TRUE INFORMATION OF THE Beginning and Cause of all our troubles: how they have been hatched, and how prevented. WHEREIN we may see the manifold contrivances and attempts of foreign and homebred Enemies, against the Parliament, kingdom, and purity of RELIGION. AND How all their Endeavours whether by Force or fraud, never prospered. A Work Worthy to be kept in Record, and to be communicated to POSTERITY. The people that will not understand, shall fall. LONDON, Printed in the year 1648. True Information of the beginning and cause of all our troubles, how they have been hatched and how prevented. 1 Parliament 1. IN the first year of King Charles his Reign, a Parliament being called at Oxford, two subsidies were granted, no grievances removed, but the said Parliament soon dissolved. 2 The sad effects which the dissolution of this Parliament produced, were the loss of Rochel, by the unhappy help of England's Ships. 3 The diversion of a most facile and hopeful war from the West-Indies, to a most expencive and successeless attempt on Cales. 4 The bloody and unblessed attempt on the Isle of Ree, and thereby a precipitate breach of peace with France, to our great loss. 5 A peace concluded with Spain, without consent of Parliament, contrary to a promise formerly made to the kingdom, by King James, a little before his death; whereby the Cause of the Palatinate was altogether most shamefully deserted by us. 6 The kingdom suddenly billeted with soldiers, and a concomitant project set on foot for German Horfes to force men, by fear, to fall before arbitrary and tyrannical taxations, continually to be laid upon them. 2 Parliament. 7 The dissolution of a second Parliament at Westminster, in the second year after a declarative grant of no less than five Subsidies, and the sad issues that flowed to the kingdom thereupon. 8 As first, the violent exacting from the people of that mighty sum of the five Subsidies, or a sum equal to it by a Commission for a royal-loan, as it was called. 9 Many worthy Gentlemen imprisoned and vexed, that refused to pay it. 10 Great sums of money extorted from Subjects by Privy Seals and Excises 11 The most hopeful Petition of Right, blasted in the very blossom of it. 3 Parliament. 12 A third Parliament called, and quickly broken in the fourteenth year of the King, and therein Parliamentary privileges extremely violated by after ill-usage of some of the best and worthiest Members thereof, who were clapped up close prisoners, denied all ordinary and extraordinary comforts of life, and preservation of health, which might have proved perpetual to them, had not a fourth Parliament (which afterward happened) necessitated their relief and release. 13 And this third Parliament thus dissolved, O the miserable effects that followed thereon also. 14 Scandalous and opprobrious Declarations published to asperse and besmear the proceedings of the last Parliament, and some of the best Members thereof; yea, Proclamations set out to those effects, thereby extremely to dishearten the Subjects, yea, and plainly forbidding them once to name a Parliament, or to desire them any more. 15 whence, immediately gushed out (this dam of Parliaments thus being broken down) the violent inundations (even to a deluge of miseries) of mighty sums of money, got by that strange and straining project of knighthood; yet, under a fair colour and pretence of Law for it, and for all the rest that followed. 16 As, the most burdensome Book of Rates; the most heavy and unheard of (till then) taxation of Ship money; the enlargement of forests, contrary to Magna Charta; the injurious taxation of Coat and Conduct money; the forcible taking away of the Trained-Bands arms; the desperate design of engrossing Gunpowder into their hands and keeping it fast from the Subject in the Tower of London, not to be had thence but at most excessive rates. 17 The destruction of the forest of Dean, that most famous Magazine, and Timber-store-house of the whole kingdom, which was sold to Papists. 18 The monstrous Monopolies of soap, Salt, Wine, Leather, and Sea-coal; yea, almost of all things in the kingdom of most necessary and common use. 19 Restraint of subjects' Liberties in their Trades and Habitations; for refusal of which foresaid heavy pressures, many were vexed with long and languishing suits, some fined and confined to prisons, to the loss of health in many, of life in some; Some having their houses broke open, their goods seized on, their studies or closets searched for writings, books, and papers, to undo them; Some interrupted also in their Sea-Voyages, and their ships taken from them, in an hostile manner, by projectors, as by pirates, or common enemies. 20 The crushing cruelties of the Star-Chamber-Court, and council Table, in those days, chiefly, for the fomenting and increasing of most exorbitant taxations, pressures and unjust suit, against the Subject. 21 Thus far for the miseries of the commonwealth; now also for the church's danger, and distress, the amazing miseries of the Subjects Consciences also, by the intolerable burden of Popish Ceremonies, Romish Innovations and such like other outrages of the Arch Prelate of Canterbury, and his prelatical Agents and Instruments, over the whole kingdom, in matters of religion, divine worship, and spiritual cases of Conscience. 22 The most palpable and abominable Romish Ceremonies used at the King's Coronation, and insolent and impious, false and destructive additions in the Oath administered to the King, at his said first Inauguration to the crown, by that most arrogant Archbishop. 23 And the manifold other impious impositions in matters of religion, divine worship and spiritual cases of Conscience; for refusing and opposing of which, how was the honest-hearted and tender-conscienced subject, grievously oppressed by fines, imprisonments, stigmatizings, mutilations, whippings, pillories, gags, confinements and banishments; yea, and that, into perpetual close imprisonments in the most desolate, remote, and (as they hoped and intended) remorseless parts of the kingdom. 24 The putting down, yea, utterly ruinating of that most famous and honourable work, that ever this Kingdom saw, in a private way, for the advancement of God's glory in the propagation of the Gospel, I mean, the Feoffees for buying in of Impropriations; Noy, the (then) attorney-general, openly in Court, accusing that blessed work to be a worse plot against the Church (he meant the prelatical-church sure,) than the Papists Powder-plot 25 The advancing (for the most part) none, to ecclesiastical Dignities and Livings but Arminians; yea, Popish hearted Pontificians; Suspending, and silencing with deprivations, degradations, and excommunications, almost all the most pious, painful and Orthodox-learned pastors over the Kingdom, whom they could catch in their snares, and all this under a pretence of peace, unity and conformity; in which foresaid cases, the High-Commission (like the Spanish-Inquisition) with its most pregmaticall pranks, was all along, most intolerable and abominable. 26 Printing-presses, set open for the Printing and publishing of all sorts of Popish and Arminian tenets; but, shut up and restrained from Printing, sound and Orthodox Doctrines. 27 Nay, not only thus lamentably▪ molested us at home in England; but attempted the like on our brethren in Scotland, endeavouring to impose upon their consciences also, a New liturgy, and a book of Canons, upon the first introducing whereof into their Church, they not enduring them, threw stones and stools at the Archbishop of St. Andrews head, and beat him out of the Church, crying out a Pape, a Pape, and so rid themselves of them. 28 Upon which refusal of theirs, O what foul calumnies and scoffs were immediately cast upon them, and they called and counted rebels and traitors; yea, so proclaimed in all Churches in England. 29 An Army was also raised to oppress and suppress them, for thus resisting the Arch-prelates most injurious impositions on them. A mighty and tumultuous rising of Apprentices and young men, in Southwark and Lambeth side, with clubs and other weapons especially at the Archbishops house, which put him into such a fright, as made him fly to Croyden, to convey himself to some more private and remote place, and although Pharaoh's Magisians were so honest, that at the fight of the dust of the earth turned into lice, they cried out it was the finger of God, but he grew more and more outrageous, and caused one to be hanged and quartered, and his head set on London-Bridge. 30 Our Brethren of Scotland likewise raising an Army in their own just defence, and by force of arms, enforcing their own peace. 31 A first pacification being then made by the King, and some of his Nobility, and ratified under hand and Seal twixt them and the Scots; yet was it shortly after shamefully violated, and broken quite off by the Arch-prelate of Canterbury, and the Earl of Straford, and burnt by the hangman at the Exchange. 4 Parliament. 32 A fourth Parliament was thereupon shortly after called again, by those complotters means, but to a very ill intent, and another Parliament summoned also at the same time by the Earl of Straford in Ireland, both of them only to levy and procure moneys to raise another Army and wage a new War against the Scots. 33 The Ships, and goods of our Brethren of Scotland, were, in all parts and ports of this kingdom, and of Ireland, also surprised and seized on for the King; their Commissioners denied audience to make their just defence to the King, and the whole kingdom of Scotland and England too, hereupon much distracted and distempered with levying of moneys, and imprisoning all among us that refused the same. 34 This Parliament also refusing to comply with the King, Canterbury and Straford, in this Episcopal war against the Scots, was soon dissolved & broken up by them and thereupon they returned to their former ways of waste and confusion, and the very next day after the dissolution thereof some eminent members of both Houses, had their Chambers, and Studies, yea, their Cabinets and very pockets of their wearing clothes (betimes in the morning before they were out of their beds) searched for letters and writings, and some of them also imprisoned, and a false and most scandalous declaration was published against the House of Commons in the King's name. 35 A forced Loan of money was attempted in the City of London, to be made a precedent (if it prevailed there) for the whole Kingdom, but some Aldermen refusing, were sorely threatened and imprisoned. 36 In which interim, the Clergies Convocation continuing (notwithstanding the dissolution of the Parliament) new conscience-oppressing Canons were forged, and a strange Oath, with a monstrous &c. in it, was framed for the establishing of the Bishop's Hierarchy, with severe punishments on the refusers to take it. 37 In this Convocation sore taxations were also imposed upon the whole clergy, even no less than six Subsidies, besides a bountiful contribution to forward that intended war against our brethren of Scotland. 38 For the advancing of which said sums for this war, the Popish pontifician party, and their scandalous priests were most free and forward; yea, and a solemn prayer was composed, and imposed by the Bishops on their Ministers everywhere to be used and read in all Churches against the Scots, as rebels and traitors. 39 The papists also in a high measure enjoyed even almost a total toleration; and a Pope's Nuncio suffered amongst us to act and govern all Romish affairs, yea, a kind of a private popish-parliament kept in the Kingdom, and popish jurisdictions, erected among them. 40. Commissions were also (secretly) issued out for some great and eminent papists, for martial Commands, for levying of soldiers, and strengthening their party with arms and Ammunition of all sorts, and in great plenty. 41. His majesty's treasure was by these means so extremely exhausted, and his revenues so anticipated, that he was enforced to compel (as it were) his own Servants, Judges, and Officers of all sorts, to lend him great sums of money, and prisons filled with refusers of these and the other illegal payments; yea, many high-sheriffs summoned into the Star-chamber, and to the council-board, and some of them imprisoned for not being quick enough in levying of Ship money, and such like intolerable taxations. 42. In sum, the whole kingdom was now brought into a lamentable and languishing condition of being most miserably bought and sold to any that could give and contribute most of might and malice against us, and no hope of human help, but dolour, desperation and destruction, to be the portion of all. The Arch-Prelate of St Andrew's in Scotland reading the new service-book in his pontificalibus assaulted by men & Women, with Crickets stools sticks and Stones. The rising of prentices and seamen on Southwark side to assault the Archbishops of Canterburys House at Lambeth▪ 5. Parliament, Anno 1640. Novemb. 3. 44. But, behold, a desperate plot and design was herein also, immediately set on foot, to spoil or poison it in the very embryo and constitution of it, in the first choice of the Members thereof, by Letters from the King, Queen, malignant and Popish Earls, Lords, Knights, and Gentry, posted into all parts of the kingdom, to make a strong party for them; But, by admirable divine providence, this their plot was counterplotted, and wonderfully frustrated, and the Parliament most hopefully congregated and settled. 45. Shortly after, a very formidable Spanish-Fleet, or Armado, appeared on our English narrow Seas, in sight of Dover, and was coming in (as was, on very strong grounds, more than probably conjectured) as a third party, to help to destroy us; the Spaniards hoping, that by this time, we and the Scots were together by the ears, but they were by God's mercy, beaten off from us by our Neighbours of Holland. And we fighting against them, we fought against our friends. The soldiers in their passage to York, turn Reformers, pull down Popish pictures, break down rails, turn altars into tables, and those Popish Commanders, that were to command them, they forced to eat flesh on Fridays, thrusting it down their throats, and some they slew. 46. In the time of ours and the Scots Armies residing in the North, which was in June 1641. the popish and malignant Lords and Prelates, fearing the effects of this present Parliament, complotted together to disaffect that our English Army against the Parliament, and endeavoured to bring it out of the North, Southward, and so to London, to compel the parliament to such limits and rules as they thought fit. July 1641. At the beginning of the parliament there was a diligent inquisition after oppressions, and oppressors, and first upon the petition of Mistress Bastwick, and Mistress Burton, two widowed wives, and a petition exhibited in the behalf of Mr. pryn, Dr. Laighton, Mr. Smart, Mr. Walker, Mr. Foxley, Mr. Lilborn, and many others, set at liberty, some being banished, and all close prisoners, others fast fettered in irons, and their wives debarred from coming to them. The soldiers in their passage to York turn unto reformers pull down Popish pictures, break down rails▪ turn altars into Tables▪ the English and Scots Armies at first ready to fight, lovingly embrace each other & part kind friends▪ The Protestation. I A. B. do in the presence of Almighty God, Promise, Vow, and Protest, to maintain and defend, as far as lawfully I may, with my life, power, and estate, the true Reformed Protestant Religion, expressed in the Doctrine of the Church of England, against all Popery and Popish Innovations within this realm, contrary to the same Doctrine, and according to the duty of my Allegiance, his majesty's royal Person, Honour, and Estate; as also the power and privileges of Parliament; the lawful rights and liberties of the Subject, and every person that maketh this Protestation, in whatsoever he shall do, in the lawful pursuance of the same. And to my power, and as far as lawfully I may, I will oppose, and by all good ways and means endeavour to bring to condign punishment, all such as shall either by force, practice, counsels, plots, conspiracies or otherwise, do any thing to the contrary of any thing in this present Protestation contained. And further, that I shall in all just and honourable ways endeavour to preserve the union and peace between the three kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland; and neither for hope, fear, nor other respect, shall relinquish this Promise, Vow, and Protestation. The Earl of Straffords Speech on the Scaffold. May 12. 1641. MY Lord Primate of Ireland, (and my Lords, and the rest of these Gentlemen) it is a very great comfort to me, to have your Lordship by me this day, in regard I have been known to you a long time, I should be glad to obtain so much silence, as to be heard a few words, but I doubt I shall not; my Lord, I come hither by the good will and pleasure of Almighty God, to pay the last debt I owe to sin, which is death, and by the blessing of that God to rise again through the merits of Christ Jesus to eternal glory; I wish I had been private, that I might have been heard; My Lord, if I might be so much beholding to you, that I might use a few words, I should take it for a very great courtesy; My Lord, I come hither to submit to that judgement which hath past against me, I do it with a very quiet and contented mind, I do freely forgive all the world, a forgiveness that is not spoken from teeth outward (as they say) but from the heart; I speak it in the presence of Almighty God, before whom I stand, that there is not so much as a displeasing thought in me, arising to any creature; I thank God, I may say truly, and my Conscience bears me witness, that in all my services since I have had the honour to serve his Majesty in any employment, I never had any thing in my heart, but the joint and individual prosperity of King and people; if it have been my hap to be misconstrued, it is the common portion of us all while we are in this life, the righteous judgement is hereafter, here we are subject to error, and apt to be misjudged one of another; there is one thing I desire to clear myself of, and I am very confident, I speak it with so much clearness, that I hope I shall have your Christian charity in the belief of it; I did always ever think the Parliaments of England, were the happiest Constitutions that any kingdom or any Nation lived under, and under God the means of making King and people happy, so far have I been from being against Parliaments; for my death, I here acquit all the world, and pray God heartily to forgive them; and in particular, My Lord Primate, I am very glad that his Majesty is pleased to conceive me not meriting so severe, and heavy a punishment as the utmost execution of this sentence; I am very glad, and infinitely rejoice in this mercy of his, and beseech God to turn it to him, and that he may find mercy when he hath most need of it; I wish this kingdom all the prosperity and happiness in the world; I did it living, and now dying it is my wish, I do now profess it from my heart, and do most humbly recommend it unto every man here, and wish every man to lay his hand upon his heart, and consider seriously whether the beginning of the happiness of a people should be written in letters of blood; I fear you are in a wrong way, and I desire Almighty God that not one drop of my blood may rise up in judgement against you. (My Lord) I profess myself a true and obedient Son to the Church of England, to that Church wherein I was borne, and wherein I was bred; prosperity and happiness,, be ever to it: and whereas it hath been said that I have inclined to popery, if it be an objection worth answering, let me say truly, that from the time since I was one and twenty years of age, till this hour, now going upon 49. I never had thought in my heart, to doubt of the truth of my religion in England; and never any had the boldness to suggest to me the contrary, to the best of my remembrance; and so being reconciled to the mercies of Christ Jesus my Saviour, into whose bosom I hope shortly to be gathered, to those eternal happinesses that shall never have end. I desire heartily the forgiveness of every man, both for any rash or unadvised word, or deed, and desire your prayers: And so my Lord's farewell, farewell all the things of this world: Lord strengthen my faith, give me confidence and assurance in the merits of Christ Jesus. I desire you, that you would be The Earl of Strafford for treasonable practices beheaded on the Tower-hill▪ be silent and join in prayers with me; and I trust in God that we shall all meet, and live eternally in heaven, there to receive the accomplishment of all happiness, where every tear shall be wiped from our eyes, and every sad thought from our hearts: And so God bless this kingdom, and Jesus have mercy upon my soul. Amen. 47 For the advancing of which design, the Earl of Straford, than prisoner in the Tower, attempted an escape, with Sir William Belfore, than lieutenant of the Tower, promising and assuring him twenty thousand pound, and the marriage of his daughter to Sir William's Son, if he would but consent unto and assist his escape; but Sir William hated such bribes, and so the neck of all that plot was broken. 48 Then, they attempted by foul and false scandals on the Parliament, to entice the Army of the Scots, (then, still in the North) to a neutrality, and to sit still whiles our English Army acted the farther designs hatched and hammered still in their heads and hearts but this plot prevailed not neither. Anno 1641. Octob. 23. 49 About this time, that inhuman bloody rebellion and monstrous massacring of almost 200000 innocent English Protestants, men, women and children, broke out in Ireland, namely, about October 23. 1641. These accursed Rebels having had their principal encouragements and Commissions to authorise them in that horrid and hideous rebellion from the Court of England, and of purpose to have made England the chief seat of the war, and all the papists, prelates, and malignant's utmost wrath and rage. 50 For the still effecting of this design, the malignant party in private, much prevailing still; the design now went on, chiefly against the City of London, for which purpose, the lieutenant of the Tower, Sir William Belfore, was (for his loyalty) displaced by the King from his leiutenantship, and popish Lord Cottington, made Constable of the Tower; but his dangerous designs being soon discovered, he was as soon displaced; and colonel Lunsford, was made lieutenant of the Tower; But, he also by the Parliaments petition and importunity to the King, was displaced; and Sir John Byron, a desperate malignant (who afterward proved the most bloody Lord Byron, in Cheshire) was made lieutenant of the Tower, in Lunsford's stead, but he also, on many just jealousies being petitioned against, was at length, with much ado removed and put out thence, and Sir John coiners, by the power of the parliament, was put in his place. To the King's most excellent Majesty, and the LORDS and PEERS now assembled in PARLIAMENT. The humble Petition and Protestation of all the Bishops and prelates now called by His majesty's Writs to attend the Parliament, and present about London and Westminster for that Service. THat whereas the Petitioners are called up by several and respective Writs, and under great penalties to attend the Parliament, and have a clear and indubitable right to vote in bills, and other matters whatsoever debatable in Parliament, by the ancient customs, Laws, and Statutes of this Realm, and aught to be protected by your Majesty, quietly to attend and prosecute that great Service. They humbly remonstrate and protest before God, your Majesty, and the Noble Lords and peers now assembled in Parliament, that as they have an indubitate right to sit and Vote in the House of Lords; so are they, if they may be protected from force and violence, most ready and willing to perform their duties accordingly. And that they do abominate all actions or opinions tending to popery and the maintenance thereof; as also all propension and inclination to any malignant party, or any other side or party whatsoever, to the which their own reasons, and conscience shall not move them to adhere. But, whereas they have been at several times violently menaced, affronted and assaulted by multitudes of people, in their coming to perform their services in that honourable House, and lately chased away, and put in danger of their lives, and can find no redress or protection, upon sundry complaints made to both Houses in these particulars. They likewise humbly protest before your majesty, and the Noble House of peers, that saving unto themselves all their rights and interests of sitting and voting in that House at other times, they dare not sit or vote in the House of peers, until your majesty shall further secure them from all affronts, indignities and dangers in the premises. Lastly, whereas their fears are not built upon fantasies and conceits, but upon such grounds and objects as may well terrify men of good resolutions, and much constancy. They do in all duty and humility protest before your majesty, and the peers of that most honourable House of parliament, against all Laws, Orders, Votes, resolutions, and determinations, as in themselves null, and of none effect, which in their absence, since the 27. of this instant month of December 1641▪ have already passed; as likewise against all such as shall hereafter pass in that most Honourable House, during the time of this their forced and violent absence from the said most The High Commission-Court and starchamber voted down, and pluralities & non residencies damned by Parliament. Honourable House; not denying, but if their absenting of themselves were wilful and voluntary, that most Honourable House might proceed in all their premises, their absence, or this protestation notwithstanding. And humbly beseeching your most Excellent majesty to command the clerk of that House of peers to enter this their petition and protestation among their Records. They will ever pray to God to bless, &c. Jo. Eborac. Tho. Duresme, Rob. Co Lich. Jos. Norw. Jo. Asa. Guli. Ba. & Wells. Gco. Heref. Rob. Oxon. Ma. Ely, Golfr. Glouc. Jo. Peterburg. Morris Landaff. 52 The Bishops also had a pestilent plot about this time, to subvert and overthrow the Parliament, by endeavouring to get the King to protest against their proceedings in it; But twelve of them were thereupon presently impeached of high treason, and ten of them imprisoned in the tower of London, and afterward, they were all disabled from ever sitting again in the Parliament. Bishops Voted down root and branch: Nullo contradicente, insomuch that the Citizens of London the same night, made bonfires, and had ringing of bells. And for the better securing the City within, as well as without, the Parliament published an Ordinance, thereby enjoining all Popish Recusants, inhabiting in and about the City, all disaffected persons, and such as being able men, would not lend any money for the defence of the Commonwealth, should forth with confine themselves to their own houses, and not to go forth without special licence, as they would answer it at their perils, to the Parliament. Another Ordinance was sent to the Lord Major, by which the Trained Bands were authorised to apprehend many of the prime and richest malignants, disaffected affected persons in the City, whereof were four● Alderman put in safe custody, in Crosby house and some in Gressam college. 53. About which time, a Letter was sent to Mr. John Pym, (a most eminent Member of the House of Commons) a most reviling Letter, therein calling him traitor, and in the said Letter enclosed a plague-sore plaster, thinking thereby to have destroyed him; But, God mightily preserved him from the infection of it. 54. After this, the King himself (being guarded with about 500 armed, ruffianly desperate Cavaliers or soldiers) violently rushed into the House of Commons, accused five of their most eminent Members of Treason, demanded their persons to be delivered up unto him, intending to destroy all that resisted him therein, but c●ost by the happy absence of the Gentlemen; this plot was attempted, Januar. 4. 1641. Anno 1642. 55. After this, one Binion, a Silkman of London, and the Kentish malignants, wherein Sir Edward Deering had a principal hand, framed dangerous and destructive petitions against the proceedings of the Parliament; but were both most justly rejected, and themselves fined and imprisoned for them. 56. Immediately after this, things grew still worse and worse among the malignants, the King himself in unjust discontent (by the desperate counsel of the young Lord Digby) forsakes the parliament, and getting the Prince to him, leaves London, and presently posts into the North, and there attempts to get Hull into his hands, but was happily prevented and bravely opposed by Sir John Hotham, then, in that time of his outward and seeming fidelity. 57 The King being at York, interdicts the Militia, then, set on foot, by the Parliament, for their just safety and defence; and endeavouring to remove the term from the City of London, but in both is opposed by the Parliament, and the messenger hanged. At Ege-hill 16 pieces of canon shot against 80 of E: of Essex Liffegard & not one man hurts, & those 80 brake in upon 1600 of the Kings, 4 of the Parlian: Reg: ran away, & 16 troops of Horse, so we wayre 6000 & they 18000, yet we took the standard & Cleste Sr: Ed: Varney Standerbearer in the head & Slew the Lord Lindsey general of the field. The Queen when she went over beyond Seas▪ one of her ships where she had a great treasury Sprung a leak & much was last and spoiled, and when she returned for England, she had a mighty storm at Sea; broke the Mast of van trump-ship and after 8 days boystrus turmoil, she was drivenn back again, there was broke and last ● Ships of ammunition and they that were driven bake uere almost starved▪ 59 The King set on foot a most illegal Commission of Array, to clash against the parliaments Mili ia, which occasioned much mischief and misery over the whole kingdom, but the parliaments Militia prevailed in most places and parts of the land. 60. Three letters were intercepted, discovering a most desperate plot against the parliament by the royalists, Commissary Wilmot, Ligby, Jermine, Crofts, and others, which by God's mercy failed them and came to nothing, but we in taking some of their ships were advantaged thereby. 61. Sir Richard Gurney, than Lord Major of the City of London, proving a desperate malignant and Array man, was crossed in his desires, and clapped up prisoner in the Tower of London, by the power of the Parliament. 62. Proclamations and Declarations against the Parliaments proceedings were Printed and published, and commanded to be read in all the Churches and chapels over the whole kingdom within the King's power. 63. Sir John penington, a brave seaman, but a desperate malignant, was constituted admiral of the Seas, for the King's service, but displaced and dispossessed thereof by the parliament; and the most noble and loyal Earl of Warwick (notwithstanding the King's Letters and command to interdict him therein, and to give way to penington) being put in by the power of the parliament, and possessed of the Ships, kept and continued in the place and office for the parliaments service. 64. Hull besieged by the marquess of Newcastle for the King; and in that interim one Beckwich a known papist, plotting to have betrayed it, by firing it in four several places, and then assaulting it; yet Hull, by God's mighty providence was preserved▪ and the King after much loss of men and money, enforced to forsake it. The Citizens of London voluntarily proffered their service to attend and guard the parliament by land to Westminster, to secure them from danger. By Water also the stout Shipmasters and mariners, likewise made ready a great number of long-boats, furnished with Ordnance, muskets, and other Sea-like warlike instruments, their vessels also gallantly adorned with flags and streamers, together with martial music, Drums and Trumpets, so as it was a rare sight, and when they came to White hall, and understood that the parliament Worthies were safely arrived, the Trained Bands by Land, and the valiant seamen by Water, let fly their thundering shot both small and great, their Trumpets sounding, and their Drums beating, in a triumphing and congratulating manner, a singular testimony of their cordial affections. The very same day, a numerous company of Buckinghamshire men, both Gentlemen, Ministers, and others of that County on horseback, with their protestations in their hats▪ partly in behalf of their Knight of the Shire, but especially to petition the parliament, for Reformation of evils in Church and State, and to assure their best services and assistance to the parliament, on all just occasions, and out of Essex, Hartford, Berkshire, Surrey, and other Counties of the kingdom came, one after another. 65. The Earl of Essex was ordained Lord general over all the parliaments Forces, for the preservation of the kingdom, which he faithfully managed, especially at Edge bill and Newberry and other places, can abundantly witness. 66. A plot to have blown up all the Lord Generalis Magazine of powder, and another at Beverley in Yorkshire, to have slain Sir John Hotham, both intended by one David Alexander▪ and hired thereunto, but both timely prevented. 67. Commissions granted to Popish Recusants to levy men and arms against the Parliament; but the Parliament published a Declaration or Protestation to the whole world, of their just proceedings therein. 68 The King received the most bloody Irish Rebels petition, and permitted their persons with great favour and allowance about him; calling, and counting them good Catholic Subjects; but utterly rejecting the petition (exhibited by the Lord general) desiring peace and reconciliation with him. 69. A Treaty of peace was really intended by the Parliament, but merely pretended for a while, transacted by the Royalists; in which interim, that most bloody bickering at Brainford, was committed by the King's party, a piece of villainy carried on therein, but (though with much loss on both sides, but especially on theirs) by God's great mercy the mischief prevented, and the City of London mightily preserved. 70. A dangerous plot against the kingdom, in new high-sheriffs, for the better collecting of the 400000 li. Subsidies, intended to have been confirmed to the King in a former Parliament; but, that plot crossed by providence, and an Ordinance set on foot for the successful association of Counties for mutual defence one of another, against regal injurious taxations and oppressions on them. a Letter sent to Mr Pym, Mr: Pym, do not think that a guard of men can protect you if you persist in your traitorous Courses and wicked designs▪ I have sent a Paper-messenger to you, and if this does not touch your heart, a dagger shall so soon as I am recovered of my plague-sore: In the mean time you may be forborn, because no better man may be endangered for you Repent, Traitor Anno 1643. 72. A notable plot against the City of London, immediately upon the Cities preferring a petition to the King, by the hands of two Aldermen, and four Commoners of the said City, in reply to which petition▪ the King sending as his messenger, one captain H●rn to the City, and the whole body of the City assembling at a Common Hall, this Hern desires fair play above board of them; But the business being found to be a notable design of the malignant-Citizens against the Parliament and the (then) Lord Major of London, and the Government of their City, the major cry out in the hearing of Hern▪ they would live and die with the parliament, and so sent Hern away with a flea in his care. 73. Another plot contrived at Oxford, by a Letter sent to all the Freemen▪ journeymen and Apprentices, of the said City to assemble at their several Hills; and there the Masters and Wardens of all Companies to read the King's Letter to them, and to persuade them to yield to all the King's commands against the City; but this Letter was crossed in the neck and nick of it, and voted to be evil and scandalous. 74. A plot also to betray Bristol into the Royalists hands by one yeoman's and Bowcher, and divers other their associates; but discovered, two principal conspirators were by martial Law condemned and hanged. 75. Cheapside-cross, Charing cross, and all other Crosses, in and about London utterly demolished and pulled down, and that abominable and blasphemous book of tolerating sports and pastimes on the Lord's days, voted to be burnt, and shortly after accordingly burnt, together with many Crucifixes and popish trinkets and trumperies, in the very same place where Cheapside-cross stood, and at the Exchange. 76. Mr. Pryn sent by the Parliament to the tower of London, to search the Arch prelate of Canterbury's chamber and study there, where he was prisoner, who accordingly searching his study, and his pockets of his wearing clothes (a just requital of his dealing with Mr. Pryn and others) found the original Scotch Service book, with the Archbishops own hand-writings in it, the cause of all the Scots wars; and his Diary, Devotions, and discoveries under his own hands of matters of high concernment. 77. The City of London to have been betrayed into the hands of the Royalists, under a pretence of a petition for peace, plotted by Mr. Waller, a Member of the House of Commons, M. Tompkins, M. Challenor, and others; and this plot, termed by King Charles in his Letter to the Queen, one of his Fine designs; But Waller one of the prime complotters, was by the sentence of the Parliament fined 10000 l. in his estate, and sent out of the kingdom into perpetual banishment, and Tompkins and Challenor hanged in London. 78. The breaking of Sir John Hotham's rotten heart and infidelity to the Parliament, in his attempted plot for the betraying of that mighty strong Town of Hull into the Queen's hands, which treachery was plotted and contrived between Sir John the father, captain Hotham his son, and Sir Edward Roades, and began to be suspected by Sir John Hotham's deserting of the noble Lord Fairfax, by an intercepted letter of the Queens to the King, and divers other symptoms of it, but especially by captain Moyers letter to Mr. Ripley, and Mr. Ripley's faithful acquainting the Major of Hull therewith, and their first seizing on the Block-houses, Castles, and Commanders of them▪ and at length their apprehending of the persons of Sir John Hotham, and Sir Edward Roades, for which treachery Sir John Hotham and captain Hotham his Son was also apprehended, and both of them beheaded at the Tower of London. The 2 of May 1643. the cross in Cheapside was pulled down▪ a troop of Horse & 2 Companies of foot waited to guard it & at the fall of the tope cross drums beat trumpets blue & multitudes of Capes wayre thrown in the air & a great shout of People with joy, the 2 of May the almanac sayeth, was the invention of the cross, & 6 day at night was the Leaden Popes burnt▪ in the place where it stood with ringing of Bells, & a great Acclamation & no hurt done in all these actions. 10 of May the Boncke of Sports upon the Lord's day was burut by the Hangman in the place where the cross stood, & at Exchange. Die Mercurij May 10. 1643, By virtue of an Order of the House of Commons, and agreeable to a Bill passed by both Houses of parliament, for suppressing of divers innovations in Churches and chapels, this Committee doth require you, and every of you▪ to take away and demolish every altar or Table of Stone within your Church or chapel and to remove the Communion Table from the East end of the said Church or chapel, and to place the same in some other convenient place of the body of the said Church or chapel, and to remove and take away all Tapers, Candlesticks, and basins from the Communion Table, and to take away and demolish all crucifixes, crosses, and all Images and pictures of any one or more persons of the Trinity, or of the Virgin Mary, and this Committee doth further require you to demolish all crucifixes, crosses, Images or pictures of any one or more persons of the Trinity, or of the Virgin Mary, upon the outside of your said Church or chapel, or any open place within your parish▪ Whereof you are to give an account to this Committee, before the 20 day of this month. To the churchwardens of the parish of, &c. and every of them. 79 A desperate plot for the betraying of the City and town of Lincoln▪ by the two Purfries, two Captains of Hull, who let in 60 Cavaliers by night, in disguised habits, and who issuing out about 12 of the clock that night, to act their design, where a plain fellow of the Town discharging a piece of Canon upon them, slew 10 of them at one shot, the rest slain and taken by the cen●inels and soldiers of the town, and so by God's mercy the City preserved. 80 The Queen wrote a dangerous letter to the King, to come with all his force to surprise London; but by God's over power wisdom and good providence, the King refusing that council resolved to take Gloucester first, which he fiercely assaulted, but was as bravely repulsed, and by God's blessing on Major Gener●l Massies fidelity, timely aid coming to relieve the town, it was admirably freed, and by the Lord general's Army, and the City of London Regiamen●● delivered. 81 A desperate rebellion raised by the Kentish malignants, but by God's mercy timely suppressed about Tunbridge, by the valour of colonel Brown, and the well-affected Gentry of the County of Kent▪ 82 A Ship bound from Denmark to the King, of about 300 tun, richly laden with arms and ammunition; another Ship bound from Newcastle to Holland, laden with sea-coal, but in the midst thereof was found between 3 or 4000 li. hid in the coals, sent to buy arms for the King; a third great Ship called the Fellowship, of at least 400 tun, carrying 24 pieces of Ordn●nce, all these ● ships taken by the parliaments ships, and made prize of. 83 The coming in of our brethren of Scotland with an army of at least 20000 horse and foot, invited thereunto by the parl. in the bitter depth of winter, when they marched up to the middle in snow, and were forced to bring their Artillery over the Ice of the frozen river of Tyne, and the Citizens of London lent the Parliament a 100000 li. for the Scots first pay, to encourage their advance to help us against the King's forces. On Tuesday the 23 of May, 1643. The House of Commons diving into the depth, and searching to the root of the kingdom's great and grievous distractions, and deep distempers, and finding that all Papists in the kingdom, have (for the most part) been main and most eminent yea, and most virulent actors, and abetters, of this present most unnatural war against the Parliament, and that therefore they should be proceeded against as traitors to the State and kingdom, and thereupon also having just cause to search and see into the prime and principal head or leader of that perfidious faction, fell necessirily 23 May. 1643. Voted that the Queen Pawning the jewels of the crown in Holland & there with buying arms to assist the war against the Parlamt & her own actual performances with her popish army in the North was high Treason & transmited to the Lords▪ images, Crucifixes papistorall books in Summersault and Jameses were burnt and Caphuchin friars sent away May 1643 an ordinance for the making of forts, Tronches, and Bull works, about the city, july-1-43. the Assembly of divines met Dr. Jwiss Prolocutor. 120: the total May ●● Challen or and Tomkins were hanged for seeking to betray the city. into a long and serious debate, touching the proceedings of the Queen, in her late being in Holland, and since her late coming back into the north of England, not only in her countenancing, and encouraging, her aiding, and assisting the present civil war, but in her actual performance in the same to foment and advance it to the utmost ruin (as much as in her was) of our Religion and whole Realine, for all which, and many other such like misdemeanours, it was debated, and at last fully agreed, that she was as liable to the censure of the Law, as any Subject in the kingdom, whereupon it was put to the question, whether the Queen's pawning the Jewels of the Crown in Holland, and therewith buying arms and Ammunition, to be sent into England, to assist the said war against the Parliament, and her own actual performances, with her Popish Army in the North, were not high Treason, and it was resolved most unanimously by the whole House for the affirmative, afterward it being also put to the question, whether they should forthwith declare their intentions to proceed against her by impeachment of high Treason▪ this also was immediately resolved for the affirmative, and Voted that Articles of impeachment should be speedily drawn up against her, which Votes the House of Commons transmitted to the Lords for their assent. The Bishop of Canterbury's first prayer on the Scaffold, 10 Jan. 1644. O eternal God and merciful Father, look down upon me in mercy, in the riches and fullness of all thy mercies, look upon me, but not till thou hast nailed my sins to the cross of Christ, look upon me, but not till thou hast bathed me in the blood of Christ, not till I have hid myself in the wounds of Christ, that so the punishment that is due to my sins may pass away and go over 〈◊〉 and since thou art pleased to try me to the uttermost, I humbly beseech th●e, give me now in this great instant, full patience proportionable comfort, a heart ready to die for thine honour, and the King's happiness, and this church's preservation, and my zeal to these, far from arrogancy be it spoken, is all the sin, h●mane fralty, excepted, and all incidents thereunto, which is yet known of me in this particular, for which I now come to suffer, I say in this particular of Treason, but otherwise my sins are many and great, Lord pardon them all, and those especially whatsoever they be which have drawn down this present judgement upon me, and when thou hast given me strength to ●eare it, then do with me as seems best in thine own eyes, and carry me through death, that I may look upon it in what visage soever it shall appear to me; and that there may be a stop of this issue of blood in this more than miserable kingdom; I shall desire, that I may pray for the people too, as well as for myself: O Lord, I beseech thee give grace of repentance to all people that have a thirst for blood, but if they will not repent, then scatter their devices so, and such as are or shall be contrary to the glory of thy great name, the truth and sincerity of Religion, the establishment of the King, and his posterity after him, in their just rights and privileges, the honour and conservation of Parliaments, ●● their ancient and just power, the preservation of this poor Church, in her truth, peace and patrimony, and the settlement of this distracted and distressed people, under the ancient laws, and in their native liberties, and when thou hast done all this in mercy for them, O Lord, fill their hearts with thankfulness, and with religious dutiful obedience to thee and thy commandments all their days: So Amen, Lord Jesus, and I beseech thee receive my soul to mercy. Our Father, &c. The Bishop of Canterbury's last prayer on the Scaffold. Lord I am coming as fast as I can, I know I must pass through the shadow of death before I 〈◊〉 come to see thee, but it is but um●ra mortis, a mere shadow of death, a little darkness upon nature, but thou by thy merits and passion hast broke through the jaws of death; so, Lord, receive my soul, and have mercy on me▪ Sr. Alexander Carow, Sr. John Hotham, Captin Hotham & the Arch Bishop of Canterbury, beheaded on Jowerhill for Treason against the Parliament 1645. The Great seal broken before the Lords and Commons on Tusday the 11 August 1646 and bless this kingdom with peace and plenty, and with brotherly love and charity, that there may not be this effusion of Christian blood amongst them, for Jesus Christ his sake, if it be thy will. And when he said, Lord receive my soul, which was his sign, the Executioner did his office. 84 A desperate plot of the Royalists to starve up the City of London, by breaking into Surry, Sussex, Kent, and the other associated Counties, but disappointed by the Parliaments Victories at Aulton and Alsford, fought by Sir Walliam Waller, with the help of the City of London's Regiments; and the Royalists plots to hinder our brethren of Scotland's coming in to our help, by letters and ambassadors sent from France, and messengers from King Charles to inveigle them to help from us; but all in vain by God's good providence and 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉. 85 The King granted a cessation of arms with the bloody rebels of Ireland, and afterward justified it by a Declaration of his, printed and published at Oxford▪ but it was remarkably observed, that he never prospered in any of his great designs after that. 86 A Solemn League and Covenant taken by the Lords and Commons in Parliament, and by the City of London, and all parts of the kingdom, in the Parliaments power, for a pure reformation of Religion and Church Government, and a mutual defence betwixt us and our brethren of Scotland. 87 A notable plot by the Royalists to have Nottingham Town and Castle, betrayed unto them, the Officers therein being proffered above 10000 li. to consent to it; but prevented by colonel Hutchinson, who was the governor thereof. 88 A general plot against the Protestant Religion over all Christendom, and the Danes and Hollanders also, but God wrought a mighty overture therein by the sudden breaking out of the Danes plot against the Swedes, and their overrunning almost all Denmark thereupon, that he could do nothing. 89 A desperate plot against the City of London, under a pretence of petitioning for peace, acted by Sir Basil Brook, colonel Read, and one Mr. Ripley, & Vilet, 2 Citizens of London, and others, but discovered and prevented. 1645. 90 Two desperate plots for the betraying of Alsbury into the Royalists hands; and another against Southampton, but all three timely discovered also, and prevented. 91 One Mr. Edward Stanford, a Papist, plotted with Captain Backhouse a Capt. of Horse, under colonel Massy for the betraying of the city of Gloucester into the enemy's hands, and proffered 5000 li. for a reward thereof, 200 li. whereof was paid in hand to the said captain, but by God's providence the plot frustrated, and Gloucester safely preserved. 92 England's great wonder to God's glory, there being (about May 30 1644.) six brave armies in this kingdom, on the Parl. side, and other forces for defence of the city of London, besides. ●3 A plot to have betrayed our whole Army in Cornwall in the West, but by God's blessing most of the soldier's lives were preserved, though with the loss of our Artillery. 95 Sir Alexander Carew, Sir John Ho ham, captain Hotham and the Arch▪ prelate of Canterbury beheaded on Tower-Hill for treason against the Parliament. 95. A peace only pretended by the Royalists at Uxbridge, and a treacherous petition framed by the malignants of Buckingham shire, wherein one Sir John Lawrence of that County was a great stickler, but the mischief of both was frustrated. 96. A desperate assault on Melcomb-Regis, to have betrayed it into the Royalists hands, wherein divers of the malignant Townsmen had a principal hand, and colonel Goring and Sir Lewis Dives, were agents therein, but the plot was frustrated, the town and Forts recovered, and two ships with rich prize from Rhoan in France, were seized on to make amends for their trouble. 1645. 97. Divers Earls and Lords forsook Oxford, and came in and submitted themselves to the Parliament. 98. A desperate plot in the West against the Parliament, by the Clubmen, but by God's providence turned to the Enemies greatest hurt in the issue. 99 A devilish sudden plot upon Scotland, which was almost overrun by traitorous Montrosse, but as suddenly recovered again, by God's blessing on general David Lesley, and Montrosse discomfited and beaten away into the mountains. 1646. 100 A Discovery of gross impiety in the Oxonians, pretending a desired Treaty with the Parliament, for a well-grounded peace, and yet at that time the Earl of Glamorgan, had a Commission to the ruin of all the Protestants in Ireland, and so consequently of us in England also. 101. The Great seal broken before the Lords and Commons, on Tuesday the 11. of August 1646. Die Sabbati 5. April. 1645. Be it Ordained by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, That all and every person of what degree or quality soever, that hath lived or shall live within the King's Quarters, or been aiding, assisting, or adhering unto the forces raised against the Parliament, and hath or shall come to inhabit or reside under the power and protection of the Parliament, shall swear upon the holy Evangelist in manner following. The Negative Oath. I A. B. do swear from my heart, that I will not directly nor indirectly adhere unto, or willingly assist the King in this war, or in this Cause against the Parliament, nor any Forces raised with the consent of the two Houses of Parliament, in this Cause or war. And I do likewise swear that my coming and submitting myself under the power and protection of the Parliament, is without any manner of design whatsoever, to the prejudice of the proceedings of the two Houses of this present Parliament, and without the direction, privity, and advice of the King, or any of his council, or Officers, other than what I have now made known. So help me God, and the Contents of this Book. And it is further Ordained by the authority aforesaid, that the Commissioners for keeping of the Great seal of England, for the time being, shall have power, and are hereby authorised to render and administer the said Oath unto any peer, or Wife, or Widow of any peer, so coming to inhabit as abovesaid. And it shall be lawful to and for the Committee of the House of Commons for Examinations, the Committee for the Militia in London, and all Committees of Parliament in the several Counties and Cities of the kingdom, to tender and administer the said Oath unto every person so coming to inhabit as abovesaid. And if any person (not being a Member of, or Assistant unto either of the Houses of Parliament) shall refuse or neglect to take the said Oath, so duly tendered unto him or her, as abovesaid, the said Commissioners and Committees respectively, shall, and may commit the same person to some prison, there to remain without bail or mainprise, until he shall conform thereunto. Jo. Brown Cler. Parliamentorum. 1646. The King escaped out of Oxford in a disguised manner, with two only in his company, one of which was Mr. Ashburnham: the King and the other Party going for the said Ashburnham's men. The King carried a cloak-bag or portmanteau behind him like a serving man. Ordered that it be declared, and it is hereby declared by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, that what person soever shall harbour or conceal, or know of the harbouring or concealing of the King's person, and shall not reveal it immediately to the Speakers of both Houses, shall be proceeded against as a traitor to the commonwealth, forfeit his whole estate, and die without mercy. A Letter from the Commissioners of Scotland, concerning His majesty's coming to the Scotch. Army May 5. 1646. RIght Honourable, The discharging of ourselves of the duty we owe to the kingdom of England, to you as Commissioners from the same, moves us to acquaint you with the Kings coming in to our Army this morning, which having overtaken us unexpectedly, hath filled us with amazement, and made us like men that dream; we cannot think that he could have been so unadvised in his resolutions, as to have cast himself upon us, without a real intention to give full satisfaction to both kingdoms, in all their just and reasonable demands, in all those things that concern Religion and righteousness; whatsoever be his disposition or resolution, you may be assured, that we shall never entertain any thought, nor correspondency with any purpose, nor countenance any endeavours that may in any circumstance encroach upon our League and Covenant, or weaken the union o● confidence betwixt the nations, that union to our Kingdom was the matter of many prayers, and as nothing was more joyful unto us then to have it set on foot, so hitherto have we thought nothing too dear to maintain it, and we trust to walk with such faithfulness and truth in this particular, that as we have the testimony of a good conscience, within ourselves, so you, and all the world shall see that we mind your interest with as much integrity and care as our own, being confident you will entertain no other thoughts of us. Signed May 5, 1646. LOTHIAN His majesty's letter to the Parliament of England touching his good intention, not to prolong the war, but to secure his person, and labour the composing of the differences betwixt him and the kingdoms. The King Escapes out of Oxford in a disguised manner A Remonstrance exhibited in the name of the Lord Major, Aldermen and common-council of the City of London, to the High Court of Parliament. Some particulars whereof are these following. 1 That some strict and speedy course may be taken for the suppressing of all private and separate Congregations. 2 That all Anabaptiss, Brownists, heretics, schismatics, Blasphemers, and all such Sectaries as conform not, to the public discipline established, or to be established by the Parliament, may fully be declared against, and some effectual course settled for proceeding against such persons. 3 That as we are all Subjects of one kingdom, so all may be equally required to yield obedience to the Government either set, or to be set forth. 4 That no person disaffected to the Presbyterian Government, set, or to be set forth by the Parliament, may be employed in any place of public trust. His Majesty gave speedy order to several Officers for the surrender of the town Castles, and Forts, which then were in the hands of the King's Commanders, viz. Oxford, Worcester, Litchfeild and Wallingford. A Petition delivered to his Excellency from the Officers and soldiers in the Army; touching their faithfulness in the Parliaments service doing Summer service in the Winter season, &c. Further presented several designs of theirs. 1. That an Ordinance of indemnity with the royal assent be desired. 2. That satisfaction may be given to the Petitioners for their arrears, both in their former service, and in this Army before it be disbanded. 3. That those who have voluntarily served the Parliament in this kingdom may not be pressed to serve in another kingdom, &c. 4. That those who have lost lives, limbs, or estates, may be provided for, and relieved. A letter from his Excellency to the several officers of the Army for the advance of the Irish service, and prevention of all hindrances, &c. 1647. The Apology in answer to his excellency's letter, relating their sense of a second storm now hanging over their heads by the malice of a secret enemy, worse than the former now vanquished, expressing their sorrow that they cannot desire their own security without hazard to his Excellency, &c. A second Apology of all the private soldiers in the Army to their Commission officers. Concerning the abuse to divers well-affected to the Army by imprisonment, to the ruin of their estates, and loss of their lives. And for their candid intentions and endeavours declared no less than troublers and enemies to the State and kingdom, resolving rather to die like men, then to be enslaved and hanged like dogs, &c. Whereunto were annexed divers particulars agreeable to the former, delivered in to his Excellency, March 21. 1646. A Letter from his Excellency to the Earl of Manchester, concerning the votes of both Houses, as also his grief of heart for the distractions betwixt the Parliament and Army, desiring that all things may be determined in love, &c. A Letter from his Excellency to both Houses concerning the Kings being brought from Holdenby. That some soldiers secure the King from being secretly conveyed away. That the soldiers of Holdenby, with the King's consent, brought him away from thence, &c. That his Majesty was unwilling to return back again to Holdenby, &c. And that the removal of his Majesty from Holdenby, was no design, knowledge, or privity on his part, &c. A particular charge against the eleven Members impeached by the Army: 1. That Mr. Denzil Hollis being one of the special Commissioners for the Parliament to present propositions to the King at Oxford, made private addresses to the King's party then in arms against the Parliament, and did secretly plot and advise them against the Parliament, &c. 2. That the said Mr. Denzil Hollis, and Sir Philip Stapleton, during the late war, when the Earl of Lindsey went from the Tower to Oxford, sent several messages of intelligence to the Earl of Dorset, &c. 3. That the said Mr. Hollis, Sir Philip Stapleton, Sir Wil. Lewis, Sir John Clotworthy, Sir Wil. Waller, Sir Joh. Maynard, Ma. Gen. massy, Mr. Glyn, Mr. Long, Col. Edward Harley, and Anthony Nicholas, in the months of March, April, May, and June last; in prosecution of their evil designs, met in divers places with persons disaffected to the State, for holding correspondency with the Queen of England now in France, and encouraged her party there. 4. And endeavoured to bring in foreign forces, and listed divers Commanders and soldiers there to raise and levy a new war. 5. And affronted divers Petitioners that came in a peaceable manner, boisterously assaulting them, &c. 6. Imprisoned some Members of the Army, and to disoblige the Army from the Parliament. The solemn engagement of the Citizens, Commanders, officers, and soldiers, &c. The Sollomne Engagement of the Citizens Commanders and soldiers A Pamphlet of Paul Best's burnt according to the order of Parliament. The Army marching toward the City, orders were given to the Traine-bands to go to the works. The Auxiliaries are raised to defend the City. A Proclamation by beat of the Drum for all that are able to bear arms, and are not listed to come to receive them. The House of Commons and the Lords likewise met according to the order of adjournment, July 30. but neither of the Speakers. At length they proceeded to a new election and voted Mr. Pelham a counsellor, and Member of the Commons House Speaker pro tempore. The Lords made choice of the Lord Grey to be Speaker of their House pro tempore. The Sergeant at arms being absent with the Mace when the Commons chose their Speaker, had the City Mace, and chose Mr. Norfolk Sergeant at arms. After which proceeding to debate the great affairs touching the City and kingdom, they voted as follows: 1. That the King come to London. 2. That the Militia of the City shall have full power to raise what Forces they shall think fit to the same. 3. That they may make choice of a Commander in chief to be approved of by the House, and such Commanders to present other officers to be approved of by the Militia. The common-council made choice of Major general Massy to command in chief all the City Forces. Ordered by the Militia that all Reformadoes and other officers should the next day at two of the clock beli●ted in St. Jamses fields. And that the forces already listed should be put in a regimental way. A great appearance in St. Jamses fields of officers and Reformadoes that were listed. Order given for staying of horses in the City, and many listed. Most of the eleven Members sat in the House, and in the afternoon M. Gen. massy, Sir William Waller, and Col. Gen. Poyntz, were at listing the Reformadoes. Command given that all shops be shut up by sound of the Trumpet throughout the City. The Declaration of the Lord Major, Aldermen, and common-council published. A brief of which, that his Majesty was surprised at Holdenby, and no place for his majesty's residence allowed by the Army nearer than their Quarters; therefore to settle peace, and establish true Religion, ease the kingdom's burden, establish his majesty's just rights, maintain the Parliaments privileges, and relieve bleeding Ireland, they profess the main of their enterprise, &c. A Petition in the names of many thousands well-affected Citizens for some way of composure, &c. At which time Col. Gen. Poyntz and other officers of the new list, attending for their orders upon the Militia, came into Guildhall yard, and most cruelly hacked and hewed many of the aforesaid Petitioners, divers whereof were mortally wounded, whereof some since died. The Earl of Warwick and Earl of Manchester having quit the Houses retired into Essex, and sent word to the general they had cast themselves upon his protection. The Lord Say, Lord Mogrene, and divers other Lords, with many of the House of Commons, came to the Head quarters, desiring the general's protection. Six Aldermen, and twelve common-council men are sent with a letter to the general from the City, wherein they declare their unwillingness to a new War, desiring his Excellency to receive the sense they apprehend the Army hath taken against the City. A letter presented to the general from the inhabitants of Southwark, relating their withstanding the design of raising a new War, desiring some aid from his Excellency for their protection. General massy sends out Scouts, but near Brainford thirty of his men were chased by ten of his Excellencies, and took four of Gen. Massies. A letter from the City to the general, showing their readiness to join with his Excellency, and according to his direction to receive those honourable Members that were forced to retire by reason of the tumultuous affront, and willingly submit to be determined by both Houses as they shall think fit, having recalled their late Declaration against the Armies proceedings, &c. About two of the clock in the morning, Col. Rainsborough, Col. Huson, Col. Pride, and Col. Thistel●el, with their several Regiments of Horse and Foot marched into the borough of Southwark; the great Fort was presently yielded up to them without opposition. His Majesty in a letter sent to the general, acquits himself of the great scandal of having a hand in the late tumult, testifying his dislike thereof, accounting it a very dishonourable way to be brought to London in a tumultuous way. The Members that were forced away return to sit in Westminster again guarded by the soldiers. The Houses being sat with their old Speakers. The House of Peers upon debate passed an Ordinance for making his Excellency Thomas Lord Fairfax, high Constable of the Tower of London. The House ordered a gratuity of a months pay to be given to all the Non-commission officers and private soldiers, for their great service. A Committee appointed to find out the chief promoters of the late design of the Tumult at Westminster, and raising a new War. His Excellency marches through the city with his Army, Horse and Foot, and train of Artillery, without the least affront or prejudice to any; they were marching through the city from eleven of the clock, until eight at night. By many thousands young men and Apprentices of London, there was presented a humble acknowledgement and congratulation to his Excellency for his many great services to the kingdom and City of London, resolving to live and die with his Excellency. An Ordinance past both Houses for declaring all Votes, Orders, and Ordinances, past both Houses, since the forcing both Houses July 26. until the 6. of this present August 1647. to be null and void. The Lords and Commons make a new Militia, consisting of 36. in number. The line of Communication and works about the City demolished, and the Ordnance drawn off. Upon information of the eleven late impeached Members who had been very active in the late design, it was ordered that they appear at Westminster, 16. Octob. A letter from Lieu. Gen. Crumwel to the House of Commons acquainting Mr. Speaker, that his Majesty had withdrawn himself at 9 the last night, his Majesty having left his cloak behind him, and some letters in his withdrawing room. His majesty's letter, Hampton-Court, Novem. 11. 1647. Liberty being that which in all times hath been, but especially now is the condition, the aim and desire of all men. Common reason shows that Kings less than any should endure captivity; yet I call God to witness with what patience I have endured a tedious restraint, which so long as I had any hopes that this sort of my suffering might conduce to the peace of these three kingdoms, or the hindering of more effusion of blood, I did willingly undergo, but now finding by two certain proofs, that this my continued patience would not only turn to my personal ruin, but likewise be of much more prejudice than furtherance to the public good, I thought I was bound as well by natural as political obligations to feeke my safety by retiring myself for some time from public view both of my friends and enemies, and I appeal to all indifferent men to judge, if I have not cause to free myself from the hands of those, who change their principles with their condition, and who are not ashamed openly to intend the destruction of the Nobility, by taking away their negative voice, and with whom the levellers doctrine is rather countenanced then punished; and as for their intentions to my person, their changing and putting more strict guards upon me, with the discharging most of all the servants of mine, who formerly they admitted to wait upon me, do sufficiently declare: nor would I have this my retirement misinterpreted, for I shall earnestly and uncessantly endeavour the settleing of a safe and well-grounded peace, where ever I am or shall be, and that (as much as may be) without the effusion of more Christian blood, for which how many times have I pressed to be heard, and yet no care given to me; and can any reasonable man think (according to the ordinary course of affairs, there can be a settled peace without it, or that God will bless those that refuse to hear their own King, surely no? I must further add that (besides what concerns myself) unless all other chief interests have not only a hearing, but likewise just satisfaction given to them (to wit, the Presbyterians, Independents Army, those who have adhered to me, and even the Scots) I say there cannot (I speak not of miracles, it being in my opinion a sinful presumption in such cases to expect or trust to them) be a safe and lasting peace: now as I cannot deny but that my personal security is the urgent cause of this my retirement, so I take God to witness the public peace is no less before mine eyes, and I can find no better way to express this my profession (I know not what a wiser man may do,) then by desiring and urging that all chief interests may be heard, to the end each may have just satisfaction; as for example, the Army, (for the rest, though necessary, yet I suppose are not difficult to consent) ought (in my judgement) to enjoy the liberty of their consciences, and have an act of oblivion or indemnity (which should extend to the rest of all my subjects) and that all their arrears should be speedily and duly paid, which I will undertake to do, so I may be heard, and that I be not hindered from using such lawful and honest means as I shall choose: To conclude, let me be heard with freedom, honour, and safety, and I shall instantly break through this cloud of retirement, and shall show myself to be pater patriae. C. R. The copy of the paper entitled by the mutinous Agents; An Agreement of the people &c. In brief: Having by their labour and hazard got their enemies into their hands, they are resolved to avoid danger of returning into a slavish condition, and the chargeable remedy of another war▪ &c. Do declare, 1. That the people of England being very unequally distributed by Counties, &c. for the election of their deputies in Parliament ought more indifferently to be proportioned, &c. 2. From the inconvenience arising from the long continuance of the persons now in authority, this Parliament be dissolved, September the last 1648. 3. That the people of course do choose them a Parliament once it two years, &c. 4. That the power of this, and all future representations of this Nation is inferior only to those that choose them, &c. 5. That matters of Religion, and the ways of God's worship, are not at all entrusted to us by human power, &c. A great Tumult, Insurection, and mutiny in London breaking open divers houses, and Magazines of arms and Ammunitian breaking open divers Houses seizing on the drums, Gates, chains, & Watches, of the city assaulted and Shot into the L: mayor house and killed one of his guard etc. 6. That impresting any of us, and constraining us to serve in the war, is against our freedom, &c. At this common-council, Mr Alderman Fowk, and Mr. Alderman Gibs, by the directions of the Committee of the Militia of London, did make a large Relation of the great Tumult, Insurrection and mutiny, which happened in this City on the last Lord's day, and on Monday last, by many evil disposed persons, which first began on the Lord's day in the afternoon in the County of Middlesex, where they seized the Colours of one of the Trained Bands of the said County, who were there employed for the suppressing of such persons as did profane the Lord's day; and being dispersed by some of the general's forces, did gather together within the City of London and Liberties thereof, and in a Riotous manner did break open divers houses and magazines of Arms and Ammunition, and took away Arms, Plate, Money and other things, and did seize upon the Drums of the Trained-Bands of this City, which were beating to raise their Companies, and armed themselves, and beat up Drums, and put themselves in a warlike posture, and seized upon the Gates, chains, and Watches of this City, and then marched to the Lord major's house, & there assaulted the Lord Major, sheriffs, Committee of the Militia of London, and other Magistrates of the same; and did shoot into the Lord major's house, beat back his Guards, killed one of them, wounded divers others, and seized, and took away a piece of Ordnance from thence, with which they did afterwards slay and wound divers persons, and committed many other Outrages: All which matters being largely debated, and many particulars insisted upon, both for the Discovery and Punishment of the said misdemeanours and outrages; and also for the preventing of the like for time to come, It was at the last concluded and agreed by this common-council as followeth: First, this common-council doth generally conceive that this City was in great danger, by reason of the said Outrages and Misdemeanours, and that if the same had not so timely been prevented and stayed, the whole City would have been exposed to the fury and rage of the said Malefactors, and this common-council doth Declare, That the same misdemeanour and Outrage was a horrid and detestable act, tending to the destruction of the City, and that they do disavow the same, and with an utter detestation do Declare their dislike thereof. And this common-council do appoint the Committee of the Militia of London to make the same known to the Honourable Houses of Parliament, and also to make an humble Request unto them, That an Order may be issued forth from them to the several Ministers of this City and the places adjacent, that they may be directed to give public Thanks to Almighty God, the Author of this great and wonderful deliverance from that imminent danger wherein this City and parts adjacent were involved. And further, the said Committee are appointed by this Court, to apply themselves to the Honourable Houses of Parliament, for the obtaining of a special Commission of Oyer & Terminer, for the trying and punishing of the Malefactors that had a hand in this detestable action, according to the known Laws of this Land. And this Court with thankful hearts do acknowledge the instruments under God, by which they obtained this Deliverance, to be by the Forces raised and continued by the Parliament, under the command of his Excellency the Lord general Fairfax; and to manifest the same, this common-council do also Order, That the said Committee of the Militia, in the Name of the City, as a thing agreed upon by an unanimous consent, shall return their hearty Thanks to his Excellency, for his speedy and seasonable aid, afforded unto the City in this their great straight and danger. And this Court with a general consent, do well approve of the Endeavours of the said Committee of the Militia for London, for the raising of the Forces of the City, and in their procuring of the said aid and help from his Excellency in this Extremity, and what else they have done for the appeasing and suppressing of the said Tumul s. And this Court do give Thanks to the said Committee of the Militia, for their care and pains by them taken upon this sad occasion: And they do appoint Mr. Alderman Fowk to declare the same their Thanks to such of the said Committee as are not of this Court. And this Court doth also with all thankfulness acknowledge the pains and care of the Right Honourable the Lord Major, and the Right worshipful the sheriffs of this City therein. And this Court do generally declare, That it is the duty of every Citizen of this City, by himself and all that do belong unto him, or is under his command, to be ready upon all occasions to be aiding and assisting unto the Lord Major, and the rest of the Magistrates of this City, for the suppressing of all tumults and disorders within the same. And the several persons now present at this Common council, by the holding up of their hands have promised, That for the time to come they will use their utmost endeavour, and be ready upon all occasions to do the same. Michael A rising in Norwich, where they seized upon the Magazine, and those that fired the same were destroyed, but those that were cordial friends to the Parliament, being underneath, the house fell part of it upon them, that part below them, and the powder, were all saved, one having his head seen, was digged out, after he was out, he told of others, until all were digged out without loss of life or limb. Sir Marmaduke Langdale took Berwick by virtue of a Commission from the Prince. Sir Thomas Glenham, and Sir Philip Musgrave, took Carlisle. Sir Gilbert Errington took Harbotle Castle in Northumberland for the King. The Commissioners of the Parliament of England presented a paper to the Parliament of Scotland to declare against those in Berwick and Carlisle, but it was laid aside, no answer to any other papers, the Commissioners of the kirk of Scotland have declared against the Declaration of the Parliament of Scotland, the Parliament past another Declaration, and putting it to vote whether it should be sent at all to the Commissioners of the kirk, it was resolved in the negative: the Commissioners of War sit daily to put the kingdom into a posture; nothing talked of but War, divers new colours preparing for several Regiments. The routing of the Welsh in Southwales under the command of Major General Laughorne being 8000. Horse and Foot, took all their Ammunition and arms. 25. Captains, 32. Lieutenants, 27. Ensigns, 10. private Gentlemen. Soldiers in custody 2000 FINIS.