A DECLARATION OF THE Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament, Concerning his Majesties advancing with his Army toward London. With direction, that all the Trained bands and Volunteers be put into a readinesse.
Also, how Sir Iohn Hinderson urged one David Alexander a Scotchman, to kill Sir Iohn Hotham, and blow up the Parliaments Magazine; to whom His Majesty gave money, and he received it.
Together with the Depositions of the said David Alexander and Sir Iohn Hinderson.
Whereunto is added, Severall Votes of the Lords and Commons. Corrected and amended by the house of Commons to prevent false Copies.
Sabbati 15. Octob. 1642.
ORdered by the Lords and Commons in Parliament, That this Declaration, Depositions, and Votes, thus amended, be forthwith printed and published.
H. Elsyng, Cler. Parl. D. Com.
LONDON, Printed for Edw Husbands, and I. Franke. Octob. 18. 1642.
A DECLARATION OF THE Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament.
THe Lords and Commons in Parliament, considering with much tendernesse and compassion, the miserable condition of this Kingdome, distracted, and distempered with many present evils, and imminent dangers, and brought now to such an height of extremity of misery, that two English Armies are neer together, even ready to joyn in a dreadful & bloody encounter, through the violent and wicked counsell of those who have captivated both the Person & the Power of the King to their own impious and trayterous designes, do thereupon thinke good to publish and declare the same to the Kingdome; together with some directions and provisions which may prevent that utter desolation and ruine both of religion and liberty, already overwhelmd and supprest in the intention and hope of those rebels and traytors about the King; To which purpose, it is desired by both Houses, that all wel affected subjects may take notice of these particulars, that the King by the help and assistance of the papists, the prelatical and corrupt part of the Clergy, the delinquent Nobility, and Gentry, & by the confluence of some notable traytors from beyond the seas, the Lord Digby, Oneale, and others, and of many desperate mercenary and ill affected persons from all parts of the Kingdome, hath raised an Army, [Page] armed, cloathed, & fed, for the most part with the spoyles of his subiects, giving them liberty to plunder and rob all sorts of people, to exact money and plate from Corporations, by threatning fire and sword if they should refuse it.
That this wicked Councel doth not only hinder his Majesty from exercising the justice and protection of a King towards his people; but even that honour which is observed betwixt enemies; for by a confident instrument of his Majesty, Sir John Hinderson a papist (as we are credibly informed) one David Alexander was urged to kill Sir J. Hotham, telling him it would be a good service both to God and the King, which he refused to do, saying, it was the work of a Butcher, and not of a Souldier; this Alexander being a Scotchman of a very poore fortune, and of a mind fit for desperate attempts▪ the King sent for him twice, while he was at Beverley, and when he came to his presence, he spake to him publikely in the field, and appointed a summe of money to be given him▪ which he received.
After which another proposition was made to him by the same Sir J. Hinderson, that he would put fire to the Magazine of the Army raised by the Parliament, & to gaine the better opportunity to effect it, that he should labour to get some imployment in the train of Artilery, wch he accordingly undertooke, & endeavoured to obtain; But before he could effect mischievous intention, he was discovered, apprehended, and examined, and thereupon confest the practice, and undertaking, the particulars wherof are referred to the examinations thereupon taken. That the King doth send out Letters to borrow great sums, professing that those who wil not lend him money, do give him just cause to suspect their duty to his person, and the peace of the Kingdome. And this will be a sufficient reason to make them lyable to be plundered and spoyled of all they have; but such is the violence of the Kings army, that their friends are in little better case then [Page] they who oppose them, and those who escape best must yet feed, and billet the souldiers for nothing.
In those places where the Trained bands are willing to go forth to serve in his Majesties army, yet for the most part their armes are taken from them, and put upon those who are more mercenary, and lesse intrested in the Commonwealth, and so likely to be fitter instruments of rapine and spoile.
By these great violences, and oppressions, they have so exhausted those parts, that His Majesty cannot stay long about Shrewsbury, and it is the earnest desire of the Cavaleers, that he would march forward towards London, those rich and fruitful Countries in the way being like to yeeld them a supply of their necessities, and the wealth of London a full satisfaction of their hope, where they likewise think to f [...]de a party, which upon his Majesties approach may make some disturbance, and facilitate their designes upon the City.
That if the Kings army prevaile, the good Subjects can expect nothing, but that their lives and fortunes will be exposed to the malice and rapine of those ravenous souldiers, who often talke of cutting the throats of honest and religious men, and have long expected their goods and estates, as the rewards of their service; the Kingdome will again fall under the government of those mischievous Councels, who before this Parliament had even brought both religion and liberty to ruine; and we shall have no hope left of any more Parliaments, but such as shall be concurrent and subservient to these ends.
The means of curing and preventing these evils and dangers we conceive to be these.
That good provision be made by lone and contribution for the Army raised by the Parliament under the Lord Generall the Earle of Essex, which is no whit inferiour in Horse and Foot to the Kings Army, better armed, full paid, restrained [Page] from disorder and rapine as much as may be, well provided of all outward necessaries, but above all, well encouraged and instructed in the goodnesse of the cause by the labour of many godly and painfull Divines.
That this Army be alwaies ready to attend the removes of the Kings army, either in one body, or divided, as there shall be occasion, according to the wise conduct and direction of the Generall, that so no opportunity of fighting upon advantage be lost, nor the greedy souldiers of the Kings army suffered to range and spoyle the Country at their pleasure.
That the Countries through which the Kings Army is to passe, doe associate themselves, and draw all their Forces togather for the mutuall defence of their persons, and goods, from oppression and spoile.
That those Counties be required to send in all their horses fit for carriage, and for dragoons, aswell for the assistance of the Lord Generall; For which in convenient time they shall receive satisfaction; As likewise that by such meanes those Horses may be kept from being imployed by the Kings Army.
That command and direction be given, to all Lieutenants of Counties and deputy Lieutenants, that all the Trainedbands and all Volunteeres be put into'a readinesse, to be brought to such randezvous, and to be obedient to such commanders in chiefe, as shall be appointed by the Committee for the safty of the Kingdome, or by the Lord Generall, that so the Kings Army may finde opposition in every place as they passe; And the inhabitants may have at hand a sufficient protection and defence; And the Lord Generall may strengthen his owne Army, with these Forces, as hee shall see cause.
That Powder, Munition, and Ordnance, with all other necessaries, be prepared for these Forces, That so without any trouble, or confusion, they may be brought together, and fitted for service, upon all sudden occurrents.
[Page]That all those who in the City of London or any other place, shall weare any colours or other marks of division, whereby they may bee distinguish'd from others, and knowne to be of the malignant party, shall be examined, searcht, and disarmed; As likewise all others, who being able, shall not lend or contribute towards the publique safty of the Kingdom in this time of sogreat and imminent danger.
That it be commended to the serious consideration of those in the Kings Army, and of all other that intend to assist and succour his Majesty, in this impious and unnaturall War (amongst whom it may be hoped there are some honest men and Protestants) what it is that moves them in this quarrell.
Is it for feare of some innovations and alterations of Religion, or Church Government? Let such as are possest with this vaine and causelesse apprehension, know, that nothing is Intended, or desired, but to take away the government by Bishops, which hath been so constantly, evidently, mischeivous, and dangerous, to the Church and State, and such other things as shall be found to be justy offensive, And nothing to be setled, and introduced, but by authority of Parliament after consultation first had with an assembly of learned and reverent Divines.
Is it to uphold the authority prerogative and honour of the King, and to preserve the safty of his royall Person? Surely the Parliament is, and ever hath beene ready to doe any thing that belongs to them to secure all these, which they have often testified by many humble petitions to his Majesty.
If there be no cause for any of these respects to seeke the destruction of the Parliament, and the blood and ruine of their kindred, friends, and acquaintance, what remaines then to be the matter of the quarrell, and the motives of such great combustions, and the effects and consequences of [Page] their victory if they should prevaile? That Priests Jesuits and the Popes Nuncioes may domineere and governe in the Kings Counsell, as heeretofore; That the Arch-Bishops of Canterbury and Yorke and their suffragans, may suppresse diligent, and powerfull preaching, and banish and oppresse all the most pious and best affected Subjects of the Kingdome, & introduce the popish Religion, under a Protestant profession, till they have strength and bouldnesse to cast off the disguise, and openly appeare that which indeed they are, and would not seeme to be.
That the Earle of Bristoll, and his sonne the Lord Digby, Mr. Jermin, and other such Traytors may possesse the great places, and government of this Kingdome, and be the arbiters of the affaires of State and distributers of preferments, and disgraces, to such as shall further or oppose their designes.
That the delinquents, oppressors, and destroyers of the Kingdom, may not only escape the justice of the Parliament, but triumph in the spoiles of all honest men, good Patriots; And that through our troubles, and divisions, the Rebells in Ireland may prevaile; That we may cease to be a free Nation, and become the Object of cruelty, and oppression at home, and of scorne and infamy abroade.
And if there can be no other fruit of their hazard and endeavours on that side, let them then consider whether by adhering to the Parliament they may not expect effects more sutable to the desires of honest men, The glory of God in the preservation of his truth, The peace of the Church, by securing it against the pride, avarice, and ambition of the Clergy, The honour greatnesse and security of the King, by freeing him from false and Trayterous Counsells, and establishing him in the hearts and affections of his people, the prosperity of the whole Kingdome by the blessing of good Lawes and a righteous government.
The examination of David Alexander, taken Octob. 6. 1642.
HE saith, when the King went towards the north, at Newmarket he came to the Court, and followed the King to Yorke, and stayed at Yorke when the King first went to Kingstone upon Hull, and came backe to Yorke, and after the Kings returne Sir John Hinderson told him it was a good service to God and the King to kill Sir John Hotham, and he refused to do it; and that he said he would rather venture upon an Army, and then the King went to Beverly, and the Postmasters boy brought him word from Sir James Hamilton, he should come to Beverley, and should be made Corporall of the field, which he sleighted, and said he was an old man man, and could not ride, and then Sir James Hamilton sent to him to meet him at the Posthouse, which he did, and Sir James told him if he came not the next day, he would lose his place; he told him he had no money, and he gave him ten shillings, and with that he hired Horse and went thither, and that he came to the L. Lindsey Generall, which said he was welcome, and bid him go to the King, and told him the King had sent twice for him, and the next day (which was the day where in the Earle of Holland, &c. had his audience) the King being in the field spake to him and bid him goe to my L. Generall who gave order to Sir J. Culpeper to give him ten pounds, which he received, and my Lord [Page 9] Generall told him Master Slingsby and an other Knight were about a Myne which failed, and the siege raised, and afterward he went to Nottingham, and there Sir John Hinderson said to him, he should do good service if he would set the Magazin a fire, and that he undertook to do, and he told him it would be well if he could get a service in the Train of Artillary, and often speech with him upon that action, and said he should be highly recompenced: And thereupon he came to London on Tuesday was five or six weeks, and he was with Sir William Balfore, and made means to go into Ireland, and that he confess'd to Sir Balthazar Gerbier upon Munday last all the passages betwixt him and Sir John Hinderson, and to no body else, but he spake to Sir Jo. Mildram to get him a place in the Irish wars, and Sir John promised to speake with the Irish Committee for him; He said Sir John Hinderson told him the King was acquainted with this proposition of firing the Magazine divers times: And this examinant told him that he had spoken to Sir Balthazar Gerbier to tell the King that he could not performe it, and he denied that ever he had laboured for any place in this Army.
The Examination of Sir Balthazar Gerbier taken the 8th of Octob. 1642.
HE sayes, he knowes one David Alexander a Scotchman, and ha's known him long, and ha's had discourse lately with him.
He sayes, the said David Alexander said he had a proposition made to him to kill some body, but none named to this examinant, he answered, that to kill a man was fit for a hangman; but any gsnerous act befitting a Souldier he would do.
The said Alexander, said that Colonell Hinderson made this proposition at the Court, he sayes that Act was proposed; That another proposition was made by the same person, that he should get a place in the Train of Artillery, and getting knowledge where the Magazine was, to do his best to fire it, and this he entertained and was received, and had mony given him; and besides Colonell Hinderson, and Master Endymeon Porter spoke also concerning the sam: businesse to him.
This Examinant sayes, he knows not whether Alexander, Hinderson, and Mr. Endym on Porter spoke of the same at the same time, nor did he tell him what summe of Money he received, nor did he speak of any other Promises; Upon the third of this instant at nine of the clock this discourse was, which he noted in his Table-book. Then desiring to look in his Table-book, the Examinant further related, That he having occasion to use some mans service [Page 11] to the Court, with the Venetian Ambassadour, according to his place, he sent to this David Alexander, to know if he would go along with him; the said David told him he could not go, the Examinant wondred at it, knowing his poverty, and asked the reason, thereupon he said he had some service to do, and the Examinant being his old friend, he would deale plainly with him, and tell him, and said it was of that nature, that it was as much worth as his life to discover, the Examinant wondred at it, and made some difficulty to know it; but he answered that in the Lord Buckinghams time he had bin his friend, and therefore to him he would tell it, and put his life into his hands: The Examinant said, why wilt thou put thy life into such danger, then he said he was dispacht and had received money for it to apply himself to the Army, and to endeavour to get a place about the Artillety, to the end to take a time to fire the Magazine; which he said you know I can do by an instrument made like a watch, which having gone for so many houres then strikes fire, he said he had applyed himself to Sir William Balfore to be recommended by him, but was put off, only had offered to him 14. s. per diem for a Serjeant Majors place of Dragooners, or some service for Ireland; but he refused it, as not fit for him, saying, that he was more proper for fire works & artillery, &c. He said further, that meeting with Dulbier, he told him, how now David thou do'st not come hither for the service against those from when [...]e you come, he said no; and then resolved [Page 12] to apply himself to Sir John Meldram, by whom he was to be presented to the house the third of this instant: he desired this Examinant to take this relation from him and to acquaint the King with it, to whom it would be acceptable to know what was become of him, and he could not write it himself, and therefore wish't this Examinant to write it in his table-book: This Examinant said he would put it into his table-book, and said how should I venture to tell this to the King, or know it to be true; and he said the King would soon know that, and it will be an honour to you to be so trusted, so he concluded his discourse with presenting a Scotchman to this Examinant in his journey, the Scotchman was his companion, and a Sollicitor here for one Gordon the Kings Agent at Hamburgh; but this Examinant took only his name, and liking not his aspect, promised to send to him some other time.
[Page 13]THe same Examinant, upon the seventh day of October, doth confirm all the particulars aforementioned▪ And further faith, That the reason why he told Sir Balthasar Gerbier of this businesse, was to desire him to tell the King that he could not as yet perform it; and he thinks that the King and Sir John Hinderson, do believe that he is in my Lord of Essex Army; and that he doth intend to perform his promise.
THis Examinant told Sir Balthasar Gerbier the third of October last, I cannot go with you, because I have undertaken to fire the Ammunition in the Army of Parliament, and tell the King of Sir John Hinderson I have not effected it; but I am going to Sir John Meldram at 9 of the clock this morning, to bring me to the Parliament, to get employment in the Artillery belonging to the Parliament; and that I might have had fourteen shillings a day to be a Major in a Regiment of Dragooners with the Parliament, and refused it; which he desired the King might know.
Octob. 10. 1642.
THe said David Alexander further acknowledgeeth, That he offred to tell Sir Balth. Gerbier what the great businesse was which did hinder him from [Page 14] going with him, and what he had said was as much as his life was worth to discover: That Sir Balthasar Gerbier did refuse to hear it; but this Examinant did very earnestly presse to hear what it was.
Die Sabbati, 15 Octob. 1642.
Resolved upon the Question by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament,
THat such persons as shal not contribute to the charge of the Common-wealth in this time of imminent necessity shall be held fit to be Secured.
Resolved upon the Question by both Houses of Parliament,
That such persons as shall not contribute to the charge of the Common-wealth in this time of imminent necessity, shall be held fit to be Disarmed.
ORdered by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, That the Lord Maior and Sheriffs of the City of London shall forthwith search the houses, and seize the Arms belonging unto M. Nathaniel Jefferson, M. Austin, M. John Bedle, M. John Batty, M. Ralph Long, and M. Robert Lewis, all of Bredstreet ward▪ M. Jo: Blunt of Lymestreet ward, M. Ald. Wright of Colemanstreet Ward, M. Roger Drake, [Page 15] and M. John Walter of Farringdon without, For that as it appears by the report from the Committee, they have not contributed as they ought, to the charge of the Common-wealth in this time of imminent necessity.
Resolved upon the question by both Houses of Parliament,
That the fines, rents, and profits of Archbishops, Bishops, Deans, Deans and Chapters, and of such notorious Delinquents who have taken up Arms against the Parliament, or have been active in the Commission of Array, shall be sequestred for the use and service of the Common-wealth.
Resolved upon the question by both Houses of Parliament,
That the Kings Revenue arising out of rents, fines in Courts of Justice, compositions for Wards, and the like, and all other His Majesties Revenue, shall be brought into the severall Courts, and other places where they ought to be paid in, and not issued forth, or paid out, untill further Order shall be taken by both Houses of Parliament.
The manner of Sequestration is referred to a Committee.