THE SPEECH AND Confession of Capt. Brown-Bushel, at the place of Execution on Saturday last, under the Scaffold on Tower-Hill: With the manner of his deportment, and his coming from the Tower in a Scarlet Cloak; as also his Prayer, and Desires to the People. Together with the manner of his Tryall; and the Articles and Charge exbibited against him. Written by G. H. an Eye-Witnesse.
Lord Jesus receive my soul.
Imprinted at London by R. W. 1652.
The Speech and Confession of Capt. Brown-Bushel, at the place of execution under the Scaffold at Tower-Hill on Saturday last, being the 29 of March, 1651.
HAving been an Eye-witnesse of the manner and deportment of Captain Brown-Bushel at the place of Execution on Saturday last at Tower-Hill, I could do no less, than demonstrate to the world, his true Character and Embleme, And by reason that I may not leave the world unsatisfied, touching the cause of this his Execution, give me leave, I beseech you, to present you with (in the first place) his Articles of Impeachment, and his Tryall, before the High-court of Justice in Westminster-Hall on Tuesday the 25 of March, 1651. a Narrative whereof followeth.
On Tuesday (as aforesaid) He was brought to the Bar, and then charged with the betraying, surrendring, and yielding up of the Castle and Town of Scarbrough in the County of York, the Command whereof he had taken upon him for the Parliament before.) And for levying War against the Parliament at Beverley and Whitby. To which he pleaded, Not guilty. And the proof against him of his Fact stands thus. Being brought to the Bar again the same day, The Witnesses for the Common-wealth brought up from Yorkeshire were present, and gave their Evidence, That Sir Hugh Cholmley Revolt [...]ng from the Parliament 25 March, 1645. And then holding out the Castle of Scarbrough for the late King, Bushel the Thursday before Easter came to Scarbrough to the Bayliffs and desired their assistance to keep the Castle, which that night he did, and pretended he would hold it out for the Parliament. But Cholmley next night, being Good-Friday, coming against the place with Forces dr [...]wn out of divers of the Kings Garisons, Bushel surrendred it on the next morning without making any resistance, or discharging any shot against Cholmley, although the Townesmen and Souldiers in the Castle would willinglg have resisted. And after this, H [...] coming to Hull to Sr John Hotham, was there impri [...]oned, and by Cholmleys means exchanged and so took up ar [...]s with him, and came with 600 or 700 Cavaliers in August, 1644. against Beverley, and there was in fight against the Parliaments forces, and from thence went to Whitby, where he was also in armes, and there seized upon several Vessels of the Parliaments side, and rifled and pillaged them of their moneys and goods, and imprisoned one of the Masters in Irons. Thus standing the Evidence, Bushel confest his being in arms at Beverley and Whitby, and that he delivered up the Castle because he had not force enough to withstand Cholmley; but made no proof of any thing. Upon the whole matter the Court adjudged him guilty of Treason and denounced Sent [...]nce, to have his head severed from his shoulders at Tower-hill London, on Saturday the 29 of March, (being the day of the week on which he betrayed the said Castle and Town.
And accordingly on Saturday last, about 5 of the clock in the Afternoon, he was brought from the Tower to the place of Execution, being accompanyed by Col. West, Sheriff Chiverton, and others. He came in his Scarlet cloak, smiling upon the people; and so soon as he had entred under the Scaffold, saluted the Lieutenant of the Tower; then turning himself about, and espying the Ax and Block, said, I thank my God (putting off his hat) I do not fear these Inst [...]uments; and blessed be his Holy Name, (casting his eyes up towards Heaven) that hath taken away the sting of Death. Then taking two or three paces on the ground, [...]nd espying a multitude of people, said, Well I something is expected from me before I die, I hope (Mr Sheriff) I may have liberty to speak my mind, being a dying man. Sh. Yes Sir. Cap Bushel. I thank you Sir. But by reason of the pressing in of the Spectators so neer him, he was a little interrupted, uttering these words, Gentlemen, pray give me a little room, I shall not desire it long. Whereupon the Sheriff, Officers and Souldiers forced them to retire to a further distance; Then, urning himself round, with his hat in his hand, declared himself to the Spectators as followeth.
I Am brought hither to die, and to pay the wages of Death, for which I am not in the least sory; but rather conceive it a great mercy from Heaven, that God hath been pleased to use this means, for bringing me so much the nearer and sooner unto him: Yet I desire that the world may take notice, and understand, the true cause and grounds of this my untimely Death; Good people (putting off his hat) I served the King of Spain 10 years with faithfulness and integrity; but hearing of the distractions [Page 4] in England, I was desirous to do service in my Native Countrey, and in order thereunto took shipping at Dunkirk, and landed in the Northern Parts, where I first engaged for King and Parliament; but afterwards being convinc'd (both in Conscience & Judgment) of the unlawfulnesse of that Engagement, I then deserted the Parliament, being heartily sorry, that ever I drew my Sword for such—Masters; And (truly) had I as many lives, as I have haires upon my head, I should freely and willingly adventure them all for my second Master the King (putting off his hat) As for my sufferings they have been great, having bin confin'd to a very small allowance, to the value of two pence a day sometimes, which did not a little trouble me; considering, that I have kept as good a house, as any Gentlemen here, excepting Mr. Sheriff; But God forgive my Enemies, as I freely do, & I desire my bloud may be the last, that is to be shed upon this account. Touching my Religion, it is apparently known, that I have been, and here die, a true Son to the Church of England, a loyal Subject to my Master the [Page 5] King, and a cordial friend to the Land of my Nativity; for all which, I hope, through the great merits and precious blood of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to receive a Crown of glory, and the pardon and remission of sins, from the most great God, and omnipotent Jehovah of Heaven and earth (putting off his Hat, with his hands lifted up, looking towards heaven.) Then turning himself about, and espying a great many people on the tops of Houses, said, Alas poor Creatures, you may behold a sad spectacle, but a loyal subject; and so God bless you all. Then turning to the Executioner, said, prethee shew me the Block, I will Sir, He kist it: where is the other Instrument? Executioner, here Sir, and shewing him the Ax, he said, Is this the Block and Ax which my late Royal Master received the fatal blow from? yes Sir, these are the same: well, (smiling) Gods will be done, I bless my God that hath brought me hither this day, I am ready: Then, casting off his Scarlet Cloak, gave it to his Kinsman, there present; which done, with undantedness of spirit, he unbrac'd himself, and threw off his Doublet; then he pulled a white cap out of his pocket, and put it on his head; and calling to the Executioner, said, Is [Page] there any thing else to be done? Executioner, yes Sir, your hair must be put up under your cap: prethee help me; then the Executioner put up his hair: Cap. [...]nshel, well done, is all well now? Executioner, yes Sir, Then he kneeled down, and desired the people to pray for him; and after he had said the Lords prayer, rose up again, lifting up his eyes to Heaven, saying, To thee O Father and thy blessed spirit, be all honour and glory, both now and for ever, Amen. And then coming to the Executioner, said, come honest friend, give me thy hand; the Lord forgive thee, I do, here is 20 s. for thee, and God blesse thee; had I more, thou should have it; but truly here is the mite of a loyal Subject, and a dying man. Prethee how shall I lie, I will shew you Sir, kneeling down, said, it will do very well: here is a skarfe for thee, prethee lay it upon the block, I will Sir: then kneeling down the second time, and saying, Lord Jesus receive my soul, and holding up his right hand, (which was the sign) the Executioner did his Office, and severed his head from his shoulders at one blow. So soon as he had done this he took him by the arm, and laid him upon his back; and then took the Red Scarf from under him, which covered the Block and all the Saw-dust: the said Scarf being 5 yards in length, and 3 yards broad.
The manner of this Gentlemen at his departing, will cause many (especially those of his own fraternity) to eternize his Name; but it is bisput [...]ble, whether conscience or courage, arm'd him with this Resolution: Let us look back into former Ages, and we shal find many the like presidents; for the Cr [...]eks and Med [...]s being at war one with the other, the Grecians took a courage and oath, protesting, that each particular man would rather change his life into death, then their Lawes for the Persians.
So whether out of envy to this present Government, or love to the precedent, wrought most in [...]he heart of this man, I leave it for the charity of those that read these his dying words to judge.