death confest he was an actor therein Thus stood the English affairs in reference to their enemies abroad while they were in somewhat worse plight at home for amidst the severall factions that sprung up during these late warres none was more desperate then that commonly known by the name of Levellers The Levellers mutiny who at once so wrought with the Souldiery that a considerable party of Horse withdrew themselves from the Army and gathered together such others of their party as they could conveniently thinking thereby to force their Lords and Masters to such things as their immature and unbridled apprehensions had dictated to them are supprest But by the care and industry of Gen. Fairfax they were defeated at a place called Burford in Oxfordshire and of those that were taken some were made exemplary others were cashiered the Army and the rest upon their submission were taken into favour Not long after was brought to tryall at the Guildhall London Lilburne tri'd at Guild-hall the grand Champion the chiefest and only Patriot of the faction aforesaid viz. John Lilburne a man of a restlesse and yet invincible spirit that could never be deter'd with threats or won with favours by a speciall Commission of Oyer and Terminer where was present most of the Judges and Justices of the severall Courts at Westminster the Lord Mayor Sheriffs and severall Aldermen of London with others of eminent quality The Indictment with many crimes of a treasonable nature as being the Author of such and such Books mentioned therein which Books were fraught with the most shamefull revilings scurrilous invectives and malicious outcries against the Governours and Government of the Nation that the heart of man could invent calling them Tyrants Traytors Conquering Usurpers and what not Now though nothing was more generally beleeved then that the Books aforesaid were of his own penning and publishing yet at his tryall he made such an excellent is clear'd and released subtle and singular defence that the Jury brought him in Not guilty whereupon he had his release By this time the severall transactions that were between the Scots and their King had brought forth a Treaty at Breda in the Netherlands The treaty between the Scots and their King concluded a Town of speciall note belonging to the Prince of Orange at whose cost and charges it was both continued and concluded Now that part of the Agreement that had the most especiall influence on us was that they should endeavour to the utmost of their power to reinstate him in his Fathers Throne invest him in his Power and Greatnesse and establish him in his just Rights and Dignities where we shall at present leave him to see how the Affairs of his Adversaries the English succeeded The differences that lately broke out between the King of Portugall and this Nation were now widened by acts of open hostility for when the English perceiv'd that neither intreaties nor threats would make him force Prince Rupert out of his Harbour and that the often applications and negotiations of the English Agent M. Charles Vane in order thereunto could availe nothing but on the contrary prepar'd what Ships of warre he had to joyn with Rupert and so to chase the English from his Coasts they seiz'd many of his Ships richly laden both inward and outward bound but the King doubting his strength desisted from falling upon the English Fleet and fell to seize the estates and secure the persons of the Merchants and Factors residing in Lisbon and other places under his Jurisdiction About this time likewise the English sent an Agent to the King of Spain viz. M. Anth. Ashcam M. Ashcam the English Agent murther'd at Madrid a most learned and excellently well accomplisht Gentleman who on the 5th of June 1650. landed at Santa Maria where hearing of many threats against his person he procur'd a Guard that conducted him to Madrid where is kept the Court of the King of Spain The first night it was his hard fortune to lie at an Inne the next day while with his Interpreter Signior Riba he sate at dinner six divels in the shapes of men knockt at the door had easie accesse and being entred M. Ashcam rose to salute them whereupon the foremost stab'd him in the head and his Interpreter endeavouring to escape was stab'd in the belly both falling down dead in the place Whence the murtherers fled to the Venetian Ambassadors house but were denied entrance whence they fled to the Sanctuary were pursued and carried to prison from thence by the Kings speciall command one of them only escaping Hereupon arose a great difference between the King and the Church about the violation of the holy Sanctuary and thereby infringing the Sacred Rights and Priviledges of the Church and demanded that the Assasinates should be delivered again into the Sanctuary On the other hand the Parliament of England by sundry Messages earnestly prest that Justice might be severely inflicted upon those execrable offenders that had perpetrated so horrid and vile an act upon their publike Minister And indeed it was a crime of so transcendent a nature that me thinks it should not enter into the heart of any considerate man to imagin of any expiation for them here however it may please God to deal with them hereafter The Church notwithstanding prevail'd so farre as to interrupt the course of Justice for as much as their punishment has been hitherto suspended though for any thing we hear they are yet in durance Neer this time arrived in England the Lord Gerard Scarph as Commissioner from the States Provinciall of Holland and West Friesland and upon the 11th of June 1650. he delivered his Message in Parliament which though it
Col White were appointed to treat in behalf of the English the result whereof was to this effect That the Castle of Edenburgh should be surrendred up to his Excellency the Lord General Cromwel on the 24. of Decemb. 1650. with all the Ordinance The strong and impregnable Castle of Edenburgh surrendred to the English Arms Magazine and Furniture of War thereunto belonging That the Governour with all the Officers and Souldiers should then march forth with their Arms Colours flying Drums beating matches lighted and Bullet in mouth to such place as they shall choose That such Inhabitants adjacent as have any goods in the Castle shall have them restored unto them and to that purpose they had liberty from the 19. to the 24. of Decemb. to fetch them away There was taken in this strong-hold 5 French Canon 5 Dutch half Canon 2 Culverings 2 Demi-culverings 2 Minion 2 Faulcon 28 Braste Drakes 2 Petards about 7000 Arms 80 Barrels of Powder store of Canon Shot with other provisions proportionable It may seem strange and almost incredible that such a strong and impregnable hold as was that should be so easily won the like whereof is not in that Nation wherefore it was the common vogue of that time and by many credibly beleeved That it was assaulted with silver engines But whether it was covetousnesse cowardise Treachery or want that caused this sudden rendition I know not But this I know and am sure it made as much for and was of as great importance to the English as can be imagined for while that businesse was yet in suspence the Army was hindred from many attempts of great consequence Nor was the Parliament of England lesse fortunate in their maritime affairs for the English Fleet under the command of Gen. Blake lying before Lizbon after they had destroyed severall French Pirates taken many Sugar Prizes belonging to the King of Portugal of great value and scowr'd the Seas in some sort of such others as had been so extreamly prejudiciall to the English Merchants especially those trading into the Levant Seas They were constrain'd partly by distresse of weather and partly to revictuall and water to make for some other port in which time Prince Rupert with his Fleet making a vertue of necessity hoisted sail and steerd their course for Malaga where they burnt and spoil'd severall Merchants Ships Gen. Blake hereupon reduc'd his Fleet to 7 stout and nimble Frigots and sent the rest home with the Prizes and with them he made all the Sail he could after the Enemy and coming to Malaga heard they were gone towards Alicant Gen. Blake sailing thence betwixt Cape degat and Cape de Paulo took a French Ship of 20 Guns and presently after that the Roe-buck one of the revolted Ships fell into their hands after which they met with the Black Prince another of Ruperts Fleet which to avoid being taken ran ashoar and blew her self up next day 4 more of Ruperts Fleet ran ashoar in the Bay of Cartagena Prince Ruperts Fleet destroy'd where they were cast away and bulged Some few daies after Generall Blake set sail to seek out the rest of Ruperts Fleet which were two steering his course towards Minorca Majorca Humaterra but missing of them he gave over the Chase and returned for England having done as much as could be expected from men valiant and faithfull to the great encouragement of the Merchants contentment of the people and joy of all well-affected people Notwithstanding all this severall designs were set on foot by unquiet and wayward spirits in behalf of Charles Stuart some by open insurrection others by secret combination in which the Clergy had no small share as shall be declared hereafter There was executed at Tiburne one Benson for acting by vertue of a Commission from the Scots King Benson an Agent from the Scots King executed at Tiburn being in the same conspiracy with Col. Andrews who was beheaded as aforesaid Upon the same account rose a mutinous rabble in the County of Norfolk An Insurrection in Norfolk who for a while went roving to and again pretending the ends of that undertaking was for the abolishing of Popery restoring the young King to his Crown revenge of his Fathers death for suppression of heresie and schism But as it was begun without order so was it manag'd without resolution For the Parliament were no time-givers to growing dangers but immediatly gave order for the suppressing them So that 200 Horse from Lyn and 3 Troops of Horse from the Army with some of the Militia Forces of that County is appeased and the ringleaders executed marched towards them upon which they were presently dispersed and some taken whereof about 20 were executed who because they were persons of no great eminency I shall forbear troubling the Reader with their Names About this time also Sir Henry Hide being commissionated as Embassadour from the Scots King to the Grand Signior at Constantinople Sir Henry Hide executed at the Old Exchange stood in competition with Sir Thomas Bendish then Embassadour for the English for his place whereupon they had a hearing before the Vizier Bassa the result whereof was that Sir Thomas Bendish should dispose of the said Sir Henry Hide as he thought good who was straightway sent to Smyrna thence into England and there condemned and executed for a traitor before the Royal Exchange in London The warre in Scotland was now almost at a stand for the sharpness of the Winter was such in that Northern Climate that much could not be expected yet were all probable designs for the reducing that obstinate and hardy people put in execution The Scots King crowned at Scone Jan. 30. 1651. The Scots were chiefly busied about the Coronation of their King which was performed at Scone Jan. 1. 1651. with as much solemnity and gallantry as their necessity and poverty would permit then they proceeded to the Excommunication of Straughan Swinton and others that came in to the English made a shift to unite the other Dissenting parties and then put out an Act for new Levies to be made throughout the Nation Soon after this Lieut. Gen. David Lesley with a party of 800 Horse made an attempt upon Lithgow where was a Regiment of Horse under Col. Sanderson who being presently in a readinesse to receive them the Scots retreated without entring the Town Next attempt of the English was for reducing of Hume Castle with two Regiments of Horse and Foot commanded by Col. Fenwick Hume Castle besieg'd who coming before it sent in this Summons which with the answer for the unusuall strain thereof I here insert Sir HIs Excellency the Lord Generall Cromwell hath commanded me to reduce this Castle you now possesse under his obedience which if you now deliver into my hands for his service you shall have fit terms for your self and those with you and ease the adjacent parts of a great charge If you refuse I doubt not but
perceived a ratling in her throat a Fellow standing by stamped upon her breast and belly yet Doctor Petty and two or three more then present fell speedily to use some means to bring her to life and opened a vein laid her in a warm bed procur'd a woman to go into bed to her and continued the use of divers other remedies having respect to her sencelesnesse head throat and breast so that in a few hours she spake the next day talked and coughed very heartily and in short space perfectly recovered Upon which first her reprieve and then her pardon was procur'd After this she as upon the Gallows still insisted upon her innocency and integrity in relation to the fact for which she was condemned And indeed this was look'd upon as a speciall providence of God thus to deliver her who in the judgements of those that understood the businesse was deemed guiltlesse Herein did the hand of God wonderfully appear in detecting the unadvised actings of men and in shewing us the danger we are in when we are sway'd either by passion or prejudice against the meanest of his Creatures The Parliament weighing how prone the people were to adore the shadow of the late King though the substance was destroy'd caused his Statue that was set up at the West end of the Cathedrall of St Paul to be pulled down and that also in the Royall Exchange over which they caused to be wrote this Motto Exit Tyrannus Regum Ultimus Anno Libertatis Angliae restitutae Primo Anno Domini 1648. January 30. They likewise caus'd that badge of Monarchy the Kings Arms to be defaced and expung'd out of all Churches Chappels and places of publike worship and Courts of Judicature throughout their Dominions and this indeed was a means to make the giddy people forget the Garlick and Onyons of Egypt they much hankerd after And to adde a more splendid lustre to their strength and greatnesse they were highly courted by Embassadours from the Neighbouring Nations viz. Holland Spain and Portugall yet the crafty Hollander held at a distance as rather willing the prosperity of the Royall party then heartily desiring or effectually endeavouring a peace with them The Spaniard as he had better ends so had he better successe though in all his addresses he was still reminded of his suspending and delaying the execution of justice upon the Assassinates of the English Resident at Madrid since which time till now the controversie between the King and Church about that businesse hath been in debate The Portugall Embassadour after audience had before a Committee of Parliament The Portugal Ambassadour dismist home and several applications unto them not being fully impowerd to give a plenary satisfaction to the state for their vast expences and to the Merchants for their great losses all occasioned by them was at length dismist Embassadours extraordinary were sent from the Parliament of England to the States of the United Provinces their Names were Oliver St John and Walter Strickland English Ambassadors are sent into Holland men of singular parts and of approved integrity who in gallant equipage with a magnificent train of followers set sail from the Downs March 11. 1651. On the 12th towards Evening they came to anchor before Hellevoit slugs but not without some danger On the 13 they went in Boats to Roterdam being met with vessels from the States then by the English Merchants were conducted to the English house and nobly entertain'd During their stay there the Spanish Embassador sent a Gentleman to congratulate their sase Arrivall and to desire there might be a fair correspondency and right understanding between their Lordships and him About two or three daies after they set forward for the Hague where by the way the Master of the Ceremonies with about 30 Coaches met them and entertain'd them with some Complements and conducted them to a House at the Hague prepar'd for their reception where they were feasted three daies by the States and then had audience where the Lord St John made a Learned and Eloquent Speech in the English tongue and then delivered a Copy thereof in Dutch and English they have audience the heads whereof were in effect as follows That they were sent over to the High and Mighty States of the Netherlands from the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England to make a firm League and Confederacy between the two Republiques if they think fit to accept thereof notwithstanding the many injuries the English have sustain'd from the Dutch Nation Secondly To renew and confirm those former Treaties and Agreements of Trade and commerce made between the two Nations Thirdly He shewed them the notable advantages of England in respect of the pleasant and commodious scituation thereof for the advancement of trade and all other accommodations Lastly He told them he was commanded by the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England to let their Lordships know how highly they resented the execrable murther of Dr Dorislaus their Agent and that he doubted not but that their Lordships would use their utmost care and industry in causing a strict and diligent search to be made after the Authours thereof After which the States being acquainted with the many affronts the Ambassadors Gentlemen and others their attendants had receiv'd from English Cavaliers and other ruffians drew up a Proclamation and sent it to the Ambassadours by the Lord Catz to know whether they judged it full enough the contents whereof was To forbid all manner of persons whatsoever from giving any affront either in word or deed to any of the Ambassadours retinue upon pain of corporall punishment Three moneths was now spent in this tedious and costly Embassie and nothing obtain'd save affronts and abuses of all kindes and the Sword of Justice not drawn in their behalf against any one of that riotous rabble that so frequently swarm'd at the Ambassadours gates assaulting their servants and reviling their persons of which injuries the Parliament being deeply sensible and wearied with expectation of what fruits this Treaty would produce Resolved That seeing all their Proposals and endeavours for a lasting and well grounded Peace were answered with dilatory shifts and evasions on purpose to gain time upon the English till they saw on which side the chance of war in Scotland would fall to call home their Ambassadours which sudden and unexpected news did so surprise the Hoghen Mogens that they courted them with frequent and unusuall visits and with a multitude of feigned expressions they return into England laboured to beget a good opinion in the English of the reality of their intentions towards an amicable compliance with this Nation notwithstanding all which the Ambassadours soon after return into England infecta pace That which gave further cause of jealousie to the English that the Dutch plaid an underhand game with them was because Admirall Van-Trumpe with a Fleet of Ships lay hovering upon the Coasts of Scilly as though he would
as they had Men or munition for the Paragon lost 27 Men and had about 60 wounded the Elizabeth had but two barrels of Powder left so hard they ply'd it and to such stresse were they put Yet in despight of their Adversaries they got safe with their Merchants into Portolongone this fight was neer the Island of Corsica Upon the nick of this breach came into England an Ambassadour from the Queen of Sweden where he ended his life before he effected any thing another also from the King of Denmarke who being a contemporary and confederate with the States of Holland durst not but dance after their Pipe and as soon as the ghastly wound between the two States began to fester he departed the Land About which time the Parliament considering the condition of the English Merchants trading into the East Countrey whose Ships to avoid the danger of the Dutch men of Warre then in the Sound had put themselves into the protection of the King of Denmarke but durst not venture home without a Convoy sent a Fleet of 18 men of Warre of good force to fetch them home being in number 22 and laden with such Commodities as the English had speciall occasion for and without which they could not prosecute the warre with the Dutch Accordingly Sept. 1â—th they set saile out of Yarmouth roade and on the 20th they came to an Anchor within two Leagues of Elsenore-Castle whence the Commander in chief sent a Letter to the Governour of Elsenore by the Greyhound Frigot and another to the Danish Admirall to desire them to acquaint the King with their coming and for what with a Letter to the Merchants and Masters of the English Ships at at Copenhagen to addresse themselves to the King for the speedy release of their Ships then shut up within the Boomes and Copenhagen but a mile short of the Castle the Ship was stopt Next morning the Captain went up with his Boat and delivered his Message and Letters which availed nothing so that another was sent to the Merchants and a Messenger to the King but without successe for he could not be admitted to speech with or sight of him At length two Lord were sent to Elsenore unto whom two English Captains repair'd and urged the restoring the Ships and instead of answering to the businesse they asked The severall transactions between the English and King of Denmarke Why their Ambassadour had not audience Whether they had a Letter from the State of England to their King Why they came so boldly upon his Majesties Streames and so neer his House and Castle with such a mighty Fleet without three weeks notice beforehand All these being impertinent to the businesse a positive answer was urged by the English and on the 26th of Sept. they received a Letter from the King That he would secure them for the Merchants as carefully as he had done but would not deliver them to them Whereupon the Merchants and Seamen being destitute of all hopes of the releasement of their Ships lest them and came home with this Fleet who on the 27th of Sept. left the Sound and steer'd their course for Enggland and on the last of Sept. the Admirall of the Fleet commanded by Capt. Ball ran on shore on the Coast of Shutland and was there lost but her men saved this Ship carrying the light it was miraculous that the rest of the Fleet were not all lost this Ship was called the Antelope an excellent Frigot and carried above 50 brasse Guns a little after that they took about 20 Busses a Dutch man of Warre and a Freebooter of 20 Guns and on the 15th of Octob. arrived safe in Burlington Bay Not long after this an Agent by Name Bradshaw was sent to the King of Denmarke so see if yet by fair meanes they could obtain their desires but in vain for he did not only detain the Ships but at length unladed them and sold the Goods Which incivilities towerds those that never injur'd him in the least but defir'd by all fair means to enter into Amity with him may one day by the good providence of God be requited and avenged The Hollanders drunk with rage and greedy of revenge for those rubs the English had lately given them and for the continuall losse of their Ships daily surpris'd and in great numbers brought into our Channel used their utmost care and industry in rigging and setting forth their Fleet which notwithstanding the season of the year they effected and Decemb. 20th they appeared on the backside of Goodwin Sands being 90 men of Warre and â—o Fireships the English under Gen. Blake were but 42 and not half of them man'd most of the best Ships being laid up when there was most need of them which default without doubt was caused through the improvident treacherous sinister and slothfull actings of such as then steer'd the helme of this State whom God in his due time will bring to a reckoning for their miscarriages The English notwithstanding the paucity of their number The Dutch English engage and the English are worsted resolved to go out and fight them and Nov. 30th beâ—ng fair weather both Fleets plied to the Westward and about eleven of the clock that day were both engaged the English having got the Weathergage in this fight half of the English Fleet as small as it was came not up pretending want of Men insomuch that a few Ships of the English bore the brunt of that fight with the whole Fleet of the Dutch the Vanguard and the Victory engaging with 20 of the Dutch from first to last and yet got cleer of them all In the evening the Garland The Garland and Bonadventure are taken an English Ship of above 40 Guns was boarded by two Dutch Flag-Ships and after she had blown up her decks for want of men was taken The Bonadventure a Merchants Ship attempting to relieve the Garland was boarded yet cleer'd her decks severall times the Captain whereof being slain the Ship was at length taken Gen. Blake going in the Triumph to relieve the Garland had his foretopmast shot by the board was twice boarded and yet got off safe as did all the rest except the two aforementioned which though they fetcht not farre yet dearly bought two other Ships likewise fell into the hands of the Dutch presently after the Fight but both Merchants Ships Gen. Blake upon this with his Fleet withdrew into Lee-road to be reinforc't with Ships and Men. This Victory such as you have heard made the Dutch greatly rejoyce and insult such is the vanity and levity of those which gaze on the meer outside of things as they present themselves at first view Nay by their Ambassadors they made the news thereof to eccho in most of the Princes Courts in Christendome Mirum autem quantum fama popularis addidit fabulae But the English like a Bear robbed of her whelps and awakned at this sudden eclipse of their glory splendour