ENGLANDS MONUMENT OF MERCIES, IN HER MIRACVLOVS PRESERVATIONS FROM Manifold Plots, Conspiracies, Contrivances and attempts of forraigne and home-bred treacherous Enemies, against the Parliament, Kingdome, and purity of Religion: Discovering the Time, Persons and places of these attempts; with all their most remarkable proceedings. Published purposely to raise up the hearts of all the faithfull in the Kingdome, unto a continued Thankfulnesse unto GOD.
Anno 1641.
1 A Great plot to bring the English Army in the North against the Parliament, and to advance this designe, the Deputy of Ireland attempted his escape out of the Tower, promising Sir William Balfoure 20000. l. and to marrie his son to his daughter: but Sir Williams loyalty appeared above trecherie. The chief Actors in this designe were Sir John Suckling, Captain Chidley, and Col. Goring, who should be Lievtenant-Generall, (indeavouring to get Portsmouth into their hands) and the Earl of Newcastle should have met them with 1000. horse; and to further this designe, the Bishops profered to maintain 1000. horse.
2 Another wicked designe was to make the Scots Army n [...]w [...]e [...]s, by many wicked suggestions: but this designe prevailed not.
3 The breaking forth of the rebellion in Ireland, which had beene all lost in a moment, had not the Lo [...]d miraculously delivered Dublin but the evening before, by a Messengers escape, who was rewarded by the Pa [...]liament. And here note, that after this Rebellion had beene broke forth foure moneths, to the losse of many thousand Protestants lives, yet but 14 Proclamations must be printed to proclaime them Rebells, with S cretary Nicholas his hand for the Printers discharge.
4 The L. Cottingtons being made high Constable of the Tower, who did not a little trouble the City, by planting Ordnance against it, but by their care this was frustra [...]e.
5 Cottington being displaced by the importunity of the Parliament to His Majesty, (one as bad as he, a prisoner in Newgate not long before, fitter for Newgate then the Tower) Col. Lunsford, who with great difficul [...] by the City & Parliament, importuning His Majesty, was at last displaced likewi [...]e.
6 Sir Iohn Byron was put in by His Majesty, who was somthing better then the former, yet this crused suspition in the person, and therefore the City petitioned, that he might be removed also.
7 In November a divellish plot to have murdered many of the Nobility, with the Members of the House of Commons, and some Members of the upper House; many of the Papists conspired to set upon some of the strong holds in Cheshire, Lancashire and the parts adjacent, the plot being so contrived, that at the same time the City of London should have been surprized, and all the Protestants throats cut: the maine plotter of this designe was the Earle of Worcester, who was to supply them with Forces, and two Jesuites, Father Andrews and Father Iones, who were apprehended according to an Order of Parliament, that all those that should discover any Popish Priests or Jesuites, and cause them to be apprehended, should be rewarded by the Parliament. Subscribed,
Novemb. 15 Io. Brown Cler. Parliament.
8 The Popish Lords and Prelates fitting in Parliament interrupting Parliamentary proceedings, being petitioned against, the Petitioners were affronted by Col. Lunsford in Westminster Hall, being assisted by Ruffianl [...]e Courtiers from White-Hall.
9 The Bishops petition the King to protest against the Parliaments proceedings, but the Parliament voted 12 Bishops guilty of high Treason, for endeavouring to subvert the fundamentall Lawes of the Kingdome, ten of which wer committed.
10 The taxing and demanding of the five Members by the King, coming in an hostile way to the Parliament, and accusing them of high treason. J [...]n. 4.
11 The Malignants petition against the Militia of London, Binion a Silkman being the chief, but another Petition being framed against the former, the former was censured to be burnt by the common hangman, Binion fined 3000 l. and two yeares imprisonment for his insolency.
12 Malignant spirits discover themselves in a Kentish Petition framed by Sir Edward Deering, who for publishing that and other things, was cast out of the House, imprisoned in the Tower, his booke burnt, and the Petitioners returned with much disgrace.
13 The King and Prince depart from London, attended by divers Cavaliers to York, who in a hostile way go to demand Hull, which caused the Parliament to put the Militia in execution in most parts of the Kingdome.
Anno 1642.
14 A trecherous conspiracie of the Archbishop of Yorke against the Parliament, in providing 150 armes, with many pistolls, muskets and ammunition for military affaires, intending to riase a party, but his designe was frustrate.
15 A dangerous plot against the City of York, whereby it should have been betrayed, by causing of an insurrection, to the amazement of the Governour; the rude Apprentices running in the streets, and throwing up their hats, crying, For the King, for the King; and then in the middest of the night following, the Watch hearing a cry, Horse, Horse, Armes, Armes.
16 A plot against Sir Iohn Hotham (in the time of his fidelity) and the inhabitants of Hull, the designe being to fire the houses next the Fort, and thereby overcome the town, which they did performe, but were prevented.
17 The Cavaliers plots against the Parliament, and sharing out the city in severall proportions beforehand, which confirmed the relation from Roterdam, which was to this effect: that divers gentlemen and others in Roterdam resolved to come for England, whereupon two ships were provided with guns of 12 foot long, which shot bullets of 44. pound waight, the furthering of this designe was the pawning the Jewels, in which M. Webster a Merchant in Amsterdam was a great assistant. P. Rupert proved a buyer to carie horse for England and Iacob Lightfoot a Merchant brought 15000 waight of powder for England; and for their encouragement Iermyn sent to Roterdam 40000. gilders to be delivered to P. Rupert, P. Maurice, L. Devinant, L. Digby, Oneale, Hide, and divers others.
18 Sir Richard Gurney L. Mayor of London proclaiming the Commission of Array in affront to the Parliament, is imprisoned for the same.
19 A bloudy plot attempted against Sir Thomas Fairfax Sir W. Brereton, Sir Tho. Middleton Sir William Fairfax, Col. Ashton, Col. Mitton, Col. Moore, and divers more Officers in the Parliaments Army in false accusations laid against them before the Judges at the Assizes at Chester, where they were arraigned of high treason for taking up armes for the Parliament, the Kings Atturney was prosecutor, and the Jury making oath against them in Court, but God delivered them out of their hands, and some of them lie in hold for the same fact.
20 The Catholike cause is advanced, and many Papists that would take the Oath of Allegiance and Supremacie, are the greatest in the Kings favour, and have power from him to exercise their Religion.
21 The fifting of the Scots, what they would do for the Catholike cause, to further which designe a Letter was f [...]amed from the King to the privy Councel of Scotland, who returned answer, they desired the King to return to his Parliament, and they would do their utmost indeavour for the good of this Kingdome.
22 Another designe by casting aspersions on the Parliament, concerning vast sums of money to be pu [...]loyned from the publike, and bestowed on private persons, as 10000 l. to the E. of Holland, 6000 to M. Pym, and other persons in places of publike trust.
23 The E. of Northumberland (being Admirall of the Seas) is disp [...]ced by the King, and Sir Iohn Penington plac [...]d in his roome, upon this the Parliament made the E. of Warwick Admirall, but the King demanded of his Honour to deliver up his place to Sir Io. Penington on pain of high treason, but this honourable Patriot with the advice of Parliament faithfully prosecutes his duty.
24 Divers Letters intercepted by the Earle of Warwicke, one to Capt. Slingsby desiring him (rather then to discover the designe) to die a Martyr in His Majesties cause.
25 Beck with a P [...]pist, with his confederates, would have fired Holl in foure places, and then the Kings Forces were to assault the town, the signs to bee given to those that would have fi [...]ed the town was when they saw fire on Beverl [...] Minster, but this was timely discovered by an Officer of the town, who was sollicited by Beckwith for to act the same.
26 Neutrality plotted in Yorkshire, to stand neither for King nor Parliament, whereby many honourable persons had ben betraid, had not the Parliament declared against them.
27 A ship laden with ammunition (sent by the Q een) was taken at Yarmouth by Captaine Iohnson, with 400 barrells of powder, 10 piece of Ordnance, 50 Commanders, many souldiers with Letters, one especially from the Queen concerning the designe.
28 In the middest of October a plot was invented to blow up the L. Generals Magazine by a Scotch man, one David Alexander, under Sir Iohn Meldrum, he confest he was to have 500 l. that Sir Iohn Culpepper had given him 10 l. and the rest he was to have from a great person, whom he refused to name.
29 This was that Alexander who was formerly set on by Sir Iohn Hinderson to kill Sir Iohn Hinderson (for a sum of money) to kill Sir Iohn Hotham, Alexander said, it was the work of a butcher, and not of a souldier.
30 The designe of Sir Faithlesse Fortescues revolt at Edge-hil, who ran away to the King with his whole troupe, and immediately charged on the Parliaments Forces.
31 A base plot acted at Brainford under a pretence of a Treaty for peace, Prince Rebell, thinking to archieve his designe (our Forces being unprovided) to march to London; but let the reward of trechery, and the valour of London Apprentices never be forgotten.
32 A plot contrived by the Kings party, for electing of new high Sheriffs, the most of them being either Papists or Commissioners of Array, or Deliquents, but the Parliament declared by the Lawes of the Kingdome, that they were not lawfully deputed to their places, and by vote disabled them.
33 A designe at Oxford to proceed against the Parliaments Officers and Souldiers as Traytors, using them worse then the Turks would have done, whereupon the Parliament declared the same Lawes here against them, which by Gods mercy prevented the same.
34 Sir W. Waller having entred Chichester, a train of powder was laid from his lodging to part of the magazine, but by diligent search prevented.
Anno 1643.
35 A designe against the City of London, by some malignants in and about the same, preferring a Petition to His Majesty at Oxford from two Aldermen and 4 Commoners, to returne to the City, in reply to which the King sent his messenger Capt. Herne, and a speciall Common-hall was called, Herne read his message, and but one man appeared of the Malignant party, the rest crying out, they would live & die with the Parliament.
36 A Letter (by the procurement of the City malignants) dated Jan. 17. to the Citizens of London, ordered that all sorts should heare it at severall Halls, but the Letter being found of dangerous consequence, was not suffered to be read.
37 A conspiracie to betray Bristol to P. Rupert the manner thus: Rupert with 4000 horse and 2000 foot were to be ready on Durdan Downes, directed by Robert Yeoman, Iohn Butcher, and their assistants, Butcher ordered a company of rude fellowes to be about the gates to let in the enemy, and to give notice by the tolling of a bell, when they were ready; the conspirators & their abettors were distinguished from the rest by a white riban in their hats, using the word Charles, but this being discovered not above two houres before the time of action by a poore boy, Ruperts designe was frustrate.
38 A villan of the Lord Roberts his Regiment who fled to the enemy was hired to blow up the L. Generals magazine, and confest that he was to have 5. l. for doing it, but was only hanged for it.
39 London assayed to be betrayed, by petitioning for peace, to surprize the City and to let in the Kings Army, 4000 were to be within 15 miles the same night the plot was to bee acted. The actors were some members of both Houses, others of the Court and City, Crispe, Royden, Brown and Binion, were to hold correspondency with both Armies, the Commission of Array was to be put in execution, and 17 Citizens to be of a Councell of war to execute martiall law, Royden and Challenor to be the chief, Waller and Tomkins were great actors, their designe was to seize upon the magazine, they wearing white ribans, their meeting place was to be at Black-heath, the parties to be seized on were the L. Say, L. Wharton, M. Pym, M. Strode, the L. Mayor, the Committee for the Militia, and divers others specified in their Commission. M. Hern, M. Hamden, and the Lady Aube [...]y brought the Commission. This plot was (by Gods providence) brought to light, and the two chiefest Actors Tomkins and Challenor were executed.
40 Hull indeavoured to be betraid by Sir Iohn Hotham, Capt. Hotham, and Sir Edward Roads, this was discovered by M. Ripley, who surprized the Block-houses, castle, and all the Commanders, the maine Guard, and all the Ordnance, and sent presently to apprehend Sir Iohn, who escaped out of the town, but was pursued and apprehended; Sir Edward Roads and Cap. Hotham were also taken, and Sir Iohn and his son executed.
41 A plot to betray Lincoln by two Captains belonging to Hull, who attempted to let in Forces for the Qoeen, who let in about 60. but the City being informed of the plot, seized on these two Commanders, and at 12 a clock at night thought to seize on the magazine, they were discovered by a Canoneer, who discharged at them, the towne rose and put them all to the sword, except the two Commanders, Cap. Alison, Capt. VVilliamson, and some other of quality.
42 The rewd women about London petition for a peace, who came in an abusive way to the House of Parliament, affronting them with ill language swearing that they would have a peace, there was amongst them 500. whores as is conceived, but some of the women came short home, and some dis figured, one of them without a nose.
43 The Queens designe to perswade the King to come for London, but was frustrate. He takes his way for Glocester, but they being all true, it was no gaine for them to go thither.
44 Kentish malignants oppose the proceedings of Parliament, 2000 and more of them gathered together being led by Sir Edward Bathurst, capt. Stansby, and M. Leigh, 200 of them attempted to seize on Dartford magazine, but a troupe of horse prevented that designe, and by Col. Browne they were quelled at Tunbridge, where many of them were slain and taken prisoners. Sir Michael Livesay opposeth the rebells at Yawlding, enters the town, and takes a considerable prize.
45 Canterbury and Feve [...]sham malignants begin to fortifie themselves, but the well- [...]ff [...]cted of Canterbury raised 3 or 400 Dragoons and appeased them. Sir Edward Hal [...]s and his grand-soun [...] were chiefe sticklers in this designe. The chiefe ringleaders of this commotion were impris [...]ned in the Tower and other prisons.
46 Oxfordian Achitophels plot to preven [...] traiding and commerce with, and to hinder vitals from London, thinking to starve it, but the Countrey know that Londons pay was better then Oxfords plots, and choose rather to imbrace the pay, then ro reserve it for an Oxford prise.
47 A plot hatcht at Oxford intended to have it perfected at London, is petitioned against, that the Lords would not give eare to anie such pretended peace.
48 Sir Alexander Caries endeavouring to betray Plymouth, discovered, and he executed.
49 Four Proclamations sent to the Lord Mayor of London the first to alter the monethly Fast, the second to make all Irish money current in England, the third to command all Counties to accept of those high-Sheriffs that were chosen at Oxford, the fourth to disanull the taking of the solemne Oath and Covenant, the Lord Mayor sent the Messenger to the Parliament, who gave him his just reward.
50 A designe against the Citie, the Kings endeavour to break into the Ass [...]ciation, to attain this Sir Ralph Hopton is desired to advance to Winchester and Chichester, and so forward to Kent: but this design was frustrate also.
51 Malignants next plot was for Scotland, the Queen Regent of France sent into Scotland to perswade the Scots from coming into England, but they vowed they would maintain the true religion and the Power of Parliament to the losse of their lives.
52 The King sends two Letters into Scotland to prevent their coming, the first was against the Scots Proclamation for all to be in readinesse, the second was against the Covenant, desiring them not to aid the Parliament of England, which he said were in Rebellion against him.
53 The King sends into Ireland for those to come to aid him, who came and landed at Bristol, the King pretending they fought for him and the Parliament, and would have forced an oath on them, they seeing the contrarie, refused and came to Colonell Massey.
54 A Declaration printed at Oxford for the Irish Cessation for a year, to further this designe in England, which hath been acted in Ireland.
55 Gl [...]c [...]ster assaved by plots by popish Winter who should have surprized the town of Glocester, by the helpe of the trayterous partie in the town, which the watchfull Governour hearing, prevented it.
56 A plot to convey away the Kings children, but Letters being intercepted they were secured and the servants about them removed.
57 A [...]other pl [...]t to betray N [...]ttingham-Castle, and many circumstances used to corrupt Colonell Hutchison, who was offered by Decres 10000. l. if hee would procure the same, but fideli [...]ie scorned treachery.
58 Prince Ruperts indeavour to betray Bristoll the second time, but prevented.
59 The Earl of Crafords proffers to Captaine Sidenham to betray Poole, but this brave Captain scorned his proffers.
60 The Earl of Crafords plot to betray Alisbury in bringing a written copie with large proffers signed wi [...]h C. R. but was denyed to his great shame.
61 The Protestant R [...]ligion, plotted against in most parts of Christendome, Holland and Denmark have raised contributions to maintaine that cursed crew against the Parliament.
62 Another divillish design to divide the Parliament and Cite by Col. Reed a Rebel of Ireland and Sir B [...]z [...]ll Brooke, and Vilet a Gold-smith and Ril [...] y a B [...]d-maker, Scout-Master-General, for the Citie of London, but the plott being discove [...]d, Reed writ a Letter with a Superscription To the man in the moone, who came to Oxford and acqu [...]inted the King with the designe, he desiring to advise with him, with the assistance of the Q [...]een, Lord Digby, Dutchesse of Buckingham, wife to that rebellious E. of Antrim, with whom a way to send Propositions was considered, a Letter is sent with manie l [...]ving expressions to the Lord Mayor and Alderman, calling them his loving Subj [...]cts; His Majestye sent two Signets as a New-years Guift to these Plotters, but Gods providence now appears by private intelligence, Rily is apprehended and examined, Sir Baz [...]ll Bro [...]k being sent for confessed all sudde [...]l [...], after Vilet was apprehended, who had the Kings Letter about him, are confessed all: these three were committed close prisoners in the Tower, and Vilet was to be tried as a spy.
63 A wicked plot endeavoured by the instigation of the E. [...]f Bristoll, and Serjeant-Major Ogell, to betray the Citie of London, by causing a division between the Presbyterians and Independents, M. Goodwin and M. Nye are tampered with to further their designe, who speedily discovered the same to the House, the manner as followeth. Propositions were drawne up that they would grant Toleration, and divers Letters sent to those Ministers promising them preferment: but this plot failed also.
64 Indeavors to betray Windsor Castle, bu [...] the Governour scorned the base treachery of such cursed Courtiers.
65 In Jan. another plot to betray Alisbury by M [...]jo [...] Ogl [...], he promising the Governour 1000 l. for his reward, whereof the Governour received 100 l. present and a brave horse and sword, with a safe conduct under the Kings owne hand; but the faithfull Governour discovered the same and he was rewarded according to his trechery.
66 In Jan. Nottingham towne and castle is once again indeavoured to be betrayed, but the faithfull Governour Col. Hutcheson scorned their trecherous designe.
67 In Jan. a trecherous designe to betray Southampton by the L. Hopton, and two Lords more, who offered 1000 l. and His Majesties pardon under the great Seal, but the worthy Governour denied to condescend to their base trecherous demand.
68 In F [...]bruary, A sad exploit performed by Bishop Vsher, that in after ages may be a warning to such unfaithfull Messengers, who joyning all to take the pernitious oath at Oxford, wishing that all those that would not take it, might die in prison; whereupon many were perswaded to take it, some since being much perplexed in minde concerning it, and some dying in that condition.
69 In February, Another designe was to prevent the Scottish march, Rupert that Rebell to meet them with twelve ships of Irish Rebells, but was prevented by Captain Swanley.
70 In the same moneth a third designe against Nottingham castle; divers horses laden with sacks, and about 30 Cavaliers in womens apparell, and others like poore countrey-men, as if they had been going to Nottingham market, but they being discovered, were all taken prisone s, and more that were coming to assist them in that designe.
71 In March, a Divellish plot to betray Weymouth and Melcombe Regis to Sir Lewis Dives, the manner thus; that the gates were to be set open to let in Sir Lewis Div [...], and the [...] to surprize the Forts, which was done, and the townsmen were to assist them, and th [...] they might the better bee knowne, [...] word was Crab Church, and the signe was a handkerchiefe about their armes, but the plot being discovered, and God giving courage to the Souldiers, they were beaten out, and the chief Conspirators executed.
72 Glocester is again attempted to be betraid by Edward Stanford a Papist, Esquire, labouring with a Captain belonging to Col. Massey profering him 5000 l. and whereof he received 200 l. in hand, but he discovered the designe.
73 A plot in Scotland by the Marquesse Huntley, L. Montrosse, and the Earle of Craford, by a sad insurrection to force the Scots our of England: but the noble Earle of Argile and the Earl of Calendar went with a strong party to repell them, & took all their ordnance, arms, and ammunition.
74 Sunderland delivered from a plot intended by the Mayor of Newcastle, but discovered by the Seamen on the river, who planted two pieces of Ordnance, and betook themselves to their Armes, for which service the House ordered them 200. l.
75 A bloudy exploit in Cornwall intended against Major Gen. Skippon, to have put all to the sword, and having taken 30. put 28 to the sword, whereupon the Major declared hee would live and die with them before they should suffer under such bloudy rebells.
76 Plots attempted against the towne and castle of Stafford, but prevented by Sir W. Brereton.
77 D [...]ver attempted to be betraid, but by Gods mercy prevented.
Anno 1645.
78 Abbington assayed to be betraid by Digby, who [...]ff [...]red Major Generall Brown 10000 l. but he scorned his trecherous pro [...]er, and Digby was repulsed with great disgrace.
79 Alesbury should likewise have been betrayed, but by Gods mercy prevented.
80 Reading indeavoured to be betraid, but prevented by the mercy of God.
81 Plymouth in danger to be betraid into the hands of mercilesse enemies, but by the faithfull Governour prevented.
82 Lime was in great danger to be betraid, but the faithfull Governour Captain Lemon disc [...]v [...]red the designe, who was profered 1000. l. to yeeld it to the Kings service, which town the King valued as his Crowne.
83 Buckinghamshire Malignants dangerous petition presented to the Commissioners at Vxbridge, on purpose to dissolve the Treaty.
84 A cursed designe to draw the hearts of the people from the Parliament, perswading them that the Parliament sought to inslave them, whereupon the Parliament put forth a Declaration to the contrary, which did not a little content them.
85 The Kings designe for Yorke prevented by Major-Generall Poyntz, the King near Doncaster makes Proclamation for all to come in unto him, but they knowing his service, would not obey his command.
86 The peace with the Irish Rebels.