AS to the external Causes of the many evils and miseries wherewith this Nation hath been afflicted for these few years past, much might be said, but the chief I have reduc'd to the following Heads.

The first and generall Cause was the Sins of the People, 1 who (taking a surfet of ease, plenty and pleasure) and growing wanton thereby, gazed after novelty (that magneticall at­traction [Page 2]of the Plebeian rout) and as discontented with their present con­dition, sought felicity in things they wanted,Malv. Rom. and were still unsatisfied e­ven in the accomplishment thereof: whence is occasioned the hatred of tranquillity, the desire of motion, the loathing of present things, and seeking after future.

Another principal Cause, 2 was the lamentable corruptions of the Court, not inferior in vice to the most infa­mous Court in Europe, not excelling in any thing that might be called ver­tuous, but inur'd themselves to a soft and luxurious life, abounding in all manner of voluptuous and effeminate pleasures, rejecting the more noble dictates of nature and grace, not at­chieving any one enterprize, that might render them either feared a­broad, or loved at home: but still wanting fuell for the fire of their pro­digality, daily invented some new and indirect courses and wayes to tor­ment the people; whose jealousies and fears encreasing with their griev­ances, brought forth a most bloudy and intestine warre, which ended not [Page 3]but in the subversion of Church and State, as then established, viz. Epi­scopacy and Monarchy, the head of both being cut off and the bodies dis­comfited. And though the King was judged to be the Patron of those ma­ny innovations and miscarriages that befell the Church and Common­wealth, yet I am fully perswaded they proceeded not from the depravedness of his will, but the flexibility of his nature, overwhelm'd by his pernici­ous Councell, by which he seem'd of a lesser magnitude then otherwise he would have done; yet was he not the worst although the most unfortunate of Princes: and in him ended Mo­narchy, but not the miseries of these Nations: for after some years civil (and yet unnaturall) warre betwixt King and Parliament, they at length terminated in the vanquishing of his Armies, the surprizall, captivity and death of his person, upon a scaffold before his Palace of White-Hall, Jan. 30th. 1648.

The third and last Cause which I shall mention (though not the least, 3) was the Pride, Avarice, Ambition and [Page 4]slothfulnesse of the Clergy, who not only starv'd their flocks by withhold­ing the spirituall food of their souls, but also tormented their bodies, by exhausting and sucking their bodily substance, insomuch that the Nation groaned under the burden of their a­bominable corruptions, who should have been the examples and leading­cards of piety and sanctity: yet did the popular fury contribute more to the confusion of their Hierarchy, then all their Crime put together; nor were they cry'd down with more heat, then afterwards cry'd up, verifying that of the Poet,

Having now hinted out unto you the Causes of our Warres and the di­stractions that followed (the begin­ning, progresse and conclusion there­of, to the beheading of the King, be­ing accurately and briefly described by another hand) I shall proceed to that which remains.May's Brev.

No sooner was this mighty Prince bereaved of his life and dignity in such sort as is before related, bnt Monar­chy (the darling of the multitude) was voted chargeable, unnecessary and uselesse, and the Government was resolved into that of a Common­wealth.

Yet this mutation hapned-not for want of such as by a lineall descent, and according to the usage of this Na­tion, might pretend a Title to the Crown: for there was a plentifull Issue of the late King (both Male and Female) then surviving, but from some other politicall reasons best known to the then swaying Powers, the which added and ministred hopes equal to the discontents of the people.

Now Charles (though eldest Son of the late King) inherited little save the misfortunes of his Father, and what else he could chaulk out with his Sword; yet his greatest hopes and expectations were from Ireland, where the severall factions united, pro­claimed him King, and bent their whole strength against the Interest of the Commonwealth of England; and [Page 6]in short space became so formidable, and prevail'd so much, that they pos­sest all the strong holds of that Coun­try (Dublin and Londonderry excepted) both which were straitly besieged, the former by an Army of 22000. men under the Marq. of Ormond, the lat­ter by a party of the Irish Rebels: he had likewise adjoyning to the territo­ries of England, the Islands of Scilly, Jersey, and Man, which yet advantaged him no more then by nourishing a few small Picaroons to infest the nar­row seas.

But his affairs in Ireland were no sooner at this height, but they begun as suddenly to decline; for there being about 3000 Horse and Foot safely lan­ded at Dublin (as the forlorn of a great­er body) they were join'd with what other Forces they could then make, all which made not above 9000 at the utmost, and commanded by the vali­ant and never to be forgotten Coll. Mich. Jones, sallied forth, and not only raised the siege, but routed the whole Army of the Marqu. of Ormond, himself hardly escaping: about 2000 were slain in the place, and in the [Page 7]pursuit, some thousands were taken Prisoners, as likewise all their Ordi­nance, Ammunition, Carriages, Pro­vision, with great store of rich Booty. To adde to their declining estate, and help forward the destruction of these grand confederates, who were thus defeated in the midst of their mighty Attempts and huge imaginations,Generall Cromwell landed in Ireland. Aug. 1649. Oliver Cromwell Lord Deputy of Ire­land landed at Dublin with a powerful Army (about the midst of Aug. 1649.) well accommodated for the accom­plishment of that enterprise so happi­ly began. And first he laid fiege to Drogheda, and in small time (though with some difficuly and losse) took it by storme; and that he might cha­stise their obstinacy, and strike terror into other Garrisons, put to the sword all that were found in Armes, which were about 3000. Presently af­ter which there fell into his hands many other Garrisons, some by force, others by surrender, viz. Trim, Dun­dalk, the Nury, Wexford, Rosse, Ban­donbridge, Kinsale, Passagefort, with ma­ny more too tedious to relate. In o­ther parts of Ireland, several Garrisons [Page 8]of the Enemy were taken, and many considerable Parties were routed by others of the Parliaments Chieftains, viz. the Lord Broghill, Sr. Charles Coot, Coll. Venables, Coll. Jones, and others; and though this people have been still on the losing hand, yet have they held out in Boggs and fastnesses even to this day; whereby we see, that the vanquishing this Nation, was not so feasible as in the dayes of Henry the se­cond, who made it but a winters work to reduce and subject the peo­ple thereof: a thing scarce credible (sayes our Author) that a Country so populous,Dan. Chro. a Nation of that dispo­sition, should not lift up a hand to defend it self! But it seems (saith he) they were wholly unacquainted with such strange kind of fights, or such weapons; insomuch that the terror thereof laid them prostrate to the o­verrunner; but though the winning of that Nation was accomplisht with so much ease, yet in the keeping there­of, was more difficulty and cost. In short, The Affairs of the Catholick and other their confederate party mouldered and declined more and [Page 9]more, to the great grief and disheart­ning of the Royall Party.Virginia and the Carybe Iflands re­volt.

Much about this time hapned a ge­nerall defection of the English Plan­tations from their obedience to the Parliament, viz. Virginia and the Ca­rybe Islands: where, in the ardency of Popular fury, Liturgy, and Monar­chy were cry'd up, and the Noncon­formists were some stigmatized, some fined, and some banished; which courses procured them no small trou­ble and losse, in the decay of their Trade, and loss of their ships, all Nations being prohibited from tra­ding or traffiquing with them upon pain of forfeiture:Are re­duced. All which were in a few months reduced by a Fleet of ships from England under Sr. George Ayscue, not being able to subsist for any con­siderable space of time without Trade.

The English coasts were likewise miserably infested with Pirates from Scilly, Jersey, Ireland, and France; but the very Prince of Pirates and Plun­derers, was one commonly known by the name of Prince Rupert, who with the remnant of that Fleet, that (not long before) had revolted from the [Page 10]Commonwealth of England, being a­bout nine tall and warlike Shipps, committed many spoyls and depreda­tions, not only upon the English coasts, but in other places likewise, whereby the Merchants inccurred no small losse.

Now for the encouraging of Trade and reducing of Pirates, a stout and lusty Fleet of Ships, well rigg'd and man'd were set forth, which (with Gods blessing) scour'd the channel and blockt up Prince Rupert in the Har­bour of Kingsale, which with the Town being taken by the Lord Gen. Cromwell, they were forced thence to make all the saile they could away, (leaving about three Ships behind) & at length arrived at Lizbon, the Impe [...]ial City of the King of Portugall, and cra­ved his protection, which was not de­nyed them, the which caused much trouble, losse and detriment to that King; and was the only cause of that unhappy difference that fell out be­tween him and this Commonwealth, as hereafter will appear.

Other designs were set on foot by the Royal party, for the obtaining their ends.

The first was tht Commissionating of James Graham Earle of Montrose, for [...]he raising what Forces he could in Holland and other parts to invade Scot­ [...]and.

The second was the procuring a Treaty between the Scots and their King, whereby they might by force or [...]raud work him into an absolute So­veraignty over that Nation, making good that known distich,

To give more life to these underta­kings, Ambassadors were dispatcht to Spain, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, Turky, &c. in the name of Charles the Second, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, which Title (with much confidence) [...]he assumed to himself, yet obtained [...]either Men nor Monies worth no­ting from any of them, but excuses, pleas, and complements in abundance; for alas they had rather he should not be at all, than be too great: they that have equall dignity of birth, had [Page 21]rather have no equall than any supe­rior.

Montrose (according to his Masters Instructions,Montrose enters Scotland, having got together some inconsiderable supplies of men and monies) at length lands in the North of Scotland, where he had not long been, ere he was assailed and routed by a party from the Kirk,Is routed, taken pri­soner and executed. and his Person brought prisoner in most disgracefull manner to the Castle of Edinburgh, where to fill up the mea­sure of their malice, they hanged him ten yards from the ground, an act so barbarous and inhumane, as admits of no comparison: thus lived and thus dy'd the Mirrour of Manhood and Map of misery, who for many years toge­ther had been a thorn in the side of the Kirk; witnesse the severall defeats he gave them, and who from small begin­nings accomplisht vast enterprizes, whose hard fateit was at last to fall in­to their bloudy hands, Sic transit gloria mundi. One would have thought this one act of theirs had been of force e­nough to prevent all future overtures between the Scots and their declared King: yet as if he had throughly [Page 13]learnt that lesson, Qui nescit dissimulare [...]seit regnare, he took little notice [...]hereof.

Next Montrose was executed Sir John [...]rrey, Coll. Spotswood, and others that were the chief actors in that underta­ [...]ing, by which means they were rid of [...] dangerous enemy.

On all this the English (like caute­ [...]ous statists) had a watchfull eye, and on every of those actings, whether o­ [...]en or secret, that might have any re­flection upon them or their affairs: and to the end they might the better sound the contrivances of their adver­saries, they endeavour to strengthen themselves by forrein Alliance; and accordingly they sent Dr. Dorislaus, Dr. Doris­laus mur­ther at the Hague. a wise and knowing man, as publicke Agent, into the united Provinces, whereby to keep a right understand­ing and fair correspondency between the two Republicks: where he had not long been ere he was slain by six assassinates that broke into his lodg­ings at the Hague in a disguised habit, by which means they escaped unpu­nished, notwithstanding the many en­deavours (at least pretendedly used) [Page 14]for their apprehension. The author [...] of this Tragedy were afterwards known to be English Cavaliers, dis­contented at their declining state, and losse of their old Master: one where­of was Coll. Spotswood afore mention­ed, who at his death confest he was an actor therein. Thus stood the En­glish affairs in reference to their ene­mies abroad, while they were in some­what worse plight at home: for a­midst the severall factions that sprung up during these late warres, none was more desperate then that commonly known by the name of Levellers,The Le­vellers mutiny. who at once so wrought with the Souldie­ry, that a considerable party of Horse withdrew themselves from the Army, and gathered together such others of their party as they could convenient­ly, thinking thereby to force their Lords and Masters to such things as their immature and unbridled appre­hensions had dictated to them: But by the care and industry of Gen. Fair­fax, Are sup­prest. they are defeated at a place called Burford in Oxfordshire, and of those that were taken, some were made exem­plary, others were cashiered the Army, [Page 15]and the rest upon their submission were taken into favour.

Not long after was brought to tri­all at the Guildhall London, Lilburne tryed at Guildhall. the grand Champion, the chiefest and only Pa­triot of the action aforesaid, viz. John Lilburne, a man of a restless and yet invincible spirit, that could ne­ver be deterr'd with threats, or won with favours, by a special Commission of Oyer and Terminer; where was pre­sent most of the Judges and Justices of the severall Courts at Westminster, the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs, and seve­rall Aldermen of London, with others of eminent quality. The Indictment with many crimes of a treasonable nature, as being the Author of such and such Books mentioned therein; which Books were fraught with the most shamefull revilings, scurrilous invectives, and malicious outcries a­gainst the Governours, and Govern­ment of this Nation, that the heart of man could invent; calling them Tyrants, Traytors, Conquering Usurpers, and what not? Now though nothing was more generally beleeved, then that the Books afore­said [Page 16]were of his own penning and pub­lishing, yet at his triall he made such an excellent,Is cleared and re­leased. subtle and singular de­fence, that the Jury brought him in Not guilty, whereupon he had his re­lease.

By this time the severall trans­actions that were between the Scots and their King, had brought forth a Treaty at Breda in the Netherlands, The treaty between the Scots and their King con­cluded. a Town of speciall note belonging to the Prince of Orange, at whose cost and charges it was both continued and concluded: now that part of the A­greement that had the most especiall influence on us, was, that they should endeavour to the utmost of their pow­er, to reinstate him in his Fathers Throne, invest him in his Power and Greatnesse, and establish him in his just Rights and Dignities: where we shall at present leave him to see how the affairs of his Adversaries the Eng­lish succeeded.

The differences that lately broke out between the King of Portugall and this Nation, were now widened by acts of open hostility; for when the English perceived, that neither in­treaties [Page 17]nor threats would make him force Prince Rupert out of his Har­bour, and that the often applicati­ons and negotiations of the English Agent Mr. Charles Vane, in order thereunto, could availe nothing, but on the contrary prepared what Ships of warre he had to joyn with Rupert, and so to chase the English from his Coasts, they seiz'd many of his Ships richly laden both inward and out­ward bound: but the King doubting his strength, desisted from falling upon the English Fleet, and sell to seize the estates, and secure the per­sons of the Merchants and Factors residing in Lisbon and other places under his Jurisdiction.

About this time likewise the En­glish sent an Agent to the King of Spain, viz. Mr. Anth. Ashcam, M. Ashcam the Eng­lish Agent murther'd at Madrid. a most learned and excellently well accom­plisht Gentleman, who on the 5^th. of June, 1650. landed at Santa Maria; where (hearing of many threats a­gainst his person) he procured a Guard that conducted him to Madrid, where is kept the Court of the King of Spain. The first night it was his [Page 18]hard fortune to lie at an Inne; the next day while with his Interpreter Signior Riba he sate at dinner, six divels in the shapes of men, knockt at the door, had easie accesse, and being entred Mr. Ashcam rose to salute them, whereupon the foremost stabbed him in the head, and his Interpreter en­deavouring to escape was stabbed in the belly, both falling down dead in the place. Whence the murtherers fled to the Venetian Ambassadors house, but were denyed entrance: whence they fled to the Sanctuary, were pur­sued and carried to prison from thence by the Kings speciall com­mand, one of them only escaping. Hereupon arose a great difference be­tween the King and the Church, about the violation of the holy Sanctuary, and thereby infringing the Sacred Rights and Priviledges of the Church, and demanded that the Assassinates should be delivered again into the Sanctuary. On the other hand the Parliament of England by sundry Messages, earnestly prest that Justice might be severely inflicted upon those execrable offenders, that had perpe­trated [Page 19]so horrid and vile an act upon their publick Minister. And indeed it was a crime of so transcendent a nature, that me thinks it should not enter into the heart of any conside­rate man to imagine of any expiation for them here, however it may please God to deale with them hereafter. The Church notwithstanding pre­vailed, so farre as to interrupt the course of Justice, for as much as their punishment has been hitherto fuspen­ded, though for any thing we hear they are yet in durance.

Neer this time arrived in England the Lord Gerard Scarph, as Commissi­oner from the States Provinciall of Holland and West Friesland, and upon the 11^th. of June, 1650. he delivered his Message in Parliament; which though it produced no more then a mutuall desire of an amicable compli­ance, yet was it very well resented by the Parliament, that they shewed themselves the leading cards to the rest of the Provinces at such a time as that.

Now when as the Treaty at Breda was fully ended, and that all their [Page 20]Jealousies and animosities (notwith­standing the vast disproportion and notable antipathy that was erewhile between the Royalists and Presbyte­rians) was by this means fully al­layed, at least in shew. The Scots seemed to want nothing save the pre­sence of their King, whereby to crown their desires and confront the English, in order whereunto he hasts from Breda to the Hague, from thence to Scheveling, where he took shipping, and at last in despight of foul wea­ther, and the English Kingfishers that lay there to intercept him, he landed at the Spey in the North of Scotland, where he found the greatest difficulty in ascending the Throne, and least en­joyed it of any Prince that was ever heard or read of. For upon all oc­casions he was compeld to trace the steps, and follow the dictates of that haughty Clergy, in all their fanatick humours and imperious decrees: who bereaved him first of all his old friends, Counsellors and confede­rates, whether of the Clergy or Lay­ety, who (to say the truth) had al­wayes accompanied his Father and [Page 21]him in all their dysasters and dangers; and had shipwrackt their own for­tunes to carine and repair his, though it may be by this desertion he inten­ded their restauration. But now the Scots had a King, yet (as though they had none) they did what seemed right in their own eyes.

The first and most pernicious poti­on they made him to take, and of hardest digestion, was the solemne League and Covenant, that ignis fatuus, and only seminary of bloud and mis­chief in these three Nations.

The next was a declaration of the Kirks own framing and fashioning; wherein he is taught to renounce the sinnes of his Fathers house, and of his own, the Idolatry of his Mother, by a con­stant adhering to the Cause of God, accor­ding to the Covenant, in the firm establish­ment of Church government, as it is laid down in the Directory for publike Worship, Confession of Faith and Catechism: This with divers others of the like nature (although with much reluctancy) he also signed; which it's like, bur­thened his spirit, yet bettered not his condition, which was like that [Page 22]of a Child under Tutors and Gover­nours; for there was not an Officer in that Church or Commonwealth, how vile and abject soever in place or person, but enjoyed more freedome in body and mind then he. Guarded indeed he was, but little regarded; so that move he must not but in the sphaere of the Kirk; they were the primum mobile, whereby it's apparent that the Government of that Nation was not truly Monarchicall (though they had a King) but Hierarchicall, the confusion whereof I shall now set before you.

The Parliament of England weigh­ing right well the condition into which their affairs were now reduced (by reason of the Agreement that was peeced up between the Scots and their King) after a serious and solemne de­bate,Gen. Fair­fax layes down his Commis­sion, which was pre­sently con­fer'd upon General Cromwell Lord De­puty of Ireland. voted that Thomas Lord Fairfax with the Army under his command should march Northwards: who (af­ter some conference had with the Par­liament) and being prompted by an indisposition of body or mind, laid down his Commission: which was forthwith conferr'd upon Oliver Crom­well [Page 23]Lord Deputy of Ireland, who (in order to this Northern expedi­tion) arrived a while after from his victorious archievements in that country, leaving his Son in Law Henry as Lord Deputy in his room.

Accordingly Orders were issued forth for the speedy advance of the Army into Scotland, who had no soon­er begun their March, but the Scots took the Alarme, and sent two or three Papers to Sr. Arthur. Hasterig then Governour of Newcastle; where­in they expostulated the Case about the sudden approach of the English Army, endeavouring thereby to im­pede their march, till such time as their designs were ripe: alledging (as scar-Crowes to fright fools) the Covenant, the large treaty and Union between the two Nations, with other circumstances of the like nature, as frivolous as they were fruit­less.

The Parliament of England then published likewise a Declaration, shewing the grounds and reasons of their Armies advance towards Scot­land, accompanied with another from [Page 24]the Generall and officers of the Army,The De­claration of the English Army in their march to Scotland. shewing that that which moved them to that great undertaking, was not any reliance upon the arme of flesh, or being lifted up with the remem­brance of former successes, or the de­sire of accomplishing any designs of their own that they had forelaid, but the full assurance they had that their Cause was just in the sight of God: looking at the precedent chan­ges, and the successes that produced them, not as the work of the policy or strength of man, but as the eminent actings of the Providence and Power of God, to bring forth his good will and pleasure, concerning the things which he hath determined in the world; adding that nothing was so predominant with them (next to their duty to God, not to betray a cause to which he had so much witnessed) as the love they had to those that fear­ed God there, who might possibly suffer through their own mistakes, or their disability to distinguish in a common calamity: of which Chri­stian love they hoped that they gave some proof when they were before [Page 25]in Scotland with that Army, and were by God made instrumentall to break the power of those that oppressed the godly Party there; for which (say they) their late Engagement to their new King against England was no good requital, nor their heaping on them the reproach of a Sectarian Army, a Christian dealing: all which (by the grace of God) they could forget and forgive, and did (as they say) de­sire of God that the precious might be separated from the vile, beginning and concluding with a most solemn and dreadful imprecation and appeal; That to the truth of these things the God of Heaven in his great mercy, pardoning their weaknesses would judge of them when they came to meet the Enemy in the Field.

This Declaration was sent by the Generall of the English Forces from their Head-Quarters at Barwicke to Edenburgh by a Trumpeter, whom they blinded coming and going: what ef­fect this wrought, the sequel of the Story will relate.

From Barwick the Army marched to the Lord Mordingtons House July 22. [Page 26]1650. where they lay three dayes: on the 25. they marched to Copperspeth, the 26. to Dunbar, where they receiv­ed some provisions from the Ships sent on purpose to attend the motions of the Army; forasmuch as the peo­ple of the Countrey had forsook their habitations, and had left nothing be­hind that might accommodate them. The Army thus refresht at Dunbar, marcht thence to Haddington: Next day hearing the Scots would meet them at Gladsmore, they laboured to pos­sesse the Moor before them, but no considerable part appeared, where­upon Major Generall Lambert and Collonel Whalley men of approved courage with 1400. Horse were sent as a Vauntguard to Mussleborough to attempt something upon the Enemy if possible; The General with the residue of the Army marching in the rear, the English and Scotch Horse had some encounters, but the Scots would not endure the Shock: that night the English lay encamped close at Mussleborough; the Enemy was with­in four miles of them, intrenched with a Line, flanked from Edenburgh [Page 27]to Leith; the Guns from Leith scour­ing most parts of the Line, so that they lay very strong: The English finding their Enemies were not easily to be attempted, lay still all that day being the 29. which proved a sore day of rain, and greatly disadvan­tageous to them, having nothing to cover them, all which, expecting a speedy engagement, they did cheer­fully undergo it; next day being the 30. the ground very wet, and pro­visions being scarce, the English re­solved to draw to their Quarters at Mussleborough, to refresh and revictu­all; which while they were doing, the Scots fell upon their rear, and put them to some disorder. But some bodies of the English Horse came forthwith to close with them, which produced a hot and gallant skirmish, insomuch that at length the English charged them so home, that they beat them to their very Tren­ches. Major General Lambert in this dispute was run through the arme with a Launce and wounded in ano­ther part of the body, taken prisoner, but rescued by Lievtenant Empson of [Page 28]the Generals Regiment; several o [...] the Scots were killed and taken pri­soners, with small losse to the English: among the rest there was taken one Lievtenant Collonel, one Major, and some Captains, some persons of note were likewise slain.

By this means the English had op­portunity to march quietly off to Mussleborough, which they did that night; but so wearied for want of sleep, and tired with the dirtinesse of the wayes, that they expected the Enemy would make a sudden infall upon them, which accordingly they did. Between three and four of the Clock next morning, being the 30. of July, with fifteen select Troops of Horse under the Command of Major General Montgomery, and Coll. Straug­han, who came on with great resolu­tion, beat in the English Guards, and put a Regiment of Horse into some disorder; but the English presently taking the Alarm charged, routed, pursued, and did execution upon them, within a quarter of a mile of Edenburgh, taking and killing many, as well Officers as Souldiers: the [Page 29]Scotch affairs succeeding in this sort, made them forbear such frequent sallies, and keep within their in­trenchments.

This was the posture of the Milita­ry affairs in Scotland, when to adde to the miseries of that people, all traffique and commerce was prohibi­ted between the two Nations. And such of the Scots as had their residence in England, were commanded to de­part the Land within ten dayes or thereabouts; their Ships (not able to resist, having no Convoy) were of­ten surprized by the English, inso­much that they were in the road way to ruine: But seeing this Moneth of August produced little of action from the Armies there, it will not be amiss to give a brief account of such re­markable passages as about that time hapned in England and the neighbour­ing Nations.

At London was apprehended, con­demned,Col. An­drews be­headed at Towerhill. and executed Collonel Eu­sebius Andrews, who being taken with a Commission from Charles Stuart, and for entring into a conspiracy to un­dermine the Government of England, suffered death as aforesaid.

From the united Provinces came accompt of some notable transactions, which take as followeth.

The Prince of Orange (Brother in Law to the Scots King, by marrying his Sister, Daughter to the late King of England) aspiring to a higher de­gree of Soveraignty over those Pro­vinces then he or his Predecessors ever enjoyed, and being thwarted in some of his projects when he was at Amsterdam, he thereupon was so dis­tested, that he resolved to right him­self, by securing and putting out the leading men in that Province of Holland, for which purpose he caused all the Deputies thereof (being then at the Hague) to assemble, which they refusing, he seized most of them, those of Amsterdam, (whom he chiefly de­fired) escaped only. His next design was to have surprized the City of Amsterdam by a stratagem, command­ing the Horse to such a place, under pretence of conducting his Mother, and shipped his Infantry at Ʋtrech in the ordinary Passage-boats, to come all night, that they might be there early next morning, and the horse to [Page 31]have their Rendezvouz upon the Heath between Naerden and Amesford about midnight, and to be at the Ports of the Town at the moment appointed; by which time the foot should have seized on the Regulars and the S. Tunies Ports, and have opened a passage for the Horse to en­ter; which design (if by a wonderful providence of God in sending a fierce storm of rain that night, the intended march of the Horse had not been hindred from coming to the place and time appointed) had in all probabi­lity taken effect. Nor had the Town known any thing thereof till too late. But the Hamburgh Post, as he was coming to the Town met with seve­ral parties of Horse, riding to and fro about Amesford and the Heath, yet who they were he knew not.

Hereof the Lords being informed, straightway caused the Ports to be shut, the Bridges drawn, the Guards set, the Ordinance planted, and all war­like preparations to be made; and all this while not knowing their enemies. But they were not long in suspence, for notice was soon given, that it [Page 32]was Count William with his Forces, whose designments being thus de­feated, the Prince of Orange accosts the Town with this following Let­ter.

This stratagem (projected with so much secrecy and subtlety) failing, Count William drew off his Forces to severall Posts, with intent to block up the Town, which being in a po­sture of defence, opened their sluces, and set the Land under water round about; and having so done, they sent a Trumpeter to Count William to know the reason of that so sudden approach, and to desire him to retreat with his Army, who returned an­swer, that he could do nothing till he heard from the Prince of Orange, yet a little after he thought fit to quit his station and retire; yet the Deputies of Holland being fast in the Castle of Lovenstaine, the Prince of Orange had the advantage of make­ing his own conditions which were these.

1. That the Town of Amster­dam shall agree with the other six Provinces for continuing the Militia, as it is now setled for four or five years.

2. That the Prince shall repair to their City at pleasure, and be re­ceived upon his entry with all respect [Page 34]and reverence, as was used in times past to his predecessors, Lievtenants of Holland, and have access into their Assemblies.

3. That the Lords of Amsterdam shall at the next Assembly of the States, use their utmost endeavours to allay all jealousies and to recon­cile differences in reference to the late action, and bury all in oblivi­on.

4. That the Lords Andrew and Cornelius Bicher, shall forthwith be removed from Government, with re­spect had to their good Names, In­tegrity and future Security; and if after they have had conference with his Highnesse the Prince of Orange he shall persist in his opinion touching them, that then they shall be rendred uncapable of any Government here­after.

Now though by this means he brought the States under his Lure, and subjugated them to his humour; yet this was not the prize he run for, his greatest hopes and highest thoughts being fixed on that inexhaustible trea­sure then in the bank at Amsterdam, [Page 35]with which he might not only have raised his declining state, but also mount to an absolute degree of So­veraignty and Supremacy over that people, and likewise might have con­tributed much towards the repairing the despicable and needy fortunes of his Brother in Law the Scots King, to the troubling and disquieting the peace and tranquillity of these three Nations; to all which it plea­sed God of his goodnesse to give a check.

The State of France had likewise a plentifull share in those incumbrances and common calamities that are in­cident to Nations and people by reason of forrein and domestique broyls; The present Cardinall Ma­zarine was lookt upon as the very efficient cause of all their civill dis­cords, and the only ey-soar of that miserable people; not much unlike the late blazing Star of Canterbury in England, both Church-men, and yet both Statesmen, of like interest with their King; and of like power over the people, both alike emulated by the Nobility for their Greatnesse, [Page 36]and of the Commonalty for their grievances; But like Fate hath not befell them; For this Cardinall is neither out of favour with his Prince, nor is he fallen into the hands of the people, for though they have often shewed their teeth, it hath never been in their power to bite.

For during the minority of the present King of France Lewis the 14. the sole management of State affairs hath been in the hands of the Queen Regent, and her beloved Favourite Cardinall Mazarine; at which (after some years forbearance) the chief of the Nobility uttered their discontents both publickly and privately: where­upon three of them were arrested and sent to prison, viz. Lewis de Bourbon Prince of Conde, Armant de Bourbon, Prince of Conti, and the Duke of Longueville; this administred fresh oc­casion to the people to breath out their discontents, those of Burdeaux against the Duke of Espernon more especially, but all against the Cardi­nal; So that on a sudden the whole Kingdome was inflamed with civill warres and the appurtenances there­unto [Page 37]unto belonging. The principal pro­moters of and actors in those tumults, were two famous Amazones, the Prin­cesse of Conde, and the Dutchesse of Longueville in behalf of their impri­soned husbands: Many others of qua­lity appeared also in their behalf, and to make themselves the more formidable, contracted an underhand bargain with the Spaniard, who (greedy to fish in such troubled wa­ters) supplyed them with considera­ble summes of money. The Parlia­ments of Burdeaux, Paris, Dijon, Tho­louse, &c. countenanced these designs in opposition to the Cardinall and his creatures: So that in short space Armies were raised on both sides, Towns garrison'd, taken and re-ta­ken, many mens lives lost, and the Countrey prey'd upon by all parties; The Spaniard being not only a fo­menter of, but an actor in these por­tentous divisions, for by this means he had the opportunity to march to and fro in that Nation, without any considerable opposition, taking Gar­risons, and wasting the Countrey at his pleasure.

These Insurrections (after many ebbings and flowings, strange Revo­lutions and transmigrations, too tedious here to insert,) at length produced the liberty of the Princes, the withdrawing the Duke of Esper­non from Bourdeaux, the banishing the Cardinall with all his kindred and si lends from the Court and King­dome: yet was he longer banishing then banished; for it was not many moneths ere he returned in great pomp and glory, to the extreame grief of his old malecontents and competitors, the Prince of Conde, the Duke of Orleance and others; as ap­pears by the present troubles where­with that servile people is yet af­flicted: where (praying for their de­liverance) I shall leave them, and re­turn to the more proper subject of this discourse, viz. the English affairs in Scotland.

The moneth of August was nee [...] done, and little action performed save the taking of Collington house, and Readhall by storm, and in it the Lord Hamilton, Major Hamilton and sixtie Souldiers, 60. Barrels of Pouder, [Page 39]100 Arms, great store of Meal, Malt, Beer, Wine, and other rich plunder: This was done on the 24 of Aug. 1650.

The body of the English Army re­moved forthwith from Pencland Hills, to Collington, Readhall, and other parts within a mile of the whole Army of the Scots; on the 27^th. both Armies marched side by side, a great bog only betwixt them, which hindred an en­gagement, yet the Great Guns plaid on both sides: Aug. 28. the Canon from the English Camp plaid hard upon the Enemy and greatly annoyed them, all which provoked them not to fight, but still they kept within the protection of the Bog: The En­glish (being in some want of Provi­sions) drew off to to their old Quar­ters at Pencland Hills, then with much difficulty to Mus [...]leborough to recruit, which done they drew off their For­ces, quitted their Garrisons, and marched to Haddington; the Scots at­tending on their right wing, fell into their Quarters with a r [...]solute Party, and were as valiantly repuls'd by a Regiment of Foot commanded by Coll. Fairfax.

Septemb. 1. The Scots being so ad­vantagiously drawn up at the west end of the Town, the English drew Eastward into fair and champion ground, fit for both Armies ro en­gage in: but finding (after severall hours expectation of the enemies ap­proach) that they would not move after them, but to dog them to ad­vantages, they marched towards Dun­bar, whither the Scots moved apace after them, and at a Pass endeavoured to fall upon the rear, which the En­glish perceiving fac'd about to fight them: whereupon the Scots drew off to the Hills, perceiving their 'advan­tage lay there, to impede the English at the Passe at Copperspeth; which be­ing effected, they brag'd they had the English in Essex his pound, meaning they had them upon the same lock the King had the Earl of Essex at in Cornwall: so ready are men to pro­mise wonders to themselves, while they confer but with their own de­sires.

The English were indeed invironed with all manner of apparent dangers; their Forces were lessened, their bodies [Page 41]weakned with Fluxes, their strength wasted with watchings in want of drink; wet and cold weather they were alwayes accompanied with, and much impaired in point of courage, 2000 at least being disabled for pre­sent service, were sent at several times to Barwick.

The Generall and his Councell of Officers finding the Army unfit for further delayes,The Scots defeated at Dunbar. resolved next morn­ing to break through that their Is­raelitish condition, by falling on the right wing of the Scots, and either force a passage that way, or perish in the attempt; and being imbattailed by break of day accordingly, they fell upon the enemy with Horse and Foot very unanimously; who to hinder the English at a Passe, drew up all their Horse upon their right wing, and valiantly received the on­set. The Word of the English was, The Lord of Hosts; and that of the Scots was, The Covenant. The English as men indued with new strength from on high, vigorously prest forward, as resolved to become absolute van­quishers, or to die martyrs. After [Page 42]one hours sharp dispute, the Scots were wholly routed, their Cavilry fled, and the Infantry were all or most of them slain and taken to the number of about 15000. There were taken 200 Colours, 10 Collonels, 12 Lievtenant Collonels, 9 Majors, 47 Captains, 72 Lievtenants, 80 En­fignes, befides Cornets and Quarter­masters: 22 Pieces of Ordinance, with severall smaller Pieces, about 15000 Arms; those of quality taken, were the Lord Libberten and his Son, the Lord Cranston, Sr. James Lumsdale, Lievtenant Gen. of the Foot, Ad­jutant Gen. Bickerton, Scoutmaster Generall Cambill, &c. At this en­gagement all the Forces of the English would not amount to 1200, and the Scots were in number more then 20000. And as there was a general Fast throughout England, to implore a blessing from Heaven upon the pro­ceedings of their Army in Scotland, so likewise there was appointed a solemne day of thanksgiving to Al­mighty God for this mighty Victo­ry obtained over the Scots in the fields of Dunbar, Sep. 3. 1650. In the ob­servation [Page 43]whereof many of the Cler­gy shewed themselves very froward and obstinate, of whom I shall have occasion to speak more hereafter.

Sept. 7. four Regiments of Foot marched into Lieth, where they found 37 Guns mounted on Platforme, some Shot and Ammunition with store of wealth.

The same day the Lord Generall Cromwell drew the rest of his Army both Horse and Foot into Edenbur­rough without any losse save the Arm of a Souldier taken off by a Canon bullet from the Castle. Sept. 6. being Sabbath day, Generall Cromwell sent a Trumpeter into the Castle, to in­vite the Ministers to come to their several Charges, which they resused, so that the English supplyed their places.

For some certain time the Army was busied in compleating the Forti­fications at Lieth, the most commodi­ous Harbour for their accommodation in all Scotland.

Gen. Cromwell (after he had caused a Protection for Markets, and Liberty of Trade in Edenburrough and Lieth to [Page 44]be proclaimed by beat of Drum and sound of Trumpet) marched forward Sep. 14. with his Army to Netherish, six miles from Edenburrough, leaving Major Generall Overton with his Bri­gade behind. Sep. 15. the Army marched beyond Linlithgow, but (by reason of the extremity of the wea­ther) they were forced to quarter there that night. Sep. 16. they mar­ched towards Falkirk; and from thence Sep. 17. within a mile of Ster­ling. Sep. 18. a Councell of Warre was called, and a Letter drawn up to be sent into the Town, expressing their constant affection to, and ten­dernesse of the People of Scotland, which though they had not taken the desired effect, yet being so farre ad­vanced into the Countrey with their Army, they now desired them to take into consideration their former Pa­pers, and deliver up that place for the service of the Commonwealth of England. A Trumpeter being sent with the Letter, a Gentleman on foot, with a Pike in his hand met him, and told him they would not let him come in, nor receive his Letter.

In the afeernoon came a Trumpeter from the Scots, desiring a release of Prisoners upon ransome: To which Generall Cromwell answered, That they came not thither to make mer­chandize of Men, or to get gain to themselves, but for the service and security of the Commonwealth of England.

The same day Orders were issued forth for the Horse and Foot to march towards Sterling, in order to a storm, Ladders and all other neces­saries being provided for that pur­pose; but the strength of the enemy, and of the place, with other disad­vantages being considered, it was resolved that the Army should draw off; which accordingly they did, Sep. 19. and marched to Linlithgow, which when the Generall and his Of­ficers had viewed, order was given for making severall Works for the security of the place, conceiving it might make a very considerable fron­tier Garrison, lying in the heart of the Country, between Edinburrough and Sterling: whence (leaving there five Troops of Horse, and fix Com­panies [Page 46]of Foot) Generall Cromwell, with the rest of the Army marched back to Edenburrough. Sep. 23. The Gen. and Officers kept a day of Humi­liation.

About the same time the Kirk Party also appointed a solemne Fast,

• 1. To humble themselves for their too much confidence in the arme of flesh.
• 2. For the malignity and pro­phanenesse of their Army.
• 3. For the Plunderings and wick­ednesse of their Army when they were in England.
• 4. For their not sufficient purging their Army.
• 5. For their Commissioners un­lawfull and surreptitious manner of prosecuting the Treaty with their King, and their crooked wayes in bringing him home.
• 6. For their not sufficient purging the Kings house.
• 7. For the just grounds they have, that his Majesties Repentance was not sound, nor from the heart.

From which time to the moneths end, little was done, save that Gen. Cromwell took order for the effectuall reducing of the Castle of Edenburrough: for which purpose many miners both Scotch and English were procured to expedite the businesse. Sep. 30. The English went so neer the works of the Castle, as they carried away one of the Scots Colours, 300 Muskets with other Arms, without any losse.

Octob. 1. The Scots Galleries went on in order to springing the Mines, they sent many great and small shot among them, yet nothing retarded the work. Octob. 2. The English made a search in the high Church at Edenburgh, and found there one great Iron Gun, 200 new Muskets, 16 barrels of Pouder, 66 bundles of Bandileers, 200 Swords, 200 new Halberts, 300 new Pikes and two load of Match. That which was done the remaining part of this Moneth, was chiefly to beget a right under­standing and compliance with those that dissented from the King and Kirk, viz. Col. Kerre, and Straughan, and their adherents: for which purpose [Page 48]Gen. Cromwell sent Commis. Gen. Whaley with his own and another Regiment towards them: in the mean while the Fortifications at Lieth, and the mining at Edenburgh went on prosperously: Then Gen. Cromwell with the residue of the Army marched towards Glasco, but finding there lit­tle encouragement for longer stay, they quickly returned, and in their way Garrisoned two strong Houses, both to enlarge their Quarters, and to prevent the Mosse-Troopers from securing themselves there.

Let the Reader now judge what a dysasterous condition this People was in, that when an enemy was in the very heart of the Country, there should be so many distractions and civill discords among themselves, e­ven to the killing and slaying one another. One Party in the North was for the King without the Kirk; another Party in the West was for the Kirk without the King; a third was for King and Kirk; and these were they then at Sterling, that bore the greatest sway; viz. The Com­mittee of Estates and Generall Assem­blie, [Page 49]all these had their swords drawn one against the other. When things were at this passe, Gen. Cromwell sent a Letter to the Committee of Estates, and another of the same to Col. Kerre and Straughan, much like the former, and produced like effect. Commis. Gen. Whaley that was sent with a party towards Kerre and Strau­ghan, accosted them first with a Letter, declaring, That it was not unknown what Amicable wayes they had used, to avoid the effusion of Christian bloud before and since they came into Scotland, which though hitherto had been ineffectual, yet they should endeavour the same; Shew­ing further, that their Arms were still stretcht out ready to embrace them, when­ever God should incline them to come in, and that they sought not domination over them, to enslave them, nor to depresse their Kirk-Government, neither that they sought their Goods or Estates, but to carry on the Lords work: And that if they would still be blinded, and persist in gainsaying and opposing, then what further misery befell their Nation by Famine or Sword, would lie heavy on them.

This Letter (though savouring so [Page 50]much of integrity and ingenuity) met with nothing of like nature from their Adversaries, notwithstanding their pretended desire of hearkning to an accommodation.

For within short a space after Col. Kerre sent a Letter to Commiss. Gen. Whaley then at Carlisle, which being contracted, speaks after this sort; That though they were not in a ca­pacity against the unjust invasion of the English, yet were they in a ca­pacity to suffer, and should submit to Gods will, either by doing or suffer­ing, until the time of their delive­rance come; and that if it were their happinesse to perish in their duty, it would be a sufficient mercy to them: and when the persecution had arrived to its height, their captivity should be returned: adding that he thought it strange the English should talk of a cessation, even while they were captivating their poor people, assaulting their Garrisons, appre­hending their godly Ministers, tearing them from their holy callings, and from their holy sighing flocks: con­cluding, that the departure of the [Page 51]English out of that Kingdome, and then desiring a Christian Treaty or conference with them, would be a favour and mercy equally as great to the one as the other. These were the effects of that (I will not say mis­guided) zeal, by which these men were acted.

About the latter end of this Moneth the Prince of Orange departed this life,Prince of Orange dies. who so lately had put a hook into the Nostrils, and a Bridle into the mouths of the high and mighty States, and in him the Scots King lost the great interest he had in those parts; whom, though the States for his late Actions when he was living hated, yet when dead they lamented:The Prin­cesse is de­livered of a Son. About ten dayes after this, the Princesse of Orange was delivered of a Son, which did in part mitigate the grief that was conceived for the death of the Prince.

Now seeing the Scots still slighted all the wayes and means of a friendly compliance, as appeared by another Letter from Coll. Kerre to Commiss. Gen. Whaley, wherein he advises them [...]o stand upon his Guard, and expect [Page 52]no further Overtures; the English set upon new undertakings, and by a party of Horse under Major Brown, took in a strong place called Dalhouse, and in it filtie Muskets, fistie Pikes, four Barrels of Pouder, some store of Provisions and Provender: this was a supposed Harbour for those villa­nous people the Mosse-Troopers who murthered divers English men strag­ling or going for Provisions; they likewise surprised a party of Mosse-Troopers in Darlington Castle, some of which were shot presently upon the place. Then advanced Col. Monk with a party of Horse and Foot to reduce Roselane Castle, seven miles from Edinburrough, which (when he had sent in some Granadoes among them) was yeelded upon mercy. Major Gen. Lambert presently after with a party of 2000 Horse marched towards Dum­freez, Coll. Kerre being then about Peebles; Commiss. Gen. Whaley in his march towards the enemy, took in Dalkeith Castle with a threatning Summons, where was store of Arms, Ordnance, Pouder, Match and Bullet [...] the wall of it was thirteen foot broad [Page 53]at the top: Now Coll. Lambert ha­ving (not without some difficultie) got over Hambleton River, quartered there that night; Coll. Kerre having notice thereof early next morning, resolved to beat up their Quarters and fall in upon them, and so to surprize the Major Generall, all which he attempted with courage; but the English having a timely A­larme,Col. Kers party de­feated, and himself taken pri­soner. on a sudden encompassed most of the enemies Horse of whom they killed 100, and took 100, they took likewise 400 Horse and Furniture, forsook of the Riders, and pursued the rest as farre as Ayre; in which pursuit Collonel Kerre himselfe was wounded and taken, with his Capt. Lievt. Lievtenant Collonell, and Straughans Major,Colonell Straughan came in to Major Ge­neral Lam­bert. &c. Collonell Straughan, Capt. Giffin, with some o­thers of the dissenters in the West, came then in to the Major General, who brought them all forthwith to the Head-Quarters at Edenburgh.

December. The English having rais­ed a Battery, planted their morter-peece, and great Canon against Eden­burgh Castle, and begun to play; the [Page 54]Enemy hung out a Flag of defiance, in contempt thereof: but they had not plaid long ere they took it in, whereby it was conceived some no­table execution was done by four or five shels that fell among them, and forthwith put out a white Flag on the top of the Castle, and sent forth a Drummer offering to surrender, if they might have leave to send to the Committee of Estates: which being denyed they accepted of a Treaty, and sent Major Abernethy and Capt. Hinderson to treat on their part: Col. Monk, and Liev. Col. White were ap­pointed to treat in behalf of the English, the result whereof was to this effect.

That the Castle of Edenburgh should be surrendred up to his Excellency the Lord General Cromwell, The strong and impregna­ble Castle of Eden­burgh sur­rendred to the Eng­lish. on the 24. of Decemb. 1650. with all the Ordi­nance, Arms, Magazine, and Fur­niture of Warre thereunto belong­ing.

That the Governour with all the Officers and Souldiers, should then march forth with their Arms, Co­lours flying, Drums beating; mat­ches [Page 55]lighted and Bullet in mouth to such place as they shall choose.

That such Inhabitants adjacent as have any goods in the Castle, shall have them restored unto them; and to that purpose they had liberty from the 19. to the 24. of Decemb. to fetch them away. There was taken in this strong hold five French Canon, five Dutch half Canon, two Culverings, two Demi-culverings, two Minion, two Faulcon, 28 Brasse Drakes, two Petards, about 7000 Arms, 80 Barrels of Pouder, store of Canon Shot, with other provisions propor­tionable.

It may seem strange and almost incredible, that such a strong and impregnable hold, as was that, should be so easily won, the like whereof is not in that Nation; wherefore it was the common vogue of that time, and by many credibly beleeved, that it was assaulted with silver engines; But whether it was covetousnesse, cowardise, Treachery, or want that caused this sudden rendition, I know not: But this I know and am sure, it made as much for, and was of as [Page 56]great importance to the English, as can be imagined; for while that bu­sinesse was yet in suspence, the Army was hindred from many attempts of great consequence.

Nor was the Parliament of England lesse fortunate in their maritime af­fairs: for the English Fleet under the command of Gen. Blake lying before Lizbon, after they had destroyed se­verall French Pirates, taken many Sugar Prizes belonging to the King of Portugal, of great value, and scowr'd the Seas in some sort of such others as had been so extremely prejudicial to the English Merchants, especially those trading into the Levant Seas; they were constrained partly by distress of weather, and partly to revictuall and water, to make for some other port: in which time Prince Rupert with his Fleet (making a vertue of necessity) hoisted sail, and steer'd their course for Malaga, where they burnt and spoiled severall Merchants Ships: Gen. Blake hereupon reduced his Fleet to seven stout and nimble Frigots, and sent the rest home with the Pri­zes, and with them he made all the [Page 57]Sail he could after the Enemy, and coming to Malaga, heard they were gone towards Alicant, Generall Blake sailing thence betwixt Cape degat, and Cape de Paulo took a French Ship of twentie Guns, and presently after that the Roe-buck one of the revolted Ships fell into their hands, after which they met with the Black Prince another of Ruperts Fleet,Prince Ruperts Fleet de­stroyed. which to avoid being taken, ran ashoar and blew her self up: next day four more of Ruperts Fleet ran ashoar in the Bay of Cartagena, where they were cast away and bulged: Some few dayes af­ter Generall Blake set sail to seek out the rest of Ruperts Fleet, which were two, steering his course towards Mi­norca, Majorca, Humattera; but mis­sing of them he gave over the Chase, and returned for England, having done as much as could be expected from men valiant and faithfull, to the great encouragement of the Merchants, con­tentment of the people, and joy of all well-affected people.

Notwithstanding all this, severall designs were set on foot by unquiet and wayward spirits in behalf of [Page 58] Charles Stuart, some by open insur­rection, others by secret combina­tion, in which the Clergie had no small share, as shall be declared here­after.

There was executed at Tiburne one Benson for acting by vertue of a Com­mission from the Scots King,Benson an Agent from the Scots King executed at Tiburn. being in the same conspiracy with Col. Andrews who was beheaded as aforesaid.

Upon the same account rose a mu­tinous rabble in the County of Nor­folk, An Insur­rection in Norfolk. who for a while went roving to and again, pretending the ends of that undertaking, was for the abolishing of Popery, restoring the young King to his Crowns revenge of his Fathers death, for suppression of heresie and schism;Is appea­sed and the ring­leaders executed. But as it was begun with­out order, so was it managed with­out resolution: For the Parliament were no time-givers to growing dan­gers, but immediately gave order for the suppressing them; So that 200 Horse from Lyn, and three Troops of Horse from the Army, with some of the Militia Forces of that County, marched towards them, upon which they were presently dispersed and [Page 59]some taken, whereof about twentie were executed, who because they were persons of no great eminencie, I shall forbear troubling the Reader with their Names.

About this time also Sir Henry Hide being commissionated as Ambassador from the Scots King to the Grand Signior at Constantinople, Sir Henry Hide exe­cuted at the Old Exchange stood in com­petition with Sir Thomas Bendish (then Ambassador for the English) for his place: whereupon they had a hear­ing before the Vizier Bassa, the result whereof was, that Sir Thomas Bendish should dispose of the said Sir Henry Hide, as he thought good, who was straightway sent to Smyrna, thence in­to England, and there condemned and executed for a traitor before the Royal Exchange in London.

The warre in Scotland was now al­most at a stand, for the sharpnesse of the Winter was such in that Northern Climate, that much could not be expected, yet were all probable de­signs for the reducing that obstinate and hardy people put in execution. The Scots were chiefly busied about the Coronation of their King, which [Page 60]was performed at Scone, The Scots King crowned at Scone. Jan. 30. 1651. Jan. 1. 1651. with as much solemnity and gallan­try as their necessity and poverty would permit; then they proceeded to the excommunication of Straughan, Swimon, and others that came in to the English, made a shift to unite the other Dissenting parties, and then put out an Act for new Levies to be made throughout the Nation.

Soon after this Lievt. Gen. David Lesley with a party of 800. Horse made an attempt upon Lithgow where was a Regiment of Horse under Col. Sanderson, who being presently in a readinesse to receive them, the Scots retreated without entring the Town.

Next attempt of the English was for reducing of Hume Castle with two Regiments of Horse and Foot,Hume Castle be­sieged. commanded by Col. Fenwick, who coming before it sent in this Sum­mons, which with the answer for the unusual strain thereof I here insert.

Notwithstanding this resolute and conceited answer,Assaulted and taken. when the English with their Culverin and Mortar-piece had opened a small breach, the Ene­my beat a parley, and because they might not have such conditions as they would, they were forced to take such as they could get, viz. to sur­render upon mercy, which was done accordingly.

Then Col. Monk with about three Regiments of Horse and Foot, laid Siege to Tymptallon Castle,Timptallon Castle ta­ken. against which they plaid with their Mor­tar-pieces for the space of 48 hours, but did them no hurt; then they plaid at the Castle with six battering Guns, which did such notable exe­cution, that the enemy beat a parley, and desired terms to march away, but none would be granted, save that they should yeeld themselves to mer­cy, which was at last accepted, and the Castle yeelded, with all the Guns, Arms, Ammunition, and provision therein: The taking of this Castle was of great concernment to the En­glish, who were ever and anon taken and rifled by that Garrison; So that [Page 63]now the passage from Edenburgh to Barwick, was in a manner cleer. Not­withstanding which, and all the care that had been used, the English were daily surprized and murdered in small stragling parties; insomuch that General Cromwell was forced (for the fafeguard of his men) to publish and strictly to put in execution the following Proclamation.

Hereupon severall Sums of Mony were levied upon such Parishes and places where any Robberies or Mur­thers were committed; and likewise such persons as were found to abett, act, or assist in the perpetrating any murthers, were forthwith condemn­ed, and executed, according to the tenour of the aforesaid Proclama­tion.

The English in the next place de­sign'd the reducing of Brunt Island, and in order thereto they shipped some of their Infantry; but either through the Ignorance, mistake, or neglect of the chiefe Commander, [Page 65]the design for that time was frustra­ted.

Gen. Cromwell with his Army mar­ched from Edenburgh, and assayed se­verall times to passe over into Fife; but the violent season and difficult pas­sage, forced them to betake themselves to their former Quarters, which were the more comfortable by reason of the Fleet of Ships that arrived at Leith with plenty of provisions for Horse and Man; one whereof bound from Hamburgh with Cheese, by distresse of weather, was driven into the North of Scotland, where it was seized: but the Master pretended he was bound for Haver de Grace in France, and produ­cing old Cockets, importing as much, he was dismist, and a Scotch-man put himself and goods aboard for France; whereupon they set sail, and about the Frith were boarded by an Irish Man of Warre, who would have carryed the Vessell to Ireland, alledging they were bound for Leith: the Master stood to his former relation, and desired they would take the report of a Scotch­man who was aboard; so that forth­with they left her, and she came safe [Page 66]into Leith, whence the Scotchman was sent home to carry the News. These with many other the supplies that were sent from England were a great heartning to the Souldiers in the midst of those many hardships they were exposed to by diseases, and otherwise; of which, the Generall himself had as great a share as any, for he had so ma­ny violent fits of the contagious dis­ease of that Countrey that brought him even to the brink of death; yet the weaknesse and want of the Ge­neral did neither abate the Souldiers courage, nor retard the enterprizes they designed for compleating their work; although other difficulties pre­sented themselves, as so many moun­tains of opposition, viz. the number of their enemies dispersed all along the other side of the River to prevent their Landing, the danger of the passage it self, and the unseasonablenesse of the weather; these Impediments with the weak condition of the English, hin­dred any further proceedings for some space of time.

During which Intervall there hapned as remarkable an accident in England, [Page 67]as any Story can parallel, which for the strangenesse and rarity thereof, may well merit my pains to recite, and the Readers patience to peruse. At Oxford (the famous and renowned Nursery of humane Literature) was tryed, condemned, and executed, Anne Green, a Servant to Sir Thomas Read, at Ounstu in that shire, who being with child by a Gentleman in that House, (as she affirmed to the last) about the fourth moneth of her time, over­working herself fell in travell, and (not knowing what it might be) went to the House of Office, where with some straining, the Child fell from her un­aware (as she said) being not above a span long; and something appearing in her Linnen that caused suspicion, search was made, and an abortive In­fant found on the top of the House of Office: so that three dayes after, (being in that time before some Justices of the Peace) she was carried Prisoner to Ox­ford, Anne Green hanged at Oxford, af­terwards she revi­ved and in yet alive. where she was condemned, and hanged in the Castle-yard: After she had hung about half an hour, (during which time she was pulled by the Legs, and strook on the Breast by divers of [Page 68]her friends, and others, that she might be out of her pain) she was cut down, put into a Coffin, and brought to a House to be dissected before some Phy­sitians. When they opened the Cof­fin, they perceived a ratling in her throat, a Fellow standing by, stamped upon her breast, and belly; yet Doctor Petty and two or three more then pre­sent, fell speedily to use some means to bring her to life, and opened a vein, laid her in a warm bed, procured a woman to go into bed to her, and con­tinued the use of divers other remedies, having respect to her sencelessness, head, throat, and breast, so that in a few hours she spake, the next day talk­ed and coughed very heartily, and in short space perfectly recovered: Upon which first her reprieve, and then her pardon was procured: After this, she (as upon the Gallows) still insisted upon her innocency and integrity, in relation to the fact for which she was condemned. And indeed this was looked upon as a speciall providence of God, thus to deliver her, who in the judgements of those that under­stood the businesse, was deemed guilt­lesse, [Page 69]Herein did the hand of God wonderfully appear, in detecting the unadvised actings of men, and in shew­ing us the danger we are in, when we are swayed either by passion or preju­dice against the meanest of his Crea­tures.

The Parliament weighing how prone the people were to adore the shadow of the late King, though the substance was destroyed, caused his Statue that was set up at the West end of the Ca­thedrall of St. Pauls to be pulled down, and that also in the Royall Exchange, over which they caused to be wrote this Motto.

Exit Tyrannus Regum Ʋltimus Anno Libertatis Angliae restitutae Primo, Anno Domini 1648. January 30.

They likewise caused that badge of Monarchy the Kings Arms, to be de­faced and expunged out of all Church­es, Chappels, and places of publick worship, and Courts of Judicature, throughout their Dominions: and this indeed was a means to make the gid­dy people forget the Garlick and Onyons of Egypt they much hankered after.

And to adde a more splendid lustre to their strength and greatnesse; they were highly courted by Embassadors from the Neighbouring Nations, viz. Holland, Spain, and Portugall, yet the crafty Hollander held at a distance, as ra­ther willing the prosperity of the Roy­all party, then heartily desiring, or effectually endeavouring a peace with them.

The Spaniard as he had better ends, so had he better successe; though in all his addresses he was still reminded of his suspending and delaying the exe­cution of justice upon the Assassinates of the English Resident at Madrid, since which time till now the controver­sie between the King and Church a­bout that businesse hath been in de­bate.

The Portugall Embassador (after au­dience had before a Committee of Par­liament,The Por­tugal Am­bassadour dismist home. and several applications unto them) not being fully impowered, to give a plenary satisfaction to the State, for their vast expences, and to the Mer­chants for their great losses, all oc­casioned by them, was at length dis­mist.

Embassadors extraordinary were sent from the Parliament of England to the States of the United Provinces;English Ambassa­dors are sent into Holland. their Names were Oliver St. John, and Walter Strickland, men of singular parts and of approved integrity, who in gal­lant Equipage, with a magnificent train of followers, set sail from the Downs, March, 11. 1651. On the 12. towards Evening, they came to anchor before Hellevoit slugs, but not without some danger: On the 13. they went in Boats to Roterdam, being met with Vessels from the States, then by the English Merchants were conducted to the English house, and nobly enter­tained. During their stay there, the Spanish Embassador sent a Gentleman to congratulate their safe Arrivall, and to desire there might be a fair corre­spondency and right understanding between their Lordships and him. About two or three dayes after they set forward for the Hague, where by the way the Master of the Ceremonies, with about thirtie Coaches, met them, and entertained them with some Com­plements, and conducted them to a House at the Hague, prepared for their [Page 72]reception, where they were feasted three dayes by the States, and then had audience:they have audience. where the Lord St. John made a Learned and Eloquent Speech in the English tongue, and then deli­vered a Copy thereof in Dutch and English, the heads whereof were in effect as follows.

That they were sent over to the High and Mighty States of the Netherlands, from the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England, to make a firm League and Confederacy between the two Republiques, if they think fit to accept thereof, notwithstanding the many injuries the English have sustain'd from the Dutch Nation.

Secondly, To renew and confirm those former Treaties and Agreements of trade and commerce made between the two Nations.

Thirdly, He shewed them the nota­ble advantages of England, in respect of the pleasant and commodious si­tuation thereof, for the advancement of trade and all other accommodati­ons.

Lastly, He told them he was com­manded by the Parliament of the Com­monwealth [Page 73]of England to let their Lordships know how highly they re­sented the Execrable murther of Dr. Dorislaus their Agent, and that he doubted not but that their Lordships would use their utmost care and in­dustry in causing a strict and diligent search to be made after the Authors thereof.

After which the States (being ac­quainted with the many affronts the Ambassadors Gentlemen and others their attendants, had received from English Cavaliers and other ruffians) drew up a Proclamation and sent it to the Ambassadors by the Lord Catz, to know whether they judged it full e­nough; the contents whereof was, to forbid all manner of persons whatso­ever, from giving any affront, either in word or deed, to any of the Ambas­sadors retinue, upon pain of corporal punishment.

Three [...]moneths was now spent in this tedious and costly Embassie, and nothing obtained save affronts and a­buses of all kinds, and the Sword of Justice not drawn in their behalfe, against any one of that riotous rabble, [Page 74]that so frequently swarmed at the Ambassadors gates, assaulting their ser­vants, and reviling their persons: of which injuries the Parliament being deeply sensible, and wearied with ex­pectation of what fruits this Treaty would produce, resolved (that seeing all their Proposals and endeavours for a lasting and well grounded Peace, were answered with dilatory shifts and evasions, on purpose to gain time upon the English, till they saw on which side the chance of war in Scotland would fall) to call home their Ambassadors; which sudden and unexpected news did so surprize the Hoghen Mogens, that they courted them with frequent and unusuall visits; and with a multitude of feigned expressions; laboured to be­get a good opinion in the English of the reality of their intentions towards an amicable compliance with this Na­tion: notwithstanding all which the Ambassadors soon after return into England, They re­turn into England. infectapace.

That which gave further cause of jealousie to the English, that the Dutch plaid an underhand game with them was, because Admirall Van-Trump with a [Page 75]Fleet of Ships lay hovering upon the Coasts of Scilly, as though he would make an hostile attempt upon that place; but it being demanded of the States of Holland, what was the design of their Fleet in riding so neer that Island? It was answered that they had no other design therein, but to de­mand restitution of such Ships and Goods, as the Pirates thereof had ta­ken from their People: with which answer the Parliament were somewhat satisfied; but not to trust them too far, speedy order was taken for redu­cing the same into their own hands.

Accordingly on the 18.^th. of April, The I­slands of Scilly re­duced.1651. Gen. Blake (with the addition of a squadron of Ships commanded by Sr. George Aiscue, that were designed for reducing of the Carybe Islands,) set sail and landed 300 Seamen besides Landmen upon the Isle. The Seamen with much resolution, courage, and gallantry, led the Van, and easily made way for the rest; so that they soon be­came masters of the Islands of Tresco and Briers, took therein 150 Prisoners, and slew about twenty; they took also two considerable Frigots, the one of 18, [Page 76]the other of 32 Guns; they likewise became Masters of the best Harbour be­longing to those Islands: Hence the enemy fled to St. Maries, their chief place of strength, which in short time was surrendred. As to the exceeding great strength and commodious situ­ation of these Islands, I need not say much; for who so knowes those parts, or hath observed the Card, will see what a necessity there was of reducing the same, and what a seasonable mercy God was pleased to crown their en­deavours withall, that they should gain so considerable a place as that, being fortified both by Nature and Art, without the losse of ten men, from first to last.

Upon mis-information of the state of Cornet Castle in the Isle of Guernsey, Corner Castle in Guernsey assaulted, but in vain. that then held out for the Royall party, a considerable number of Foot, with Ladders and all things necessary, gave an onset; but whereas it was reported, and beleeved, that there was but fortie men in the Castle, and eighteen of them unable for service, it appeared after­wards that there were sixtie able men therein, enough to keep it against a [Page 77]far greater number then was before it, so that their Ladders were beaten down and broken with stones, timber, and [...]ase-shot from the flankers, and many of the Souldiers both slain and wound­ed, insomuch that it proved a work [...]oo hot for the assailants: nor was [...]here more safety in getting off, one or two Boats full of men being sunk by hot from the Castle; but how badly soever the businesse succeeded, the Soul­diers were not in the least wanting in their duties.

There was executed at Towerhill one that had been a notorious stickler for the Royall party by Sea and Land;Brown Bushell be­headed at Towerhill. for severall crimes of bloud and treachery acted by him, while he was in the ser­vice of the Parliament, and after his revolt known by the Name of Brown Bushell.

And now once more let us advance Northward,Blacknesse taken by the Eng­lish. and observe the motions of the two Armies: The English (desi­rous to gain upon their Adversaries, as much as consisted with policy and their own safety) with a commanded party under Col. Monk, set down before Blacknesse, that had much annoyed their [Page 78]Quarters by sheltring loose rogues and otherwise. After the batteries were made, and some shot spent at it, they desired Quarter, which (considering the strength of the place) was granted and the place sorthwith yeelded. O [...] the other side the Scots begun to b [...] both powerfull and numerous to th [...] eye: For notwithstanding the many parties and Factions, Strifes, Aemula­tions, Contentions, Divisions, Subdi­visions, Excommunications, &c. they peec't up an agreement (such as it was) to the seeming satisfaction of all the dissenters: And now they joyn against the common Enemy, having their greatest hopes wrapt up in a most no­table design and confederacy, hatcht by the Royall Covenanters of England, and Scotland, whereby a generall rising in the County of Lancaster, and parts adjacent was contrived; who by joyn­ing with a considerable force from Scot­land, should have been able to confront the greatest power the Parliament then had; and this plot had its rise and progresse from the Clergy, those feu­datories of Rebellion and Treason; but by Gods Providence was seasonably [Page 79]discovered; the Grand Agent hereof was Thomas Cook of Grayes Inne Esquire, who was apprehended and carryed be­fore the Councell of State at White-Hall, whence he made his escape, but in few dayes after was retaken at a House in the Strand. Next discovery was by means of a Ship bound from the North of Scotland to the Isle of Man, which by contrary winds was driven into Ayre, and there secured and searcht, where­in were found many notable Papers, giving further light into the busi­nesse.

Not long after this, a Party of Horse and Dragoons marched to Grenock, neer Dunbarton, where they seized Mr. Birken­head, another Agent for the Royal de­signs, about whom they found such Letters, Commissions and Instructions, that therein their whole plot was dis­covered: Upon which the Parliament ordered, that a considerable body of Horse and Foot should march North­ward, under the command of Major Generall Harrison, both to prevent in­surrections and likewise to oppose the Enemy, if they should make an inrode by the way of Garlisle.

At London was under question the most eminent actors in and contribu­tors to the Plot aforesaid, viz. Mr. Christopher Love, Major Alford, Major Adams, Col. Barton, Mr. Blackmore, Mr. Case, Mr. Cauton, Dr. Drake, Mr. Drake, Capt. Farr. Mr. Gibbons, Mr. Haviland, Major Huntington, Mr. Jenkings, Mr. Jaquel, Mr. Jackson, Lievt. Col. Jackson, Capt. Mussey, Mr. Nalton, Capt. Potter, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Sterks, Col. Sowton, Col. Vauhan, and others; of all which there suffered only two,Mr. Love and Mr. Gibbons executed. viz. Mr. Love, and Mr. Gibbons: Now Mr. Love, al­though by many circumlocutions, sleights, and evasions, he strived to clear himself, yet besides the witnesses of his own party, that testified against him, he was everted out of his own Narra­tive, as also out of the severall Peti­tions presented by him to the Parlia­ment in his own behalf, after he was condemned; which did but procure him a short respit from death: for, on the 22. of August, 1651. he with Mr. Gibbons aforesaid, were beheaded on Tower-hill; the rest upon their humble Petitions and acknowledgements of their crimes were releast and pardoned. [Page 81]And high time it was that such an ex­emplary piece of justice, should be in­flicted upon the proud and obdurate Clergy, who till then thought them­selves out of the reach of Magistratical power, and that their Function might cloak their actions; but let them know that Magistracy is an Ordinance of God as well as Ministry; for there is no power but of God, and the powers that are, are ordained of God.

Therefore it would not be amisse, if our Governours in some particulars would imitate the Republique of Ve­nice. First, By not admitting Ecclesi­astical persons into secular Councels, because they have relation to another Government, viz. Pontificiall. 2. By having-a special care to the Pulpit, and the Presse, that no Church-man from the meanest Priest, to the Patri­arch, dare tamper with the Affairs, designs, or transactions of the State:Howels Survey of the Sig­niory of Venies. It being too well known (saith my Author) that Church-men are the most perilous and pernicious instruments in a State, if they misapply their Talents, to poyson the hearts of the people, to intoxicate their brains, suscitate them [Page 82]to sedition and a mislike of the Govern­ment; and they have more power to do this, in regard they have the sway over the noblest part of the creature, the soul and intellectuals: therefore if any meddle with State-matters in the Pulpit, they are punisht in an extraor­dinary severe manner, and this (saith he) is alledged for one main reason why the Venetian Republique hath kept their Liberties inviolable; and if it shall please God to put it into the hearts of our Governours, to take the like course, no doubt but we shall have the like blessing.

There hapned much about this time a petty insurrection in Wales, A rising in Wales. two or three hundred being got together in behalf of the Scots King, whom tell­tale Fame (that hath continuall cre­dence with the fickle multitude) had possest with pleasing (and yet untrue) news of the defeating Gen. Cromwell's Army, and the advance of the Scots into England, which prosperous at­tempt had an event suitable to the un­dertaking, viz. confusion and destructi­on.

The English being now desirous to [Page 83]put a period to the warre in Scotland, by gaining a passage over the River in­to Fife, for the facilitating their work, and more easie transportation, caused severall boats to be made, with which they gave many great Alarms to the Enemy on the other side, as also to those in Brunt Island, in order to what they further intended.

The Scots also made many infalls up­on the out-quarters and Garrisons of the English, wherein they had fre­quently good successe, killing some, and slaying others, having the advan­tage of the English by their knowledge of the Countrey: for prevention where­of, orders were given out for drawing off their remotest Garrisons, and con­tracting their Quarters, which was done accordingly, and the Army put into a marching posture for Fife, for which purpose Blacknesse was made their Magazine; but the Ground not yet affording either Grasse, or Oats, the enterprize was further suspend­ed.

The Scots having compleated their Levies to the Number of 15000 Foot, and 6000 Horse, marched on this side [Page 84] Sterling, to a place called Torwood, where they were faced by the English, but would not be drawn to an Engage­ment, yet still lay encamped behind bogs, and inaccessible fastnesses, on pur­pose to delay the Warre: Upon which the English resolved to land some For­ces on Fife side,The Eng­lish gain a passage o­ver into Fife. and for that end there was drawn out 1600 Foot, and four Troops of Horse commanded by Col. Overton, who attempted to land at Queens Ferry, which on the 17 of July, 1651. with the losse of about six men was effected, and presently they fell to intrench themselves: while this was doing, the Lord Gen. Cromwell with his Army marcht close up to the Enemy, that in case they had marcht towards Fife, he might have engaged their rear before they could have reacht Sterling: The Scots receiving the Alarm the same day, forthwith sent a con­siderable party of Horse and Foot to the number of 4000 under Sir John Brown to drive the English out of Fife: upon which Gen. Cromwell sent Major Gen. Lambert with two Regiments of Horse and two of Foot to re-enforce the other party, who in 24 hours were [Page 85]ferryed over, and joyned, upon which Col. Okey with his Regiment fell in among the Enemy, whereby they were forced to draw into a Battalia, as did the English also, who were more in number then the Enemy, though to equalize that they had greater advan­tages of ground. In this posture they continued, facing each other about an hour and half; whereupon the En­glish resolved to attempt the Enemy by ascending the Hill, which being done (after a short dispute) the Scots were utterly routed, 2000 or therea­bouts were slain,4000 of the Scots routed, slain and taken. and 1400 taken Pri­soners, whereof Sir John Brown the Commander in chief was one, with Col. Buchanan, and many others of quality. Of the English there was few slain, but many wounded: A fur­ther additional strength of Horse and foot were sent into Fife, so to strength­en the English that they might be able to encounter the whole body of the Scots Army, if occasion requi­red.

Immediately upon this,Inchigar­vey Castle surrendred to the English. was surren­dred to the English the strong Castle of Inchigarvey, situate on a rock in the midst [Page 86]of the Fryth, between Queens-Ferry and North-Ferry, wherein were 16 pieces of Ordnance.

July 27. The whole English Army appeared before Brunt Island, and sent in a Summons,Brunt Island sur­rendred to the En­glish. for rendition thereof, unto which the Governour returned a modest answer, and the next day ac­cepted a Parley: Commissioners on both sides were chosen, and after some debate it was agreed that the said Island, with all the Provisions, Guns, and Shipping of Warre, should be deli­vered into the hands of the English &c. and that all the Officers and Souldiers in the said Island, should march away with Colours flying, Matches lighted, and Bullet in mouth. This place was of much concernment to the English, and served for a storehouse of all ne­cessary supplies for the support of their Army.

Thence the Army marched without stay to St. Johns Town,St. Johns Town yeelded to the En­glish. a place of great strength and importance, into which the enemy had newly boated a Regi­ment of Foot: yet when the English broke down their sluces, and let the water out of the Graff, the enemies cou­rage [Page 87]failed them, so that it was in short space delivered.

This was no sooner done, but the main body of the English Army, were constrained to attend more eminent service, viz. the pursuit of the Scots King, who with an Army of about 16000 Horse and Foot,The Scots enter Eng­land by the way of Carlisle. had slipt into England by the way of Carlisle: accor­dingly most of the Infantry were boat­ed over to Leith, with as much expe­dition as could be, and presently after the Horse: Orders were immediately given to Major Gen. Lambert, to march with 3000 Horse and Dragoons, and (if he could) to get into the rear of the enemy. Major Gen. Harrison was ordered likewise to to get into their van, to stop them, and do what fur­ther he thought fit: besides these there was about sixteen Regiments of Horse and Foot, with Gen. Cromwell upon their march after the Enemy: And to prosecute the affairs of Scotland, Liev. Gen. Monk was left with a party of 7000 Horse and Foot, who straightway took in the strong Town and Castle of Sterling, Aberdeen, Abernethy, Dundee, Dunotter Castle, Dunbarton Castle, with [Page 88]severall others, so that the whole Realme of Scotland, was (after a passage gained into Fife) with little or no dif­ficulty subdued and made tributary to the Republick of England.

The Scots Army,The Scots enter the City of Worcester. after many halts and skirmishes, long and tedious mar­ches, weakned in their bodies, and distracted in their minds, decreasing rather then increasing, at length put into Worcester; whence the King sent out his Letters mandatory to Sir Tho­mas Middleton to raise forces for him, and to Col. Mackworth, Governour of Shrewsbury to the like purpose, as he did to others also, but without suc­cesse. He was likewise proclaimed King of Great Britaine, France and Ire­land, in most places where he came: which blast of Honour (like Jonah's Gourd) quickly vanisht: for alas by this project of theirs, of coming into England, they run themselves into in­evitable danger, as the Poet sayes, ‘Decidit in Scyllam, qui vult vitare Charyb­dim;’ being invironed on all sides with the Militia Forces of the severall Counties [Page 89]of the Nation, besides Gen. Cromwels Army they so much dreaded; there was likewise a considerable body of Horse and Foot under Major Gen. Lambert and Harrison that attended their motions. Col. Robert Lilburne was left in Lancashire to hinder the Earl of Der­by from raising Forces in those parts; other parties were disposed into seve­rall other places, to hinder the enemy of Provision, or stop their flight as oc­casion should be.M

The Earle of Derby being landed (as was expected) at Wyewater in Lan­cashire, with about 300 Gentlemen and others, endeavoured to raise the Country, while the English were bu­sied at Worcester, and in short space by the accession of Papists, Royalists, and discontented Presbyterians, they en­creased to the number of 1500: Gen. Cromwells Regiment of Foot being then at Manchester, was appointed to meet Col. Lilburne at Preston: The Earl of Derby routed in Lancashire To prevent this conjunction, the enemy bent their course towards Marchester to surprize the said Regiment; whereupon Col. Lilburne assay'd to flank the enemy in their march, and by that means to joyn [Page 90]with those Foot; which the enemy perceived, and prest to engage. Now though Col. Lilburn was overmatcht with Foot in point of number, where­by the dispute proved tedious and dif­ficult, yet in the space of an hour, the enemy was totally routed, many persons of quality were taken, as Col. Leg, Col. John Robinson, Col. Bayns, Col. Gerard, 4 Lievt. Col. 1 Major, 4 Captains, 2 Lievtenants, 20 Gentle­men and Reformadoes, 500 Common Souldiers, with all their baggage, Sumpters, Arms and Ammunition, the Earl of Derby's George, Garter, and other Robes with badges of the Order, but he himself escaped and re­covered Worcester: There were slain the Lord Widrington, Sir Thomas Til­desly, Col. Matth. Boynton, Sir William Throgmorton, Sir Francis Gamuel, with some other inferior Officers, and a­bout 60 private Souldiers. Of the Parliaments party but ten were slain, but many wounded: For this piece of service Col. Lilburn was bounti­fully rewarded, as he indeed deserv­ed.

Gen. Cromwell (who by delayes ne­ver [Page 91]contributed to approaching dan­gers) with his Army came to Worcester, before he was either desired or expected by his Adversaries; when as the whole Army was presently disposed about the City, in order to a close begirting thereof.

The first remarkable attempt, was the possessing a Passe upon the Severne, at a place called Ʋpton, which was done by a party led on by Major Gen. Lambert, and was presently made good by Lievt. Gen. Fleetwoods Brigade, who marched towards the River Teame, over which was made a Bridge of Boats, and another over Severn on the Generals side; upon which the ene­my took the Alarme, and drew out Horse and Foot, to oppose the Lievt. Generals passage; to whose relief there was commanded over Collonel Ingles­byes, and Col. Fairfax Regiments of Foot, the Generals Lifeguard, and Col. Hackers Regiment of Horse; all which were led on by Gen. Cromwell in person: then was commanded over likewise Col. Goffs, and Major Gen. Deans Regiments, who fell to scour­ing the hedges, which the enemy had [Page 92]lined, and beat them from hedge to hedge, and being seconded by a fresh supply (after about an hours sharp dis­pute) the enemy was forced to give ground and fly to Powick Bridge, where with about three Regiments more they maintained another hot dis­pute, but at length quitted their ground also, and ran into Worcester, except some that were taken.

After which (renewing their cou­rage) they drew out what Horse and Foot they could on the Generals side, thinking most of his Army had been on the other side, making a bold and resolute sally, whereby the Generalls men were forced a little to retire; but the scales presently turned, and in such sort that the enemy was totally routed,The Scots routed at Worcester, Sept. 3. 1651. both Horse and Foot, their Works, and Fort-Royall were taken, and their Canon turned upon them­selves, the Town also was straightway entred and sacked; most of the Scots Infantry were slain and taken, but of their Horse above 3000 escaped, of which Col. Barton lying about Bewdly with some Horse and Dragoons, took neer upon a thousand; Col. Lilburne [Page 93]with the Generalls Regiment of Foot, met with the Earl of Derby, that late­ly so narrowly mist his hands, with the Earl of Lauderdaile and above an hundred persons of quality more. In this engagement and the gleanings thereof, there were taken prisoners neer 10000, and about 3000 slain: Those of Quality taken, were Duke Hamilton, Earl Lauderdaile, Earl of Rothes Earl of Carnwath, Earl of Shrewsbury, Sir John Packington, Sir Charles Cun­ningham, Sir Ralph Clare, Lord Spine, Lord Sinclare, Earl of Cleveland, Earl of Derby, Earl of Kelly, Col. Graves, Mr. Richard Fanshaw, Secretary to the Scots King: 6 Col. of Horse, 13 of Foot, 9 Lievt. Col. of Horse, 8 of Foot, 6 Majors of Horse, 13 Majors of Foot, 37 Capt. of Horse, 72 Capt. of Foot, 55 Quartermasters of Horse, 89 Lievtenants of Foot; Major Gen. Pitscotty, Major Gen. Montgomery, the Lievt. Gen. of the Ordnance, Adjut. Generall of the Foot, the Marshall, Quartermaster Generall, and Waggon­master Generall: 76 Cornets of Horse, 99 Ensigns of Foot, 30 of the Kings Servants, 9 Ministers, 9 Chirurgions, [Page 94]158 Colours, the Kings Standard, Coach and Horses, with other rich goods, and his Collar of SS. Many Parties were taken besides in severall other places, as Warwickshire, Shropshire, Lancashire, Cheshire, Yorkshire, &c. inso­much that few of that great Body esca­ped, but were either killed or taken. Major Generall Massey being sorely wounded, surrendred himself to the Countesse of Stamford, and by the Lord Grey of Groby her Sonne, was secured and sent to London, whence in short space he made an escape: In another place was taken Major Gen. Middleton, and Lievt. Gen. David Lesley; so that I may say, the gleanings of this Victory were not much inferior to the harvest thereof.

Neer this time, most of the Nobi­lity and Gentry of Scotland, were ta­ken at a place called Ellet in that Na­tion, where they were assembled to propagate the Royall designs: viz. Old Gen. Lesley, Earl Marshall, Lord of Keith, Earl of Craford, Lord Ogilby, Lord Burgoiny, Lord Huntly, Lord Lee, with many Knights, Gentlemen and Ministers: all which were soon after [Page 95]shipped and sent for England.

Such was the fate that attended the Scots and their King, that he who a few dayes before was proclaimed King of Great Britain, had now neither Camp nor Garrison, nor lodging to flie un­to, or safely to repose himself in for shelter, 500 l. sterling being offered to any that should detect him; which notwithstanding he escaped, making a disguised peregrination through City and Country, till he met with a fit opportunity for his transportation in­to France, where he now is. Yet of the great number of his friends, adhe­rents and followers that were taken, none of quality suffered but the Earl of Derby, Earl of Derby be­headed. who was beheaded at Bolton in Lancashire, and Sir Tim. Fetherston, others of lesse note were executed at Chester, Shrewsbury and other places.

Nor did the Royallists themselves expect any other or better fortune would attend them in this invasion, then that you have heard; as appears by Duke Hamilton's Letter to Mr. Will-Crofts, taken among other Papers, a few dayes before the fight, the summe whereof follows.

So that you see, this undertaking was not the product of a mature and deliberate counsell, but of necessity and desperation.

Soon after this the Parliament took order for reducing the two Islands of Jersey and Man; that had been and would still be notable receptacles, for the entertaining all manner of Fugi­tives and disaffected persons.

In order to which businesse, Col. Hayne with about two Regiments of Foot and two Troops of Horse, on [Page 97]the 14. of Octob. 1651. were shipt at Weymouth for Jersey; they were in all eighty Vessels, and set sayl Octob. 17. but a storm forced them in again. On the 19 they set sail again, and about 12 that night came to an Anchor un­der Sark Island, next morning they bent their course towards Jersey, and came to an Anchor in St. Owens Bay; next day they sailed and Anchored before St. Brelades Bay, when the seas proved so rough that the Fleet was scattered; notwithstanding on the 21 it was resolved that an attempt should be made upon the Island that night at St. Owens Bay, being necessitated there­unto for want of Horsemeat; in few hours after they embarked their men aboard the small Boats, Gen Blake and all his Officers were very active in this businesse, who about two hours after the floud, weighed Anchor, cut some of their Cables, hoisted sails and stood in for the shoare, and were soon a­ground on the shoare side, some at three foot, some at four, five, six, se­ven soot water; their men presently leapt out, some up to the middle, some to the neek, and ran ashoare; [Page 98]the enemy playing hard upon them with great and small shot, and with their Horse gave a hot charge; yet af­ter half an hours dispute, they fled and left behind them 12 Guns, and some Colours at that place; after which and that their Horse were lan­ded, they marched further into the Island, and on the 23. of Octob. possest themselves of three Forts more with two Guns in each; they marched on further till they came within sight of Elizabeth Castle, under which was a Fort called St. Albans Tower, where was 14 Guns, the speedy reducement whereof was resolved upon,The Island of Jersey re­duced. and a Summons sent in, and in two hours time it was delivered up. The next businesse they had to do, was to take in Mount Orgueil Castle, which upon easie tearms was also surrendred. But Elizabeth Castle being a place of farre greater strength, was not reduced till the middle of Decemb. following; the Governour thereof Sir George Carteret, had large tearms granted both to him­self and all with him, by reason of the marvellous strength and situation thereof, which was such as might have [Page 99]cost much blood, treasure and time in the gaining of it.

Octob. 16. 1651. Under Collonell Duckenfield were shipt three Regiments of Foot, viz. Gen. Cromwells Regi­ment commanded by Lievtenant Col. Worsly, Major Gen. Dean's Regiment, commanded by Lievt. Col. Mitchell, and Collonel Duckenfields Regiment, with two Troops of Horse, these were all shipt at Chester and Liverpool for the reducing the Isle of Man: and on Octob. 18. they hoisted sail, but by contrary winds, were driven into the Harbour of Beumorris, on the 25. a­bout two in the morning, the wind coming about somewhat Southerly, with a pretty fresh gale, they set sail again, and about two or three a clock in the afternoon, they had a cleer view of the Calf of Man, Castle Rushen, Derby Fort, Douglas Fort, and most part of the Island, as also of the Islan­ders, both Horse and Foot in their se­verall motions, mustering up what strength they could: when by a sud­den storm the Fleet was hindred from coming up any thing neer the shoar; upon which they steered their course [Page 100]towards the North end of the Island, and with no small difficultie fetcht Ramsey-Bay that night, where they cast Anchor, and with a small Party saced the Islanders, yet was there no shot ex­changed. Octob 16. came on board an Islander, imployed by the chief of that Island, to assure the English they should have no opposition in landing, but might securely come under their Forts, which they had taken possessi­on of, for them, and that only two Castles held out, viz. Castle Rushen, and Castle Peele, which were kept by the Forces of the Count of Derby: now because he had nothing in wri­ting to confirm what he had said, he was distrusted; wherefore Major Fox was boated into the Island, to enquire the truth of what the Islander had re­ported, and forthwith returned with the full confirmation thereof; and presently after some came from the Island as Commissioners, entreating that their poor Island might be pre­served from spoyl, and the Inhabi­tants from undoing; by landing only some part of a Regiment, or at the ut­most, but a Regiment; upon which, [Page 101]they would bring Provisions at a marketable rate, to the shoar,The Isle of Man reduced. to sup­ply the wants of such as should con­tinue on shipboard, and would assist those that were to land; in reducing the Castles: which Proposals were in part assented unto by the Comman­der in Chief Col. Duckenfield, being somewhat obliged thereto by the ci­vilities of the people. But on the 27. most of the men on shipboard were endangered by a long and continued storm, many of the Vessels not being able to ride in the Bay: one ran ashore and was bulged, but the men saved, many others were driven severally up and down; which dangers by sea, and delayes by land, the Castles still hold­ing out; on the 28. Horse and Foot were ordered to come on shoar, and being possest of all the Forts in the Island,Castle Peele and Rushen ta­ken. they besieged both the Castles of Peele and Rushen, in which the Coun­tesse of Derby then was, both which were presently summoned and brought to very low terms, without any bloud shed; and delivered up to Col. Due­kenfield for the use of the Parliament of England, Octob. 26. 1651. Where [Page 102]was found store of Ammunition and Provision of all sorts, and in the Har­bour some Vessels also were taken: These Castles were of such strength, that if it had pleased God the defen­dants had not been possest with a spirit of fear, much bloud might have been spent in the reducing of them.

In short space after there was sur­rendred to the Parliaments Forces,Cornet Castle in Guernsey surrender­ed. that strong and impregnable hold of Cornet Castle in the Isle of Guernsey.

The next remarkable passage of the Affairs of this Nation, was the decease of two of the Parliaments Chieftains, one was Generall Popham, one of the Admirals of the English Fleet, a man of singular worth and gallantry; yet his short continuance in that employ­ment, did not so much shew us what he was, as what he would have been, had it pleased the great Disposer of all things to have prolonged his dayes.

The other was the never to be forgot­ten Henry Ireton Lord Deputy of Ireland, under his Father in Law his Excellen­cy the Lord Generall Cromwell, who ended his dayes shortly after the siege [Page 103]and taking of Limrick in Ireland: a man who for piety, prudence and po­licy in Civill and Martiall affairs, equaled if not excelled the most of men: yet was there left behind such wor­thy Patriots, and Champions of their Country, as upon all occasions have stood in the gap of the greatest diffi­culties.

The Parliament (being now through­ly sensible of the many delayes, mis­chiefs and wrongs, for a long time, and even now practised by the Hol­landers, both in their Treaties and traf­fique) set forth an Act for encrease of Shipping, and encouragement of Na­vigation, which was the most pleasing and advantageous Act to the Mer­chants and Seamen that could be, and by which the hearts of those rough spirited men were more endeared to the Parliaments Interest, then by any thing they ever did, or could do: the heads whereof were these.

That no Commodity whatsoever of the growth or Manufacture of Asia, Africa,The Act for Navi­gation. or America, or any part thereof, as well of the English Plantations as others, shall be im­ported into England, Ireland, or any the [Page 104]territories thereof, in any ships or Vessels, but in such only as do truly belong to this Com­monwealth or the Plantations thereof, under penalty of the forfeiture of Goods and Ves­sels: and of Europe the like.

That no Commodities whatsoever of for­reign growth or manufacture, which are to be brought into this Commonwealth in Ships belonging to the People thereof, shall be by them shipped from any places, but only from those of the said growth, production or ma­nufacture; or from those Ports where the said Commodities can only be, or usually have been shipt for transportation, and from none other places.

That no sorts of Fish usually caught by the people of this Nation, nor any Oyl made of Fish, nor any Whale, Finne or Whalebones, shall be imported, as abovesaid, but only such as shall be caught in Vessels belonging to the people of this Nation, under the former pe­nalty.

That no kinds of salted Fish, from the first of February, 1653. shall be exported out of this Land, in any other save English Vessels.

Severall other Exceptions and Pro­visoes there was in reserence to the Commodities of East-India, from the [Page 105]Levant Seas, from the Ports of Spain and Portugall: This is the substance of that Act which did so exceedingly per­plex the avaritious, greedy and en­croaching Hollander. Who notwith­standing set on foot another Treaty with the English, by sending Ambas­sadors extraordinary, and seeing they could not obtain their desires thereby, they assayed to do it by force and trea­chery: which machinations, God (in mercy to this poor Nation) by weak instruments, detected and turned upon their own heads: yet could they have procured the calling in of that Act, they would hardly have stuck at any other the demands of the English; but failing therein, they began to di­spute that antient and unquestionable Right of the English Soveraignty in the narrow Seas, by refusing to strike therein, for which they had the for­tune to be always beaten, not thri­ving in any such contempt or brava­do; upon which occasion began that sad breach between the two Repub­liques, the effects whereof we yet feele and groan under; from which God in his good time will deliver us.

For in May, The first Sea-fight between the Dutch and the English. 1652. Van-Trump Ad­mirall of the Dutch Fleet, with a­bout 42 sail of Ships, was discovered on the backside of the Goodwin-sands by Major Bourn, who commanded a squa­dron of the English Ships, the Dutch bearing towards Dover-Road: upon which the Grey-hound Frigot was commanded to make sail and speak with them, which she did, and then they strook their top-sayl, demeaned themselves civilly and said, they came from Admirall Trump, with a Message to the Commander in chief of the English Fleet: And coming aboard they saluted our Ships, and in order to the satisfaction of our Nation, brought this accompt: That the Nor­therly winds having blown hard seve­rall dayes, they were forced further Southward then they intended, and having rode for some dayes off Dun­kirk, where they had lost divers An­chors and Cables, professing they in­tended no injury to the English Na­tion. Gen. Blake with the rest of the English Fleet, was at that time to the Westward; but receiving speedy ad­vice of all these passages from Major [Page 107] Bourne made what haste possibly he could [...] ply towards them; and on the 19 of [...]lay in the morning, he saw them at [...]nchor about Dover-Road, and being [...]ithin three Leagues of them, they [...]eighed and stood to the Eastward, [...]here they met with an Expresse from [...]e States: whereupon he bastned [...]ith all the sayl he could make to­wards ours, and bore directly up with [...]ur Fleet, Van-Trump being the head­ [...]ost.

Upon which Gen. Blake shot three [...]uns at Van-Trumps Flag, but with­ [...]ut Balls, and Van-Trump answered [...]ith a Gun on the averse side of his [...]hip, signifying a disdain, and in stead [...]f striking his top-sayl, hung out a [...]ed Flag, which was the signall for [...]is whole Fleet, and gave Gen. Blake [...] broad-side; this was the manner of [...]he beginning of that Fight which hath [...]aused so much trouble to the two Commonwealths; the continuance was [...]or about four hours, untill night par­ [...]ed them, in which fight one of the [...]utch Ships was sunk, and another of [...]o Guns taken, with the Captains of [...]oth, and about 150 Prisoners; of [Page 108]the English there were about ten sl [...] and fortie wounded: the English A [...] ­mirall received much hurt in her Ma [...] Sails, and Rigging, many shot w [...] likewise placed in her Hull, and t [...] hurt that was done to the rest of t [...] Fleet was not considerable.

This attempt of the Dutch wh [...] they were upon a Treaty, did so i [...] ­cense the Parliament, that notwith­standing all the addresses and overtu [...] of their Ambassadours, and the comi [...] over of two more, they could not a [...] pease them without satisfaction for th [...] injury.

Although in severall Papers put [...] to the Councell of State they labour to excuse the same, alledging,

That the unhappy Fight between the Sh [...] of both Commonwealths, The Apo­logy of the Dutch Ambassa­dours for the late affront of­fered to the Eng­lish in the Downs. did happen with [...] the knowledge and against the wills of [...] Lords States Generall of the Netherland taking God the searcher of mens hearts witnesse the same: and that by Letters a [...] Messages, they were dayly assured of the s [...] ­cerity of their said Lords, and that with gr [...] and astonishment they received the sat [...] News of that unhappy rash action; a [...] thereupon fell into consultatation about a r [...] ­medy [Page 109]to mitigate that raw and bloudy wound: [...]d to that end had appointed a solemn meet­ [...]g of all the Provinces, whereby they doubt­ [...] not (but by Gods favour) such present cure [...] these troubles may be wrought, whereby [...]t only the outward cause of all further e­ [...]lls may be taken away, but also by an in­ [...]ne comfort, the minds may be redressed [...]nd reduced again, to a better hope of the [...]reaty in hand; and that this thing was most [...]rnestly agitated by their Lords for the com­ [...]on good of both Nations, to shun the detesta­ [...]le shedding of Christian bloud, so much [...]sired by the enemies of both Nations: [...]hey therefore erave and beseech this Honor­ [...]ble Councell, by the pledges of common Re­ [...]gion and Liberty, to suffer nothing to be [...]one out of too much heat, that afterwards [...]ay prove neither revocable nor repairable, [...]y too late idle vows and wishes; but that [...]hey might without delay receive a kind An­swer; which they desire so much the more, [...]ecause the Ships of their Lords and Ship­ [...]ers, as well in the broad Sea, as in the Ports [...]f this Commonwealth, some by force and some [...]y fighting are kept.

Unto which the Parliament reply­ [...]d,

That calling to mind with what cont [...] ­nued demonstrations of friendship, The Par­liaments Answer to and reso­lution thereupon. they hav [...] demeaned themselves towards their Neigh­bours of the united Provinces, from the be­ginning of their intestine troubles, omitting nothing that might tend to a good correspon­dency with them, do find themselves muc [...] surprized with the uNsuitable returns tha [...] have been made thereunto, and especially a [...] the Acts of Hostility lately committed in th [...] very roads of England, upon the Ships o [...] this Commonwealth: Ʋpon consideration o [...] all which, and of the severall Papers deli­vered by the Ambassadors into the Councel [...] of State, they further answered: That as they would be willing to make a charitable construction of the expressions in the said Pa­pers, endeavouring to represent the late En­gagement of the Fleets to have hapned with­out the Knowledge, and against the Mind of their Superiors; So when they consider how disagreeable to that Profession, the Revoluti­ons and Actions of your State, and their Mi­nisters at Sea, have been in the midst of a Treaty offered by themselves, and managed here by their Ambassadours; the extraordi­nary preparations of an hundred and fiftie saile of Ships, without any visible occasion, and the Instructions themselves given by the [Page 111]States to their Commanders at Sea; too much cause is found to beleeve, that the Lords, the States Generall of the united Provinces, have an intention by force to usurp the known Right of England in the Seas, to destroy the Fleets that are (under God) their Walls and Bulwarks, and thereby to expose this Commonwealth to Invasion at their pleasure, as by their late Action they have at­tempted to do: Whereupon the Parliament conceive themselves obliged to endeavour, with Gods assistance, as they shall have opportuni­ty, to seek Reparation of the wrongs already suffered, and Security that the like be not at­tempted for the future. Neverthelesse with this mind and desire, that all differences be­twixt the Nations may (if possibly) be friendly and peaceably compoled, as God shall open a way by his providence thereunto, and circum­stances shall be conducing, to render such en­deavours lesse dilatory, and more effectuall then those of this kind heretofore usually have been.

This short and smart answer con­tained yet something in it that tended to a possibility of an accommodation; yet all the severall conferences and de­bates about this businesse came to no­thing, [Page 112]but broke quite off,The Dutch Ambassa­dours have audience and depart and in short space after the Ambassadors had audi­ence in Parliament, took their leaves, and departed.

And now these two mighty States prepare to offend each other, and ac­cordingly Gen. Blake the English Ad­mirall, with a gallant and resolute Fleet of ships, advances Northward, towards the Isles of Orkney, to seize upon and hinder all such as they should find fishing on those coasts; where he took 12 Dutch men of Warre guard­ing their Busses, but most of the Busses were let go.

Sir George Ayscue with his Squadron of Ships being left to guard the narrow Sea,The Fight between the Dutch and Eng­lish Fleets neer Pli­mouth. discovered a Fleet of Flemings be­tween Dover and Calice, being about 30; of which 10 were taken and burnt, the rest ran ashoar on the Coasts of France: Many other Prizes were day­ly brought in (both of the Dutch and French) by the Ships and Frigots of this Commonwealth. Thence Sir George Ayscue with his Fleet sailed to the Westward, to seek out the Dutch Fleet, to guard the Seas, and to con­duct the Merchant-men that lay at [Page 113] Plimouth through the Channel: and be­ing about seven or eight Leagues off Plimouth, he received intelligence of the Dutch Fleet, and presently a Councell of Warre was called, upon which they resolved to stand over for the Coast of France, as the most probable way to meet with them; and the same day be­ing the 16. of Aug. between one and two in the afternoon, they had sight of the Dutch Fleet, and presently made what saile they could towards them, to discover their number, being about 60 Sail of Men of Warre, and 30 Mer­chantmen: the English were but 38. saile, four Fireships, and four Scouts; yet they came up with the enemy about four in the afternoon, and began the fight with much resolution and gallan­try; Sir George and about six other Ships charging through the whole bo­dy of the enemies Fleet, received much hurt in their Hulls, Masts, Sails, and Rigging: yet did they tack-about, weather them and charge them all a­gain, and continued thus engaged in the body of the enemies Fleet, till it was dark night; and had not the rest of the English Captains failed to do their [Page 114]duties, this Dutch Fleet (in all likeli­hood) had been wholly defeated. In this engagement the English had some slain and some wounded, but of note they lost only Captain Pack, whose Leg being shot off, he dyed soon after of it, who was an honest and valiant Seaman: there was wounded Captain Lisle, and Captain Witheridge: a Fire­ship of theirs was sunk, also two other Ships of the enemies were supposed to be sunk, but what other losse they re­ceived, an accompt could not be had: the darknesse of the night put a period to the dispute,Both Fleets re­tire. so that the Dutch stood away for the Coasts of France, and the English for the Port of Plimouth, to repair their Masts and Rigging, with­out which they could no further pro­secute the enemy.

During this engagement, Gen. Blake came from the Northward into the Downs, where there fell into his hands about six more considerable Dutch Prizes, and sent some Frigots to the Westward, to reinforce Sir George Ay­scues Fleet. Presently after this, Capt. Penn with a squadron of Ships hover­ing about the Coasts of France surpri­zed [Page 115]six Ships more belonging to the Dutch, which had been in the Duke of Venice service, and were now returned richly laden, all stout Ships of Warre, and of great burthen.

Sept. 5. The English Fleet under Gen. Blake riding in the Downs, re­ceiving intelligence of a French Fleet, weighed Anchor and stood over for the French Coasts; about five of the clock they descryed them weighing Anchor in Calice road, thinking by that means to escape: the night ap­proaching, the English chased them as farre as they durst for the Sands of Dun­kirk, took most of them, and about midnight gave over: The Names of those taken were as follows.

The Triton commanded by Chevalier de Verdiel, a Ship of 31 Guns, in which was Monsieur Bimulet, Commander in Chief of all the Fleet.

The Shepheard, commanded by Cheva­lier Boymerant, of 29 Guus.

The Gift of God, commanded by Che­valier de la Charta, of 30 Guns.

The Dutchess, commanded by Monsieur de la Roch, of 22 Guns.

The Crescent, commanded by Mon­sieur [Page 116]de la Viel Dean, of 26 Guns.

The Hunter, commanded by Monsieur de la Gicleck, of 22 Guns.

The St. Lewis, commanded by Mon­sieur de la Gory, of 28 Guns.

A small Frigot of eight Guns.

Six Fireships.

This French Fleet was bound to touch at Calice, there to take in Provi­sions and Men for the Relief of Dun­kirk: but the English thus intercepting them, the Dunkirkers despaired of any relief, and yeelded it up to the Spani­ards; the like also did Graveling: this did in part retaliate for those great los­ses and injuries the English had sustain­ed from the French.

Sep. 27.The Fight between the Dutch and the English Fleets, called The Kentish knock. Gen. Blake with his Fleet, discovered on the backside of Goodwin Sands, about 60 saile of Dutch men of Warre, under the command of Admi­rall De Wit: on the 28. Gen. Blake with his Fleet got under saile, and bore in among the enemy, but being upon a Sand called the Kentish Knock (under which the Dutch placed themselves, that the English might be mischieved if they should endeavour the weather­gage,) they found they had not three [Page 117]fathom water, insomuch that the Ge­neral's Ship, the Soveraign, the Resoluti­on, the Andrew, and others, were on ground: but without any harm; they all got presently off, fell to the busi­nesse again, and staid by the enemy till night parted: After this dispute the Dutch abode all night at some distance to Leeward of the English, as if they had an intention to engage again. Next morning, Sep. 29. at day break, the Dutch Fleet was seen about two Leagues Northeast of the English; who (though there was but little wind and various) bore after them all the fore­noon, but the wind coming to North and B. West, they could not get up to them: yet some of the best Frigots were commanded to bear up as neer the Dutch as they could, and to keep them in play till the rest of the Fleet could get up; and with much adoe about three a clock got within shot of the enemy, who fearing that by degrees,The Dutch are shameful­ly worsted the English Fleet would get within them, set up their main Sailes and ran for it, after whom about ten Frigots had the chase till six a clock that night. Next morning Sept. 30. the English [Page 118]bore after them again with a fresh gale at S. W. and pursued them untill they had sight of West-Gabell in Zealand, and saw them run into Goree. Hereupon the English concluded at a Councel of Warre, not to run further upon the Coasts of Holland, as well to avoid the shallowes, as because of the want of Provision in the Fleet.

The losse that the Dutch apparently sustained was, that three of their Ships were disabled in the first encounter, all their Masts being cut down, others of them lost their heads, and others their Boltsprit-masts, and Yards, the Dutch Rear-Admirall being towed by a Fly-boat of 32 Guns, was boarded by the None-such Frigot with 30 men, and the Fly boat with 30 more, but there being water in the Hold, and wanting Masts and Sails, he took the Rear-Admiral, the Captain and about 80 men out of them, and left the Ves­sels with the dead men floating in the Sea. Of the English, the losse was not great, about fortie being slain and a­bout forty wounded; in such shame­full sort were the Dutch defeated, who were so mighty at Sea, that they were [Page 119]a terror to the whole Universe.

The fame of this unhappy breach be­tween two such Potent States, quickly spread it self into all places, that were any whit eminent for trade or com­merce, and the effects thereof were both seen and heard in the Mediterra­an Sea, as well as in the English Chan­nel, whither the English had sent se­verall Ships of Warre, to secure their Merchants from the French Pirates of Toulon, Marsellis, &c. A squadron whereof of four saile, viz. The Paragon, Four Eng­lish men of Warre are wor­sted by eleven Dutch men of Warre in the Straights. Phoenix, Constant Warwick, and Eliza­beth, (having under convoy three Mer­chants Ships, two from Scandarone, and one from Smyrna) met with eleven saile of Dutch men of Warre, who presently came up with the English, and began the engagement, but night came on and parted them: next morn­ing the Dutch began again, and found as hot work as can be imagined from so small a number, two of their main top-Masts being shot down, and one of their Ships fired,The Phoe­nix Frigot is taken by the Dutch. but afterwards quenched: the Phoenix a stout English Frigot of 45 Guns, was clapp'd on board by a heavy Dutch Ship, the [Page 120]men overpowered, and the Ship taken. Of this petty successe the Dutch ex­ceedingly boasted: yet they bought it dearly, and that by their number, not their valour; the English not giv­ing out so long as they had men or munition; for the Paragon lost 27 men, and had about 60 wounded; the Eli­zabeth had but two barrels of Pouder left, so hard they ply'd it, and to such stresse were they put: Yet in despight of their Adversaries, they got safe with their Merchants into Portolon­gone; this fight was neer the Island of Corsica.

Upon the nick of this breach came into England an Ambassadour from the Queen of Sweden, where he ended his life, before he effected any thing: a­nother also from the King of Denmark, who being a contemporary, and con­federate with the States of Holland, durst not but dance after their Pipe; and as soon as the ghastly wound be­tween the two States began to fester, he departed the Land.

About which time the Parliament (considering the condition of the Eng­lish Merchants trading into the East [Page 121]Countrey, whose Ships (to avoid the danger of the Dutch Men of Warre, then in the Sound) had put themselves into the protection of the King of Denmark, but durst not venture home without a Convoy) sent a Fleeet of 18 men of Warre, of good force to fetch them home, being in number 22, and laden with such Commodities as the English had speciall occasion for, and without which they could not prose­cute the warre with the Dutch. Ac­cordingly Sep. 19. they set saile out of Yarmouth road, and on the 20. they came to an Anchor within two Leagues of Elsenore Castle; whence the Com­mander in chief sent a Letter to the Governour of Elsenore, by the Grey­hound Frigot, and another to the Da­nish Admirall, to desire them to ac­quaint the King with their coming, and for what; with a Letter to the Merchants, and Masters of the English Ships at Copenhagen, to addresse them­selves to the King, for the speedy re­lease of their Ships, then shut up with­in the Boomes at Copenhagen: but a mile short of the Castle the Ship was stopt. Next morning the Captain went up [Page 122]with his Boat, and delivered his Mes­sage and Letters, which availed no­thing; so that another was sent to the Merchants, and a Messenger to the King, but without successe; for he could not be admitted to speech with or sight of him: At length two Lords were sent to Elsenore, unto whom two English Captains repaired, and urged the restoring the Ships; and in stead of answering to the businesse, they asked, Why their Ambassadour had not audience? The seve­rall trans­actions between the Eng­lish and King of Denmark. Whether they had a Letter from the State of England to their King? Why they came so boldly upon his Majesties Streams, and so neer his House and Castle, with such a mighty Fleet, without three weeks notice beforehand? All these being impertineut to the bu­sinesse, a positive answer was urged by the English: and on the 26. of Sept. they received a Letter from the King, That he would secure them for the Merchants as carefully as he had done, but would not deliver them to them: Whereupon the Merchants and Seamen being destitute of all hopes of the releasement of their Ships, left them and came home with this Fleet: who on the 27 of Sep. left the Sound, and steer'd their course for [Page 123] England, and on the last of Sept. the Admirall of the Fleet, commanded by Capt. Ball, ran on shoar on the Coast of Shutland, and was there lost, but her men saved: this Ship carrying the light, it was miraculous that the rest of the Fleet were not all lost: this Ship was called the Antelope, an excel­lent Frigot, and carried above 50 brass Guns: a little after that they took about 20 Busses, a Dutch man of War, and a Freebooter of 20 Guns; and on the 15. of Octob. arrived safe in Burling­ton Bay.

Not long after this an Agent, by name Bradshaw, was sent to the King of Denmark, to [...] if yet by fair means they could obtain their desires; but in vain: for he did not only detain the Ships, but at length unladed them, and sold the Goods. Which incivi­lities towards those that never injured him in the least, but desired by all fair means, to enter into Amity with him, may one day (by the good pro­vidence of God) be requited and aven­ged.

The Hollanders (drunk with rage, and greedy of revenge for those rubs [Page 124]the English had lately given them, and for the continuall losse of their Ships dayly surprized and in great numbers brought into our Channel) used their utmost care and industry in rigging and setting forth their Fleet: which (notwithstanding the season of the year) they effected; and Decemb. 20. they appeared on the backside of the Goodwin-Sands, being 90 men of Warre, and 10 Fireships; the English under Gen. Blake were but 42, and not half of them mann'd, most of the best Ships being laid up when there was most need of them: which default (with­out doubt) was caused through the improvident, treacherous, finister and slothfull actings of such as then steer'd the helme of this State, whom God (in his due time) will bring to a rec­koning for their miscarriages. The English notwithstanding the paucity of their number,The Dutch & English engage, and the English are wor­sted. resolved to go out and sight them: and Novemb. 30. being fair weather, both Fleets plyed to the Westward, and about eleven of the clock that day were both engaged, the English having got the Weather-gage: in this sight half of the English Fleet [Page 125](as small as it was) came not up, pre­tending want of Men, insomuch that a few Ships of the English bore the brunt of that fight with the whole Fleet of the Dutch; the Vanguard, and the Victory engaging with 20 of the Dutch from first to last, and yet got clear of them all.The Gar­land and Bonadven­ture are taken. In the evening the Garland, an English Ship of above 40 Guns, was boarded by two Dutch Flag-ships, and after she had blown up her Decks, for want of men was taken. The Bonadventure (a Merchants Ship) attempting to relieve the Gar­land, was boarded, yet cleer'd her decks severall times, the Captain whereof being slain, the Ship was at length ta­ken: Gen. Blake going in the Triumph to relieve the Garland, had his foretop­mast shot by the board, was twice boarded, and yet got off safe, as did all the rest, except the two aforementioned, which though they fetcht not farre, yet dearly bought: two other Ships likewise fell into the hands of the Dutch presently after the Fight, but both Merchants Ships. General Blake upon this, with his Fleet withdrew in­to Lee Road, to be reinforced with [Page 126]Ships and Men. This Victory, such as you have heard, made the Dutch great­ly rejoyce and insult; such is the va­nity and levity of those which gaze on the meer outside of things, as they pre­sent themselves at first view: Nay by their Ambassadors they made the news thereof to eccho in most of the Princes Courts in Christendome: Mirum qutem quantum fama popular is addidit fabulae.

But the English like a Bear robbed of her whelps, and awakened at this sudden eclipse of their glory, splendor, and wonted valour, betook them­selves to new resolutions, for the quick­ning out a considerable Fleet, where­by to allay the soaring pride of their adversaries, and to stifle those unruly clamours and generall discontents of the people every where murmuring and inveighing against their Governours, as if they had (by secret and clande­stine designs) contrived the ruine of the Nation by a destruction of the Fleet.

And first they took into considerati­on, what due encouragement was fit to be given to Mariners and Seamen: and ordered,

That the Wages of every able Sea­man, fit for the Helme and Head, Top and Yard, should be advanced from 18. s. the moneth, to 23. s. the moneth, and all the rest proportionable.

That for every Prize they shal take, and shall so be adjudged in the Court of Admiralty, they shall have ten Shillings for every Tun the said Ship shal mea­sure; and six Pounds ten Shillings four Pence for every peece of Ord­nance, whether Iron or brasse, to be shared and divided amongst them pro­portionably, according to their places and Offices in the Ship: and that they shall have all Pillage they shall find up­on or above the Gun-deck of any such Prize.

That they shall have ten Pounds a Gun, for every man of Warre they shall sink or destroy, by Fire or other­wise, to be divided as aforesaid, with a moneths gratis money to all that shal voluntarily come into their Service within fortie dayes.

That for supplying of necessary Pro­visions unto sick and wounded men aboard, there be allowed five pounds for six moneths service for every hun­dred [Page 128]men. That care be taken upon their discharge for the payment of their Tickets and Conduct mo­ney.

That a covenient house be provided in or neer Dover, Deale, or Sandwitch, as an Hospitall for the accommoda­tion of such wounded men, as shall be there set on shoare. These with severall other branches of the like na­ture were printed and published, to the great satisfaction of the Seamen: insomuch that towards the latter end of February, 1653. the English had a brave and resolute Fleet out at Sea; notwithstanding all the care and in­dustry of the Hollanders, to hinder all Nations from bringing any Pitch, Tarre or Masts into this Common­wealth.

Febru. The Eng­lish and Dutch Fleets en­gage neer the Isle of Wight and Portland. 18. The Dutch Fleet in number about 80, with about 150 Merchantmen from Roan, Nants, and Bourdeaux, were discovered between the Isle of Wight and Portland: and a­bout 8 in the morning, the headmost of the English Fleet came up and enga­ged them, viz. the Triumph, where was Gen. Blake and Gen. Dean, with three [Page 129]or four more; the rest were not able to get up, being to the Leeward: so that them few were constrained to bear the first brunt, holding play with no lesse then 30 of the Dutch men of War, and thus it continued till two a clock in the afternoon; after which about about half the English Fleet came up, and engaged the Dutch till the night parted. In this fight the English lost none save the Sampson, a Dutch Prize, which being made unserviceable, was sunk by themselves, the men being all taken out and saved, which Ship first sunk the enemy that maimed her.

Febr. 19. The English made towards the Dutch, and followed them upon the chace a good while, in which days service some of the enemies Ships were brought by the Lee and destroy­ed.

Febr. 20. They Engaged the Dutch again, and the dispute grew hot, in­somuch that the enemy began to fire out of their sternmost Ports, and make away, so that divers of their Merchants Ships sell into the hands of the Eng­lish: At evening the English Fleet be­ing against Bolo [...] in France, and not [Page 130]farre from the shore, the wind at N. N. West, which was bad for them to get to their own shoare; they endeavour­ed by haling upon a tack, to get Dover Road; but many of their Ships ha­ving their Sails and Rigging much tattered and torn, they came to an An­chor.

The English in this fight took about 50 Merchants, and nine men of Warre, severall of their men of Warre were likewise sunk by the English, beside what the enemy themselves sunk that were made unserviceable, and by Let­ters out of France, it was certified also that above 2000 dead bodies of the Dutch were seen upon the French shores. Presently after this hot and terrible fight, there was 1500 taken Prisoners and brought to London. Gen. Blake was wounded in this engagement, se­veral other Commanders of the English, of eminent worth and gallantry, were slain and wounded also. Now though a particular accompt of the Dutch loss could never yet be fully known, yet without all question, it was as sad and dreadfull a losse to that State, as they ever yet knew, for which let Gods [Page 131]Name alone be magnified: and though I am none of those, Qui malis gaudeo alienis, yet seeing (that by a kind of fatal necessity) the stroaks of adverse fortune must fall heavy somewhere, we ought with hands lifted up, to blesse God for our deliverance.

The Dutch being deeply sensible of this losse, sent a Letter to the Parlia­ment of England, yet signed only by the States of Holland and West Friesland: in answer to which, the Parliament sent a Letter, signifying their desire of a friendly compliance, for the a­voiding the further shedding of Chri­stian bloud, but nothing came there­on.

But lest the English should surfet with excesse of joy for their late Vi­ctories over their enemies; God was pleased to give them a check, by an unexpected defeat of their Ships in the Levant-Seas, which was as fol­lowes.

The English (having by a stratagem regained the Phoenix Frigot from the Dutch as she lay in Leverne Mole) fitted themselves for another encounter with the Dutch? Capt. Badiley with nine [Page 132]men of Warre,The Eng­lish Fleet in the Le­vant Seas, are again worsted by the Dutch. weighed out of Porto­longone, towards the relief of those other Ships under Capt. Apleton, that lay in Levorne Mole, and for severall moneths had been cooped up by 22 men of Warre; hereupon the English Ships under Capt. Apleton weighed out of the Mole, a little sooner then they should have done, and were presently engaged by the whole Fleet of the Dutch, who having the advantage of the wind, with their Admirall and two other Ships, clapt the Leopard aboard, a stout English Ship of above fiftie Guns, who bravely maintained the fight above five hours against them all, till at length being overborne by the number of the enemy, she was ta­ken.

The Bonadventure by a shot in her Pouder room, took fire and was blown up.

The Peregrine was engaged with foun or five of the Dutch at a time, and having her main-Mast, and misen-Mast shot away, and being overpowered with number was taken.

The Levant-Merchant was first board­ed by one of the enemies Ships of 36 [Page 133]Guns, and (after two hours fight) by another as big; the first of which sunk presently after; yet was she also pos­sest by the Dutch.

The Sampson was boarded by young Trump, Rear Amirall of the Dutch on one side, and by a fire-Ship on the other, so that she was quickly fired.

Some there were that did not stick to traduce Capt. Badiley and those with him, as if he had been wanting in point of duty, toward the relief of the Ships aforesaid: when as they were all well nigh destroyed, before he could possibly come up. Where when he had done what in him lay, and seeing his Fleet in such a hazardous condition, like a wise Commander, made all the sail he could away, for preservation of that part of the Fleet; and this he hath so clearly proved, that he is wholly acquitted from having any hand in that miscarriage.

The Relation wherein this Com­monwealth stood with the Neighbour­ing Nations was in this sort.The King of Portu­gall and the State of England conclude a peace.

The King of Portugall not able to resist so powerfull a State as this (ha­ving more then enough to do, to grap­ple [Page 134]with the wealthy Spaniard) sent over an Ambassadour extraordinary, with a sumptuous train of followers, to conclude a Peace with the English; who (after many conferences, frequent addresses, and large offers made) ob­tained the same; yet to this day he hath not fully fiuished his Negotiati­ons, so as to satisfie the Merchants for their great losses.

From France the English were court­ed by two Parties:A French Agent ar­rives at London. by an Agent from the King of France, desiring a release of his Ships taken (as aforesaid) going to the relief of Dunkirk, as also that there might be a right understanding between the two Nations. And by four Deputies from the Prince of Con­de, 4 Depu­ties from Bourdeaux arive at London also. craving aid against the Cardinall and his creatures, who had straightly besieged the City of Bourdeaux: all which Negotiations were ineffectuall, for alas the breach was too high be­tween the two Nations to be easily ce­mented.

Other Nations by Letters and o­therwise endeavoured to be mediators and composers of those mortal jarres that were between England and Holland; [Page 135]as the Queen of Sweden, the Cantons of Switzerland, the Imperiall Cities of Lubeck and Hamburgh, &c.

This was the posture of the Civill and Military affairs of this Nation, when his Excellency the Lord General Cromwell (a man as it were by Divine appointment set apart for great enter­prizes) perceiving the notorious cor­ruptions, dilatory proceedings, per­nicious and arbitrary actings of the Parliament, to perpetuate their session, and to inthrall the people (by defraud­ing and disfranchising them of their antient and undoubted Liberties of equall and successive Representatives) entred the Parliament House, attend­ed with some of his principall Offi­cers, and there delivered certain rea­sons why a period ought to be put to that Parliament;The Par­liament is dissolved. which was presently done, the Speaker with the rest of the Members (some by force, some through fear, and some murmuring) departed the House. For which dysaster no man moved either tongue or hand in their behalf, it being generally be­leeved, that though the Nation pos­sibly might not be bettered by this [Page 136]change, yet a worse could not befall it. And thus was this mighty Coun­cell dissolved, their Powers transferred into the hands of the Souldiery, and their Names reproacht and vilified with the scorns and dirigies of the common people, who being well pleased with the doing thereof, enquired not into the reasons or causes why it was done. But to satisfie the wiser sort, and those that were more curious enqui­rers into the true and genuine causes of things, Generall Cromwell and his Councell of Officers published a De­claration, the substance whereof was as follows.

This Declaration and proceedings of General Cromwell and his Councell of Officers, was attended with the consent of the Generals and all the Captains of the Fleet, as also of the Generals and Officers of all the land Forces in Ireland and Scotland.

But least the Magistrates, and other publick Ministers of the Nation, should be startled at this sudden change, so as to swerve from their duties; or others should take occasion thereby to make disturbances in the Commonwealth, this following Declaration, was pub­lished.

These Domestick revolutions did in some measure heighten the spirits of the Dutch, who thought that some eminent distractions and commotions (both by sea and land) would there­upon ensue: but they were much de­ceived; for the Maritime affairs of these Nations (wherein the woe or weal thereof consisted) were carryed on with as much dexterity, policy, and speed, as the necessity and urgency of the occasion did require.

Now the Dutch having a great Fleet of Merchants Ships outward bound, durst not adventure through the Chan­nel; but with a Fleet of about 90 Men of Warre, conducted them by the North of Scotland towards the Sound, and there met with another Fleet of their Merchant men homewards bound, some from Russia, some from the East-Indies, and some from France: all which they conveyed home in safety, not having met with the English Fleet either going or coming: which ha­ving done, and hearing that the Eng­lish Fleet was to the Northwards, they set sail with their Fleet, and came into the Downs, where they took two or [Page 143]three small Vessels, and made severall shot into the Town of Dover, with which bravadoes they greatly delight­ed themselves, and boasted that the English Fleet was lost, that Hue and Cry must be sent after them, and such like speeches they vented and vaunted with: when on a sudden the English Fleet arrived from the Northwards, and on the 28 of May, came into Yar­mouth Road. June. 1. Being at An­chor in Sole Bay, they discovered two Dutch galliot Hoyes, to which chase was given till the whole Fleet was discovered, but the weather proving dark, they lost fight of them. June. 3. The English Fleet (being at anchor with­out the South head of the Gober) disco­vered the Enemy about two Leagues to Leeward, being about 100 sail:The Fight between the Dutch and Eng­lish Fleets off the North­foreland. where­upon the English weighed and made sail towards them; between eleven and twelve at noon both Fleets were engaged, and for some hours the di­spute was sharp, insomuch that about six a clock in the evening the enemy bore right away before the wind, little more being done that night. Next morning early the English were [Page 144]fair by the Dutch again;The Dutch are worsted, and many of their Ships sunk and taken. but there being little wind, it was noon ere they could engage them, and after four hours dispute, the Dutch endeavoured as fast as they could to get away; but the wind freshing Westwardly, the English bore in so hard among them, that they took eleven Men of Warre, and two water-Hoyes, six Captains, 1500 Prisoners, and sunk six Men of Warre more; the rest of the Dutch Fleet (if night had not prevented) would probably have been cut off; but darknesse coming on and being neer the Flats, and necessitated to stay and mend their Sails and Rigging which were much shattered and torn, they came to an Anchor about ten a clock that night. The losse which the Eng­lish sustained in this fight, was of Gen. Dean one of their Admirals, who with a great shot was taken off the first days engagement; one Captain they lost beside, they had slain at the uttermost not above 150 men, and about 240 wounded, but they lost not one Ship. That which greatly animated the Eng­lish, and discouraged the Dutch, was the opportune and seasonable coming [Page 145]in of Gen. Blake with about 16 sail of stout Men of Warre. The Dutch ha­ving (by the advantage of the night) got into the Wielings, the Ʋlye and the Texel; the English called a Councell of all the Captains of the Fleet, to advise what was the most convenient course for improvement of the victory to the best advantage: where it was resolved to make what sail they could with the whole Fleet towards the Wiel­ings, so far as with safety they might, and so range the Dutch Coast till they came to the Texel, where they lay for a pretty space of time, taking Prizes continually more or lesse, to the wo­full prejudice of the Dutch, whose Ships could in that while neither go out nor come in, nor get together in any one Port, whereby to unite and get to a head; in which condition, I shal for the present leave them.

Gen. Cromwell and his Councell of Officers having finished their consulta­tions and resolutions about those Per­sons to whom the Legislative Power of the Nation was to be committed; War­rants were issued out to each person so chosen in the three Nations, to ap­pear [Page 146]at the Councel-Chamber at White­hall, July, 4. 1653. a Copy whereof followes.

July 4. The severall Members met accordingly in the Councel-Chamber, where was the Lord Gen. Cromwell, and many of his Officers about him, who standing up, made an excellent, usefull and seasonable Speech unto them; re­counting the many wonderfull mercies of God towards this Nation, and the continued series of providences, by which he had appeared, in carrying on this Cause, and bringing affairs into the present condition.

He set forth likewise the progresse of affairs since the famous victory at Wor­cester, as also the actings of the Army thereupon, after divers applications to the Parliament, and much waiting up­on them, with the grounds and necessi­ty of their dissolving the late Parlia­ment, which he declared to be for the preservation of this Cause, and the in­terest of all honest men who have been engaged therein.

He in like manner held forth the cleernesse of the call given to the Mem­bers then present, to take upon them the supreme Authority: and from the Scriptures exhorted them to their du­ties, and encouraged them therein. He further defired them that a tender­nesse might be used towards all consci­entious persons of what judgement so­ever.

Which having ended, his Excellency produced an Instrument under his own hand and Seal, whereby he did with the advice of his Officers, devolve and intrust the Supreme Authority and Government of this Commonwealth, into the hands of the Persons there met: Who, or any forty of them, are to be held and acknowledged the Supreme Authority of the Nation; unto whom all persons within the same, and the territories thereunto belonging, are to yeeld obedience and subjection. And that they sit no longer then the 3^d. of Novemb. 1654. And three moneths be­fore thein dissolution, they were to make choice of other Persons to suc­ceed them, who were not to sit above a twelvemoneth, and then to take care [Page 149]for a succession in Government. Which Instrument being delivered to the Mem­bers, his Lordship commended them to God, and with his Officers with­drew. From thence the Members ad­journed forthwith to the old Parlia­ment House, and there sate de die in diem.

About this time John Lilburne (of whom I have already made mention) being a few moneths before banished the Land, by an Act of the foregoing Parliament, for certain crimes laid to his charge; took occasion upon this change of Government to come into England, and cast himself upon his Ex­cellency the Lord Generall Cromwell, craving his protection in several pub­lick addresses; who unwilling to in­terpose or meddle with affairs of that nature, left him to the Law: in somuch that he was commited to Newgate, and the next Sessions or Gaol-delivery,John Lil­burn tried at the Ses­sions in the Old Baily. he was brought to triall in the Old-Baily, July 13. but nothing was done that day, save that Councell was assigned him according to his demand. July, 14. he was again brought to the Barre, but refused to put in his Plea, unless [Page 150]he might have a copy of his Indictment; which was at length granted him. July 15. he appeared at the Barre a­gain, but little was done that day. July 16. he appeared and delivered in divers Exceptions to the Bill of Indict­ment, which were signed by his Coun­cel, and received by the Court; which day the Sessions ended, so that the businesse was put off to the next Ses­sions. Aug. 13. he appeared before the Bench again, and put in an Exception, demanding an Oyer of the Judgement given against him in Parliament, as well as of the Act grounded thereupon. Aug. 16. he appeared again, the Point argued on both sides, but nothing more was done that day. Aug. 20. he was again brought before the Court, where he joyned issue, and pleaded not guilty; whereupon a Jury was impan­nel'd, and Witnesses examined to make good the Charge; as also Witnesses on the behalf of the Prisoner, who in making his defence, held the Court se­verall hours; and in answer thereun­to the Councel for the Common­wealth were also heard. The Jury ha­ving the Charge, after hearing the [Page 151]whole businesse withdrew,Is quitted, by the Jury. and about twelve of the clock that night deliver­ed up their Verdict, That they found him Not guilty: whereupon he was sent back to Newgate, and soon after was from thence sent to the Tower, where he yet remains.

Thus you see what endeavours were used to rid the Nation of this incon­siderable fellow, by Tryals, Banish­ment, and what not? but hitherto in vain; when as many a gallant Heart farre transcending him in birth and parts, have fallen by the sword of Justice, in the twinkling of an eye: But it may be God hath reserved him to be a greater plague to this Nation, whose heart I fear is the seed-plot of sedition and division. True it is, he is a man of a penetrating judgement, quick wit, and voluble tongue, bold and confi­dent in all his undertakings: he is likewise peevish and passionate out of measure; affects popularity, and is of an implacable spirit, not to be appeas­ed but with the bloud of his adversa­ries: Nor can I deny but some of those things he aimed at were honest, and usefull for the people, but he steered [Page 152]not the right course to attain those ends.

The condition of the English affairs in Scotland was now much after this sort;The state of Scot­land. although the English had got in­to their possession most or all of the strong Towns, Forts, and Castles in the Lowlands, yet many incursions were made thereinto by the Highland­ers, and such like loose and barbarous people, committing many outrages, spoils and cruell murthers upon the people and souldiers in stragling par­ties; and forthwith would betake themselves to such inaccessible fastnesses, that they could not be pursued: The like they do yet daily in great numbers, and are headed by Glencarne, Atholl, Seafort and others; the last of which was so bold as to send a Summons to a Ship that lay at Anchor at Lewis Island, (having before surprized seven or eight men that went ashore for Provisions) which Summons is as followes.

The affairs of Ireland were much after the same passe:The state of Ireland. for the English having reduced all the strong holds of that [Page 154]Country, and shipt away most of those Irish Rebels that (according to Procla­mation) came in by such a time, for Spain and other parts; except such as were found guilty of the massacre of the Protestants at the first rebellion, who were in severall places of that Na­tion tryed, condemned and executed, in great numbers, drave the rest of the Irish into the Province of Conaught, and fell to approportion out the Land of the other three Provinces, for the satis­faction of the Adventurers, and of the arrears of the Souldiery; but are in some measure still molested by the out­laws of that Nation, the Tories, Cosen­germans to the ancient Picts, and Red­shanks of Scotland, and the Banditi in Italy.

The Hollanders (perceiving that no­thing was to be got of the English but blowes, and sensible of their great los­ses) sent four Commissioners into Eng­land, to set on foot the Treaty again, viz. Monsteur Bevering, Newport, Younstall, and Vanderparre, who soon after his arrivall departed this life: the rest pur­sued their negotiations so close, that we are not left altogether without [Page 155]hopes of an accommodation. Yet did not this Treaty produce either a cessa­tion, or any intermission of Arms; but all manner of hostility was exerci­sed on both fides, as appeared by ano­ther remarkable fight between the two Fleets during the Treaty, which it is like much quickned the same, the man­ner whereof was thus.

July 29. The English Scouts dis­covered a Dutch Fleet from the Wielings, of about 95 saile of Men of Warre, upon which the English Fleet made what saile they could after them, which the enemy discerning stood away; yet by five a clock that evening, some of the English Frigots engaged them, and soon after 30 Ships or thereabouts got up and engaged, the rest of the Fleet being a stern; those sew bearing the whole brunt of that dayes fight, till night came, and forced both Fleets to retire: the Dutch were so ply'd in this first dayes engagement, that they were discovered to send away some of their maimed Ships in the night, and with their whole Fleet got by, striving to make a conjunction with 25 sail of stout Ships they expected out of the [Page 156] Texel; which by plying up towards them (undiscerned by the English) they obtained: which conjunction the Eng­lish (by reason of thick and foul wea­ther) could not hinder by engagement, nor otherwise.The Dutch & English Fleets en­gage. Next morning the Dutch with their new recruits, fell upon the English Fleet in a gallant posture, and fought courageously from five a clock in the morning, till one in the afternoon, both Fleets passing through each other with much vio­lence, endeavouring to burn, fink, and destroy one another, as if the whole businesse should have been decided by the event of this battell: yet the Dutch never went off, but with the losse of some of their Ships, which were either sunk or burnt: The Garland a stour Man of Warre (which the Dutch had formerly taken from the English) was laid aboard by the Worcester Frigot and burnt: The Triumph and the Andrew were clapt aboard by two or three Dutch fireships, and received some hurt in their sails, but were quickly cleer­ed of them, by the valour and industry of some particular men. The Dutch seeing themselves in a declining po­sture, [Page 157]many of their Ships being sunk and burnt,The Dutch are put to slight, and many of their ships sunk. and unwilling to abide a further hazard (their spirits being daunted) began to bear away with all the sail they could make, and made directly for the Texel; so that it was not thought convenient by the Eng­lish, to be too bold with the shore, not knowing how the wind might take them, many of their Ships being disabled; but one or two small Eng­lish Vessels kept fight of them till morning, and saw them steer into the Texel Harbour, having Boats with lights to shew them the way in. Where­upon the English at a Councel of War, resolved that the whole Fleet should set sail for Sole-Bay, to dispose of such Ships as were disabled, as also of their wounded men, and Prisoners. The losse which the English received at this fight, was as followes. 300 Men were slain outright, whereof seaven Captains, Graves, Chapman, Taylor, New­man, Crisp, Owen, Cox, and Captain Peacock: they had also 700 wounded, of which five Captains, Stokes, Seaman, Rous, Holland, and Cubit. The parti­cular losse which the Dutch received, [Page 158]as to the number and quality of those that were slain or wounded, came not to our knowledge: but the visible losse they had, was of about 30 Men of Warre sunk and fired; their Re­nowned Lord Admirall Van-Trump was slain in the midst of the engagement: and out of the Dutch Ships, that lay sinking in the Sea, the English took out six Captains, and about a thousand other Prisoners. This was the saddest conflict that hath hapned between the two Republicks, but a most seasona­ble victory to the English, who I hope will not fail to make a good improvement thereof. For this piece of service, the Parliament ordered that Gold Chains should be given to Ad­mirall Blake and Monke, as a mark of their favour, as also to Vice-Admi­rall Pen, and Rear-Admirall Lawson; other Chains were ordered to be gi­ven to the other Flag-Captains, and Medals of Silver to the Officers of the Fleet. It was afterwards known by Letters out of Holland, that the Dutch loft about 6000 Men in this engage­ment.

And now Reader (having brought thee well-nigh to the period of my dis­course, and hitherto entertained thee with the relation of things meerly Civil and Military) I shall (according to my skill) give thee some accompt of the state of Religion, for these few years last past, which was such and in so many shapes, that no one form can be assigned thereto: for in stead of an absolute conformity in matters of Re­ligion, there was a generall non-con­formity; Heresies being daily broach­ed in every corner of the Land, which continually sprung up like Hydra's heads, one upon the neck of another, by which means the minds of the people became unsetled and shaken in the Principles of Faith and Doctrine; each particular faction tracing a diffe­rent track to find the truth, when as indeed, there is but one way, and one truth; the numbers and names where­of if I should undertake to give you, I might reckon ad infinitum: viz. Inde­pendents, Anabaptists, and those of severall kinds; some for Imposition of hands, anointing with Oyl, and washing of feet; and some against them. [Page 160]Brownists, Millenaries, Arminians, Socinians, Adamites, Diggers, Seekers, Shakers, Ranters, Enthusiasts, Arians, Pelagians, cum multis aliis: of all which I shall say only thus much, Let them grow together till the harvest, lest in plucking up the tares, you pull up the wheat also.

This Parliament having sate about as many weeks as the other had done years, though in that time (to give them their due) they had made seve­rall laudable Acts, and of great utili­ty and advantage to the people, viz. An Act for taking off the Engagement; for taking off Fines from Originall Writs and Declarations; for clearing of Publike Debts, and discovery of frauds and concealements due to the Commonwealth: as also an Act for Relief of Creditors, and poor Priso­ners, which of all others, was of great­er concernment to the Nation then a­ny thing they could do: Other Acts of lesse moment they made also, which I shall forbear to mention. Yet in o­ther things of no small consequence, there appeared such consusion in their Councels, such contrariety in their [Page 161]opinions, such a dissonaacy in their actings, and disparity in their aims, that they seemed to be a meer monster with many heads; insomuch that it was not expected their power (as then it stood) would continue unto the time prefixt.

For on the 10. of Decemb. 1653. the Parliament (having heard the Report of the Committee,

That they thought it sitting that Commissi­oners be sent into all the Counties, and ina­bled to eject scandalous and unable Ministers; and also be impowered to settle able Ministers in all void places.

That such as are or shall be approved for publike Preachers of the Gospel, shall have and enjoy such maintenance as is already setled by Law.

That upon hearing and considering what [...]ath been offered to the Committee touching propriety in Tithes, of Incumbents, Rectors, Possessours of Donatives, or appropriate Tithes; It is the opinion of this Committee, That the said persons have a Legal propriety in Tithes) The Parliament, I say, having spent se­verall dayes in debate of this Report, Decemb. 10. put the first of these Re­ports to the Question, viz. Whether the [Page 162]House doth agree with the first Clause of this Report? which was carryed in the Ne­gative.

Monday, Decemb. 12. somewhat early, the House being sate, a Gentleman stood up and moved,

That the sitting of this Parliament, as then constituted, would not be for the good of the Commonwealth; and that therefore it was requisite to deliver up unto the Lord Ge­nerall Cromwell the Powers which they re­ceived from him.

This motion being seconded by seve­ral other Members, the house rose, & the Speaker with many Members of the House, departed and went to White-hall, where they (being the greater number of the Members sitting in Parliament) did by a Writing under their hands,The Par­liament dissolved, Decem. 12. 1653. resign unto his Excellency their said Powers; and Mr. Speaker, attended with the Members, did present the same to his Excellency accordingly.

This was no sooner done, but (after serious consultation and debate about the emergent occasions of the Land) the Lord Generall Cromwell was (in the presence of all the Judges and Justices of the severall Courts at Westminster, [Page 163]the Barons of the Exchequer, the Keep­ers of the Liberties of England, the Lord Major, and Aldermen of the City of London, with most of the chief Offi­cers of the Army) sworn Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scot­land, and Ireland, and of all the Islands and Territories thereunto belonging: several Articles by which he is to go­vern the People, being then read to him, to the performance whereof, he took a solemne Oath in the presence of them all; the summe whereof was,

That he should call a Parliament every three years. That the first should be Sept. 3. 1654. That he should not dissolve it untill they had sate five moneths. That whatsoe­ver Bill they should passe, if he should not sign it in twentie dayes, that then it should passe without him. That he should have a Coun­cell of select Persons to assist him, not under 13. nor above 21. That immediately after his death, the Councell shall choose another Protector before they rise. That no Protector for the future shall be Generall of the Army. That the Protector shall have power to make Peace or Warre. That with the consent of his Councell, he may make Lawes which shal [Page 164]be binding till the next Session of Parlia­ment.

These with many more particulars you may read at large in the Forme of Government.

Soon after this he was proclaimed Lord Protector in the Palace-yard at Westminster, and by the Lord Major and Aldermen in their Scarlet Gowns at the Royall Exchange.

Not long after his Highnesse the Lord Protector was by the City invi­ted to a Feast at Grocers-Hall, the man­ner of whose reception was as fol­lowes.

He came from Westminster in a Cha­riot drawn with six Horses, in gallant equipage; before him rode his Life-Guard, with most of his chief Officers, and some of his Councell; after them rode two Pages bareheaded in sumptu­ous apparell; after them about twelve Lackeys, with velvet Caps in gray Li­veries with silk and silver Fringe; then came his Highnesse, as aforesaid, in a Chariot, clad in a dark coloured Suit and Cloak, attended by many of the Nobility in their Coaches with six Horses. At Temple-barre his Highness was [Page 165]met by the Lord Major and Aldermen, where the Recorder of London saluted him with a pithy and excellent Speech. His Highnesse then came out of his Chariot, put on a riding Coat im­broidered with Gold Lace, and mount­ed on horseback, two or three of his horses of State being there led by: which done, the Lord Major took the City-Sword, and carried it bareheaded from thence to Grocers-Hall, all the way whereof the severall Companies in their Liveries sate on both fides the way, in Rails set up on purpose, with Strea­mers sticking up to distinguish each Company. After his Highnesse had dined, and banquet was ended, he con­ferr'd upon the Lord Major the Honour of Knighthood.

Which piece of magnificence had no sooner been performed, but as a Remo­ra to that happy settlement, so long contended for by all good men, there conspicuously appeared a most sub­terranean work of darknesse,A plot discovered a secret conspiracy carryed on by the old rest­lesse party on the behalf of Charles Stu­art, which being discovered Feb. 18. 1653. eleven of them were sent close [Page 166]prisoners to the Tower of London, where being retained a short time, his Highnesse clemency extended so far as to set them at liberty.

About the same time as a sure testi­moniall of the peoples affection to his Highnesse Government,Addresses from all parts of the Nati­on. there appear­ed addresses and congratulations from all parts of this Nation, Scotland and Ireland; his Highnesse likewise by way of Retaliation, made severall good Acts, tending to the glory of God, and the good of the Common-wealth, more especially that for the approba­tion of publick Preachers: But at pre­sent leaving this let us look Northward, where, about this time, high were the expectations and hopes of the Scots, partly from the unsetled spirits of some male-contented persons in Eng­land, as also from the great promises that their King made to them, by his Agents, insomuch that they doubted not but to have once more a fair trial of their quarrell in the field, and to that end having received ample Com­mission from their King, they had sud­denly formed an Army of about four thousand Horse and Foot,The Scots rally. being head­ed [Page 167]by the Earl of Glencarne and Ken­more; but this bubble was soon broak by the vigilance of Collonel Morgan, Are rout­ed. who with about 1500 horse and foot, Feb. 17. came to the Lough, where Glencarn and the rest were at a Rendezvouze, and after a little dispute, he totally routed their Army, having killed of them about 150. Glencarn himself hard­ly escaping with fortie horse. But leaving Scotland, we present you with the main businesse in agitation at this time, viz. The Dutch Peace,The Dutch Peace con­cluded. to which end four Ambassadors from them ha­ving resided here all last winter, and having well nigh-finished their busi­nesse, in February two of them went over, the Lord Newport, and Youngstall, for full power and ratification, and having returned and landed at the Tow­er Wharf, March 3. 1654. were hono­rably attended through the City, and the next day had audience of his High­nesse, declaring their ful impowerment from their Superiors, for the ratifying of the Peace lately agreed on, desiring a speedy cessation of Arms on both sides: This was the effect of what was by them delivered; and accordingly to [Page 168]the great joy of all the Reformed Churches, on the 5 of April following, the Articles of Peace betwixt both States were signed and sealed on both fides, and shortly after proclaimed both in England, and in the Netherlands. The Dutch Ambassadors the day after the Peace proclaimed were nobly enter­tained and feasted by the Lord Pro­tector.

As to the affairs of Ireland, The state of Ireland. much can­not be said, more then some years past, saving that the Country more and more tends towards the center of set­tlement through the great vigilance of the Lord Deputy and Councel there, who having through a great deal of difficultie gon through with the work of transplanting the Irish into the Pro­vince of Conaught, by means whereof the lives and estates of the English are throughly secured, and upon the ge­neralty of that Country there appears a good face of health and quiet.

Now whilst Ireland was in this quiet state, the old malignant Party, was hatching new broyls in the heart of England;A second Plotdisco­vered. as appeared upon the disco­very of a barbarous conspiracy on the [Page 169]20th. of May, 1654. undertaken by di­vers persons of severall interests in ge­nerall, their intent being by a villanous assassination to have turned the State in­to blood and confusion: a piece of trea­son so much the more to be detested in England, in regard the generous na­ture of the English doth usually abhor such unmanly practises, so that they have very rarely been heard of amongst us: divers were apprehended about it, and examined, as Gilbert Gerard Esq; and John Gerard his brother, John Jones, an Apothecary, Thomas Tudor, with severall others, who were all of them committed to the Tower, and shortly after a high Court of justice being erect­ed these three were tryed in the first place, viz. John Gerard, Somerset Fox, and Peter Vowel, who being found guil­ty were condemned to be hanged,The plot­ters exe­cuted. and it was accordingly performed on Peter Ʋowel; Gerard upon petition was be­headed, and Somerset Fox for his inge­nuous and submissive confession his Highnesse pardoned.

Upon the same day that these Plot­ters suffered, Don Pautalcon sa brother to the Lord Ambassador of Portugal, ha­ving [Page 170]been Prisoner in Newgate a long time,The Por­tugal Am­bassadors brother beheaded with Ge­rard. for a Ryot by him and others committed at the New Exchange, and having been lately brought to his triall at the upper Bench barre, was at first very peremptory, refusing to be uncovered, or to plead; but at length he was told by an Interpreter that he ought to plead or to undergo the Law, which was to be pressed to death, which having a while slighted, he at length pleaded not guilty, but being found guilty he was condemned to be hanged, but through the favour of the Court the sentence was altered, to be beheaded; which was accordingly performed, on the 10. of July, on Tower-hill with Gerard: an exemplary piece of justice.

These Plots in England being thus nipt in the bud,Middleton routed in Scotland. did nothing discou­rage the Scotch malignants in the Highlands, but that they brought their designs to more maturity; for having got some addition of strength by the landing of Middleton out of Holland as Generalissimo, they soon got the re­pate of terming themselves an Army; but as a means for the dispelling of that Scotch mist, Monk was sent into [Page 171]the North as Generall, where having attended their motions, and sate hard upon their skirts some certain time, on the 21 of July, 1654. he engaged them by Loughgery, and after some small resistance, totally routed them and all their hopes together.

Septemb. 3. 1654.Parlia­ment met Sep. 3. According to Writs formerly issued out, the Par­liament met at Westminster, where af­ter a Sermon preached by Mr. Marshall, they repaired to the Parliament House, and having chosen William Lenthall their Speaker, they then began to question the lawfulnesse of the pow­er that called them thither, insomuch that his Highnesse considering the growing evils that were like to afflict the Nation in case of new changes, and revolutions, appointed a Test or Re­cognition of the Government, which was to be signed by them before ever they entred the house again, which being accordingly signed by the gene­ralty of them, they took their places again, and having sate full five moneths, and in that time done nothing of that main work which they were called to­gether for, which was by their unity [Page 172]to cement the hearts of the people of this Nation together, but on the con­trary, by their severall divisions and animosities (much like to Sampson's Foxes fastened together at the tails) they feed the Common people with hopes that they should once more have a day of it, which till their sitting they despaired of; all which his High­nesse considering of, on the 22 of Jan. actually dissolved them:Dissolved Jan. 22. and ful time it was, for before their dissolution, to wit on the 10 of January, 1655. a new conspiracy was detected against his Highnesse, and the present Govern­ment, the venom and contagion of which had spread it self into most parts of this Nation, Sir Henry Little­ton, Sir John Packington, A third Plot discovered. with severall other were apprehended about it; on the Lilburnian account was apprehend­ed their grand stickler Major Wildman, as he was dictating to another a Pam­phlet bearing this title, A Declarati­on setting forth the grounds and rea­sons of our taking Arms against Oliver Cromwell: Nay so generall was this design, that although very much of it was discovered, yet their confidence was [Page 173]so great, that they feared not but to carry it on without their friends al­ready in prison about it, and to that end upon the 13. of March divtrs per­sons came post from Salisbury, giving an account of the rising of a party of Cavaliers in those parts, who came in­to Salisbury on the Lords day at mid­night, about 200 in a body, the assizes being there held by the Lord chief Justice Rolls, and Judge Nicolas, where having clapt guards to all the Innes of the Town, their insolence transported them so farre, as to take away the Judges commissions, and having seised on all their horses left them, and marcht away towards Poole, being headed by one Wagstaffe, Penruddock, and Jones, Captains in the late Kings Ar­my: and further to shew the condition of this frantick generation, at the same time another party of them en­deavoured the surprizall of the Town and Castle of Shrewsbury, Shrewslu­ry surpri­zed. but being timely discovered, were prevented.

News was likewise brought of a fresh party risen in Mount Gomeryshire, A party risen in Mountgo­mery-shire. where they were encreased to the number of 800, acting both publickly and consi­dently.

A messenger came also out of Not­tingham-shire, And in Notting­ham-shire. which brought informa­tion of a party of 500 Horse that were gotten together in the Forrest of Sher­wood, in that County, having a Car­riage laden with Arms, with them; and being consulting in a by Inne, how to manage their businesse, a sodain fear taking them, they cryed out they were betrayed, and so dispersed them­selves.

Letters came likewise from Coll.And in Northum­berland. Lilburn out of the North certifying that in Northumberland there was another party up, but they being betraid by their own fears, and jealousies disperst again of themselves.

And for a finall conclusion of all these risings,And in York-shire. there was likewise an en­deavour in York-shire to form a party, many being met for that purpose, up­on Hesham Moor, with an intent to seise York for Charles Stuart, they had two Carts full of Armes and Ammunition with them, and divers of the Gentry, amongst whom was Sir Henry Slaigsby, Sir Richard Malleve­rer; but they likewise disperst, per­ceiving no such appearance as they [Page 175]expected. Sir Henry Slaigsby was ta­ken; Sir Richard Malleverer escaped. The like successe of these unfortunate men you may expect in this following relation.

On the 16 of March 1655 came Let­ters from Captain Ʋnton Crook, signify­ing the total defeat of the Cavaliers under the command of Wagstaffe, Jones, Penruddock, and Groves, for having per­sued them out of Wilt-shire into De­vonshire, Wagstaffe & Penrudock routed. he having only his own Troop fell into their quarters, in a Town called South Molton, where after four hours dispute with them, he took some 60 prisoners, and neer 140 Horse and Arms; Wagstaffe escaped, Jones Penrud­dock and Groves he took, where having delivered them over to the high Sheriff of the County, they were committed to Exon Gaol, where having a short time reamained, a commission of Oyer and Terminer, Are tryed condemn­ed and ex­ecuted. was issued forth for the triall of the Western Cavaliers at Salis­bury, where 30 were convicted, and 14 condemned, Penrudock and Groves were two of them for Treason, in levying warre: and on the 3 of May, executi­on was done upon three of them, by [Page 176]name, Lacas, Thorp, and Kensey; Lacas was beheaded, the other two were hanged. News came likewise from Exeter, giving information, that on the 9 of May, execution was done there upon 14 of the condemned persons, on the 9 of May, Penruddock and Groves had so much favour shewed them as to be beheaded: the greatest part of them were reprieved (whereof Jones was one) by order of his Highnesse.Jones re­preived.

And further for the securing of the peace of the Commonwealth it was ordered that divers persons prisoners in the Tower,Divers Ri­sers sent to Planta­tions. who were in the last yeers conspiracy against his Highnesse person, and most of those in the Gaols of the West, who were in the late re­bellious Insurrection, should be sent away to forreign Plantations.

Now on the other hand,Mr. Cople­ston knighted. as a speci­all remark of true valour, on the 1 of June, Mr. Copleston high Sheriffe of De­vonshire, was Knighted by his High­nesse for the good service he did in his Country, at the time of the late In­surrection, his Highnesse likewise gave him the Sword he Knighted him with, as a further addition of honour.

May the 2. 1655.An Am­bassador from Spain The Marquesse of Loyd, extraordinary Ambassador from his Majesty of Spain, arrived at Dover, and so coming to Greenwitch, was there attended by the Master of the Ceremonies, and divers Gentlemen of his Highnesse, from thence by water to Tower-wharf, where he was met and conducted thence with a stately train of Coaches through the City to Westmin­ster, there to receive the usuall enter­tainment, for three dayes, after which his Excellency removed to Dorset house, in Salisbury Court, and on the 8 of May, Hath Au­dience and takes his leave. his Highnesse gave publike audi­ence to the Lord Ambassador in the banqueting house, and having had se­verall other audiences, and nothing concluded, on the 12 of June follow­ing he tooke his leave of his Highness, where many complements passed be­tween them at the interview.

The peace (as you have heard before) being lately concluded with the Dutch,Pen's ex­pedition. and to the intent that the bulwarks of this Commonwealth should not con­sume away to no advantage, it was therefore resolved for the equipring out of a Fleet, which having been at [Page 178]last brought to perfection, on the 27. of Decemb. 1654. they set sail from Portsmouth, under the command of Generall Pen, and Ʋenables, upon an unknown expedition, but to cleare doubts, in part conceiving their de­sign: on the 1 of May, 1655. came Letters from Generall Pen, dated at the Barbadoes, March 19. certifying the good condition of the whole Fleet,Is at Bar­does. having arrived there on the 28 of January fol­lowing, and there he seised on 18 Dutch Merchant men, who traded there con­trary to an Act of the long Parliament: as also by later Letters from them it appeared that they set saile from Bar­badoes the 30 of March, and sailed for Hispaniola, where after their landing, having received some small check (ve­rifying that excellent saying, Man propo­seth but God disposeth) they re-embarqued for the Island of Jamaica, At Ja­maica. where they arrived the 10 of May following, be­ing in full possession of it, after some small resistance by the Spaniards, and receiving it as an earnest peny of those great things that shall be done by the English Nation in Gods good time up­on the perfidious Nation of the Spani­ards.

Now somewhat to raise the spirits of the English again, whom any ill fortune dejects, take an account of the wonderfull success it pleased God to bestow upon Generall Blake, against the Turkish Pirates of Tunis, Generall Blakes successe a­gainst the Turks. where he having on the 18 of April, 1655. de­manded of the Dye of that place satis­faction for some Ships which they had taken, as also the Captives of our Na­tion; but being denyed either of them, and withall they giving some provo­king terms, as in these and such like words. These are our Castles of the Galletta, and the Ships and Castles of Porto Ferino, do what you can, do not think to fear us with the shew of your Fleet. The Generall seeing himself so slighted, called a Councell of War, where after the seeking of counsell of the Lord to direct them in that busi­ness, they resolved to burn those Ships that lay in Porto Ferino, if it were possible, being nine in number, which they thus effected: the Admiral, Vice-Admiral, and Rear-Admiral lay with­in Musket shot of their Castle, which had 20 Guns in it, playing continu­ally both upon it and their Forts, the [Page 180]wind likewise favouring, it pleased God to put such courage into the English,Their 9 Ships si­red. that in four hours time all their nine Ships were burnt down to the water by the English Boats; in which nota­ble service, there were lost in the whole Fleet but 25 men, and 48 woun­ded, which mercy was the more sig­nall, considering that there was 120 Guns planted on the shore, and in the Castle against them.

June 12,A fourth plot sus­pected. Upon suspicion of a new Plot there was committed to the Tow­er the Lord Willowby of Parham, Mr. Sey­more, the Lord Newport, Mr. Newport, with others, of which more in it's due place.

July 4.Major Sedgewick set sail. Advice was brought that Major Sedgewick with a gallant squa­dron of Ships, 12 in number, and Co­lonel Humphreys with his Regiment of Souldiers, designed for the assistance of our Generals in the West-Indies ex­pedition, did set sail out of Dover Road the 2 of July: the Lord prosper them.

August 31.Gen. Pen arrived from West-Indies. Generall Pen arrived at the Spithead, neer Portsmouth, from Ja­maica, with part of the Fleet, having left a considerable Squadron behind [Page 181]him in those seas. He came from thence the 25 of June, and being come as far as the Havana in the Island of Cuba, the Ship Baiagon fell on fire, by negligence, and so perished in the sea, blowing up many of her men that were in her. The Army left at Jamaica was com­manded by Collonel Fortescue, the squa­dron of Shps, by a truly valiant man, Vice-Admirall Goadson.

Likewise on the 9 of September fol­lowing arrived Generall Venables in the Maston More Frigot,Gen. Ve­nables like­wise arri­ved. very weak, ha­ving been at deaths dore, so that in all probability nothing but change of air would have saved his life.

Now here by the way, take a relati­on of a President seldome heard of, the resignation of the Queen of Sweden, The Queen of Swedens resignati­on. who from a powerfull Princesse put her self into the condition of a Lady Arrant; now whilst she was project­ing the businesse, these propositions she made to the Prince her Successor.

1. She will retain the best part of the Kingdome, and the custome to her self.

2. She will be no subject, but free of her self without controul.

3. She will travell whither she plea­seth.

The Prince replyed,

• 1. That he would not be a King without a Kingdome.
• 2. He will have no Rivall more then she a Superior.
• 3. He will not hazard himself about her designs abroad.

But how these differences in these proposals were composed I know not. But in a short time she wholly resigned all, leaving her self only the bare title of the Queen of Sweden, having ever since rambled up and down according as her wild fancy led her: and for the to tall finishing of the comick Scene, she hath at length resigned up her Re­ligion, and is received into the bo­some of the Church of Rome; which City having at last arrived to, I there leave her: and return to the happy suc­cesse of the Lord Whitlock, who having gone Ambassador into Sweden, and there resided about eight moneths, ha­ving finished his affairs, in concluding a firm peace with that Crown, return­ed to London in February, 1654.

Sept. 5. It was confirmed from Bay­onne, [Page 183]and Sant Sabastian, that the King of Spain had made a seisure of the persons and goods of the English.

Octob. 24.A Peace with France concluded. The Articles of peace be­twixt France and England were signed by the Commissioners impowered by speciall Commission for that purpose from his Highnesse the Lord Protector on the one part, and on the other part, by his Excellency the Lord Ambassa­dor of France: and on the 28 of Novemb. Publication was made of the treaty of Peace, first in the Court of White-Hall, by the sound of Trumpet, and the He­ralds attending in their formality: Afterwards in the Palace-yard at West­minster, and in all the usuall places throughout the City of London. The like was by appointment to be done the same day at Paris, all ceremonies of publick rejoicing were expressed by the Family of the Lord Ambassador of France, as also by all the generality of the people of the City of Lon­don.

And now Reader have I brought my Story from the end of one Monarchy to the third year of the Government [Page 184]of his Highnesse: under which (if is please the wise Disposer of all things, as well as persons, to grant us Peace, both at home and abroad) both thou and I may live to see happy dayes. And if it shall please God to spin out the thred of my life to some conside­rable length, I shall afford the world some other things of the like nature: but if not, I am content to acquiesce in the good will of him that dwelt in the Bush, and so Farewell.