A brief chronicle of all the chief actions so fatally falling out in these three kingdoms, viz. England, Scotland & Ireland from the year, 1640, to this present twentieth of November, 1661 : containing the unhappy breaches, sad divisions, the great battels fought, number of men, with the eminent persons of honor and note slain, with several debates and treaties : also, the happy escape by a wonderful delivererance of His Majestie at Worcester, more fully expressed then hitherto : with His Majesties happy return, together with what passages of note hapned to this present November, 1661 : the like exact account hath not as yet been printed.

A brief chronicle of all the chief actions so fatally falling out in these three kingdoms, viz. England, Scotland & Ireland from the year, 1640, to this present twentieth of November, 1661 : containing the unhappy breaches, sad divisions, the great battels fought, number of men, with the eminent persons of honor and note slain, with several debates and treaties : also, the happy escape by a wonderful delivererance of His Majestie at Worcester, more fully expressed then hitherto : with His Majesties happy return, together with what passages of note hapned to this present November, 1661 : the like exact account hath not as yet been printed.

A brief chronicle of all the chief actions so fatally falling out in these three kingdoms, viz. England, Scotland & Ireland from the year, 1640, to this present twentieth of November, 1661 : containing the unhappy breaches, sad divisions, the great battels fought, number of men, with the eminent persons of honor and note slain, with several debates and treaties : also, the happy escape by a wonderful delivererance of His Majestie at Worcester, more fully expressed then hitherto : with His Majesties happy return, together with what passages of note hapned to this present November, 1661 : the like exact account hath not as yet been printed.

Table of contents

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Title page

TO THE READER.

A Brief CHRONICLE OF THE Civil Wars OF England, Scotland, and Ireland, From 1640. to the end of the Year, 1661.

Anno Domini, 1641.

Anno Domoni 1642.

Anno Domini, 1643.

Anno Domini, 1644.

Anno Domini, 1645.

Anno Domini, 1646.

Anno Domini, 1647.

Anno Domini, 1648.

Anno Domoni 1649.

Anno Dom. 1649. and 1650.

Anno Dom. 1651.

Anno Domini, 1652.

Anno Domini, 1653.

Anno Domini, 1654.

Anno Domini, 1655.

Anno Domini, 1656.

Anno Domini, 1657.

Anno Domini, 1658.

Anno Domini, 1659.

Anno Dom. 1660.

Anno Dom. 1661.

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A BRIEF CHRONICLE OF All the chief Actions ſo fatally falling out in theſe three Kingdoms; viz.

England, Scotland & Ireland, From the year, 1640. to this preſent twentieth of November, 1661.

CONTAINING The unhappy Breaches, ſad Diviſions, the great Battels fought, number of men, with the Eminent Perſons of Honor and note ſlain, with ſeveral Debates and Treaties.

ALSO, The happy Eſcape by a Wonderful deliveverance of His Majeſtie at Worceſter, more fully expreſſed then hitherto: with His Majeſties happy return, together with what paſſages of note hapned to this preſent November, 1661.

The like exact account hath not as yet been printed.

LONDON: Printed for William Lee, at the Turks-Head in Fleetſtreet. 1662.

TO THE READER.

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Courteous Reader,

This uſeful Manual which hath been ſo long deſired, now offers it ſelf to your hands, the Engliſh Iliads in a nut-ſhel, being comprized in ſuch an Epitomy and Abridgement; yet with ſo much perſpicuity, faithfulneſs and truth, as would be allowance enough for a reaſonable volumn.

Even ſame ſmall and minute actions, where (like little wires that give motion to the grand Engine) they had to the main deſign, are here regiſtred, with a moſt exact Chronology of their time; but as to paſſages of greater moment, the actions of the Field, Leagures, Stratagems, ſtorming of Towns and Caſtles, they have roomy place here, without that buſtle they made in the Kingdoms.

And that the memory of thoſe Noble and Valiant Perſons who fell, and who ſurvived this fatal War, might be orderly tranſmitted to poſterity, we have alſo inſerted them in their ſeveral ſtations of Command, Life and Death, the irreparable loſs of whom fell chiefly on the Royal and juſteſt ſide.

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Abundance of Engliſh blood hath been ſhed profuſely in ſeveral Quarrels, both at home and abroad before, but never ſuch a ſlaughter as this, ſo that it paſſeth eaſie Arithmetick, which cauſeth that the groſs of the numbers ſlain, is as much (of the multitude) as could be recovered.

But behold the greateſt miſery of this War, the iſſue of it when it was paſt, was ten times worſe then the War it ſelf, like the Viper, that expires in the production of many: The Meduſa of War, brought forth a Hydra of Peace, in a Serpentine Commonwealth, and Democratical Anarchy, we had loſt what was pretended to be fought for, as ſoon as we had done fighting: ſuch our fury, ſuch our ſtrange fate.

This obliged the Collector of this Chronicle to proceed in the tracing of thoſe (till then) untrodden ſteps of Government, through all the changes and variations during the Uſurpation; wherein you ſhall finde all the moſt conſiderable paſſages and remarks of State, of the War and Treaties abroad with Forreign Princes and Commonwealths, particularly ſet down, ſo conform to the Originals, that herein you will have the pleaſure to ſee all over again, which with ſorrow you ſo lately underwent, with the happy reſtitution of His Majeſtic, and other paſſages deduced to this preſent day.

Olim haec meminiſſe juvabit. Thine, W. Lee.

Novemb 18. 1661.

A Brief CHRONICLE OF THE Civil Wars OF England, Scotland, and Ireland, From 1640. to the end of the Year, 1661.

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NO higher or greater cauſe can be aſſigned for this war (ſetting aſide the ſins of all Times and Nations, to which the Juſtice of Heaven is ſeldom long a Debtor) but the fate and cataſtrophe of Kingdoms and Monarchies, which do at certain periods of time taſte of that viciſſitude and mutability, to which other ſublunary things are more frequently ſubjected.

The ſecondary cauſes of it, are ſo many and ſo uncertain, [Page]ſo variouſly reported and beleeved, that it would ſpend the paper allotted to this Epitome in aſcertaining them; therefore to contain and keep within the limits of this deſignment, ſomething onely ſtall be ſaid of them that was obvious to every eye, not favouring of partiality or affection [...].

Many diſorders and irregulari [...]es there were in the State no doubt contracted through a long and lazy peace bolſtred up with an univerſal trade which procured a general wealth, the patent of wantonneſs; the exceſs of National riches being but as the burden which the A [...] carries, and miſtakes for provender; people being onely the better enabled to ſuſtain the future miſery with their preſent plenty.

Theſe conceived abuſes in the menage of the State, like ill Humors, where they finde an equal reſiſtance, or over power of Nature, ſunck and deſcended upon the Eccleſiaſtical regiment too impotent to ſuſtain thoſe general aſſaults which were given it. The firſt complaint of the people was male-adminiſtration and delinquency of ſome about the King; this terrified but a few, though it reached the life of that incomparable Stateſman the Earl of Strafford; ſome others dreading more the popular fury then their objected crimes, withdrawing and abſenting themſelves from the preſent ſtorm impending.

After the Earl of Strafford was beheaded at Tower hill (the King being forced to aſſent to the Bill for his execution) all things [...]un a main with [...]unany ſtop to the enſuing breach and confuſion. The Axe had but taſted of that blood, of which it ſoon after glutted it ſelf, all perſons of all rank; and conditions, King, Lords, Biſhops, Knights, Gentlemen, Miniſters, Mechanicks, ſuffering under its edge. A remarkable thing, the paralle [...] of it being no where in our Engliſh Chronicles, but ſo that blood of Straffords was at laſt expiated, [...] will be ſeen in the ſeries of our late unhappy troubles.

When this fatal buſineſs was over, then began the cry, No Biſhops, no Biſhops, who were at laſt by an Act of Parliament extorted from the King devoyded and barred from ſitting and voting in the Houſe of Lords, or exerciſing any remporal Juriſdiction; to this the Parliament were the better induced, and the more ſtrongly inclined from ſeveral complaints made to them, which were before famous through the Nation, of their haid and barbarous uſage of ſeveral Miniſters and others, for the buſineſs of non-conformancy: Amongſt the reſt the caſe of Mr. [Page] Pryn, Mr. Burton, Dr. Baſtick were very notorious. Theſe men at this time in the beginning of our troubles were brought from their priſons in diſtant remote parts of England, in triumph to London, and ſoon after moſt of the Biſhop; committed to the Tower, under no leſs then a charge of High Treaſon, which being not to be evidenced, moſt of them were after ſome time diſmiſſed upon bail, onely the Archbiſhop of Canterbury and Biſhop of Ely were reſerved to their Juſtice.

Many honeſt Patriots there were no doubt of that party which inclined to the clipping and abridging the power of the Hierarchy which they ſo unhappily miſtook, the importunities of the people made others, otherwiſe principled to ſwim with the ſtream; but no ſooner this Fit was over, but we were [...]eiſed all over with the diſeaſe of a Civil War.

The King had been ſo affronted with the daily tumults which thoſe for Juſtice againſt Straford, and No Biſhops brought with them, & had ſo often moved for the prevention and remedy thereof, in vain, that having certain intelligence who the Grandees were that abetted thoſe riotous Aſſemblies, and alſo had had a hand in the Scorch Troubles, whoſe untoward iſſue and concluſion lay heavy upon his heart, he reſolved to ſeiſe them in the Parliament-houſe, and ſo bring them to a ſpeedy Trial.

This was attempted by the King, but the birds were flown, notice being given the Houſe of Common by one Langriſh, a Servant of the Queens, of the Kings coming thither to demand the Five Members: But the buſineſs ended not ſo, the Houſe vote it a breach of priviledge, and complain o [...] evil Counſellors about the Kings perſon, who not able or willing longer to endure thoſe indignities oftered daily at his Court gates, leaves Whitehal, and departs from Hampton Court, and ſoon after the Five Members return to their places in the Houſe, guarded thither in much bravery by the Trained Bands by water.

This added fuel to the fire, that was now ready to flame; nor could another combuſtion in the ſiſter Kingdom of Ireland, which broke forth in October ſome two moneths before give them caution to look to this at home.

The manner of the breaking forth, and the diſcovery of that Iriſh Rebellion was as followeth.

Anno Domini, 1641.

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ON the 23. day of October, 1641. that horrid Rebellion broke forth there, that day they intended to ſeize the Caſtle of Dublin, the Iriſh being every where elſe riſen and in arms, but the deſign was diſcovered by one Owen Conally, an Iriſh Gentleman by birth and family, but a retainer to Sir Iohn Clotworthy, who being acquainted with the plot by one of the Rebells leaping over a ſet of pales, whether he pretended to go and eaſe himſelf, eſcaped by the favour of a dark night, ran away, and informed the Lord Juſtice Parſons with the whole deſign.

Upon this diſcovery the Lord Mack Gutre, October and one Mr. Mac Mahon were ſeiſed in Dublin, the Town, though in a moſt terrible fright, was preſently put into a poſture of defence. Advice was ſent thorowout the Kingdom of Ireland of the Rebellion, but all too late, for it was univerſal, and no part of the Kingdom where they were not riſen; ſo that a Proclamation againſt them, and all raiſing of Arms, was the beſt preſent remedy.

Notwithſtanding the Rebels under the command of Sir Phelim Oneal as General, Novem. ſeize all Vlſter except the Caſtle of Eneſkelin, ſparing for a while the Scotch Plantations there; but growing ſo numerous, that they dreaded not any ſupplies from the vicinity of Scotland, they at laſt force them, plunder them, and garriſon the cheil places of ſtrength.

Sir Phelim Oneale taketh Dundalk, Decem. and publiſheth his Declaration, called, The Declaration of the Catholique Confederate Subjects of his Majeſties Kingdome of Ireland, ſ [...]uft with many ſhews of their Religion and Loyalty as could be; and which is notable, aſſerting that they did it to remove that Tyranny put upon their conſciences, in imitation of their fellow-ſubjects of Scotland, who got a priviledge by that courſe.

Preſently after they beſieged Tredah, [...] [...]odah [...]eged but after ſeveral encounters betwixt the beſieged, their relief being defeated at Gillington-bridge, by reaſon of a mutiny amongſt them and the Rebels: The Town was at laſt freed by a ſtrong aſſiſtance and ſupply ſent them from Dublin, under the command of Sir Henry Titchburn, who ſoon after, upon the diſlodgement of the Enemy from the Town, F [...] ▪ relleved followed him, overtook him, and routed him, recovering Dundalk again by ſtorm, putting all to the ſword, while Oneale hardly eſcaped over the river, and ſo fled.

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Leave we this Kingdom in a forlorn, miſerable condition, and caſt an eye homeward. Jan. 10. T [...] K [...]ng removeth from the parliament. The King was departed from Hampton Court, thence in company with his Queen and his Daughter the Princeſs of Aurange to Dover to ſee them ſhipped for Holland; he returned ſtreight to Greenwich, from thence having the Prince in his company to Theoballs. Still the difference widened more and more according as he removed from London, to which he was importunately deſired to return by both Houſes by the members thereof who continued ſitting; though the Grandees of the Faction were well contented with what diſtance he kept from them, as rendring their pretended jealouſies and fears more and more credible to the deluded people. From Thoballs the miſundeſtandings ſtill increaſing betwixt the King and his Two Houſes, he removed Northward, firſt to Royſton, thence to Newmarket, and in concluſion to York, having received and anſwered ſeveral meſſages from the Parliament by the way.

The principal difference between the King and them was the Militia, this was diſputed betwixt them, the King claiming it as an unſeparable right of the Crown, and the Houſes urging the management of it for preſent ſatisfaction and ſafety, and had thereupon nominated Officers, which deſignation the King diſallowed, and now the rupture was viſible.

Anno Domoni 1642.

THe Gentry and the Generality of the County of York, proffer to raiſe a Guard from amongſt themſelves for the Kings perſon; March. The King at York in the mean time, the Parliament deſire him that the Magazine might be removed from Hull; at which the King being diſpleaſed, goes from York, and demands the ſaid Town, ſtores, and Magazines therein, to be delivered to him, which the Governour, Sir Iohn Hotham, preſenting himſelf on his knees upon the walls, refuſed to do, ſave, that if the King with ſome ſmall retinue would enter, Excluded H [...] April. he freely might.

This affront very much ne [...]led his Majeſty, ſo that he did very ſharply complain of it to the Parliament, but they rather juſtified Sir Iohn Hotham, then gave the King any ſatisfaction, which made him attempt, for his Honour ſake, ſomething againſt the Town by force, in which enterpriſe ſome twenty of the Kings Guards were killed, and ſo he retreated to [Page] Beverley; where he found a very great addition of Gentlemen from all parts of the Kingdom, who with their duty, preſented him their ſervice.

In the mean while the Parliament was intent on the buſineſs of leavying Arms, May though ſeveral Patriots of both Houſes did what they could to perſwade to an accommodation, amongſt whom Sir Benjamin Rudyard was one of the chief, who all along warned them of the miſeries of a Civil War, and what a ſhame it would be to them in after times, and ſo conſequently to all Parliaments, if when the King had condeſcended ſo far they ſhould proceed to the effuſion of blood upon ſo unneceſſary a quarrel; he dyed ſoon after the firſt blood was drawn; and that ſpeech of his on his death-bed is very remarkable, Mr. Pym and Mr, Hamden (ſaith he) the Grandees of the then Faction) told me, That they thought the King ſo [...]ll-beloved by his Subjects, that he could never be able to raiſe an Army to oppoſe them, which miſtake of theirs coſt many thouſand live.

Nom the Militia was on foot, June, the militia ſet on foot. every where the Parliaments Cauſe had the precedency of affection, their Ordinances being obeyed like Acts; wherefore the King prohibited by Proclamation any Levies, Muſters, or of his Subjects any where in England, without his command and ſet [...]on foot his Commiſſion of Array; which the Parliament likewiſe inhibit to be obeyed any where, but neither of them ſignified any thing to thoſe that were bent and inclined to each Cauſe; ſo that the preparations for War both of Men, Horſe, Money and Arms went on very faſt, eſpecially on the Parliament; ſide at London, where all perſons of all ages and Sexes contributed ſo exceſſively to the furtherance of the War, that the ſum which it amounted unto is almoſt incredible. This money was borrowed upon the credit of the PVBLICK FAITH, a name much adored then, and as much contemned and hated now.

The King finding how the pulſe of theſe diſtracted Kingdom; July did beat, giving ſymptomes of ſome violent diſeaſe and diſtemper approaching, redoubled His inſtances to the Houſes for peace, adjuring them to prevent that bloodſhed now ſo threatning and imminent, and they regeſt the like entreaties and obteſtation [...] upon him (but not bating an ace, or receding a tittle from their firſt Demands) ſo that there was no hopes or likelihood of a Pacification.

His Majeſty therefore having called the Gentry of York together [Page]at a Rendezvous, proteſted his unwillingneſs, as well as unprovidedneſs for a War, deſiring (if he ſhould be thereunto compelled) their aſſiſtance in the maintenance of His moſt juſt Cauſe, and then departed for Lincolnſhire to Newark whether he had ſent before his Letters Mandatory to my Lord Willoughby of Parham, charging him to deſiſt from raiſing levying opexerciſing any forces within that County, by vertue of his Commiſſion from the Parliament, wherein nevertheleſs he had proceeded. Here the King convened the Gentlemen of this County, and made to them the like proteſtations, and having received ſome ſmall Supplies returned back again to York. At the ſame time the Parliament were liſting men apace, appointed their General, and the Superior Officers of the Army.

At York the King made the Marqueſs of Hertford Lieutenant General of the Weſtern Counties, intending forthwith himſelf to ſet upon Hull (a place he had deſigned once to have made a magazine for Ireland to reduce thoſe Rebells, which he had often declared to the two Houſes, but they would by no means conſent to it) but upon deliberate advice he paſſ by [...]t, onely making one attempt near it, to ſhew his juſt indignation, and to ſatisfie his Honor, where [...]e loſt unhappily ſome twenty men, and marched directly into Nottinghamſhire.

About the beginning of Auguſt he came to Nottingham Town, Auguſt, the Kin [...] ſets up his Standard at Nottingham. and on the tenth of the ſame Moneth, publiſhed his Royal Proclamation, commanding and enjoyning all his Subjects to the Northward of Trent and twenty miles Southward, to Rendezvous at Nottingham the 23. of that inſtant, where he, according to the purpoſe of his Proclamation, ſet up his Standard, where appeared 5 or 6000 m [...]n.

After a view and Muſter of theſe Royal Volunteers, the King proceeded to the nomination of a General, who was the Right Honourable the Earl of Lindſey, Auguſt General formerly for the Ro [...]hil Expedition; and the Parliament made Robert Earl of Eſſex, their Captain General, the Earl of Bedford General of the Horſe, Eſſex about this time departed from London in great ſtate and magnificence.

The King leaves Nottinghamſhire and marched into Staffordſhire, Sept. th [...] King [...] Shrewsbury. thence into Leiceſterſhire, careſſing the Gentry all the way he went, ſo into the Confines of Wales, and ſate down at laſt in Shresbury, where he much increaſed his ſtrength; whereupon the Earl of Eſſex was ordered to advance towards the King, and hinder his new Leavies, having then Commiſſion to reſcue [Page]the King out of the hands of his evil Councellors. He marched therefore from S. Albans into Northampton, being ſtrong, to the number of 14000 men.

Portſmouth was now taken by Sir Iohn Merrick, Portſmouth taken, Aug. 2. having firſt ſurprized Southſea Caſtle, and held for the Parliament: Co [...]o. Goring being forced to yield it, the Town being commanded by that Caſtle, before the Marqueſs of Hertford could come to the relief of it, being then beſieged in Sherburn by the Earl of Bedford; Goring, according to agreement, paſſing for the preſent over into France.

The Earl of Eſſex advanceth into Worceſterſhire, A skirmiſh in Worceſterſhire while the Army ſtaid ſtill at Shrewsbury, expecting forces out of Southwales; to prevent the conjunction of whom, Eſſex ſent a party of horſe under the command of Colonel Sands, betwixt whom, and Prince Rupert, and the Lord Byron, happened a ſmart incounter in the lanes neer Worceſter City, where at firſt the Parliament Army had the better, but Prince Rupert falling in the Rear, forced them to leave their deſign: Colonel Sands was deſperately wounded, his Major Douglaſs was killed, with the loſs of threeſcore men, nevertheleſs, Eſſex haſtily advancing, the Cavaliers quitted Worceſter, which was Garriſon'd for the Parliament.

While the Earl of Eſſex ſtaid here about ſetling the Militia, the King paſſed directly away from Shrewsbury, where he had coyned money out of the Plate freely brought him by the Gentry, to London, having got the ſtart of Eſſex, who thereupon doubled his haſt after him; the King therefore reſolved to fight him, and ſtaid at Keynton, whether next morning came the Eſſexians.

Sunday the 23 of Octob. Octo 23. Edg-hill Fight. being the ſame day twelvemoneth, the Iriſh Rebellion broke forth, both Armies met at the bottom of Edge-hill, from which the Kings forces deſcended to the fight. The Earl of Linſey commanded the main body, Prince Rupert commanded the right wing, the left was commanded by the Lord Wilmot. Of the Parliaments ſide, the Earl of Eſſex commanded the battel, Sir Iames Ramſey the left wing of horſe, and Sir William Balfour, and Sir Philip Stapleton the left. Prince Rupert ſuddenly overthrew the left wing of horſe under Ramſey, but overcharging, and following the purſuit too far, Eſſex ſeeing the Kings foot deſtitute on that ſide, charged furiouſly, where the General Lindſey fighting with a half pike in his hand afoot, was [Page]wounded (of which he preſently died) and taken, and his Son the Lord Willoughby coming to his reſcue, was taken with him; The Standard-bearer alſo, Sir Edmund Varney (ſo valiantly the Parliamentarians preſt upon the Kings foot) was killed, and the Standard ſeized, but freed again by Sir Iohn Smith, who was Knighted under it, and it committed to his defence. Here was alſo killed the Noble Lord Aubigney, with ſundry other inferiour Officers. On the Parliaments ſide were ſlain the Lord S. Iohn of Bletſo, who died preſently of his wounds, being offered in exchange for the Lord Willoughby, and Col. Tho. Eſſex newly come from Worceſter. The number of the ſlain on both ſides was very neer equal, in the whole amounting to neer 5000 men, and the victory remained as equal betwixt them, the Earl of Eſſex lodging that night (which parted the fray) upon the field where they fought, and the King aſcending the hill from whence he came down that morning, keeping great fires all the night.

The Earl of Eſſex next day marched towards Coventry, and the King by Ayno, where his Army refreſhed themſelves, to Banbury, which was preſently delivered to him, and ſo to Oxford.

The King marched from Oxford, Novem. where by the way to London, came Commiſſioners from the Parliament, rendring Propoſitions, and deſiring that during the Treaty, the Kings Army ſhould march no neerer this way, to ſpin time, while Eſſex could recruit his Army; therefore the King advanced from C [...]lebrook, and came to Brainford, Nov. 1 Bramfor Fight. where part of the Parliaments Army, being the Regiments of Col. Hollis, Hambden [...], and the L. Brooks, for a while maintained themſelves ſtoutly, but being over-power'd, ſome were driven into the river, and there drowned, and 300 ſlain, and as many taken priſoners. This brought a general conſternation upon the City of London, all ſhops were ſhut up, and all the Regiments, both Trained-Bands and Auxiliary were drawn out, ſo that the Earl of Eſſex had a moſt compleat and numerous Army o [...] a ſudden. Hereupon the King preſently marched away, fearing to be incompaſſed by the Parliamentarians, over Kingſton-bridge (which he broke down, to ſtop the purſuit Eſſex made after him) to Reading, and ſo to Oxford, where he took up his Winter quarters.

The Cities of Wincheſter and Chicheſter delivered to the Parliament, Decem [...] Marlborough to the King, and my Lord Hopton prevailed againſt the Earl or Stamford; ſeveral Townes taken [Page]for the King in the Weſt, others for the Parliament in the North.

Cyrenceſter had been Garriſoned by the Parliament Forces of Gloceſter, Cirenceſter ſtoemed Febr. 1. March being the midway betwixt that City and Oxford, upon this place Prince Rupert had a deſign, though his march that way was given out for the regaining of Shudly Caſtle, out of which Col. Maſſey had ſmothered the Cavaleirs with wet hay, for after he had paſſed ſome ten miles beyond Cirenceſter he ſuddenly returned back, and ſurpriſing the Guards, within two hours time became Maſter of the place, puting the Earl of Stamfords Regiment to the ſword, who made a ſtout oppoſition, taking 1100 priſoners, and 8000 Arms, and other proviſions for war, it being newly made a Magazeen. From thence the Prince came before Gloceſter, ſummoned the Town and departed.

The Lord Brooks and Northampton were in Arms againſt each other in the Counties of Warwick and Stafford, My Lord Brook killed at. Litchfield. where ſeveral ſmall skirmiſhes had been between them, at laſt in March the Lord Brook came and beſieiged Litchfield Cloſe, garriſoned by the King, and as he was viewing the approaches to it out of a window in the Town, a ſingle bullet from the Cloſe ſhot him in the head through the eye, of which he fell down dead, nevertheleſs the ſiege was continued, and the Cloſe delivered to the Parliamentarians.

In the North the Queen landed at Bridlington Bay with ſome ſupplies of money and Arms for the King, and with her, Lieut. Gen. King, ſhe was conveyed to York, and afterwards met the King at Edge-hill where the fight had been. And ſo ended this year with the ſurrender at Malmsbury to the Parliament again, and the defeat of the Lord Fairfax, who was chief of the Parliaments forces in the North of 'Bramham, by the Earls of Newcaſtle and Cumberland. Scarborough delivered to the King by Brown Buſhel.

Anno Domini, 1643.

PRince Rupert having coaſted the Country from Gloceſter into Wales, May Litchfie [...] [...]etaken [...]y the King. returned back by Litchfield, intending to reduce it again, he had not long lain before it, but he compelled the Garriſon to ſurrender: To the releif hereof Sir Iohn Gell, and Sir William 'Brereton, having gathered a conſiderable ſtrength [Page]marched; theſe were met by part of Prince Ruperts forces, and ſome under the command of the valiant Earl of Northampton, TheE of Noth [...]mprton ſlain. where the ſaid releif was defeated, Sir Iohn Gell routed, though the victory coſt dear, through the loſs of that brave Earl, who refuſing quarter was killed by a private Souldier.

After General Eſſex had recruited his Army with new ſupplies, April 6 Reading beſieged the firſt thing he attempted was the ſiege of Reding, which being manfully defended by Sir Arthur Aſton till he received a wound on his head by the falling of a brick-bat, and the releif brought by the King himſelf from Oxford being worſted at Caverſham-Bridge, after ten days ſiege was yeilded by Col. Fielding (then ſubſtituted Governor) to the Parliament.

In the North things went ſomething equaller then before on the Parliaments ſide, May Sir Thomas Fairfax had defeated the Kings Forces under the Marqueſs of Newcaſtle at Wakefield, and hoyed up the ſinking intereſt of that Cauſe. Monmouth likewiſe was taken by the Parliaments Forces, as alſo Worder Caſtle; but in the Weſt the King prevailed, my Lord Hopton commanded there, 16 Stratton fight. being a valiant and expert Royaliſt, for the Parliament the Earl of Stamford, and Colonel Chidleigh, theſe oppoſite Forces met the 16. of May in Stratton-field, where the Parliamets foot ſtood ſtifly to the buſineſs, but the Horſe either through treachery or cowardize, not ſeconding or releiving their Foot, an entire Victory fell to the Cavaleers, ſome 1500 of the Parliamentarians being ſlain and taken priſoners, but do of great account loſt on either ſide. Chidleigh afterwards came over to the King; and my Lord Hopton was made for this good ſervice Baron of Stratton.

Now the Parliament flew high in their Conſultations at home, the Grandees working upon the ſober part of the Parliament, that this action of the Queens, in bringing over Arms, Money and other proviſions for the aſſiſtance of the King, was a dangerous, deſtructive buſineſs, wound up the anger of the Two Houſes to ſuch a pitch that the Queen was proclaimed Traytor, and at the ſame time, down went all the Croſſes throughout England, particularly the third of this moneth, Cheapſide-cro [...]s was demoliſhed.

After this beginning of Reformation, June. The Covenant taken. the Parliament took the Solemn League and Covenant at Weſtminſter; this was firſt framed in Scotland, and was generally taken by them in the year 1639. the main drift of it was againſt the Epiſcopal [Page]Dignity, and was now for the mutual endearment of the two Nations (aſſiſtance being promiſed the Parliament from Scotland) preſſed upon all in England, where the Parliaments power was paramount, being taken throughout London the fifth of this moneth.

The Earl of Eſſex advanceth from Reading to Tame, where a general ſickneſs ſeized upon the Army: during their quartering thereabout: Hambden killed. Prince Rupert fell into part of their quarters, but the Eſſexians taking the Alarum, and drawing out, the buſineſs came to a fight in Chalgrave field, where Colonel Hambden was mortally wounded. It was obſerveable, that in this place the ſaid Colonel Hambden firſt liſted and trained his men in the beginning of the war.

The Lord Keeper Littleton having fled with the Great Seal to Oxford, according to the Kings Command, the Parliament voted a new Great Seal to be made.

The Parliament to redreſs their affairs in the Weſt, July. had made Sir William Waller Major General of thoſe Counties, and had ſent him down with a well-furniſhed Army to meet the Kings Army under my Lord Hopton, who having cleared Devonſhire, after Strafton fight marched Eaſtward, where in Somerſetſhire Sir William had taken Taunton and Br [...]dgewater. Landsdown Fight. July 5. Both theſe Armies met at Landſdown neer Bath, Iuly the fifth. The Cavaliers were leſs in number, but ſupplyed that with valour; the fight began about three in the afternoon, and was maintained till neer the ſame time next morning. Here my Lord Hoptons powder was blown up, by which he was hurt himſelf, and was compelled for want of it to quit the field, and ſhelter his Army in the Devices; of his ſide were loſt in this fight about a thouſand: The perſons of quality ſlain, were Sir Bevil Greenvile, Mr. Leak, my Lord Denicourts ſon, Mr. Barker, Mr. Lower, and other Gentlemen: The loſs of private ſouldiers was as great on Sir Williams ſide, but no perſons of extraordinary note.

Upon my Lord Hoptons taking into the Devices, Sir William Waller preſently purſued him, and cooped him up, whereupon a Meſſenger was diſpatcht to the King, to inform him of the deſperate condition my Lord was in, if not timely relieved. Prince Maurice, the Earl of Carn [...]van, and my Lord Wilmo [...], were ſent preſently with a party of fifteen hundred horſe, who [Page]made ſuch expedition, that on the thirteenth of Iuly, by break of day, July they preſented themſelves alike to beſiegers and the beſieged (to whom they gave a ſignal of their relief) upon a riſing ground, and preſently in an entire body charged Sir Williams Army, being received by Sir Arthur Hazelrigs Curaziers at firſt; but they being broken, the Fortune of the day ſoon fell to the Royalliſts: The Parliaments Foot, after a little execution done upon them, (the beſieged alſo being ready to fall upon them) laid down their Arms, and ſubmitted: Sir William Waller, and Sir Arthur, with much difficulty, and greater ſpeed, eſcaped, and came throughout to London with the bad news. Here were ſlain neer a thouſand men, four thouſand taken, four braſs Guns, twenty eight Colours of Foot, and nine Cornets.

This loſs ſoon reduced Briſtol into the Kings hands, being delivered by Colonel Fiennes after three dayes ſiege; July 27. Briſtol ſurrendred. for which ſurrender he had like to have loſt his head.

Theſe ſucceſſes drew the King into the Weſt, where Dorcheſter, Portland, Weymouth, and Melcomb, ſubmitted themſelves: The like in the North, Exeter delivered. Auguſt. Beverley taken by the Earl of Newcaſtle, Bedford, Appleford, and Barnſtable, ſurrendred; and after a little diſpute before Exeter, and ſome Granadoes thrown in, and firing part of the Suburbs, the great Sconce being taken in ſtorm, that City was delivered to Prince Maurice, and Sir Iohn Berkley made Governour.

It was therefore concluded to ſet upon Gloceſter, 10 Gloceſter beſieged. being the only conſiderable place that held out for the Parliament in the Weſt, and lay very inconvenient, hindring the intercourſe betwixt Wales and the Kings Countryes; the King therefore the tenth of Auguſt came himſelf from Oxford in perſon before it with a Royal Army, (while it was hardly imaginable where the Parliament could raiſe another Army) and that done, to march for London, which proved a fatal miſtake to the King, for if he had gone directly for London, there was no oppoſition in readineſs againſt him, not any place to ſtay him. The King therefore ſummons Gloceſter, to which the Governor and Mayor return a negative anſwer; ſo the Guns were ſet on work, many attempts on both ſides, Gloceſter relieved. Sept. 8 till the beſieged had little or no ammunition left them, when on the eighth of September, Eſſex having made up an Army with the Trained-Bands of London, and new raiſed men in the reſpective Militia's and [Page]aſſociated Counties, then entirely at the Parliaments devotion, came to the releif of it, having been encountred at Stow in the Would by ſeveral parties of Horſe under Prince Rupert, but he could not be ſtopt from advancing. Being come within five miles of Gloceſter, upon the brim of a ſteep hill he diſcharged two pieces of Canon, as a ſignal of their releif, which was anſwered by the Town, whereupon the King drew off from before the ſiege, and marched haſtily away, intending to intercept Eſſex from returning, his men being almoſt wearied, and tired out with their hard march and weather. But Eſſex having releived the Town, with all manner of proviſion, directed his march back again, and falling into Cirenceſter, from whence the King diſlodged the day before, and had leſt ſome baggage behinde him, Auborn Chaſe ſight. Sept. 19. took 400 priſoners, and the next day matched toward; Newbery, and by the way was attaqued in Auborn Chaſe, by ſeveral Squadrons of the Kings Horſe; here was killed that French Marqueſs Mouſ. De la Vejuville, having behaved himſelf valiantly.

The next day the King poſſeſt himſelf of Newberry, the place Eſſex aimed at, Newb. [...]irſt fight Sept. 20. ſo that both Armies met h [...]re, and began the fight early in the morning; abundance of reſolution and valour, was manifeſted on both ſides, but eſpecially the Trained Bands of London, performed far beyond releif. Prince Rupert was repelled and beaten back to the right wing of the Kings Army, but returned again to the charge with greater fury. This Battel, like Edge-hill was dubious as to the ſucceſs, but ſomething more bloody. The Kings General here was the Lord Ruthen, made lately Earl of Brentford. On the Kings ſide were ſlain near 2500 men, among whom were the Earl of Carnarven, who had done the King ſpecial ſervice, the Earl of Sunderland, and the learned Lord Faulkland very near the Kings perſon, with Col. Conſtable. Of the Parliaments ſide, not any of note ſlain, ſave Col. Tucker, and ſome few Officers, the number of their ſlain being near 3500 men. After the fight was over in the field, a party of Horſe under the command of Col. Hurrie followed the Parliament Army in the Lanes toward Reading, and put them into ſome diſorder, but the body facing about they were repelled back again with loſs: And ſo the Parliamentarians to Reading, the Trained Bands to London, whether ſoon followed the General, and the King returned to Oxford.

This moneth the King preſſed by his Proteſtant Subjects of [Page] Ireland, who were not able to ſubſiſt longer under the war, conclude a Ceſſation with the Iriſh Rebels, and in November following received a Supply of 3000 men of his Proteſtant Army which landed in Wales, Novemb under the command of Sir Michael Ernely, the renowned Col. Monk (now Duke of Albemarle) and others, which being by Prince Ruperts order divided into other Regiments were made unſerviceable; pat of them, with the ſaid Colonel being being ſurpriſed at Nantwich, by Sir Thomas Fairfax.

Mr. Pym a great ſtickler of the Faction, Decemb 8. and the onely Grandee of the times died. Hawarden, Arundel and Beeſton Caſtles rendred to the King, Graſton Houſe taken by the Parliament, and Arundel in the next Mon [...]th taken again by Sir William Waller.

Now according to ſtipulation and Compact, January the Scots enter England with an Army of 2000 in maintenance and purſtiance of the end of the Covenant, againſt this invaſion the King proteſted as a Rebellion, and ſent the Marqueſs Hamilton priſoner to Pendennis, as having deceived the truſt the King put in him, he all along ſuggeſting that the Scots would never attempt ſuch a thing, and yet maintaining correſpondencies with the cheif of that Cabal. Several Towns and Caſtles loſt and taken by both parties.

Anno Domini, 1644.

SIR William Waller after his reducement of Arundel Caſtle, Mar. 29 Charrington Fight. marched to finde out my Lord Hopton, to cry quits with him for his defeat at Roundway Down, both Armies were near one another a good ſpace, for my Lord hovered about Wincheſter and thoſe parts; at Brandon Heath near Alesford, Hopton was drawn up (having a little before in his intended march to the releif of Arundel beaten Col. Norton into Chicheſter, who endeavoured to impede him) and ſtood ready to receive Sir William, who had taken the advantage of a hill, from which the Cavaliers with fury beat him and drove him to another, where under the ſhelter of ſome bu [...]hes and trees, he ſo galled the Kings Horſe that they were forced in diſorder to retreat on their foot. There was a hollow betwixt both Bodies which each endeavouring to gain, many men found it for their graves on both ſides. My Lord Hopton therefore ſeeing the ſlaughter [Page]that was made, and likely to continue upon his men, timely drew off his Artillery and Canon, towards Wincheſter, and then wheeling about marched for Baſing; and ſo preſently to Oxford: In this fight was killed on the Kings part, that valiant perſon Iohn Lord Stuart, ſecond Brother to the Duke of Richmond, who died at Abbington of his wounds received: Here Sir Iohn-Smith, Col. Sandys, Col. Scot, and Col. Manwaring, with divers other perſons of quality wounded, among whom was Sir Edward Stawell, eldeſt ſon to Sir Iohn, and Sir Henry. now Lord Bard, beſides private ſouldiers above 1400. Of the Parliaments ſide few men of note, killed about 900 common ſouldiers; Colonel Dolbier wounded, and Colonel Thompſons leg ſhot off by a Canon buller.

The Earl of Eſſex, April. and Waller, (who had followed my Lord Hopton to Baſing) and there ſhewed a mind or beſieging the Houſe, now joyned their Armies together, amounting to a very great ſtrength, with intention to ſet upon the King at Oxford; wherefore the Queen was ſent away with a ſufficient Convoy to Exeter; in the mean time Eſſex plunders Abbington, and makes a Garriſon of it afterwards. The King, in the mean while, marcheth with his Army from Oxford to Worceſter, which cauſed the two Parliament Generals to divide their forces again; Waller was to go after the King, April. as they termed it, A King-catching, while Eſſex marched with another gallant Army into the Weſt, which was totally loſt from the Parliament. The King had but few forces about him, by reaſon that Prince Rupert was ſent with the greateſt part of the Army to the relief of York, then beſieged by the joynt power of three Armies, the Scots, Mancheſters, and Fairfaxes. Prince Rupert in his way ſtorms Bolton, and plunders it.

The King having traverſed his ground, [...]une. came back again from Worceſter, and Sir William Waller from out of the skirts of Gloceſterſhire, Cropr [...] dy bridg [...] [...]ight. [...]une 29. was ready at his heels; ſo he overtook him neer Banbury, at a place called Cropredy-Bridge, Waller drew up in Bartalia on a hill, expecting the advantage of the Kings paſting the Bridge, which the King adventuring to do, Waller deſcends from his Poſt, and fall, upon the Kings Rear beyond the Bridge, where he was ſo gallantly received by the Earls of Cleveland and Northampton, that he was quite routed, 600 kill'd, and 700 taken priſoners, his Train of Artillery, and many of his Officers, ſo that Sir William was forced to fly to have recourſe [...]o London for another recruit.

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It was therefore reſolved upon this defeat of Waller, Leiſtithiel ſurrender. that the K [...]ng ſhould immediately follow the Earl of Eſſex, who was advanced ſo far, that the Queen who was delivered of the Princeſs Henrietta at Exeter, the ſixteenth of Iune, in the moneth of Iuly, was fain to be gone from Exeter for fear of a ſiege, and carry the young Lady along with her into France, where ſhe landed on the 25th at Breſt in Britany. At the beginning of Auguſt the King had overtaken the Earl of Eſſex at L [...] ſtithel, his force, in ſo ill a condition through their long march, Aug. 5. The Earl of Eſſex vanquiſhed in Cornwal and their want of neceſſaries which the Country people kept from them, that it was concluded an eaſie thing to conquer them: The King therefore reſolved to coop them up, and keep all manner of proviſions from them. After two or three daies league in this manner, the Parliament horſe broke through the Kings Army by night; the General, and the Lord Roberts, at whoſe inſtance this expedition was undertaken, got by boat from Foy to Plymouth, and the foot being deſtitute, and deſerted by the horſe, under the Command of Major General Skippon, came to a Capitulation, by which it was agreed, they ſhould render their A [...]ms, Ammunition, Artillery, and Stores, into the hands of the King, and have liberty, as many as would, to paſs home, they engaging never more to bear Arms againſt the King; ſo that by this defeat the Parliament were quite undone in the Weſt, as to preſent appearance.

But though ſucceſs crowned the King here, [...] Fight. it failed him as much in the North, whether Prince Rupert was advanced, as was ſaid before, for the relief of York: For upon notice of the Princes approach, having with him the braveſt Army that ever was ſeen in England, both for number and perſons, The Confederate Forces of Scotch and Engliſh drew of [...] from before the City, and drew up into a fighting poſture. On the [...] of Iuly, the Marqueſs of Newcaſtle & the Prince joyned their forces together: On the third both Armies met one another upon a great plain, called Marſton-Moo [...]; the Prince being General, commanded the right wing, General Goring, Sir Charles Lucas, and Col. Tillier, the main body, and my Lord of Newcaſtle the left wing, who had a ſtout Regiment of White-coats, called his Lambs. At the firſt onſet the Prince totally routed the Scots, who were oppoſed to him, and out of deſire of revenge for their unnatural ſiding with the Parliament of England, purſued them ſo lar, that he came not back time enough to the aſſiſtance of his own: But moſt remarkable was the valour [Page]of the Engliſh under Mancheſter, led by Lievtenant General Cromwell, who being the Reſerve of the Army, when the Prince was ſo far ingaged, fell in ſo impetuouſly with the Curaziers, that they bore down all before them; the field was now almoſt cleared, the Scots and Fairfaxes men on one ſide being fled, and giving the day for loſt, and the main body of the Kings being diſcomfited, and Prince Rupert juſt returned to ſee the overthrow, ſo that there was none ſtanding in the field ſave only my Lord of Newcaſtles men, upon whoſe Lambs a terrible ſlaughter was committed, while they diſcharged the parts of valiant, expert and Loyal Subjects, refuſing quarter, and caſting themſelves into rings, till there were very few of them left; and it had been a ſhame for the enemy to have killed ſuch gallant and brave perſons. In concluſion, the Cromwellians prevailed, killing of the King, Army 4000 men, and rather more priſoners: The ſlaughter that was on the Parliament; ſide was 5000, which fell moſt upon the Scots, on whom the Prince did fierce execution.

The Fight being thus over, [...]000 killed at Marſton [...]loor, [...]uly 16. York [...]iel [...]ed [...]o the Parlia [...]ent. which was the bloodieſt of all the Wars. Prince Rupert fled into Lanc [...]ire, and ſo Weſtward, and the Marque [...] of Newcaſtle, and the other Lord with him, took ſhipping at Newcaſtle, and departed the Kingdome, and ſoon after York [...]ndred it ſelf, by its Governour Sir Thomas Glenham, to the Parliament.

During the Kings abſence in the Weſt, and the Princes in the North, Sir William Waller had recruited himſelf, and joyned with the forces of Col. Norton, and Col. Morley, who had drawn down before Baſing, a houſe of the Marqueſs of Wincheſters, [...] garriſon'd by him, and kept for the King, which being diſtreſſed, for want both of Ammunition and proviſion, was diſtreſſed by the enemy; many brave ſalleys they made, and a multitude of men they ſlew, ſo that it was afterwards called B [...]ſting-Houſe. Waller was reſolved not to riſe, coſt what it would; at length relief was put into it, under the conduct of Col. Gage, nevertheleſs he perſiſted in the enterpriſe: Till after Newbery fight, [...]iege of [...]aſing [...]iſed. the King marching that way, the forces left to block it up, roſe and departed without it; a little before which Banbury ſiege was alſo raiſed by the ſaid Col. Gage, afterwards made Governour of Oxford, and the Earl of Northampton.

Hitherto the King ſeemed to have fortune inclineable to him, ſaving in that unfortunate buſineſs of Marſton-Moor. Now the caſe began to be diſputed, Eſſex had raiſed another Army, aided [Page]alſo by Waller, and other forces, reſolved to fight the King; ſo it came to another battel at the ſame place of Newbury; Nov. 21. Newbery ſecond Fight. the Parliamentarians to revenge their diſgrace at Leſtithiel, the Cavaliers to repair their loſs at Marſton-Moor, it was a cruel fight, only no more were killed in this then in the former, what advantage was lay on Eſſexes ſide; few men of note were ſlain on either ſide, ſave Sir William S. Leger of the Kings, and a Colonel of Foot of the Parliaments. The Earl of Cleveland making good the Kings retreat, was taken priſoner, and had it not been for the darkneſs of the night, the King had hardly eſcaped them: Sir George Liſle performed here ſignal ſervice for the King, and the Trained-Bands for the Parliament. Eſſex had clearly the field, and from thence marched to the ſiege of Dennington Caſtle, under whoſe walls the King had ſheltered and drawn his Artillery.

Somewhat before this Colonel Maſſey had defeated and ſlain Col. My, Colonel Maſſey defeats Myn, and takes Mon-mouth. and by intelligence with one Kirle, had ſurprized Monmouth Town, and had ſome other ſucceſſes againſt Prince Ruperts parties, while he ſtaid about Briſtol, upon deſign of new Leavies.

Dennington Caſtle was, as ſaid before, but the King ſending a conſiderable force to relieve it, the beſiegers drew off, and marched away, to the great ſcandal of the Earl of Eſſex, and the Officers then in command under him.

After this ſad experience of one anothers ſtrength, the Parliament ſent Propoſitions to the King at Oxford, Decemb which begat the Treaty at [...]xbridge, [...] before the meeting whereof, the Parliament had executed Sir Iohn Hothum, and his Son, their firſt Champion, for endeavouring or deſigning to render Hull to the King, from which he had formerly ſhut him out: As alſo [...] Alexander Carew, for betraying his like truſt of Pl [...] [...] Fort.

Alſo during the deſignment of a Treaty, the Com [...] [...] [...] er-Book was aboliſhed by Ordinance, and a Directo [...] [...] in the room thereof; and for conſummation of all, the [...] Biſhop of Canterbury was beheaded likewiſe.

Though the project of a Treaty was now in hand, yet never was the deſign of the War carried on more fiercely and ſubtilly. T [...] my modelled, and Gen Fa [...]rfax declared The Independents now firſt appeared, the Army muſt be new modelled, another General, and other Officers, and no perſons, Members of the Houſe, to have any Military Command, (only Cromwell got himſelf excepted) This deſign was not [Page]noſed by the Presbyterians, who were convinced of ſome deficiency in their old Commanders, ſo that Sir Thomas Fairfax was unanimouſly agreed upon for General, and under him all factious Sec [...]aries, and wild principled men obtained Command, whileſt the former Officers were reduced to the condition of Reformad's, amongſt whom, not long after, they caſhiered Colonel Maſſey, Jan. 11. having ſhifted him from his Government of Gloceſter, to a Command in the Army.

Al [...]ngdon had been garriſon'd by Eſſex in his expedition into the Weſt, Colonel Gage, the Governour of Oxford, had a deſign upon it, and in the attempt was killed at Cullam bridge.

The thirtieth of Ianuary, that fatal day, began the aforeſaid Treaty at [...], 30 Vxbridg [...]ty. which continued ſome 23 daies in diſpute, without any power of the Parliament Commiſſioners to conclude without them, and ſo ended on the 22 of Feb.

The Parliament forces ſurprize Shrewsbury, but Col. Roſſiter is defeated in Leiceſterſhire, an active man for the Parliament, and Sir Marmaduke Langdale relieves Pont [...]ſra [...]l Caſtle, and defeat, the beſiegers, twice ſuperiour to him in number.

About this time there was a kind of Faction in the King, Court at Oxford, and ſome alterations betwixt the partie, concerning the Kings Councel, ſo that ſome Lords, Savil, Percy, and Andover, were confined, and the Parliament, that is, the Members of the ſame Houſes at Weſt [...]inſter, who adhered to the King, who by the Kings Order were the year before convened o [...] Oxford, were ſo ſome reaſons adjourned till the tenth of October, but that Parliament ſignified nothing.

The Houſe o [...] Commons voted, that in their new Generals Commiſſion, Mar. 2 [...]. the words, For Preſervation of His Majeſties Perſon, ſhould be left out, and accordingly they were ſo; and ſo ended the year 1644. the laſt of the King, felicity.

Anno Domini, 1645.

WE will begin this year, though we poſt-date the time, that we may recite all the exploits in Scotland together, with the actions of the Renowned Marqueſs of Montroſs, appointed Governour of the Kingdome of Scotland. The year before he came into Scotland, attended only by three men, much ado he had to paſs, the wayes being ſo ſtrictly guarded, during the Scotch Army was in England: At his arrival in the Highland, being ſupplyed with a 1100 men from the Marqueſs [Page]of Antrim out of Ireland, and another addition under the Lord Kilpont, and the Earl of Perths ſon, he matched to find out the Army of the Covenantes, then gathered under the command of the Earl of Tullibarne, the Lords Elch and Drummond, conſiſting of a great force, into Perthſhire, where at Tepper-Moor he obtained a great victory, his Souldier; for want of Arms and Ammunition making uſe of the ſtones, lying advantagiouſly on the fighting ground. Here he killed no leſs then 2000 men; whereupon Perth City opened its Gates to the Conquerour.

To withſtand and repreſs ſo dangerous an Enemy within the bowels of the Kingdome, another Army wa [...] raiſed, and put under more expe [...]ienced Captains; in the mean while, Montroſs had fallen into Argyles Country, where he made miſerable havock, intending utterly to break the ſpirits of that people, who were ſo ſurely ingaged to Argyles ſide. Here the Earl of Seaforth followed him with an Army, and the Marqueſs of Aogyle had another of the other ſide; Montroſs therefore reſolved to fight with one firſt, and ſo tell upon that party under Argyle, which he totally [...]outed, killing 1500 on the place, the reſt eſcaped, and ſo the Marqueſs of Montroſs, bent his way after the other Army, which he defeated at Br [...]hin, being newly put under the command of Colonel Hurry, afterwards offers battel to Bayly, who had another Army ready to fight him, but he waited for advantages; whereupon he marches after Hurry, who had re [...]uited, Alle [...]ne fight. and was preſſing the Lord Gourdon (having taken Dun ice in his way) and at Alderne diſcomfits him killing [...]300 and diſperſing the reſt.

He ſeeks out Baily, to whom was joyned the Earl of Lindſey, and at Ale [...]fo [...]d hills forced them to fight, utterly routed them, July 22. and obtained a remarkable victory; but that which leſſened the triumph, was the death of the Lord Gourdon, one that was as the right hand of Montroſs, a very Loyal Right Noble Gentleman, being eldeſt ſon to the Marqueſs of Huntl [...]y. After this, he comes to S. Iohnſtons, where he alar [...]m'd the Parliament there ſitting, and ſo into the Lowlands, where the Kirk had another Army in readineſs, Kilſith Field. under the command of the aforeſaid Baily.

At a place called Kilſith, both Armies met, and a cruel battel it was, Aug 27. but in concluſion ſucceſs and victory crowned Montroſſes head, and almoſt 6000 men were ſlain in this fight, the p [...]rſuit being eagerly followed for a great way, and the Covenanters [Page]at firſt fighting very reſolutely, but the fortune of Montroſs ſtill prevailed. The Nobility now every where readily aſſiſting him, and the Towns and Cities declaring for him, ſo that that Kingdome which afforded men and aſſiſtance for the invaſion of another Kingdome, was not now able to defend it ſelf. The Governour, ſo was Montroſs dignified, be [...]ng ſeized of all places almoſt of ſtrength, even as far as Edinburgh, where ſome Royal priſoners were delivered him. The Eſtates of Scotland therefore ſend for Dav [...]d Leſhley, while Montroſs expected forces from the King under the Lord Dighy, which ſtaid too long, and were afterwards defeated at Sherburn in Yorkshire. Upon the arrival of Leſhley, moſt of the forces under Montroſs, not dreading an Enemy ſo ſoon out of England, were departed home; ſo that Leſhley finding Montroſs in a very weak condition at Philips-Haugh, fell upon him before he could retreat, almoſt before his Scours could give him intelligence, and there routs him: He at firſt reſolved to loſe his life with the field, but being perſwaded of better hopes, he reſolutely charged through, and brought the flying remains of his Army ſafe into the Highlands, where he began new Levies, but the fortune of the King failing every where, he was the next year ordered by the King then in the Scots cuſtody to disband, and depart the Kingdom. And ſo we leave him, till a more unhappy revolution of time.

The memory of this man had almoſt cauſed an Oblivion of ſome things done he [...]e, during his great ſucceſſes, for Sir Iohn Hotham and his Son, for intending the delivery of Hull, which they had ſo unhandſomely before denied to the King, were beheaded; Vide [...] ſpee [...]hes pages 5. as alſo Sir Alexander Car [...]w, and at laſt the Right Reverend Arch-Biſhop of Canterbury, for many pretended crimes of innovation and diſaffection in matters of Religion, was executed the tenth of Ianuary. Theſe mens deaths happened in December and Ianuary, 1644. and are therefore here inſerted.

To begin therefore the year 1645. Dennington Caſtle was the very 25th of March delivered to the Parliament, which was counterpoiſed with a defeat given Col. Maſſey by Prince Rupert at Lidbury, April being ſurprized there, and his foot routed, his houſe conſiſting moſt of Officers, with himſelf hardly eſcaped to Gloceſter. At the ſame time, the Army being new modelled, Lievtenant General Cromwell was ſent by Fairfax, to hinder a conjunction of forces at Oxford from Worc [...]ſter, which he did, defeating the Queens Regiment, and afterwards took Blechington Houſe by ſurrender, for which Col. Windbank was ſhot to death at Oxford.

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Notwithſtanding which interruption, the King matched from Oxford, May intending Northward, to recover what he had loſt there, with a very compleat Army; and coming to Leiceſter, then garriſon'd by Sir Robert Pye for the Parliament, after ſ [...]mmons refuſed, 31 ſtormed it and took it, the Souldiers for a while plundring the Town, which had been the reſidence of a Parliament Committee from the beginning.

In the mean while, June. General Fairfax was advanced from London with his new modelled Army, and by Order of the Committee of both Kingdomes, had beſieged Oxford, where he had received a notable ſalley, but upon news of the Kings ſucceſs at Leiceſter, preſently raiſed his ſiege, reſolving to fight the King as ſoon as he could overtake him.

The King was now in a diſpute, whether he ſhould march upon his firſt intendments Northward, or ſtaying for ſome forces out of the Weſt under Colonel Goring, march for London. When he had notice of Fairfaxes advance after him, whom he thought to be taken up at Oxford; whereupon, by the ill late of things, the King was adviſed not to delay time, but even at midnight to diſlodge from his quarters, whether Fairfax was neerly come, and the next morning to ſeek him out, and to give him battel. June 14

This happened to be at Naſeby field, on Saturday Iune the 14. Naſeby Fight. where at the firſt encounter the Kings Army had the beſt on't, his right wing of horſe diſcomfiting and overthrowing the left wing of the Parliaments under Skippon, taking Ireton the Commiſſary General priſoner; but the left wing, conſiſting of Northern horſe, under Sir Marmaduke Langdale, who were clearly for the Kings going Northward [...] to their own Country to relieve Pomfret Caſtle, made no defence at all. The King was very couragious and active in this field, but the ſame overeagerneſs of Prince Rupert half loſt the day, the foot being deſtitute, after ſome ſlaughter, threw down their A [...]ms, and were taken priſoners, to the number of four or five thouſand; the Kings Coach, and in it his Cabinet, afterwards moſt diſloyally and diſhoneſtly publiſhed to the world, with other Letters and papers; all his Artillery, Arms, Ammunition, bag and baggage taken, himſelf hardly eſcaping to Leiceſter that night, and from thence to Aſhby de la Zouch. After this battel, the Kings Cauſe and Arms viſibly declined every where.

Leiceſter regained by the Parliament upon ſurrender, Leiceſ [...] [...]ake [...] while the King made haſt towards Wales, to the relief of Cheſter, and [Page]there to form a new Army, but Poyntz, Middleton, and Brereton. Rowlin Hea [...]h Fight. Sept. 24. riſing from their ſiege, met him at Rowton Heath, where in the beginning (as uſual) the King had the better; but the Parliament being ſupplyed with freſh forces, the King was vanquiſhed there alſo, and the right valiant Lord Bernard Stuart, Earl of Litchfield ſlain, with above ſix hundred more: Soon after followed the rendition of Cheſter, the King flying back to Oxford.

The Sects had beſieged Ca [...]liſ [...]e almoſt a year after Marſton-Moor fight,June 28. now it was ſurrendred by Sir Thomas Glenham; but the like ſucceſs they had not at Hereford, from whence they roſe with diſgrace, and came and ſate d [...]wn ſoon after before Newark.

General Fairfax marched after Naſeby fight into the Weſt, leaving the King to purſue his ill fortunes, and took in Bridgewater (having before defeated General Goring at Lamport, July 10. Lamport Fight. newly raiſed from the ſiege at Taunton by Colonel Wellen, who relieved the Governour Colonel Blake, though with ſome loſſes) a [...] alſo Bath and Sherburn, and ſate down before Briſtol, Br [...]oll [...]e [...]verd Aug 1 [...]. which after a ſhort ſiege was delivered by Prince Rupert upon Articles, and the ſaid Prince, and his Brother, came ſoon after to Oatlands, in order to depart the Kingdome.

Cromwell alſo came with a party to the reinforcing of the ſiege of Baſing and by ſmothering of wet hay, [...]ng Houſe to me [...]. Sept. 14. made his approaches, and ſtormed it, taking the Marqueſs of Wincheſt [...]r priſoner, with other Officers and Souldiers, to the number of 600 perſons.

Several Houſe, Novem. Caſtles, and Towns, were d [...]l [...]vered to the Parliament, while the King kept cloſe in Oxford: The Prince of Wales being ſent Weſt, and under the care of my Lord Hopton, in company with my Lord Capel, and others, but General Fairfax following him into Cornwall, Hopton accepted of conditions (afte [...] the firing of Torrington, and the delivery of Lanceſton, Saltaſh, Lizard, Dartmouth, Mount-Edge, Foy, all being qu [...]tted by him gra [...]atim) and disbanded, the Pr [...]nce taking ſail from Pendennis Caſtle to the Iſle of Scilly, and thence into France.

Hereford was alſo about this time ſurprized by Colonel Birch, [...]auary. Belvoir Caſtle taken, all places now ſubmitting to the power and fortune of the Parliament; and for a concluſion, Exeter was now delivered by Sir Iohn Berkley, upon very honourable and advantagious articles, to the Lord Fairfax; and the Lord [Page] Aſtley defeated at Stow in the Would, two thouſand kill'd, and taken priſoners; and ſo ended this year, the next beginning with the ſame face of affairs, ſeveral ſurrenders being made to the Parliament.

Anno Domini, 1646.

AFter the delivery of Woodſtock, it was not held ſafe for the King to continue longer in Oxford; April. but the ſiege approaching to that City alſo, the King diſguiſed, in the company, and as a ſervant to Colonel Iohn Aſhburnham, with one Mr. Hudſon a Miniſter, by virtue of a Paſs from Cromwell, left Oxford, and ſoon after put himſelf upon the Scotch Army, then lying at the ſiege of Newark, who ſent him away with their Guards to Newcaſtle, and ſoon after the Scotch Army followed him, upon ſurrender of that Garriſon of Newark.

The King being in their hands by their perſwaſions and deſires, and his own reſolvedneſs for peace, gave Order to all his Governours to make ſuch terms as were moſt ſuitable and convenient for them, and deliver their reſpective Governments to the Parliament, that ſo the War might be at an end; whereupon, all the Garriſons in the Kings hands came to a capitulation, June 3, Septem. Oxford, Tarringdon, Wallingford, Borſtall-Houſe, Ludlow, Litchfield-Cloſe, Worceſter, Ragland, Conway, Pendennis, and Scilly Iſle ſurrendred; at which time alſo died their former General, the Earl of Eſſex, and was moſt magnificently interred in Weſtminſter Abbey.

General Fairfax came in triumph to London, Novem. while the Treaty was on foot betwixt the Parliament and the Scots at Newcaſtle concerning the delivery and diſpoſal of the King. In fine, upon the price and payment of 200000 pound, the Scots perfidiouſly, after many diſputes, whereby they affirmed it unlawful and diſhonourable for them to do it, ſold their Native Prince to his Engliſh Subjects, and ſo departed over Tweed into Scotland, according to agreement.

Anno Domini, 1647.

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THe Engliſh Commiſſioners, June. deputed thereto by the Parliament, having received the King from the Scots, brought him to Holmby-Houſe, one of his Palaces in Northamptonſhire, according to the ſtipulation and hypocritical ſalvo made, that the King ſhould be treated honourably; but with no attendance of his own, either ſervants or Chaplains, and a Guard upon him perpetually, till in concluſion, Cromwell beginning his projected Soveraignty, by an Order from him, to which the General tacitly conſented, The King was taken from the Commiſſioners, and removed by one Corner Ioyce from Holdenby to the Army, they pretending an extraordinary kindneſs to the King and his Patty, even to the deceiving of the King himſelf, by their Declarations and Proteſtations for Publick Liberty.

In the mean while, the King is carried about from Holmby to Childerſley, Newmarket, Royſton, Hatfield, Windſor, in progreſs with the Army to Caverſham, Maidenhead, to Latiner, to Stoke, to Oatlands, being treated with a far greater ſhew of honour then the Parliament allowed him, with much hopes and many promiſes of his ſpeedy reſtitution: His Chaplains, and other perſons, engaged on his ſide, having free acceſs to him, with the free exerciſe of the Common-Prayer, &c. At laſt they bring him to Hampton-Court, where Propoſitions as bad as any they tendred, were offered to him again, but there for their unreaſonableneſs being rejected by the King, he being informed of a plot to murther him by ſome of the Army, fled from Hampton-Court privately to the Iſle of W [...]ght, the ſaid Colonel Aſhburnham being with him in this diſguize alſo, and rendred himſelf into the hands of Hamond, the Governour of the ſaid Iſle, who forthwith certified the Parliament, and they preſently vote, that no more Addreſſes ſhould be made to the King, nor no Papers received from him.

While the Army were thus coaſting the King about, fell out a tumult in the City of London, the Apprentices and Citizens flocking down to Weſtminſter about the eſtabliſhing of the Militia in the ſame hands it ſtood before the Army had interpoſed, and by their inſtance had made the Houſes alter the perſons named the fourth of May, as being ſuſpected favourers of the King: Whereupon the Lords readily aſſented to the impowring thoſe of the fourth of May, to act as before in the Militia; [Page]and ſo after a little diſpute, did the Common, ſome of the ſame multitude not conſented with this, brought back the Speaker into his Chair, the Houſe being riſen, and compelled him and the Members back to the Houſe, July 26. to vote, that the King ſhould come to London to treat. After this tumult (which the King obſerves in his book to be juſtly retaliated upon them) the Speaker of the Houſe of Commons, with ſome forty more, privately departed to the Army then at Windſor, complaining of the force; the other remaining, to the number of 140. meeting according to their adjournment, finding not the Speaker nor his Mace, choſe another Speaker, as did the Lords alſo, their Speaker having withdrawn himſelf likewiſe to the Army.

The Army ſeem to be highly incenſed at theſe Riots of the Citizens, and take upon them the rectifying of thoſe diſorders, the fugitive members are entertained, and conſultation is held between them whats fit to be done, while the Parliament ſitting at Weſtminſter, are adviſing about liſting of forces, appointing Maſſey, Poyntz, and others, for General Officers, and recall thoſe Members againſt whom the Army had exhibited a full charge.

But the Army advanceth neer London, ſo that all theſe preparations, and the ſtomach of the City ſoon were daſhed, and new agreements made, their Fortifications and Works to be demoliſhed, and the Army admitted to march through in triumph; ſo the fugitive Members were reſeated again with their Speaker, and all things put in the ſame bad ſtate and condition they were before, and ſeveral Lords, the Lord Mayor, ſome Aldermen, and divers Citizens of great wealth and quality, are, the one committed to the Black Rod, and the other to the Tower, ſo that now all things paſſed in both Houſes according to the diſpoſition of the Army, the Parliament being wholly ſubſervient to their deſigns, having made my Lord Fairfax Generaliſſimo, and Conſtable of the Tower of London.

In Ireland, June after the Marqueſs of Ormond had delivered up by capitulation, the Government to Colonel Iones for the Parliament; the ſaid Colonel marched out, and fought with the Lord Preſton, but was forced to fly, being overpowred by him; but the buſineſs came to a ſecond encounter, neer Trym, where the victory fell to Iones, killing 5470 foot ſouldiers, taking a very great booty, and a number of priſoners; and the Lord Inchequin defeats another Army under the Lord Taaf, where were ſlain 4000 more of thoſe Rebels; and Sir Charles Coot gave them [Page]another defeat, ſo that moſt of the Towns were reduced, and the Rebellion neer extinguiſhed: The Scots therefore were deſired to retreat with their forces out of Vlſter.

Anno Domini, 1648.

BEgin we now with the 24th year, being the laſt of King Charles the Firſt, 1648. wherein the King ſeemed as formidable in his intereſt, as ever he was from the beginning of the War. The Parliament was divided, and jealouſies betwixt them and the Army encreaſed every day, Trading ſtopt ſo that on the ninth of April another tumult happened in London by the Apprentices, who ſeized the Gates, took a Drake from the Lord Mayors, and planted it at Ludgate, but the Army horſe entring with their General at Alderſgate, marched to Leaden-Hall, and after a little skirmiſh diſperſed them: Several Petitions for reſtitution of the King came from ſeveral Counties.

But in Wales a ſtronger Inſurrection broke out, Major General Laughorn, Fagans [...]ight. ſay 8. formerly a great man for the Parliament, Colonel Poyer, and Colonel Powell, of the ſame ſide, refuſe to diſband, and preſently ſeize upon Pembroke Caſtle, Tenby Caſtle, and declare for the King; Chepſtow Caſtle is likewiſe taken by Sir Nicholas Kemiſh for the ſame ſide: Againſt theſe Colonel Horton is ſent with three thouſand men; Horton receives a bruſh, by falling with part of his men under Colonel Fleming into an Ambuſcado: Whereupon Laughorn hearing of Cromwells advance alſo, reſolved to fight Horton; ſo the buſineſs came to a fight at S. Fagons, where the Welſh being taken on a ſudden, not intending to fight that day, were preſently after the firſt onſet routed, above five thouſand of their eight being taken, a great many killed▪ and the reſt ſheltred in the two Caſtles aforeſaid. Sir Iohn Owen was up in Arms in North-Wales, and had defeated the Sheriff oppoſing him, but was afterwards taken himſelf. Cromwell ſtorms Tenby Caſtle, and takes it, and after a ſbort reſiſtance, Pembroke yielded upon diſcretion, as to the lives of thoſe three Commanders, whereof one Colonel Poyer died by lot; and ſo Cromwell having quieted Wales, (Sir Nicholas Kemiſh being ſlain by the ſtorming of Chepſtow Caſtle which he had newly taken) marched into Lancaſhire to meet the Scotch Army, who under their General Duke Hamilton, having joyned with thoſe Engliſh forces under Sir Marmaduke Langdale & Sir Phil [...]p Ma [...]grave, were advancing for London to reſtore the King. This Army conſiſted of 24000 men effective.

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At the ſame time alſo the Kentiſhmen having ſeen and heard the uſage their Neighbours of Surrey had for petitioning for peace, being ſome of them killed by the Army-guards in Weſtminſter Hall, reſolved to ask or demand with their ſword in their hands, that which the Surrey men had been refuſed. Maidſtone Fight, June 2. They roſe, to the number of ten thouſand, and had deſigned the Duke of Richmond for their General, which upon his refuſal, was conferred upon the Earl of Norwich. To ſuppreſs this riſing, whether abundance of ſtout valiant young men reſorted out of London, General Fairfax was ſent in perſon, and to gloſe with the Londoners, the old Militia was again confirmed. At Maidſtone, a part of the Kentiſhmen oppoſed themſelves againſt the General, maintaining the Bridge ſo reſolutely, that it came to a very hot encounter, ſo that the General was forced to alight out of his Coach, and led in his men himſelf. After they had paſſed the Bridge, they were forced to fight every hedg before they came to the Town, where the fight was continued with the like gallantry, and had any relief come, it would have been a queſtion whether it had not utterly routed the Parliament

Upon this defeat, the other greater party that were at Rocheſter, ſlipt away to Black-Heath, and from thence ferried and paſſed over into Eſſex and made their Head-quarter at Bow, but the City ſtirred not in favour of them, but a party of horſe of the Army was ſent thither, where after ſome light skirmiſhes, they removed further into Eſſex, where many Gentlemen joyned with them, my Lord Capel, June and others, and ſo to Colcheſter, whether the General preſently after followed them.

To ſecond this, part of the Navy revolts alſo, and ſet aſhore Col. The N [...] vy revolt [...] R [...]nsborough their Commander, and Pontefract Caſtle was ſurprized by Col. Morris; and now the Parliament having ſo many irons in the fire, null thoſe Votes of non-Addreſs to the King, and reſolve of a Treaty as the beſt expedient.

To further which purpoſe, the Prince of Wales having imbarqued himſelf in the Reformation, came into the Downs with 25 Sail of Men of War, where he landed [...]ome men, and had Deal and Sandwich Caſtles delivered him; but the E. of Warwick and Sir George Ayſcue making into the Dow [...]s together, and the Prince lacking victual, Augu [...] he ſet ſail for Helvo [...]t Sluce (not being able to do any thing for his friends at Colcheſter) whether Warwick alſo followed him.

This was not all that was done for the King, for this very ſame time the Earl of Holland, the D. of Buckingham, his brother [Page]the Lord Francis, July. Kingſton Inſurrection. the Earl of Peterborough, and others, aſſembled at Kingſton, and declared for the King, being about a thouſand, and more hourly expected; but Sir Michael Liveſey falling upon them ſuddenly; they were forced to leave the Town, loſing that Noble Gentleman the Lord Francis, who refu [...]ed quarter, and ſo ſpeeded to S. Neots in Bedfordſhire, where Colonel Scroop fell upon them in their quarters, killed Colonel Dalbeir, and took the Earl of Holland priſoner, with ſome forty more, (the Duke and the Earl of Peterborough hardly eſcaping) and diſperſed the whole party.

The Scotch Army was advanced now as far as Preſton in Lancaſhire, [...]reſton [...]ight. Aug. 17 where Lievtenant General Cromwell, being joyned with Major General Lambert, awaited them. At this time alſo Scarborough declares for the King, Sir Matthew Boynton being Governour there. Auguſt 17. both Armies faced one another, and within two hours time the Scots begin to flinch, ſo that the brunt of the fight fell upon the Engliſh, who ſided with them. The Scots being ready to fly, the Parliament Army doubled their courage, and put them to the rout two ſeveral wayes. The next morning, being the 18th of Auguſt, the Scot, made a ſtand, and did ſome notable execution on the p [...]r [...]ers, but the Army coming up, they fled again, crying Mercy, Mercy, ſo that they might be heard five miles together an end; multitudes were killed, and more taken priſoners, being in number equivalent to the Army that vanquiſhed them. Duke Hamilton fled firſt to Namptwich with three thouſand horſe, there the Country took five hundred of them, and thence to Vttoxeter in Staffordſhire, where he was taken by my Lord Grey of Grooby: Monro eſcaped with part of the Scotch Horſe to Berwick, and ſo into Scotland, but Middleton was taken by the way thither.

After it was known which way Hamilton took, [...]omwel [...]ſt into [...]tland Cromwell followed after Monro into Scotland, and there begun intelligence with ſome of thoſe Scots in tendency to his a [...]ter-deſign, and after they had cajoled one another, he departed into England, having received the thanks of the Committee of Eſtates for the ſervice he had done their Nation.

Upon the news of this defeat ſent in by General Fairfax to the beſieged in Colcheſter, a Councel of War was held what to do, [...]lche. [...] [...]lded. [...]guſt. it was once agreed, to make an eruption out, and attempt the whole Army beleaguring them; but this, through ſome ſuſpition amongſt the Souldiers of being deſerted by their Officers in the action, was fruſtrated; whereupon it came to a reſolve [Page]of treating with the Enemy: and ſo it was concluded (the beſieged having eaten all their horſes and the dogs in the Town) that the Officers ſhould be left to diſcretion, the ſouldiers to have their lives, and the Town to pay 14000 l. to preſerve it from plunder: Whereupon the Town being ſurrendred, Sir Charles Lucas, and Sir George Liſle, were ſhot to death preſently, and not long after the Lord Capel was beheaded by a ſentence of the High Court of Juſtice.

In the perplexity of theſe affairs, Treaty at the Iſle of Wight. October. the Treaty was voted in the Iſle of Wight, and accordingly effectually proſecuted, the King being in a kind of Regality in the ſaid Iſle, and ſo far had it proceeded, that in November the Parliament voted the Kings Conceſſions to be ſufficient ground for them to proceed on to the ſettlement of the Kingdome, when the Army being now Lords and Maſters through their late ſucceſs, came and put a force upon the Houſe of Commons, excluding above 140. and by the remnant of their faction in the Houſe, unvoted theſe Votes, and the Army next remov'd the King from Wight to Hurſt Caſtle, then to Wincheſter, then to Windſor, and ſo to Saint Iames, and laſt to the High Court of Juſtice, where after four times being at that deteſtable Bar, and refuſing to own their Juriſdiction, they pronounced the Sentence, and the order, place, and time of the execution was referred to Colonel Harriſon, &c. who appoint Tueſday, Ian. 30. before Whitehall gates, in the open place, where accordingly that execrable murder was perpetrated by the hands of a Vizarded Executioner, to the amazement of the whole world, and to the unexpreſſible ſorrows of this Church and Kingdome. The Kings laſt words on the Scaffold, being the ſum of the Life, Tryal, and Death of that moſt incomparable pious Prince, are here fully inſerted, to ſerve for all.

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[scene of Charles' execution]

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I ſhall be very little heard of any body elſe, I ſhall therefore ſpeak a word to you here: Indeed I could have held my peace very well, if I did not think, that holding my peace, would make ſom men think, that I did ſubmit to the Guilt, as well as to the Puniſhment: But I think it is my duty to God firſt, and then to my Country, to clear my ſelf, both as an honeſt man, a good King, and a good Chriſtian.

I Shall begin firſt, with my Innocency; and, in tr [...]ath, I think it not very needful for me to inſiſt long upon this: For all the world knows, that I did never begin a War with the two Houſes of Parliament; and I call God to witneſs, unto whom I muſt ſhortly make an account, that I did never intend to incroach upon their Priviledges: They began upon me; it is the Militia they began upon: They confeſs the Militia was mine, but they thought it fit to have it from me. And to be ſhort, if any body will look to the dates of Commiſſions, of their Commiſſions and mine, and likewiſe to the Declaration, he will ſee clearly, that they began theſe unhappy Troubles, not I. So as far the guilt of theſe enormous Crimes that are laid againſt me, I hope that God will clear me out. I will not (for I am in charity) and God forbid that I ſhould, lay it upon the two Houſes of Parliament, there is no neceſſity of either, I hope [Page]they are free of this guilt; but I believe, that ill Inſtruments between them and me, have been the chief cauſe of all this blood-ſhed: So that as I find my ſelf clear of this, I hope (and pray God) that they may too; Yet for all this, God forbid, that I ſhould be ſo ill a Chriſtian, as not to ſay, that Gods Judgements are juſt upon me: Many times he doth pay Juſtice by an unjuſt Sentence, that is ordinary: I will only ſay this, That unjuſt Sentence that I ſuffered to take effect, is puniſhed by an unjuſt Sentence upon me. So far I have ſaid, to ſhew you, that I am an innocent man: Now to ſhew you, that I am a good Chriſtian; I hope there is a good man that will bear me witneſs, that I have forgiven all the world, and even thoſe in particular, that have been the chief cauſers of my death: Who they are, God knows, I do not deſire to know, I pray God forgive them. But this is not all, my charity muſt go further, I wiſh that they may repent, for indeed they have committed a great ſin in that particular; I pray God with S Stephen, that this be not laid to their charge: And withall, that they may take the right way to the peace of the Kingdome; for my charity commands me, not only to forgive particular men, but to endeavour to the laſt gaſp, the peace of the Kingdome. So (Sirs) I do wiſh with all my ſoul: (I ſee there are ſome here that will carry it further:) that they endeavour the peace of the Kingdome. (Sirs) I muſt ſhew you, both how you are out of the way, and put you in a way. Firſt, you are out of the way, for certainly all the wayes you ever had yet, as far as I could find by any thing, is in the way of Conqueſts: Certainly this is an ill way for Conqueſt, in my Opinion, is never juſt, except there he a juſt and good cauſe, either for matter of wrong, or a juſt title; and then if ye go beyond the firſt quarrel[Page]that ye have: that makes it unjuſt at the end, that was juſt at firſt: for if there be only matter of Conqueſt, then it is a great robbery; as a Pyrate ſaid to Alexander, That he was the great Robber himſelf, himſelf was but a petty Robber. And ſo, Sirs, I do think, for the way that you are in, you are much out of the way: Now, Sirs, to put you in the way, believe it you will never go right, nor God will never proſper you, until you give God his due, the King his due (that is, my Succeſſor) and the people their due; I am as much for them as any of you. You muſt give God his due, by regulating rightly his Church, according to the Scripture, (which is now out of order.) and to ſet you in a way particularly, now I cannot; but only this, A National Synod freely called, freely debating among themſelves, muſt ſettle this: When every Opinion is freely and clearly heard. For the King, indeed I will not, the Laws of the Land will clearly inſtruct you for that; therefore becauſe it concerns mine own particular, I only give you a touch of it. For the People, truly I deſire their liberty and freedome as much as any body whomſoever: But I muſt tell you, that their liberty and their freedome conſiſt in having Government under thoſe Laws, by which their lives and theirs may be moſt their own; it is not in having a ſhare in the Government, that is nothing pertaining to them: A Subject and a Soveraign are clean different things; and therefore until you do that, I mean, that you put the people into that liberty, as I ſay, certainly they will never enjoy themſelves.

Sirs, it was for this that now I am hither come, for if I would have given way to an arbitrary way, for to have all Laws changed according to the power of the Sword, I need not have come here; and therefore I tell you (and I pray God it be not laid to your charge) that I am the [Page]Martyr of the people. Introath Sirs, I ſhall not hold you any longer, I will only ſay this to you, that I could have deſired ſome little time longer, becauſe I would have put this, what I have ſaid, in a little better order, and have had it a little better digeſted then I have done; and therefore I hope you will excuſe me; I have delivered my Conſcience, I pray God you take thoſe courſes, that are beſt for the good of the Kingdome, and your own Salvation.

After ſome Ejaculations, he laid down his Head upon the Block, and ſtretched out his hands (The S [...]gn) [...] had it ſevered from his body at one blow, by the Vizarded Executioner, who preſently held it up, and ſhewed it to the people: His Head and Trunk were afterwards coffined in Lead, and expoſed to publick view at S. Iames's; till laſtly, the Duke of Len [...], the Marqueſs of Hartford, the Earl of Southampton, and the Biſhop of London, begged the Body to bury it, which they conducted to Windſor Chappel-Royal, and there interred it; with only this Inſc [...]ption upon the Co [...]; CHARLES, KING OF ENGLAND, MDC.XLVIII.

After this moſt [...] murder, January. they declared themſelves to be a Free State ſetting out a Proclamation wherein they declare, th [...]t no perſon hath Right to the Crown o [...] England, aboliſhing thereby the [...]ingly [...]overnment, and debarring of our Rightful Soveraign [...]om any claim, &c. declaring him alſo a Traytor, with the reſt of the Royal Iſſue; for refuſing the publication of which the Lord Mayor Reynoldſon was outed, impriſoned, and fined 2000 l.

In March they proceed with their High Court of Juſtice, Vide ſpeech page 3 [...]. newly modelled, and a new Preſident, to the Tryal of theſe Noble perſons they had in cuſtody, about the laſt years riſings, whereof Duke Hamilton, Vide ſpeech page 32. Earl of Holland, Earl of Norwich, the Lord Capel, and Sir Iohn Owen, were condemned to be beheaded; the Duke, and Holland, and Capel, were accordingly executed in the Palace-yard, the other two with much ado were pardoned. P [...]nt [...]fract Caſtle was now rendred to the Parliament by Colonel Morris, being the laſt Garriſon for the King in England.

Now they had leiſure to look towards Ireland, whether [Page]Lievtenant General Cromwell was ſent with an Army of 10000 men, Dublin freed, and the Marques of Ormond defeated which landed about this time at Dublin, where a little before, Colonel Iones the Governour having received a ſupply of 1000 men, had ſallied out, and beaten my Lord of Ormond from off the ſiege, where he lay with 20000 and upwards, through the careleſneſs and treachery of the Guards: Here were ſlain to the number of three thouſand, and five thouſand taken priſoners; this proved the loſs of all Ireland, which was then entirely for the King, ſave this City and London-Derry.

Anno Domoni 1649.

Cromwell upon his arrival, ſets preſently forward towards Tredah, whereinto the Lord Lievtenant Ormond had put a Garriſon of choice Engliſh, and ſome Iriſh; to this Town he gave three aſſaults, and was valiantly repulſed, but in concluſion of the third, the Town was entred and man, woman, and children put to the ſword for three daies in cold bloud, with the Governour himſelf, Sir Arthur Aſton, a well experienced and valiant Captain.

Anno Dom. 1649. and 1650.

VPon this ſucceſs Trim and Dundalk yielded themſelves to him, Auguſt the Marqueſs of Ormond hovering neer him with his Army, but yet not daring to attempt any thing. Wexford was the next Town he attaqued, which by ſtorm he took alſo, putting all in arms to the ſword; thence to Paſſage Fort, and ſo to Waterford, from whence he (conſidering the Winter approaching) drew off to quarters, having already poſſeſſion of moſt of the Towns of Ireland, Limrick, Galloway, Clonmell, and Kilkenny excepted, which ſoon after were reduced by him and his Succeſſor Ireton, and that Kingdome was wholly brought in ſubjection to the Parliament.

The next thing that buſied the new Commonwealth, was the affairs of Scotland who had long before proclaimed the King, and were now treating with him; therefore they recalled home Lievtenant General Cromwell, whom upon Fairfaxes refuſal of going againſt the Scots, they now advanced to be General: He came Iune the laſt to London, having landed at Briſtol and was highly treated by the Parliament.

Doriſlaus that drew up the charge againſt the King, was killed at the Hague, in May laſt; and Aſcham that was ſent [Page]on the ſame errand to the King of Spain, was killed alſo by ſome Engliſh men in his Inne at Supper; this did mightily inrage the new Commonwealth, that their Min [...]ſters could no where be protected.

According to the concluſion of the Treaty between the King and his Subjects of Scotland, he took ſhipping at Schiveling in Holland, and landed, after ſome dangerous weather, ſafe in the Spey in Scotland, having narrowly miſt ſome of the Parliaments Frigots, that lay in wait for him. Cromwell therefore expedited his march, and entred Scotland with a well-appointed Army of 18000 men, againſt which invaſion the Scot; did very much expoſtulate, and more fiercely prepared to defend themſelves.

The Engliſh Army therefore, Iuly 22. advanced from Berwick into Scotland, [...]uly 22. the Scotch Army lying incamped in the fields about Muſcle [...]orough, ſtrongly intrenched, divers skirmiſhes paſt, and it was wet weather, which very much incommodated the Engliſh; nevertheleſs they take two houſes by ſtorm, and both Armies then faced one another, the great Guns playing on both ſides, but the Scots declined the Engagement, which the Engliſh perceiving, marched back to Dunbar, and in a corn field, half a mile from the Sea, in a low ground, lodged there Septemb. 1. whether the Scots drew and incamped in the high ground above it, making ſure of a victory; but Cromwells forces charging reſolutely to gain the paſs, and having maſtred it, the whole Army on a ſudden fell upon the Scots, and after an hours diſpute, though inferiour in number, routed them, killing 4000. and taking 10000 priſoners, 200 Cornets and Colours, 27 Field-pieces, 10000 Arms, and three Lords: Theſe Colours, with thoſe taken at Preſton, were afterwards ſet up in Weſtminſter Hall, as alſo thoſe of Worceſter thereafter. The Scot; quit Leith and Edinborough, which are poſſeſſed by the Engliſh, who advance to Sterling, and fortifie L [...]nl thgow.

Several encounters, and parleys were between Cromwell, and Colonel Ker, and Straughan, for the Kirk alone; in one whereof Ker was defeated, and taken priſoner; and by the other Straughan was brought over to ſide with the Engliſh. Edinborough Caſtle had been long beſieged and undermined, but at laſt the treacherous Governour Dundaſſe delivered it upon Articles.

Colonel Euſebius Andrews, [...]uary. Sir Henry Hide, were beheaded about this time, and Doctor Lewen hanged about the matters of the King, who was ſoon after crowned King of Scotland at [Page] Schoon, where they had news of another loſs, the rendition of Hume and Tim [...]tallon Caſtle.

While the Army in Scotland made this progreſs, another war was breeding at home betwixt the Dutch and us: S. Iohns had been ſent Ambaſſador thither, and had been very highly affronted; upon his return an Act was made, prohibiting and impeding the liberty and freedome of the Dutch at Sea, which they not brooking, the buſineſs came to be decided by blows.

Anno Dom. 1651.

BLackneſs Caſtle was taken by Colonel Monk, and at the ſame time the Presbyterian Plot, laid by Mr. Love, &c. for a riſing in Lancaſhire, where M. G. Harriſon had order to attend, was diſcovered, for which the ſaid Love, and one Mr. Gibbons, were beheaded at Tower-hill, Auguſt 22.

The Scots had raiſed another Army, whereof the King was General: This Army was compounded of Cavaliers and Preſbyters, being in all 21000 men; with theſe the King marched from Sterling to Torwood, and there regularly incamped; thither came Cromwell, hoping to draw them out to fight, but could not, only he ſtormed Calendar Houſe in their view: Nevertheleſs, in the interim, Colonel Overton, by boats, had paſſed par [...] of the Army from Le [...]h into Fife, who being ſeconded by a greater force under Major General Lambert, the Scots being alarum'd at this unexpected invaſion, ſend down Sir Iohn Brown to drive them out; whereupon a bloudy fight enſued, but the victory fell to the Engliſh, neer 1500 Scots were ſlain, and 1000. with Sir Iohn, taken priſoners.

After the Army thus was landed on Fifes fide, and had given the Kings forces a defeat, it was adviſed the King ſhould preſently deſert Scotland, (the Engliſh having now ſhipt moſt of their men over, and ſo given the King the advantage of two daies march from Sterling) and by the way of Carliſle ſpeedily march for England, which was accordingly put in execution; and after a very troubleſome march, ſome oppoſition being made at Warrington Bridge by Major General Harriſon, (ſince executed, and there worſted) on the 22 of Auguſt, having marched three hundred miles in three weeks time he arrived at Worceſter with his Army, conſiſting of 11000 foot, moſt whereof were Highlanders, and 3000 horſe, made up with ſome additional Engliſh, under the now Right Honourable Earl of Shrewslury, [Page]Colonel Howard, and other Knights and Gentlemen, who had eſcaped with the Earl of Derby thither, after the defeat given the ſaid Earl by Colonel Lilburn at Wigan.

After the King had reſted his Army a while at Worceſter, and ſummoned in the neighbouring Counties to a rendezvouze, in order to a conjuncture; upon which ſome ſmall appearance was made (the Rebels drawing neer to attaque the City) the King betook himſelf to make ſome fortifications, ſuch as time would permit, at Vpton bridge, and about the Town.

By the beginning of September, Cromwells whole Army, after a ſufficient refreſhment, and additional forces of the Militia, which were ſpeedily raiſed in every County, preſented himſelf on every ſide of the City; the number of them conſiſted of very neer 50000 men well armed; the firſt places attaqued was Vpton Bridge, which Colonel, now Sir Edward Maſſey, ſtoutly defended, till being over-powred, and himſelf wounded, he was forced to retreat, and leave the enemy free paſſage.

Wedneſday the third of September, the Enemy reſolved to fall on, which they did at ſeveral places, firſt at Powick bridge, whether the King himſelf in perſon went, and beat back the Brigade [...] aſſigned to that poſt; but being neceſſitated to go back into the City to give other Orders, his forces lacking Ammunition, were forced to give way, and make a diſorderly retreat into Worceſter. Preſently upon this, the Enemy charged furiouſly upon another part, where his Majeſty himſelf in perſon gave not [...]ble proof of his valour, Duke Hamilton receiving a ſhot hard by him, of which lie afterwards died; but freſh ſupplyes coming in every minute, and the ſlaughter falling upon the new raiſed men (Cromwell reſerving his Veteranes for the laſt) the King quit the field: (Some impute it to David Leſ [...] leyes not coming with his horſe to his ſuccour in time) and drew within the walls: But the Rebel purſued their ſucceſs, and having caſt up a ſudden battery, compelled the Fort-Royal to ſurrender, while another part of the Army entred at another place, and fell in mediately to the plunde [...]ing o [...] the City: By fix of the clock the whole Town was gained, and the ſtreet; fill'd with blood, a great ſlaughter being made that unfortunate day.

Between ſix and ſeven a clock, in the dusk of the evening, the King, accompanied with the chief of his Nobility, and ſome ſixty horſe, departed Northward out of S. Martins gate: Having rid a little way, and upon conſultation held what to do [Page]in that diſtreſs of affairs, the Earl of Derby adviſed the King to fly to a houſe called Boſ [...]abell, where he himſelf had ſound ſecurity in his flight from Wigan aforeſaid: To that intent, one Mr. Giffard, an Inhabitant thereabouts, was called for, who with the aſſiſtance of one Mr. Walker, formerly a Scoutmaſter in the [...]ings Army, with ſome difficulty, (the King riding all the night) brought him to a place called the W [...]ite-Ladies, a mile b [...]v [...]nd Boſcabell, to avoid ſuſpition of ſtaying there.

At their coming to White-Ladies on break of day. Thurſday Septemb. 4. one George Pendrill, the youngeſt brother of the four, being awakened with the loud noyſe they made at the gates, and hearing diſtinctly Mr. G [...]ffards voice calling him, ran down in hi [...] ſhirt and opened the door; whereupon the King and th [...] Noblem [...]n preſently entred the houſe, the Kings horſe being brought into the Hall, where another conſultation was held what ſhould be done for the ſafety of the Kings perſon in this exigence: At laſt it was concluded, that this George ſhould go preſently to Tong, and enquire what news, or whether any parties were ſtir [...]ing or no; and in the mean while one Martin was ſent by Colonel Roſ [...]anrck, by order of the Earl of Derby, for William Pendrill, the eldeſt Brother, who preſently came, and there met his Brother George, who had brought Richard by Mr. Giffards order along with him, and informed the King, that the coaſt was yet clear.

Whereupon all diſpatch was made to get the King out before any further danger; the King hair was firſt out off by my Lord Wilmot, then rounded by William Pendrill; and at the ſame t [...]me Richard had, by direction from Mr. Giffard, fetcht his b [...]ſt cloaths, being a jump and breeches of green courſe cloth, and a Doe-kin leather doublet, the hat was borrowed of Humphrey Pendrill the Miller, being an old grey one that turned up its brims; the ſhirt, which in that Country language they call an Harden, or Noggen-ſhirt, a kind of linnen that is made of the courſeſt of the hemp, was had of the aforeſaid Martin, George Pendrill lent the band, and William Creſwell the ſhoes, which the King having preſently unſtript himſelf of his own cloaths, did quickly put on: His [...]uft-coat, and linnen doubler, and a grey pair of breeches, which he wore before, he gave into his brothers hands, who forthwith buried them under ground, where they lay five weeks before they durſt take them up again. The Jewels off his arm he gave to one of Lords then departing.

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Straightwith William Pendrill was brought to the King by the Earl of Derby, and the care and preſervation of his moſt Sacred Majeſty committed to his charge, and the reſt of the Brothers (the Earl himſelf would have ſtaid, but there was no undertaking ſecurity for them both) ſo preſently the Lords took their heavy leave, and departed, every one ſhifting for himſelf. The Duke of Buckingham, Earl of Derby, Lord Talbot, the Earl of Lauderdale, and the reſt of that party, being overtaken at Newport, in their march Northward, and routed: the Duke eſcaped, and found a hiding place at a friends of his Family in Shropſhire; the reſt were taken (the Earl of Derby moſt inhumanely and unjuſtly beheaded at Bolton, with Sir Timothy Fetherſton-Haugh, and ſome others elſewhere) and impriſoned; only the Lord W [...]lmot (ſince decea [...]ed, during the Kings Exile abroad) ſtaid behind, and wa [...] by Iohn Pendrill, through many difficulties, and tryals o [...] ſeveral places, conveyed ſafely to Mr. Whitgrea [...]s at Moſely.

Now the King and his company being departed, having taken a Woodbill into his hand, went out with Richard into the adjoyning wood, called Spring Coppice. William departed home, and George and Humphrey went out to ſcout, and lay hovering about the woods to hear or ſee if any approached that way. You muſt note here, that theſe Brothers had taken into their aſſiſtance one Frances Yates, their Siſters Husband, who was alſo with the King in the wood, they being by profeſſion woodcutters: But the King had not been an hour in the wood, before a party of horſe, in purſuit of him, was come to White-Ladies, and had enquired, and ſound out by ſome of the Inhabitants, that the King with a party had been there, as they ſuppoſed, but they affirmed directly, that he was gone away with all ſpeed from thence in the ſaid company Northwards. Upon which words, ſpurr'd on by the expectat on & greedineſs of their prey, ſuppoſing the King and his Lords were all together, they made no ſtay, or further inquiſition or ſearch (ſave only in the houſe) and rode away as faſt as they could poſſible. This the King was informed of by his two aforeſaid Sco [...]ts, who ſtragled for intelligence neer the village.

This Thurſday the King continued all day in the wood, upon the ground, Richard Pendrill being conſtantly with him, and ſometimes the other three: It proved to be a very rainy day, and the King was wet with the ſhowers; thereupon Francis Yates his wife came into the wood, on whom the King at firſt [Page]lookt ſomething dubiouſly, yet reſolutely askt her, whether ſhe could be faithful to a diſtreſſed Cavalier: To which ſhe replyed, Sir, I will die rather then diſcover you: She brought with her a blanket to keep the King dry, and his firſt meat he eat there, viz. a meſs of milk, eggs, and ſugar, in a black earthen cup, which the King gueſſed to be milk and apples, and ſaid he loved it very well. After he had drank ſome, and eat ſome in a Pewter ſpoon, he gave the reſt to George, and bid him eat it, for it was very good. There was nothing of moment paſſed this day in Court, but only his Majeſty exchanged his Woodbill for Francis Yates his Broom-hook, being ſomething lighter.

The King was hardly brought to faſhion himſelf to their gate, or to bend his ſtreight body down to his feet, the language in his ſtay and paſſing to Worceſter, he could tune pretty well; moſt of the day was ſpent in conforming him to their words, till about five a clock that evening, the King with his gallant Retinue of Richard, Humphry, George, and Francis Yates, left the wood, and betook himſelf to Richards little houſe, where he went under the name of William Iones, a Woodcutter, newly come thither for work. At his coming, the good wife for his entertainment at ſupper, was preparing a Fricaſs of Bacon and Eggs, and while that was doing, the King held on his knees their Daughter Nan: He eat very little, ruminating and pauſing on his intended paſſage into Wales.

After ſupper ended, the Mother of the Pendrills came and kneeled, and took her leave of the King; ſo did the reſt of his poor mean attendants, only Richard went along with the King, to conduct and guide him, it being then dark, and the way troubleſome.

Their intended journey was to Mr. Wolfes of Madely, ſome 5 miles diſtant from White-Ladies, of whom the King had a good character from his ſervant Richard. By the way they were put to a fright at a Mill-water, by a Miller that had taken into his protection ſome of the ſame undone party, ſo that Richard was forced to wade through, and the King to follow him by the [...]atling muſick of his leather breeches.

It was late at night before they got to Madely; wherefore Richard very confidently knockt at Mr. Wolfes door, which his Daughter opening, he deſired to be let in, telling her the King was with him: So they both entred, till Mr. Wolfe came and welcomed the King, who though wearied, and his feet extremely [Page]ſore, yet held it not convenient (of which Opinion Mr. Wolfe was alſo) to lodge in the houſe. Here he was informed (which was his main buſineſs) that there was no paſſage to be had over Severn into Wales, the river being ſo guarded and watched, that there was no attempting of it without extreme hazard and peril. After ſome other diſcourſes of the like tendency, the King was conveyed to an Heyloft, where he and Richard repoſed themſelves (though the Kings ſore feet very much troubled him) that night, and next day, being Friday, and on that night, the ſame hour they arrived, they ſet forward to Boſcabell, having had proviſion, and ſome money from the ſaid Mr. Wolfe, his Daughter alſo bringing the King into his way ſome two miles, and then ſhe returned.

At his coming to Boſcabell, the King was ſo wearied, his feer being bliſtered with travelling in ſuch courſe and ſtiff accoutrements as he had on his legs, and lying in them, that he was ſcarce able to ſtand or go, which Will. wife perceiving, ſhe ſtript off his ſtockings, and cut the bliſters, and waſhed his feet, which gave the King ſome eaſe.

The ſame time Colonel Carelos, one that made good the Kings Rear at Worceſter, and gave the King time to eſcape, having ſeen the laſt man killed in that lamentable fight, was alſo come to Boſcabell, a refuge he had uſed before, where the King met him, the Colonel moſt humbly and joyfully welcoming him to that moſt ſure retreat.

After a ſhort conference together, it was judged by them both, as the probableſt means of ſecurity, that the King ſhould betake himſelf again to the wood: Accordingly, Saturday the ſixth of September, in the morning, they went into the wood together, the Colonel leading the way to that ſo much now celebrated Oak, where before he had been lodged himſelf: William Pendrill brought a Ladder, by which they got up into the boughs and branches of the tree, which were very thick, and well ſpread, and full of leaves, ſo that it was not poſſible for any to ſee through them.

When they were both up, William brought them up two Pillows to lye upon, where the Arms and branches were thickeſt; and the King being over-wearied with his journey and ſore travel, waxed very heavy, with a propenſity to ſleep. The Colonel to eaſe his Majeſty the beſt he could, deſired him to lay his head in his lap, and reſt the other parts of his body on the pillow, which the King did; and after he had taken a good ſleep (while William and his wife Joan went peaking up and down with anxious thoughts gathering of [Page]ſt [...]cks with a Nut-hook) awaked very hungry, and wiſhed for ſome victuals: That deſire was ſoon ſatisfied, the Colonel pulling out of his pocket a good lunchion of bread and cheeſe, which Joan had given him for provant that day, and had wrapt it up in a clean l [...]nnen cloth, of which the King fed very heartily, and was well pleaſed with it, and highly commended his good fare: Some other pittance of relief in drink he had alſo, which was put up to him in a bottle by a long book-ſtick.

The King intended not long to ſtay at Boſcabell; therefore Richard was ſent to one Mr. Manwaring, an acquaintance of Colonel Ca [...]elos at Woller Hampton, ſome three miles from Boſcabell, with ſome inſtructions, and to enquire if he knew not o [...] any ſecurity for one of the Kings ruined party, Mr. Manwaring returned, that himſelf could not, but would enquire if a friend of his, naming Mr. Whitgrea [...] could: So Richard returned, and brought with him ſome wine, and other refreſhments from the Town.

Neither was Humphrey idle or unimployed, but was ſent abroad to lay out for intelligence, which the ea [...]ilier to come by, he was ſent to one Captain Broadwayes of Sheſual, a Captain of the new raiſed Militia, under pretence of paying his Miſtreſſes money for a man that was taxed upon her for that ſervice: While he was th [...]re, a Parliament Colonel came in to underſtand of Broadwayes, what further diſcovery was made at White-Ladies ſince the time the King eſcaped; to which Broadwayes anſwered, he could ſay nothing more to it, but there was one of that place below, that might perhaps give him better ſatisfaction. Humphrey was called and examined, but he reſolutely denied any knowledge whether the King went otherwayes then Northward; but that party being taken, and the King not among them, made the Colonel believe he ſtaid behind, and therefore told him there was a proffer of a thouſand pound to any that would diſcover him, and did thereupon earneſtly preſs Humphrey about the buſineſs; but all was in vain, there was no prevailing upon his conſcience and duty. The news of this afterwards ſomething amuſed the King, but the Colonel told the King there was no danger in it, for upon his life they ſhould prove conſtant and faithful to his Majeſty

At night, the King and the Colonel came down from the Tree, by the ſame Ladder they gat up, and was brought into Boſcabell garden, where he ſate in the Bower of it, and drank part of the wine which Richard brought from Woller Hampton, [Page]till 'twas very late. But the King was hungry again, and his appetite then ſerved him for a joynt of Mutton, though hi [...] Dame Ioan (ſo the King then called his Hoſt) had provided him a diſh of Chickens: To which William replyed, that truly he had none, and to go to the Market would be very ſuſpectful, for they uſed not to buy ſuch cheer, but if his Majeſty would have ſome, he would make bold, and borrow one of Mr. Stauntons: to whoſe Sheepcote he and the Colonel preſently went and fetched one, and brought it home into the Cellar, where the Colonel ſtabb'd it with his dagger, and both of them dreſt it as well as they could, and brought the King up a Hind-quarter of it, which the King preſently ſliced part of into Scotch Collops, and the Colonel and he fryed betwixt them; which pleaſant paſſage yielded a merrier diſpute afterward in France, when it was queſtioned which of the two was the Cook or the Scullion.

The next day being Sunday, Iohn came to Boſcabell from my Lord Wilmot, having been ſent before to White-Ladies, but miſt of the King, by reaſon of his being at Madely then, to acquaint the King with the conveniency of Mr. Whitgreavs houſe, there being ſuch a ſecret place in it betwixt two walls, that a ſafer could not be imagined: Upon this news it was reſolved, that the King on Sunday night late ſhould go to Moſely, to the ſaid Mr. Whtigreavs, and the Colonel to ſhift for himſelf: All that day being Sunday, the King kept himſelf in the ſecret place where he lay that night, having been much diſcommodated through the ſhortneſs of it. As ſoon as the appointed hour was come, Humphrey the Miller was ready with his horſe that ſhould carry the King, for none other with ſafety and convenience could he had. This was a kind of War-horſe, that had carried many a load of proviſion, meal, and ſuch like; but now there was put on him a bridle and a ſaddle that had outworn its tree and irons.

The horſe ſtanding at the door, the King came out, intending to have none along with him but Iohn; but the other five brothers inſiſting on the danger of his going ſo ill attended, ſo many ſtragling ſouldiers lying up and down the Country, he agreed to have them all along with him, and ſo took his farewell of Colonel Carelos, who very diſconſolately parted from him.

The King being mounted, the ſix Brethren guarding him behind, and before, and on each ſide, Humphrey leading the [Page]horſe, they began their journey: The way wa [...] ſomething dirty, and every where the horſe blundering, cauſed the King to ſuſpect falling, and to bid Humphrey have a care; to which he returned, that his horſe had carried many a heavy weight before, but never the price of three Kingdomes; and therefore he might be excuſed by reaſon of his extraordinary burden,

When they came within a mile of the houſe, they made faſt the horſe, and came the foot-way through the fields thither: before the King went into the houſe, he took his leave of all of them but Iohn, they upon their knees crying and praying for his ſafety and preſervation. As they were departing, the King called them back, and ſaid, I am ſo full of care, that I do forget what I do; but here is my hand (giving it them to kiſs) if God bleſs me, I will remember all another day. A promiſe his Majeſty hath moſt graciouſly perfopmed.

When he came into the houſe, with none but Iohn, he was moſt ſubmiſly and cordially welcomed by Mr. Whitgreave, who preſently conducted him to my Lord Wilmot, in the ſecret place, who with infinite gladneſs [...]ell down and imbraced his knees, The firſt thing they did, was to ſhiſt his Majeſty, by taking off that courſe ſhirt, and putting on a [...]er, and changing his ſtockings and ſhoes: Next they conſulted about his Majeſties manner of eſcape out of England; whereupon Col. Lane was propounded as a very fit and neceſſary inſtrument in that buſineſs, and agreed on, and accordingly tranſacted, as before deſigned by my Lord Wilmot, which was, that the never-to-be-forgotten Lady Iane Lane, under ſome pre [...]ence of viſiting her Siſter, and other affairs in Briſtoll, ſhould g [...]t a Paſs for her Man and her ſelf, and that the King ſhould be the Man, and ride before her.

This was concluded on and done, Mrs. Lane ſending ſome Spring-water, in which Wallnuts had been boiled to diſcolour his hands and face, and other parts open to view; and on Thurſday night, the eleventh of September, Colonel Lane came with her, all things fit for his Majeſties journey being provided, to a field adjoyning to Mr. Whitgreaves houſe, where the King was mounted before her, and from thence they immediately ſet forward, having directions given to know the Country, and recommendations alſo to the Allies, friends and acquaintance of her Family, if any ſiniſter rancounter ſhould put them to tryal.

At one Town in their journey they met with a Troop of horſe, but the Captain perceiving they rid double, commanded [Page]the Troop to open to the right and left, and ſo paſt them.

Being come to Briſtoll, they endeavoured to get a paſſage thereabouts for France, his Majeſty being Nobly and ſecretly entertained at the houſe of Mr. Norton (at Leigh hard by Briſtoll) ſince Knighted for his loyalty; but it not ſucceeding there, and my Lord Wilmot being come to Briſtoll, it was agreed to go for Salisbury, where the King had entertainment by the Relations of Sir Edward Nicholas, his Majeſtics Secretary. Here Colonel Gunter fortunately came to know the King, by whoſe conveyance the King was brought ſale into Suſſex, to the habitation of this Noble Gentleman, and a Bark b [...]b [...] means procured for fifty pound, to tranſport two Gentlemen, upon account of a quarrel and Duel lately fought, into France: The Maſter not knowing otherwiſe, while at Sea, who ſafely and dutifully landed them at Deep in Normandy; from whence the King went immediately to Paris, where he was welcomed by that Court, but moſt joyfully received by our Queen his Mother, and the Duke, and that moſt affectionate Uncle of his Majeſties, the late deceaſed Duke of Orleans, of famous memory.

De Bello ducit Pax laeta Triumphos.

Anno Domini, 1652.

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AF [...]er this defeat, Scotland is with little difficulty (General Mon [...] ſeizing moſt of the Scotch Presbyterian Nobility at Ellas, where they were in Councel) reduced to the obedience of the Parliament; Garriſons were placed every where, and four Citradels moſt impregnably fortified at Leith, S. Iohnſtons, Ayre, and Innerneſs; ſo that the total Conqueſt of that Nation was by the Engliſh then accompliſhed, and ſo far forth ſecured for ever.

This Triumph ſwelled the new State to other great enterprizes; the Dutch had ſtood upon ſome punctilio of honour with them, as being the junior ſtate; and for their relation to the Prince of Aurange, their General, were ſuſpected (though many variations in that compaſs) of adherance to the King his Brother-in-law, the ſaid Prince being lately dead. For theſe reaſons, the Parliament publiſhed an Act (by them made) for the incouragement of Navigation, the moſt advantagious and pleaſing to the Engliſh Marriners, and as hurtful and diſpleaſant to the Hollander, forbidding any goods to be exported from any place, but what were of the growth and manufacture thereof in any other veſſels but their own, and Engliſh, which totally excluded the Hollander, ſaving ſome petty Merchandiſes of Linen, Maderas, &c.

The States of Holland hereupon arm, and ſet forth a Fleet of ſhips under Admiral Van-Trump, who meeting with our Fleet at the Downs, in the beginning of May, under Bourn, who was ſoon relieved by General Blake, the Flag being refuſed by the Dutch; the fight began, and continued about four houres till night, the ſucceſs lighting on the Engliſh.

This attempt made by the Dutch, highly exaſperated the then State, who were uſed to the exceſſes and uncoutroulments of Fortune, ſo that the Ambaſſadors here could not allay their fury, but departed home.

Sir George A [...]ſcue, one of the Parliaments Captains over a Squadron of ſhips, being about Plymouth, met with a Sail of fifty Dutch Men of War, and by night, after ſome conflict, parted equally from them.

General Blake roving about the Downs, met with the French Fleet, then bound for the relief of Dunkirk, beſieged by the Spaniard, which he took altogether, and thereupon that Town [Page]was rendred to the Arch-Duke Leopold.

On the 28 of September, Sept. 28. the Engliſh met the Dutch Fleet at a place called the Kentiſh-Knock, where ſome of the greateſt Engliſh ſhips ſtruck on the Sands, but getting off again, they ſo fiercely plyed the Dutch, that they were forced to fly, ſaving themſelves from a greater loſs then the diſabling of ſome ſix ſhip;, whereof the Rear-Admiral was one. This was recompenſed by the Dutch, who took a Man of War in the Stra [...]ts, by Porto-Longone.

On the twentieth of December, Decemb 20. Van-Trump with a new rigged Fleet came again to the Downs with 100 Men of War, and Fireſhips, where Blake unhappily with a ſmall number met them, and was forced to ſail for it, being much indangered himſelf: Here were loſt the Garland and Bonadventure, and two other Merchants Ships, beſides the Vanguard and Victory very much ſhattered.

The Dutch crowed upon this Victory, and with a numero [...]s Fleet of Merchant-men ſailed to Rochel, Feb. 18. giving out, that they would ſweep the Seas of the Engliſh; but at their return the Engliſh met them at Portland, and gave them ſuch a re-encounter, that after three daies fight (very terrible) the Dutch fled, nine Men of War being taken, and fifty Merchant-men, much ſlaughter on both ſides, but the moſt on the conquered: Van-Trump to Calice, and thence to the Weilings; the Engliſh to Dover, and ſo to Ports.

This a ſecond time was repaid us, by an overthrow given us in the Straits, where five of our Ships being not longer to be protected by the Duke of Florence, coming out of Legorn, were over-powred by a Dutch Fleet of 24 Soil, and the Leopard, and another Bonaventure taken, with other damages to the Levant Trade.

But ſuch was their great preparations at home, that the Parliament minded nothing elſe, waving all publick buſineſſes from the King of France, concerning the Ships taken at Dunkirk, and another meſſage from Bourd [...]aux, and for a while deferring the Portugal Embaſſador, who came to offer reſtitution. And yet in the height of this grand deſign, an unexpected, or at leaſt an unwardable blow quite undid them and their deſigns, leaving them, as became, the laughter and ſcorn of the Nation, while their General having turned them out, and diſſolved them, made himſelf, after a ſhort intervall of time, the Supreme Magiſtrate.

Anno Domini, 1653.

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FOr on the twentieth of April, April. 1653. Cromwell ſuddenly and forcibly turns out the Parliament, who had for four years, and as much as from Ianuary to April this year, ſince they murthered the King, tyrannized over the three Nations.

After this violation of that violencing Parliament, July 4. Cromwell and his Officers call a new Repreſentative, and erect a new Councel of State, wherein not one man of (but only ſuch as were revolters from) the Commonwealth were admitted. By the FACE of this new erected Councel, a Convention is aſſembled of 120. who did nothing but folly and miſchief againſt Church and people, particularly by their lawleſs act of Marriages, and vote againſt Tythes, and then the cunninger part of them reaſſigned their Truſt and Power to the ſame hand that gave it, having made an Act alſo for a Tax, according to the old mode of 120000 pound per menſem.

By this ſhift of power, Decemb 12. Cromwell was, as they and he ſaid, inveſted with the Supreme Authority, it being devolved unto him by the late reſignation; and therefore a new device of Government was now projected, which was contained in an Inſtrument conſiſting of 42 Articles; whereby he is made Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and ſolemnly inſtalled before the Lord Mayor of London, on the ſixteenth of the ſame moneth. This was pretended to be drawn out of Magna Charta; but what need we ſay of it?

Some ſtruglings there were about the beginning of the new year in Scotland and Ireland; in the firſt for life, the other of death, the Scotch hoping to recover themſelves, and the Iriſh at the l [...]ſt gaſp, all places and perſons being neer reduced to the Uſurper,.

During this intermiſſion of Government in England, yet there was no vacancy of War betwixt us and the Hollanders, who ſenſible of their own weakneſs, and the new Protectors troubles, in his ambitious aſpiring deſigns, ſent over Embaſſadors to treat. While they were here, the Fleets of both States being prepared, and out at Sea, happened two diſmal encounters; the firſt on the 23 of Iuly, (the Dutch having before conveyed one Fleet out towards the Eaſt and Weſt, France, Spain, and the Levant, about by Scotland; and conveyed two Fleetshome, one from the Baltick and Northern Sea from Pruſſia, and another [Page]that came about from France, Levant, &c.) which continued for three daies fighting and flying; in the firſt whereof General Dean was ſlain with a Canon bullet hard by General Monck (ſo Providence diſtinguiſhed betwixt a King-Murderer and a King-Reſtorer) and the two next, in ſeizing and entring ſeveral ſhips in the purſuit, until ſuch time as they got into the Weylings, having loſt ſeventeen Men of War, whereof eleven taken and ſix ſunk, and many priſoners taken; and which was worſt, the Coaſt of Holland was ſo blockt up, that no ſhips could ſafely arrive in their harbours, nor no joyning of one part of the Fleet (then a rigging new, to remedy this overthrow) with another.

All preparations were therefore made by the Hollander, to recover not only their credit, but their livelihood and ſubſiſtance, which was to drive the Engliſh from the coaſt; and General Van-Trump having fitted himſelf with the choice of his Country, both for men and ſhips, reſolved for to effect it; whereupon on the ſecond of Iuly he ſailed from the Weylings, and ſoon after joyned with a Fleet from the Texel, at the ſight of which Fleets the Engliſh weighed, and on the 23 in the afternoon, part of the Engliſh under General Monk, then Admiral, charged through them; the next day the whole Fleet came up, but being bluſtrous weather could not ingage, but on Saturday both Fleets fell to it, and made an end, the Dutch being worſted, and miſerably ſhattered, thirty ſix ſhips taken, burnt, and ſunk, the reſt eſcaping into the Texel, from whence were lately ſome of them equipped.

This was the parting blow of that War, the Dutch Ambaſſadors concluding a peace preſently, which was tranſacted by Oliver, and concluded by him, for the facilitating his vaſter deſigns at home, this adding reputation to his future undertakings; and ſo the quarrel for the Dominion of the Seas ended.

This War ſo ended, with ſuch honourable ſucceſs and advantage, Cromwell having, as before is ſaid, the power reſigned into his hands, took upon him to act as chief Magiſtrate, urg'd thereto by the Army and the well-affected people, and inſtalled himſelf, as before, at Weſtminſter the ſixteenth day of December, Lord Protector of the three Nations.

Being alſo now proclaimed by his Councel, with the ſtile aforeſaid, endeavours were uſed every where to countenance it with Addreſſes, but the main one, was the invitation of the City for him to dine at Grocers Hall, which they ſumptuouſly [Page]performed, and he ambitiouſly enough received, Knighting the Mayor for the Cities kindneſs.

But kindneſs would yield no money, therefore cruelty muſt; a plot againſt the Protectors life by one Colonel Iohn Gerrard, Mr. Fox Mr. Vowel, and others, who not being chargeable by the Laws for any ſuch attempts, were brought before a High Court of Juſtice, and Colonel Gerrard and Mr. Vowel condemned, and ſeverally executed; with Gerrard was executed Don Pontaleon, the Portugal Ambaſſadors Brother, who had made a Riot in the New-Exchange, and ſlain a Gentleman, to whoſe reſcue this Noble Gerrard very bravely ventured, and yet their fate was one.

General Middleton lands in Scotland, with ſome ſupplyes from the King; whereupon Glencarn and Seaſort joyn with him, and put a new face upon the Kings buſineſs there; but in concluſion all came to nothing, the Earl of Middleton being defeated at Longherry, who had marched through all the Highlands after him, and there overtook and worſted him, Middleton himſelf eſcaping, and the Earl of Glencarn, and the Lords of the Royal Party, coming in upon conditions, till all was quieted in that Kingdome.

Anno Domini, 1654.

King Charles the Second about this time departed the Kingdome of France, upon intimation of a Treaty then on foot betwixt that Crown and the Protector, whom ſoon followed his Brother the Duke of York; and the Duke of Gloceſter, being tempted to turn Papiſt, was fought out of the Jeſuites Colledg by the Marqueſs of Ormond, according to the command of the King his Brother.

Now according to the Inſtrument of Government, Cromwel called his firſt Triennial Parliament, which had ſit but juſt five lunary moneths, ſpent in debating the aforeſaid Inſtrument, and Cromwells Authority, when Cromwell came, ſent for the Houſe to the Painted Chamber, and diſſolved it with a very ted [...]ous and deceitful ſpeech.

Now another plot, after this diſſolution of the Parliament, which ended with much publick diſcontent, and therefore was thought a very fit juncture for ſuch a buſineſs, was found out, and diſcovered from abroad by one Manning, one of the Secretaries to the King then at Colen: The firſt eruption of this general [Page]deſign was at Salisbury, on the ſixteenth of March, of ſome three hundred men, under the command of Sir Ioſeph Wagſtaff, in chief, and Colonel Penruddo [...]k, and Gr [...]ves, conſiſting altogether o [...] men of quality and condition: Theſe proceeded Weſtward, where at Blandford they proclaimed the King, but Oliver knowing the plot before hand, had ſent ſome horſe that way, who forthwith purſued them, they bending towards Devonſhire, where at Southmolton they were ſurprized in their quarters, Wagſtaff eſcaped, but Penruddock and Groves, though after quarter promiſed by Colonel Vnton Crook, who took them, with ſome twenty more, were beheaded and executed [...] ſeveral places.

Another party at the ſame time ſurprized the Town of Shrewſbury, and endeavoured to take the Caſtle, but were diſcovered, and ſo failed of their enterpriſe: The like riſing alſo in Montgomeryſh [...]re, in Sherwood Forreſt in Nottingham [...]hire, and in Yorkshire and Northumberland, ſo that though it was laid generally through the Nation, yet by the treachery of that Manning, the deſign was fr [...]ſtrated, which ſoon brought after it a trick called Decimation of the Cavaliers Eſtates for their old and this new (ſo termed) Delinquency.

The Protector had feared himſelf, Decemb as he thought, pretty faſt in his new Uſurpation, he had concluded a League with the Dutch, and Whitlock had made another for him with the Swede, and now the French had alſo entred into the like Confederation, prevening the Sp [...]n [...]ard, the firſt deſign whereof proved to be an attempt upon the King of Spains Weſt-Indies, adviſed by Cardinal Mazarine, and vigorouſly put in execution by the Protector; for on the nineteenth of December, a well-appointed Fleet ſet ſail from Portſmouth to the Barbadoes, where, and not before, the General, had order to open their Commiſſions, (Venables for the Land, and Pen for the Sea forces) no body certainly knowing their deſign, an occaſion of much miſchief afterwards to the expedition, neither Commanders nor Souldiers being ſufficiently provided for ſo long a ſervice with neceſſaries.

On the 29th of Ianuary, the whole Fleet, except the Charity, where the horſes and other proviſions were put aboard, arrived at Anchor in Carliſle Bay at the Barbadoes, and landed their men, where having made up the three thouſand they brought with them from England, to the number of eight thouſand, March with Planters from the adjacent Iſles, the 31 of March [Page]they ſet ſail from the Barbadoes, and ſix daies after, at S. Chriſtophers, took in thirteen hundred men more (Voluntiers) and from thence on the thirteenth of April arrived at S. Domingo. Here a Councel of War was called, and it was determined, that Gen Venables ſhould land with ſeven thouſand men, and three daies proviſion, ten or twelve leagues Weſtward to the Town, the Army being ve [...]y joyf [...]l, and expecting nothing leſs then heaps of gold; accordingly they landed, but then a Proclamation was made, that no man ſhould touch or plunder to his own uſe any plate, money, &c. which ſo deaded their hearts, that what with that, and the incommodiouſneſs and thirſt they ſuffered in that hot paſſage, being forced to drink their own Urine, they were ſo diſheartned and diſmayed, that at the very firſt encounter of the Enemy their courage failed them, and an inconſiderable Enemy made great execution on them.

Anno Domini, 1655.

This firſt ſucceſleſs combat ſtruck a panick fear through the whole Army, ſo that they began to grow afraid of the ruſtling of the leafs of thoſe thick woods they wandred in; but at laſt up they came to a Fort neer S. Domingo, where having made ready their Mortar Guns to play upon it, orders were given for the diſmounting and hiding of them, and the next day with all haſt the Army reimbarqued again, having neither proviſion, nor any thing elſe fit for their long return to Windward for Barbadnes; May and therefore it was reſolved, that they ſhould ſteer directly before the wind to Iamaica, where they arrived on the eighteenth of May, and meeting no oppoſition landed, and poſſeſt themſelves of the chiefeſt Town; whereupon enſued a Treaty betwixt the Spaniſh Governour and the General, which ſpun out time, till the Inhabitants had conveyed away their beſt goods and cattel; and ſoon after this worthy adventure, the two Generals returned into England, and for ſhew-ſake were clapt up in the Tower by the Protector, and preſently again releaſed. But great was the mortality of this expedition, ſcarce one in four ſurviving; and the ſame miſery befell them that were afterwards ſent thither, being two thouſand ſtout old Souldiers, under the ſeveral commands of Colonel Humphreys, and Lievtenant Colonel Brayn, who was ſent laſt to command in chief in that new-gained Iſland.

But what honour was loſt here, was ſomething compenſated [Page]by the valour of General Blake, who at the ſame time that this Fleet went for the Weſt-Indies, was ſent with another into the Straits to repreſs the violence of the Pyrates of Algiers, who had ſo infeſted thoſe Seas, that commerce was not free for any Nation: Therefore having anchored before Algiers, he demanded reſtitution, and had a civil anſwer, from thence to his ſatisfaction; thence he arrived at Tunis, demanding as before; to which the Dye or Vice-King returned anſwer, that there were the Caſtles and Ships of the Grand Seignior, that he might do his worſt, they were not to be ſcared with his Fleet: whereupon a Councel of War being called, it was reſolved, to attaque the Caſtles and Port of Ferino, wherein lay nine Frigats of War, and to burn them, which accordingly, and in deſpight of all their Ordnance and Caſtles they effected, with a very ſmall loſs: The news hereof was carried to the Grand Seignior, to the glory of the Engliſh Nation.

About this time a maſſacre was committed in Piedmont on the Proteſtants there (many ſay not for Religion, but Rebell on) and vaſt ſums of money were raiſed by a Declaration of the Protectors, reſenting their miſerable eſtate, moſt part of which came into his own purſe at the Concluſion; yet while he was taking money in one hand for the Chriſtians accompt, he had another open for the Jewiſh, who about this time had offered large ſums for their readmiſtion into this Kingdome, this could not be done without an odium, and yet the Protector kept what he had in hand as earneſt from them.

The next deſign was a Turkiſh one, having erected the office and power of Major Generals, equal to Baſhaws, for the ſeveral Counties, but they being upſtarts, and ſomething eclipſing his own entire greatneſs, he ſoon after laid them aſide, (but never totally abrogated them) having made uſe of them to levy his new extortion of Decimation.

A War now was declared betwixt the Spaniard and the Prorector, who ſent the two Generals, Blake, (and Montague new made one) to block up the Port at Cadiz, and to way-lay the Plate-Fleet in its return from the Indies (nothing was omitted to get money, which the people of England would not part with to him) while the French peace was then proclaimed, which had been agreed on, as before. Before Cadiz, the Engliſh lay, hoping to draw the Spaniards out, but he would not ſtir, imagining the Engliſh muſt remove for freſh water homeward, but that was found neerer there, at Wyers Bay in Portugal, [Page]whether the Generals being gone for the aforeſaid purpoſe, leaving Rear-Admiral Stayner to have an eye upon the Coaſt, and port of Cadiz, he cruſing up and down, eſpied a Fleet making thitherwards, whereupon being to Leeward, he made all the poſſible ſpeed he could to get up to them, they ſuppoſing his Squadron to be but Fiſhermen, and having received falſe intelligence the day before, that the Engliſh were departed, and preſently ingaged: The Spaniards were eight tall Galeons, he but three that fought; viz. the Speaker, the Bridgewater, and the Plymouth; the fight was ſoon over; of the Spaniſh two were taken, two burnt, one ſunk, two ran aſhore, and one eſcaped: In one of thoſe that was taken great riches were found, both in Plate and in Cocheneal, but in the other little ſave hides: For this Victory a Thankſgiving day was ordered, and much rejoycing at Wh [...]tehall.

Anno Domini, 1656.

Nevertheleſs this money would not ſerve turn, and therefore the Protector reſolved to put it to tryal what he could do by a Parliament, hoping this ſucceſs, and his reputation abroad, might have begot a dread and reverence upon the people, ſo that he ſummons a Parliament by his own Writ, to be held at Weſtminſter the 17th of September; where finding the Election, not anſwering his intendments, many of the late Aſſembly being returned again for this, he impoſeth a recognition of his Authority to be taken by every Member, before he ſhould ſit in the Houſe; and thereupon excludes far the major part. Others alſo, offended at this manner of proceeding, voluntarily abſented themſelves, and retired into their reſpective Counties; ſo that having packt this Convention according to his mind, the remnant choſe Sir Thomas Widdrington Speaker, and fell to work, enacting ſeveral things for the Protector firſt, for ſecurity of his perſon and dignity, which had lately been attempted by one Syndercomb (and for which he was convicted and condemned at the Kings Bench Bar, then called the Upper bench, and was ſuppoſed to prevent his execution, to have poyſoned himſelf the night before in the Tower, from whence he was drawn naked at a horſe tail, and burned under the Scaffold at Tower-hill, and a ſtake drove through him) and the next, the life of the Cauſe, for raiſing of money to maintain the War againſt Spain, and for continuing Tonnage and Poundage; another was, an [Page]Act for preventing buildings in and about London, a whole years Revenue to be paid for all ſuch houſes as had been built upon new foundations ſince the year 1620. and an Act confirming and continuing the Exciſe: But the chiefeſt of all was, a device called, The humble Petition and Advice, wherein Cromwell was entreated to be King, but his ambition durſt not venture upon it, as things yet ſtood, ſo he was contented to be inſtalled again Lord Protector, June. by the Authority of Parliament, which was wanting before, and that ſolemnly and very ſtately was ſoon after celebrated, and the Parliament adjounred.

Anno Domini, 1657.

Leave we the Protector awhile, and return to General Blake on the Coaſt of Spa [...]n, where finding nothing to do, being informed that the Plate-Fleet was arrived in the Canary Iſlands, and unladen, he reſolved to ſail thither, and fire the Galeons in the Harbour of Sancta Cruz, which with much bravery, though with as much danger and hazard, on the 20th of April, was attempted firſt by Sir Richard Stayner, and ſeconded by the whole Fleet, ſo that in four hours ſpace they fired ſixteen ſhips, and ſlew many hundred Spaniards on board and on ſhore, loſing only, ſome 50 ſlain, and 120 wounded. For this exploit the General had a Diamond, nigh worth five hundred pound ſent him, and Captain Stayner was Knighted by Oliver, but ſince the King, out of reſpect to his merit, hath confirmed him a Knight.

On the 19th of April a conſpiracy was found out of the Fifth Monarchiſts; at a houſe in Shoreditch, ſeveral Arms and Colours were taken; as l [...]kewiſe Major General Harriſon, Colonel Rich, Vice-Admiral Lawſon, Venner, and others of that party were ſecured; it came to nothing then, but burſt out dangerouſly ſince.

This Summer the Protector, according to compact and agreement with the French, had ſent over ſome forces to joyn with the French King againſt the Spaniard in Flanders: Theſe, under the Command of Commiſſary General Reynolds, landed in Picardy, and about the end of October, the French and he came and ſit down before Mardike, a Fort neer Dunkirk, and of concernment to the taking of Dunkirk it ſelf: This place, after a ſhort ſiege, was rendred, and by the French put into the Engliſh hands, and ſo the French betook themſelves to their [Page]winter-quarters, while the Spaniard, under the leading of the Duke of York, attempted by ſtorm in the night time to regain it from the Engliſh, but were valiantly repulſed.

General Blake returning home from hi [...] Triumphs over the Spaniard, died on Shipboard, in ſight of Engliſh Land; and General Reynolds returning out of Flanders to England, was caſt away in the Goodwin Sands, and with him Colonel White, and others.

By one of the clauſes of the humble Petition and Advice, it was declared, that the Parliament ſhould conſiſt of two Houſes; therefore Cromwell, during the adjournment, fill'd up the number of that Other Houſe, that was its name, conſiſting of ſixty two perſons, moſt of them Officers of the Army, and his neer Relations, moſt of them of mean extraction: Theſe nevertheleſs, at the expiring of the prorogation appeared, and took their places in the Houſe of Lords, according as the antient cuſtome was, whether the Protector came and ſent for the Houſe of Commons, where he made a canting ſpeech to them, but the Commons returning to their Houſe, having admitted all their Members, would neither own the new Lords, nor him that made them ſo, but fell into high diſputes about the Government; ſo that Cromwell ſeeing how the game was likely to go, came, and in a great [...]ury within ten daies after their reſitting, diſſolved them.

Anno Domini, 1658.

After the diſſolution of this Parliament, as of courſe, and according to cuſtome another plot was diſcovered, and this was clearly of Cromwells own making; the City was to be fired, and a general inſurrection and maſſacre of the well-affected: Vide Speech In this ſnare were taken Sir Henry Slingsby, Doctor Hewet, and Maſter, now Sir Thomas Woodcock, Iohn now Lord Viſcount Mordant, and others of meaner rank, as Colonel Aſhton, Thomas Bettley, Edmond Stacy, and others; Sir Henry Slingsby and Doctor Hewet, were beheaded at Tower-hill, and the three laſt hang'd and quartered in the ſtreets of London.

Dunkirk, June. after a gallant defence, and a field battel, in attempting the relief, where the Engliſh had the honour, and the French and Engliſh the victory of the day, was on the 25th of Iune delivered to the United Forces, and by the French King put into the Engliſh hands; Lockhart, formerly Ambaſſador in [Page] France, and then General of the Engliſh, being made Governour thereof.

Now it pleaſed God ſuddenly after this tyranny and cruelty, committed on thoſe innocent perſons above-named, to call this Protector to an account, who lingring ſome time with an ague and a pain in his inteſtines, on the third day of September, his great fortunate day, breathed out h [...]s laſt, his death being uſhered by a moſt terrible wind, and the coming of a Whale up the River of Thames, of twenty yards long. Thus ended that wretched Politique.

After Oliver Protector war dead, his Son Richard, according to an Article in the Inſtrument o [...] Government, by which he was to declare his Succeſſor, was by his Fathers Councel proclaimed Lord Protector of theſe three Nations, with the uſual ſolemnities, and accordingly owned by ſeveral addreſſes from moſt parts of the Kingdome, but drawn and ſubſcribed by ſome particular perſons of the times, who obtruded them upon the reſt. He was courted alſo by the French, Swediſh, Dutch Ambaſſadors, who all condoled him for his Fathers death.

After a little reſpit of time, Richard was adviſed to call a Parliament, the Courtiers thinking, that what with the Army and the Lawyers, they ſhould make their party good for the Protector in the Houſe of Commons, being ſure of their other Houſe of Peers, and in the mean time took care for his Fathers Funerals; which were ſolemnized in moſt ample manner, above the expences uſual to any of our Kings deceaſed, November 23. 1658.

The Parliament being convened on the 27th of Ianuary, the Protector and his new Lords gave them a meeting in the Lords Houſe, where he made a ſpeech to them, which was ſeconded by the Keeper Fiennes, and ſo departed to Whitehall, the Lords keeping their ſeats, and the major part of the Houſe of Commons, not vouchſafing audience, betook themſelves to their own houſe, and elected Challoner Chute for their Speaker.

The Parliament being in ſome meaſure, fuller then it uſed, by reaſon of Knights and Burgeſſes from Scotland and Ireland, began with the old Trade of queſtioning the power. In concluſion, the debate came to this reſult, that they would recognize the Lord Protector, but ſo that nothing ſhould be binding, till all other Acts to be prepared by the Parliament ſhould likewiſe paſs and be confirmed: For the other Houſe alſo, that no ſtop might be put to the great deſign of ſetling the Kingdome, [Page]which was then aimed at, and that queſtion of owning them being but a baulk to their proceeding, they reſolved to tranſact with them for this Parliament as a Houſe of Peers, not excluding the right of other the Peers of England.

The Protector, at the inſtance of the King of Sweden, had rigg'd forth a Fleet for the Sound, which being ready to ſet ſail, the Parliament ordered that for this time the Protector ſhould have the mannagement of the Militia in this expedition, reſerving to themſelves the Supreme right thereto; that Fleet, after ſix moneths time, returned back again, re infecta.

Now the debates flew high in the Houſe of Commons, tending to the leſſening the power of the Sword, which was grown ſo exorbitant; therefore the Army being ſenſible whereto ſuch conſultations would finally tend, reſolved to break up the Parliament; and accordingly, having ſecured the Protector, made him ſign a Commiſſion to Fiennes to diſſolve it, which accordingly was done, though the Houſe of Commons, to prevent it, adjourned themſelves for three daies; but then out came a Proclamation, forced likewiſe from the Protector, whereby he declared that Parliament to be abſolutely diſſolved.

Now the Army, and ſome of the tail of the Parliament which were turned out by Oliver in 1653. joyn their heads together, and ſo make way for their free Commonwealth again. Richard Protector is laid aſide, the Officers of the Army playing ſome eight daies with the Government, and then reſigning it to thoſe men, who very readily imbraced the motion, and met May 7. in the Houſe the Old Speaker, and ſome forty more making up a Quorum, and forthwith publiſhed a Declaration, how that by the wonderful Providence and goodneſs of God they were reſtored, which to moſt ſeemed the ſaddeſt judgement could befall the Nation.

Preſently they fall to their old trade of ſqueezing money, and providing ſure for themſelves againſt any more attempts of the Army, leiſurely purging out thoſe that had been active with Oliver againſt them, but by all means refuſe to admit thoſe Members that by the like force were formerly ſecluded in 1648. They depoſe the Protector, and make him ſign a Reſignation, yet promiſing him the yearly allowance of 10000 l. per annum, and the payment of his debts, ſo that they thought themſelves now cock-ſure, levying money by taxes before hand, to gratifie the Army, for the peoples love they never expected, and then ſettle the Militia in confiding hands.

Anno Domini, 1659.

[Page]

But this then excluſion of their Members, and taxes, and the fear of other preſſures, the Nation having had too late and long experience of their Government, ſo ſtomacked the people, that deſigns were every where laid to turn them out of their new acquired Authority: But the moſt powerfulleſt attempt againſt them was in Cheſhire, Sir Geo [...] [...]ooth [...]feated [...] 20. under Sir George B [...]ooh, with whom there roſe to the number of 4000 or 5000 men, and moſt of the Gentlemen of that County. Againſt theſe, Major General Lambert, then highly in favour with the Rump, ſo it was commonly called, was ſent with an Army, which with addition; out of Ireland, very neer equalled that number: At a place called Northwich, a ſmall skirmiſh happened between them, ſome fourteen killed and wounded; whereupon thoſe under Sir George Booth fled, and Cheſter was delivered; with ſome other holds newly poſſeſt by the Cheſhire men to Lambert, and Zanchy, whom he left behind him to reduce them, while he himſelf paſſed through Lancaſhire to his houſe at Craven, where with his Officers plotted the diſſolution of the Rump, which accordingly upon his coming up to London, was put in execution, October the 11th; and now the Army had the ſole power in their hands again.

Lambert hereupon, for we muſt ſuppoſe he is the Agent for his own ambition, though alſo agreed upon by Fleetwood, and the reſt of the Officers, erect a Committee of Safery of ſome thirty of the moſt eminent amongſt them, into whoſe hands they devolve the Supreme Authority.

But the Members o [...] the Rump reſolve not to be baffled ſo, Sir Arthur Hazelrig in December poſſeſt himſelf of Portſmouth, and General Monk in Scotland declares his unſatisfiedneſs in theſe proceedings of the Army at London, ſo that while Lambert was ingaged in the North, and attending the iſſue of a Treaty with General Monk there, the Members return from Portſmouth to London, through the diviſion they had wrought in the Army, the way they chalked out to their own ruine.

The Lord Fairfax was alſo riſen with a ſufficient force, reſtraining Lamberts men from free quarter; ſo that lacking money, and news arrived of the Parliaments ſitting at Weſtminſter, he comes back to London, whither immediately followed him General Monk, having been courted all along his march by the [Page]Gentlemen of all the Counties of England for a free Parliament.

At his coming to the Parliament, he declared the ſenſe of the Countryes through which he paſſed, but nothing leſs was minded by them then a new or free Parliament; but this, and other his actions, rendred him very ſuſpitious to them, nor was any man aſſured of his intentions. To try him therefore, the Rump having been denied moneys by the City, and therefore offended with them; to ruine both, by their expreſs Command, the General was ſent with his Army into the City, pulled down their Gates and Portculliſes, ſeized ſeveral Citizens at the Guildhall, and ſent them to the Tower; this ſeemed to portend ſome dreadful concluſion: But in the interim, the Rump voted, that the Government of the Army ſhould reſt in five perſons, making the General one of thoſe; which procedure of theirs, preſently drew the Curtain to the Scene and deſign enſuing.

Anno Dom. 1660.

For now the General having rendezvcuz [...]d his Army in Finſbury fields, acquainted his Officers with the neceſſity of introducing the ſecluded Members ever ſince 1648. into the Parliament, in order to the well-ſettlement of the Nations, to which they aſſented, and forthwith the whole Army marched into London, where upon the joyful news of this miraculous turn, (expecting nothing but maſſacres and plunderings) they were moſt welcomely entertained, nothing being thought too good for theſe Gueſts, whom they little before more then ſuſpected for their Enemies.

This was Saturday the of February in the afternoon, ſo that at night the Town was all of a blaze, every door having a bonfire, where all the contumely and diſgrace that could be done a perdite and hated ſort of men, by burning, roaſting, and frying of all manner of Rumps of Creatures, was moſt ſpitefully performed, their Speaker getting home with much danger to his houſe in Chancery-lane.

A fortnights time the General let them alone, minding them only of their diſſolution, which time they ſpent in making qualifications for the Members to ſerve in the enſuing Parliament, which were ſo many, and ſo ſtrict and unreaſonable, that the General delayed no longer, but on Munday, having convened the aforeſaid ſecluded Members at Whitehall, went with them [Page]to the Parliament Houſe, and there put them in, to the confuſion and aſtoniſhment of the Rumpers, many of whom forbore to ſit thereafter in company with them, as knowing what would enſue,

The ſaid Members being thus ſetled, addreſt themſelves immediately to the ſettlement, &c. making the General Captain General of all the Forces in the three Kingdomes, and nulling ſome former deſtructive Votes, and eſtabliſhing a Militia of well-affected and loyal perſons in the ſeveral Countie of England, and then according to the contract and compromiſe with the General, on the day of March, diſſolved that long and fatal Parliament, having ordered Writs to iſſue out for a new one to ſit down at Weſtminſter the 25th of April next the year 1661.

In this interval, the Government was lodged in a Councel of State, who perſiſted in the ſame wayes for a ſettlement, leaving the Top-ſtone to be laid by the Free Parliament, a term unuſual to our Anceſtors, but to this Generation a delightful novelty, after ſo many forces and violences upon ſo many in ſo few years. Colonel Lambert, at the inſtance of the General, had by the Rump been ſent to the Tower, from whence now he broke and eſcaped, and came to Edge- [...]ll, where was intended a great Rendezvouz of the Phanatick part of the Army then male-contented with the proceedings; but his deſign failed of the expected aſſiſtance, Colonel Ingoldsby being ſent in purſuit of him, and diſperſing his ſmall party at the ſame place, from whence he was brought to London, and committed a ſafer priſoner to the Tower aforeſaid.

On the 25th of April the Parliament convened in both Houſes, to whom a week after their ſitting came a Letter from the Kings Majeſty, with another to the General, and one to the City of I widon, brought by Iohn Lord Viſcount Mordant, and Sir Iohn Greenvile, now Earl of Bath, which were all with due humility and gladneſs received, and a Vote paſſed in Parliament, that their moſt humble thanks ſhould be preſented, by Commiſſioners appointed to attend his Majeſty then at the Hague for his gracious Letters, and he ſhould be deſired to return with all convenient ſpeed to the exerciſe of his Kingly Government; and Sir Thomas Clarges was firſt diſpatcht by the General on the ſame Errand, where at Court he was very much welcomed.

Tueſday the eighth of May, the King was proclaimed with [Page]all the magnificences uſual, but with the unuſual and extraordinary joy of the people, who made great bonfires that night, and ſeemed as it were to be in a kind of extaſie: On the 25th the King landed from Holland, being attended by a gallant Fleet, commanded by the Earl of Sandwich at [...], where the Genral met him (the Sea, and Heaven, and Earth, [...]ung with the peals of Ordinance) and ſo to Canterbury, to Rocheſter, and on the 29 day, being Tueſday, his moſt auſpicious Birthday, triumphantly and peaceably entred his Royal City of London, where the acclamations and ſhoutings were ſo loud and hearty, that it is impoſſible to eccho or expreſs them, to the great pleaſure, and yet diſturbance of the King, who about ſix in the evening came to his Palace at Whitehal, where in the Banquetting Houſe both Houſes attended him. All the way the way through the City, the General rode bareheaded next before his Majeſtie, his two Brothers, York and [...]onceſter riding of each ſide covered. After a ſhort congratulation, the King being weary, went to his Bed-chamber, where he ſupped, and ſo to his reſt, having come 27 miles that day, beſides his going through London; and within two days after, his Royal Brethren having taken their places in the Houſe of Lords, came to the Parliament, where he made a Speech, earneſtly preſſing the Act of Free pardon and indempnity, which he had promiſed in his Declaration from Dreda.

The next thing he did, was the emitting a Proclamation, requiring all thoſe who had a hand in the execrable murther of his Father, to render themſelves within ſuch a time, which ſome obeyed, the reſt fled; thoſe that came in, were (by the Act of Pardon, which came out ſoon after with ſome other) reſpited, till another Parliament ſhould determine of them either to life or death: This was in favour for their [...]endring themſelves.

On the day of Auguſt, dyed the moſt noble and accompliſht Prince Henry Duke of Glouceſter of the Small Fox, at Whitehal, to the very great ſorrow of the whole Kingdom, being a Prince of ſingular vertues and endowments.

In October, 1661. they, with the reſt that were apprehended for the ſaid [...], were ſeverally arraigned at the Seſſions Houſe in the Old-Bailey, before Sir Orlando [...] where after Tryal, they were all found guilty, and convicted of High-Treaſon, for compaſſing, contriving and bringing about the death of the King; for which 26 of them [...] ſentence to [Page]be drawn, hanged, and quartered, ſixteen of them, who rendred themſelves according to the aforeſaid Proclamation, were reſpited till the Parliament ſhould by an Act determine of them; but the other ten: viz. Mojor General Harriſon, Iohn Carew, Iohn Cook, the Sollicitor to the pretended Cour [...] o [...] Juſtice, Hugh Peter [...] Thomas Scot, Gregory Clement, Iohn Iones, Adrian Scroop, Francis Ha [...]ker, and Daniel Ax [...]el, were executed according to the ſentence, eight of them at Charing [...]roſs, and the two laſt at Tybur [...]; their Heads ſet upon Weſtminſter-Hall and London-Bridge, and their quarter upon the Gate [...] of London.

In December the King diſſolved the Parliament, which he honored with the Epithere of The Healing Parliament; and on the 24 of December dyed alſo that moſt illuſtrious Princeſs of [...]. His Majeſties Siſter, of the ſame diſeaſe which ſnatch away her Brother the Duke o [...] Glouceſter, to the extreme grief of the King, [...]he Queen Mother, and the whole Court.

The Queen Mother had come over ſome while before, with her Daughter the Lady [...], and now prepared for her depath [...]ed, feating the diſeaſe might run in the blood, the young Princeſs being not very well, and accordingly the King in company with them, to bring them to the water ſide, came to Portſmouth in the Chriſtmaſt time, and thence the Ladies took ſhipping for [...]

While the King was but this ſhort while abſent, hapned that deſpera [...]e Rebellion and Inſurrection in the City of London, by the Fifth Monarchiſts, at two ſundry times on the ninth of Ianuary at night, being Sunday; where they alarmed the City, marched through the gates, threatning to take down their Maſters, thoſe Regi [...]ide; quarters, killing ſome four men, and ſo [...]ſc [...]lked till Wedneſday morning next [...] at which time they [...] again, and reſolutely fought with the Trained Bands, and a Squadron of the Life guard of Horſe, in Woodſ [...]t [...] their ground till they were ſurrounded, and [...] they began to retreat but ſtill in order: There were killed [...] ſome eighteen, and they killed as many. Venner [...] a Wine Cooper, who was their Leader, was taken, and twenty more, [...] of which were executed with him at ſeueral places in London, being convicted of High-Treaſon for levying war againſt the King.

On Ianuary 30. 1660. the bodies of Oliver Cromwel, [...], and Hinry Ireton, were removed from their Interments, [Page]in Weſtminſter Abbey, and hanged at Tyburn, and there buried, their heads ſet upon Weſtminſter-Hall.

In Michaelmas Term this year, there was a call of fourteen Sergeants at Law, and the Courts at Weſtminſter were filed with Judges; the names of which moſt Grave and Honorable Perſons are as followeth, Sir Robert Foſter, Lord chief Juſtice of England, Sir Thomas Mullet, Sir Thomas Tw [...]ſden, Sir Wadham Windham of the Kings Bench, Sir Orlando Bridgeman Lord chief Juſtice, Sir Robert Hyde, Sir Samuel Brown, Sir Thomas Tyr [...]yl, in the Common Pleas, Sir Matthew [...], Sir Edward Atkins, Sir Chriſtopher Turner, Barons of the Exchequer.

Anno Dom. 1661.

HIs Majeſtie at His diſſolution of the Parliament, having promiſed to call another with all convenient expedition; iſſued out Writs for the election thereof, and appointed the eighth of May for their ſitting down at Weſtminſter; where they accordingly convened, and ratified ſeveral Acts made by the preceding Parliament, which being not ſummoned by the Kings Writ, was not by Law held ſufficient; the Act of Oblivion was firſt confirmed, being very much urged and preſſed by the King, as the foundation of a ſure and laſting ſettlement.

At the opening of the Parliament, the King acquainted them with His reſolution, of marrying Donna Catharina, the Infanta of Portugal, which they very joyfully received, by a Vote paſſed to that purpoſe in both Hou [...]es: There likewiſe paſſed an Act in repeal of that 1 Carol. 17. againſt the Civil Power of Biſhops, thereby debarring them from their Priviledges as Peers, which by this Repeal are to be reſtored fully unto them; with many other Acts of Publique concernment, and then adjourned till the November 20. inſtant.

The Right Honorable the Earl of Sandwich, having ſailed with a Fleet of men of War to the Coaſts of Barbary, to confirm the League between thoſe Pyrates and this Nation, came to an Anchor at Algeir, where he entred into a Treaty with the Governor of that Port, which not ſucceeding, the Fleet weighed and ſtood into the Harbour; where after the had fired ſome ſhips, and done ſome execution on ſhore, he came out again, having received ſome little loſs both of men and rigging. [Page]From thence he ſet ſail towards the Coaſt of Spain, leaving Vice Admiral Lawſon to guard the ſaid Port.

By a Commiſſion from the King, the Right Honorable the Earl of Peterburgh was made General for the expedition to Tanger, a ſtrong place and Fortreſs of the Portugals, on the ſtreights of Gibrala [...]r; and Forces are now ready to imbark in company with that Fleet which is going to bring home her Majeſtie the Queen from Lisbon.

About this time hapned a fray, or conflict on Tower-hill, at the Reception of the Swediſh Ambaſſador, betwixt the French and Spaniſh Ambaſſadors Coaches for Praecedency, where ſeven or eight were killed, and the French worſted: This ſo highly incenſed the French King, that he ſent to Madrid to demand ſatisfaction, but received none; ſo that upon, this and ſome other janglings, there is now a kinde of a petty Hoſtility between them. During this claſh, the Prince of Spain, dyed, and to the King of France was born a Daulphin, Chriſtned by the name of Lewes To [...]s Saints, becauſe he was born on All-Saints Day.

October. Col. Lambert, Sir Henry Vane, Sir Hadreſs Waller, Col. Cobbet, were ſent away from the Tower, to ſeveral remote places, for their own preſervation, as well as ſecurity of the peace, and divers others ſecured upon account of a Plot, a Narrative whereof cannot be given yet, not in this piece, which hath attained its concluſion.

FINIS.

Information about this book

Title statement

A brief chronicle of all the chief actions so fatally falling out in these three kingdoms, viz. England, Scotland & Ireland from the year, 1640, to this present twentieth of November, 1661 : containing the unhappy breaches, sad divisions, the great battels fought, number of men, with the eminent persons of honor and note slain, with several debates and treaties : also, the happy escape by a wonderful delivererance of His Majestie at Worcester, more fully expressed then hitherto : with His Majesties happy return, together with what passages of note hapned to this present November, 1661 : the like exact account hath not as yet been printed.

Heath, James, 1629-1664.

Edition statement

1662

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2009-10 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A70196

ID [STC]

Wing H1318A

ID [STC]

ESTC R19419

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

12171958

ID [OCLC]

ocm 12171958

ID [VID]

55447

Availability

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

Series

Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A70196)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 55447)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 601:9 or 601:10)

Source

— A brief chronicle of all the chief actions so fatally falling out in these three kingdoms, viz. England, Scotland & Ireland from the year, 1640, to this present twentieth of November, 1661 : containing the unhappy breaches, sad divisions, the great battels fought, number of men, with the eminent persons of honor and note slain, with several debates and treaties : also, the happy escape by a wonderful delivererance of His Majestie at Worcester, more fully expressed then hitherto : with His Majesties happy return, together with what passages of note hapned to this present November, 1661 : the like exact account hath not as yet been printed., Heath, James, 1629-1664., Lee, William, fl. 1627-1665..

Extent

[5], 64 [i.e. 68] p. : ill., port.

Printed for William Lee ...,. London :: 1662.. ("To the reader" signed: W. Lee.) (Item at reel 601:9 incorrectly identified as Wing H1318.) (Reproduction of originals in Bodleian Library and University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign Campus). Library.)

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