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

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

Another principall Cause was the lamentable corruptions of the Court, 2 not inferior in vice to the most infamous Court in Europe, not excelling in any thing that might be called virtuous, but inur'd themselves to a soft and luxurious life, abounding in all manner of voluptuous and effeminate plea­sures, rejecting the more noble di­ctates of nature and grace, not at­chieving any one enterprise, that might render them either feared abroad or loved at home: but still wanting fuell for the fire of their [Page 3]prodigality, daily invented some new and indirect courses and wayes to torment the people; whose jea­lousies and fears encreasing with their grievances, brought forth a most bloudy intestine warre, which ended not but in the subversion of Church and State, as then establish­ed, viz. Episcopacy and Monarchy, the Head of both being cut off and the Bodies discomfited. And though the King was judged to be the Patron of those many innova­tions and miscarriages that befell the Church and Commonwealth, yet I am fully perswaded they pro­ceeded not from the depravednesse of his will, but the flexibility of his nature, overwhelm'd by his per­nicious Councell, by which he seem'd of a lesser magnitude then otherwise he would have done; yet was he not the worst although the most unfortunate of Princes: and in him ended Monarchy, but [Page 4]not the miseries of these Nations: for after some years civil (and yet unnaturall) warre betwixt King and Parliament, they at length ter­minated in the vanquishing of his Armies, the surprisall, captivity and death of his Person, upon a scaffold before his Palace of White-Hall, Jan. [...]0^th 1648.

The third and last Cause which I shall mention (though not the least, 3 was the Pride, Avarice, Am­bition and slothfulnesse of the Cler­gy, who not only starv'd their flocks by withholding the spirituall food of their souls, but also tor­mented their bodies, by exhausting and sucking their bodily substance, insomuch that the Nation groaned under the burden of their abomi­nable corruptions, who should have been the examples and leading-cards of piety and sanctity: yet did the popular fury contribute more to the confusion of their Hierarchy, [Page 5]then all their Crimes put together; nor were they cry'd down with more heat, then afterwards cry'd up, verifying that of the Poet,

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

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

Yet this mutation happened not [Page 6]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 mi [...]istred hopes equall to the dis­contents of the people.

Now Charles (though eldest Sonne of the late King) inherited little save the misfortunes of his Father, and what else he could chaulk out with his Sword; yet his g [...]atest hopes and expectations were from Ireland where the seve­rall factions [...], proclaim'd him King, and bent their whole strength against the Interest of the Com­monwealth of England; and in short space become so formidable, and prevail'd so much, that they possest all the strong holds of that [Page 7]Country (Dublin and Londonderry excepted) both which were strait­ly besieg'd, the former by an Army of 22000. men under the Marq. of Ormond, the latter by a party of the Irish Rebels: he had likewise adjoyning to the territories of Eng­land, the Islands of Scilly, Jersey and Man, which yet advantag'd 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 forlorne 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 rais'd the siege, but routed [Page 8]the whole Army of the Marq. of Ormond, himself hardly escaping, about 2000. were slain in the place and in the 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 state, and help for­ward the destruction of these grand confaederates, who were thus de­feated in the midst of their mighty Attempts and huge imaginations, Oliver Cromwell Lord Deputy of Ireland landed at Dublin with a powerfull Army (about the midst of Aug. 1649.) well accommoda­ted for the accomplishment of that enterprise so happily began.Generall Cromwall landed in Ireland Aug. 1649 And first he laid siege to Drogheda, and in small time (though with some difficulty and losse) took it by storm; and that he might chastise their obstinacy, and strike terror in­to other Garrisons, put to the [Page 9]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 sur [...]nder, viz, Trim, Dundalke, the Nur [...] [...] [...]x [...]ord, Rosse, Bandonbridge, Kingsale, P [...]ssage­fort, with many more [...]o [...]edious to relate. In other parts of Ireland, severall Garrisons of the Enemy were taken, and many considerable Parties were routed by others of the Parliament [...] [...]hi [...] [...]tains, viz. the Lord Broghill, S^r Charles Coot, Coll. Vena [...]les, Coll. Jones and others; and though this People have been still on the losing hand, yet have they held out in Boggs and f [...]stnesses 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 [Page 10]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 moulder'd and declin'd more and more, to the great grief and disheartning of the Royall Party.

Much about this time hapned a generall defection of the English Plantations from their obedience to the Parliament,Virginia and the Carybe Islands revolt. viz. Virginia and the Carybe Islands: Where, in the ardency of Popular fury, Litur­gy and Monarchy were cry'd up, [Page 11]and the Nonconformists were some stigmatiz'd, some fin'd, and some banish'd; which courses procur'd them no small trouble and losse, in the decay of their Trade and losse of their Ships, all Nations being prohibited from trading or traffi­quing with them upon pain of for­feiture: All which were in a few moneths reduc'd by a Fleet of Ships from England, Are re­duc'd. under S^r George Ayscue, not being able to subsist for any considerable space of time without Trade.

The English coasts were like­wise miserably infested with Py­rates from Scilly, Jersey, Ireland and France; but the very Prince of Pyrates 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 Commonwealth of England, being about nine tall and warlike Ships, [Page 12]committed many spoyles and de­praedations, not only upon the Eng­lish coasts, but in other places like­wise, whereby the Merchants incur­red no small losse.

Now for encouraging of Trade and reducing of Pyrates, a stout and lusty Fleet of Ships well rig'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 forc't thence to make all the saile they could away (leaving about 3 Ships behind) and at length arriv'd at Lizbon, the Imperiall City of the King of Portugall, and crav'd his protection, which was not deny'd them, the which caus'd 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 [Page 13]as hereafter will ap­pear.

Other Designs were set on foot by the Royall party, for the obtain­ing their ends.

The first was the Commissiona­ting of James Graham Earl of Mon­trose, for the raising what Forces he could in Holland and other parts to invade Scotland.

The second was the procuring a Treaty between the Scots and their King, whereby they might by force or fraud 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, Denmarke, Sweden, Russia, Turky, &c. in the Name of Charles the Second, King of Great Britaine, France and Ireland, [Page 14]Defender of the Faith, which Title (with much confidence) he assumed to himself, yet obtain'd neither 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, then be too great: they, that have equall dignity of birth, had rather have no equall then 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 hang'd him ten yards from the ground, an act so barbarous and inhumane, as ad­mits [Page 15]of no comparison: thus liv'd and thus dy'd the Mirrour of Man­hood and Map of Misery, who for many years together had been a thorne in the side of the Kirk; wit­nesse the severall defeats he gave them, and who from small begin­nings accomplisht vast enterprises, whose hard fate it 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 learnt that lesson, Qui nescit dissimulare nescit regnare, he took little notice thereof.

Next Montrose was executed Sir John Urrey, Coll. Spotswood, and others that were the chief actors in that undertaking, by which meanes they were rid of a dangerous e­nemy.

On all this the English (like cau­telous statists) had a watchful eye, and on every of those actings, whe­ther open or secret, that might have any reflection upon them or their affairs: and to the end they might the better sound the contriva [...]ces of their adversaries, they endeavour to strengthen themselves by for­reign Alliance; and accordingly they sent D^r Dorislaus a wise and knowing man as publike Agent,D^r Doris­laus mur­ther at the Hague. into the United Provinces, where­by to keep a right understanding and fair correspondency between the two Republikes: where he had not long been ere he was slain by six assassinates that broke into his lodgings at the Hague in a disguised habit, by which meanes they esca­ped unpunished, notwithstanding the many endeavours (at least pre­tendedly used) for their apprehen­sion. The authors of this Tragedy were afterwards known to be Eng­lish [Page 17]Cavaliers, discontented at their declining state, and losse of their old Master: one whereof was Col. Spotswood aforementioned, who at his death confest he was an actor therein. Thus stood the English affairs in reference to their enemies abroad, while they were in some­what worse plight at home: for a­midst the severall factions that sprung up during these late warres, none was more desperate then that commonly known by the name of Levellers,The Le­vellers mutiny. who at once so wrought with the Souldiery, that a consi­derable party of Horse withdrew themselves from the Army, and gathered together such others of their party as they could conve­niently, thinking thereby to force their Lords and Masters to such things as their immature and un­bridled apprehensions had dictated to them:are sup­prest, But by the care and in­dustry of Gen. Fairfax, they were [Page 18]defeated at a place called Burford in Oxfordshire, and of those that were taken, some were made ex­emplary, others were cashiered the Army, and the rest upon their sub­mission were taken into favour.

Not long after was brought to tryall at the Guildhall London, Lilburne tri'd at Guild-hall the grand Champion, the chiefest and only Patriot of the faction afore­said, viz. John Lilburne, a man of a restlesse and yet invincible spirit, that could never be deter'd with threats or won with favours, by a speciall Commission of Oyer and Terminer; where was present most of the Judges and Justices of the severall Courts at Westminster, the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs, and severall Aldermen of London, with others of eminent quality. The Indictment with many crimes of a treasonable nature, as being the Author of such and such Books mentioned therein; which Books were fraught with [Page 19]the most shamefull revilings, scur­rilous invectives, and malicious outcries against the Governours and Government of the Nation, that the heart of man could invent, calling them Tyrants, Traytors, Conquering Usurpers, and what not. Now though nothing was more generally beleeved, then that the Books aforesaid were of his own penning and publishing, yet at his tryall he made such an excel­lent,is clear'd and re­leased. subtle and singular defence, that the Jury brought him in Not guilty, whereupon he had his re­lease.

By this time the severall trans­actions that were between the Scots and their King, had brought forth a Treaty at Breda in the Netherlands, The trea­ty be­tween the Scots and their King concluded a Town of speciall note belonging to the Prince of Orange, at whose cost and charges it was both con­tinued and concluded: Now that part of the Agreement that had the [Page 20]most especiall influence on us, was, that they should endeavour to the utmost of their power, to reinstate him in his Fathers Throne, invest him in his Power and Greatnesse, and establish him in his just Rights and Dignities: where we shall at present leave him, to see how the Affairs of his Adversaries the Eng­lish succeeded.

The differences that lately broke out between the King of Portugall and this Nation, were now widened by acts of open hostility; for when the English perceiv'd, that neither intreaties nor threats would make him force Prince Rupert out of his Harbour, and that the often appli­cations and negotiations of the English Agent M. Charles Vane, in order thereunto, could availe no­thing, but on the contrary prepar'd what Ships of warre he had to joyn with Rupert, and so to chase the English from his Coasts, they seiz'd [Page 21]many of his Ships richly laden both inward and outward bound: but the King doubting his strength, de­sisted from falling upon the English Fleet, and fell to seize the estates, and secure the persons of the Mer­chants and Factors residing in Lis­bon and other places under his Ju­risdiction.

About this time likewise the English sent an Agent to the King of Spain, viz. M. Anth. Ashcam, M. Ashcam the Eng­lish Agent murther'd at Madrid. a most learned and excellently well accomplisht Gentleman, who on the 5^th of June 1650. landed at Santa Maria, where (hearing of many threats against his person) he procur'd a Guard that conducted him to Madrid, where is kept the Court of the King of Spain: The first night it was his hard fortune to lie at an Inne; the next day while with his Interpreter Signior Riba he sate at dinner, six divels in the shapes of men, knockt at the door, [Page 22]had easie accesse, and being entred M. Ashcam rose to salute them, whereupon the foremost stab'd him in the head, and his Interpre­ter endeavouring to escape was stab'd in the belly, both falling down dead in the place. Whence the murtherers fled to the Venetian Ambassadors house, but were de­nied entrance: whence they fled to the Sanctuary, were pursued and carried to prison from thence by the Kings speciall command, one of them only escaping. Hereupon a­rose a great difference between the King and the Church, about the violation of the holy Sanctuary, and thereby infringing the Sacred Rights and Priviledges of the Church, and demanded that the Assasinates should be delivered a­gain into the Sanctuary. On the other hand, the Parliament of Eng­land by sundry Messages, earnestly prest that Justice might be severely [Page 13]inflicted upon those execrable of­fenders, that had perpetrated so hor­rid and vile an act upon their pub­like Minister. And indeed it was a crime of so transcendent a nature, that me thinks it should not enter into the heart of any considerate man to imagin of any expiation for them here, however it may please God to deal with them here­after. The Church notwithstan­ding prevail'd so farre, as to inter­rupt the course of Justice, for as much as their punishment has been hitherto suspended, though for any thing we hear they are yet in du­rance.

Neer this time arrived in Eng­land the Lord Gerard Scarph, as Commissioner from the States Pro­vinciall of Holland and West Fries­land, and upon the 11^th of June 1650. he delivered his Message in Parliament; which though it pro­duc'd no more then a mutuall desire [Page 24]of an amicable compliance, yet was it very well resented by the Par­liament, that they shew'd them­selves the leading cards to the rest of the Provinces at such a time as that.

Now whenas the Treaty at Bre­da was fully ended, and that all their Jealousies and animosities (not­withstanding the vast disproportion and notable antipathy that was ere­while between the Royallists and Presbyterians) was by this means fully allay'd, at least in shew. The Scots seem'd to want nothing save the presence of their King, wherby to crown their desires, and con­front the English, in order where­unto He hasts from Breda to the Hague, from thence to Scheveling, where he took shipping, and at last in despight of foul weather, and the English Kingfishers that lay there to intercept him, he landed at the Spey in the North of Scotland, where [Page 25]he found the greatest difficulty in ascending the Throne, and least en­joy'd it of any Prince that was ever heard or read of. For upon all oc­casions he was compeld to trace the steps and follow the dictates of that haughty Clergy, in all their fana­tick humours and imperious de­crees: who bereav'd him first of all his old friends, Counsellors and confederates, whether of the Cler­gy or Layety, who (to say the truth) had alwayes accompanied his Father and Him in all their dis­asters and dangers; and had ship­wrackt their own fortunes, to carine and repair his, though it may be by this desertion he intended their restauration. But now the Scots had a King, yet (as though they had none) they did what seem'd right in their own eyes.

The first and most pernicious potion they made him to take, and of hardest digestion, was the Solemne [Page 26]League and Covenant, that ignis fa­tuus, and only seminary of bloud and mischief in these three Na­tions.

The next was a Declaration of the Kirks own framing and fashion­ing; wherein he is taught to re­nounce the sinnes of his Fathers house, and of his own, the Idolatry of his Mo­ther, by a constant adhering to the Cause of God, according to the Cove­nant, in the firm establisment of Church-government, as it is laid down in the Directory for publike Worship, Confession of Faith and Catechisme: This with divers others of the like nature (although with much relu­ctancy) he also signed; which its like burthen'd his spirit, yet better'd not his condition, which was like that of a Child under Tutors and Governors; for there was not an Officer in that Church or Com­monwealth, how vile and abject soever in place or person, but en­joy'd [Page 27]more freedom in body and minde then he. Guarded indeed he was, but little regarded; so that move he must not but in the sphaere of the Kirk; they were the primum mobile, whereby its apparent that the Government of that Nation was not truly Monarchicall (though they had a King) but Hierarchicall, the confusion whereof I shall now set before you.

The Parliament of England weighing right well the condition into which their affairs were now reduc'd (by reason of the Agree­ment that was peec'd up between the Scots and their King) after a se­rious and solemne debate, voted that Thomas Lord Fairfax with the Army under his command should march Northwards: who (after some conference had with the Par­liament) and being prompted by an indisposition of body or minde, laid down his Commission: which [Page 28]was forthwith confer'd upon Oliver Cromwell Lord Deputy of Ireland, Gen. Fair­fax laies down his Commis­sion w^ch was pre­sently con­fer'd upon General Cromwell Lord De­puty of Ireland. who (in order to this Northern ex­pedition) arriv'd a while after from his victorious atchievements in that country, leaving his Son in Law Henry as Lord Deputy in his room.

Accordingly Orders were issued forth for the speedy advance of the Army into Scotland, who had no sooner begun their March, but the Scots took the Alarme, and sent two or three Papers to S^r Arthur Haslerig then Governour of New­castle; wherein they expostulated the Case about the sudden ap­proach of the English Army, en­deavouring thereby to impede their march, till such time as their de­signes were ripe: alledging (as scar-Crowes to fright fooles) the Covenant, the large Treaty and Union between the two Nations, with other circumstances of the [Page 29]like nature, as frivolous as they were fruitlesse.

The Parliament of England then published likewise a Declaration, shewing the grounds and reasons of their Armies advance towards Scot­land, accompanied with another from the Generall and Officers of the Army, shewing that that which moov'd them to that great under­taking, was not any reliance upon the arm of flesh,The De­claration of the English Army in their march to Scotland. or being lifted up with the remembrance of former successes, or the desire of accom­plishing any designes of their own that they had forelaid, but the full assurance they had that their Cause was just in the sight of God: look­ing at the precedent changes, and the successes that produc'd them, not as the work of the policy or strength of man, but as the emi­nent actings of the Providence and Power of God, to bring forth his good will and pleasure, concerning [Page 30]the things which he hath determin­ed in the world; adding, That no­thing was predominant with them (next to their duty to their duty to God, not to betray a cause, to which he had so much witnessed) as the love they had to those that feared God there, who might possibly suffer through their own mistakes, or their disability to distinguish in a common calamity: of which Christian love they hoped that they gave some proof when they were before in Scotland with that Army, and were by God made instrumentall to break the power of those that oppressed the godly Party there; for which (say they) their late Engagement to their new King against England was no good requital, nor their heaping on them the reproach of a Sectarian Army, a Christian dealing: all which (by the grace of God) they could for­get and forgive, and did (as they [Page 31]say) desire of God that the preci­ous might be separated from the vile, beginning and concluding with a most solemn and dreadfull imprecation and appeal; That to the truth of these things the God of Hea­ven in his great mercy, pardoning their weaknesses, would judge of them when they came to meet the Enemy in the Field.

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

From Barwick the Army march­ed to the Lord Mordingtons House July 22. 1650. where they lay three daies: on the 25. they marched to Copperspeth, the 26. to Dunbar, where they received some provisi­ons from the Ships sent on purpose to attend the motions of the Army; [Page 32]forasmuch as the people of the Countrey had forsook their habita­tions, and had left nothing behinde that might accommodate them. The Army thus refresht at Dunbar, marcht thence to Haddington: Next day hearing 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 encamp'd close at Mussleborough; The Enemy was within four miles of them, in­trenched with a Line, flank'd from [Page 33] Edenburgh 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 20. which proved a sore day of rain, and greatly disadvan­tagious 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 re-victuall; 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 produc'd a hot and gallant skirmish, inso­much that at length the English charg'd them so home, that they [Page 34]beat them to their very Trenches. Major General Lambert in this dis­pute was run through the arm with a Lance, and wounded in another part of the body, taken prisoner, but rescued by Lieutenant Empson of the Generals Regiment; seve­rall of the Scots were kil'd and ta­ken Prisoners with small losse to the English: among the rest there was taken one Lieutenant Colonel, one Major, and some Captains, some persons of note were likewise slain.

By this means the English had opportunity to march quietly off to Mussleborugh, which they did that night; but so wearied for want of sleep, and tired with the dirti­nesse of the waies, 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, [Page 32]with 15 select Troops of Horse un­der the Command of Major Gene­ral Montgomery, and Col. 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 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 of 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 daies or therea­bouts; [Page 36]their Ships (not able to resist, having no Convoy) were often surpriz'd 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 wil not be amisse 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 Tower-hill. and executed Colonel Eus [...]bius Andrews, who being taken w [...]th 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 takes as follow­eth.

The Prince of Orange (Brother [Page 37]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 distasted, 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 Hagne) to assembled, which they refusing, he seiz'd most of them, those of Amsterdam, (whom he chiefly desir'd) escap'd onely. His next design was to have sur­priz'd 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 Utrech in the or­dinary Passage-Boats, to come all [Page 38]night, that they might be there early next morning, and the horse to 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. Tuni [...]s Ports, and have opened a passage for the Horse to enter; which de­sign (if by a wonderfull 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 t [...]ll too late. But the Ham­burgh Post, as he was coming to the Town met with severall par­ties of Horse, riding to and fro a­bout Amesford and the Heath, yet who they were he knew not.

Hereof the Lords being inform­ed, straitway caus'd 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 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, [Page 41]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 making 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 and reverence, as was used in times past to his predecessors, Lieu­tenants 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 fix'd on that inexhaustible treasure then in the bank at Amsterdam, with which he might not only have rais'd 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 [Page 43]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 forreign and domestique broyls; The present Cardinall Mazarine was lookt up­on as the very efficient cause of all their civill discords, and the only eye-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, and of the Commonalty for their grie­vances; [Page 44]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 utter'd their discontents both privately and publikely: 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 breathe out their discontents, [Page 45]those of Burdeaux against the Duke of Espernon more especially, but all against the Cardinall; So that on a sudden the whole Kingdome was inflam'd with civil wars, and the appurtenances thereunto belong­ing. The principall promoters of and actors in those tumults were two famous Amazones, the Prin­cesse of Conde, and the Dutchesse of Longueville in behalf of their imprison'd husbands; Many o­thers of quality appear'd 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) supplied 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, [Page 46]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 ebbing and flowings, strange Revo­lutions and transmigrations, too tedious here to insert,) at length produc'd the liberty of the Princes, the withdrawing the Duke of Es­pernon from Bourdeaux, the banish­ing the Cardinall with all his kin­dred and friends from the Court and Kingdom: yet was he longer banishing then banished; for it was not many moneths ere he return'd in great pomp and glory, to the [Page 47]extream 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 neer done, and little action perform'd save the taking of Collington house and Readhall by storm, and in it the Laird Hamilton, Major Hamilton and 60 Souldiers, 60 Barrels of Pouder, 100 Arms, great store of Meal, Malt, Beer, Wine and other rich plunder: This was done on the 24^th of Aug. 1650.

The body of the English Army remov'd forthwith from Pencland Hills, to Collington, Readhall and o­ther parts within a mile of the [Page 48]whole Army of the Scots; on the 27^th both Armies march'd side by side, a great bog only betwixt them, which hindred an engage­ment, yet the great Guns plaid on both sides: Aug. 28^th the Canon from the English Camp plaid hard upon the Enemy and greatly an­noy'd 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 their old Quarters at Pencland Hills, then with much difficulty to Musslebur­rough 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 resolute Party, and were as valiantly repuls'd by a Re­giment of Foot commanded by Coll. Fairfax.

Septemb. 1. The Scots being so [Page 49]advantagiously drawn up at the west end of the Town, the English drew Eastward into fair and cham­pion ground, fit for both Armies to 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, whether the Scots mov'd apace after them, and at a Passe 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 lessned, their bodies weakned with Fluxes, their strength wasted with watch­ings, in want of drink; wet and cold weather they were alwaies accompanied with, and much im­paired in point of courage, 2000 at least being disabled for present ser­vice, were sent at severall 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 [...]sraelitish condition, by falling on the right wing of the Scots, and either force a passage that way, or perish in the attempt; and being imbattail'd 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 [Page 51]Horse upon their right wing, and valiantly receiv'd 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 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 Lieutenant Collonels, 9 Majors, 47 Captains, 72 Lieutenants, 80 Ensignes besides Cornets and Quartermasters: 22 Pieces of Ord­nance, with severall smaller Pieces, about 15000 Arms; those of Qua­lity taken, were the Lord Libber­ton and his Sonne, the Lord Cran­ston, S^r James Lumsdale Liutenant Gen. of the Foot, Adjutant Gen. [Page 52] 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 generall 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 obtain'd over the Scots in the fields of Dunbar, Sept. 3. 1650. in the observation whereof many of the Clergy shew'd them­selves very froward and obstinate, of whom I shall have occasion to speak more hereafter.

Scot. 7^th. 4 Regiments of Foot marched into Lieth, where they found 37 Guns mounted on Plat­forms, some Shot and Ammuni­tion with store of wealth.

The same day the Lord Gen. [Page 53] 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^th being Sabbath day, Generall Cromwell sent a Trumpeter into the Castle, to invite the Ministers to come to their severall Charges, which they refused, so that the Eng­lish supplied their places.

For some certain time the Army was busied in compleating the For­tifications at Lieth, the most com­modious Harbor 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 be proclaimed by beat of Drum and sound of Trumpet) marched forward Sep. 14^th with his Army to Netherish, 6 miles from Edenburrough, leaving Maj. Gen. Overton with his Brigade behind. [Page 54] Sep. 15^th the Army marched be­yond Linlithgow, but (by reason of the extremity of the weather) they were forc't to quarter there that night. Sep. 16^th they marched to­wards Falkirke; and from thence Sep. 17^th within a mile of Sterling. Sep. 18^th 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 far advanc'd into the Country with their Army, they now desired them to take into consideraiton 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 afternoon came a Trum­peter from the Scots, desiring a re­lease of Prisoners upon ran [...]ome: 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 [Page 56]considerable frontier Garrison, ly­ing in the heart of the Country, be­tween Edinburrough and Sterling: whence (leaving there 5 Troops of Horse, and 6 Companies of Foot) Gen. Cromwell with the rest of the Army marched back to Edenbur­rough. Sept. 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 arm 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 [Page 57]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 found, 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 Edinburrough: for which purpose many miners both Scotch and English were procur'd to expedite the businesse. Sep. [...]0. 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 [Page 58]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, 6 [...] 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 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 [Page 59]returned, and in their way Garri­sonned 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 disasterous 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 As­sembly; all these had their Swords drawn one against the other. When things were at this passe, Gen. Cromwell sent a Letter to the Com­mittee [Page 60]of Estates, and another of the same to Col. Kerre and Straug­han, much like the former, and produc'd 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 us'd, 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 [Page 61]by Famine or Sword, would lie heavy on them.

This Letter (though savouring so 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 space after Col. Kerre sent a Letter to Commissary 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 return'd, adding that he thought it strange [Page 62]the English should talk of a cessa­tion, even while they were capti­vating their poor people, assaulting their Garisons, apprehending their godly Ministers, tearing them from their holy callings, and from their holy sighing flocks: concluding, that the departure of the English out of that Kingdom, 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,Prince of Orange dies. the Prince of Orange de­parted this life, 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 [Page 63]late Actions when he was living hated, yet when dead they lament­ed: About ten daies after this,The Prin­cesse is de­livered of a Son. the Princess of Orange was delivered of a Son, which did in part mitigate the grief that was conceiv'd for the death of the Prince.

Now seeing the Scots still slight­ed all the wayes and means of a lo­ving and friendly compliance, as appear'd by another Letter from Coll. Kerre to Commiss. Gen. Wha­ley, wherein he advises them to stand upon his Guard, and expect no further Overtures; the English set upon new undertakings, and by a party of Horse under Maj. Brown took in a strong place called Dal­house, and in it 50 Muskets, 50 Pikes, 4 Barrels of Pouder, some store of Provisions and Provender: this was a supposed Harbor for those villa­nous people the Mosse-Troopers, who murthered divers English­men stragling or going for Provi­sions; [Page 64]they likewise surprised a party of Mosse-Troopers in Dar­lington Castle, some of which were shot presently upon the place. Then advanc'd Coll. Monke with a party of Horse and Foot to reduce Rose­lane Castle 7 miles from Edinbur­rough, which (when he had sent in some Granadoes among them) was yeelded upon mercy: Maj. Gen. Lambert presently after with a party of 2000 Horse marched towards Dumfreez, Coll. Kerre being then about Peebles; Commis. Gen Wha­ley in his march towards the ene­my, took in Dalketh Castle with a threatning Summons, where was store of Arms, Ordnance, Pouder, Match and Bullet; the wall of it was 13 foot broad at the top: Now Coll. Lambert having (not without some difficulty) got over Hambleton River, quartered there that night; Coll. Kerre having notice thereof early next morning, resolved to [Page 65]beat up their Quarters and fall in upon them,Col. Kers patty de­feated, and himself taken pri­soner. and so to surprise the Maj. Generall, all which he at tempted with courage; but the English having a timely Alarme, 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 Col. Kerre himself was wounded and taken,Colonell Straughan came in to Major Ge­neral Lam­bert. with his Capt. Lieut. Lieutenant Colonell, and Straughans Major, &c. Colonell Straughan, Capt. Giffin with some others of the dissenters in the West, came then in to the Major Generall, 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 [Page 66]to play; the 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 denied they accepted of a Treaty, and sent Major Aber­nethy and Capt. Hinderson to treat on their part: Col. Monk and Lieut. Col White were appointed to treat in behalf of the English, the result whereof was to this effect.

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

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

That such Inhabitants adjacent as have any goods in the Castle, shall have them restored unto them; and to that purpose they had liberty from the 19. to the 24. of Decemb. to fetch them a­way. There was taken in this strong-hold 5 French Canon, 5 Dutch half Canon, 2 Culverings, 2 Demi-culverings, 2 Minion, 2 Faulcon, 28 Braste Drakes, 2 Pe­tards, about 7000 Arms, 80 Bar­rels of Powder, store of Canon Shot, with other provisions pro­portionable.

It may seem strange and almost incredible, that such a strong and impregnable hold as was that, should be so easily won, the like [Page 68]whereof is not in that Nation; wherefore it was the common vogue of that time, and by many credibly beleeved, That it was as­saulted with silver engines; But whether it was covetousnesse, co­wardise, Treachery or want that caused this sudden rendition, I know not: But this I know and am sure, it made as much for, and was of as great importance to the English, as can be imagined: for while that businesse was yet in sus­pence, the Army was hindred from many attempts of great con­sequence.

Nor was the Parliament of Eng­land lesse fortunate in their mari­time affairs: for the English Fleet under the command of Gen. Blake lying before Lizbon, after they had destroyed severall French Pirates, taken many Sugar Prizes belong­ing to the King of Portugal, of great value, and scowr'd the Seas [Page 69]in some sort of such others as had been so extreamly prejudiciall to the English Merchants, especially those trading into the Levant Seas; They were constrain'd part­ly by distresse of weather, and partly to revictuall and water, to make for some other port: in which time Prince Rupert with his Fleet (making a vertue of neces­sity) hoisted sail, and steerd their course for Malaga, where they burnt and spoil'd severall Mer­chants Ships: Gen. Blake hereup­on reduc'd his Fleet to 7 stout and nimble Frigots, and sent the rest home with the Prizes, and with them he made all the Sail he could after the Enemy, and coming to Malaga heard they were gone to­wards Alicant, Gen. Blake sailing thence betwixt Cape degat and Cape de Paulo took a French Ship of 20 Guns, and presently after that the Roe-buck one of the revolted [Page 70]Ships fell into their hands, after which they met with the Black Prince another of Ruperts Fleet, which to avoid being taken, ran ashoar and blew her self up: next day 4 more of Ruperts Fleet ran a­shoar in the Bay of Cartagena, Prince Ru­perts Fleet destroy'd. where they were cast away and bulged: Some few daies after Generall Blake set sail to seek out the rest of Ruperts Fleet, which were two, steering his course to­wards Minorca, Majorca, Humaterra; but missing of them he gave over the Chase, and returned for Eng­land, having done as much as could be expected from men valiant and faithfull, to the great encourage­ment of the Merchants, content­ment of the people, and joy of all well-affected people.

Notwithstanding all this, seve­rall designs were set on foot by un­quiet and wayward spirits in behalf of Charles Stuart, some by open [Page 71]insurrection, others by secret com­bination, in which the Clergy had no small share, as shall be declared hereafter.

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

Upon the same account rose a mutinous rabble in the County of Norfolk, An Insur­rection in Norfolk. who for a while went ro­ving to and again, pretending the ends of that undertaking, was for the abolishing of Popery, resto­ring the young King to his Crown, revenge of his Fathers death, for suppression of heresie and schism; But as it was begun without order, so was it manag'd without resolu­tion: For the Parliament were no time-givers to growing dangers, but immediatly gave order for the suppressing them; So that 200 [Page 72]Horse from Lyn and 3 Troops of Horse from the Army, with some of the Militia Forces of that County,is appea­sed and the ring­leaders executed. marched towards them, upon which they were presently dispersed, and some taken, where­of about 20 were executed, who because they were persons of no great eminency, I shall forbear troubling the Reader with their Names.

About this time also Sir Henry Hide being commissionated as Em­bassadour from the Scots King to the Grand Signior at Constantinople, Sir Henry Hide exe­cuted at the Old Exchange stood in competition with Sir Tho­mas Bendish (then Embassadour for the English) for his place: where­upon they had a hearing before the Vizier Bassa, the result whereof was, that Sir Thomas Bendish should dispose of the said Sir Henry Hide, as he thought good, who was straightway sent to Smyrna, thence into England, and there condemn­ed [Page 73]and executed for a traitor before the Royal Exchange in London.

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

Soon after this Lieut. Gen. David Lesley with a party of 800 Horse [Page 74]made an attempt upon Lithgow where was a Regiment of Horse under Col. Sanderson, who being presently in a readinesse to receive them, the Scots retreated without entring the Town.

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

Notwithstanding this resolute and conceited answer, when the English with their Culverin and [Page 76]morter-piece had opened a small breach, the Enemy beat a parley, and because they might not have such conditions as they would, they were forc't to take such as they could get, viz. to surender upon mercy, which was done ac­cordingly.

Then Col. Monk with about 3 Regiments of Horse and Foot, laid Siege to Tymptallon Castle, 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 6 battering Guns,Timptallon Castle taken. 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 [Page 77]concernment to the English, who were ever and anon taken and rifled by the Garrison; So that 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 surpriz'd and mur­dered in small stragling parties; in­somuch that Gen. Cromwell was forc't (for the safeguard of his men) to publish and strictly to put in execution the following Pro­clamation.

Hereupon severall Sums of Mo­ney were levied upon such Parishes and places where any Robberies [Page 79]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 ship'd some of their Infantry; but either through the ignorance, mi­stake, or neglect of the chief Com­mander, the design for that time was frustrated.

Gen. Cromwell with his Army marched from Edenburgh, and as­say'd severall times to passe over into Fife; but the violent season and difficult passage, forc't them to betake themselves to their for­mer Quarters, which were the more comfortable by reason of the Fleet of Ships that arriv'd at Lieth with plenty of provisions for [Page 80]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 carried the Vessell to Ireland, alledging they were bound for Lieth, 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 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 [Page 81]to the Souldiers in the midst of those many hardships they were expos'd to by diseases, and other­wise; of which the General 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 Gene­rall did neither abate the Souldi­ers courage, nor retard the enter­prises they design'd 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 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 tried, condemned, and executed, Anne Green, a Servant to Sir Tho­mas Read at Ounstu in that shire, who being with childe by a Gen­tleman in that House (as she affir­med to the last) about the fourth moneth of her time; over-work­ing her self fell in travell, and (not knowing what it might be) went to the House of Office, where with some straining the Childe 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 [Page 83]on the top of the House of Office, so that 3 daies after (being in that time before some Justices of the Peace) she was carried Prisoner to Oxford, where she was condem­ned and hang'd in the Castle-yard: After she had hung about half an hour (during which time she was puld by the Legs,Anne Green hang'd at Oxford, af­terward she reviv'd and is yet alive. and strook on the Breast by divers of 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 Physicians: 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, procur'd a woman to go into bed to her, and continued the use of divers other [Page 84]remedies, having respect to her sencelesnesse, head, throat, and breast, so that in a few hours she spake, the next day talked and coughed very heartily, and in short space perfectly recovered: Upon which first her reprieve, and then her pardon was procur'd: After this, she (as upon the Gallows) still insisted upon her innocency and integrity, in relation to the fact for which she was condemn­ed. And indeed this was look'd upon as a speciall providence of God thus to deliver her, who in the judgements of those that un­derstood the businesse was deemed guiltlesse. Herein did the hand of God wonderfully appear, in de­tecting the unadvised actings of men, and in shewing us the dan­ger we are in, when we are sway'd either by passion or prejudice a­gainst the meanest of his Crea­tures.

The Parliament weighing how prone the people were to adore the shadow of the late King, though the substance was destroy'd, cau­sed his Statue that was set up at the West end of the Cathedrall of S^t Paul to be pulled down, and that also in the Royall Exchange, over which they caused to be wrote this Motto.

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

They likewise caus'd that badge of Monarchy the Kings Arms, to be defaced and expung'd out of all Churches, Chappels, and places of publike worship and Courts of Judicature throughout their Do­minions, and this indeed was a means to make the giddy people forget the Garlick and Onyons of Egypt they much hankerd after.

And to adde a more splendid lu­stre [Page 86]to their strength and great­nesse; they were highly courted by Embassadours from the Neigh­bouring Nations, viz. Holland, Spain, and Portugall, yet the crafty Hollander held at a distance, as ra­ther willing the prosperity of the Royall party, then heartily desi­ring, or effectually endeavouring a peace with them. The Spaniard as he had better ends, so had he better successe; though in all his addresses he was still re­minded of his suspending and de­laying the execution of justice up­on the Assassinates of the English Resident at Madrid, since which time till now the controversie be­tween the King and Church about that businesse hath been in de­bate.

The Portugall Embassadour (af­ter audience had before a Com­mittee of Parliament,The Por­tugal Am­bassadour dismist home. and several applications unto them) not be­ing [Page 87]fully impowerd, to give a ple­nary satisfaction to the state for their vast expences, and to the Merchants for their great losses, all occasioned by them, was at length dismist.

Embassadours extraordinary were sent from the Parliament of England to the States of the Uni­ted Provinces; their Names were Oliver S^t John, and Walter Strick­land, English Ambassa­dors are sent into Holland. men of singular parts and of approved integrity, who in gal­lant equipage, with a magnificent train of followers, set sail from the Downs, March 11. 1651. On the 12^th towards Evening, they came to anchor before Hellevoit slugs, but not without some danger: On the 13 they went in Boats to Roterdam, being met with vessels from the States, then by the English Mer­chants were conducted to the Eng­lish house, and nobly entertain'd: During their stay there, the Spa­nish [Page 88]Embassador sent a Gentleman to congratulate their sase Arrivall, and to desire there might be a fair correspondency and right under­standing between their Lordships and him. About two or three daies after they set forward for the Hague, where by the way the Master of the Ceremonies, with about 30 Coaches, met them, and entertain'd them with some Complements, and conducted them to a House at the Hague, prepar'd for their rece­ption, where they were feasted three daies by the States, and then had audience: where the Lord S^t John made a Learned and Elo­quent Speech in the English tongue and then delivered a Copy thereof in Dutch and English,they have audience. the heads whereof were in effect as fol­lows.

That they were sent over to the High and Mighty States of the Netherlands, from the Parlia­ment [Page 89]of the Common-wealth of England, to make a firm League and Confederacy between the two Republiques, if they think fit to accept thereof, notwithstanding the many injuries the English have sustain'd from the Dutch Nation.

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

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

Lastly, He told them he was commanded by the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England to let their Lordships know how highly they resented the execrable murther of D^r Dorislaus their A­gent, and that he doubted not but that their Lordships would use [Page 90]their utmost care and industry in causing a strict and diligent search to be made after the Authours thereof.

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

Three moneths was now spent in this tedious and costly Embassie, and nothing obtain'd save affronts and abuses of all kindes, and the Sword of Justice not drawn in their behalf, against any one of that rio­tous [Page 91]rabble, that so frequently swarm'd at the Ambassadours gates, assaulting their servants, and reviling their persons: of which injuries the Parliament being deep­ly sensible, and wearied with ex­pectation of what fruits this Treaty would produce, Resolved (That seeing all their Proposals and en­deavours for a lasting and well grounded Peace, were answered with dilatory shifts and evasions, on purpose to gain time upon the English, till they saw on which side the chance of war in Scotland would fall) to call home their Ambassa­dours; which sudden and unex­pected news did so surprise the Hoghen Mogens, that they courted them with frequent and unusuall visits; and with a multitude of feigned expressions,they re­turn into England. laboured to beget a good opinion in the Eng­lish of the reality of their intentions towards an amicable compliance [Page 92]with this Nation: notwithstanding all which the Ambassadours soon after return into England infecta pace.

That which gave further cause of jealousie to the English, that the Dutch plaid an underhand game with them was, because Admirall Van-Trumpe with a Fleet of Ships lay hovering upon the Coasts of Scilly, as though he would make an hostile attempt upon that place; but it being demanded of the States of Holland, what was the de­signe of their Fleet in riding so neer that Island? it was answered, That they had no other designe therein, but to demand restitution of such Ships and Goods as the Pyrates 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 1651. Gen. Blake (with the ad­dition of a squadron of Ships com­manded by S^r George Aiscue, The I­slands of Scilly re­duc'd. 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 abut 20; they took also two considerable Frigots, the one of 18, the other of 32 Guns; they likewise became Masters of the best Harbour belonging to those Islands: hence the enemy fled to S^t Maries, their chief place of strength, which in short time was surrendred. As to the exceed­ing great strength and commodious scituation of these Islands, I need not say much, for who so knowes [Page 49]those parts, or hath observ'd 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, Cornet 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 40 men in the Castle, and 18 of them unable for service, it appeared af­tewards that there was 60 able men therein, enough to keep it against a far greater number, then was before it, so that their Ladders were beaten down and broken [Page 95]with stones, timber, and case-shot from the flankers, and many of the Souldiers both slain and woun­ded, insomuch that it proved a work too hot for the assailants: nor was there more safety in get­ting off one or two Boats full of men being sunk by shot 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, and observe the motions of the two Armies:Blacknesse taken by the Eng­lish. The English (desirous to gain upon their adversaries as much as consisted [Page 69]with policy and their own safety) with a commanded party under Col. Monk, set down before Black­nesse, that had much annoyd their 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 forthwith yeelded. On the other side the Scots begun to be both powerful and numerous to the 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 [Page 97]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 foeudatories of Rebellion and trea­son; but by Gods Providence was seasonably discovered; the Grand Agent hereof was Thomas Cook of Graies Inne Esquire, who was ap­prehended and carried before the Councell of State at White-Hall, whence he made his escape, but in few daies 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 windes was driven into Ayre, and there secur'd and searcht, wherein were found many notable Papers, [Page 98]giving further light into the busi­nesse.

Not long after this a Party of Horse and Dragoons marched to Grenock, near Dunbarton, where they seiz'd M^r Birkenhead another Agent for the Royall 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 Carlisle.

At London was under question the most eminent actors in and con­tributors to the plot aforesaid, viz. M^r Christopher Love, Major Alford, Maj. Adams, Col. Barton, M^r Black­more, M^r Case, M^r Cauton, D^r Drake, [Page 99]M^r Drake, Capt. Farr, M^r Gibbons, M^r Haviland, Major Huntington, M^r Jenkins, M^r Jaquel, M^r Jackson, Lieut. Col. Jackson, Capt. Mussey, M^r Nalton, Capt. Potter, M^r Robin­son, M^r Sterks, Col. Sowton, Col. Vaughan, and others; of all which there suffered onely two, viz. M^r Love, and M^r Gibbons; M^r Love and Mr. Gibbons executed. Now M^r Love although by many cir­cumlocutions, sleights, and evasi­ons, he striv'd 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 condemn'd; which did but procure him a short respit from death: for on the 22. of August, 1651, he with M^r Gib­bons aforesaid were beheaded on Towerhill; the rest upon their hum­ble Petitions and acknowledge­ments [Page 100] of their crimes were releast and pardoned. 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 Magistraticall power, and that their Function might cloke 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 speciall care to the Pulpit and the Presse, that no Church­man from the meanest Priest to the [Page 101]Patriarch, dare tamper with the affairs, designs or transactions of the State: It being too well known (saith my Authour) that Church­men are the most perilous and per­nicious instruments in a State,Howels Survey of the Sig­niory of Venice. if they misapply their Talents, to poyson the hearts of the people, to intoxicate their brains, suscitate them 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 intellectualls: therefore if any meedle with State-matters in the Pulpit, they are punisht in an ex­traordinary severe manner, and this (saith he) is alledg'd 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. Cromwels Army, and the advance of the Scots into England, which prosperous attempt had an event suitable to the under­taking, viv. confusion and destru­ction.

The English being now desirous to 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 futher intended.

The Scots also made many infals upon the out-quarters and Garisons 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 Garisons, 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 enterprise was further suspended.

The Scots having compleated their Levies to the Number of 15000 Foot and 6000 Horse, mar­ched on this side Sterling to a place called Torwood, where they were faced by the English, but would not be drawn to an Engagement, [Page 104]yet still lay encamp'd 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 4 Troops of Horse, commanded by Col. Overton, who attempted to land at Queens Ferry, which on the 17^th 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 [Page 105]sent Maj. Gen. Lambert with two Regiments of Horse and two of Foot to re-enforce the other party, who in 24 hours were ferryed over and joyned, upon which Col. Okey with his Regiment fell in among the Enemy, whereby they were forc't 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,4000 of the Scots routed, slain and taken. 2000 or thereabouts were slain, 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 [Page 106]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, scituate on a rock in the midst 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 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 vvas agreed, that the said Island,Brunt-Island sur­rendred to the Eng­lish. with all the Provisions, Guns and Shipping of Warre, should be delivered into the hands [Page 107]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 vvas 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, a place of great strength and importance,S^t Johns-Town yeelded to the Eng­lish. into vvhich 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 failed them, so that it was in short space deliver'd.

This vvas no sooner done, but the main body of the English Ar­my, vvere constrained to attend more eminent service, viz. the pur­suit of the Scots King, who with an Army of about 16000 Horse [Page 108]and Foot, had slipt into England by the vvay of Carlisle: The Scots enter Eng­land by the way of Carlisle. accordingly most of the Infantry vvere boated over to Lieth, vvith as much ex­pedition as could be, and presently after the Horse: Orders vvere im­mediately given to Maj. Gen. Lam­bert, to march vvith 3000 Horse and Dragoons, and (if he could) to get into the rear of the enemy. Maj. Gen. Harrison vvas ordered likewise to get into their van, to stop them and do vvhat further he thought fit: besides these there was about 16 Regiments of Horse and Foot vvith Gen. Cromwell up­on their march after the enemy: And to prosecute the affairs of Scotland, Liev. Gen. Monke vvas left vvith a party of 7000 Horse and Foot, vvho straitway took in the strong Town and Castle of Ster­ling, Aberdeen, Abernethy, Dundee, Dunotter Castle, Dunbarton Castle, vvith severall others, so that the [Page 109]whole Realme of Scotland, was (af­ter a passage gain'd into Fife) with little or no difficulty subdued and made tributary to the Republique of England.

The Scots Army,The Scots enter the City of Worcester, after many halts and skirmishes, long and tae­dious marches, vveakned in their bodies and distracted in their mindes, decreasing rather then in­creasing, at length put into Wor­cester; whence the King sent out his Letters mandatory to S^r 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 vvas like­wise proclaim'd King of Great Britain, France and Irelrnd, in most places vvhere 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 [Page 111]inevitable danger, as the Poet sayes, ‘Decidit in Syllam, qui vult vitare Charybdim.’ being environed on all sides with the Militia Forces of the severall Counties of the Nation, besides Gen. Cromwels Army they so much dreaded; there was likewise a con­siderable body of Horse and Foot under Maj. 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 dispos'd into severall other places, to hinder the enemy of Provision, or stop their flight as occasion should be.

The Earl of Derby being landed (as vvas expected) at Wyewater in Lancashire, with about 300 Gen­tlemen and others, endeavour'd to raise the Country, while the Eng­lish were busied at Worcester, and [Page 110]in short space by the accession of Papist, Royallists and discontent­ed Presbyterians, they encreas'd to the number of 1500: Gen. Cromwels Regiment of Foot being then at Manchester, was appointed to meet Col. Lilburn at Preston: To prevent this conjunction,The Earl of Derby routed in Lancashire. the enemy bent their course towards Manchester to surprize the said Re­giment; whereupon Col. Lilburn assay'd to flank the enemy in their march, and by that means to joyn with those Foot; which the enemy perceiv'd and prest to engage. Now though Col. Lilburn was over­matcht with Foot in point of num­ber, whereby the dispute proved taedious 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 Lieut. Col. 1 Ma­jor, 4 Captains, 2 Lieutenants, [Page 112]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 vvere slain the Lord Widrington, S^r Thomas Til­desly, Col. Matth. Boynton, S^r Wil­liam Throgmorton, S^r Francis Ga­muel with some other inferior Of­ficers and about 60 private Soul­diers. Of the Parliaments Party but 10 were slain, but many woun­ded: For this peece of service Col. Lilburn was bountifully rewarded, as he indeed deserved.

Gen. Cromwell (who by delayes, never contributed to approaching dangers) with his Army came to Worcester, before he was either ex­pected or desired by his Adversa­ries; whenas the whole Army was presently disposed about the [Page 113]City, in order to a close begirting thereof.

The first remarkable attempt, was the possessing a Passe upon the Severne, at a place called Upton, which was done by a party led on by Maj. Gen. Lambert, and was presently made good by Lieut. Gen. Fleetwoods Brigade, who marched towards the River Teame, over which was made a Bridge of Boats, and another over Severne on the Generals side; upon which the enemy took the Alarme, and drew out Horse and Foot to op­pose the Lieut. Generals passage; to whose relief there was comman­ded over Colonell 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 Maj. Gen. Deans Regiments, who [Page 114]sell to scouring the hedges, which the enemy had 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, wherby the Generals men were for­ced a little to retire; but the scales presently turn'd, and in such sort that the enemy was totally routed both Horse and Foot, their Works and Fort-Royall were taken, and their Canon turned upon them­selves, [Page 115]the Town also was strait­way entred and sack'd;The Scots routed at Worcester, Sept. 3. 5651. most of the Scots Infantry were slain and taken, but of their Horse above 3000 escap'd, of which Col. Bar­ton lying about Bewdly with some Horse and Dragoons, took neer up­on a thousand; Col. Lilburn with the Gener. 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 Carnwarth, Earl of Shrewsbury, Sir John Packington, Sir Charles Cun­ningham, Sir Ralph Clare, Lo. Spine, Lord Sinclare, Earl of Cleveland, Earl of Derby, Earl of Kelly, Col. Graves, M^r Richard Fanshaw Secre­tary [Page 116]to the Scots King: 6 Col. of Horse, 13 of Foot, 9 Lieu. Col. of Horse, 8. of Foot, 6 Majors of Horse, 13 Maj. of Foot, 37 Capt. of Horse, 72 Capt. of Foot, 55 Quartermasters of Horse, 89 Lieu­tenants of Foot; Maj. Gen. Pits­cotty, Maj. Gen. Montgomery, the Lieutenant Gen. of the Ordnance, Adjut. Generall of the Foot, the Marshall, Quartermaster Generall, & Waggonmaster Generall: 76 Cor­nets of Horse, 99 Ensignes of Foot, 30 of the Kings servants, 9 Mini­sters, 9 Chirurgions, 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. Maj. Gen. Massey being sorely wounded, surrendred him­self [Page 117]to the Countesse of Stamford, and by the Lord Grey of Groby her Sonne, was secur'd and sent to Lon­don, whence in short space he made an escape: In another place was ta­ken Maj. Gen. Middleton, and Lieut. 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 de­signes: 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 shipt and sent for England.

Such was the fate that attended the Scots and their King, that He who a few dayes before was pro­claimed [Page 118]King of Great Britain, had now neither Camp nor Garrison, nor lodging to flie unto or safely to repose himself in for shelter, 500^lb sterling being offer'd to any that should detect him; which not with­standing 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 not 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 Hamiltons Let­ter to Mr. Will. Crofts, taken among [Page 119]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 councell, but of necessity and desperation.

Soon after this the Parliament took order for reducing the two Islands of Jersey and Man; that [Page 120]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 2 Regiments of Foot and 2 Troops of Horse, on the 14^th 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^th they set sayl again, and about 12 that night came to an Anchor under Sarke Island, next morning they bent their course towards Jersey, and came to an anchor in S^t Owens Bay; next day they sailed and anchored be­fore S^t Brelades Bay, when the seas proved so rough that the Fleet was scattered; notwithstanding on the 21^th it was resolved, that an at­tempt should be made upon the Island that night at S^t Owens Bay, being necessitated thereunto for [Page 121]want of Horsemeat; in few hours after they embark'd their men aboard the small Boats, Gen. Blake and all his Officers were very active in this businesse, who about two hours after the flood weighed An­chor, cut some of their Cables, hoisted sailes and stood in for the shore, and were soon aground on the shore side, some at 3 foot, some at 4, 5, 6, 7 foot water; their men presently leapt out, some up to the middle, some to the neck, and run ashore; 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^th Octob. possest themselves of three Forts more with two Guns in each; they marched on further [Page 122]till they came within sight of Eli­zabeth-Castle, under which was a Fort called S^t Albans Tower, where was 14 Guns, the speedy reducement whereof was resolved upon and a Summons sent in,The I­sland of Jersey re­duc'd. 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 termes was also surrendred: but Elizabeth Castle being a place of farre great­er strength, was not reduc'd till the middle of Decemb. following; the Governour thereof S^r George Car­teret, had large termes granted both to himself and all with him, by reason of the marvellous strength and scituation thereof, which was such as might have cost much blood, treasure and time in the gaining of it.

Octob. 16^th 1651. Under Colo­nell Duckenfield were shipt 3 Regi­ments of Foot, viz. Gen. Cromwels [Page 123]Regiment commanded by Lieut. Col. Worsly, Maj. Gen. Deans Re­giment, commanded by Lieut. Col. Mitchell, and Colonell 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. 18th. they hoisted sayl, but by contrary windes were driven into the Harbour of Beumorris, on the 25th. about two in the morning, the wind coming about somewhat southerly, with a pretty fresh gale, they set sayl again, and about two or three aclock in the afternoon they had a cleer view of the Calfe 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 [Page 124]neer the shore; upon which they steer'd their course towards the North end of the Island, and with no small difficulty fetcht Ramsey­bay that night, where they cast Anchor, and with a small Party fac'd the Islanders, yet was there no shot exchang'd. Octob. 16. came on board an Islander, im­ploy'd 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 Maj. Fox was boated into the Island, to enquire the truth of what the Islander had reported, and forthwith returned vvith the [Page 125]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 most but a Regiment; upon which, they vvould bring Provi­sions at a marketable rate to the shore,The Isle of Man re­duc'd. to supply the vvants of such as should continue on shipboard, and would assist those that were to land, in reducing the Castles: which Proposals vvere in part as­sented unto by the Commander in Chief Col. Duckenfield, being somewhat oblig'd thereto by the civilities of the people. But on the 27th. 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 vvas bul­ged, but the men saved, many others [Page 126]were driven severally up and down; which dangers by sea and delayes by land, the Castles still holding out, being sensible of. On the 28th. Horse and Foot were ordered to come on shore, and being possest of all the Forts in the Island, they besieg'd both the Castles of Peele and Rushen, Castle Peele and Rushen ta­ken. in vvhich the Coun­tesse of Derby then vvas, both which were presently summoned and brought to very low termes vvith­out any bloodshed; and delivered up to Col. Duckenfield for the use of the Parliament of England, Octob. 26. 1651. Where vvas found store of Ammunition and Provi­sion of all-sorts, and in the Harbor some Vessels also vvere taken: These Castles vvere of such strength, that if it had pleased God the defendants had not been possest vvith a spirit of fear, much blood might have been spent in the reducing of them.

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

The next remarkable passages 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 prolong'd 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 and ta­king of Limrick in Ireland: a man [Page 128]who for piety, prudence and policy in Civill and Martial affairs, equal'd, if not excel'd 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 practis'd 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 advantagious 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 [Page 129]the growth or Manufacture of Asia,The Act for Navi­gation. Africa or America, or any part there­of, as well of the English Plantations as others, shall be imported into Eng­land, Ireland, or any the 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 forregn 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 [Page 130]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 kindes of salted Fish, from the first of Feb. 1653. shall be expor­ted out of this Land, in any other save English Vessels.

Severall other Exceptions and Provisoes there was in reference to the Commodities of East-India, from the 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 assay'd to do it by force and treachery: which machina­tions, God (in mercy to this poor [Page 131]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 ancient and un­questionable Right of the English Soveraignty in the narrow Seas, by refusing to strike therein, for which they had the fortune to be alwayes 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 feel and groan under; from which God in his good time will deliver us.

For in May 1652.The first Sea-fight between the Dutch and the English. Van Trump Admirall of the Dutch-Fleet, with about 42 sail of Ships, was discove­red on the backside of the Goodwin­sands by Major Bourn, who com­manded a squadron of the English [Page 132]Ships, the Dutch bearing towards Dover-Road: upon which the Greyhound Frigot was comman­ded to make sayl 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 windes 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 [Page 133]passages from Major Bourne, made what haste possibly he could to ply towards them; and on the 19^th of May in the morning he saw them at Anchor about Dover-Roade, and being within three Leagues of them, they weighed and stood to the Eastward, where they met with an Expresse from the States: where­upon he hastned with all the sayl he could make towards ours, and bore directly up with our Fleet, Van-Trumpe being the headmost.

Upon which Gen. Blake shot three Guns at Van-trumps Flag, but without Balls, and Van-Trumpe answered with a Gun on the averse side of his Ship, signifying a disdain, and in stead of striking his top-sayl, hung out a red Flag, which was the signall for his whole Fleet, and gave Gen. Blake a broad-side; this was the manner of the beginning of that Fight which hath caused so much trouble to the two Common­wealths; [Page 134]the continuance was for about 4 hours, untill night parted them, in which fight one of the Dutch Ships was sunk, and another of 30 Guns taken, with the Cap­tains of both and about 150 Pri­soners; of the English there was about 10 slain and 40 wounded: the English Admirall received much hurt in her Masts, Sails and Riggin, many shot were likewise plac'd in her Hull, and the hurt that was done to the rest of the Fleet was not considerable.

This attempt of the Duth while they were upon a Treaty, did so in­cense the Parliament, that notwith­standing all the addresses and over­tures of their Ambassadours, and the coming over of two more, they could not appease them without sa­tisfaction for that injury.

Although in severall Papers put in to the Councell of State they la­boured to excuse the same, alledg­ing, [Page 135] That the unhappy Fight between the Ships of both Commonwealths, The Apo­logy of the Dutch Ambassa­dours for the late affront of­fered to the Eng­lish in the Downs. did happen without the Knowledge, and against the Wills of the Lords States Generall of the Netherlands, taking God the searcher of mens hearts to wit­nesse the same: and that by Letters and Messages, they were daily assur'd of the sincerity of their said Lords, and that with grief and astonishment they receiv'd the fatall News of that un­happy rash action; and thereupon fell into consultation about a remedy to mi­tigate that raw and bloudy wound: and to that end had appointed a solemn meeting of all the Provinces, whereby they doubted not (but by Gods favour) such present cure for these troubles may be wrought, whereby not only the outward cause of all further evils, may be taken away, but also by an interne comfort, the mindes may be redressed and reduced again, to a better hope of the Treaty in hand; and that this thing was most earnestly agitated by [Page 136]their Lords for the common good of both Nations, to shun the detestable shedding of Christian bloud, so much desired by the enemies of both Nations: They therefore crave and beseech this Honourable Councell, by the pledges of common Religion and Liberty, to suffer nothing to be done out of too much heat, that afterwards may prove nei­ther revocable nor repairable, by too late idle vowes and wishes; but that they might without delay receive a kinde Answer; which they desire so much the more, because the Ships of their Lords and Shippers, as well in the broad Sea, as in the Ports of this Commonwealth, some by force, and some by fighting are kept.

Unto which the Parliament re­ply'd.

That calling to minde with what continued demonstrations of friendship, The Par­liaments Answer to and re­solution thereup­on. they have demeaned themselves to­wards their Neighbours of the United Provinces, from the beginning of their [Page 137]intestine troubles, omitting nothing that might tend to a good correspon­dency with them, do finde themselves much surpriz'd with the unsutable re­turns that have been made thereunto, and especially at the Acts of Hostility lately committed in the very roads of England, upon the Ships of this Com­monwealth: Upon consideration of all which, and of the severall Papers de­livered by the Ambassadours into the Councell of State, they farther 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 Minde 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; [Page 138]the extraordinary preparations of an hundred and fifty saile of Ships, without any visible occasion, and the Instructions themselves given by the 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 they 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 minde and desire, that all differences betwixt the Nations may (if possibly) be friendly and peaceably composed, as God shall [Page 139]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 kinde heretofore usually have been.

This short and smart answer contained yet something in it that tended to a possibility of an ac­commondation;The Dutch Ambassa­dours have audience and depart yet all the severall conferences and debates about this businesse came to nothing, but broke quite off, and in short space after the Ambassadours 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 finde fishing on those coasts; where he took [Page 140]12 Dutch men of Warre guarding their Busses, but most of the Busses were let go.

S^r George Ayscue with his Squa­dron of Ships being left to guard the narrow Seas,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 ashore on the Coasts of France: Many other prizes were daily 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 Merchantmen that lay at Plimouth through the Channel: and being about seven or eight Leagues off Plimouth, he receiv'd intelligence of the Dutch Fleet, and presently a Councell of Warre was called, upon which they resolved to stand over for the [Page 141]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 saile of Men of Warre, and 30 Merchantmen: the English were but 38 saile, 4 Fireships, and 4 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 6 other Ships, charging through the whole body of the enemies Fleet, receiv'd 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 [Page 142]Captains failed to do their 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 Capt. Pack, whose Leg being shot off, he died soon after of it, who was an honest and valiant Seaman: there was wounded Capt. Lisle and Capt. Witheridge: a Fireship of theirs was sunk, also two other Ships of the enemies were supposed to be sunk, but what other losse they re­ceiv'd an accompt could not be had:Both Fleets re­tire. the darknesse of the night put a period to the dispute, 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 prosecure the enemy.

During this engagement, Gen. Blake came from the Northward [Page 143]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, surprizd 6 Ships more belonging to the Dutch, which had been in the Duke of Venice service, and were now re­turn'd richly laden, all stout Ships of Warre and of great burthen.

Sep. 5. The English Fleet under Gen. Blake riding in the Downs, receiving intelligence of a French Fleet, weighd Anchor and stood over for the French Coasts; about 5 of the clock they descry'd them weighting Anchor in Calice roade, 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 [Page 144]over: The Names of those taken were as followes.

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 Guns.

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

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

The Crescent, commanded by Monsieur de la Viel Dean of 26 Guns.

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

The S^t Lewis, commanded by Monsieur de la Gory of 28 Guns.

A small Frigot of 8 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 [Page 145]them, the Dunkirkers despair'd 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. Gen. Blake with his Fleet,The Fight between the Dutch and the English Fleets, called The Kentishh knock. discovered on the backside of the 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 mischiev'd if they should endea­vour the weather-gage,) they found they had not three fathom water, insomuch that the Generals Ship, the Soveraign, the Resolution, the An­drew and others were on ground, but without any harm; they all got [Page 146]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 winde 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 ado about three a clock got within shot of the enemy, who fearing that by degrees the English Fleet would get within them,The Dutch are shameful­ly wor­sted. set up their main sailes and ran for it, after whom about 10 Frigots had the [Page 147]chase till six a clock that night. Next morning Sept. 30. the Eng­lish 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 Councell 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 sustain'd 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 Bolt-sprit-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, [Page 148]he took the Rear-Admirall, 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 40 being slain, and about 40 wounded; in such shamefull sort were the Dutch defeated, who were so mighty at Sea, that they were a terrour 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 Mediterranean Sea, as well as in the English Channel, whether the English had sent severall Ships of Warre, to secure their Merchants from the French Pyrates of Toulon, Marsiellis, &c. A squadron whereof of 4 saile, viz. the Paragon, Phoe­nix, Constant Warwick and Eli­zabeth (having under convoy three [Page 149]Merchants Ships, two from Scan­darone, Four En­lish men of Warre are wor­sted by eleven Dutch men of Warre in the Straights. and one from Smyrna) met with 11 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 sound as hot work as can be imagin'd from so small a number, two of their main top-masts being shot down, and one of their Ships fi­red, but afterwards quenched: the Phoenix a stout English Frigot of 45 Guns,the Phoe­nix Frigot is taken by the Dutch. was clap'd on board by a heavy Dutch Ship, the men over­powr'd 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 [Page 150]two barrels of Powder left, so hard they ply'd it, and to such stresse were they put: Yet in despight of their Adversaries, they got safe with their Merchants into Portolongone; this fight was neer the Island of Corsica.

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

About which time the Parlia­ment (considering the condition of the English Merchants trading into the East Countrey, whose Ships (to avoid the danger of the Dutch men of Warre, then in the [Page 151] Sound) had put themselves into the protection of the King of Den­marke, but durst not venture home without a Convoy) sent a Fleet of 18 men of Warre of good force to fetch them home, being in number 22, and laden with such Commo­dities as the English had speciall occasion for, and without which they could not prosecute the warre with the Dutch. Accordingly, Sept. 1 [...]th. they set saile out of Yar­mouth roade, and on the 20th. they came to an Anchor within two Leagues of Elsenore-Castle; whence the Commander in chief sent a Let­ter to the Governour of Elsenore, by the Greyhound Frigot, and an­other to the Danish Admirall, to desire them to acquaint the King with their coming, and for what; with a Letter to the Merchants and Masters of the English Ships at at Copenhagen, to addresse them­selves to the King, for the speedy [Page 152]release of their Ships, then shut up within the Boomes and Copenhagen: but a mile short of the Castle the Ship was stopt. Next morning the Captain went up with his Boat, and delivered his Message and Letters, which availed nothing: so that another was sent to the Merchants, and a Messenger to the King, but without successe; for he could not be admitted to speech with or sight of him: At length two Lord were sent to Elsenore, unto whom two English Captains repair'd, and urged the restoring the Ships; and instead of answering to the busi­nesse, they asked,The seve­rall trans­actions between the Eng­lish and King of Denmarke. Why their Am­bassadour had not audience? Whether they had a Letter from the State of England to their King? Why they came so boldly upon his Majesties Streames, and so neer his House and Castle with such a mighty Fleet, with­out three weeks notice beforehand? All these being impertinent to the [Page 153]businesse, a positive answer was urged by the English: and on the 26th. of Sept. they received a Let­ter from the King, That he would secure them for the Merchants as care­fully as he had done, but would not deliver them to them: Whereupon the Merchants and Seamen being destitute of all hopes of the release­ment of their Ships, lest them and came home with this Fleet: who on the 27th of Sept. left the Sound, and steer'd their course for Eng­gland, and on the last of Sept. the Admirall of the Fleet commanded by Capt. Ball, ran on shore on the Coast of Shutland, and was there lost, but her men saved: this Ship carrying the light, it was mira­culous that the rest of the Fleet were not all lost: this Ship was called the Antelope, an excellent Frigot, and carried above 50 brasse Guns: a little after that they took about 20 Busses, a Dutch man of [Page 154]Warre, and a Freebooter of 20 Guns; and on the 15th of Octob. arrived safe in Burlington Bay.

Not long after this an Agent, by Name Bradshaw, was sent to the King of Denmarke, so see if yet by fair meanes, they could obtain their desires; but in vain: for he did not only detain the Ships, but at length unladed them and sold the Goods. Which incivilities towerds those that never injur'd him in the least, but defir'd by all fair means, to en­ter into Amity with him; may one day (by the good providence of God) be requited and avenged.

The Hollanders (drunk with rage, and greedy of revenge for those rubs the English had lately given them, and for the continuall losse of their Ships daily surpris'd and in great numbers brought into our Channel) used their utmost care and industry in rigging and setting forth their Fleet: which [Page 155](notwithstanding the season of the year.) they effected; and Decemb. 20th. they appeared on the back­side of Goodwin Sands, being 90 men of Warre, and [...]o Fireships; the English under Gen. Blake were but 42, and not half of them man'd, most of the best Ships being laid up when there was most need of them: which default (without doubt) was caused through the im­provident, treacherous, sinister and slothfull actings of such as then steer'd the helme of this State, whom God (in his due time) will bring to a reckoning for their mis­carriages: The English notwith­standing the paucity of their num­ber,The Dutch & English engage, and the English are wor­sted. resolved to go out and fight them: and Nov. 30th. be [...]ng fair weather, both Fleets plied to the Westward, and about eleven of the clock that day were both en­gaged, the English having got the Weathergage: in this fight half of [Page 156]the English Fleet (as small as it was) came not up, pretending want of Men, insomuch that a few Ships of the English bore the brunt of that fight with the whole Fleet of the Dutch; the Vanguard and the Victory engaging with 20 of the Dutch from first to last, and yet got cleer of them all. In the evening the Garland, The Gar­land and Bonadven­ture are taken. an English Ship of a­bove 40 Guns, was boarded by two Dutch Flag-Ships, and after she had blown up her decks, for want of men was taken. The Bonadven­ture (a Merchants Ship) attempting to relieve the Garland, was boarded, yet cleer'd her decks severall times, the Captain whereof being slain, the Ship was at length taken: Gen. Blake going in the Triumph to re­lieve the Garland, had his fore­topmast shot by the board, was twice boarded, and yet got off safe, as did all the rest except the two aforementioned, which though [Page 157]they fetcht not farre yet dearly bought: two other Ships likewise fell into the hands of the Dutch presently after the Fight, but both Merchants Ships. Gen. Blake up­on this with his Fleet withdrew into Lee-road, to be reinforc't with Ships and Men. This Victory, such as you have heard, made the Dutch greatly rejoyce and insult; such is the vanity and levity of those which gaze on the meer out­side of things, as they present them­selves at first view: Nay by their Ambassadors they made the news thereof to eccho in most of the Princes Courts in Christendome: Mirum autem quantum fama popula­ris addidit fabulae.

But the English like a Bear rob­bed of her whelps, and awakned at this sudden eclipse of their glory, splendour and wonted valour, be­took themselves to new resolutions for the quickning out a considerable [Page 158]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 designes) 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 shall take, and shall be so adjudged in the Court of Admiralty, they shall have Ten Shillings for every Tun the said Ship shall measure; and [Page 159]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 finde upon or above the Gun­deck 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 shall voluntarily come in­to their Service within 40 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 men. That care be taken upon their discharge for the payment of their Tickets and Con­duct money.

That a convenient house be pro­vided [Page 160]in or neer Dover, Deale or Sandwich, as an Hospitall for the accommodation of such wounded men, as shall be there set on shore. 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 Febr. 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, Tar or Masts into this Common­weath.

Febr. 18th.The Eng­lish and Dutch Fleets en­gage neer the Isle of Wight and Portland. 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 [Page 161]Gen. Dean, with three 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 Warre, and thus it continued till two a clock in the afternoon; after which 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 dayes service some of the enemies Ships were brought by the Lee and destroyed.

Febr. 20. They engaged the Dutch again, and the dispute grew [Page 162]hot, insomuch that the enemy be­gan to fire out of their stern-most ports and make away, so that di­vers of their Merchants Ships fell into the hands of the English: at evening the English Fleet being a­gainst Boloigne in France, and not farre from the shore, the wind at N. N. west, which was bad for them to get to their own shore; 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 9 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 [Page 163]shores. Presently after this hot and terrible fight, there was 1500 taken Prisoners and brought to London. Gen. Blake was wounded in this engagement, severall other Com­manders of the English, of eminent worth and gallantry, were slain and wounded also. Now though a particular accompt of the Dutch losse 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 Name alone be magnified: and though I am none of those, Qui malis gaudeo alienis, yet seeing (that by a kind of fatall necessity) the stroakes 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 [Page 164] West-Friesland: in answer to which the Parliament 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 Le­vorn Mole) fitted themselves for another encounter with the Dutch: Capt. Badiley with 9 men of War 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 coop'd up by 22 men of Warre; hereupon the [Page 165]English Ships under Capt. Apleton weighed out of the Mole, The En­glish Fleet in the Le­vant Seas, are again worsted by the Dutch. 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 50 Guns, who bravely maintain'd the fight at least 5 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 four or five of the Dutch at a time, and having her main-mast and misen-mast shot away, and being overpowr'd with number was taken.

The Levant-Merchant was first boarded by one of the enemies [Page 166]Ships of 36 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 Admirall of the Dutch on one side, and by a fire­ship on the other, so that she was quickly fired.

This was the greatest loss the English have sustain'd from the Dutch since the breach, and was done in the sight of 9 English men of Warre under Capt. Badiley, who (I cannot say) would not, but I am sure did not vouchsafe those stout hearts that there perished the least assistance, for which he hath been since branded with the infa­mous terms of Cowardize, Cove­tousness and Treachery; from which imputations it is wished he could clear himself, in the sight of God and men.

The relation wherein this Com­monwealth stood with the Neigh­bouring Nations was in this sort,

The King of Portugall not able to resist so powerfull a state as this (having more then enough to do,The King of Portu­gall and the State of England conclude a peace. to grapple 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) obtain'd the same; yet to this day he hath not fully finished his Nego­tiations, so as to satisfie the Mer­chants for their great losses.

From France the English were courted by two Parties:A French Agent a­rives at London. by an A­gent from the King of France, desiring a release of his ships taken (as aforesaid) going to the relief of Dunkirke, as also that there might be a right understanding be­tween [Page 168]the 2 Nations.4 Depu­ties from Bourdeaux arive at London also. And by 4 Deputies from the Prince of Conde, craving aid against the Cardinall and his creatures, who had straitly besieged the City of Bourdeaux: all which Negotiations were in­effectuall, for alas the breach was too high between the a Nations to be easily cemented.

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

This was the posture of the Civil and Military affairs of this Nation, when his Excellency the Lord Ge­nerall Cromwell (a man as it were by Divine appointment set apart for great enterprises) perceiving the notorious corruptions, dilatory proceedings, pernicious and arbi­trary [Page 169]actings of the Parliament, to perpetuate their session, and to in­thrall the people (by defrauding and disfranchising them of their ancient and undoubted Liberties of equall and successive Representa­tives) entred the Parliament house, attended with some of his principal Officers, and there delivered cer­tain reasons why a period ought to be put to that Parliament; which was presently done,The Par­liament is dissolved. the Speaker with the rest of the Members (some by force, some through fear, and some murmuring) departed the House. For which disaster no man moved either tongue or hand in their behalf, it being generally be­leev'd, that though the Nation possibly might not be better'd by this changed, yet a worse could not befall it. And thus was this mighty Councell dissolv'd, their Powers transferr'd into the hands of the Souldiery, and their Names re­proacht [Page 170]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, General Cromwell and his Councell of Offi­cers published a Declaration, the substance whereof was as follows.

This Declaration and proceed­ings of Gen. 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 publike Ministers of the Na­tion, should be startled at this sud­den change, so as to swerve from [Page 176]their duties; or others should take occasion thereby to make distur­bances in the Commonwealth, this following Delaration 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 wo or weal thereof [Page 178]consisted) were carried 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 goig 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 three small vessels, and made se­verall shot into the Town of Dover, [Page 179]with which bravados 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 28th. of May came into Yar­mouth Roade. June 1. Being at Anchor in Sole Bay, they discovered two Dutch galliot Hoyes, to which chace was given till the whole Dutch Fleet was discovered, but the weather proving dark they lost sight of them. June 3.The Fight between the Dutch and Eng­lish Fleets off the North­foreland. The Eng­lish Fleet (being at Anchor with­out the Southhead of the Gober) discovered the enemy about two leagues to Leeward, being about 100 sail: whereupon the English weighed and made sail towards them; between 11 and 12 at noon both Fleets were engaged, and for some hours the dispute was sharp, [Page 180]insomuch that about 6 a clock in the evening the enemy bore right away before the winde,The Dutch are worsted, and many of their Ships sunk and taken. little more being done that night. Next mor­ning early, the English were fair by the Dutch again; 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 11 Men of Warre, and 2 water-Hoyes, 6 Captains, 1500 Priso­ners, and sunk 6 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 near the Flats, and necessitated to stay and mend their sails and rig­ging, which were much shattered and torn, they came to an Anchor about 10 a clock that night. The [Page 181]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 daies en­gagement, one Capt. 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 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 Ulye 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, [Page 182]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 shall for the present leave them.

Gen. Cromwell and his Councell of Officers having finish'd their consultations and resolutions about those Persons to whom the Ligisla­tive Power of the Nation was to be committed; Warrants were is­sued out to each person so chosen in the three Nations, to appear at the Councel-Chamber at White­hall July 4^th 1653. a Copy where­of followes:

July 4^th 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 [Page 185]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 supream Authority: and from the Scriptures exhorted them to their duties, and encouraged them therein: He further desired 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 [Page 186]Supream Authority and Govern­ment of this Commonwealth, into the hands of the Persons there met, Who, or any fourty of them, are to be held and acknowledged the Su­pream 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 their 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 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 Gen. Cromwell, craving his protection in severall publike addresses; who unwilling to interpose or meddle with affairs of that nature, left him to the Law: insomuch that he was committed to Newgate, John Lil­burn tried at the Ses­sions in the Old-Baily. and the next Sessions or Goal-delivery, he was brought to tryall in the Old-Baily, July 13. but nothing was done that day, save that Councel was assigned him ac­cording to his demand. July 14. he was again brought to the Barre, but refused to put in his Plea, un­lesse he might have a copy of his Indictment, which was at length [Page 188]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 [Page 189]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 whole businesse withdrew, and about 12 of the clock that night delivered up their verdict, That they found him Not guilty:Is quitte [...] by the Jury. 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 Tyals, Banishment, and what not, but hi­therto in vain! whenas 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 [Page 190]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 steer'd not the right course to attain those ends.

The condition of the English af­fairs in Scotland was now much af­ter this sort; 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 [Page 191]and souldiers in stragling par­ties;The state of Scot­land. 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 7 or 8 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 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 massacre of the Protestants at the first rebel­lion, [Page 193]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, Cosen-germans 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. Mon­sieur Bevering, Newport, Young stall, and Vanderparre, who soon after his arrivall departed this life: the rest pursued their negotiations so close, that we are not left altoge­ther [Page 194]without 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 sides, 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 astern; those few bear­ing the whole brunt of the daies fight, till night came and forced both Fleets to retire: the Dutch [Page 195]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 Texil; 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 couragiously from 5 a clock in the morning till one in the afternoon, both Fleets passing through each other with much violence, endeavouring to burn, sink and destroy one another, as if the whole businesse should have been decided by the event of this battell: yet the Dutch never [Page 196]went off, but with the losse of some of their Ships which were either sunk or burnt; The Garland a stout Man of Warre (which the Dutch had formerly taken from the Eng­lish) was laid aboard by the Wor­cester Frigot and burnt: The Try­umph and the Andrew were clapt aboard by two or three Dutch fire­ships, and receiv'd some hurt in their sails, but were quickly cleer'd of them, by the valour and industry of some paticular men:The Dutch are put to flight, and many of their ships sunk. The Dutch seeing themselves in a declining po­sture, many of their Ships being sunk and burnt, 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 [Page 167]one or two small English vessels kept sight of them till morning, and saw them steer into the Texel Har­bor, Having Boats with lights to shew them the way in. Whereupon the English at a Councel of Warre, 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 receiv'd at this fight, was as followes; 300 Men were slain outright, whereof 7 Captains, Graves, Chapman, Taylor, Newman, Crisp, Owen Cox and Capt. Peacock: they had also 700 wounded, of which 5 Captains, Stokes, Seaman, Rous, Holland and Cubit. The par­ticular losse which the Dutch re­ceiv'd, 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 [Page 198]and fired; their Renowned Lord Admirall Van-Trumpe was slain in the midst of the engagement: and out of the Dutch Ships that lay sinking in the Sea, the English took out 6 Captains, and about a thou­sand other Prisoners. This was the saddest conflict that has 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 God-Chains should be given to Admirall. Blake and Monk, 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 lost about 6000 Men in this engagement.

And now Reader (having brought thee well nigh to the pe­riod of my discourse, and hitherto entertain'd thee with the relation of things meerly Civill 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 instead of an absolute conformity in mat­ters of Relgion, there was a gene­rall nonconformity; Heresies being daily broached in every corner of the Land, which continually sprung up like Hydra's heads, one upon the neck of another, by which means the mindes of the people became unsetled and shaken in the Princi­ples of Faith and Doctrine; each particular faction tracing a different track to finde the truth, whenas in­deed there is but one way and one truth; the numbers & names where­of [Page 200]of if I should undertake to give you, I might reckon ad infinitum: viz. In­dependents, Anabaptists, and those of severall kindes; some for Impo­sition of hands, anointing with Oyl and washing of feet; and some a­gainst them. Brownists, Millenaries, Arminians, Socinians, Adamites, Diggers, Seekers, Shakers, Ranters, Enthusiasts, Arians, Pelagians, cum multis aliis: of all which I shall say only thus much, Let them grow to­gether till the harvest, least in pluck­ing up the tares, you pull up the wheat also.

This Parliament having sate a­bout as many weeks as the other had done years, though in that time (to give them their due) they had made severall laudable Acts, and of great utility and advantage to the people, viz. An Act for taking off the Engagement; for taking off Fines from Original Writs and De­clarations: for clearing of Publike [Page 201]Debts, and discovery of frauds and concealements due to the Com­monwealth: as also an Act for Re­lief of Creditors and poor Priso­ners, which of all others, was of greater concernment to the Nation then any thing they could do: O­ther Acts of lesse moment they made also, which I shall forbear to mention. Yet in other things of no small consequence, there appeared such confusion in their councels, such contrariety in their opinions, such a dissonancy in their actings, and disparity in their aimes, that they seem'd to be a meer monster with many heads; insomuch that it was not expected their power (as then it stood) would continue unto the time prefixt.

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

That they thought it fitting that Commissioners be sent into all the [Page 202]Counties, and inabled to eject scanda­lous and unable Ministers; and also be impowred to settle able Ministers in all void places.

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

That upon hearing and considering what hath been offered to the Commit­tee touching propriety in Tythes, of In­cumbents, Rectors, Possessors of Dona­tives or appropriate Tythes; It is the opinion of this Committee, That the said persons have a Legall propriety in Tythes.) The Parliament, I say, ha­ving spent severall daies in debate of this Report, Decemb. 10. put the first of these Reports to the Que­stion, viz. Whether the House doth agree with the first Clause of this Re­port? which was carried in the Ne­gative.

Munday Decemb. 12^th somewhat early, the House being sate, a Gen­tleman [Page 203]stood up and moved; That the sitting of this Parliament, as then constituted, would not be for the good of the Commonwealth; and that there­fore it was requisite to deliver up unto the Lord Generall Cromwell the Powers which they received from him: This motion being seconded by severall other Members, the House rose, and the Speaker with many Members of the House, departed and went to Whitehall; where they (being the greater number of the Members sitting in Parliament) did by a Writing under their hands,The Par­liament dissolved, Dec. 12^th 1653. re­signe unto his Excellency their said Powers; and M^r 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 [Page 204]the Judges and Justices of the se­verall Courts at Westminster, the Barons of the Exchequer, the Kee­pers of the Liberties of England, the Lord Major and Aldermen of the City of London, with most of the chief Officers of the Army) sworne Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scot­land and Ireland, and of all the I­slands and Territories thereunto belonging: Severall Articles by which he is to govern the People being then read to him, to the per­formance whereof, he took a solmn Oath in the presence of them all; the summe whereof was,

That he should call a Parliament every three years. That the first should be Sept. 3^d 1654. That he should not dissolve it untill they had sate five moneths. That whatsoever Bill they should passe, if he should not signe it in 20 dayes, that then it should passe without him. That he should have a [Page 205]Councell of select Persons to assist him, nor under 13, nor above 21. That immediately after his Death, the Coun­cell shall choose another Protector be­fore they rise. That no Protector for the future shall be Generall of the Army. That the Protector shall have power to to make Peace or Warre. That, with the consent of his Councell, he may make Lawes which shall be binding till the next Session of Parliament. These with many more particulars you may reade at large in the Form of Government.

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

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

He came from Westminster in a [Page 206]Chariot drawn with 6 Horses in gallant equipage; before him rode his Life-Guard with most of his chief Officers, and some of his Councell; after them rode 2 Pages bareheaded in sumptuous apparrell; after them about 12 Lackeys with velvet Caps in gray Liveries with silk and silver fringe; then came his Highnesse, as aforesaid, in a Chariot, clad in a dark coloured suit and cloak, attended by many of the Nobility in their Coaches with 6 Horses: At Templebarre his High­nesse was met by the Lord Major and Aldermen, where the Recor­der of London saluted him with a pithy an excellent Speech. His Highnesse then came out of his Chariot, put on a riding coat im­broidered with gold-lace, and mounted on horseback, two or three of his horses of State being there led by: which done, the Lord Major took the City-Sword, and [Page 207]carried it bareheaded from thence to Grocers-Hall, all the way where­of the severall Companies in their Liveries sate on both sides the way, in railes set up on purpose, with Streamers sticking up to distinguish each Company. After his High­nesse had dined and banquet was ended, he conferr'd upon the Lord Major the Honour of Knighthood.

And now Reader have I brought my Story from the end of one Mo­narchy to the beginning of ano­ther: under which (if it please the wise disposer of all things, as well as persons, to grant us Peace, both at home and abroad) both thou and I may live to see happy dayes: and if it shall please God to spin out the thred of my life to some considera­ble length, I shall afford the world some other things of the like nature, but if not I am content to acquiesce in the good will of Him that dwelt in the Bush, and so farewell.