THE HISTORY Of His SACRED MAJESTIES Most Miraculous Preservati­on after the BATTLE of WORCESTER. The Second Stage of the Royal Progress.

HE that well considers the ad­mirable events, particula­riz'd in the First Part of this History of His Majesties most Miraculous Preserva­tion, will be apt to think His Evil Genius had almost rackt its invention to find out [Page 2] hardships and perils beyond humane ima­gination, and that his Good Angel had been even tired out with contriving suitable means for his deliverance; yet if you please, (after you have sufficiently won­dred and blessed God for the preserva­tions you read there) proceed and ad­mire the strange stupendious passages you shall find here; which, when you have done with just and due attention, I can­not doubt but your thoughts will easily raise themselves into some holy extasie, and growing warm with often repeating their own reflections, break forth at last, and joyn your exclamations, with all the true and hearty Adorers of the divine Providence,

Thou art great O Lord, and dost wonder­full Psal. 86. 10. things; Thou art God alone.

I shall not need, I hope, to bespeak my Readers patience for any long Intro­duction; since all the Complement I in­tend, is humbly to kiss the pen and pa­per, which have the honour to be Ser­vants of this Royal Subject, and without farther Ceremony begin.

Colonel John Lane having (as't has been related) safely conveyed his Maje­sty [Page 3] from Mosely to his own house at Bent­ [...]ey in Staffordshire on tuesday night the 9th of September 1651. the Lord Wilmot was there ready to receive Him, and af­ [...]er His Majesty had eaten and conferred with my Lord and the Colonel of his in­ [...]ended journey towards Bristol the very next morning, He went to bed, though his rest was not like to be long; for at [...]he very break of the day on Wednesday morning the Colonel called up His Ma­ [...]esty and brought him a new suit and Cloak which he had provided for him of Country grey cloth, as neer as could be contrived like the holy-day suit of a Far­mers Son, which was thought fittest to carry on the disguise; Here His Majesty quitted his Leather Doublet and Green Breeches, for this new Grey Suit; and for­sook his former name Will. Jones for that of Will. Jackson.

Thus then was the royal Journey de­signed, the King, as a tenants Son (a qua­ [...]ity far more convenient for their inten­ [...]ion, than that of a direct Servant) was ordered to ride before Mrs. Jane Lane, as her Attendant, Mr. Henry Lassels (who was Kinsman and had been Cornet to the [Page 4] Colonel in the late warrs) to ride single and Mr. John Petre of Horton in Buckinghamshire and his Wife, the Colonels Sister, who were then accidentally at Bentley, being bound homeward, to ride i [...] the same Company; Mr Petre and hi [...] Wife little suspecting Will. Jackson, their fellow Travailer, to be the Monark o [...] Great Britain.

His Majesty, thus refreshed and thus accoutr'd with all necessaries for a journey in the designed equipage, after he had taken leave of my Lord Wilmot and agreed on their meeting within few dayes after at Mr. George Nortons house at Leigh near Bristol, the Colonel convey'd him a back way into the Stable, where he fit­ted His Stirrups, and gave Him some In­structions for better acting the part of Will. Jackson, mounted Him on a good double Gelding, and directed Him to come to the Gate of the House, which He punctually performed, with his Hat un­der his Arm.

By this time it was twilight, and old Mrs. Lane (who knew nothing of this Great Secret) would needs see her Be­loved Daughter take horse, which whilst [Page 5] she was intending, the Colonel said to the King, Will. thou must give my Sister thy hand; But His Majesty, (unacquainted with such little Offices) Offred his hand [...]he contrary way, which the old Gentle­woman taking notice of, laughed, and [...]sk'd the Colonel her Son, what goodly Horseman her Daughter had got to ride be­fore her?

Mr. Petre and his wife, and Mr. Las­sels being also mounted, the whole Com­pany took their journey under the pro­ [...]ection of the King of Kings) towards Stratford upon Avon in Warwickshire; And [...]oon after they were gone from Bentley, [...]he Lord Wilmot, Colonel Lane, and Robert Swan my Lords Servant, took Horse, with a Hawk, and Spaniels with them for [...] disguise, intending to go that night to Sir Clement Fishers house at Packington in Warwickshire; where the Colonel knew [...]hey should be both as welcome as Gene­ [...]osity, and as secure as Fidelity could make [...]hem.

When the King and His small Retinue [...]rived near Wotton, within four miles of Stratford, they espy'ed a Troop of Rebels, baiting (as they conceived) al­most [Page 6] a mile before them in the very Road, which caused a Council to be held among them, whereein Mr. Petre presided, and he would by no means go on, for fear of losing his Horse, or some other Detri­ment; so that they wheeld about a more indirect way, and at Stratford (where they were of necessity to passe the River Avon) met the same or another Troop in a narrow passage, who very fairly opened to the right and left, and made way for the Travellers to march through them.

That night (according to designment) Mrs. Lane and her Company took up their Quarters at Mr. Tomb's house, a [...] Longmarston, some tree miles West o [...] Stratford, with whom she was well acquainted; here Will. Jackson being in th [...] Kitchin, in pursuance of his disguise, an [...] the Cook Maid busie in providing sup­per for her Masters Friends, she desire [...] him to wind up the Jack; Will. Jackson wa [...] obedient, and attempted it, but hit no [...] the right way, which made the Maid, i [...] some passion ask, What Country-man are yo [...] that you know not how to wind up a Jack▪ Will. Jackson answered very satisfactorily I am a poor Tenants son of Colonel La [...] [Page 7] in Staffordshire, we seldom have roast-meat, but when we have, we don't make use of a Jack; which in some measure asswaged the Maids indignation.

The same night my Lord, with the Colonel arrived safely at Sir Clement Fish­ers house at Packington, where they found a welcome suitable to the Noblenesse of his mind, and a security answerable to the faithfulnesse of his heart.

Next morning my Lord thought fit to dispatch the Colonel to London, to procure, if possible, a Passe for the King, by the name of William Jackson, to go into France, and to bring it himself or send it (as opportunity should be offered) to Mr. Norton's house, where my Lord (as you have heard) was designed to at­tend His Majesty.

On Thursday morning (11th. of Sep­temb.) the King with Mrs. Lane, and Mr. Lassels rose early, and after Mrs. Lane had taken leave both of Mr. Petre and his Wife (whose way lay more South) and of Mr Tombs the Master of the house, they took horse, and wtihout any con­siderable accident, rode by Camden, and arrived that night at an Inn in Cirencester, [Page 8] in Gloucestershire, distant about twenty four miles from Long-marstons. After Supper a good bed was provided for Mr. Lassels, and a truckle-bed for Will. Jack­son, in the same (Chamber; but Mr. Las­sels after the Chamberlain had left them) laid His Majestie in the best bed, and himself in the other, and used the like due observance, when any opportuni­ty would allow it.

The next day, being Friday, the Roy­al Traveller, with his Attendants, left Cirencester, and by the way of Sudbury rode to and through the City of Bristol, (wherein they had once lost their way, till inquiry better informed them) and arrived that evening at Mr. Norton's house at Leigh, some three miles from Bristol, and about thirty from Cirencester, which was the desired end of this perillous journey.

At this place His Majesty still conti­nued under the notion of one of Colo­nel Lanes Tenants sons; and, by a pre­settled contrivance with Mrs. Lane, feign­ed himself sick of an Ague, under colour whereof she procured Him the better Chamber and Accommodation without any suspition, and still took occasion from [Page 9] thence with all possible care, and obser­ [...]ance to send the sick person some of the [...]est meat from Mr. Nortons Table; and Mrs. Nortons Maid, Margaret Rider, (who was [...]ommanded to be his Nurse-keeper, and [...]elieved Him sick indeed) made William a [...]arduus-posset, & was very carefull of Him; [...]or was His Majesty at all known or suspe­ [...]ted here, either by Mr. Norton or his Lady, [...]rom whose knowledge yet, he was not [...]oncealed out of any the least distrust of [...]heir Fidelity, (for his whole Domini­ons yeilded not more faithful Subjects) [...]ut because such knowledge might haply [...]t unawares have drawn a greater re­ [...]pect and observance from them, than [...]hat Exigent would safely admit of.

Under the disguise of this Ague His Majestie for the most part kept his Cham­ [...]er, during his stay at Leigh; yet, being [...]omewhat wearied with that kind of Im­prisonment, one day (when his Ague might be imagined to be in the intermissi­on) he walk't down to a place where the Young men played at a game of Ball cal­led Fives, where His Majestie was askt by one of the Gamesters, if he could play, and would take his part at that Game; [Page 10] He pleaded unskilfulnesse and modestly refused.

But behold an unexpected acciden [...] here fell out, which put His Majesty and Mrs. Lane into some apprehension of the danger of a discovery, Mr. Norton's But­ler (whose name was John Pope) had ser­ved a Courtier some years before the War, and his late Majestie in the War, un­der Colonel Bagot at Litchfield, and by that means had the Physiognomy of the King (then Prince of Wales) so much im­printed in his memory, that (though His Majestie was in all points most accurately disguised) yet the Butler knew him, and communicated his knowledge to Mrs. Lane, who at first absolutely denyed him to be the King, but after, upon confe­rence and advise had with His Majesty, it was thought best to acknowledge it to the Butler, and, by the bonds of Allegi­ance, conjure him to secrecy, who there­upon kissed the Kings hand, and proved perfectly honest.

On Saturday night (13th. of September) the Lord Wilmot arrived at a village near Leigh where he lay, but came every day to visit Will Jackson and Mrs. Lane, as per­sons [Page 11] of his acquaintance; and so had the opportunity to attend and consult with His Majestie unsuspected, during their stay at Leigh.

Soon after, upon serious advise had with my Lord, it was resolved by His Ma­jestie to go to Trent, the house of Co­lonel Frances Windham, (of whose Fide­lity His Majesty had ample assurance) which lies in Somersetshire, but bor­dring on the very skirts of Dorsetshire near Sherburn; and therefore was judged to be conveniently seated in the way to­wards Lime and other Port Tows, where His Majesty might probably take Shipping for France.

In pursuance of this Resolve, the Lord Wilmot (as His Majesties Harbinger,) rode to Trent on Munday, to make way for His more private reception there; and on Tuesday morning (Sept. 16.) His MA­JESTIES Ague being then (as was pre­tended) in the Recess, He repaired to the Stable, and there gave Order for mak­ing ready the Horses, and then it was sig­nified from Mrs. Lane, (though before so agreed) that William Jackson should rid [Page 12] single and carry the Portmantean; Accor­dingly they mounted, being attended part of the way by one of Mr. Nortons men, as a Guide, and that day rode, through the body of Somersetshire, to Mr. Edward Kir­ton's house, at Castle Cary near Burton, where his Majesty lay that night, and next morning arrived at Colonel Windhams said house, which was about twenty six miles from Leigh.

His Majestie was now at Trent, in as much safetie, as the Master of the House his Fidelity and Prudence could make Him; but the great work was how to procure a Vessel for Transportation of this great Treasure; for this end His Ma­jestie, the Lord Wilmot, and Colonel Wind­ham, had several Consults, and in pursu­ance of their determination, the Colo­nel, with his trustie servant, Henry Peters, posted to Lime, which is about twenty miles from Trent, where, after some dif­ficultie, by the assistance of Captain Wil­liam Eldsden, a Loyal Subject (at whose house the Colonel lodged) he hir'd a Bark to transport His Majesty for France, which Bark was by agreement to attend at Charmouth (a little maritine Village neer [Page 13] Lime) at a time appointed, and return'd with all speed to Trent with the good news.

The next day His Majestie resolved for Lime and Mrs. Jane Lane here hum­bly took her leave of Him, returning with Mr. Lassels, by His Majesties permis­sion, into Staffordshire, leaving Him in faithfull hands, and in a hopeful way of escaping the bloudy designs of merciless Rebels; which as it was all along the scope of her endeavours, so was it now the subject of her prayers; yet it was still thought the best disguise, for His Maje­sty to ride before some woman, and accor­dingly Mrs. Julian Conningsby, Colonel Windhams kinswoman, had the honor to [...]ide behind His Majesty, who with the Lord Wilmot, the Colonel, and Henry Pe­ [...]ers, came that evening to a blind Inn in Charmouth, nee [...] which place the Skipper had promised to be in readiness with his Bark; but observe the disappointment.

In the interim (whilst Colonel Wind­ham was gone back to Trent) it seems the Rebels proclamation, for apprehending Charles Stuart (meaning, in their impu­dent phrase, our gracious King) and [Page 14] prohibiting, for a certain time, the trans­portation of any Person without a parti­cular Licence, had been published in and about Lime, and the Skipper having ac­quainted his wife, that he had agreed t [...] transport two or three persons into France, whom he believed might be Cavaliers, it seem's the Grey-Mare was the better Horse; for she lock'd up her hus­band in his Chamber, and would by n [...] means permit him to go the Voyage; so that whilst Henry Peters stayed on the Beach most part of the night, His Majestie and the rest of the Company sate up i [...] the Inn, expecting news of the Sea-ma [...] with his Boat, who never appeared.

The next morning His Majesty and Attendants resolving to return to Trent rode first to Bruteport in Dorsetshire where He staid at an Inn, whilst Henry Peters was sent back to Captain Eldsden to see if their were any hope left of per­suading the Skipper, or rather of gain­ing leave of his wife, for him to under­take the Voyage; but all endeavours pro­ved ineffectual, and by that time Harry returned, the day was so far spent, that His Majesty could conveniently reach no [Page 15] farther that night then Broad-Windsor; And (which added much to the danger) Col. Heane (one of Cromwels Command­ers) at this very time was marching Re­bels from several Garrisons to Weymouth and other adjacent Ports, in order to their being shipped, for the forcing the Island of Jarsey from His Majesties obe­dience, as they had done all the rest of His Dominions; so that the roads of this County were full of Souldiers:

Broad-windsor afforded but one Inn, and that the George, a mean one too (and which was worse) the best accomodati­ons in it were, before His Majesties ar­rival taken up by Rebel Souldiers, one of whose Doxies was brought to bed in the House, which caused the Constable and Overseers for the Poor of the Parish to come thither at an unseasonable Hour of the night, to take care that the Brat might not be left to the charge of the Parish; so that His Majesty, through this Distur­bance, went not into Bed at all, and we may safely conclude, He took as little rest here, as He did the night before at Charmouth. Thus were the tribulations of Davids heart enlarged, and he prayed, [Page 16] deliver me, O Lord from my distresses.

His Majesty having still thus miracu­lously escaped Dangers, which hourly en­viron'd Him, returned safe to Trent next morning, where after some refreshment and rest taken, He was pleased to call my Lord Wilmot and Colonel Windham (the Members of His little privy council) toge­ther, to consider what way was next to be attempted for His transportation.

After several Proposals, it was at last resolved that my Lord (attended and con­ducted by Henry Peters) should the next day be sent to Salisbury to Mr. John Co­ventry, (Son to the late Lord Coventry, Lord Keeper of the great Seal of England) who then lived in the Close of that City, and was known to be both a prudent per­son and a perfect lover of this Soveraign, as well to advise how to procure a Bark for passing His Majesty into France, as for providing some moneys for His present necessary occasions.

My Lord, being arrived at Salisbury, dispatched Henry Peters back to Trent, with intimation of the good reception he found there; For, Mr. Coventry did not [Page 17] only furnish him with monies, but was very solicitous for His Majesties safety; To which end he advised with Dr. Hum­phrey Henchman, a worthy Divine, who since His Majesties happy restauration, is with much merit advanced to the Episco­pal Sea of Salisbury.

The result of these two loyal persons consultation was, that His Majestie should be desired to remove to Hele, (which lay about three miles North-East of Salisbu­ry) the dwelling house of Mrs. Mary Hyde, the relict of Laurence Hyde Es; eldest bro­ther to honourable Sir Robert Hyde one of the Justices of His Majesties Court of Common-pleas, whom they knew to be both as discreet and as loyal, as any of her sex.

With this resolution and advice Mr. Co­ventry dispatched his Chaplain, Mr. John Selleck to Trent with a Letter, rolled up into the bignesse of a musket Bullet which the faithful Messenger had order to swal­low down his throat, in case of any danger.

Mean time Mr. Coventry had found out a trusty Sea-man at Southampton, who un­dertook to transport whom he pleased, [...]ut on second thoughts and advice had [Page 18] with my Lord Wilmot, it was not held safe for His Majesty to take shipping there, in regard of the so many Castles by which the ships passe, that are outward bound, and the often examination of the Passen­gers in them; so that some of the small Ports of Sussex were concluded to be the safer places, for effecting this great work of His Majesties delivery from the hands of such unparallel'd Rebels, who even ra­venously thirsted after Royal blood.

In the interim Mr. Selleck returned with His Majesties resolution to come to Hele, signified by a like paper bullet, And by this time His Majesty thought fit to admit of the service and assistance of Colonel Robert Phillips (Grandson to the famed Sir Edward Phillips late Master of the Rolls) who lived in those parts, and was well acquainted with the ways of the Country, and known to be as faith­full as loyalty could make him; This Co­lonel undertook to be His Majesties con­ductor to Hele, which was near thirty miles distant from Trent.

During His Majesties stay at Tren [...] (which was above a fortnight) He was▪ for His own security, forced to confine [...] [Page 19] Himself to the voluntary Imprisonment of His Chamber, which was happily ac­commodated (in case the Rebels had searched the House) with an old well-contrived secret place, long before made (for a shelter against the inquisition of Pursuivants) by some of the ancient Fa­mily of the Gerhards, Col. Windhams Lady's Ancestors, who were Recusants, and had formerly been owners of that House.

His Majesties meat was likewise (to prevent the danger of a discovery) for the most part dressed in his own Chamber, the Cookery whereof served Him for some divertisement of the time; And 'tis a great truth, if we say, there was no cost spared, nor care wanting in the Co­lonel, for the entertainment and preserva­tion of his Royal Guest.

On the 3. of October, His Majesty) ha­ving given Colonel Windham particular thanks for his great care and sidelity to­wards him) left Trent, and began his jour­ney, with Colonel Philips, and persona­ting a tenants son of his, towards Hele, attended by Henry Pe [...]rs (who i [...] now Yeoman of the field [...] Hi [...] M [...]j [...]sty) [...]nd [Page 20] riding before Mrs. Cunningsby: The Tra­vailers passed by Wincaunton, and near the midst of that dayes journey arrived at Mere, a little Market Town in Wilt­shire, and din'd at the George-Inn; the Hoast, Mr. Christoph. Philips, whom the Colonel knew to be perfectly ho­nest.

The Hoast sate at the Table with His Majesty, and administred matters of dis­course, told the Colonel for news, that he heard the Men of Westminster (mean­ing the Rebels) not withstanding their Vi­ctory at Worcester, were in a grate maze, not knowing what was become of the King; but (sayes he) 'tis the most re­ceived opinion that he is come in a disguise to London, and many Houses have been searched for Him there; at which His Majesty was observed to mile.

After Dinner mine Hoast familiarly asked the King, if he were a friend to Cae­sar, to which His Majesty answered, Yes▪ then said he, here's a health to King Charles in a glasse of Wine, which His Majesty and the Colonel both pledged, and that evening arrived in safety at Hele. And Hi [...] [Page 21] Majesty since His happy return has been pleased to ask what was become of his honest Hoast at Mere?

In the mean time the Lord Wilmot (who took up the borrowed name of Mr. Barlow) rode to such Gentlemen of his acquaintance in Hampshire, whom he knew to be faithfull Subjects, to seek means for (what he so much de­sired) the transportation of His Majesty; and first repaired to Mr. Laurence Hyde, (a name as faithful, as fortunate in His Majesties service at his house at Hinton D'aubigny neer Catharington, then to Mr. Thamas Henslow at Burhant in the same County, to whom (as persons of known fidelity) my Lord communicated his weighty business, and desired their as­sistance for procuring a Bark for His Ma­jesties transportation.

Mr. Henslow (in zeal to this service) immediately acquainted the Earl of South­ampton (then at his House at Titchfield, and now with much merit dignifyed with the great Office of Lord high Treasurer of England) with this most important affair; my Lord Wilmot judging it fitter for Mr. Henslow (his neighbour) to do it, than for, [Page 22] himself, in those circumstances, to ap­pear at my Lords house; whose eminent fidelity and singular prudence, in the conduct of even the greatest affairs of State, being known both to them and all the world, and his great power and com­mand at Bewly Haven and the maritine parts of Hampshire, esteem'd very favo­rable for their design, wherein his Lord­ship was extreamly active and sollici­tous.

Besides this, Mr Laurance Hyde recom­mended my Lord Wilmot to Colonel George gunter, who lived at Rackton neer Chichester in Sussex, and was known to be both faithful and active, not unlike to be succesful in this service, to whom therefore my Lord hasted, and lay at Rackton one night, where he imparted his great sollicitation to the Colonel and and his kinsman Mr. Thomas Gunter, who was then accidentally there.

All these persons had the like instructi­ons from my Lord, which made a deep impression on their loyal hearts, and ex­cited them to use their utmost endeavors by several ways and means to procure the Noahs Ark, which might at last secure [Page 23] His Majesty from the great inundation of Rebellion and Treason, which then did o­verspread the face of his whole Domi­nions.

But to return to my humble observance of His Majesty at Hele, where Mrs. Hyde was so transported with zeal and loyal­ty towards Him, that at Supper, though His Majesty was set at the lower end of the Table, yet the good Gentlewoman had much adoe to overcome herself, and not carve to him first, however she could not refrain from drinking to Him in a glasse of Wine, and giving Him two Larks, when others had but one.

After Supper Mr. Fredrick Hyde (bro­ther in Law to the Widow, who was then at Hele, and since created Serjeant at Law) discoursed with His Majesty up­on various subjects, not suspecting who he was, but wondred to receive such ra­tional discourse from a Person, whose habit spoke him, but of mean degree; and when His Majesty was brought to his Chamber, Doctor Henchman attend­ed him there, and had a long and pri­vate communication with him.

Next day it was thought fit, to prevent [Page 24] the danger of any discovery, or even suspition in the house, that in regard His Majesty might possibly stay there some days before the conveniency of a Tran­sportation could be found out, he should that day publickly take his leave, and ride about two miles from the house, and then be privately brought in again the same evening, when all the servants were at Supper; which was accordingly performed, and after that time His Ma­jesty appeared no more at Hele in publick, but had meat brought him privately to his Chamber, and was attended by the good Widow with much care and ob­servance.

Now among the many faithful Sollici­tors for this long expected Bark, Colo­nel Gunter hapned to be the lucky man, who first procur'd it at Brighthemston in Sussex by the assistance of Mr. Francis Mansel, Merchant of Chichester; and the concurrent endeavours of Mr. Thomas Gunter; And on Saturday night the ele­venth of October he brought the happy ti­dings to My Lord Wilmot, and Col. Philips who then lay, the one at Mr. Laurence, Hydes, the other at Mr. Anthony Brown's [Page 25] house, his neighbour and Tenant.

The next morning, being Sunday, Col. Philips was dispatch't to Hele with the much desir'd news, and with instructions to attend His Majesty on munday to the Down's called old Winchester, neer Warn­ford.

Early in the morning His Majesty was privately convey'd from Hele, and went on foot at least two miles to Clarendon Park Corner, attended by Docter Hench­man, then took horse, with Col. Philips, and at the appointed time and place the Lord Wilmot, Col. Gunter, and Mr. Tho. Gunter met His Majesty, with a brace of Crey-hounds, the better to carry on the disguise.

That night, though both Mr. Law­rence Hyde and Mr. Henslow had each of them provided a secure lodging for His Majesty by the Lord Wilmots order, yet it was judged fittest by Colonel Gunter, and accordingly agreed unto by my Lord, that His Majesty should lodge at Mr. Tho­mas Symons house at Hambledon in Hamp­shire, who marryed the Colonels Sister, in regard the Colonel knew them to be very faithful, but chiefly because it lay [Page 26] more directly in the way from Hele to Brighthemston; and accordingly Colonel Gunter attended His Majesty to his Sisters house that night, who provided a good Supper for them, though she had not the least suspition or intimation of His Maje­sties Presence among them.

The KING and his small Retinue, ar­riving in safety at Mr. Symons house on Munday night the 13. of October, were heartily welcomed by Mrs. Symons, for her husband was not then at home; but by that time they had sup'd in comes Mr. Symons, who, wondring to see so many strangers in his house, was assured by his Brother Gunter, that they were all ho­nest Gentlemen, yet, at first interview, he much suspected Mr. Jackson to be a Round-head, observing how little hair William Penderels Scissers had left Him; but at last being fully satisfied they were all Cavaliers, he soon laid open his heart, and thought nothing too good for them, was sorry his beer was no stronger, and, to encourage it, fetch't down a bottle of strong water, and, mixing it with the Beer, drank a cheerful cup to Mr. Jack­son, calling him brother Roundhead, whom [Page 27] His Majesty pledged; who was here ob­served to be cloathed in a short Juppa of a sad coloured cloath, and his breeches of another species, with a black hat, and without cuffs, somewhat like the meaner sort of Country Gentlemen.

Mr. Symons in the time of entertain­ing his Guests, did by chance let fall an Oath, for which Mr. Jackson took occa­sion modestly to reprove him.

His Majesty, thus resting himself Mun­day night at Hambledon, early on Tu­esday morning (14. Octob.) prepared for his journey to Brigthemston, distant a­bout thirty five miles from thence; But (having then no further use of Colonel Philips) dismiss'd him with thanks for his fidelity and service, in this most secret and important affair; and then, having also bidden farewel to Mr. Symons and his wife, took horse, attended by my Lord Wilmot and his man, Colonel Gun­ter, and Mr. Thomas Gunter.

When they came neer the Lord Lum­leys house at Stanstead in Sussex, it was considered, that the greatness of the num­ber of horse might possibly raise some suspition of them, Mr. Thomas Gunter [Page 28] was therefore dismis'd with thanks, for the service he had done, and His Majesty held on his journey without any stay, and being come to Bramber with­in seven miles of the desir'd Port, met there some of Colonel Herbert Morleys Soldi­ers, who yet did neither examine, nor had they, as far as could be discerned, the least suspition of the Royal Passen­gers, who arrived at last at the George Inn in Brighthamston, where Mr. Fran­cis Mansel, (who assisted Colonel Gunter in this happy service, had agreed to meet him.)

At supper Mr. Mansel sate at the upper end of the Table, and Mr. Jackson (for that Name His Majesty still reteined) at the lower end. The Inn-keepers name was Smith, and had formerly related to the Court, so that he suspected Mr. Jack­son to be whom he really was, which His Majesty understanding, he discours'd with his Hoast after supper, whereby his loyalty was confirmed; and the man pro­ved faithfull.

The next morning, being Wedenesday 15. October, (the same day on which the Noble Earl of Derby became a Royal Mar­tyr [Page 29] at Boulton) His Majesty, having given particular thanks to Colonel Gunter, for his great care, pains, and fidelity to­wards Him, took Shipping with the Lord Wilmot in the Bark, which lay in readiness for him at that Harbour, and whereof Mr. Nicholas Tetersal was owner; And the next day, with an auspicious gale of wind, landed safely at Fecan neer Haure de Gra­ce in Normandy; Where His Majesty might happily say with David; Thou hast deli­vered me from the violent man, therefore will I sing praises to thy Name, O Lord.

This very Bark, after His Majesties hap­py restauration, was by Cap. Tetersal brought into the River Thames, and lay some months at Anchor before Whitehall, to renew the memory of the happy ser­vice it had performed.

His Majesty having nobly rewarded Cap. Tetersal, in Gold for his transporta­tion, lodged this night at an Inn in Fe­cam, and the next day rode to Roan, still attended by the faithful Lord Wilmot, where he continued Incognito several days at Mr. William Scots house, since cre­ated Baronet, till he had sent an Express to the Queen his Royal Mother (who had [Page 30] been long sollicitous to hear of his safety) and the Court of France; intimating his safe arrival there, and had quitted his disguised habit for one more befitting the dignity of so great a KING.

Upon the first intelligence of this wel­come news, his Highness the Duke of York sent his Coach forthwith to attend His Majesty at Roan, and the Lord Gerard, with others His Majesty Servants, made all possible hast, with glad hearts, to per­form their duty to Him. So that on the 29 of October, His Majesty set forward to­wards Paris, lay that night at Fleury, a­bout seven Leagues from Roan; the next morning his Royal Brother the Duke of York was ready to receive Him at Mag­nie, and that evening His Majesty was met at Mouceaux, a Village neer Paris, by the Queen of England, accompany'd with her Brother the Duke of Orleans, and at­tended by a great number of coaches and many both English and French Lords and Gentlemen on horseback, and was thus gladly conducted the same night, though somewhat late, to the Louvre at Paris, to the inexpressible joy of his Dear Mother the Queen, his Royal Brother the Duke of York, and of all true hearts.

Here we must again, with greater rea­son, humbly contemplate the admirable Providence of Almighty God, which cer­ [...]ainly never appeared more miraculously [...]han in this strange deliverance of His Ma­ [...]esty from such an infinity of dangers, that History it self cannot produce a parallel, nor will Posterity willingly believe it.

From the 3. of September at Worcester to the 15. of October at Brithemston, being one and forty dayes, He pasted through more dangers than he travailed miles, of which yet He travers'd in that time only [...]eer 'three hundred (not to speak of His dangers at Sea, both at his comming [...]nto Scotland, and his going out of Eng­land, nor of his long march from Scotland to Worcester (sometimes on foot with un­easy shooes; at other times on horsback, en­combered with a portmantean, and which was worse, at another time, on the gall­back'd, slow-paced millers horse; some­times acting one disguise in course linnen and a leather doublet; sometimes ano­ther, of almost as bad a complection; one day He is forced to sculke in a barn at Madely; another day sits with Co­lonel Carlos in [...] Tree, with his feet [Page 32] extreamly surbated and at night glad to 1 Sam. 19. 2. Thus Jo­nathan prayed David to abide in a secret place and hide himself from the fury of Saul. lodge with Willam Penderel in a secret plac [...] at Boscobel which never was intended for the dormitory of a King.

Sometimes he was forced to shift with course fare for a Bellyfull; ano­ther time in a wood, glad to releive the necessities of nature with a messe of milk, served up in an homely dish by Good­wife Yates a poor Country woman; Then again, for a variety of tribulation, when he thought himself almost out of danger, he directly meets some of those rebels, who so greedily sought his bloud, yet, by Gods great providence, had not the power to discover Him; and (which is more than has yet been mentioned) He sent at another time to some Subjects for relief and assistance in his great necessity, who out of a pusillanimous fear of the bloudy Arch-Rebel then reigning, durst not own Him.

Besides all this twas not the least of his afflictions daily to hear the Earl of Derby and other his most Loyal Subjects, some murdered, some imprisoned, and others sequestred in heaps, by the same bloudy Ʋsurper, only for performing their duty [Page 33] [...]o their Lawful King. In a word, there [...]as no kind of misery (but death it self) [...]f which His Majesty, in this horrid [...]ersecution, did not in some measure, [...]oth in body, mind, and estate, bear a [...]ery great share; yet such was his invin­ [...]ible Patience in this time of Tryal, such [...]is Fortitude, that he overcame them all with such pious advantage to himself, [...]hat their memory is now sweet, and It's [...]ood for Him, that He has been afflicted.

Of these His Majesties sufferings and [...]orced extermination from his own Do­minions, Englands Great Chancelor thus [...]xcellently Descants.

We may tell those desperate wretches, Lord Chancel­lors Speech to the Parli­ament, 29. De­cemb. 1660. who yet harbor in their thoughts wick­ed designs against the Sacred person of [...]he King, in order to the compassing their own immaginations, That God Al­mighty would not have led Him through so many wildernesses of afflictions of all kinds, conducted Him through so ma­ny perils by Sea, and perils by Land, [Page 34] snatch'd Him out of the midst of thi [...] Kingdom, when it was not worthy o [...] Him, and when the hands of His Enemies were even upon Him, when they thought themselves so sure of Him, tha [...] they would bid so cheap and so vile a price for Him; He would not in that Articl [...] have so covered Him with a Cloud, tha [...] He travailed even with some pleasur [...] and great observation through the mids [...] of His Enemies: He would not so won­derfully have new modelled that Army; s [...] inspired their hearts and the hearts of th [...] whole Natoniwith an honest and impatien [...] longing for the return of their Dear Sove­reign, and in the mean time have exercis' [...] Him (which had little lesse of Providenc [...] in it than the other) with those unnatur [...] or at least unusual disrespects & reproaches abroad, that He might have a harmles [...] and an innocent appetite to His ow [...] Country, and return to His own Peo­ple, with a full value, and the whole unwasted [Page 37] bulk of His affections, without being corrupted or byassed by extraordi­nary foreign obligations; God Almighty would not have done all this but for a Ser­vant, whom he will always preserve, as the apple of his own eye, and alwayes de­fend from the most secret machinations of His Enemies.

Thus the best and happiest of Orators.

WE have hitherto only admired his Majesties Fortitude; which Car­dinal vertue, properly consists of two parts, the one active, the other passive, the first was signally manifest in his Cou­rage during the time of Battle; the other, in his Patience, by suffering his follow­ing afflictions with an even and undaunt­ed Spirit; yet his Gratitude and invinci­ble Memory remain still to be reverenc­ed by my humble Pen: For, among the so many persons, who were instrumental and serviceable in this his great delive­rance, there was scarce one whose face (after so many years absence) His Ma­jesty did not, at his happy return, pre­cisely remember, and whose merits he has not particularly owned and reward­ed, either in fact, or by his Royal Pro­mise, which are equivalent.

He dignifyed the Lord Wilmot (of principal merit in this service) with the Earldom of Rochester, and doubtless his acknowledgments had not beenso bound­ed, but that death snatched that noble Lord away, before his great Masters re­stauration.

And, besides His Majesties Grace [Page 39] vouchsafed to Mrs. Jane Lane and Col. Francis Windham, the most honourable Houses of Parliament took notice of the great services performed by them, and were so sensible thereof, That on the se­venteenth of December 1660. they voted one thousand pounds to be given the one, and on the nineteenth of the same month, voted the like sum to the other, with the thanks of the Parliament, the Repre­sentative of the whole Nation.

Doctor Henchman (as ye have heard) is advanced to the Bishoprick of Salis­bury.

Master George Norton has received the honour of Knighthood from His Maje­sties hands.

Col. Philips is deservedly preferred to be one of the Grooms of His Maje­sties Bed-chamber.

Mr. Selleck (to omit others) is now Dr. in Divinity, and advanced to the Arch­deaconry of the Cathedral Church of Bathe.

How can we better conclude these our humble endeavors, than in the Words of Holy David, His Majesties great Ex­emplar in afflictions, and Royal Patience, and to whom we heartily pray; and con­fidently hope His Majesty will be a per­fect Successor in tranquillity of State, and execution of judgment and justice to all His People,

The KING shall joy in thy strength, O [...] Lord, and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice?

Thou hast given Him his hearts desire and not denyed him the request of his lips. For thou preventest him with the blessing o [...] goodness: thou settest a Crown of pure gol [...] on his head.

He asked life of thee, and thou gavest i [...] him, even length of days for ever and ever

His glory is great in thy salvation, hono [...] and Majesty hast thou laid upon him.

For Thou hast made him most blessed fo [...] ever: Thou hast made him exceeding gla [...] with thy countenance.

For the KING trusteth in our Lord, an [...] though the mercy of the most high, he sha [...] not be moved.

Some may haply here expect I should have continued the particulars of this History to the time of His Majesties hap­py restauration, by giving an account of the reception His Majesty found from [...]he several Princes beyond the Seas, dur­ [...]ng his Exile, and of his evenness of mind, [...]nd prudent deportment towards them upon all occasions; But that was clear­ [...]y beyond the scope of my intention, which aimed only to write the wonder­ [...]ul History of a Great and Good King, violently pursued in His own Domini­ons, by the worst of Rebels, and mi­raculously preserved, under God, by the best of Subjects.

In other Countreys, of which His Majesty travers'd not a few, He found kindness and a just compassion of His Adversity from many, and from some a neglect and disregard; yet, in all the almost nine years abroad, I have not heard of any passage that approached [...]he degree of a Miracle like that at home. Therefore I may, with faith to my own intentions, not improperly make a silent transition from His Maje­sties [Page 42] arrival at Paris, on the thirtieth day of October 1651. to His Return to London on the nine and twentieth o [...] May 1660. and with a TE DEƲM LAƲDAMƲS, sum up all, and say▪ with the Prophet,

Claustrum Regale Reseratum: OR, THE KINGS Concealment AT TRENT.

HOw that after the Battel of Worcester, His Sacred Ma­jesty most wonderfully es­caped the hands of his blood-thirsty Enemies, and (under a Disguise, in the company of Mrs. Jane Lane) safely arrived at Abbots-Leigh in Somersetshire, (the seat of Sir George Norton, lying near to the City of Bristol) hath been fully published unto the World. His Majesties Journey from thence to the house of Colonel Francis Wyndham at Trent in the same County, [Page 48] his Stay there, his Endeaour (though frustrate) to get over into France, his Return to Trent, his final Departure thence in order to his happy Transpor­tation, are the subject of this present Relation. A Story, in which the Con­stellations of Providence are so refulgent, that their light is sufficient to confute all the Atheists of the world, and to enforce all persons (whose faculties are not per­tinaciously depraved) to acknowledge a watchful Eye of GOD from above, look­ing upon all Actions of Men here below, making even the most wicked, subservient to his just and glorious designs. And in­deed, whatsoever the Antients fabled of Gyges's Ring, by which he could render himself Invisible, or the Poets fancied of their Gods, who usually carried their chief Favourites in the Clouds, and by drawing those aerial Curtains, did so conceal them, that they were heard and seen of none, whilst they both heard and saw others, is here most certainly ve­rified. For, the Almighty so closely co­veed the King, with the wing of his Protection, and so clouded the Under­standing of his cruel Enemies, that the [Page 49] most piercing Eye of malice could not see, nor the most Barbarously-bloody Hand offer Violence to his Sacred Person: God smiting his pursuers (as once he did the Sodomites) with blindness, who with as much eagerness sought to sacrifice the Lords Anointed to their fury, as the other did to prostitute the Angels to their lust.

But before the several Particulars of this Story are laid open, two Questions (easily foreseen) which will be readily asked by every Reader, call for an An­swer. The one is, Why this Relation so much expected, so much longed for, has been kept up all this while from publick veiw? And the other, How it comes to pass, that now it takes the liberty to walk abroad? Concerning the first, it must be known, that a Narrative of these Passages was (by especial command frnm his Maje­sty) written by the Colonels own hand, immediately after the Kings return into England; which (being presented to his Majesty) was laid up in his Royal Cabi­net, there to rest for some time, it being the Kings pleasure (for reasons best known to his Sacred self) that it should not then be published.

And as his Majesties command to keep it private, is a satisfactory answer to the first; so, his licence now obtained that it might travel abroad, may sufficiently re­solve the second question. But besides this, many prevalent reasons there are, which plead for a publication; the chief of which are briefly these. That the implacable E­nemies of this Crown may be for ever silenced and ashamed; who having nei­ther Law, nor Religion to patronize their unjust undertakings, construed a bare Permission, to be a Divine Appro­bation of their Actions; and (taking the Almighty to be such a one as themselves) blasphemously entitled God to be the Author of all their wickedness. But the arm of God stretched out from heaven to the rescue of the King, cutting off the clue of their Success, even then when they thought they had spun up their thred, hath not left them so much as an apron of fig-leaves to cover the naked­ness of their most shameful proceedings.

The next is, That the Truth of his Ma­jesties Escape (being minced by some, mistaken by others, and not fully set forth by any) might appear in its native [Page 51] [...]eauty and splendor: That as every dust [...]f gold is gold, and every ray of light is [...]ght; so every jot and title of Truth being [...]ruth, not one grain of the treasure, nor [...]ne beam of the lustre of this Story might [...]e lost or clouded; it being so rare, so excel­ [...]ent, that aged Time out of all the Archives [...]f Atiquity can hardly produce a Parallel. [...]ingularly admirable indeed it is, if we [...]onsider the Circumstances and Actors. The Colonel (who chiefly designed, and [...]oved in this great affair) could not have [...]ad the freedom to have served his Maje­ [...]ty, had he not been a Prisoner; his very Confinement giving him both a liberty, [...]nd protection to act. For, coming home [...]rom Weymouth upon his Parole, he had [...]he opportunity to travel freely, with­out fear of being stopped, and taken up: And being newly removed from Sher­ [...]orne to Trent, the jealous eye of Somer­ [...]etshire Potentates had scarce then found him out, whose malevolent Aspect af­ [...]erwards seldom suffered him to live at home. and too too often furnished his house with very unwelcom guests. Others, who contributed their assistance, were persons of both sexes, and of very [Page 52] different conditions and qualities: And although their endeavours often proved successless, though they received discou­ragements on one hand, were terrified with threats on the other; That a seal of silence should be imprinted upon the lips of Women, who are become proverbi­al for their garrulity; That faithfulnes [...] and constancie should guard the heart [...] of servants, who are usually corrupted with rewards, or affrighted with punish­ments; That neither Hope nor Fear (mos [...] powerful passions, heightned by Capi­tal animadversions proclaimed against Al [...] that should conceal, and large Remune­rations promised to such as should disco­ver the King) could work nothing upon any single person, so as to remove him o [...] her from their respective duty, but that al [...] should so harmoniously concenter, both i [...] the Design, and also afterward keep them­selves so long close shut up under th [...] lock of secrecy, that nothing could be discovered by the most exquisite art an [...] cunning, till the blessed Restauration o [...] his Majesty to his glorious Throne, s [...] filled their hearts with joy, that it brok [...] open the door of their lips, and let thei [...] [Page 53] tongue loose to tell this Miracle to the amazed World, would (were not the Persons yet alive, and the Story fresh in memory) rarifie it into a Romance.

The reproaches and scandals, by which some envious persons have sought to di­minish and vilifie the faithful services, which the Colonel out of the integrity of his soul performed unto his Majesty, shall not here be mentioned. Because by taking up dirt to bespatter him, they de­file their own hands, and the gun they level at his Reputation, recoils to the wounding of their own.

These things thus premised, by way of Introduction, open the Gate, through which you may enter, and in the ensuing Pages (as in several Tables) take a full view of the Particulars.

The Disguise His Majesty put on, se­cured him from the Cruelty of his Ene­mies; but could not altogether hide him from the prying eyes of his dutiful Sub­jects. For in the time of his stay at Leigh, one John Pope (then Butler to Sir George Norton, but formerly a Souldier for the King in the West) through all those clouds espied the most Illustrious Person [Page 54] of the King, With him His Majesty (af­ter he saw himself discovered) was pleas­ed familiarly to discourse; And speak­ing of the great Sufferings of very ma­ny of his Friends in the Western parts, (most whereof were well known to Pope) his Majesty enquired if he knew Colonel Francis Wyndham, who (in the time of the late Wars) was Governor of Dunster-Castle? Very well, Sir, answered Pope. The King then demanding what was be­come of him? Pope replies, That the Colonel had married Mrs. Anne Gerard, one of the daughters and heiresses of Thomas Gerard Esq; late of Trent in So­mersetshire, and that he had newly brought thither his Mother (the Lady Wyndham) his Wife and family, and that he belie­ved the Colonel intended there to reside and live. His Majesty having received this intelligence concerning the Colonel, together with an exact information of the scituation of Trent, sought an op­portunity to speak with Mrs. Lane, (from whom the better to conceal himself, he then kept at a distance) and by means of Mr. Lassels (who accompanied the King in this journey) obtaining his de­sire, [Page 55] His Majesty with much content­ment imparted to Mrs. Lane what Pope had informed him concerning Colonel Wyndham, and his habitation; telling her withal, That if she could bring him thither, he should not much doubt of his safety.

In this very point of time comes the Lord Henry Wilmot (afterward Earl of Rochester) from Dirham in Glocestershire (the seat of John Winter Esq; a person of known loyalty and integrity) to [...]eigh. My Lord had attended his Ma­jesty in his passage Westward, and on Friday morning (September the 13.) met accidentally Captain Thomas Abington of Dowdswell in the County of Glocester at Pinbury Park; and being known by the Captain, (who had served, under his Lordship in the Wars) was that night by [...]im conducted to Mr. Winter's, from whom his Lordship (as he hath often [...]ince acknowledged) received great Ci­ [...]ilities. Mrs. Lane presently reveals to [...]he Lord Wilmot the Kings resolution to [...]emove to Trent: whereupon my Lord demanded of Henry Rogers (Mr. Winter's [...]ervant, and his Lordships guide from Dirham to Leigh) whether he knew Trent? [Page 56] He answered that Colonel Wyndham and his Master had married two Sisters, and that he had often waited on his Master thither. These things so happily concur­ring, his Majesty commanded the Lord Wilmot to haste to Trent and to ascer­tain the Colonel of his speedy Approach.

His Lordship took leave, and conti­nuing Rogers for his guide, with one Robert Swan, arrived at Trent the six­teenth of September. Rogers was sent in forthwith to the Colonel to acquai [...] him, that a Gentleman a friend of his, de­sired the feavour of him, that he would please to step forth and speak with him. The Colonel enquiring of Rogers whe­ther he knew the Gentleman or his bu­siness? answered, No, he understood nothing at all, but only that he was called by the name of Mr. Morton. Then without further discourse the Colonel came forth, and found the Gentleman walking near the Stable; whom as soon he approach­ed, (although it was somewhat dark) he saluted by the Title of My Lord Wil­mot. His Lordship seemed to wonder that he should be known, but it was nothing strange onsidering the Colonels for­mer [Page 57] acquaintance with him, being one of the first that engaged under his Com­mand in his late Majesties service. Be­sides his Lordship was not in the least altered, except a Hawk on his fist, and a Lure by his side might pass for a Dis­guise. This Confidence of his Lordship really begat admiration in the Colonel, calling to mind the great danger he was in, and whose Harbinger he was; For he advertised the Colonel, that the King himself was on his way to Trent, intend­ing that very night to lodge at Castle-Cary (a Town six miles thence) hoping by Gods assistance to be with him a­bout ten of the clock next morning.

At this joyful news the Colonel was transported, (there having run a report, that his Majesty was slain in the Fight at Worcester) and giving God thanks for his wonderful mercy, he assured his Lordship, That for his Majesties preser­vation he would value neither his life, fa­mily nor fortune, and would never injure His Majesties confidence of him; not doubt­ing, but that God who had led His Ma­jesty through the midst of such inexpressible dangers, would deliver him from all those [Page 58] barbarous threats, and bloody intentions of his Enemies. With these and such like ex­pressions, the Colonel brought the Lord Wilmot into his parlour, where he recei­ved an exact account of His Majesties condition and present affairs.

Next morning, the Colonel found it necessary to acquaint the Lady Wyndham his mother, and also his own Lady, with the particulars the Lord Wilmot had over­night imparted to him, concerning the King. The relation he gave them, did not (through the weakness of their sex) bring upon them any womanish passion, but surprized with joy, they most cheer­fully resolve (without the least shew of fear) to hazard all, for the safety of the King. And so (begging Gods bles­sing upon their future endeavours) they contrive how his Majesty might be brought into the house, without any su­spition to their family, consisting of a­bove twenty persons. Among them there­fore, Mrs. Julian Coningsby (the Lady Wyndham's Neece) Elianor Withers, Joan Halsenoth, and Henry Peters (whose loyalty to the King, and fidelity to them­selves, they had sufficiently experienced) [Page 59] are made privy to their design. Next they consider what Chambers are fittest for his Majesties rception. Four are made choice of; amongst which the La­dy. Wyndham's was counted most con­venient for the day-time, where the ser­vants might wait with most freedom up­on his Majesty. Then a safe place is provided to retreat unto, in case of search, or imminent danger: And last­ly, Employments are designed to re­move all others out of the way at the instant of his Majesties arrival. All which after a while, answered their desires, even beyond their expectation.

Between nine and ten the next mor­ning, the Colonel and his Lady walk­ing towards the fields adjoining to the house, espied the King riding be­fore Mrs. Lane, and Mr. Lassels in their company. Assoon as his Majesty came near the Colonel, He called to him, Frank, Frank, how dost thou do? By which gracious pleasance the Colonel perceived, that though his Majesties ha­bit and countenance were much chan­ged yet his Heroick spirit was the same, and his mind immutable. The Colonel [Page 60] (to avoid the jealous eyes of some neigh­bours) instantly conveyed the King and Mrs. Lane into the Lady Wyndham's Chamber, where the passions of Joy and Sorrow did a while combat in them, who beheld his Sacred Person. For what loyal Eye could look upon so Glorious a Prince thus eclipsed, and not pay un­to him the homage of tears? But the consideration of his Majesties safety, the gracious words of his own mouth con­futing the sad reports of his untimely death, together with the hope of his fu­ture preservation, soon dried them up. In a short time the Colonel brought the Lord Wilmot to the King, and then the Ladies withdrew into the Parlour, hav­ing first agreed to call Mrs. Lane Cou­sin, and to entertain her with the same familiarity as if she had been their near Relation. That day she stayed at Trent, and the next morning early Mr. Lassels and she departed.

His Majesty, after he had refreshed himself, commanded the Colonel in the presence of the Lord Wilmot, to pro­pose, What way he thought most pro­bable for his Escape into France; for [Page 61] thither he desired with all speed to be transported. The Colonel (the King giving him this opportunity) entertained and encouraged his Majesty with this re­markable passage of Sir Thomas Windham (his Father) Who, not long before his death [in the Year 1636] called unto him his five Sons, (having not seen them together in some years before) and discoursed unto us [said he] of the loving Peace and Pro­sperity this Kingdom had enjoyed under its Three last Glorious Monarchs: Of the many Miseries and Calamities which lay sore upon our Ancestors, by the several Inva­sions and Conquests of Forein Nations, and likewise by Intestine Insurrections and Re­bellions. And notwithstanding the strange mutations and Changes in England, He shewed, how it pleased God in love to our Nation to preserve an undoubted Succession of Kings, to sit in the Regal Throne. He mentioned the healing Conjunction of the two Houses of York and Lancaster, and the blessed Ʋnion of the two Crowns of England and Scotland, stopping up those fountains of Blood, which, by National feuds and quarrels kept open, had like to have drowned the whole Island. He said, [Page 62] he feard the beautiful garment of Peace would shortly be torn in pieces through the Neglect of Magistrates, the general corruption of man­ners, and the prevalence of a Puritanical fac­tion, which (if not prevented) would under­mine the very pillars of Government. My sons! We have hither to seen serene and quiet Times: but now prepare your selves for cloudy and troublesom. I command you to honour and obey our Gracious Sovereign, and in all times to adhere to the Crown; and though the Crown should hang upon a Bush, I charge you forsake it not. These words being spoken with much earnestness, both in gesture and manner extraordinary, he arose from his chair, and left us in a deep consultation what the meaning should be of—The Crown hanging upon a Bush. These words, Sir, (said the Colonel) made so firm an im­pression in all our breasts, that the many afflictions of these sad Times cannot raze out their undelible characters. Certainly these are the days which my Father pointed out in that Expression: and I doubt not, God hath brought me through so many dangers, that I might shew my self both a dutiful Son, and a loyal Subject, in faithfully endeavouring to serve your Sacred Majesty, in this your greatest Distress▪

After this Rehearsal, the Colonel (in obedience to His Majesties command) told the King, That Sir John Strangways (who had given many testimonies of his loyalty, having two Sons, both of them Colonels for his Royal Father) lived but four miles from Trent; That he was a person of great fortune and interest in Dorsetshire, and therefore he supposed that either Sir John, or his Sons might be servicable to His Majesty's occasions. The King, in prosecution of this proposal, commanded the Colonel to wait on them; and accordingly the next morning he went over to Melbury; the place where Sir John dwelt. No sooner was he come thither, but he met with Colo­nel Giles Strangways, and after usual sa­lutations, they walked inio the Park ad­joyning to the house, where Colonel Wyndham imparted the reason and end of his present Visit. Colonel Strangways his answer was, That he was infinitly grieved, because he was not able to serve His Majesty in procuring a Vessel accor­ding to expectation; That he knew not any one Master of a Ship, or so much as one Mariner that he could trust: All [Page 64] that were formerly of his acquaintance in Weymouth, being for their loyalty banished, and gone beyond the sea; and in Pool and Lime he was a meer stran­ger, having not one Confident in either. A hundred pounds in Gold he delivered to Colonel Wyndham, to present to the King; which at his return, by command was deposited in the hands of the Lord Wilmot, for his Majesties use.

About this time the Forces under Cromwell were retreated from Worcester into the several Quarters of the Coun­try; some of which coming to Trent, pro­claimed the Overthrow of the Kings Ar­my, and the Death of the King, giving out that he was certainly killed; And one of them affirmed that he saw him dead, and that he was buried among the rest of the slain, no injury being offered to his body, because he was a Valiant Soldier, and a Gallant man. This wel­come News so tickled the Sectaries, that they could not hold from expressing their joy by making Bonfiers, firing of Guns, Drinking, and other jollities, And for a close of all, to the Church they must, and there ring the Kings knell. [Page 65] These rude Extravagancies moved not His Majesty at all, but only (as if he were more troubled for their madness, than his own misfortune) to this most Christian and compassionate Expression, Alas poor people!

Now though the King valued not the menaces of his proud Enemies, being confident they could do him no hurt; yet he neglected not to try the faithful­ness of his Friends to convey him out of their reach. Thus the former design proving unsuccessful, and all hope of Transfretation that way being laid aside, the Colonel acquainted His Majesty, that one Captain William Ellesden of Lime (formerly well known unto him) with his Brother John Ellesden, (by means of Colonel Bullen Reymes of Wad­den in Dorsetshire) had conveyed over into France, Sir John Berkley (afterward Lord Berkley) in a time of danger. To this Captain therefore His Majesty sends the Colonel, who lodging at his house in Lime, took an opportunity to tell him. That the Lord Wilmot had made his es­cape from Worcester; that he lay private­ly near to him; and that his Lordship [Page 66] had earnestly solicited him to use his ut­most endeavours to secure him from the hands of the pursuers. To this purpose he was come to town, and assured the Cap­tain, if he would joyn in this affair, his courtesie should never be forgotten. The Captain very cordially embraced the motion, and went with the Colonel to Charmouth (a little place near Lime) where at an Inn, he brought to him a Tenant of his, one Stephen Limbry, assuring the Colonel that he was a right honest man, and a perfect Royalist. With this Limbry Colonel Wyndham treated under the name of Captain Norris, and agreed with him to transport himself and three or four friends into France. The con­ditions of their Agreement were; That before the two and twentieth day of that instant September, Limbry should bring his Vessel into Charmou [...]-Road, and on the said two and twentieth, in the night should receive the Colonel and his company into his Long-boat from the Beach near Charmouth, from thence car­ry them to his Ship, and so land them safe in France. This the Colonel con­jured Limbry to perform with all secre­sie, [Page 67] because all the Passengers were of the Royal party, and intended to be shipped without leave, to avoid such Oaths and Engagements, which other­wise would be forced upon them: And therefore Privacie in this transaction would free him from Danger, and them­selves from Trouble, the true cause why they so earnesty thirsted (for some time) to leave their native Country. Limbry's Salary was Sixty pounds, which the Captain engaged to pay at his return from France, upon sight of a Certificate under the Passengers hands of their land­ing there. To the performance of these Covenants, Limbry with many vows and protestations obliging himself, the Co­lonel with much satisfaction, and speed came back to his Majesty and the Lord Wilmot to Trent, who at the narration of these passages expressed no small con­tentment.

The business being thus far success­fully laid, the King consults how it might be prudentially managed, that so there might be no miscarriage in the prosecuti­on. Necessary it was that his Majesty and all his Attendants (contrary to the [Page 68] use of Tavellers) should sit up all the night in the Inn at Charmouth; that they ought to have the command of the house, to go in and out at pleasure, the Tide not serving till twelve at night. To remove therefore all suspicion and Inconveni­niencies, this Expedient was found out.

Henry Peters (Colonel Windham's ser­vant) was sent to Charmouth Inn, who inviting the Hostess to drink a glass of wine, told her, That he served a very gallant Master, who had long most af­fectionately loved a Lady in Devon, and had the happiness to be well beloved by her; and though her Equal in birth and fortune, yet so unequal was his fate, that by no means could he obtain her Friends consent: And therefore it was agreed be­tween them, that he should carry her thence, and marry her among his own Allies. And for this purpose his Master had sent him to desire her to keep the best Chambers for him, intending to be at her house upon the two and twen­tieth day of that month in the evening; where he resolved not to lodge, but only to refresh himself and friends, and so travel on either that night, or very early [Page 69] next morning. With this Love-story (thus contrived and acted) together with a Persent delivered by Peters from his Master, the Hostess was so well pleased, that she promised him, her house and servants should be at his Masters com­mand. All which she very justly per­formed.

When the day appointed for His Ma­jesties journey to Charmouth was come, he was pleased to ride before Mrs Ju­lian Coningsby (the Lady Wyndham's Neece) as formerly before Mrs. Lane: The Colonel was His Majesties Guide, whilst the Lord Wilmot with Peters kept at a convenient distance, that they might not seem to be all of one company.

In this manner travelling, they were timely met by Captain Elesden, and by him conducted to a private house of his Brothers among the hills near Charmouth. There His Majesty was pleased to disco­ver himself to the Captain, and to give him a piece of forein Gold, in which in his solitary hours he made a hole to put a ribbon in. Many like pieces His Majesty vouchsafed the Colonel and his Lady, to be kept as Records of His [Page 70] Majesties favour, and of their own fi­delity to his most Sacred Person in the day of his greatest Trial. All which they have most thankfully treasured up as the chiefest Jewels of their Family.

This Royal Company from thence came to the Inn at Charmouth, a little af­ter night; where Captain Elesden solemn­ly engaging to see the Master of the ship ready, (the wind blowing then fair for France) took leave of his Majesty. A­bout an hour after came Limbry to the Inn, and assured the Colonel all things were prepared, and that about midnight his Long-boat should wait at the place appointed. The set hour drawing nigh, the Colonel with Peters went to the Sea­side (leaving His Majesty and the Lord Wilmot in a posture to come away upon call) where they remained all night ex­pecting; but seeing no Long-boat, nei­ther hearing any message from the Master of the ship, at the break of day the Co­lonel returns to the Inn, and beseeches the King and the Lord Wilmot to haste from thence. His Majesty was intreat­ [...]d; but the Lord Wilmot was desirous [...]o stay behind a little, promising to fol­low [Page 71] the King to Bridport, where His Majesty intended to make a halt for him.

When the King was gone, the Lord Wilmot sent Peters into Lime, to demand of Captain Elesden the reason why Limbry broke his promise, and forfeited his word? He seemed much surprised with this message, and said, He knew no rea­son, except it being Fair-day the Sea­men were drunk in taking their Farewell; and withall advised his Lordship to be gone, because his stay there could not be safe. But since that, Limbry himself hath given this account under his own hand:—

That according to an Agreement made at Charmouth, September the 19. 1651. betwixt himself and one Captain Norris, (since known to be Colonel Francis Win­ham) he put forth his Ship beyond the Cobs-mouth into Charmouth-road, where his servants on the 22. of the same moneth were all ready in her, waiting his com­ing; That he going to his house about ten that night, for linen to carry with him, was unexpectedly locked into a chamber by his Wife, to whom he had a little before revealed his intended Voy­age [Page 72] with some Passengers into France▪ for whose Transportation, at his return, he was to receive a considerable sum o [...] money from Captain Elesden.

This woman (it seems) was frighted into a panick fear by that dreadful Pro­clamation (of the tenth of September) set out by the Men of Westminster, and published that day at Lime. In this, [...] heavy Penalty was thundred out agains [...] all that should conceal the King, or any of his party who were at Worcester Fight▪ and a Reward of a Thousand pound [...] promised to any that should betray him▪ She, apprehending the Persons her hus­band engaged to carry over to be Roy­alists, resolved to secure him from dan­ger, by making him a Prisoner in hi [...] own chamber. All the persuasions he use [...] for his liberty, were in vain: For th [...] more he intreated, the more her violen [...] passion increased, breaking forth into such clamors and lamentations, that h [...] feared if he should any longer contend both himself and the Gentlemen he pro­mised to transport, would be cast away in this storm, without ever going to Sea▪

Thus a Design in a business of the highest [Page 73] nature, carried on with industry and prudence, even to the very last, still pro­mising full hope of a happy production, by one mans single whisper (the bane of Action) proved abortive. For no doubt, had Limbry kept his counsel, he had gained the honour of Conveying over his Majesty; of whose Noble Cou­rage and Vertue, God was pleased to make yet farther trial, as the sequel will inform.

The King passing on upon London-Road from Charmouth, met many travel­lers, among whom was one of his Fa­thers servants, well known both to His Majesty and the Colonel; who were ve­ry well pleased that he was not guilty of so much Civility, as to give either of them the complement of a Salutation. As they drew near to Bridport, the Co­lonel riding a little before, and entring the town, perceived it full of Soldiers: whereupon stopping his horse till the King came up, he inreated His Majesty to keep on, and by no means to put himself into the mouth of them, who gaped gree­dily after his destruction. Nevertheless, the King having engaged to the Lord [Page 74] Wilmot to expect him there, (without the least apprehension of danger) rode into the George, and alighting in the Court, was forced to stay there, and in the Sta­ble, near half an hour, before the Co­lonel could procure a Chamber. All this while his bloody Enemies were his on­ly Companions, with whom he discours­ed freely without fear, and learned from them their intended Voyage for Jersey and Guernsey, and their Design upon those Islands. Here may you see the Pursu­ers overtaken, and the bitterest of E­nemies friendly discoursing with Him, whose utter Ruine they accounted would compleat their Happiness. He that sate in Heaven certainly laughed them to scorn, and by the interposition of his mighty Arm eclipsed their glory, and by his admirable Wisdom reproved and confuted their malice against the King, and their blasphemies against Heaven.

No sooner had the King withdrawn himself from this dangerous Company in­to a Chamber (with much difficulty ob­tained) but Mrs. Coningsby espied Pe­lers riding into the Inn. He (being beck­ned up) acquainted His Majesty, that [Page 75] the Lord Wilmot humbly petitioned him to make haste out of that place, and to overtake him slowly passing on the road, and waiting his Majesties coming. Pre­sently upon the dismission of Peters, the King having taken some small repast, not far from the Town joyned in com­pany again with the Lord Wilmot, and discoursing of the several Adventures of that hopeful, and (as it fell out) most pe­rilous Journey, concluded that London-Road was very unsafe, and therefore re­solved to follow the next Turning which might probably lead towards Yeavill or Sherborn, neither of which is computed to be above two miles distant from Trent. Providence (the best of Guides) direct­ed these Strangers (for so they were all to those parts) to a way, which after many hours travel brought them into a Village, in which was a small Inn for entertainment. Thus entred these mas­qued Travellers, to enquire where they were. And to this purpose calling for some Beer, the Host of the house (one Rice Jones) came forth, and informed them that the place was called Broad­winsor. The Colonel knew the Inn­keeper [Page 76] and his wife to be very honest, loyal persons, and that for their fidelity to the King and his party, they had (according to their condition) under­gone their share of troubles. The King understanding the affection of the peo­ple, resolves to lodge in the house that night, it being already somewhat dark, and His Majesty and Company suffici­ently wearied with their former nights watching, and that days travel. The Colonel (while the horses were put up) desired Mr. Jones to shew him the most private rooms; the reason he gave was, Be­cause his Brother-in-law Colonel Reymes (whom the Lord Willmot personated) had been a long time imprisoned as well as himself; That they had lately ob­tained their Paroles, and to be seen to­gether so far from their homes, might create new jealousies, and so consequent­ly crush them with new troubles. The good Host upon this brought them up into the highest chambers, where Pri­vateness recompensed the meanness of the Accommodation, and the pleasantness of the Host (a merry fellow) allayed and mitigated the weariness of the Guests. [Page 77] Now the face of things began to smile, which all the day and night preceding looked so louring and ill-favoured. But this short Calm was on a sudden inter­rupted by a violent Storm. For in comes the Constable with almost Forty Soldi­ers to be billeted that very night in the Inn: All the lower Receptacles were thronged up with this unexpected Com­pany; so that the King was in a man­ner besieged, there being no passage from above, but through those suspect­ed Guards. Thus every place brought forth its troubles, and every period of time disclosed fresh dangers! Shortly af­ter the Soldiers had taken up their Quar­ters, a Woman in their company fell in labour in the Kitchin. The pangs she endured, made the Inhabitants of that place very ill at ease, fearing lest the whole Parish should become the reputed Father, and be enforced to keep the Child. To avoid this charge, the chie­fest of the Parish post to the Inn, between whom and the Soldiers arose a very hot conflict concerning provision to be made for the mother and the infant. This dis­pute continued till such time as (accor­ding [Page 78] to orders) they were to march to the Sea-side. This quarrelsom Gossip­ping was a most seasonable diversion, exercising the minds of those troublesom Fellows, who otherwise were likely to have proved too too inquisitive after the Guests in the house; the sad con­sequences of which, every loyal heart trembles to think on.

Surely we cannot, (except we wilfully shut our own eyes) but clearly see, and with all reverence and thankfulness a­dore the Divine Goodness for His Ma­jesties signal Deliverances in this Voy­age. Especially if looking back upon Charmouth, we consider the dangers that threatned him, occaonsied by the Lord Wilmot's short stay there, after the Kings departure. For one Hamnet a Smith, be­ing called to shoe his Lordships horse, said, He well knew by the fashion of the shoes, that they were never set in the West, but in the North. The Hostler (a bird of the same feather) hearing this, began to tell what Company had been there, how they sate up, and kept their horses sadled all the night; and from hence they conclude, That either the [Page 79] King, or some Great Persons had certain­ly been at the Inn. The Hostler (whose heart was soured against the King) runs presently to one Westly (of the same lea­ven) then Minister of Charmouth, to in­form him of these Passages, and to ask counsel what was to be done. This West­ley was at his Morning Exercise, and be­ing something long-winded [And by the way it may be observed, that long Prayers proceeding from a Traiterous heart, once did good, but by accident onely] the Host­ler, unwilling to lose his reward at the Gentlemans taking horse, returns with­out doing his errand. As soon as my Lord was mounted and gone, Hamnet tells Westly of the discourse between him­self and the Hostler. Away comes West­ley upon full speed to the Inn, and (al­most out of breath) asks the woman of the house, what Guests she had enter­tained that night? She said, They were all strangers to her, she knew them not. I tell you then (said he) one of them was the King. Then hastily turning away from her, he and Hamnet ran to Mr. Butler of Commer (then Justice of Peace) to have him dispatch abroad his Warrants [Page 80] to raise the Country for the apprehend­ing of the King, and those persons the last night with him at Charmouth. But he spends his mouth in vain, a deaf ear is turned upon him, no Warrant would be issued forth. This check given to his zeal so vexed him, that it had like to have caused a suffocation, had not Cap­tain Massey (as errant a Hotspur as him­self) given it vent, by raising a Party and pursuing the King upon London-Road. But God preserved His Majesty by di­verting him to Broadwinsor, whilst Mas­sey and his hot-mettled company outran their Prey as far as Dorchester. And in­deed, the report of the Kings being at Charmouth, was grown so common, that the Soldiers (lying in those parts) search'd the houses of several Gentlemen, who were accounted Royalists, thinking to surprize him. Amongst which, Pilisdon (the house of Sir Hugh Windham Uncle to Colonel Francis Windham) was twice rifled. They took the old Baronet, his Lady, Daughters, and whole Family, and set a Guard upon them in the Hall, whilst they examine every corner, not sparing either Trunk or Box. Then taking a [Page 81] particular view of their Prisoners, they seize a lovely young Lady, saying, she was the King disguised in womens ap­parel. At length being convinced of their gross and rude mistake, they desisted from offering any farther violence to that Fa­mily. And here it is much to be obser­ved, that the same day the King went from Charmouth, Captain Elesden came to Pilesdon, and enquired of Sir Hugh and his Lady for the King and Colonel, con­fidently affirming that they must needs be there.

His Majesty having with an evenness of spirit gotten through this roughpassage, safely anchored at Broadwinsor, Where at length enjoying some rest, he com­mands the Colonel to give his opinion what course was to be taken, as the face of affairs then looked. The Colonel (seeing Forces drawn every where up­on that shore) thought it very hazardous to attempt any thing more in Dorsetshire; and therefore humbly besought his Ma­jesty, that he would be pleased to retreat to Trent: He hoped his Majesty was al­ready satisfied in the fidelity of his ser­vants; and that he doubted not, his Ma­jesty [Page 82] might lie securely in that Creek, till it was fair weather, and a good season to put forth to Sea. He humbly advi­sed, that Peters might conduct the Lord Wilmot to Mr. Huit's house at the Kings-Arms in Sarum, where he and many of his friends had been sheltered in the time of troubles. That Peters (being at Sa­rum) should by a private token bring his Lordship to Mr. John Coventry (his Kins­man) a Person Noble, Wise, and Loyal, with whom he had kept Intelligence in order to the Kings service, ever since his Majesty had set foot in Scotland; That he was assured Mr. Coventry would think himself highly honoured to correspond in this matchless employment, The King's Preservation. He desired the Lord Wil­mot to be confident of lying concealed; And likewise to treat with Mr. Coventry, and by Peters to return his Majesty an account how he found that Gentleman affected towards this service.

This counsel being well relished and approved, 'twas resolved, That between Sarum and Trent (lying 30 miles distant and better) an intercourse should be kept by trusty messengers, and a secret way [Page 83] of writing, to avoid danger in case of interception. All things being thus con­cluded, the King left his jovial Host at Broadwindsor, and returned with the Co­lonel and Mrs. Coningsby to Trent. The Lord Wilmot with Peters went that night to Sherborn, and the next morning was waited on by Swan (who attended his Lordship to the Colonels) and that day got into Sarum; where he soon saluted Mr. Coventry, in all things fully answer­ing his Lordships expectation: And (the 25. of September) Peters was sent back with this joyful message from the Lord Wilmot to his Majesty, That he doubted not (by Mr. Coventries assistance, and those recommended by him) to be able in some short time to effect his desires.

Whilst his Sacred Majesty enjoys his peace at Trent, and the Lord Wilmot (with those other Worthies) is busied at Sarum to procure its continuation, It can­not be impertinent ro mention a Circum­stance or two, which inserted in the midst of the web and texture of this Story would have looked unhandsom, but ad­ded as a fringe may prove ornamental.

Upon the Sunday morning after the [Page 84] King came to Trent, a Tailor of the Parish informed the Colonel, That the Zealots [which swarmed in that place] discoursed overnight, that Persons of Quality were hid in his house, and that they intended to search and seise them; and therefore he desired the Colonel (if any such there were) to convey them thence, to avoid surprisal. The Colonel (rewarding the good man for his care and kindness to­wards himself and family) told him, That his Kinsman (meaning the Lord Wilmot) was not private, but publick in his house, (for so his Lordship pleased to be) and that he believed he would shew himself in the Church at the time of Prayers. When the honest fellow was gone, the Colonel acquaints the King what passed between himself and the Tailor, and withall besought his Majesty to persuade the Lord Wilmot to accompany him to Church, thinking by this means not only to lessen the jealousie, but also to gain the good opinion of some of the Fana­ticks, who would be apt to believe, that the Colonel was rather brought to Church by my Lord, than his Lordship by the Colonel, who seldom came to [Page 85] that Place, since Faction and Rebellion had justled out, and kept possession against Peace and Religion. He alledged moreo­ver, that he sate in an Ile distinct from the body of the Congregation, so that the Parishoners could not take a full view of any of his company. These reasons, joined with his Majesties command, pre­vailed with his Lordship; and (though he thought it a bold adventure, yet) it not only allayed the fury, but also took out the very sting of those wasps; inso­much that they who the last night talked of nothing but searching, began now to say, that Cromwell's late success against the King, had made the Colonel a Con­vert.

All being now quiet about home, the Colonels Lady (under a pretence of a Visit) goes over to Sherborn to hear what news there was abroad of the King. And towards evening, at her return, a Troop of horse clapt privately into the town. This silent way of entring their Quarters, in so triumphant a time, gave a strong a­larm to this careful Lady, whose thoughts were much troubled concerning her Royal Guest. A stop she made to heark­en [Page 86] out what brought them thither, and whither they were bound: But not one grain of Intelligence could be procured by the most industrious enquiry. When she came home, she gave his Majesty an ac­count of many stories, which like fly­ing clouds were blown about by the breath of the people, striving to cover her trouble with the vail of chearfulness. But this the King perceiving to be rather forced than free, as at other times, was earnest to know the cause of her discom­posure. And to satisfie his Majesties im­portunity, she gave him a full relation of the Troop at Sherborn: At which his Majesty laughed most heartily, as if he had not been in the least concerned. Yet upon a serious debate of the matter, the Colonel and his Lady supplicated the King to take a view of his Privy chamber, into which he was persua­ded to enter, but came presently forth again, much pleased, that upon the least approach of danger, he could thither re­treat with an assurance of security. All that night the Colonel kept strict watch in his house, and was the more vigilant, because he understood from Sherborn, [Page 87] that the Troop intended not to quarter there, but only to refresh themselves and march. And accordingly (not so much as looking towards Trent) about two of the clock next morning, they removed towards the Sea-coast. This fear being over, the King rested all the time of his stay at Trent, without so much as the ap­prehension of a disturbance.

The strangeness of which will be much increased by the addition of what a Cap­tain who served under Cromwell at Wor­cester, reported to two Divines of un­doubted veracity, long before the King's blessed Restauration: That he was fol­lowed and troubled with Dreams for three nights together, That the King was hid at Trent near Sherborn, in a house nigh to which stood a Grove or patch of trees, and that thither he should go and find him. This suggestion thus reitera­ted, was a powerful spur to prick him forwards: But the hand which held the reins and kept him back, was irresistible.

Now the hands of his Majesties enemies were not only restrained from doing him evil, but the hands of his friends were strengthened to do him good. In order [Page 88] to which, Colonel Edward Phelips of Montacute in the County of Somerset, came from Sarum to his Majesty (Sep­tem. 28.) with this intelligence, That his brother Colonel Robert Phelips was em­ployed to Southampton to procure a Ves­sel, of whose transaction his Majesty should receive a speedy account.

In the mean time, Captain Thomas Lit­tleton (a Neighbour of Colonel Wynd­ham) was dispatch'd up into Hampshire, where by the aid of Mr. Standish he dealt with the Master of a Ship, who under­took to carry off the Lord Wilmet and his company, upon the condition his Lordship would follow his direction. But the hope of Colonel Phelips his good suc­cess at Hampton dashed this enterprise, and the Captain was remanded to Trent, and to make no progress till farther order.

Upon the first of October Mr. John Sel­liok (Chaplain to Mr. Coventry) brought a Letter to his Majesty. In answer to which the King wrote back, That he desired all diligence might be used in providing a Vessel; and if it should prove difficult at Hampton, trial should be made farther: That they should be ascertained of a Ship [Page 89] before they sent to remove him, that so he might run no more hazards than what of necessity he must meet with in his pas­sage from Trent to the place of his Tran­sportation.

October the fifth, Colonel Phelips came from the Lord Wilmot and Mr. Coventry to his Majesty with this assurance, That all things were ready; And that he had informed himself with the most private ways, that so he might with greater probability of safety guide his Majesty to the Sea-side. Assoon as the King heard this Message, He resolved upon his Jour­ney. Colonel Wyndham earnestly peti­tions his Majesty, that he might wait on him to the shore: But his Majesty gave no grant, saying, It was no way neces­sary, and might prove very inconvenient. Upon the renewing this request, the King commanded the contrary, but sweetned his denial with this promise, That if he were put to any distress, he would again retreat to Trent.

About ten next morning (October the sixth) his Majesty took leave of the old Lady Wyndham, the Colonels Lady and Family, not omitting the meanest of [Page 90] them that served him. But to the good old Lady he vouchsafed more than an or­dinary respect, who accounted it her highest honour, that she had three Sons and one Grandchild slain in the defence of the Father, and that she her self in her old age had been instrumental in the pro­tection of the Son, both Kings of Eng­land.

Thus his Sacred Majesty, taking Mrs. Juliana Coningsby behind him, attended by Colonel Robert Phelips, and Peters, bad Farewel to Trent, the Ark in which God shut him up, when the Floods of Rebellion had covered the face of his Dominions. Here he rested Nineteen days, to give his faithful Servants time to work his deliverance: And the Al­mighty crowned their endeavours with success, that his Majesty might live to appear as Glorious in his Actions, as Cou­ragious in his Sufferings.